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Don Lemon Tonight

Biden Addresses Nation One Year After Start Of Pandemic; Moving To Reopen Schools; Republicans Fan Culture Wars As President Biden Signs Popular COVID Relief Bill Into Law; Tucker Carlson Slammed By Pentagon For Mocking Pregnant Troops; Prince William, Royals Are Very Much Not A Racist Family; Austin Mayor, The Single Most Important Thing We Can Be All Doing At This Point Is Wearing Masks; Interview With Mayor Steve Adler (D-TX), Austin; Remembering Francesca Beans Kaczynski. Aired 11p-12a ET

Aired March 11, 2021 - 23:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[23:00:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

DON LEMON, CNN HOST: President Biden addressing the nation tonight, marking one year of COVID, saying the virus has exacted a terrible toll on all Americans but offering messages of hope.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOE BIDEN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Tonight, I'm announcing that I will direct all states, tribes and territories to make all adults, people 18 and over, eligible to be vaccinated no later than May 1.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: The president saying he will not relent until we beat COVID-19. He's ramping up a massive nationwide effort to re-open schools safely and saying he's hopeful that if Americans pull together and get vaccinated, we can gather in small groups with family and friends to celebrate the 4th of July this year.

Joining me now to discuss, CNN White House correspondent John Hardwood and Dr. Jonathan Reiner. Dr. Reiner is the Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Program at George Washington University Hospital. Gentlemen, good evening to you.

John Harwood, I'm going to start with you. President Biden is making promises everyone is going to be eligible for a vaccine by May 1st. A barbecue with the family, friends on the 4th of July. He's setting high expectations. Now he's going to have to meet those expectations.

JOHN HARWOOD, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: He is, Don, but he's trying to lean on his partners to do that. He's leaning on science to continue the incredible work of these vaccines and count on public health experts to track the variants and stay on top of those. He's counting on American business to sustain the ramp-up in manufacturing that he's encouraged by the defense production act. He's cited -- singled out for praise of Merck, which was partnered

with its competitor Johnson and Johnson to try to ramp up the dosage of that newly approved vaccine. He's leaning on his partners in state and local government who he is now backing with a rushing river of money coming at them in this COVID relief package that he signed into law.

And he's also counting on the American people to join him in this effort and he's trying to unify them in a uniquely Joe Biden, like he did in this speech tonight, calling on their common experiences, their desire to get back to normal for weddings, and the proms, and the dates, and the fourth of July gatherings, urging them to hang in with things like masks, which are unpopular in parts of the country.

He talked about things that divide us like wearing masks, but he did not call out Governors who are resisting him and lifting mask mandates. He did not call out President Trump by name, although he alluded to the state of the vaccine rollout that he inherited. He did his best while urging the American people to stick with it a while longer to unplug the electricity from the ideological polarization in the country. We'll see how successful he can be with it.

LEMON: Doctor, do you think May 1st, July 4th, are those realistic goals?

JONATHAN REINER, CNN MEDICAL ANALYST: Yeah. I mean, I think first of all I have been saying now for a few weeks that we need to open up vaccination to younger people. Look, there are two goals of vaccinating the public. One obviously is to reduce death, and these vaccines are very effective at doing that, and we have vaccinated now a large proportion of the country at greatest risk of death.

So, in the United States about 72 percent of people over the age of 75 have been vaccinated, 63 percent of people over the age of 65. So really getting vaccine to the people at highest risk. The other goal of vaccination is to reduce transmission. And we now know from some pretty good studies that much of that transmission of this virus in this country is powered by young people, people aged 20 to 49.

[23:05:00]

More than two-thirds of the case are being transmitted by young people. So the way to put that down is to vaccinate young people, and we have the vaccine to do that. We have 33 million doses of vaccine that have been distributed to the states but not yet administered. So, I think it's a great idea now to move towards vaccinating young people, and that will help to drive transmission down.

In terms of July 4th, look, if July Fourth comes around and your family has been vaccinated and your neighbors down the street have been vaccinated, yeah, you can absolutely get together for a barbecue, getting shots in the arms, not just the ticket to vaccination.

