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Michelle Obama's Mother May Move into White House; Another School Collapses in Haiti; Automakers in Dire Straits; Obama Team Moving towards Transition at State Department; Sarah Palin Featured Speaker at Governors' Convention; War Victims Share Stories through Art
Aired November 12, 2008 - 13:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS (voice-over): If Citigroup, Chase, AIG, are too big to fail, what about Ford, GM and Chrysler? Are bailouts for the big three just around the corner?
A wartime transition to power. It hasn't happened since 1968. Now we've got two wars and a new administration. A former defense secretary weighs in.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What I want to say, and it is true. And I love God and the people, and I think I might have killed something like 20 persons.
PHILLIPS: The cruelty of war. The Art of Humanity. Music and art may not conquer violence and fear, but then again, maybe they will. One voice, one vision at a time.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Hello everyone. I'm Kyra Phillips, live at the CNN world headquarters in Atlanta. You're live in the CNN NEWSROOM.
We begin this hour in Haiti where, for the second time in less than a week, we're following news of a school collapse this time. It's in the capital of Port-au-Prince, and we have early reports of injuries but so far no deaths. Friday's disaster killed at least 89 people.
Our David Mattingly on his way to the scene. He joins me now on the phone.
David, what have you been able to find out?
DAVID MATTINGLY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, we're still on our way to the scene. The traffic snarl in this part of Haiti after any sort of event is just impossible. It's been very difficult to get through.
But what we're able to tell you, I've spoken to USAID, which has been coordinating the American search and rescue team that was here, working on that tragic collapse from Friday. What they have, they've been able to get to the scene. They have -- they have done a reconnaissance. They've determined there is no one trapped in the wreckage. There is no one that has been killed by this collapse. There seem to be no one or very few people inside the building at the time. And they're reporting seven slight injuries. So it does not appear that we are anywhere close to seeing a repeat of the tragedy that we saw last Friday.
But, again, we're still working our way to the scene to find out what kind of building this was, and the circumstances, but at this point, no fatalities reported by search teams with the USAID. No one trapped in the wreckage. And seven, possibly eight -- we'll confirm that later -- slight injuries from the scene.
PHILLIPS: All right. We'll continue to follow-up with you, David Mattingly. Thank you so much.
Well, remember the U.S. Treasury's plan to buy up worthless securities that were driving big banks to the poorhouse? Change of plans.
Earlier today CNN brought you live coverage of Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's update on the bailout, officially the Troubled Asset Relief Program. Here's where things stand.
You'll remember Congress approved $700 billion, half now, half later. Of the first installment, $250 billion is being used to invest in banks on the brink. Forty billion is going to the insurance giant AIG. Sixty billion is still up for grabs.
Now, Paulson says we're already seeing results, but the credit markets still are not healthy, and nothing about the bailout is carved in stone.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HENRY PAULSON, TREASURY SECRETARY: What we said to Congress was we needed a financial rescue package, because the credit markets had stopped up. And we were focused on the problem, and the -- and when we went to Congress the liquid assets looked like the way to go. As the situation worsened, the facts change. The thing I'm grateful for is we were prescient enough, and Congress was, that we get a wide array of authorities and tools under this legislation. And I will never apologize for changing an approach or strategy when the facts change.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Well, the question in Congress, not to mention in Michigan, is what about the automakers? The big three are on the fast track to bankruptcy unless business picks up, or Washington steps in, or both.
CNN's Gary Tuchman takes a hard look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GARY TUCHMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The cars are there. The buyers are not.
(on camera) Could you use a new car?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, I could use it, if I don't have to pay for it.
TUCHMAN: An industry that is the backbone of the U.S. economy is in desperate straits. A serious lack of economic confidence and a history of disastrous decision-making has put the big three on the brink.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We have hope that things are going to turn around. But until you've got more confidence than I have now, you're just not going to want to do it right now.
TUCHMAN: David Cole from the Center for Automotive Research in Michigan says 2 to 3 million jobs could be lost quickly if the big three go bankrupt.
DAVID COLE, CENTER FOR AUTOMOTIVE RESEARCH: The bottom line is, is that the -- this industry is at the edge of a cliff. If it goes over that cliff, the cost to the economy is going to be enormous.
TUCHMAN: Democratic congressional leaders are pushing for a lame duck session, trying to pass legislation to make automakers eligible for help under the already passed $700 billion bailout measure. So far the Bush administration has resisted the idea.
