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Paul Newman Dead at 83; Congress Still Working on Bailout; Last Night's Presidential Debate: Who Really Won; View from Oxford, Mississippi
Aired September 27, 2008 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: We have some sad breaking news to tell you about this morning. CNN has just confirmed that Oscar-winning actor Paul Newman has died. We understand from his spokesperson that he died last night of cancer.
We have so much more now on the life of Paul Newman.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
PAUL NEWMAN, ACTOR: Why have I been arrested and then dressed like this?
BROOKE ANDERSON, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Paul Newman's debut film, "The Silver Chalice" was so bad he bought an ad in the newspaper to apologize to audiences. But it wasn't long before the method-trained actor redeemed himself in 50 spare like "Somebody Up There Likes Me" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" with Elizabeth Taylor.
NEWMAN: You got a thin skin is what you got.
ANDERSON: Newman's most significant leading lady, however, proved to be Joanne Woodward, who starred with him in films like "The Long Hot Summer" and "Paris Blues." She became his second wife in 1958 and their union proved to be a rarity in Hollywood. It lasted not just years but decades.
In 1961, Newman scored a hit as fast Eddie Felson, the pool hall hero of "The Hustler." When he updated the role 25 years later in "The Color of Money," it earned him a long-awaited Best Actor Oscar.
In the '60s, Newman reflected the times playing rebels like Hud and "Cool Hand Luke."
NEWMAN: What we've got here is failure to communicate.
ANDERSON: In 1969 came "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," the first of his two pairings with fellow superstar, Robert Redford.
ROBERT REDFORD, ACTOR: You're scared of him.
NEWMAN: Right down to my socks, buster.
ANDERSON: The rambunctious Henry Gondorff in the conmen comedy "The Sting" followed as did some of the darker more nuanced films of his later years such as "The Verdict and "Road to Perdition."
NEWMAN: Who's got a hunt for a lonely old man?
ANDERSON: Although he starred in more than 50 films, his real passions were Joanne, race car driving, and his food company, Newman's Own. His salad dressings, spaghetti sauces and a host of other grocery store staples raised millions for worthy causes, including the Hole in the Wall summer camps for terminally ill children and the Scott Newman Center named for his son, Scott, who died of an overdose at age 28.
NEWMAN: Boy, I got vision and the rest of the world wears bifocals.
ANDERSON: An actor's actor, a devoted husband, a creative philanthropist -- Paul Newman was that rarest of things. A Hollywood star you could look up to on screen and off.
Brooke Anderson, CNN, Los Angeles.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: And again, Paul Newman dead today at the age of 83. We understand from a spokesperson that he died last night of cancer. We hope to be speaking with that person very shortly. Also, looking to speak with friends, family, co-stars.
Again, Paul Newman in so many films, just really a legendary actor, 50 films. And something you may not even know, while he has won three Oscars, he was also nominated for an Emmy, a Tony, even a Grammy. So this is a man who definitely had a lot of impact in the world of entertainment. And we'll have much more on that right here on CNN.
But in the meantime, something that is definitely affecting you and your pocketbook, it's issue number one, that, of course, being the economy and the big bailout.
A group of key lawmakers meeting later this morning on a $700 billion plan. And our Kate Bolduan is live now on Capitol Hill with much more of this.
Kate, they worked until about what, 2:00 a.m. Eastern time this morning? Any more signs of progress on this plan?
KATE BOLDUAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, definitely I've seen -- I would say I've seen several lawmakers walking around today already. And every single person I've talked to said they are making progress.
And as you mentioned, Democratic and Republican aides worked late into the early morning and are back at the negotiating table working through the details of these various proposals to see where things stand. And we're told by a top Republican aide that they have whittled down the unresolved issues, the sticking points to about a dozen. And this will be where the key lawmakers pick up and focus their discussion once they sit down at the negotiating table. We're told it will be sometime this afternoon. And while there continues to be some disagreement and strong disagreement at times about the details of how this plan should work, specifically, in financing this bailout, Democrat and Republican lawmakers do agree that something needs to happen quickly. Listen here.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. JOHN BOEHNER (R), MINORITY LEADER: America is on the edge of an economic crisis. We believe that Congress needs to act and we need to act quickly. Thirdly, we need to act quickly and protect the American taxpayer first and foremost. That's what this fight has been about, trying to make sure that we do the right thing for our country while protecting people's taxes.
REP. NANCY PELOSI (D), HOUSE SPEAKER: We are engaged in negotiations now on a very important rescue package for our markets, but more importantly for our economy and for the American people. I believe that great progress is being made.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BOLDUAN: Now, this -- this situation has been fluid and has been really an ever changing story since we started covering it a little over a week ago now. But what we're told is that what lawmakers are pushing for, they're hoping for at least a handshake agreement, some kind of agreement on terms -- on very specific terms of this bill by the end of tomorrow and possibly a vote. But it is more likely that a vote would come next week but they seem to be really pushing forward at this point, Betty.
NGUYEN: Yes. They're pushing forward tomorrow because they want it hammered out before those Asian markets open. So we'll be watching closely for that. Thank you so much, Kate.
