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CNN Newsnight Aaron Brown
Busy Travel Day Passes With Few Delays At Nation's Airports
Aired November 27, 2002 - 22:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ANDERSON COOPER, HOST: Good evening, again, everyone. We'd like to bring you a warm and fuzzy Thanksgiving eve sentiment. You know in gauzey shades of autumn framed up like a tasteful Hallmark card.
We like to think of Thanksgiving eve as that time when we all retire blissfully to our warm, cushy beds with maybe the aroma of freshly-baked pies lulling us into a contented sleep. But then we remember what Thanksgiving is for most of us. Thing aren't always in the perfect place, done at the perfect time, and in the way Martha Stewart would strongly recommend. But hey, who listens to her now anyway?
I think about my own Thanksgiving, for instance. First of all, I'm buying my pies and still have to pick them up tomorrow. That should be fun. I'm going to my half-brother's house a few hours away, and if you've ever been on the Long Island Expressway, you know I'm in for some massive road rage.
And then there's my mom. She declared some kind of a fatwah against holidays a while back, but this time the holiday spirit got to her and she decided to play a part. The only problem is, she said she would do the turkey. Now I have no idea where this turkey is coming from. There's no way she cooked a turkey.
I don't know if the turkey is dead, or maybe it was cooked three days ago by someone else. Frankly, I'm a little scared and the rest of the clan better be, too. But in all of the complaints, I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow and seeing my nephew Miles (ph), who makes the road rage, the risk of food poisoning and the family squabbles all worthwhile.
That is the honest truth. Warm, fuzzy and Hallmark-ready as it is. And we're sure it's true for most of you out there as well; the someone you can't wait to see.
We begin tonight, as always, with "The Whip." The first days of inspections in years in Iraq. Nic Robertson is in Baghdad for us. Nic, the headline.
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Anderson, the first day over and, according to both the Iraqis and the U.N. inspectors, no trouble along the way, a success, even.
COOPER: All right. Nic, back to you in a moment.
Travel, of course, on the minds of many of us tonight. The latest on security at our nation's airports. Ed Lavandera is following that story from Dallas. Ed, the headline.
ED LAVANDERA, CNN DALLAS BUREAU CHIEF: Well, Anderson, a few days ago a travel expert told me that the nation's airports would like look a zoo on the day before Thanksgiving. Long lines at the ticket counters, long lines at security checkpoints. But it seems that airport workers have found a way to tame this beast of a day.
COOPER: All right. We'll check back with you in a moment. Back with all of you.
Also coming up tonight, the latest on a divorce fight that is making "Dynasty" look dignified. A little ditty about Jack and Jane, Welch versus Welch. It just keeps getting worse.
Also, what is up with taking fast food to court for making you fat? A reporter says quit pointing the finger at others. You want to know who's to blame, just look in the mirror. Joe Mulberry (ph) of the "National Review" will join us.
Also, something I'm obsessed with and, yes, maybe scared of as well, Tivo. It knows me better than my therapist and I'm not sure that is a good thing.
Also tonight, "Segment Seven." Art that's designed for some of the most creative minds we have, our kids. A new museum just for them and the books that inspire them, and they inspire us as well. That is all to come, but we begin with Iraq and the people who, without a doubt, have one of the most difficult jobs anywhere in the world tonight. The U.N. weapons inspectors who, today, did what they've been trained to do for the first time since 1998, search Iraq for any hint of weapons of mass destruction.
This is tough and dangerous enough as it is, but the scrutiny they are under, especially from the U.S., is more than intense. And the stakes simply could not get any higher. Potentially the difference between war and no war. Day one of the inspections. Once again, here's Nic Robertson.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ROBERTSON (voice-over): 7:00 AM, and the first weapons inspectors are showing up at their base. Vehicles prepared for what could be a long day, and journalists outside for a long wait.
(on camera): It's about 7:30 now. Most of the inspectors seem to have gone in and everyone here is waiting for them to come out so we can follow them to their first inspection.
(voice-over): An hour later, engines gunning, the inspectors race out. And Iraqi officials have given us permission to follow.
(on camera): OK. Now we are running to get into the cars so that we can follow them.
(voice-over): We follow the team of nuclear experts, turning right in their white U.N. Jeeps, they pick up their Iraqi counterparts who fall in behind. Confusion for a moment, as the U.N. experts we are tailing appear to lose their way en route to the surprise inspection.
By 9:00 AM, the inspectors are arriving at the Tahardi (ph) industrial complex on the eastern outskirts of Baghdad. Left outside in the enforced lockdown under U.N. inspection rules, journalists jockey for scant camera positions. Through gaps in the barbed wire top wall surrounding the mile square compound, inspectors can be seen taking photographs and visiting the dozen or so warehouses. By noon, the team of nuclear experts are finished heading back to base.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you very much.
ROBERTSON: Iraqi officials, keen to show they have nothing to hide, let us in as soon as the inspectors leave.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Nothing. Everything it was in front of them. Thank you very much.
ROBERTSON: No weapons visible in the one building we were shown.
(on camera): This part of the factory appears to be for reconditioning heavy industrial motors, but we still don't know where the inspectors went or exactly what they were interested in.
(voice-over): According to Mahmoud, the inspectors saw all they wanted to see. Almost exactly the same language from the inspectors.
JACQUES BAUTE, WEAPONS INSPECTOR: And we had access to what we wanted to see. We hope that the Iraqi response today reflects the future pattern of cooperation.
ROBERTSON: Day one, it seems, ended without major incident and without any weapons found.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ROBERTSON: Anderson, a cautionary note from the inspectors. While today was a success, they say they still have a huge amount of work to do -- Anderson.
COOPER: Nic, pretty bizarre scenes there. I mean of you and all of the other people following these inspectors. I mean, give us a sense of how many journalists were there in a caravan following these different inspections? I mean it looked almost like a circus.
ROBERTSON: Well, you talked in your intro about road rage today, tomorrow, rather, Thursday. That's kind of what it was like. It's a real jockeying for position. I would say there were probably 20 to 30 cars trying to keep up with the inspectors.
I think they were able to do their work, because when we got to the gate we were stopped so they could carry on. We didn't get in front, they weren't impeded. But I'm sure to a bystander on the side of the road it must have looked kind of crazy, all of these cars jockeying for permission. COOPER: But the Iraqis give you permission to follow the inspectors. I mean, that's part of what they want?
ROBERTSON: That is part of what they want, absolutely. They say they feel very strongly about their position, that they have nothing to hide. And they say this is their way of proving it. Certainly during the 1990s weapons inspections we were never allowed to follow the inspection teams to any of the sites. Occasionally we were able to go under our own steam to places that were close to downtown Baghdad, but apart from that we couldn't follow.
COOPER: Now, are these inspections that the U.N. is doing -- I mean, that they did today and no doubt will be doing for the next couple of days, are these surprise inspections, or do they tell the Iraqis in advance where they will be going?
ROBERTSON: Absolutely. No notice inspections. One of the interesting things, a team that got lost ever so briefly their way yesterday -- today -- were not able to stop and ask people directions. Why? Because it's a surprise inspection.
They can't say hey, where's such and such? Where's the Tahardi (ph) plant? They'd give the whole game away. So, no, they're all going to be surprise inspections. They may visit one site, two sites today, they say, but they won't be telling the Iraqis where they're going any time.
COOPER: Nic Robertson, thanks very much.
The crisis with Iraq has taken up a lot of headlines over the past few months, and it's been a long time since we talked about the investigation into September 11. The White House today announced an independent commission to look into what went wrong and what can be done to prevent it from happening again.
It is a testament to the power of some of the victims' groups who have been pushing the administration hard to drop its opposition. But the announcement was still met with controversy today, in part because of the statesman picked to head the panel. That story from Senior White House Correspondent John King.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN KING, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The president once resisted the September 11 commission, but now says he urgently awaits its findings.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: America's enemies are still determined to inflict great harm. We have a duty, a solemn duty to do everything we can to protect this country.
KING: Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger is the president's choice to lead the inquiry. He says nothing is off limits, including mounting questions about Saudi Arabia's role in terror financing. HENRY KISSINGER, FMR. SECRETARY OF STATE: I have been given every assurance by the president that we should go where the facts lead us and that we are not restricted by any foreign politics consideration.
KING: But signing a legislation that creates the blue ribbon panel hardly ends the controversy. The White House, for example, is making clear it does not think the president should be asked to testify, but key lawmakers see things differently.
SEN. JOSEPH LIEBERMAN (D), CONNECTICUT: I would be surprised if this commission, in pursuit of the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help them god, did not want to speak with this president.
KING: The new chairman was noncommittal.
KISSINGER: One doesn't start with the president of the United States.
KING: Kissinger's selection also raised eyebrows among those who say it is critical that the commission see what the president was told in his intelligence briefings in the weeks and months before the attacks. The Federation of American Scientists characterized Kissinger as one who has stubbornly resisted the disclosure of official information to members of Congress, courts of law, private researchers and others.
The commission has 18 months to complete its work, but the president said he hopes it finishes sooner. One White House concern in the contentious negotiations with Congress on a timetable was a damaging revelation in the middle of the 2004 reelection year.
NICK CALIO, CHIEF BUSH CONGRESSIONAL LIAISON: I think we got the appropriate type of structure in terms of the chairman. We have ensured that if there will be subpoenas issued by the commission, it will be done on a bipartisan basis.
KING: Former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell, a Democrat, will serve as the panel's co-chairman.