Some experts say a company like GM hasn't learned from past mistakes.
PETER MORICI, ECONOMIST: If we subsidize General Motors now so it doesn't go under in 2009, it will go under in 2011. But when it does, it won't disappear. The factories won't go away. It will go through bankruptcy, reorganization. And a new company will emerge that makes the same cars but with much lower cost and much better competitive prospects.
TUCHMAN: But others say the immediate financial devastation would be a mess, and that the big three automakers are positioned for future success if they get the infusion.
COLE: I don't like the idea of government involvement, but when you consider the size of this industry, the importance in the economy, and the fact that the cost of prevention here is much lower than the cost of a calamity, it is the right thing to do in terms of what's best for this country. It is absolutely a special case, and it has been for a long, long time in our economy.
MORICI: The automobile industry is not a special case. Anymore than the steel industry or the airline industry were a special case.
TUCHMAN: A 180-degree difference of opinion, but all agree that right now business stinks.
Gary Tuchman, CNN, Atlanta. (END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: You've got to admire the straight-shooting spokesman for AirTran, explaining that the carrier will start charging for the first checked baggage. Well, he said, "We need all the revenue we can get."
Starting next month, AirTran's charging 15 bucks for the first piece of luggage that a passenger checks instead of carrying on. It's already charging 25 bucks for the second bag, 50 for the third. Now, flights booked before yesterday won't be affected, and business class and elite passengers won't be charged.
So Barack Obama's transition to power is an all-American phenomenon but the whole world is watching, and the State Department is definitely preparing. CNN's Zain Verjee joins me now with a peek behind the scenes.
Zain, how's the State Department getting ready for the new administration?
ZAIN VERJEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, there, Kyra. Well, we're learning a few more details about what's going on behind the scenes at the State Department.
Well, prime office space there has been set up already for the transition team. The Obama team is going to have a lot of State Department support staff to help with things like paperwork, legal questions, policy questions, things like security clearances.
We're also told that a look ahead calendar has been put together of all the major international meetings that are going to be happening early next year. Also, Kyra, they're put together binders with details of that, but with the nuts and the bolts of foreign policy negotiation, budgets. That's all been put together to get the Obama team up to speed.
Undersecretary for management, Patrick Kennedy, is leading the transition team at the State Department. And he told us that they're essentially waiting for the Obama side to make contact. And what the State Department really wants, he says, is a seamless handoff with no gaps or lulls -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: OK. Well, what about embassies around the world?
VERJEE: Well, that's really critical. I mean, a lot of them are going to have to be restocked. But they really are the eyes and the ears of the U.S. abroad. Each of the ambassadors is going to be asked to write a short memo so that the incoming team pretty much gets up to speed with what's happening on the ground in countries across the world -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: OK. Well, Iran now, says it has successfully test- fired a new missile. What happens if there's a crisis during the transition? VERJEE: Well, that's a key question. I mean, you know, the Bush administration would essentially be in charge, and they would be the one making the decisions.
Technically, the Obama team doesn't really have any rights. But Secretary Rice has said that she wants the transition to be as smooth as possible at the State Department. So you can bet that she would talk to the next secretary of state.
She also said, in an interview with C-SPAN, that a structured transition really, really important, because the U.S. jut can't afford to miss a beat, she said, in fighting terrorism around the world.
So this is really a critical moment for the United States, in how foreign policy will be handled and perceived by the rest of the world -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Speaking of perceiving by the rest of the world, you and Condoleezza Rice and I really planned the red, white and blue perfectly, didn't we, for the transition to power coverage.
VERJEE: Yes, we did. We did, Kyra. We got that memo.
PHILLIPS: Thank you. Thank you, Zain.
Well, John McCain says that it's not Sarah Palin's fault that he lost the race for the White House. Eight days after the election the Arizona senator defended his former running mate in an appearance on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno. Take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: I'm so proud of her, and I'm very grateful that she agreed to run with me. She inspired people. She still does. And, look, I couldn't be happier with Sarah Palin. And she's going back to about great governor and I think she will play a big role in the future of this country.
JAY LENO, NBC'S "THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO": Did she ever get off message? Off the point?
MCCAIN: Did you expect mavericks to stay on message?