You know, America's money crisis has meant a tough time for a lot of people but it hasn't been felt, though, from everyone, all points here. So, is the alarm really justified because some people are saying, you know, it hasn't really hit me in the pocketbook just yet?
Well, CNN's senior correspondent Allan Chernoff joins us now from New York. And I have to ask you, why is there this extreme concern if, indeed, although I've seen it hit me in the pocketbook with gas and all that. To some folks, Allan, say, you know what? It's not that big of a deal.
ALLAN CHERNOFF, CNN SENIOR CORRESPONDENT: Right. I mean, the economy is not horrific right now, it's bad. But it could be much, much worse. I mean, there's still a debate among economists as to whether or not we're in a recession. So why is there a panic right now?
The reason is that the lending market is drying up and that could have very severe effects for the economy. Much, much worse than what we've seen thus far. What's happening now is that the cost of money is rising for everybody, for banks. Banks are charging each other more to borrow, also for corporations that go to a market called the commercial paper market where they get money to continue their overnight operations and their operations just for meeting payroll on things of that sort and, of course, for consumers.
So not only is the cost of money going up, but the availability of money is down. The credit market is much tighter, also for banks, companies, consumers. And lending credit -- that's really the grief that keeps the economy's wheels turning. So if all of a sudden credit dries up, we're talking about the potential here for the economy's wheels to grind to a halt.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD STRASZHEIM, VICE CHMN, ROTH CAPITAL PARTNERS: Last week, we saw, basically, a crisis of confidence in the entire financial sector, with no major lender willing to lend to any other major lender. So credit dried up. When something like that happens and the whole financial sector seizes up, the risk is that you and I go to the ATM machine at our local bank. And instead of getting our $100 out of the bank, it gives us a notice that says, temporarily unavailable.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHERNOFF: And that's what I would call a serious, serious recession. The Fed chairman and the treasury secretary see the potential of this sort of thing happening and that is why they are taking very, very serious action right now -- Betty.
NGUYEN: It seems awfully frightening when you look at it in those terms. OK. Thank you, Allan. We appreciate it.
You know, the supply of gasoline, as I talked to you about, is down to a trickle in the southeast. So, why are so many gasoline stations running on empty? A lot of people scratching their heads. A lot of people spending extra time and money to go and search for gasoline.
Well, we are going to take you on a little search for that gasoline and find out where it is and why it's so hard to find.
And a little bit later this afternoon, a special live edition of "YOUR MONEY" goes deep on the big bailout plan. Ali Velshi and Christine Romans break it down this afternoon at 1:00 Eastern.
But right now, this is the big day after the big debate. Talking about that presidential debate last night in Mississippi, the debate, T.J., that for a moment earlier this week, we didn't think would happen.
T.J. HOLMES, CNN ANCHOR: Yes. The lights coming up on us here on the campus of Ole Miss, and it could have been a dark, dark night last night if McCain had not shown up. This campus, the state really, had been really excited about this event, spent a lot of money as well getting ready for it. But it all worked out and they honored the RSVPs, and they both showed up last night for a debate on foreign policy. Kind of sort of. It was supposed to be. But, of course, it could not ignore the big issue on everyone's mind, the economy. It was top issue at last night's presidential debate.
You're looking at some of the video here coming out last night. First several minutes taken up by the crisis and I say several minutes, about 40 actually spent on that particular topic. They also touched on several other things. Health care, a bit, as well. Certainly, foreign policy. Take a listen now to some of what they said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Well, I want to make sure that we're not handing the health care system over to the federal government, which is basically what would ultimately happen with Senator Obama's health care plan. I want the families to make the decisions between themselves and their doctors, not the federal government.
Look, we have to obviously cut spending. I have fought to cut spending. Senator Obama has $800 billion in new spending programs. I would suggest he start by canceling some of those new spending programs that he has.
SEN. BARACK OBAMA (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: In order to make those tough decisions, we've got to know what our values are and who we're fighting for and what our priorities are. And if we are spending $300 billion on tax cuts for people who don't need them and weren't even asking for them, and we are leaving out health care, which is crushing on people all across the country, then I think we have made a bad decision, and I want to make sure we're not shortchanging our long-term priorities.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: So the question is always asked, who won? Can you really ever say who won these things? Well, let's take a look at our CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll of people who did watch that debate. Fifty-one percent believe that Obama actually won it. Thirty-eight percent actually say that McCain did a better job. As to who could handle the economy best, again, Obama out front with 58 percent, 37 percent say McCain.
CNN's Dana Bash, Suzanne Malveaux have been here with me all morning, been with the candidates for the past year, year and a half.
Oh, wow. You sound weary. I know you guys. That's it. Thirty- eight and you guys are off the hook.
Let's talk first. We heard the health care there a little bit, not much about what we talked in the debate last night. But still, you may know the points like you were just saying about how you get these two on stage and the differences are just stark. The contrasts are amazing, but that's an issue of big government versus little government. DANA BASH, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes. And that's the issue. That's the point that John McCain was hoping to make and obviously (INAUDIBLE). It's actually interesting. Health care is a huge, huge issue and we thought it was going to be the dominant issue at this election cycle (INAUDIBLE) kind of substance leaders (ph), which is the economy.