(on camera): One early challenge will be setting a primary focus. The president says it should be on learning more about al Qaeda's methods and operations. But family members of the victims want to know if the government had even more clues the attacks were coming, but failed to connect them. John King, CNN, Crawford, Texas.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Well, think back to a year ago, so soon after September 11, and the fear you could see in the faces of those of us traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday. This year, the fear may have died down, but safety is still on most traveler's minds.
At the nation's airports this holiday week, the first real test of the new federal security force, a new front line in the war on terror. How are they doing? Once again, here's Ed Lavandera.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LAVANDERA (voice-over): The music at DFW International Airport might have made some people smile, but it was the sight of smooth- running security checkpoints that made most passengers really happy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A little more people than normal, but we got through security all right and they seem more efficient now than they used to.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We had a great time. Security was fine. No problems.
LAVANDERA: This day was supposed to offer a major challenge to the newly-installed force of 44,000 federal passenger screeners.
JERRY ANDERSON, SCREENER: They seem very positive today and they're moving through the checkpoint and they feel safe.
LAVANDERA: At Atlanta Hartsfield Airport, Security Chief Willie Williams' (ph) mission was to keep passengers moving.
WILLIE WILLIAMS, SECURITY CHIEF, ATLANTA HARTSFIELD AIRPORT: There's three open lanes at the end if you're interested.
LAVANDERA: Williams expects a quarter of a million passengers to pass through his airport each day during the holiday rush.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Please take all (UNINTELLIGIBLE) out of the bag. Try to (UNINTELLIGIBLE) of all your coins, metal items.
LAVANDERA: With 50,000 flights crisscrossing the country today and a six percent increase in airline passengers this Thanksgiving, and a promise to get people through the checkpoints in 10 minutes, the potential for problems was immense.
MARION BLAKEY, FAA ADMINISTRATOR: But I think people have to remember, too, that they need our help. They're new on the job to begin with, so let's cut them a little slack. Because this is the toughest holiday period of the year, and we need to do our job in terms of arriving at the terminal with all of the metal objects we can, our jewelry, telephones, all of that, put it in the carry-on. You don't you have to unload it right there when you get to the screening point.
LAVANDERA: But, at the end of day, the reviews were good.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I thought we were going to run into just craziness, and this is really terrific. I'm really surprised, aren't you?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It doesn't look bad at all right now.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No. We expected long lines.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LAVANDERA: Now TSA officials spent most of the day keeping tabs on whether or not they had been meeting that goal of getting people through security checkpoints in about 10 minutes. And throughout most of the airports they report that they were able to get most of the people through very quickly under that 10-minute goal.
There were reports for a sporadic period of time in Providence, Rhode Island and in Miami, Florida, where some delays were up to about 15, 20 minutes. But TSA officials say they're very happy with the numbers they've gotten back so far -- Anderson.
COOPER: Ed, what are people you're talking to saying is the difference that they see with these TSA screeners than with the private screeners they had before?
LAVANDERA: A lot of the folks we talked with say today that there's a different level of professionalism and that they understand the role that they play. That they're here for security, but, at the same time, they understand fully what it is the vast majority of the passengers that make their way through the airports in this country are safe people, are not out causing any harm. They just want to get to their families. So I think a lot of people are grateful that these employees here understand what it is the vast majority of these people are trying to do as they make their way through these airports.
COOPER: And you might have said in your piece, but I didn't catch it, do you know how many TSA people are on duty now, as opposed to how many will be down the road? Are all of these airports like this, or has TSA not gotten into every airport yet?
LAVANDERA: Well, the force that has been implemented here in the last week that they took over last week is 44,000 strong. So that is at every airport across the country. Of course, they're still working out the details as to all of the security bags, the baggage checking that has to be implemented by the end of the year. So there's still a lot of details that are being worked out, and that's why they were paying close attention to this particular holiday as to how this was all going to work out. And so far the TSA officials seem to be extremely pleased.
COOPER: All right. Ed Lavendera, thank you very much.
A different travel story now that makes our stomach turn, and we can only imagine what it is like for the protagonists of this drama. They are the passengers of the Disney cruise ship Magic still at see, dozens of them, doubled over with a nasty virus. Disney thought it got rid of the virus when they cleaned the ship last week. We told you about that.
Apparently they didn't. Today, they decided they will not make the same mistake twice. Here's Susan Candiotti.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Disney canceled the Magic's next cruise after confirmation the ship is sailing with the Norwalk virus.
MATT OUIMET, PRESIDENT, DISNEY CRUISE LINE: The highest priority at the Disney Cruise Line is the health and welfare of our guests and our crew.
CANDIOTTI: Disney decided disinfecting the ship without passengers aboard hopefully will knock out, once and for all, the vomiting, diarrhea and nausea and quiet repeated stories about sick families stuck in their state rooms.
OUIMET: We've been talking with many experts over the last couple of days, and based upon their collective advice, our company has made the voluntary decision to take this course of action.
CANDIOTTI: The Centers for Disease Control said Disney did not have to cancel the next voyage, but has signed off on the company's actions.
DAVID FORNEY, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL: From our perspective in public health, we know that they are cleaning and disinfecting the ship, and they are doing everything that we can really come up with on eliminating this outbreak.
CANDIOTTI: Holland America waited until its fourth straight sailing and more than 500 infections to take the Amsterdam out of service for 10 days. Even though it may sound like the Norwalk virus is on the rise, the CDC says preliminary numbers indicate this year, overall, the number of cases is going down.
(on camera): However, from a publicity standpoint alone, the stomach virus has undoubtedly made the cruise line industry just a bit queasy. Susan Candiotti, CNN, Miami.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Well, as NEWSNIGHT continues, can you blame McDonald's because you're fat? You can certainly find a lawyer who will. And up next, we'll get former Chief Weapons Inspector Richard Butler's take on what comes next in Iraq.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: A few stories from around the globe tonight, beginning with the hijack scare in Europe. An Italian man who was ranting about al Qaeda was arrested after an incident aboard an Al Italia (ph) flight bound for Paris. French police said the man went to the cockpit holding what he said was a remote control device. He told the crew he want to blow up the plane. Italian authorities said the man has a history of mental problems.
In the West Bank today, Palestinians were out on the streets after the death yesterday of two commanders of the Al-Aksa Martyrs Brigades. The men were killed by an explosion in the Jenin refugee camp. The Palestinians have blamed the Israelis, but the Israelis have denied responsibility. And in Australia, it is brushfire season. This one west of Sydney. There are dozens more throughout the southern portion of the country, making things worse. Australia is suffering through a prolonged drought. Amazing pictures.
We will stay in Australia for our next guest, but we go back to our top story, Iraq and the day one for the U.N.'s new inspections team. We can only imagine the technical complexity these people have to deal with, not to mention the careful diplomacy needed every step of the way.
Luckily, we do not have to imagine right now. We can get perspective from someone who knows it all firsthand, former U.N. Chief Weapons Inspector, Richard Butler. He joins us from Sydney. Thanks for being with us.
Mr. Butler, as you look...
RICHARD BUTLER, FMR. CHIEF U.N. WEAPONS INSPECTOR: Hi, Anderson. Good to see you.
COOPER: Good evening. As you looked at those pictures today of the media following the U.N. weapons inspectors to the site, what went through your mind?
BUTLER: I thought amazing scenes, Anderson. Absolutely amazing. But we've got to be very careful about this.
On the one hand, we live in an open society. Lots of freedom of information. On the other hand, the Iraqis are not interested in freedom of information. They're interested in the world coming around to their point of view. And I, quite frankly, was stunned to see the way in which they are prepared to allow journalists into the site.
I'm not criticizing journalists. After all, I'm with you, I'm working with you right now. But I think we have to be very careful in the days and weeks ahead about how Iraq is prepared to use the presence of journalists on -- what -- Anderson, when it started off this morning was a no-notice inspection.
The inspectors were going to go to a place of their choosing, unhindered, unfettered, without telling the Iraqis, just except that they are leaving at 7:00 in the morning -- or it was 8:30 actually -- 8:30 in the morning. And then suddenly, you've got these trucks of journalists there. I ask, to what purpose? To what purpose?
COOPER: Well, does it make -- I mean, the obvious question is, does it make the inspections more difficult? And if so, is that why the, Iraqis are allowing it?
BUTLER: The inspections proceed under their own terms. And I think these inspectors have got the power and the machinery and the equipment to do a good job. The critical point, as always, is will the Iraqis actually come clean? Will they allow them to do their job?
And I think the jury is out on that. It's not yet clear that they will, as indicated particularly by this coming declaration by Iraq of the weapons of mass destruction, where up to the present time they're saying they actually don't have any, which, of course, is nonsense.
So, in those circumstances, you've got to ask yourself, to what purpose is Iraq deploying the presence of Western television cameramen on these sites? I suspect because they know that these sites aren't the real ones, and that they will be able to show Western viewers, especially in Western Europe, where there's skepticism about U.S. policy, they'll be able to show that they're behaving like good guys.
Anderson, I guess the real point is this. This has just begun. Day one was OK, but let anyone who believes that this is -- this is serious yet not living on the same planet I'm living on. We've got a long way to go yet with Iraq's declaration to come, obvious weapons of mass destruction. And then when the inspectors step up the serious pressure to go to really serious places, what then the role of the media will be, it will be interesting. Fascinating to follow.
COOPER: Well, let me ask you this. This is obviously just day one. I imagine the inspectors have a list of sites they want to revisit, maybe the most obvious sites.
BUTLER: Sure.
COOPER: Is that why they chose this site today? That perhaps it was on their list? I mean -- I guess my question is how good is their information? How old is their information or how new is it?