I'm sure different -- but she was -- look. We did a lot of things together, a lot of these rallies. The people were very excited and inspired by her. That's what really mattered.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: And McCain said he blames the criticism hurled at the Alaska governor on typical campaign sniping.
While McCain's been low key since the election, not so for Sarah Palin. She's back in the spotlight as the Republican Governors Association kicks off its annual meeting in Miami. The big question now, what role will Palin play as the party tries to pick up the pieces?
CNN's John Zarrella joins us now live from Miami.
Hi, John.
JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Kyra, well, you're absolutely right. The star power is here. Sarah Palin is in the house behind me. That, of course, the Intercontinental Hotel. Governors' meetings, Republican governors, getting under way here, two days of meetings.
And tomorrow Sarah Palin will be one of the members of a panel discussion on the future direction of the Republican Party. Now, a lot of people say that one of the governors in this room behind me here could very likely emerge as the Republican Party's nominee in 2012. Besides Sarah Palin, Charlie Crist of Florida, Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, Bobby Jindal of Louisiana.
And we had an opportunity to talk with a couple of the governors about the direction they think the party needs to go in, and who's going to be running the party.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GOV. CHARLIE CRIST (R), FLORIDA: I think the leaders of the party are the people of America, and I think that, you know, when you take that approach and you recognize that, you know, this is a democracy, we need to listen carefully to those that we aim to serve and serve with a servant's heart. That's where real leadership comes from.
GOV. TIM PAWLENTY (R), MINNESOTA: What's going on is we have a big deficit with women. We don't do well with people of modest incomes. We need to do better with Hispanics. We need to do better with African-Americans.
And it's not that our principles and ideas are wrong. I just don't think we're presenting them in a very effective way, in a very contemporary or modern way. And we've got to do a better job of reaching out to what I call Sam's Club voters.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZARRELLA: Now, a large part of what these meetings are, is so that the Republican governors can really get together and decide what direction they believe collectively they need to go in, in order to bring people back into the party.
They all say, without -- without exception that they need to become a more inclusive party. No question about that, they say.
And you know, it's interesting. You can't get enough of Sarah Palin. Right there behind me in those windows, Kyra, right now Wolf Blitzer is interviewing her. And, of course, that interview will be played later this afternoon on Wolf Blitzer's program, "THE SITUATION ROOM." So more of Sarah Palin to come -- Kyra. PHILLIPS: And we'll be watching. Thanks, John.
Well, it's about half an hour for Sarah Palin in the new CNN, or Research Corporation poll. Forty-nine percent have a favorable opinion of the former Republican vice-presidential candidate; 43 percent have an unfavorable opinion. More men have a positive view, by the way, of Palin than women.
And you can hear directly from Sarah Palin when she sits down later today with CNN's Wolf Blitzer in "THE SITUATION ROOM." John Zarrella mentioned that. That's at 6 p.m. Eastern Time. And tonight, she'll also be a special guest on CNN's "LARRY KING LIVE." That's at 9 Eastern.
The troubled American auto industry. What will it take to get it rolling again? Should the government get involved? We're going to speak live to the "Wall Street Journal's" Detroit bureau chief.
And a young boys, forced to go to war, young girls forced into prostitution. It's a tough life for young people in war-torn Congo. But now, they're finding hope and healing through art and music.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Wolf Blitzer right now, a live picture as he's interviewing Sarah Palin. It's going to air tonight at 6 p.m. Eastern Time. We'll see those two little mavericks in just a few hours.
Well, as GM goes, so goes the country. That was a common refrain back in the days when General Motors dominated the car market worldwide. Not anymore, though. The king of gas guzzlers is laying off thousands of workers left and right and warning it may be forced to file for bankruptcy protection. And GM isn't alone. Ford and Chrysler are in the same boat.
So should the government step in and save them?
Joining us with his take on the GM mess, Neal Boudette, the "Wall Street Journal's" Detroit bureau chief.
Good to see you again, Neal.
NEAL BOUDETTE, DETROIT BUREAU CHIEF, "WALL STREET JOURNAL": Pleasure to be back.
PHILLIPS: Well, let's go ahead and talk about the talk about this bailout for the auto industry. Are you in support of a bailout?
BOUDETTE: Well, I'm a reporter. So I don't take a position on that, but I do think there is a good argument to be made for bailing out the auto industry. I mean, they -- government has stepped in to help the banks and financial institutions on Wall Street.