But with regard to their philosophical differences, there are a few things that really illustrate that more than health care. John McCain is saying, look, Barack Obama wants the government to run it. I want kind of the, you know, more of the private sector approach, free market.
Barack Obama is saying, wait a minute, you know, that doesn't work. We need to guarantee in some way that people get their health care. Can you think of a more stark difference between these two men that voters have to choose from in this particular issue?
HOLMES: And is Obama happy to make that contrast?
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, one of the things that keeps coming up is how is he going to afford to pay for all the government -- these programs he's talking about? And so, what you heard from Obama you heard from him last night is more of the specifics when he talks about the tax cuts for 95 percent of Americans.
If you make $250,000, that you are going to be a tax warrant and just taking those billions of dollars away that are being spent in the Iraq war and putting those in areas where he believes that will save some money, like the health care system, like the economy in general, the economic stimulus package. That's a question that keeps coming off is how is he going to afford to pay for all of this? And that is something that McCain really hits him hard on because you are talking about big government, little government and which is more effective. And they both say it's a philosophical difference.
BASH: You know what? There was something that was really telling with regards to that particular issue. Jim Lehrer kept trying to ask him, wait a minute, given the economic crisis, what are you going to do to change your plans?
HOLMES: What are you going to -- yes.
BASH: Well, finally, McCain said, I'm going to do a freeze on spending. I'm going to freeze government spending except for the military. Kind of a classic, what they call bold move and other people call an erratic move from John McCain.
Well, without missing a beat, Obama came right in there and said, wait a minute, you don't need a hatchet, you need a scalpel. You know, trying to play right into that point and to the kind of narrative that John McCain just kind of makes these decisions willy- nilly without thinking it through. And that, again, was a very, very stark illustration of their different styles. HOLMES: Where does Obama go from here? Do people in his camp think he has some momentum from this? Most people I talk to, even though we saw these polls, most gave a nod really to Obama.
A lot of people think, you know, I didn't hear anything new. I didn't -- nobody really had that one line, that zinger that everybody is going to be using the next morning. There was nothing like that. So, are we still right back where we were?
MALVEAUX: And it's interesting, too, because when we were watching the debate, and we've covered this for so long, it's like a lot of the lines we heard many, many times before.
HOLMES: I know you all have.
MALVEAUX: But we talked to some students here who said, you know, we follow politics but certainly not as close as you do. And we still felt like we heard this before.
BASH: Yes.
MALVEAUX: So there was nothing there really that stood out. The Obama camp feels like, look, he's going to go back to Washington obviously to deal with this, the bailout plan. But they want to take his message on the road. They feel like the more that he's directly involved with people in the key states, key battleground states, he's going to be in Virginia, Colorado, Michigan, North Carolina today. As a matter of fact, he's got to get himself out there, deal with real people, get that message across. And that's when he performs better.
I know a lot of people watching debates obviously. But that's when he has the ability to make those connections. And he still needs to make those connections specifically with the working class.
HOLMES: All right. We will leave it here for now. Suzanne Malveaux has been following Obama for quite some time. Dana Bash as well, been with McCain for quite some time.
Thank you all so much. Glad to have you all here with us, and we're going to do this one more time. Next time.
MALVEAUX: OK.
HOLMES: Don't go anywhere. Promise? All right. Thank you.
BASH: I have to talk to you. Don't worry.
HOLMES: OK. Thank you all. We are going to hear more on what the viewers thought about last night's debate as well.
CNN senior political analyst Bill Schneider, he is going to be along, have more details later this hour.
Also, you don't want to miss CNN contributor, Roland Martin. Tonight and tomorrow night 8:00 Eastern, he is going to be looking into what the candidates did not touch on during last night's big debate.
So, there you have it from here. Betty, I will hand it back over to you for what's really this sad breaking story this morning that Hollywood and the U.S. really has lost a legend.
NGUYEN: Absolutely. Legendary actor Paul Newman has died. We learned that he died last night of cancer at his home in Westport, Connecticut. 83 years old, the winner of three Oscars. But boy, has he left a mark on the entertainment world in 50 or so films.
Tom O'Neil is with us to talk about Paul Newman's life and legacy. He's the senior editor of "In Touch Weekly."
Tom, when we look at this legendary actor, this man, just the name alone, Paul Newman, people can think of so many movies and so many ways that he's affected their lives.
VOICE OF TOM O'NEIL, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": Yes, in fact that he's endured for so long which is what I think you were setting up there, Betty, is amazing. Most stars come and go. The average lifespan of a successful career for a movie star is seven years, studies say, and this man lasted almost seven decades. And I think one of the most interesting things about it is he could do the heartthrob action movies. He could do "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," and he could do the serious roles like Tennessee Williams' "Cat in a Hot Tin Roof."
NGUYEN: Yes. And he won his Oscar in 1987 for "The Color of Money." And then as you say, he was in those comedies, "The Sting" also the dramas such as "The Hud." I mean, it's so wide reaching.