It's the ticket to getting people back in offices, to getting movie theaters open, to getting ballparks filled to getting people on airplanes, getting shots in the arms. And this administration gets it. Sometime tomorrow, the 100 million shot is going into an arm. That's an immense achievement. That's a real big deal. We're not there yet, but we're really on the way.

LEMON: Let me ask you then, something that pertains to that. Because the president also said that dentists, vets -- and vets will soon be giving vaccinations? That certainly should help speed things up, right?

REINER: Yeah. Look. It will be great to get to the point where you don't even need an appointment that you can walk into a place and get vaccinated. The more places, the more venues that can give the shot, the more opportunity there is to get shot in the arms. Look, we're averaging now somewhere around 2.5 million shots a day.

We can get to 3 million shots per day and then we'll have herd immunity in this country right around the 4th of July. And now think about what happens in the fall. In the fall, schools open and our colleges open. It's an entirely new world for us. It's an imperative to get the shots in arms and it's happening now.

LEMON: Party, Party, Party. I'm here for all of it. I was going to say, I'm not even going to lie and sit here and pretend to be the new anchorman. I can't wait for that moment to happen where I can go to a Christmas Party or a barbecue or just like hang out and not have to worry about not getting close to someone, if I'm going to get COVID. You know, I can't wait for it. I'm here for all of it. Thank you both. I appreciate it.

I want to turn now and bring in now CNN political commentators, former Democratic Congressman, Joe Kennedy and also Amanda Carpenter. Good evening to both of you. Amanda, hello. Representative Kennedy, can you hear me? I don't think Representative Kennedy can hear us. Or he's frozen. I'm not sure. But any way, hello, Amanda.

AMANDA CARPENTER, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: Hey.

LEMON: President Biden spoke out against the recent rise in hate crimes against Americans tonight. I want to you listen to this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BIDEN: I will not relent until we beat these fires. But I need you, the American people. I need you. I need every American to do their part. And that's not hyperbole. I need you.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: Well, that was his call to action, Amanda. So, why don't we start there, and then we'll talk about Asian Americans. So, that was the president's call to action tonight. After a year of suffering through a pandemic, is that the kind of message Americans need, Amanda?

CARPENTER: Yeah, he gave a great speech. And I feel like a lot of the reaction has to do with how he positions against President Trump. You know, people always talk about the feelings, the relief they have hearing Biden, but what he's doing now soars above that. This would be difficult for any president to navigate. He is steering a country out of a pandemic, let alone grappling with everything in the aftermath of Donald Trump.

He is doing a great job not only delivering on the plan -- what did the previous guest say? 100 million doses have been out? That is incredible. And he's also being careful, managing expectations so that people can get back to normal in a steady way. And so, it is really artful the way that he tries to bring everybody in.

He doesn't stand up there and say, this is me giving it to you. He's always asking for help and bringing people in. Man, the innovative solutions are coming up with, with the veterans and the dentists -- I mean, that wasn't even on the deck. And of course, that's a great idea. Do that. And so, this is really masterful what he's pulling off. I mean, he hasn't done it yet. We are not back to normal yet, but everyone can see how we can get there together, and man, that's a great thing.

LEMON: Yes. Representative Kennedy, I just want to play this. I mentioned to it Amanda earlier, but now, I want you to hear the soundbite. This is the president speaking out about the rise in hate crimes among -- against Asian-Americans. Here it is.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BIDEN: Too often we've turned against one another, a mask, the easiest thing to do to save lives. Sometimes it divides us. States pitted against one another instead of working with each other. Vicious hate crimes against Asian-Americans who have been attacked, harassed, blamed and scapegoated.

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At this very moment, so many of them, our fellow Americans, they're on the front lines of this pandemic trying to save lives. And still -- still they're forced to live in fear for their lives just walking down streets in America. It's wrong. It's un-American, and it must stop.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: You know, Representative that is a far cry from the previous administration. How important is that message?

JOE KENNEDY, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: Critical. And Don, you heard what Amanda said about the whole tone and tenor of the speech trying to pull the country together, but also reorient just the base level of decency. He's -- (inaudible) articulated with so many here, plus believe our country can be and should be (inaudible) once again, but highlighting it, calling it out, and saying, this is not OK is a huge step forward, because it makes sure that reinforces to everybody? Some level of decency and dignity and respect is in our country, and that's been missing for a while.