And the auto industry does employ hundreds of thousands of people, if not millions, when you consider the suppliers and all the associated companies with them. So it's a big chunk of the U.S. economy.
PHILLIPS: OK. Maybe I should have laid that out a little better, you being a journalist. Tell me the pros and cons of a bailout. But I think you've laid that out well enough there.
But something interesting, though, that you did point out is that Obama has talked about a czar to actually oversee the bailout transformation of the auto industry. We didn't know about this. Tell me if you think this will happen and what do you know about David Bonior?
BOUDETTE: Well, I'm not sure it will happen, but they're -- what we're hearing from Washington is that one idea is to have somebody be really his point man. I don't know that czar is exactly the right word.
But one possible person, or name that that has come up is David Bonior. He's a former congressman from Michigan, so he knows the auto industry. And he's part of the Obama team that's managing the transition and looking into the economy. So he's one person very close to the president-elect who knows this topic.
PHILLIPS: You know, a lot of people, too, are saying that they're not surprised. I mean, the general American public are not surprised to see what's happening to the American auto industry, because really, all the better cars are made overseas, when you think about the reputation of Toyota or Honda, or even BMW.
Why is it that there has been this reputation that cars overseas do better than cars made here? I mean, you remember -- we were talking about, like, Ford had that saying years ago about "Fix Or Repair Daily," or "Found On The Road Dead." There were always these acronyms, you know, for what the company stood for. Why is that, Neal?
BOUDETTE: Well, the Detroit Three are really paying now for the sins of the past. It is true in the past they -- their quality was not close to what the Japanese quality was, like Toyota and Honda.
PHILLIPS: And why is that? Why is that?
BOUDETTE: Well, for a long time, they really put all of their emphasis and engineering talent into designing trucks and SUVs, and didn't really try to make good cars. They didn't make much money. In fact, they -- most of the time they lost money on cars.
So why pour resources into vehicles that don't give you a return? And it has built up over years and shown in the current reputation they have in the market.
PHILLIPS: And then there was this talk, OK, there were these fuel-efficient eco-friendly cars that were made, but they just didn't sell here. It's interesting to see what sells overseas and what sells here. I mean, Americans want their big, fat daddy cars. You know, their SUVs and -- and the bigger automobiles. So, really, is it the buyers' fault and not necessarily the automakers' fault, because the automakers were just providing what the buyers wanted?
BOUDETTE: Well, that -- that is true. Americans do like larger vehicles, but there is a segment of the American market that looks for small cars, fuel-efficient cars, even mid-sized cars. And in all of those areas, the Detroit Three have not really put their best products forward.
Now, that being said, it has to be pointed out that they have done a good job in improving their products. And now just recently, Ford, for example, was very near the top of some quality studies that have come out. So the Detroit Three have improved. There's just a gap between what people think of them and where their actual quality is, which is much better.
PHILLIPS: Neal Boudette, "Wall Street Journal's" Detroit bureau chief. Thank you very much for being the fair journalist that you are...
BOUDETTE: Pleasure being here.
PHILLIPS: ... laying out both sides. All right, Neal. We'll see you again.
Well, the Barack Obama administration, how diverse and bipartisan will it be? We're going to hear from a Republican who served in Bill Clinton's administration, William Cohen, plus his feisty wife, Janet.
And kids caught in the war zone, finding hope by drawing out their experiences. We'll show you how art and music are helping them cope.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Well, the simmering war in Congo may be on the verge of getting hotter. Angola says it's sending troops to its neighbor, but no word on how many or just what their mission would be.
And today's announcement is raising fears the current fighting between rebels and government forces could spread to other countries in that region.
Now, even within this toxic and cruel war, there rests hope and healing. Boy soldiers who were forced to fight and kill, young girls forced into prostitution. Well, they are now finding refuge and rehabilitation through art and music, as captured by photojournalist Terry Torok (ph).
We've blurred the faces of these children, by the way, to protect their identity.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS (voice-over): These are some of the last images captured of refugees in North Kivu, Congo, before their camp was destroyed in the latest round of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
What was already a desperate situation became another frightening chapter in a story that is continued far too long.
With the help of UNICEF, a program called the Art of Humanity brings music and art to the shelters, helping child victims to share their stories with the rest of the world. Just listen.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): This shows the day I was going to school. The second picture now shows the time I left the school and I was in the army.