Tom, he's not only into acting but a race car driver. He's got this Newman's Own line, which really has things such as pasta sauces, salad dressings. But that's really not the bulk of it. What that does is it really feeds into charity work, doesn't it?
O'NEIL: It does, and it has raised more than $100 million for charity. And he's always had, you know, a great sense of humor throughout his life. And once back in the 1990s, when he was on "The Tonight Show," for example, Newman's Own also makes dog food. And to demonstrate how tasty his dog food is, he ate it on "The Tonight Show."
NGUYEN: I remember that. Boy, I mean, what a character. And what I found so interesting, too, is, you know, we can talk about his films and his acting and, you know, we look at things like this, you think, wow, this man has really had quite a career. But some people may not know that he's been nominated for a Tony and a Grammy. I mean, he wasn't just on the silver screen.
O'NEIL: No, he wasn't. He crossed all those boundaries. But let's talk for a minute about his quest for the Oscar. It's one of the most interesting stories in Oscar history.
He didn't win until he was up for the seventh time, and he did not attend the ceremony that year. He had attended every single Oscar show before that. And finally, the "Associated Press" said, "But everybody knows you're going to win this time. Mr. Newman, you've got to go to the Oscars. Why aren't you going?" And his answer was, sometimes, you know, when you chase a pretty girl long enough and she keeps saying no, you get the hint. And he said, "Maybe if I stay home this time, I'll win." And sure enough, it happened.
NGUYEN: Oh, do you think he ever regretted not being there?
O'NEIL: I think so, of course. But also, he was the number one star at the box office for many years, like 1969, 1970. He was one of the most respected stars as an actor. Remember, because he was on Broadway, he met his wife, Joanne Woodward, of 50 years. Talk about enduring. That marriage is a model for a romantic star like him. And he met her while on Broadway doing picnic, to your point about the fact that he was nominated for Tonys and did stage work, et cetera. So here was a man who'd proven himself in every way for the Oscars to take so long to catch up with him I think, upset him.
NGUYEN: What do you know about -- I mean, you mentioned Joanne Woodward. But when it comes to his family, I mean, is this a guy who was really tight with not only his wife but his children?
O'NEIL: Well, his son is one of the great tragedies of his life. His son, Scott, died of a drug overdose back in 1978. It so moved Newman to do something that he has spent a lot of time being a spokesman for drug abuse.
NGUYEN: And he's got three others, Susan, another one called Nel and then Melissa. So, obviously, a sad day for the Newman family. But boy, this is a man who's got a legacy that lives on? What do you think people are going to remember him most for?
O'NEIL: I think he is going to be remembered most for being not such a great actor but a cool one. Let's look at the movie he starred in that was winner of Best Picture at the Oscars, "The Sting" with Robert Redford. That defines one of the great entertainments of the silver screen. It was also cool, and this guy was cool. He was --
NGUYEN: I mean, we're looking at video. He's a race car driver. How cool is that? I mean, you have a great career and then you want to get behind the wheel of a fast-moving car and put, you know, and put your life on the line. But this is a guy who, yes, you're right, really represented cool.
O'NEIL: Well, that really upset Joanne Woodward, too. She kept saying, "Would you please stop racing those cars. You are giving me a heart attack here."
These two loved each other. She couldn't imagine losing him to something reckless like a car thing, but he was really into it. He was always doing those amateur races and the pro-races. And he lived around the tracks.
NGUYEN: Oh, he was a man who definitely lived life to its fullest. Thanks so much for talking to us today. Tom O'Neil, senior director of "In Touch Weekly," as we remember the life and legacy of Paul Newman who died last night at his home in Connecticut. We understand that he died of cancer. And a sad day not only for the Newman family but so many fans out there who loved his work.
In fact, I understand that we are going to be speaking with our very own Larry King as he talks about his memories of Paul Newman. So stay tuned for that.
In the meantime, though, the debate drama made for a big week at Ole Miss. The vice chancellor is going to be up next.
Plus, a space walk for the ages. Wait until you hear this one.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: So much more to come right here on CNN. As we know there, the news of Paul Newman and then you have this, the unthinkable in Dallas. A father accused of throwing his two-month-old daughter into a ditch. We'll have the latest on that.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: We are going to get another view now of last night's presidential debate from Gloria Kellum. She's the vice chancellor of University Relations here at Ole Miss.
Good morning to you, ma'am. Thank you so much. And congratulations. We didn't know if it was going to happen. You all have been preparing for this for quite some time. It happened.
How did it go, not what happened on stage but everything surrounding it? How pleased are you all?
GLORIA KELLUM, UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI: Well, first, T.J., let me say, welcome to Oxford and Ole Miss. We're delighted you all are here.
It was a glorious evening in Oxford and at Ole Miss, and we're very proud that the American people had the opportunity to see the candidates for the presidency of the United States on our stage. And we're very, very pleased to have been a part of it.
HOLMES: You also wanted them to see something else, not just these candidates. You wanted them to see your school.
KELLUM: Absolutely, absolutely. And we were very proud. I think the people of Mississippi this morning can say, we are proud that the world has had an opportunity to see the new south, the new Ole Miss, and the new Mississippi. So I'm very, very, very pleased with the logistics of it. It took thousands of people to make this happen.