BUTLER: That's a terrific question, Anderson. I think it's got a mixed answer. The database they have, about a million pages of it. And a database that I knew well in the past is actually very, very good.
And in the period where there were no inspections, what else could they do? You know, go to the movies? No. What they did was they worked really hard on that database, cross-checked it, analyzed it and made it better and better.
And they've been given more intelligence information in recent times. So I believe they've gone to Iraq with a really solid stack of material showing, you know, what questions they should ask, what places they should go to. What they did today is, I think, sensible.
They started off slow. They started off going to places that were not foolish, but easy. They will move on. They will need to check that database with what has happened in the last four years and ultimately they will need to swoop on places that the Iraqis really don't expect them. Places where intelligence information says that there is serious stuff to be looked for.
COOPER: We only have about 30 seconds left. A lot of concern over these mobile sites. How realistic -- how real are these mobile sites, and is there any way for U.N. weapons inspectors to find them?
BUTLER: All reports, Anderson, say that it's very real. That Saddam put biological laboratories, for example, in the back of trucks. Now, I ask you, the country the size of California, with all of the trucks they've got there, how do you find which trucks have got old vegetables in the back and which trucks have got the biological laboratories in the back? Pretty hard.
They have overhead satellites to follow the movement of vehicles, but I know we have a short time, so I'll just say, Anderson, watch this space. This mobility issue is a big one. How the inspectors will crack that, I don't yet know, but it's certainly going to be a serious issue.
COOPER: All right. Ambassador Butler, appreciate it, as always. Good talking to you.
Later on NEWSNIGHT, has deal maker Jack Welch met his match in court?
And up next, blaming Mickey D's for being fat. A question of personal responsibility.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: All right. So you heard the bit about what would Jesus drive. But there is another one. What would Jesus eat?
Some Christians trying to get other Christians to eat responsibly, remind them that, back in the day, super-size wasn't a verb and there weren't any (UNINTELLIGIBLE) sandwiches. The message of personal responsibility has not quite made it to some people out there who are saying, essentially, McDonald's made me do it, made me eat it. Taking fast food places to court.
The latest we heard about are two teenagers in the Bronx. You probably heard their story. One reporter's critique of the lawsuit trend caught our eye. Someone who readily admits he knows fat. Joel Mowbray of "National Review" joins us now. Thanks for being with us, Joel.
JOEL MOWBRAY, "NATIONAL REVIEW": Thanks for having me here, Anderson.
COOPER: So what is it that really bothers you about these lawsuits?
MOWBRAY: Well, the thing that bothers me about these lawsuits is they're just full of malarkey. You know, look, the fact of the matter is, you choose what to eat. And you can actually choose to eat fast food and lose weight. It is possible. In fact, it can be part of a very healthy diet.
COOPER: Now some people are probably scoffing, but you actually -- you claim this for yourself. You lost how much?
MOWBRAY: I lost 80 pounds in about five months' time. And I ate fast food almost every day.
COOPER: OK. How is that possible?
MOWBRAY: Well I did the Atkins diet. And so, what I did is I had high protein, almost no carbs. And so I would go through the drive-through lane and I would get a couple of double cheeseburgers. And being too proud to actually ask them to remove the bun for me, I would have to surgically remove the bun for me I would have to surgically remove it myself. And I'd be sitting there eating, you know, two slabs of beef with some cheese on it and that would be my meal.
COOPER: So you don't believe that the fast food franchise, the restaurants have any responsibility for not producing more healthy meals and more balanced diet.
MOWBRAY: Not at all. If I want a healthy meal, in the sense that I guess some people think of a fresh meal, I can go to Fresh Fields or Whole Foods or any one of the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) elitist grocery store chains to buy expensive grocery store food.
COOPER: In the article you talk this sort of being a holdover of hippie culture. I think you said that. Explain that?
MOWBRAY: Well, you know the hippie culture was all about having bigger better, faster more and without any sacrifice. It was a world where you divorce freedom from responsibility and one where you can have your cake and eat it too without having to bake it in the first place. And that's what we are talking about here, because people rather than looking at themselves they say gee, you know what, I made myself fat, I need to do something about it. They say, you know what, I want to make a quick buck so I'm going to hire me a trial lawyer and take McDonald's to court. They're a big corporation, they'll settle, they'll give me a few million, and I'll got home and eat more McDonald's while I play video games or watch Anderson Cooper on CNN.
COOPER: We can only hope. You went to law school I believe.
Do you think the cases will hold up in court?
MOWBRAY: You know, every time you try to use common sense and apply it to the law, that's a dangerous game. I don't know. The honest answer is I don't know and I don't think anyone really does know. I think the odds are against it because it's so preposterous. This is just stupid. But who would have thought reality TV would take off the way it did. I mean, you know what I mean -- Anderson.
COOPER: Yes, I know what mean there, Joel. What -- I guess what people who oppose this will say is some people are just genetically, you know, larger and it's not a question of them eating too much, not a question of them exercising. I've done stories on people who are morbidly obese who would swear they've tried every diet there is, but they're just built this way, and certainly fast food doesn't help.
MOWBRAY: It isn't fast food's problem then, because you said it yourself, they're genetically predisposed to be that way or just are that way because of a bad (UNINTELLIGIBLE) system or whatever. In which case it's not Mcdonald's fault or Burger King's fault or anyone else. It's their own biology that is the problem, in which case the lawsuit should get bounced on those grounds right there.
COOPER: And even with kids? Even -- you have these two teenagers I believe from the Bronx saying they didn't know the food was bad for them, your thoughts? Even a kid should have personal responsibility?
MOWBRAY: I have a one-word reply: parents. are supposed to do something. They're not just supposed to go off and let commercials raise their kids. And let their kids decide what eat whatever they want, however they want, whenever they want. I mean, that is reckless endangerment of the children.
COOPER: All right, Joel Mowbray, we appreciate you joining us. I think you can be a spokesman for the Atkins diet, you know?
MOWBRAY: Thanks, Anderson. Thanks for having me.
COOPER: Maybe you have a future in that. Thanks a lot, Joel, appreciate it.
Still to come on NEWSNIGHT, fat cats do fighting over the fat divorce settlement. Meow!
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Thanks, Jan. Coming up on NEWSNIGHT, big money, mean divorce.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: So you used to have the old nickname Neutron Jack. Jack Welch, tough guy, former CEO of GE, willing to down-size, no apologies, no regrets. Now we got Neutron Jane, his corporate wife who has proven to be just as scrappy as any captain of industry. Divorce is never pretty, big money divorce in particular. Both Welch's, right now, are lobbying grenades across the well manicured lawns in Connecticut.
Here's Deborah Feyerick.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Corporate giant Jack Welch is having a toy tough time closing the deal on a divorce growing more bitter by the day. His soon to be ex-wife, Jane Welch turning out to be a particularly challenging opponent for the former General Electric titan. Their 10-year prenup expired three years before their marriage did. In a Connecticut court, Mrs. Welch is seeking what her lawyer calls her fair share of an estimated $900 million fortune.
It's a fight that makes boardroom battles look like school house brawls. Rumors about the Welch divorce cropping up every few days in the New York tabloids. First on the gossip pages, Jack Welch's affair with a "Harvard Business Review" editor, then the release of astonishing corporate perks, 2.5 million for things like flowers, food and wine. Jack Welch side says his wife released reports about the perks to embarrass Welch.
Jane Welch's lawyers said the perks were presented as part of a financial affidavit for a judge to decide alimony. Then just when it look like Mrs. Welch was ahead in the image war, the most recent bombshell rumor. The "New York Post" and "Wall Street Journal" reporting she was having an affair with a handsome Italian chauffeur before her husband's affair began.
The nasty break of his tarnished Jack Welch's outstanding business reputation, one lumping them together with the likes of Enron's Ken Lay and Tyco's Dennis Kozlowski.
NELL NINOW, THE CORPORATE LIBRARY: Nobody disputes the fact that Jack Welch is an honest guy who did amazing job at General Electric. He may not have been everything he was portrayed as, but he was very, very good. He was one of the best CEO's of all time.
FEYERICK: Welch has offered estranged wife a settlement in the many millions of dollars. She and her lawyers turned it down.
CECILE WIECH, DIVORCE ATTORNEY: She should get every penny that she's entitled to and that has nothing to do with whether she had an affair. She had a 10 year marriage with man. I'm sure he liked her some time during the 10 years.
Financial insiders say it's unlikely the divorce will have any long-term effect on the business reputations as one of the America's top CEOs of all time. Still, in the short term, corporate America remains uncomfortable with yet another bright spotlight shining on it.
Deborah Feyerick, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: A couple of other stories before we go to break. Beginning in Denver and a guilty plea for starting Colorado's largest wildfire. The fire last spring burned more than 137,000 acres and destroyed 40 homes southwest of Denver. Former forest service worker Terry Bardon (ph) is accused of starting the fire. Well, today she changed her plea in the case from innocent to guilty.
An FBI warning tonight that members of an animal rights group may be planning violent action over the Thanksgiving weekend against a New Jersey lab that conducts animal experiments. The group which has a demonstration permit said it plans only peaceful activities.
And you may lose your -- I'm not sure we need to see. This you may lose your appetite after this. The turkey-eating contest today in New York. The winner, 33-year-old subway conductor, Eric "badlands" Booker (ph) who downed five and a half plates of thanksgiving dinner in 12 minutes. Mmmm, turducken.
Ahead on NEWSNIGHT, the building built by a hungry little caterpillar. And up next, does your Tivo think you're gay? Changing the mind of a machine. It's tough.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: So I'm told the kids today love the Internet. The surfing, the downloading the porn, the e-mail, the IMing. For me the Internet is fine, but three products have changed my life in the last year.