PHILLIPS: This is Pai-Pai (ph). At 10 years old, he was recruited into the armed forces. By the time he was 12, he was already forced to kill and rape.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): What I'm going to say is true. And I love God and the people, and I think I might have killed something like 20 persons.
PHILLIPS: The child victims of violence, rape and armed conflict continue to seek shelter. With little emotional expression, this young girl's story of rape is not uncommon.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So many boys (INAUDIBLE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): They threw a basket (ph). And they told me about since now I would become our wife and we bring you to the forest. Some lifted me from the legs, others from the head, others from the arms and then they said (INAUDIBLE) they started raping me.
PHILLIPS: Now these young victims of war have a voice, sharing their stories through music and art, hoping the world will see the bigger picture.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: And tonight Art of Humanity begins auctioning off some of the children's artwork. Proceeds will go to help these young victims of war. If you want to find out more, you can just go to its Web site, ArtOfHumanity.org.
And if you want to learn more about helping children in the Congo or other troubled regions, just go to our Web site, CNN.com/impact. You can find information on charities making a difference in people's lives.
The first inlaw moving into the White House? Well, Michelle Obama's mother-in-law is Washington-bound. Hey, president-elect, you better be on your best behavior.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) PHILLIPS: Just getting word now from our affiliate WSVN. We've also been able to confirm in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, a student has been shot and killed at Dillard High School. We're told she is a 15 year-old student. Apparently they found her lying in a hallway there at Dillard High School. Once it was reported to police, other students and teachers found her body. The suspect then was on the loose. But now we're being told they believe that suspect is also a 15 year-old student.
The police actually got a call from a nearby restaurant where they found a woman who they believed may have been the assailant and also had a firearm. She is now in custody and she's being questioned. That suspect believed to be a 15 year-old student, as well. Meanwhile, a 15 year-old student there at Dillard High School, found shot to death there in the hallway of the school. The school remains on lockdown and we are working as much information as possible about that suspect. We'll bring it to you once we get it.
It's your main issue and right now it's looking bleak. More job layoffs are in store for Alabama and Tennessee. Georgia Pacific citing a sluggish economy says it's laying off 300 workers and shutting its plywood mill in Peterman, Alabama. The company says that those employees will not be getting severance package because it expects to reopen the mill in the future.
And the Stanford Corporation, maker of Sharpie markers, says that a reshuffling of operations will result in 100 fewer jobs in Tennessee. It's moving operations from the Nashville area, to a location near Knoxville.
(BUSINESS HEADLINES)
Barack Obama's administration. Will it be diverse and bipartisan and what should the new president's priorities be? Joining us now from Washington, William Cohen and his wife, Janet. The former Defense Secretary. A Republican, served in Democrat Bill Clinton's administration. He was a long time member of Congress and best man at Senator John McCain's wedding. He now heads the Cohen Group, which represents some of the largest defense contractors here in the U.S., and around the world.
Boy, I should have checked that intro, because I got to talk about all the amazing things Janet has done! What's up with that? Civil rights leader - really, the woman behind the man. Author of "Love in Black and White: A Memoir of Race, Religion and Romance."
Great to see you both.
JANET COHEN, PRES. & CEO, LANGHART COMMUNICATIONS: You too, Kyra.
PHILLIPS: And of course we got to plug the book. It's awesome.
The reason why I wanted to talk to you two, well for a number of reasons. Number one, to talk about just diversity in the White House. I mean, you guys exemplify that within politics, within love, within romance. Also to Bill, you know, as former Sec Def you have I'm sure, opinions about what the new President-elect is going to need to do.
So, why don't we start with just the fact that you were a Republican in a Democratic administration. What were the challenges that you faced at that time?
WILLIAM COHEN, FMR. CLINTON DEFENSE SECRETARY: I think the first challenge was to gain the confidence of the administration. President Clinton obviously had confidence in me. But, there was some apprehension in the part of the Democratic members of his cabinet. Was I someone coming out of the cold, revealed secrets, et cetera.
So, gaining confidence in the part of the full administration and also retaining the confidence of my former colleagues in Capitol Hill. So, that was from a personal perspective.
The issues, of course, were much larger than that. Dealing with NATO expansion, dealing with Saddam Hussein, in terms of his weapons of mass destruction that we believed he had at that time. Dealing with acts of terror around the world. So, we had you know, the same sorts of issues that President-elect Obama is going to confront. But, not nearly of the same magnitude.