LEMON: Amanda, tomorrow, the president and the Vice President, Vice President Kamala Harris are speaking in the Rose Garden about COVID relief bill. Only Democrats are on the guest list. Are Republicans going look back on this relief bill and see how they got rolled?

CARPENTER: You know what? I think they're still sort of figuring that out. Republicans are trying to figure out what they're going to be for. And you know, amid the culture wars and them taking a backseat on the COVID debate, it seems the only real policy that animates Republicans is voter restrictions.

That's the only thing that's moving in the states. That's the only thing that they can focus on when it comes to legislation. And so, you know, I don't think them missing the press conference is going to matter. The only thing that matters for politics going into 2022 and 2024 is, did Joe Biden get us out of this pandemic? And you know, everything after that, you know, is just details.

LEMON: Sorry about to Representative, sorry about the technical issues but we're out of time. We'll get you back soon. Thank you both. I appreciate it.

KENNEDY: OK.

LEMON: President Biden focusing on COVID relief for America while in the GOP, the alternate universe in the GOP, its all Dr. Seuss, Mr. Potato Head and cancel culture. Is it all about 2022 though?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BIDEN: National unity isn't just how politics and politicians vote in Washington, what the loudest voices say on cable or online. Unity is what we do together as fellow Americans.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[23:15:00]

LEMON: President Biden kicking off his sales pitch for his COVID relief package with his address at the White House tonight. But the next battle will be over voter suppression and it could determine the future of our democracy. Believe me when I tell you that the assault on voting rights is well under way.

So, joining me now, CNN political commentator and former Democratic Senator Doug Jones and CNN political analyst Astead Herndon. Gentleman, hello. Senator, I'm going to start with you. The Democrats have a spotlight. Pass this massive bill. But there is a massive GOP operation going on nationwide to try to ensure Democrats can't win future elections. And I'm talking about voter suppression. Is the Democratic Party and the White House ready for this fight?

DOUG JONES, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: I think they're getting ready for it. Look, you have to put first things first. And Joe Biden ran on getting us out of this pandemic. He ran on the promises that are in this package. He has to put first things first. You have to get past impeachment. You have to get past this COVID package. And now they are going to turn their attention to -- not only voter suppression and HR1, but immigration bills.

You know, trying to raise the minimum wage. There's a lot that's going to be on the administration's plate and Democrats in Congress. And it's going to be a tough road for sure. But I think they are -- they are going to be ready for it, they are going to also -- already start reaching out to folks to try to see if they can get some things done by you know, bipartisanship and working together instead of just having to do what they did this time with no Republican help, whatsoever.

LEMON: Astead, I want to ask you about something that you tweeted today. You said that these issues, Republicans are focusing on, voter suppression, cancel cultures, Dr. Seuss, Mr. Potato Head, (inaudible) aren't all separate issues, right? They are part of one master plan. What's the plan?

ASTEAD HERNDON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: It is a large scale, long-term efforts to think only about who has political and cultural power in this country. You know, it can seem as if Republicans are kind of missing the point when them talking about Mr. Potato Head or Dr. Seuss in the moment of this COVID relief battle.

But this is basically a party that has decided that the only thing that motivates its base is the question of who kind of holds the culture and political power in this country. And they're thinking that in the long-term. So, that I think relates to the voting rights and restrictions. . That relates to who gets a say on what is canceled or not canceled.

And that is basically a kind of pitch to the base by saying the power that you have had both as largely white, conservative, rural voters, but also as kind of people in this country to determine what is popular or not popular is slipping away, and that is something to be very motivated by politically. And that's a party that has basically made that calculation, over caring about policy.

LEMON: Well, I just want, listen, I was having a conversation just moments ago with someone and we were talking about this voter suppression efforts, Senator, and wondering if it's too late. You have, what, 253, you know, bills trying to be passed around -- you know, on the table or at the verge of being passed around the country.

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If the end goal here is massive voter suppression, which it clearly is, how then had Democrats stop them? Because they don't have to votes to pass the sweeping voting rights act in the Senate without killing the filibuster.