HOLMES: Yes. KELLUM: And to see our students yesterday, once in a lifetime experience for them, to be with the candidates, to be in that debate hall. If they weren't in the debate hall, they were watching it live on the stage in our grove and rocked the debate for our students. So it was a wonderful evening.
HOLMES: OK. The candidates did show up. McCain was the only one we were wondering if he was or wasn't. I know it was kind of crazy for a little while. Nobody really knew what was going to happen.
It's over now. It already happened. So you can speak to me quite frankly and bluntly. When you heard that McCain might not show up, you tell me, really, the true, honest emotion that you all felt and were going through to hear that answer? You all were giving us the right answers on camera, yes, we are going forward. You tell me honestly what you were feeling.
KELLUM: I'm an honest person.
HOLMES: All right.
KELLUM: I'll tell you honestly.
HOLMES: All right.
KELLUM: I actually learned it from the press, imagine that.
HOLMES: Yes.
KELLUM: And I was standing in the media filing center and I hear it on television and I look at the TV and I went, oh, that's interesting. That's crisis management number five on our list. So we were ready. We knew that this was one of those things that might happen. So, you are ready for that kind of thing.
HOLMES: Were you upset?
KELLUM: No. Actually, I was not upset.
HOLMES: OK.
KELLUM: And I'll tell you the reason. The Commission on Presidential Debates works very hard on these, and they had contracts with these candidates and the political parties.
HOLMES: OK.
KELLUM: And so, did I take a pause? Absolutely.
HOLMES: OK.
KELLUM: Did I take a deep breath? Absolutely. But we were really confident that the candidates were coming because of...
HOLMES: And they did. KELLUM: ... the contract and the way the commission handles it.
HOLMES: All right. Well, Gloria Kellum, we've been talking to her for several days now, and I should say, she's an honest person. And I know you're going to give to us straight. Yes?
KELLUM: I want to say one more thing.
HOLMES: All right.
KELLUM: Thank you to the press for bringing the American people this message about our candidates and about this election process.
HOLMES: We will.
KELLUM: And to the hundreds of people at this university, the University of Mississippi who really made this happen. And we are proud. And we thank you.
HOLMES: Well, you all put on a great show here and it's a great event. Everything surrounding it that a lot of people didn't see. They just saw the debate. But no need to thank us, we are doing our jobs here.
But thank you all for having us. You have been great to us and as a Razorback, it's still nice to know that southern hospitality comes through. And you're all still treating me all right.
KELLUM: Well, come on back any time. OK?
HOLMES: Gloria Kellum, thank you so much again...
KELLUM: Thank you.
HOLMES: ... vice chancellor of University Relations. But everything, Betty, it just went off without a hitch here. They're happy to have done what they did and very proud that they can showcase their school and the state.
NGUYEN: No doubt. And you just had to get that razorback thing in, didn't you?
HOLMES: Any chance I get.
NGUYEN: I know, I know.
Well, we'll be talking about that a little bit later. Did you know there's a big game today between my Longhorns and your Razorbacks?
HOLMES: Yes, I heard about it.
NGUYEN: Yes. They're trying to -- trying to ignore that little fact. That's all right. We'll talk.
In the meantime, though, let's go to serious news. In Syria, in fact, this morning, a car booby-trapped with explosives plowed into a crowded street in Damascus. Check this out. That blast left 17 dead.
There is some video coming to you right now from the scene, and it wounded about a dozen others. Syria's interior minister is calling the attack, in his words, an act of terrorism. People in the area of the blast said it felt like an earthquake.
Well, several instant coffee and milk tea products are being recalled in the U.S. in connection with the tainted milk scandal in China. They're sold under the Mr. Brown brand name. All contain a creamer that could be contaminated with the chemical melamine. At least a dozen countries have banned Chinese dairy products and other foods made with Chinese milk.
Four babies in China have died and thousands of others have been sickened by the chemical. For a list of the products being recalled here, all you have to do is go to fda.gov.
Well, this is the first step for China, literally. One of those astronauts completed the nation's first spacewalk ever. Just a few hours ago, the astronaut stayed close to the spacecraft, linked by tethers and always keeping one hand on railings. The walk paves the way, though, for assembling a space station out of two modules, which is China's next big goal in space.
In Texas, look at this story, allegations of child abuse. Look at that big ditch right there. Some calling it a huge hole.
Well, police say a father threw his two-month-old baby down a construction hole that you saw there. That hole, five feet deep. It happened yesterday afternoon in Dallas.
Authorities say construction workers tackled the father and held him until police arrived. The baby was taken to the hospital and at last check, she was reported in good condition. There still no word, though, on what would drive a father to do such a thing. We'll keep checking.
HOLMES: All right. Also, we're going to be keeping -- yes, I can't imagine. An amazing story.
The other one, the sad one, we are keeping up with this morning, the news about Paul Newman , legendary actor, has passed away. We'll be talking to Larry King, here, shortly. He is coming up. He's going to give us his insights, really his long history of knowing Paul Newman over the years. His many interviews and keeping an eye on that career. But Larry King is going to join us to talk about that.