PHILLIPS: So, I guess, being from the opposite party, you had a lot of advantages, as well, right? I mean, what do you think the main advantage was besides just being able to play devil's advocate on many issues?
W. COHEN: Well, I was not devil's advocate. But rather, President Clinton wanted to build a bipartisan consensus for national security. There shouldn't be a Democratic or Republican national security program or policy, or foreign policy. It should be an American policy. And President Clinton wanted to make sure that I could help build that consensus and it worked out great.
I must say, I'm still enduring the committed to what he had done with us. Janet and I had a wonderful time during those years at the Pentagon. We believe we were able to restore a sense of national consensus about what we need to do on national security and it was a great experience. I'm grateful to President Clinton for giving me chance. I hope that Presindet-elect Barack Obama will do the same in bringing in Republicans into his administration.
PHILLIPS: Well, do you think that he should keep Robert Gates as Sec Def?
W. COHEN: I think he'd be an excellent choice. The real issue would be, you know, whether Bob Gates could stay - how long he'd be willing to stay, if he's willing to stay.
I think it has to be a minimum of a year, two years would be preferable in order to really make sure the transition gets settled. And then he could leave at that point. But, I think it has to be at least one year and preferably two.
PHILLIPS: All right, Janet, let's talk about you. Civil rights activist. You knew Dr. Martin Luther King. Here you are, seeing the first black president, the first black first lady.
What did you think about this?
J. COHEN: Oh, I'm still pinching myself to see if it's real. And the first two people I thought about the night that Obama was elected was Dr. King and my mother. And Dr. King's dream has been realized. We have a man that has been elected to the presidency not on his color, based on his color. But, on the content of his character and his capabilities. And I think that the hope and the dream are alive. And we have all been looking forward to this change.
And while Barack Obama has some daunting challenges ahead of him, I think he's up to them. And it was wonderful, Kyra, to see not only the unity of our people in this country, but the world supporting us. Bill and I have traveled all over the world from India, Asia, the Persian Gulf. And they were rooting for America. They want America to be united and America to lead. So, everybody's happy for us.
I know that sooner or later on this program, you're going to have the foreign minister from France on, Bernard Kouchner. And he had said earlier in the year that America has lost its magic. Well, Mr. Minister, we haven't lost our magic. We may have lost our way, but we're back.
PHILLIPS: Oh, Janet. I think that the world, especially internationally, looks at us in a completely different light now. And you know what, Janet? I want to ask you this, as well.
I mean, you guys truly were the first couple within politics, a biracial couple. And in many times, you were the lone ranger there as an African-American woman. So, you know, and still, Michelle and Barack Obama will be surrounded by a lot of you know, white people that grew up with a silver spoon in their mouth.
And what do they need to remember when they still go up, probably many times, against a kind of old school mentality. What do they need to remember about just their heritage, their culture and who they are?
J. COHEN: Well, they need to remember that anything is possible in America. And with hard work and education, as the Obamas have demonstrated. They went to very fine schools, they kept their eye on the prize. And I hope that they don't get - we Americans, don't get too euphoric.
We still are in America. We still have some elements that are not quite there, yet. So, I think hard work, the people following Obama. It's really a call to service in many ways. He's leading the way to change with hope and we, with these daunting challenges that he has with the economy. We have an economic Katrina on us. We have two wars. We have health care to consider and education. We have to be concerned about educating our youth so we can be competitive in that world.
PHILLIPS: All right. I want to - and you know I always have to get down to the romance because you two are my heroes when it comes to marriage - here he goes, I knew it! W. COHEN: Watch out.
PHILLIPS: I knew she was going to go (INAUDIBLE) there. No, but truly, the two of you have just really maintained an incredible marriage through everything that you have been through. So, I want you both to be able to respond to this.
Bill, Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. I mean, everybody talks about how amazing their marriage is, that they're best friends. They've been together whatever it is - 16, 17 years. You know, and they are each other's hero.
What do they need to remember as a couple, as they endure this new journey in life?
W. COHEN: I think what they need to remember is that they are sending forth a message about America. Janet mentioned that we traveled the world. And most recently we came back from Seoul, Korea. And I was sitting next to one of the cabinet ministers and he said you know, if Barack Obama's elected that means it's a reaffirmation of the American Dream. And I said, well why do you say that? He said, because if you can have a first generation African-American be elected to the President of the United States, then anything is possible in America.