JONES: Well, I think you're going to have to take a look at that filibuster. You know, I have been one to be hesitant about this, but sometimes circumstances can overcome the institution of the Senate and institution of the Congress. And that may be happening. I think to some extent now, what the Republicans are doing across this country are overplaying their hand. They obviously are in a panic. Their party is splintering between the

pro-Trump factions, the anti-Trump faction and they're splintering. And so they are in a panic. If they're not going to be able to win these races in this key states, in these battleground states, so they're doing the only thing that they know how to do best, and that is try to pass these laws to try to keep people from voting.

I think Democrats can be up for it. But you are going to have to look at -- I think they are going to have to look at how the best to do that. And I think folks are going to take a serious look at the urgency of what is happening across this country, may demand that there's going to be a re-look at the filibuster. And to come up with some way to get this passed. Republicans are bringing this on themselves right now, and that's the way Democrats are going to have to look at this, I believe.

LEMON: Astead, do you think Democrats are coming to recognize this as at the existential threat that it is to their future, because without expanded voting rights in Georgia, there will be no Democratic Senate, no COVID relief and I'm just wondering, are they willing to act now?

HERNDON: I think that is a key question. I mean, it is unclear how much the kind of Democratic apparatus is willing to see and meet Republicans on their terms on this front, and not only is this happening now or in the last presidential election. This is something Republicans have been laser focused on for the last 10, 15 years.

You basically have a Democratic Party that is catching up with where Republicans are on that particularly on this kind of state legislature front. Democrats have to motivate their base around this. They need to do better in down ballot races in some tough states like Alabama. But there is also kind of a larger question -- is Biden willing to part what kind of Senate traditions are?

Some Democrats, willing to do that to be able to pass HR1. That is a baseline, I think to kind of recognizing the kind of clear eyed nature of the importance of this fight. If he decides that you know, the kind of themes of bipartisanship or unity are more important than that, that is going to be a priority that the White House will have to explain to not only progressives, but really members of the base who know this is what Republicans are motivated by.

LEMON: Thank you both. I'll see you soon.

Pentagon smack down. Tucker Carlson hearing from the highest levels after making misogynistic comments about women in the military.

Plus, Prince William is outright asked if the royal family is racist. You're going hear from him.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[23:25:00]

LEMON: So, the Pentagon in some of the most senior members of the military are slamming a Fox host tonight for saying pregnant women serving in the armed forces are a mockery of the U.S. military. Here's exactly what Tucker Carlson said.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TUCKER CARLSON, FOX NEWS HOST: So, we've got new hairstyles and maternity flights gets, pregnant women are going to fight our wars. It's a mockery of the U.S. military. Well China's military becomes more masculine as it assembles the world's largest navy. Our military needs to become as Joe Biden as more feminine, whatever feminine means anymore, since many women no longer exist. The bottom line is it's out of control and the Pentagon is going along with this. Again, this is a mockery of the U.S. military and its core mission which is winning wars.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: I wonder if he does that just for attention, but a mockery. He's never served in the military. He's insulting women who do served in the military. So, joining me now, one of the incredible women who put her life at risk to protect this country. And that is Major M.J. Hegar, thank you so much major, I really appreciate you joining us this evening. And thank you for your service. So, you're a woman and a veteran, what was going through your mind when you heard those comments?

M.J. HEGAR, COMBAT VETERAN: Yes, it's difficult. A couple things went through my mind, one clearly, he's never served. You know, I was involved with the fight to open ground combat jobs to women. And we found a lot of times and in my own combat experience I found that the people who are the loudest against it, were the people who have never served in combat. I would say that those who have experience you know, with the bullets flying, and really in the mix don't care what color you are, what gender you are, who you love, what your politics are.

Competence is everything, can this person cover my six, that's all we care about. So, you find like the real operators, not weighing in and saying these types of things. But the wannabees are the people who are insecure, really what's going on here is people like Tucker Carlson see a pregnant woman warrior, who by the way we don't send you know, eight, nine months pregnant women into combat anyway. The flight suits are because people are serving in a job and the flight suit is an indicator of that job.

It's also something that you earned through going through pilot training and that type of thing.

But what we find is, these people who see these women doing these jobs and are threatened by it, saying oh I couldn't do that, they feel the need to hold this down and try to pull us down. But luckily, we have so many women, men and women, but we do have women serving bravely on the front lines, and in support roles, keeping us safe. And I sleep better at night, knowing that. And I think if Tucker Carlson had so much admiration for the Chinese military, you know, his journalism style is a little bit better suited to that type of regime. Anyway so, maybe he should pack up.