First, my shredder, which gives me a sense of power even though I have really nothing to shred but Chinese menus.
Second, my George Foreman grill, because it's easy to cook, easy to clean, the fat drips right off.
But best new product of all is Tivo. It frees you from the tyranny of the TV programmers, allowing you to automatically record your favorite shows. The problem is Tivo has a mind of it's own and after a while it starts to think it knows what you want. Kind of like Hal in 2001. Make one wrong move and Tivo suddenly thinks you're a neo-Nazi or gay, or a gay neo-Nazi. It's very strange.
"Wall Street Journal" reporter Jeffrey Zaslow has written a sort of how-to guide setting your tivo straight and he joins us from Detroit.
Jeffrey, thanks for being with us.
JEFFREY ZASLOW, "THE WALL STREET JOURNAL": Hi, Anderson.
I'm just dying to know what your Tivo thinks of you, but maybe we'll wait for that one.
Well, I like "Law and Order," so my Tivo -- I record every "Law and Order" so my Tivo thinks I'm like a crime junkie.
ZASLOW: How about CNN? Do you tape CNN?
COOPER: I tape myself on CNN, but I get a lot of Blitzer, which, you know, I automatically just delete.
But let me ask you, Jeffery, what -- I'm just kidding, of course, I watch every "BLITZER REPORT."
What -- explain to the audience a little bit what Tivo is, because not many people actually have this machine.
ZASLOW: Yes, it's only 500,000 people in the United States have it, it's just a recorder -- a digital recorder that will record whatever you ask it to record. So, you can say at the beginning of the season, How about "The West Wing" for the rest of the season and it will just give it to you every week, which is great and you can -- it can stop while you're going to the bathroom -- you'll stop and you come back and live programming is right there waiting for you.
So the people who have it love it. But it will also recommend shows and tell you, We recorded this for you, you might like it. We think this is who you are. The sort of gay neo-Nazi thing and that's why people say it's figuring me out and making me -- giving me the willies.
COOPER: And it basically -- it does this based on your past programming, so sometimes it's accurate, but sometimes it's just completely off base. How does it get off base like that?
ZASLOW: Well, first of all, if you just watch wrestling all it's going to give you sort of is wrestling or things that it thinks, you know, people who like wrestling enjoy. So the more you tell it, the better it knows you.
But, you know, you can order just some kind of flick from the Independent Movie Channel that has a gay person in it and it thinks Oh, this person like all sorts of gay programming and will just keep giving it to you.
And then when people try to counterprogram it -- I had guys tell me they tried to, you know, have porn they would watch or they would watch war movies and that's when it sort of gets all confused.
COOPER: So, what were some of the cases you came across of people who their Tivo sort of got them all wrong?
ZASLOW: Well there was a guy who -- which -- who somehow was giving him Korean programming. There was a thumbs down button on the remote, as you probably know from watching, and he kept hitting the thumbs down on the Korean programming and then it gave him Chinese news.
So, it's just -- it gets confused. I mean, some eople told me that when they're watching -- like he was watching Bill O'Reilly and he didn't want to put the thumbs down on Bill O'Reilly -- three thumbs down -- it started giving him Montell Williams. Why? Who knows. And sometimes Tivo has given people Cybil Shepard. Why Cybil Shepard? Again, people can't figure on out what that's all about. Tivo has a thing for Cybil Shepard, I understand.
COOPER: And this technology is not just used by Tivo. I mean, this is the same kind of technology used by, like, amazon.com and a lot of these companies to try to predict what you'll like.
ZASLOW: It's called personalization technology. And on amazon.com, a guy who is gay told me he went on there and he ordered books on gay subjects and it gave him a lot of suggestions for gay subjects. And then he had a friend and he bought a -- who was pregnant and he bought baby books. So soon Amazon is throwing baby books at him and gay books at him. It thought he was a pregnant gay man.
So he tried to change amazon's minds by ordering all sort of computer books, different books and finally, you know, they thought he abandoned the child and was going on with his life.
COOPER: I mean, as funny as this is, there are people legitimately concern concerned that someone somewhere is collecting all this information and all this data on them.
ZASLOW: Yes, I got a lot of e-mails about that yesterday and today, where people think, You know, maybe they're so worried about homeland security and maybe they're just to going to see what you're -- are you reading the Koran -- buying the Koran off of amazon.com, looking for books about making bombs. Are they going to come into your house and get you?
Now, all of the companies I talked to said that, No, they don't keep track of anything. But it's, you know -- it's sort of something to be worried about and it's funny people are because I heard from a lot of them.
COOPER: I actually make sure whenever I come back in the house I always greet Tivo because I really don't want to make Tivo mad. Because after a while, you so start to think that Tivo sort of has a mind of it's own.
ZASLOW: Yes, it's giving you a lot of "Hangin With Mr. Cooper" reruns I bet. It's when you see -- you're watching Anderson Cooper and maybe it's making that confusion.
COOPER: That's right. It is, actually.
But now I understand you actually do not have Tivo. Why -- why -- how can this be?
ZASLOW: You know, I was assigned the story and it came from the San Francisco bureau and I just -- I want to get it now. I want to see what ti thinks of me.
You know I got kids at home, so my kids, who knows what they would be watching and what that would make Tivo think of our family. That's also confusing. Someone told me a friend comes over and watches "South Park" and forever more you're getting this sort of sophomoric cartoon stuff that Tivo's giving you. So you got to keep your remote control in your hands. Don't let anybody touch it.
COOPER: Welll, for awhile I was watching "Primer Impacto" a lot just because I like the way -- I don't Spanish, but I just like the way they put together the newscast. I thought it was very watch. And then Tivo would give me all sorts of Spanish programming "Sabado Gigante" with, like, Don Franciso so -- yes.
ZASLOW: You got a great accent there.
(CROSSTALK)
COOPER: Are you going to get Tivo?
ZASLOW: You know, I think I would if my wife would let me have the control and see what happens. I think I would.
But then some men say that when all of this gay programming comes in all this porn comes in, the wives look at it and say, What are you doing there with that Tivo?. So it can complicate a marriage your Tivo, too.
COOPER: Tivo has a lot of enemies in the television industry. A lot of executives really don't like this and they're very scared of it because it really, basically, allows you to blank out commercials.
ZASLOW: Yes, it allows you to skip the commercials. That's right. I didnt look any into any of that, because I was just looking at what Tivo was thinking of people. But, yes, that's the biggest worry out there is that.
COOPER: All right. Jeffrey Zaslow. Appreciate it. "Wall Street Journal." Always enjoy your writing and I appreciate you coming in.
ZASLOW: Thanks Anderson.
COOPER: All right. Thanks a lot.
Up next on NEWSNIGHT, the museum built by the hungry little caterpillar.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Finally from us, our favorite art critics, ones with discerning eyes and open minds: kids. A news museum has opened -- the first of its kind in the nation. A museum for kids and the art from books they love.
It's the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts. And we visited Eric Carle at the opening where he was surrounded by friends and kids, other authors and one very hungry caterpillar. .
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(SINGING)
ERIC CARLE, AUTHOR: I'm Eric Carle. My best known book is "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."
This museum is the house that the very hungry caterpillar built.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Should I do this one?
CARLE: OK, this is it.
The children's book world has never had a home.
This beautiful people could be the sanctuary, if you will, of children's book, since we have a home.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Out of the egg came a tiny and very hungry caterpillar.
CARLE: There's good children's book and there's bad children's book art. It''s all. But we here at this art willattract and show the best in the field.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: On Monday he ate through one apple.
CARLE: But it's not only art, art, art. It's for kids.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: But he was still hungry.
UNIDENITIFED FEMALE: This museum is bringing the art and illustration of children's materials to the public. And it brings children into a world that's their own.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: One slice of swiss cheese, one slice of salami. And he wasn't a little caterpillar anymore.
CARLE: My favorite (AUDIO GAP) things to make pictures. It's as simple as that.
(MUSIC)
Bill Martin Jr. asked me to illustrate his "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" book and that book turned my life around.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The bear!
CARLE: Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see? I see a red bird looking at me.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALER: And red bird, red bird, what do you see? I see a goldfish looking at me.
CARLE: It is the heartbeat. There's nothing more basic than the heart beat in all of us.
Well, here's the caterpillar. With a holeppuncher I punched holes into a stack of paper and I looked at the holes and I said, Bookworm. That was the first idea.
I had an Uncle Walter. He was a baker and I wrote a book called "Walter the Baker." I made his wife into Eva because my grandmother Ana told me this story how the pretzel was invented. So my storteller -- my stories come from oral history within the family, really.
When the kids come to this museum I would like to think they just have a terrific time. It should be just a terrific time. It should be a level of going to Coney Island or a circus.
They're our young. They're our jewels. They're our, you know, a tremendous responsibility to us.
(MUSIC)
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Well, before we say good night, here's Bill Hemmer with a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Anderson, thank you very much.
Tomorrow morning, a Thanksgiving Day edition of "AMERICAN MORNING." It is Day Two for the U.N. inspectors back on the ground in Iraq and Nic Robertson, who is right there on the scene, a rather chaotic scene at times too of Day One of the inspectors work east of Baghdad. Tomorrow, Nic will tell us what Day Two brings. Hope you will join us then: 7:00 a.m. Eastern tomorrow morning.
Anderson. back to you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COOPER: Well thanks, Bill.
That's it for NEWSNIGHT tonight.
Tomorrow, some of our favorite stories and people from the past year. Have a great Thanksgiving. Good night.