And I said, that's not just the American Dream. That's every man and woman's dream. That's a universal dream. It may only take place in America, but every person longs for that. So, I think what they have to keep in mind is they are the first family. They are sending forth an image about America that anything indeed, is possible. That race no longer will disqualify, or be used against one. That the people are looking at character and quality and capability.
So, I think as long as they understand that they're serving America and they're representing America, that their message goes out the world. Janet just completed her second interview with Japanese television. They want to talk to her about race. Race issues in Japan. So, this is a world issue.
PHILLIPS: OK.
J. COHEN: Well, I think they have to remember - I think the President and Mrs. Obama must first remember the love they have for each other and their combined dream in wanting to lead this nation.
And we want them to know that we're here to support them, serve them and follow them.
PHILLIPS: Bill and Janet Cohen. Once again, the book, "Love in Black and White: A Memoir of Race, Religion and Romance." Also, I've got to plug that great web site Bill, of yours, too - raceandreconciliation.com.
Love you both tremendously. It is always a pleasure to have you both on.
J. COHEN: We love you too, Kyra. Thank you so much.
W. COHEN: Thank you. Good to see you.
PHILLIPS: All right. Bye, guys.
Well, she left to seek her education but never left home behind. CNN Hero Maria de Silva helping AIDS orphans in Africa. An amazing woman and we're going to talk with her live, next hour.
Also, if you didn't already know they're spelling it out. Texting while driving is an accident waiting to happen. What doctors are trying to do about it now.
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PHILLIPS: Well, it's a bad and dangerous habit. Texting while driving has been banned in some states. But, you still see people behind the wheel letting their fingers do the talking. Now, the American Medical Association's taking a stand and asking lawmakers to do more.
Here's medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Usually, we think of the American Medical Association as the folks who tell us to eat our fruits and vegetables and go see our doctors for regular check-ups. But, this week they're talking about texting while driving. They want to make it illegal in every state in the country.
Take a look at this number. Studies show that when you text while driving, that's a 400 percent increase in time that your eyes are off the road. And texting is illegal only in seven states and the District of Columbia.
Now, not surprisingly, it's young people who are doing a lot of the texting while driving. In fact, the study shows, 46 percent of teen drivers admit to texting while driving. And this is really a double whammy because the young mind isn't as ready to drive as you might think.
I did a story a couple of years ago with researchers who were looking at teen brains and driving habits. And finding all of those synapses haven't formed yet. But that doesn't really happen until the mid-20's, so their brains aren't as fit for driving as you might think. And that's why the AMA wants to make texting while driving illegal.
Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: She's such a big part of the first family. She can't stay behind. First granny, Marian Robinson, making the move to D.C. and possibly into the White House. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: So have you heard the one about the president whose mother-in-law who moved in? No joke. It might actually happen come January. Michelle Obama's mom will be relocating with the first family, but they have not confirmed that she will make the White House her home.
More now from CNN's Randi Kaye.
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RANDI KAYE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: At 71, this former bank secretary is packing her bags for Washington, D.C., maybe even for the White House.
CAROL LEE, POLITICO.COM: She said during the campaign that she was not going to be thrilled about moving to Washington. She's going to be in a brand new city and having a much, much higher profile.
KAYE: Higher profile, because Marian Robinson is Barack Obama's mother-in-law and proud grandmother of Sasha and Malia. The newly dubbed first granny took care of the girls while the Obamas campaigned.
She doesn't relish the spotlight and rarely speaks to the media, but last March, Robinson told "The Boston Globe" --
MARIAN ROBINSON, MOTHER OF MICHELLE OBAMA: I'm doing it, but I really want to do it. It is not even a job, it's like, somebody's going to be with these kids other than their parents, it better be me.
KAYE: Robinson has lived alone in Chicago since her husband died in 1990.
(on camera): Last summer, she quit her job to see the girls off to school, make dinner, do homework and to get them to bed, 8:30 sharp. With a 24-hour staff at their beck and call for at least the next four years, the Obamas may not need help at the White House, but having her there may be a bonus anyway.