Also, we will continue to talk about the presidential debate that we saw last night. It's the first. Many of you watched it. Many of you talking about who won. Well, we'll show you the overnight polls, at least, and let you know what those polls are saying. It may surprise you. Stay right here with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: More on the sad news of Paul Newman dying last night of cancer at his home at the age of 83-years-old. Definitely going to be sorely missed in the entertainment world. Left his mark on 50 or so films. In fact, a man who has seen just about every one of those, our very own Larry King joins us now by phone.
Larry, you knew Paul quite well over many years.
LARRY KING, CNN HOST: I did. First interviewed him back in Miami when I was working in Miami. He did a terrific movie called "Cool Hand Luke." And he was out promoting that movie. A movie about prison. It was more than about prison it was a lot about life and entrapment. That's the first time I met him. Then, of course, I would see him upon many occasions, went out with him socially once. The last time I interviewed him -- we had him on CNN about two, three years ago.
I kind of kept in touch with him over the years, talked to him once or twice a year. Then, I knew he got gravely ill and he was really ill with cancer for a long time. They would show pictures of him in the paper. I was sad to look at him. It was, obviously, a tragic way to go. He lived a long and terrific life. He was much appreciated. Did some theater, graduated Yale. Long marriage to Joanne Woodward, one of those show business rarities. In fact, there never was, about Paul Newman , a tinge of gossip about his personal life. You never saw a story about Paul Newman with another woman.
NGUYEN: I read something that was interesting along those lines, Larry. He was asked about, you know, about would you ever consider going out with anyone else, or anything like that? He said, why would I have hamburger when I would go home and have steak.
KING: He also --
NGUYEN: So, he obviously had a great relationship with his wife.
KING: Also, the diversity of his roles, that is the thing you have to talk about Paul Newman. From "Butch Cassidy" to "Somebody Up There Likes Me" to his last movie, "Road to Perdition" with Tom Hanks, got him an Academy Award nomination, in which he played the head of an Irish mafia. His diversity, his range, his underplay. He could understate so well.
Paul Newman never had to scream. He had a quality about him. He wasn't a -- he was only about 5'7" but he appeared larger on screen. He had a wonderful air about him. He was also a terrific guy. Big supporter of the arts. And don't forget his line of foods.
NGUYEN: Yes, Newman's Own.
KING: Oh, my God. What a success was that.
NGUYEN: $200 million has gone to charity because of that. This is a man, Larry, who wanted to give back. Boy, he started out life with quite an interesting road, born in 1925 in Shaker Heights, Ohio. And something we just spoke about minutes ago. He was actually kicked out of Ohio University for unruly behavior.
KING: Yes, he told me once that he was a wild kid. A lot of times acting, this has happened to other people too, will save you. You get into acting, in which you get a chance to be somebody else. So acting is a chance to hide in a sense.
NGUYEN: That's true.
KING: A lot of the inner bearings that you take and use when it hurts yourself, if you can put that into someone else, you get a lot better at it. And a lot of people have come into acting by stumbling into it. Paul Newman was one of them, at Yale.
NGUYEN: That's a really good point. Because his father owned a successful sporting good store. He says, this, Larry, quote, "I wasn't running toward the theater but running away from the sporting goods store."
KING: That he was. He didn't get a lot of attention, he was Jewish. He didn't involve himself with a lot of Jewish activities, but he was close to his faith. I wouldn't call him a religious man. I would say he was a spiritual guy. He was really a wonderful, down to earth, good person who was, by the way, also extraordinarily smart. He had a wide-range of knowledge about a wide-range of things.
Now, I know that the acting world today is going to really pour out for him. We should try to get Robert Redford, too. They were very close. Well, Paul, "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" is an epic movie.
NGUYEN: We are working on his co-stars, his friends, and his family. We are looking at videos, though right now, Larry, of him racing cars. I mean, this is a man that was in --
KING: He did a lot of that.
NGUYEN: -- in a lot of competitions. At the age of 70, he participated in 24 hours of Daytona event and he was still racing at 80. Is that true?
KING: That's true. I think just getting sick stopped him.
NGUYEN: Really?
KING: He had to get special permission in certain cases. He was something. I think we're going to repeat -- I don't know when but we are going to repeat one of my interviews with him on CNN probably some time over the weekend.
NGUYEN: I can't wait to see it. One last thing, very quickly, Larry. What are you going to remember the most about Paul Newman ?
KING: His persona. He was a singular person in that - we just mentioned, racing, food, clothing, charity, camps for underprivileged children. There were so many things we could go on. You know what it was, I would talk about him, variety.
NGUYEN: He definitely lived life to it's fullest. Larry King, thanks so much --. KING: Thank you, Betty.
NGUYEN: -- for joining us this morning and sharing some of your thoughts.
KING: My pleasure.
NGUYEN: Do appreciate it.
KING: Thanks, dear.
NGUYEN: I want to bring to you something that we are learning from really the vice chairman of Newman's Own. This is Paul Newman's organization that made salad dressings, spaghetti sauce, things like that. But what it did, truly, was the profits from that after tax went to charity, it donated some $200 million to charity.