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Aired November 27, 2002 - 22:00 ET
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ANDERSON COOPER, HOST: Good evening, again, everyone. We'd like to bring you a warm and fuzzy Thanksgiving eve sentiment. You know in gauzey shades of autumn framed up like a tasteful Hallmark card.
We like to think of Thanksgiving eve as that time when we all retire blissfully to our warm, cushy beds with maybe the aroma of freshly-baked pies lulling us into a contented sleep. But then we remember what Thanksgiving is for most of us. Thing aren't always in the perfect place, done at the perfect time, and in the way Martha Stewart would strongly recommend. But hey, who listens to her now anyway?
I think about my own Thanksgiving, for instance. First of all, I'm buying my pies and still have to pick them up tomorrow. That should be fun. I'm going to my half-brother's house a few hours away, and if you've ever been on the Long Island Expressway, you know I'm in for some massive road rage.
And then there's my mom. She declared some kind of a fatwah against holidays a while back, but this time the holiday spirit got to her and she decided to play a part. The only problem is, she said she would do the turkey. Now I have no idea where this turkey is coming from. There's no way she cooked a turkey.
I don't know if the turkey is dead, or maybe it was cooked three days ago by someone else. Frankly, I'm a little scared and the rest of the clan better be, too. But in all of the complaints, I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow and seeing my nephew Miles (ph), who makes the road rage, the risk of food poisoning and the family squabbles all worthwhile.
That is the honest truth. Warm, fuzzy and Hallmark-ready as it is. And we're sure it's true for most of you out there as well; the someone you can't wait to see.
We begin tonight, as always, with "The Whip." The first days of inspections in years in Iraq. Nic Robertson is in Baghdad for us. Nic, the headline.
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Anderson, the first day over and, according to both the Iraqis and the U.N. inspectors, no trouble along the way, a success, even.
COOPER: All right. Nic, back to you in a moment.
Travel, of course, on the minds of many of us tonight. The latest on security at our nation's airports. Ed Lavandera is following that story from Dallas. Ed, the headline.
ED LAVANDERA, CNN DALLAS BUREAU CHIEF: Well, Anderson, a few days ago a travel expert told me that the nation's airports would like look a zoo on the day before Thanksgiving. Long lines at the ticket counters, long lines at security checkpoints. But it seems that airport workers have found a way to tame this beast of a day.
COOPER: All right. We'll check back with you in a moment. Back with all of you.
Also coming up tonight, the latest on a divorce fight that is making "Dynasty" look dignified. A little ditty about Jack and Jane, Welch versus Welch. It just keeps getting worse.
Also, what is up with taking fast food to court for making you fat? A reporter says quit pointing the finger at others. You want to know who's to blame, just look in the mirror. Joe Mulberry (ph) of the "National Review" will join us.
Also, something I'm obsessed with and, yes, maybe scared of as well, Tivo. It knows me better than my therapist and I'm not sure that is a good thing.
Also tonight, "Segment Seven." Art that's designed for some of the most creative minds we have, our kids. A new museum just for them and the books that inspire them, and they inspire us as well. That is all to come, but we begin with Iraq and the people who, without a doubt, have one of the most difficult jobs anywhere in the world tonight. The U.N. weapons inspectors who, today, did what they've been trained to do for the first time since 1998, search Iraq for any hint of weapons of mass destruction.
This is tough and dangerous enough as it is, but the scrutiny they are under, especially from the U.S., is more than intense. And the stakes simply could not get any higher. Potentially the difference between war and no war. Day one of the inspections. Once again, here's Nic Robertson.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ROBERTSON (voice-over): 7:00 AM, and the first weapons inspectors are showing up at their base. Vehicles prepared for what could be a long day, and journalists outside for a long wait.
(on camera): It's about 7:30 now. Most of the inspectors seem to have gone in and everyone here is waiting for them to come out so we can follow them to their first inspection.
(voice-over): An hour later, engines gunning, the inspectors race out. And Iraqi officials have given us permission to follow.
(on camera): OK. Now we are running to get into the cars so that we can follow them.
(voice-over): We follow the team of nuclear experts, turning right in their white U.N. Jeeps, they pick up their Iraqi counterparts who fall in behind. Confusion for a moment, as the U.N. experts we are tailing appear to lose their way en route to the surprise inspection.
By 9:00 AM, the inspectors are arriving at the Tahardi (ph) industrial complex on the eastern outskirts of Baghdad. Left outside in the enforced lockdown under U.N. inspection rules, journalists jockey for scant camera positions. Through gaps in the barbed wire top wall surrounding the mile square compound, inspectors can be seen taking photographs and visiting the dozen or so warehouses. By noon, the team of nuclear experts are finished heading back to base.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you very much.
ROBERTSON: Iraqi officials, keen to show they have nothing to hide, let us in as soon as the inspectors leave.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Nothing. Everything it was in front of them. Thank you very much.
ROBERTSON: No weapons visible in the one building we were shown.
(on camera): This part of the factory appears to be for reconditioning heavy industrial motors, but we still don't know where the inspectors went or exactly what they were interested in.
(voice-over): According to Mahmoud, the inspectors saw all they wanted to see. Almost exactly the same language from the inspectors.
JACQUES BAUTE, WEAPONS INSPECTOR: And we had access to what we wanted to see. We hope that the Iraqi response today reflects the future pattern of cooperation.
ROBERTSON: Day one, it seems, ended without major incident and without any weapons found.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ROBERTSON: Anderson, a cautionary note from the inspectors. While today was a success, they say they still have a huge amount of work to do -- Anderson.
COOPER: Nic, pretty bizarre scenes there. I mean of you and all of the other people following these inspectors. I mean, give us a sense of how many journalists were there in a caravan following these different inspections? I mean it looked almost like a circus.
ROBERTSON: Well, you talked in your intro about road rage today, tomorrow, rather, Thursday. That's kind of what it was like. It's a real jockeying for position. I would say there were probably 20 to 30 cars trying to keep up with the inspectors.
I think they were able to do their work, because when we got to the gate we were stopped so they could carry on. We didn't get in front, they weren't impeded. But I'm sure to a bystander on the side of the road it must have looked kind of crazy, all of these cars jockeying for permission. COOPER: But the Iraqis give you permission to follow the inspectors. I mean, that's part of what they want?
ROBERTSON: That is part of what they want, absolutely. They say they feel very strongly about their position, that they have nothing to hide. And they say this is their way of proving it. Certainly during the 1990s weapons inspections we were never allowed to follow the inspection teams to any of the sites. Occasionally we were able to go under our own steam to places that were close to downtown Baghdad, but apart from that we couldn't follow.
COOPER: Now, are these inspections that the U.N. is doing -- I mean, that they did today and no doubt will be doing for the next couple of days, are these surprise inspections, or do they tell the Iraqis in advance where they will be going?
ROBERTSON: Absolutely. No notice inspections. One of the interesting things, a team that got lost ever so briefly their way yesterday -- today -- were not able to stop and ask people directions. Why? Because it's a surprise inspection.
They can't say hey, where's such and such? Where's the Tahardi (ph) plant? They'd give the whole game away. So, no, they're all going to be surprise inspections. They may visit one site, two sites today, they say, but they won't be telling the Iraqis where they're going any time.
COOPER: Nic Robertson, thanks very much.
The crisis with Iraq has taken up a lot of headlines over the past few months, and it's been a long time since we talked about the investigation into September 11. The White House today announced an independent commission to look into what went wrong and what can be done to prevent it from happening again.
It is a testament to the power of some of the victims' groups who have been pushing the administration hard to drop its opposition. But the announcement was still met with controversy today, in part because of the statesman picked to head the panel. That story from Senior White House Correspondent John King.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN KING, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The president once resisted the September 11 commission, but now says he urgently awaits its findings.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: America's enemies are still determined to inflict great harm. We have a duty, a solemn duty to do everything we can to protect this country.
KING: Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger is the president's choice to lead the inquiry. He says nothing is off limits, including mounting questions about Saudi Arabia's role in terror financing. HENRY KISSINGER, FMR. SECRETARY OF STATE: I have been given every assurance by the president that we should go where the facts lead us and that we are not restricted by any foreign politics consideration.
KING: But signing a legislation that creates the blue ribbon panel hardly ends the controversy. The White House, for example, is making clear it does not think the president should be asked to testify, but key lawmakers see things differently.
SEN. JOSEPH LIEBERMAN (D), CONNECTICUT: I would be surprised if this commission, in pursuit of the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help them god, did not want to speak with this president.
KING: The new chairman was noncommittal.
KISSINGER: One doesn't start with the president of the United States.
KING: Kissinger's selection also raised eyebrows among those who say it is critical that the commission see what the president was told in his intelligence briefings in the weeks and months before the attacks. The Federation of American Scientists characterized Kissinger as one who has stubbornly resisted the disclosure of official information to members of Congress, courts of law, private researchers and others.
The commission has 18 months to complete its work, but the president said he hopes it finishes sooner. One White House concern in the contentious negotiations with Congress on a timetable was a damaging revelation in the middle of the 2004 reelection year.
NICK CALIO, CHIEF BUSH CONGRESSIONAL LIAISON: I think we got the appropriate type of structure in terms of the chairman. We have ensured that if there will be subpoenas issued by the commission, it will be done on a bipartisan basis.
KING: Former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell, a Democrat, will serve as the panel's co-chairman.