[23:30:23] LEMON: yes, and you have a lot of -- civilian men and women who

support you as well. We just want you to know that. So, listen, he offered no apology tonight, Major, and said he is accusing the Pentagon of a P.R. offensive against him when the reality is he was called out for his sexist remarks by soldiers in top brass. Now he is playing the victim.

HEGAR: Yeah, it's funny, right? The cancel culture is always bad until they do it to us, right? The hypocrisy is pretty blatant, I think. You know, something that's extraordinary to me and is actually really inspiring to me is its pretty rare for top brass to make their opinions vocal.

A lot of times, you know, in the military we're raised to believe that you know, either you don't have opinions, or you keep them to yourself, you certainly don't get involved in anything that looks political. So, I'm very heartened. I don't think that this was spontaneous, you know, support from senior leaders.

I think it was an organized -- you know, people got to OK to go ahead and make their voices heard. I mean that says something to me about the future of our military, the direction we're going, the fact that we're taking things serious.

We have a serious culture problem in the military where we have -- you know, like right in my backyard, Vanessa Guillen. We have sexual harassment, sexual assault and we're not going to fix those things until the top brass are freed up to express these types of opinion and show support and really draw a line in the sand and let's make no mistake, these are the values of our military.

We value a strong military. It is a military effectiveness issue to be able to employ all assets in the best way that we can and not hold people back based on antiquated ideas of who is fit to serve.

LEMON: You know, women used to have to leave the military when they became pregnant. Explain why maternity uniforms are flight suits. You said, they are important because it represents the job you're doing but explain to us why they're so important.

HEGAR: Yes. You know, what, I also find hypocritical is that women used to be criticized for leaving the military when they got pregnant. They used to be forced to and then they were given the option to get out while they are pregnant, which some women got criticized for. Now it seems we are getting criticized for staying in, it blows my mind.

I think of women, you know, I'm a mom, but I didn't have kids before I was deployed. I did fly with a woman who had twins and was pumping milk on TV wise and deployments and in between flights and she was just so strong and so incredible. And that's what I think of.

These uniforms is important, because if we only have a set of like fatigues or BDUs, the camouflage looking uniform which is what we used to have for maternity, when you're a pilot or other jobs that wear flight suits, you know, like (inaudible) and things like that. The flight suit is a symbol of what you've accomplished. That you're given the flight suit when you, you know, get your wings and that type of thing.

So to put us in a different uniform when we're pregnant kind of signifies that we're getting taken out of the team. So, I think it's great that they have maternity flight suits. It's not because women are flying, you know, at that size -- that stage in pregnancy and it's not because we're jumping into trenches and Fox holes.

It's because we are still valid, valued members of the team, and it takes all of us putting an oar in water and pulling in the same direction to win a war, but people like Tucker Carlson would never understand what it takes to accomplish a mission like that.

LEMON: Major Hegar, again, thank you so much for your service. We appreciate you appearing here on the program this evening.

HEGAR: Thanks for having me.

LEMON: And I can see, someone in your house is a huge Star Wars fan, and I'm here for that as well.

HEGAR: Yeah, my kids.

LEMON: Thank you so much.

Prince William's responding to Harry and Meghan's interview for the first time. We're going to discuss his reaction. Here it is.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNKNOWN: Is the royal family a racist family, sir?

PRINCE WILLIAM, DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE: We're very much not a racist family.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

[23:35:00]

LEMON: So, Britain's Prince William, who is a second in line to the throne forcefully pushing back today against allegations by his brother Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that there's racism in the royal family and admitting to brothers haven't spoken this week.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNKNOWN: Sir, have you spoken to your brother since the interview?

WILLIAM: I haven't spoken to him yet, but I will do.

UNKNOWN: And can you just let me know, is the royal family a racist family, sir?

WILLIAM: We are very much not a racist family.

(END VIDEO CLIP) LEMON: A lot to discuss now. Kelechi Okafor is here, an actress and a

writer and a director as well, Kelechi thank you so much for joining us. What's your reaction to Prince William today? What did you think about his response?