The vice chairman of Newman's Own released this statement today, saying, quote, "And exceptional example is the legacy of Newman's Own. What started as something of a joke in the basement of his home, turned into a highly respected, multi-million dollar a year food company. And true to form, he shared his good fortune by donating all the profits he earned by thousands of charities around the world. A total of which now exceeds $250 million."
So that is just one part of the legacy left behind from Paul Newman, an extraordinary actor who will definitely be missed. And of course, we are working to bring you more stories about his life from those who knew him best. So stay with us for that.
In the meantime, though, a stormy week for the Eastern seaboard. Plus, more of the legacy on Paul Newman . Get it straight here on CNN. Don't go anywhere.
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RICHELLE CAREY, CNN HEADLINE NEWS ANCHOR (voice over): Bankruptcy court has been a stop for some in the airline industry. Many travelers are concerned about being left stranded with a worthless ticket if the airline business goes out of business entirely.
BEN MUTZAHBAUGH, USATODAY.COM: If you are worried about your airline going out of interest, it probably is in your best interest stay with bigger airlines. They can kind of weather the storm. If things get really bad, they can start burning cash instead of resulting to bankruptcy immediately.
CAREY: Purchasing travel insurance may help put your mind at ease.
MUTZABAUGH: Make sure that it includes coverage for your airline actually going out of business if that is something you're worried about. The one silver lining is, buy U.S. law, if you have purchased your airline ticket by credit card, the credit card and the airline that you bought the ticket from, cannot charge you for any service they did not deliver.
CAREY: Welcome news for many consumers who may have concerns.
MUTZABAUGH: There is no telling who will go out of business next or when.
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HOLMES: Two weeks now after Hurricane Ike roared across Texas, families from Galveston are finally being allowed back home, in recent days. They are trying to salvage what's left of anything. The devastation is beyond what really a lot of people can imagine, homes in pieces. Officials say the city is broken and infested with vermin and germs.
Hurricane Ike also wiped out Galveston's fishing industry, which was already hurting from rising fuel costs. Commercial fishing boats have been lost to Ike's monstrous waves. Same waves that destroyed acres upon acres of oyster reefs. Experts say it could be two years now before the fishing industry in Galveston makes a comeback.
It was just a few short years ago that the same scenario was playing out across Louisiana and Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. That's when MBA star Chris Duhon stepped in to help his home town of Slidell, Louisiana. He and started the Stand Tall Foundation and helped Katrina victims get back on their feet. And now people need some help getting back on their feet again.
It looks like just some parts of that region, Chris, just can't get a break these days. What are you seeing? You have been trying to be involved in there and they keep getting pounded by some of these storms. How are your efforts going there? How have your efforts been hindered, I guess? Storm after storm seems to keep wanting to targeting that area?
CHRIS DUHON, N.Y. KNICKS GUARD, STAND TALL FOUNDATION: It's tough. The last couple years we have been getting hit by some pretty bad storms. My heart goes out to the families that are out there. My foundation is doing everything we can just as we did with Hurricane Katrina. Any help and support that we can give to those families and those communities, you know, we are trying to do that now.
HOLMES: I know some efforts you were making words to actually build some playgrounds and some basketball courts. Of course, basketball is your thing. Maybe some people here, you know, what communities are hurting. People need this. They need more - different types of things, you know. How important is it still for a community to come back to have something like a basketball court, something as simple as a playground for people to go back to?
DUHON: Well, it's very important. I mean, that's what the whole reason for the Stand Tall Foundation, is that we focus on the kids. You know, I know as growing up how -- for me to get to where I am today, having those types of parks to where I could stay out of trouble and learn from a lot of people who helped me to get to where I am. That's what we are trying to provide for the kids now.
So I set up an Operation 21 that is going to refurnish and rebuild 21 basketball courts in the East New Orleans area and also in Slidell just to give those kids an opportunity to have the same opportunities that I've had when I was younger.
HOLMES: Tell me as well and you (AUDIO GAP) So many, you all in the NBA, the players, so blessed to be where you are. Young men who can certainly, a lot of people will look up to. You all have been so blessed, certainly financially as well. Are you happy? We see, certainly, stories like yours and those who are helping out. Are you satisfied with really the numbers of your colleagues in the league, the players, who do take the time out, like you have, to go back to their communities, to give financially, but also give of their time?
DUHON: Yeah, T.J. The NBA does a great job and the players do a great job of going back to their communities. Everyone doesn't get the national press or any type of press all the time. They don't want it. They are not doing it for the press. You know, a lot of us, we do it just because that's how we were raised. That's what we want to do. We do it out of the kindness of our hearts. I am very satisfied with everybody in the NBA as far as how they have been given back.
HOLMES: Just finally, you are in D.C. today. Give us a quick rundown of what's happening there.
DUHON: I am here for the National Book Festival. I was very honored to be representing the NBA. We had Ivory Lighter (ph) representing the WNBA and we had opportunity to go to gala, last night, for the National Book Festival. They honor 80 authors, illustrators and poets. The whole purpose of this is to help illiteracy. It was a great function. This morning, I had the honored to have breakfast in the White House and had to say a speech.