(on camera): One early challenge will be setting a primary focus. The president says it should be on learning more about al Qaeda's methods and operations. But family members of the victims want to know if the government had even more clues the attacks were coming, but failed to connect them. John King, CNN, Crawford, Texas.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Well, think back to a year ago, so soon after September 11, and the fear you could see in the faces of those of us traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday. This year, the fear may have died down, but safety is still on most traveler's minds.
At the nation's airports this holiday week, the first real test of the new federal security force, a new front line in the war on terror. How are they doing? Once again, here's Ed Lavandera.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LAVANDERA (voice-over): The music at DFW International Airport might have made some people smile, but it was the sight of smooth- running security checkpoints that made most passengers really happy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A little more people than normal, but we got through security all right and they seem more efficient now than they used to.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We had a great time. Security was fine. No problems.
LAVANDERA: This day was supposed to offer a major challenge to the newly-installed force of 44,000 federal passenger screeners.
JERRY ANDERSON, SCREENER: They seem very positive today and they're moving through the checkpoint and they feel safe.
LAVANDERA: At Atlanta Hartsfield Airport, Security Chief Willie Williams' (ph) mission was to keep passengers moving.
WILLIE WILLIAMS, SECURITY CHIEF, ATLANTA HARTSFIELD AIRPORT: There's three open lanes at the end if you're interested.
LAVANDERA: Williams expects a quarter of a million passengers to pass through his airport each day during the holiday rush.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Please take all (UNINTELLIGIBLE) out of the bag. Try to (UNINTELLIGIBLE) of all your coins, metal items.
LAVANDERA: With 50,000 flights crisscrossing the country today and a six percent increase in airline passengers this Thanksgiving, and a promise to get people through the checkpoints in 10 minutes, the potential for problems was immense.
MARION BLAKEY, FAA ADMINISTRATOR: But I think people have to remember, too, that they need our help. They're new on the job to begin with, so let's cut them a little slack. Because this is the toughest holiday period of the year, and we need to do our job in terms of arriving at the terminal with all of the metal objects we can, our jewelry, telephones, all of that, put it in the carry-on. You don't you have to unload it right there when you get to the screening point.
LAVANDERA: But, at the end of day, the reviews were good.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I thought we were going to run into just craziness, and this is really terrific. I'm really surprised, aren't you?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It doesn't look bad at all right now.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No. We expected long lines.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LAVANDERA: Now TSA officials spent most of the day keeping tabs on whether or not they had been meeting that goal of getting people through security checkpoints in about 10 minutes. And throughout most of the airports they report that they were able to get most of the people through very quickly under that 10-minute goal.
There were reports for a sporadic period of time in Providence, Rhode Island and in Miami, Florida, where some delays were up to about 15, 20 minutes. But TSA officials say they're very happy with the numbers they've gotten back so far -- Anderson.
COOPER: Ed, what are people you're talking to saying is the difference that they see with these TSA screeners than with the private screeners they had before?
LAVANDERA: A lot of the folks we talked with say today that there's a different level of professionalism and that they understand the role that they play. That they're here for security, but, at the same time, they understand fully what it is the vast majority of the passengers that make their way through the airports in this country are safe people, are not out causing any harm. They just want to get to their families. So I think a lot of people are grateful that these employees here understand what it is the vast majority of these people are trying to do as they make their way through these airports.
COOPER: And you might have said in your piece, but I didn't catch it, do you know how many TSA people are on duty now, as opposed to how many will be down the road? Are all of these airports like this, or has TSA not gotten into every airport yet?
LAVANDERA: Well, the force that has been implemented here in the last week that they took over last week is 44,000 strong. So that is at every airport across the country. Of course, they're still working out the details as to all of the security bags, the baggage checking that has to be implemented by the end of the year. So there's still a lot of details that are being worked out, and that's why they were paying close attention to this particular holiday as to how this was all going to work out. And so far the TSA officials seem to be extremely pleased.
COOPER: All right. Ed Lavendera, thank you very much.
A different travel story now that makes our stomach turn, and we can only imagine what it is like for the protagonists of this drama. They are the passengers of the Disney cruise ship Magic still at see, dozens of them, doubled over with a nasty virus. Disney thought it got rid of the virus when they cleaned the ship last week. We told you about that.
Apparently they didn't. Today, they decided they will not make the same mistake twice. Here's Susan Candiotti.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Disney canceled the Magic's next cruise after confirmation the ship is sailing with the Norwalk virus.
MATT OUIMET, PRESIDENT, DISNEY CRUISE LINE: The highest priority at the Disney Cruise Line is the health and welfare of our guests and our crew.
CANDIOTTI: Disney decided disinfecting the ship without passengers aboard hopefully will knock out, once and for all, the vomiting, diarrhea and nausea and quiet repeated stories about sick families stuck in their state rooms.
OUIMET: We've been talking with many experts over the last couple of days, and based upon their collective advice, our company has made the voluntary decision to take this course of action.
CANDIOTTI: The Centers for Disease Control said Disney did not have to cancel the next voyage, but has signed off on the company's actions.
DAVID FORNEY, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL: From our perspective in public health, we know that they are cleaning and disinfecting the ship, and they are doing everything that we can really come up with on eliminating this outbreak.
CANDIOTTI: Holland America waited until its fourth straight sailing and more than 500 infections to take the Amsterdam out of service for 10 days. Even though it may sound like the Norwalk virus is on the rise, the CDC says preliminary numbers indicate this year, overall, the number of cases is going down.
(on camera): However, from a publicity standpoint alone, the stomach virus has undoubtedly made the cruise line industry just a bit queasy. Susan Candiotti, CNN, Miami.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Well, as NEWSNIGHT continues, can you blame McDonald's because you're fat? You can certainly find a lawyer who will. And up next, we'll get former Chief Weapons Inspector Richard Butler's take on what comes next in Iraq.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: A few stories from around the globe tonight, beginning with the hijack scare in Europe. An Italian man who was ranting about al Qaeda was arrested after an incident aboard an Al Italia (ph) flight bound for Paris. French police said the man went to the cockpit holding what he said was a remote control device. He told the crew he want to blow up the plane. Italian authorities said the man has a history of mental problems.
In the West Bank today, Palestinians were out on the streets after the death yesterday of two commanders of the Al-Aksa Martyrs Brigades. The men were killed by an explosion in the Jenin refugee camp. The Palestinians have blamed the Israelis, but the Israelis have denied responsibility. And in Australia, it is brushfire season. This one west of Sydney. There are dozens more throughout the southern portion of the country, making things worse. Australia is suffering through a prolonged drought. Amazing pictures.
We will stay in Australia for our next guest, but we go back to our top story, Iraq and the day one for the U.N.'s new inspections team. We can only imagine the technical complexity these people have to deal with, not to mention the careful diplomacy needed every step of the way.
Luckily, we do not have to imagine right now. We can get perspective from someone who knows it all firsthand, former U.N. Chief Weapons Inspector, Richard Butler. He joins us from Sydney. Thanks for being with us.
Mr. Butler, as you look...
RICHARD BUTLER, FMR. CHIEF U.N. WEAPONS INSPECTOR: Hi, Anderson. Good to see you.
COOPER: Good evening. As you looked at those pictures today of the media following the U.N. weapons inspectors to the site, what went through your mind?
BUTLER: I thought amazing scenes, Anderson. Absolutely amazing. But we've got to be very careful about this.
On the one hand, we live in an open society. Lots of freedom of information. On the other hand, the Iraqis are not interested in freedom of information. They're interested in the world coming around to their point of view. And I, quite frankly, was stunned to see the way in which they are prepared to allow journalists into the site.
I'm not criticizing journalists. After all, I'm with you, I'm working with you right now. But I think we have to be very careful in the days and weeks ahead about how Iraq is prepared to use the presence of journalists on -- what -- Anderson, when it started off this morning was a no-notice inspection.
The inspectors were going to go to a place of their choosing, unhindered, unfettered, without telling the Iraqis, just except that they are leaving at 7:00 in the morning -- or it was 8:30 actually -- 8:30 in the morning. And then suddenly, you've got these trucks of journalists there. I ask, to what purpose? To what purpose?
COOPER: Well, does it make -- I mean, the obvious question is, does it make the inspections more difficult? And if so, is that why the, Iraqis are allowing it?
BUTLER: The inspections proceed under their own terms. And I think these inspectors have got the power and the machinery and the equipment to do a good job. The critical point, as always, is will the Iraqis actually come clean? Will they allow them to do their job?
And I think the jury is out on that. It's not yet clear that they will, as indicated particularly by this coming declaration by Iraq of the weapons of mass destruction, where up to the present time they're saying they actually don't have any, which, of course, is nonsense.
So, in those circumstances, you've got to ask yourself, to what purpose is Iraq deploying the presence of Western television cameramen on these sites? I suspect because they know that these sites aren't the real ones, and that they will be able to show Western viewers, especially in Western Europe, where there's skepticism about U.S. policy, they'll be able to show that they're behaving like good guys.
Anderson, I guess the real point is this. This has just begun. Day one was OK, but let anyone who believes that this is -- this is serious yet not living on the same planet I'm living on. We've got a long way to go yet with Iraq's declaration to come, obvious weapons of mass destruction. And then when the inspectors step up the serious pressure to go to really serious places, what then the role of the media will be, it will be interesting. Fascinating to follow.
COOPER: Well, let me ask you this. This is obviously just day one. I imagine the inspectors have a list of sites they want to revisit, maybe the most obvious sites.
BUTLER: Sure.
COOPER: Is that why they chose this site today? That perhaps it was on their list? I mean -- I guess my question is how good is their information? How old is their information or how new is it?