CARL SFERRAZZA ANTHONY, HISTORIAN, NATL. FIRST LADIES LIBRARY: It is important for her to be there after such a big move because even if it is joyous, it is traumatic. Having the steady hand there and the familiar sentiment, so-to-speak, of a grandmother really could be reassuring to the children.
KAYE (voice-over): On the trail, Michelle Obama often thanked her mom.
MICHELLE OBAMA, FUTURE FIRST LADY, WIFE OF PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA: I want my mommy to stand up. This is the woman who keeps me grounded, who stays at home with my girls and makes sure that they are OK. I love you.
KAYE: So will the first granny call 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue home? That still hasn't been decided. But with 16 bedrooms in the White House, there is certainly room for her.
If Robinson does move in, it wouldn't be the first time that a president's mother-in-law lived here. Bess Truman's mom did it, and Mamie Eisenhower's mother wintered at the White House. Marian Robinson should feel right at home.
Randi Kaye, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: She is not even first lady yet, but there is already a biography out on Michelle Obama. Author and "Washington Post" writer, Liza Mundy, joins us live next hour.
And itsy-bitsy spider is no longer baby girl's No. 1 hit. Take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: (INAUDIBLE) ... we fight, fight, fight, fight, fight.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: OK. Can you understand what she is singing? She's actually graduated to a college football fight song. And now she is leading a stadium sing-a-long. You'll meet her.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED GROUP: Fight, fight for victory. (INAUDIBLE) Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: A small secret weapon propelling the University of Colorado's football team to victory, inspiring players and fans at like.
The story now from Dave Delozier of CNN affiliate KUSA in Boulder, Colorado.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LORI PROK, MOTHER: Which one do you want to start with?
DAVE DELOZIER, KUSA REPORTER: Some things well you just cannot end the day without.
L. PROK: That time at our house is a routine as anybody with a 2-year-old knows.
DELOZIER: It becomes a tradition.
DEAN PROK, FATHER: We go to bed, we read books every night.
DELOZIER: And --
DEAN PROK: We sing songs every night.
DELOZIER: The songs you would expect --
DEAN PROK: She started maybe with like itsy-bitsy spider.
MIA PROK, CHILD SINGING CU FIGHT SONG: Twinkle, twinkle little star.
DELOZIER: -- and some you wouldn't.
M. PROK: Fight (INAUDIBLE).
DELOZIER: For a 2-year-old to remember the CU fight song, well that is a far cry from itsy-bitsy spider.
L. PROK: She is easy to teach things to. And my husband and I both are huge Buff fans so we spent a little time with her.
M. PROK: Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight.
DEAN PROK: You'll say one more song, and you ask her what song. And sometimes she says, CU fight song.
M. PROK: I like this song.
DELOZIER: And like a lot of parents, when your child learns something new --
L. PROK: Yes, we were at the breakfast table one day and I asked her to sing it for me. I had my camera -- my digital camera out.
DEAN PROK: My brother, Dan, and Dave, two brothers got a hold of it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
L. PROK: Can you sing the fight song for me?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
DAN PROK, MIA'S UNCLE: So I got in touch with a few people up there, just sent some e-mails with the attachment as a file. And they said, that is great, we would like to use this for something.
DELOZIER (on camera): But what? What to do with a homemade video shot around the kitchen table of Mia singing the CU fight song. Well that is when somebody here at CU came up with an idea.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
M. PROK: (INAUDIBLE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
DELOZIER (voice-over): They played the video during the West Virginia game.
DEAN PROK: And we're just in the stands and sure enough, there it comes.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
M. PROK: (INAUDIBLE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
DELOZIER: After winning that game, they played it again against K-state.
DAN PROK: You know, the way that they've got it going now, she kind of starts the whole fight song and everyone joins in.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
M. PROK: (INAUDIBLE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED GROUP: Fight, fight for victory.
DELOZIER: And yes, you guessed it, they won again. And finally against Iowa State.
L. PROK: And it got the students going and they started singing.
DELOZIER: And yes --
UNIDENTIFIED GROUP: Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight.
DEAN PROK: They are 3-0 when Mia sings. We are trying to keep the streak alive.
DELOZIER: Traditions, it seems, sometimes start in the most unexpected places.
L. PROK: We will always keep the CU fight song in the bedroom -- in the bed time repertoire for sure.
DELOZIER: Next up, Oklahoma State. No pressure, Mia.
This is Dave Delozier, 9 News.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