KELECHI OKAFOR, AN ACTRESS, WRITER AND A DIRECTOR: I think his response was to be expected. (Inaudible), expected to say, yes, guys, yes, but the entire family's racist, yes. Of course, he wouldn't say such a thing because that would be detrimental to the monarchy, and detrimental to the fabric of Britain.

[23:40:00]

LEMON: When you look at what his brother Prince Harry said in the interview and his ability to recognize racism and learn from it, doesn't that show the importance of having people of color close to you, learning to walk in their shoes?

OKAFOR: Definitely. I think that having, you know, people of color in close proximity to you does help with your learning. However, that possibility does come at a cost, like the emotional labor, the physical labor of being there while somebody unlearns their -- the violence, you know, that inherent and how they being racialized. I think that's something that we need to remember.

Every time we have these discussions about racism, we get the black people, people of color together and we say, OK, explain to us, is racism real? And you know, have you ever been affected by racism? And we have to think about the toll that that takes as well. Racism hasn't gone away since the last time that you asked.

LEMON: So, tell me if I'm wrong, but there's something I noticed. When we saw Prince Charles yesterday, he had a number of black people. I think it was maybe one or two black people with him. And then we see Prince William today and there's a black lady with him. Is that normal?

OKAFOR: Not that I know of. I'm as stunned and amused as everybody is that's looking on. You know, I think that goes to show the desperation of the royal family at the moment. But let's just grab some black people, any black people, and just get them in a shop with us just to show that you know, we are not racist.

I think it's interesting that Prince Charles went to a church, went to a black church, quote and quote. And I think that was meant to help pass (inaudible) to be more kind of endearment towards him. But actually what it made me think about when it comes to the monarchy and when it comes to Christianity and the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism, what door, what device, what vehicle was used for all of this to happen?

Was it not Christianity? So the fact that he would go a church, to kind of appease the black church as in were in the U.K. or around the world was not well thought out by the P.R. team, because people like myself, I could make those (inaudible) and prove that hey, we haven't moved so much further from the draconian mindset that the monarchy is (inaudible), you know, he possesses.

LEMON: Yes. You wrote a piece in the U.K. publication Grazia called, why are people still denying the epidemic racism -- excuse me-- the endemic racism in the U.K.? And you write about Meghan's experience. And here's what you say, you said, Meghan had not been subjected to the full manifestations of the insidious racism that is synonymous with Britain and it was still too much.

Meghan was able to choose an option which could preserve -- excuse me, her sense of piece, but what about the women who are darker than Meghan and aren't afforded the same socioeconomic privileges? That's a very interesting statement there. Something that we have heard from those attacking Meghan is, oh, she's rich, she's famous, how bad could it possibly be for her? Even if that were true, what about those that don't have the resources like she does?

OKAFOR: Exactly. I think that when we focus on what's been happening to Meghan and through the British press and with the royal family, what we're seeing here is that even as some of you, that some would say, you know, (inaudible) and you know, that it would less likely to hear this (inaudible) and even though they are that much, you know, in terms of lightness, they're very light.

Yet the British public was so focused on the fact that he has a black mother that they were so able to say no, no, we don't like this, and we're going to do everything that we can to assert the stereotypes about blackness on to her.

So, then we consider the everyday black women like myself, that I don't have the access to the kind of socioeconomic spacious that Meghan has access to. I just have the installation as it well over (inaudible) and things like that. Yet, we are subjected to a different type of racism in terms of the magnitude of it.

It permeates every aspect of our lives. If you look at health care, black women are five times more likely, well, four times more likely now to die during childbirth in comparison to white women in the U.K. It used to be five times and it's gone down to four times.

Some people think that we should be celebrating this. But why are we dying? This was unfortunate in comparison to white women. When we look at the stop and search rate with the police, black people are disproportionately searched more, and excessive force is usually used on black people.

We found out today, actually, that -- well, yesterday now that the -- the mugshots that police used, there's' been an investigation, Don, that on the mugshot that police used is usually black people, when actually it's white people (inaudible) more when you think about the population of Brexit.

[23:45:06]

So, the narrative that's being pushed about blackness is one of criminality, it's one of vilification, aggression. All of those things. So, I just think that Meghan didn't even -- she didn't even experience that and she wow, I am gone.