BUTLER: That's a terrific question, Anderson. I think it's got a mixed answer. The database they have, about a million pages of it. And a database that I knew well in the past is actually very, very good.
And in the period where there were no inspections, what else could they do? You know, go to the movies? No. What they did was they worked really hard on that database, cross-checked it, analyzed it and made it better and better.
And they've been given more intelligence information in recent times. So I believe they've gone to Iraq with a really solid stack of material showing, you know, what questions they should ask, what places they should go to. What they did today is, I think, sensible.
They started off slow. They started off going to places that were not foolish, but easy. They will move on. They will need to check that database with what has happened in the last four years and ultimately they will need to swoop on places that the Iraqis really don't expect them. Places where intelligence information says that there is serious stuff to be looked for.
COOPER: We only have about 30 seconds left. A lot of concern over these mobile sites. How realistic -- how real are these mobile sites, and is there any way for U.N. weapons inspectors to find them?
BUTLER: All reports, Anderson, say that it's very real. That Saddam put biological laboratories, for example, in the back of trucks. Now, I ask you, the country the size of California, with all of the trucks they've got there, how do you find which trucks have got old vegetables in the back and which trucks have got the biological laboratories in the back? Pretty hard.
They have overhead satellites to follow the movement of vehicles, but I know we have a short time, so I'll just say, Anderson, watch this space. This mobility issue is a big one. How the inspectors will crack that, I don't yet know, but it's certainly going to be a serious issue.
COOPER: All right. Ambassador Butler, appreciate it, as always. Good talking to you.
Later on NEWSNIGHT, has deal maker Jack Welch met his match in court?
And up next, blaming Mickey D's for being fat. A question of personal responsibility.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: All right. So you heard the bit about what would Jesus drive. But there is another one. What would Jesus eat?
Some Christians trying to get other Christians to eat responsibly, remind them that, back in the day, super-size wasn't a verb and there weren't any (UNINTELLIGIBLE) sandwiches. The message of personal responsibility has not quite made it to some people out there who are saying, essentially, McDonald's made me do it, made me eat it. Taking fast food places to court.
The latest we heard about are two teenagers in the Bronx. You probably heard their story. One reporter's critique of the lawsuit trend caught our eye. Someone who readily admits he knows fat. Joel Mowbray of "National Review" joins us now. Thanks for being with us, Joel.
JOEL MOWBRAY, "NATIONAL REVIEW": Thanks for having me here, Anderson.
COOPER: So what is it that really bothers you about these lawsuits?
MOWBRAY: Well, the thing that bothers me about these lawsuits is they're just full of malarkey. You know, look, the fact of the matter is, you choose what to eat. And you can actually choose to eat fast food and lose weight. It is possible. In fact, it can be part of a very healthy diet.
COOPER: Now some people are probably scoffing, but you actually -- you claim this for yourself. You lost how much?
MOWBRAY: I lost 80 pounds in about five months' time. And I ate fast food almost every day.
COOPER: OK. How is that possible?
MOWBRAY: Well I did the Atkins diet. And so, what I did is I had high protein, almost no carbs. And so I would go through the drive-through lane and I would get a couple of double cheeseburgers. And being too proud to actually ask them to remove the bun for me, I would have to surgically remove the bun for me I would have to surgically remove it myself. And I'd be sitting there eating, you know, two slabs of beef with some cheese on it and that would be my meal.
COOPER: So you don't believe that the fast food franchise, the restaurants have any responsibility for not producing more healthy meals and more balanced diet.
MOWBRAY: Not at all. If I want a healthy meal, in the sense that I guess some people think of a fresh meal, I can go to Fresh Fields or Whole Foods or any one of the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) elitist grocery store chains to buy expensive grocery store food.
COOPER: In the article you talk this sort of being a holdover of hippie culture. I think you said that. Explain that?
MOWBRAY: Well, you know the hippie culture was all about having bigger better, faster more and without any sacrifice. It was a world where you divorce freedom from responsibility and one where you can have your cake and eat it too without having to bake it in the first place. And that's what we are talking about here, because people rather than looking at themselves they say gee, you know what, I made myself fat, I need to do something about it. They say, you know what, I want to make a quick buck so I'm going to hire me a trial lawyer and take McDonald's to court. They're a big corporation, they'll settle, they'll give me a few million, and I'll got home and eat more McDonald's while I play video games or watch Anderson Cooper on CNN.
COOPER: We can only hope. You went to law school I believe.
Do you think the cases will hold up in court?
MOWBRAY: You know, every time you try to use common sense and apply it to the law, that's a dangerous game. I don't know. The honest answer is I don't know and I don't think anyone really does know. I think the odds are against it because it's so preposterous. This is just stupid. But who would have thought reality TV would take off the way it did. I mean, you know what I mean -- Anderson.
COOPER: Yes, I know what mean there, Joel. What -- I guess what people who oppose this will say is some people are just genetically, you know, larger and it's not a question of them eating too much, not a question of them exercising. I've done stories on people who are morbidly obese who would swear they've tried every diet there is, but they're just built this way, and certainly fast food doesn't help.
MOWBRAY: It isn't fast food's problem then, because you said it yourself, they're genetically predisposed to be that way or just are that way because of a bad (UNINTELLIGIBLE) system or whatever. In which case it's not Mcdonald's fault or Burger King's fault or anyone else. It's their own biology that is the problem, in which case the lawsuit should get bounced on those grounds right there.
COOPER: And even with kids? Even -- you have these two teenagers I believe from the Bronx saying they didn't know the food was bad for them, your thoughts? Even a kid should have personal responsibility?
MOWBRAY: I have a one-word reply: parents. are supposed to do something. They're not just supposed to go off and let commercials raise their kids. And let their kids decide what eat whatever they want, however they want, whenever they want. I mean, that is reckless endangerment of the children.
COOPER: All right, Joel Mowbray, we appreciate you joining us. I think you can be a spokesman for the Atkins diet, you know?
MOWBRAY: Thanks, Anderson. Thanks for having me.
COOPER: Maybe you have a future in that. Thanks a lot, Joel, appreciate it.
Still to come on NEWSNIGHT, fat cats do fighting over the fat divorce settlement. Meow!
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Thanks, Jan. Coming up on NEWSNIGHT, big money, mean divorce.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: So you used to have the old nickname Neutron Jack. Jack Welch, tough guy, former CEO of GE, willing to down-size, no apologies, no regrets. Now we got Neutron Jane, his corporate wife who has proven to be just as scrappy as any captain of industry. Divorce is never pretty, big money divorce in particular. Both Welch's, right now, are lobbying grenades across the well manicured lawns in Connecticut.
Here's Deborah Feyerick.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Corporate giant Jack Welch is having a toy tough time closing the deal on a divorce growing more bitter by the day. His soon to be ex-wife, Jane Welch turning out to be a particularly challenging opponent for the former General Electric titan. Their 10-year prenup expired three years before their marriage did. In a Connecticut court, Mrs. Welch is seeking what her lawyer calls her fair share of an estimated $900 million fortune.
It's a fight that makes boardroom battles look like school house brawls. Rumors about the Welch divorce cropping up every few days in the New York tabloids. First on the gossip pages, Jack Welch's affair with a "Harvard Business Review" editor, then the release of astonishing corporate perks, 2.5 million for things like flowers, food and wine. Jack Welch side says his wife released reports about the perks to embarrass Welch.
Jane Welch's lawyers said the perks were presented as part of a financial affidavit for a judge to decide alimony. Then just when it look like Mrs. Welch was ahead in the image war, the most recent bombshell rumor. The "New York Post" and "Wall Street Journal" reporting she was having an affair with a handsome Italian chauffeur before her husband's affair began.
The nasty break of his tarnished Jack Welch's outstanding business reputation, one lumping them together with the likes of Enron's Ken Lay and Tyco's Dennis Kozlowski.
NELL NINOW, THE CORPORATE LIBRARY: Nobody disputes the fact that Jack Welch is an honest guy who did amazing job at General Electric. He may not have been everything he was portrayed as, but he was very, very good. He was one of the best CEO's of all time.
FEYERICK: Welch has offered estranged wife a settlement in the many millions of dollars. She and her lawyers turned it down.
CECILE WIECH, DIVORCE ATTORNEY: She should get every penny that she's entitled to and that has nothing to do with whether she had an affair. She had a 10 year marriage with man. I'm sure he liked her some time during the 10 years.
Financial insiders say it's unlikely the divorce will have any long-term effect on the business reputations as one of the America's top CEOs of all time. Still, in the short term, corporate America remains uncomfortable with yet another bright spotlight shining on it.
Deborah Feyerick, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: A couple of other stories before we go to break. Beginning in Denver and a guilty plea for starting Colorado's largest wildfire. The fire last spring burned more than 137,000 acres and destroyed 40 homes southwest of Denver. Former forest service worker Terry Bardon (ph) is accused of starting the fire. Well, today she changed her plea in the case from innocent to guilty.
An FBI warning tonight that members of an animal rights group may be planning violent action over the Thanksgiving weekend against a New Jersey lab that conducts animal experiments. The group which has a demonstration permit said it plans only peaceful activities.
And you may lose your -- I'm not sure we need to see. This you may lose your appetite after this. The turkey-eating contest today in New York. The winner, 33-year-old subway conductor, Eric "badlands" Booker (ph) who downed five and a half plates of thanksgiving dinner in 12 minutes. Mmmm, turducken.
Ahead on NEWSNIGHT, the building built by a hungry little caterpillar. And up next, does your Tivo think you're gay? Changing the mind of a machine. It's tough.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: So I'm told the kids today love the Internet. The surfing, the downloading the porn, the e-mail, the IMing. For me the Internet is fine, but three products have changed my life in the last year.