HOLMES: That's always nice.
DUHON: Yes, I had to say a speech in the White House. Not a lot of people could say that. We had a great time. After this interview, I'm heading down to the facilities and we are going to read books to the children.
HOLMES: All right. Well, Chris, it's a pleasure to have you this morning. Continued good luck and success with all your projects going on in the Louisiana area. And congratulations on being at the White House.
DUHON: Yes.
HOLMES: We will see you on the court here soon. Thank you so much, Chris.
DUHON: Thank you.
HOLMES: Again, I've been here at Ole Miss. We'll be talking more about the debates and what happened here last night.
Betty, really a fascinating night last night. But also, here we are this morning, a sad morning, with the death of Paul Newman . We will be talking about that more as well. For now, Betty, I am going to hand it back over to you.
NGUYEN: (AUDIO GAP)
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HOLMES: Good morning. Welcome back on this CNN SATURDAY MORNING. It is a very big day, in a lot of ways, because my alma mater, the University of Arkansas, will be taking on Betty's alma mater, the University of Texas. Many people thought I was here strictly to cover the debate but to be quite honest, people wanted to get me out of Atlanta and away from Betty.
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HOLMES: Because this is not a good time for us to be together.
NGUYEN: You're going down.
HOLMES: As you all here, Betty and I, Betty talks a lot of trash.
NGUYEN: Go horns! Go horns!
HOLMES: So you made the bet, you were possibly having me wear those shorts if the Razorbacks lose.
NGUYEN: Yep.
HOLMES: Well, I have a bet for you, Betty.
NGUYEN: Oh, God.
HOLMES: This is what I want you to do if the Razorbacks win.
NGUYEN: And that is?
HOLMES: I thought about all kinds of things. I thought about money. I want to bet you $5, OK?
NGUYEN: OK. And?
HOLMES: If the Razorbacks win, you take that $5 and you make an official contribution to the University of Arkansas athletic boosters club, so you will forever be an official supporter of the Razorbacks.
NGUYEN: OK. Not only do you have to wear my shorts but you have to make an official contribution to the Betty Nguyen Journalism College Fund at the University of Texas.
HOLMES: No, we're past that. I will wear the shorts if you want me to wear the shorts during the show tomorrow. That's no problem. (LAUGHTER)
NGUYEN: All I'm saying is folks, set your DVRs, because it is payback time tomorrow morning. You will see that man in these Longhorn shorts. It's a sight that will not be pretty. That's all I'm saying.
HOLMES: You are the one who has to sit next to me for three hours tomorrow in those shorts.
NGUYEN: Are you going to wear it for the whole three hours?
HOLMES: The whole three hours.
NGUYEN: That's going to be tough. All right, 3:30, Eastern, today, the big game. We are going head to head. You, my friend, going down.
HOLMES: Oh, my goodness, Betty. Can't wait to get back. Can't wait to see you, Betty.
NGUYEN: See ya.
We will be back with so much more news.
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NGUYEN: We do have some sad news to start out with today. One of the biggest stars ever to grace the big screen has passed away. That being Paul Newman, the man with those steel blue eyes, who first became a star in the 1950s and an advocate for worthy causes all around the world. He lost his battle with cancer last night, died at his home in Connecticut. CNN's Allan Chernoff looks at the legendary life of this Hollywood icon.
Apparently, we are having some technical difficulties. But, again, it's just a really sad day for the entertainment world, especially for folks at home who remember this man's legacy, 50 or so films. CNN's Josh Levs joins us now with a look at the legacy that's left behind.
Josh, this is a guy who not only made his mark on the entertainment world, but a racer, a car driver. He also spent a lot of money by giving it to charity, some $250 million from his brand, Newman's Own.
JOSH LEVS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Look, it is incredible what this man did. He definitely used his fame, he harnessed his fame in an incredible way and really became a template for so many people in Hollywood, who want to do good, with the ridiculous amounts of fame and wealth that comes with being a movie star. The kinds of things he talked about.
Let me quickly zoom in on the screen behind me. I want everyone to see what we've got here. First of all, this is now our top story at CNN.com, talking about Paul Newman and his death. You can certainly learn a lot more over the story, which traces you through some of the many things there is to know about him.
But I also want to quickly touch on one thing, Betty, we are not the only ones with memories. People all over America, all over the world, have memories of him. Right now at I-Report.com, we have a special section that has just been created this morning, for you to send in your thoughts on Paul Newman and his death. What about his work moved you? What do you remember? What are you going to carry on? You know, any part of any movie star's legacy is the work that he created and the way it touched you.
So, we at CNN would love to hear what you have got, we are going to share some of these I-Reports with you throughout the day. Send us your photos, your videos, your story and they'll keep coming here. I am pretty sure we are going to get flooded with this, Betty. Because I'll tell you so many people have so much to say about Paul Newman .
NGUYEN: Absolutely. We are going to have so much more on this in the coming hours. Thank you for that, Josh.
LEVS: You got it.
NGUYEN: And stay tuned, because we have the latest breaking news as well, right here on CNN.
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