LEMON: Yeah, even at -- yeah. Thank you, Kelechi, we're out of time. Thank you so much. You be well.

Texas is suing their own state Capitol over its mask mandate. The mayor responds next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[23:45:00]

LEMON: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing the mayor of Austin for defying Governor Greg Abbott's decision to lift the state's mask mandate. Despite high daily case counts, 3,000 today alone. Abbott lifting all restrictions on businesses and dropping the state's masking requirements yesterday.

Austin Mayor Steve Adler says that his decision-making process is going to continue to be driven by the data and by the doctors and Mayor Adler joins me now. Mayor, thank you. This is very serious what's going on there. We appreciate you joining us. You, a county judge, and Austin's Medical Director are now being sued for trying to keep the mask mandate. What do you think Austin needs? Why do you think Austin needs those rules in place?

MAYOR STEVE ADLER (D-TX), AUSTIN: I think because as you said, the doctors and the data tell us that that's true. In fact, it appears to be the single most important thing we can do if what our real goal is to have more students in person in our schools, to have businesses that can better open without a threat of having to pull back and to protect essential workers.

Nothing more important than that. It is absolutely the wrong time to be confusing the message to the public about mask wearing. I think people are hearing what the Governor is doing is a suggestion that masks aren't important or that they don't work or that we're past the crisis and we don't have to worry anymore.

Absolutely the wrong messages. We promised our community at the beginning that we would follow the doctors and the data. That's all we're trying to do. We're trying to let the rules of our health authority govern, and we think the law allows for that.

LEMON: Right now, the numbers in Texas aren't great, OK. I got to be honest. The test positivity rate in Texas is over 7 percent. That indicates a good deal of community spread. Are you afraid that these case counts will skyrocket, especially with the variants out there?

ADLER: I think that is the concern. The numbers have gone down pretty significantly from where they were. And I think that leads to general feeling of optimism. And I think we should, but it's not optimism that we're done. It's optimism that we're moving in the right direction.

We seem to be plateauing out here in Austin with the numbers, but, yes, to remove the mask mandate two days before spring break in Austin, Texas with the University of Texas, to be moving away from the mask mandate when we have variants that are coming into our area and in our state in increasing numbers, we are so close.

If we can get the community to hold on for just a little while longer, we can get the positivity where it needs to be. We can get vaccinations in more people. You know, Texas right now, what we have 8 percent or 9 percent of people, and that's all in the state that have been fully vaccinated at this point. We have work to do. And while we're doing that work, we should be wearing masks.

LEMON: At what point would you be comfortable loosening restrictions? What criteria are you looking for to do that?

ADLER: Well, we set up very early in the process a color-coded risk chart that tied different behaviors that we would be appropriate for us to do based on the number of admissions coming into our hospitals. That number has been dropping. I would anticipate that by the end of this week, our health authority moves us, us to our next measured place with respect to returning to normalcy.

But it's taking steps. It's taking measured steps that are associated with what we're seeing the numbers do. It's not an on/off switch. And that's what we feel that the Governor did. So, I would anticipate that this weekend even we could be moving up from 25 percent to 50 percent occupancy to 50 percent to 75 percent occupancy, depending on the location. But that kind of measured step is what we need to be doing.

LEMON: Mayor, thank you so much. I appreciate it. Keep us updated.

ADLER: Take care.

LEMON: Thank you.

And so before we leave you tonight, I just want the take a moment to remember a very brave little girl, or what would -- on what would have been her first birthday. Francesca Kaczynski, lovingly called Beans, was the daughter of our CNN colleague Andrew Kaczynski and his wife Rachel Anson.

Now, Francesca died of a rare form of brain cancer on Christmas Eve and she was just nine months old. In her memory, you can buy a beanie, a beanie like this one. It's really great. It's like this one. It's got the hash tag team Beans on it.

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All the proceeds will go to fund research at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute where Beans was treated, and you can purchase the beanie at teambeans.shop. Teambeans.shop. Make sure I get it in there, it's really great. So tonight, and forever, we remember Beans.

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ANDERSON COOPER, CNN HOST: Good evening. President Biden tonight gave his first prime time address the nation committed his administration to a big goal, making COVID vaccinations available to all adults by the 1st of May.