First, my shredder, which gives me a sense of power even though I have really nothing to shred but Chinese menus.
Second, my George Foreman grill, because it's easy to cook, easy to clean, the fat drips right off.
But best new product of all is Tivo. It frees you from the tyranny of the TV programmers, allowing you to automatically record your favorite shows. The problem is Tivo has a mind of it's own and after a while it starts to think it knows what you want. Kind of like Hal in 2001. Make one wrong move and Tivo suddenly thinks you're a neo-Nazi or gay, or a gay neo-Nazi. It's very strange.
"Wall Street Journal" reporter Jeffrey Zaslow has written a sort of how-to guide setting your tivo straight and he joins us from Detroit.
Jeffrey, thanks for being with us.
JEFFREY ZASLOW, "THE WALL STREET JOURNAL": Hi, Anderson.
I'm just dying to know what your Tivo thinks of you, but maybe we'll wait for that one.
Well, I like "Law and Order," so my Tivo -- I record every "Law and Order" so my Tivo thinks I'm like a crime junkie.
ZASLOW: How about CNN? Do you tape CNN?
COOPER: I tape myself on CNN, but I get a lot of Blitzer, which, you know, I automatically just delete.
But let me ask you, Jeffery, what -- I'm just kidding, of course, I watch every "BLITZER REPORT."
What -- explain to the audience a little bit what Tivo is, because not many people actually have this machine.
ZASLOW: Yes, it's only 500,000 people in the United States have it, it's just a recorder -- a digital recorder that will record whatever you ask it to record. So, you can say at the beginning of the season, How about "The West Wing" for the rest of the season and it will just give it to you every week, which is great and you can -- it can stop while you're going to the bathroom -- you'll stop and you come back and live programming is right there waiting for you.
So the people who have it love it. But it will also recommend shows and tell you, We recorded this for you, you might like it. We think this is who you are. The sort of gay neo-Nazi thing and that's why people say it's figuring me out and making me -- giving me the willies.
COOPER: And it basically -- it does this based on your past programming, so sometimes it's accurate, but sometimes it's just completely off base. How does it get off base like that?
ZASLOW: Well, first of all, if you just watch wrestling all it's going to give you sort of is wrestling or things that it thinks, you know, people who like wrestling enjoy. So the more you tell it, the better it knows you.
But, you know, you can order just some kind of flick from the Independent Movie Channel that has a gay person in it and it thinks Oh, this person like all sorts of gay programming and will just keep giving it to you.
And then when people try to counterprogram it -- I had guys tell me they tried to, you know, have porn they would watch or they would watch war movies and that's when it sort of gets all confused.
COOPER: So, what were some of the cases you came across of people who their Tivo sort of got them all wrong?
ZASLOW: Well there was a guy who -- which -- who somehow was giving him Korean programming. There was a thumbs down button on the remote, as you probably know from watching, and he kept hitting the thumbs down on the Korean programming and then it gave him Chinese news.
So, it's just -- it gets confused. I mean, some eople told me that when they're watching -- like he was watching Bill O'Reilly and he didn't want to put the thumbs down on Bill O'Reilly -- three thumbs down -- it started giving him Montell Williams. Why? Who knows. And sometimes Tivo has given people Cybil Shepard. Why Cybil Shepard? Again, people can't figure on out what that's all about. Tivo has a thing for Cybil Shepard, I understand.
COOPER: And this technology is not just used by Tivo. I mean, this is the same kind of technology used by, like, amazon.com and a lot of these companies to try to predict what you'll like.
ZASLOW: It's called personalization technology. And on amazon.com, a guy who is gay told me he went on there and he ordered books on gay subjects and it gave him a lot of suggestions for gay subjects. And then he had a friend and he bought a -- who was pregnant and he bought baby books. So soon Amazon is throwing baby books at him and gay books at him. It thought he was a pregnant gay man.
So he tried to change amazon's minds by ordering all sort of computer books, different books and finally, you know, they thought he abandoned the child and was going on with his life.
COOPER: I mean, as funny as this is, there are people legitimately concern concerned that someone somewhere is collecting all this information and all this data on them.
ZASLOW: Yes, I got a lot of e-mails about that yesterday and today, where people think, You know, maybe they're so worried about homeland security and maybe they're just to going to see what you're -- are you reading the Koran -- buying the Koran off of amazon.com, looking for books about making bombs. Are they going to come into your house and get you?
Now, all of the companies I talked to said that, No, they don't keep track of anything. But it's, you know -- it's sort of something to be worried about and it's funny people are because I heard from a lot of them.
COOPER: I actually make sure whenever I come back in the house I always greet Tivo because I really don't want to make Tivo mad. Because after a while, you so start to think that Tivo sort of has a mind of it's own.
ZASLOW: Yes, it's giving you a lot of "Hangin With Mr. Cooper" reruns I bet. It's when you see -- you're watching Anderson Cooper and maybe it's making that confusion.
COOPER: That's right. It is, actually.
But now I understand you actually do not have Tivo. Why -- why -- how can this be?
ZASLOW: You know, I was assigned the story and it came from the San Francisco bureau and I just -- I want to get it now. I want to see what ti thinks of me.
You know I got kids at home, so my kids, who knows what they would be watching and what that would make Tivo think of our family. That's also confusing. Someone told me a friend comes over and watches "South Park" and forever more you're getting this sort of sophomoric cartoon stuff that Tivo's giving you. So you got to keep your remote control in your hands. Don't let anybody touch it.
COOPER: Welll, for awhile I was watching "Primer Impacto" a lot just because I like the way -- I don't Spanish, but I just like the way they put together the newscast. I thought it was very watch. And then Tivo would give me all sorts of Spanish programming "Sabado Gigante" with, like, Don Franciso so -- yes.
ZASLOW: You got a great accent there.
(CROSSTALK)
COOPER: Are you going to get Tivo?
ZASLOW: You know, I think I would if my wife would let me have the control and see what happens. I think I would.
But then some men say that when all of this gay programming comes in all this porn comes in, the wives look at it and say, What are you doing there with that Tivo?. So it can complicate a marriage your Tivo, too.
COOPER: Tivo has a lot of enemies in the television industry. A lot of executives really don't like this and they're very scared of it because it really, basically, allows you to blank out commercials.
ZASLOW: Yes, it allows you to skip the commercials. That's right. I didnt look any into any of that, because I was just looking at what Tivo was thinking of people. But, yes, that's the biggest worry out there is that.
COOPER: All right. Jeffrey Zaslow. Appreciate it. "Wall Street Journal." Always enjoy your writing and I appreciate you coming in.
ZASLOW: Thanks Anderson.
COOPER: All right. Thanks a lot.
Up next on NEWSNIGHT, the museum built by the hungry little caterpillar.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Finally from us, our favorite art critics, ones with discerning eyes and open minds: kids. A news museum has opened -- the first of its kind in the nation. A museum for kids and the art from books they love.
It's the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts. And we visited Eric Carle at the opening where he was surrounded by friends and kids, other authors and one very hungry caterpillar. .
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(SINGING)
ERIC CARLE, AUTHOR: I'm Eric Carle. My best known book is "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."
This museum is the house that the very hungry caterpillar built.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Should I do this one?
CARLE: OK, this is it.
The children's book world has never had a home.
This beautiful people could be the sanctuary, if you will, of children's book, since we have a home.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Out of the egg came a tiny and very hungry caterpillar.
CARLE: There's good children's book and there's bad children's book art. It''s all. But we here at this art willattract and show the best in the field.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: On Monday he ate through one apple.
CARLE: But it's not only art, art, art. It's for kids.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: But he was still hungry.
UNIDENITIFED FEMALE: This museum is bringing the art and illustration of children's materials to the public. And it brings children into a world that's their own.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: One slice of swiss cheese, one slice of salami. And he wasn't a little caterpillar anymore.
CARLE: My favorite (AUDIO GAP) things to make pictures. It's as simple as that.
(MUSIC)
Bill Martin Jr. asked me to illustrate his "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" book and that book turned my life around.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The bear!
CARLE: Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see? I see a red bird looking at me.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALER: And red bird, red bird, what do you see? I see a goldfish looking at me.
CARLE: It is the heartbeat. There's nothing more basic than the heart beat in all of us.
Well, here's the caterpillar. With a holeppuncher I punched holes into a stack of paper and I looked at the holes and I said, Bookworm. That was the first idea.
I had an Uncle Walter. He was a baker and I wrote a book called "Walter the Baker." I made his wife into Eva because my grandmother Ana told me this story how the pretzel was invented. So my storteller -- my stories come from oral history within the family, really.
When the kids come to this museum I would like to think they just have a terrific time. It should be just a terrific time. It should be a level of going to Coney Island or a circus.
They're our young. They're our jewels. They're our, you know, a tremendous responsibility to us.
(MUSIC)
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Well, before we say good night, here's Bill Hemmer with a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Anderson, thank you very much.
Tomorrow morning, a Thanksgiving Day edition of "AMERICAN MORNING." It is Day Two for the U.N. inspectors back on the ground in Iraq and Nic Robertson, who is right there on the scene, a rather chaotic scene at times too of Day One of the inspectors work east of Baghdad. Tomorrow, Nic will tell us what Day Two brings. Hope you will join us then: 7:00 a.m. Eastern tomorrow morning.
Anderson. back to you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COOPER: Well thanks, Bill.
That's it for NEWSNIGHT tonight.
Tomorrow, some of our favorite stories and people from the past year. Have a great Thanksgiving. Good night.
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