Return to Transcripts main page
CNN Newsroom
President Obama Gets Warm Greeting From Canada; Secretary Clinton In Seoul Today; Concerns With China
Aired February 19, 2009 - 14:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR, CNN NEWSROOM: We are pushing forward to the border and beyond. Trade troubles, war worries, and a whole lot more. President Obama makes his first foreign visit as commander in chief; and it's no social call.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I know that there will be dire political ramifications for me when I cast this vote.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: One vote cast, one legislative war ended, one state trying to dig itself out of a massive hole. We're on the front lines of California's budget battle.
Hello, everyone. I'm Kyra Phillips live from the CNN World Headquarters in Atlanta. You are in the CNN NEWSROOM.
Brown-eyed girl, courted, then stalked, then blinded and scarred by the man who said that he loved her, an acid attack like this would certainly mean jail time under U.S. law. But this happened in Iran, where Islamic law allows an eye for an eye. That's what this woman wants now. What would you do if you were the victim? Think about it. And stay with us this hour as we bring you the rest of the story.
But first, so many issues, so little time for his first trip outside the country, President Obama is packing a lot in the less than seven hours. Talks in Ottawa with the Canadian prime minister were expected to touch on Afghanistan. Canadian troops s are on their way out, while Mr. Obama has just approved a major troop increase.
Now, trade is always on the table. Canadians take a dim view of the "buy America" clause in the economic stimulus. And did you know that the U.S. buys more oil from Canada than any other country? The president doesn't love the big carbon footprint created by oil sands operations in Alberta.
Now, a few potential score points aside, Canadians love Barack Obama. And our Dan Lothian joins me now from the Canadian capital, with a preview of a joint news conference later this hour.
Dan, let's go ahead and talk about why such a brief visit.
DAN LOTHIAN, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: That's right, a brief visit. Just a chance for the president, the prime minister to sit down, meet each other face to face, and bring up, as you pointed out, some of these very important issues; the economy, NAFTA and trade, and also Afghanistan.
Now, this lunch meeting expected to wrap up within the hour. About 2:45, or so, we're told that both the leaders will come out and hold a press conference. So what we expect that they are talking about now is the NAFTA and trade. As you know, the president, while he was a candidate, talked about wanting to renegotiate NAFTA. That is something that people here in Canada do not want to hear. So the president will try to put Canadians at ease over that.
Also, the economy here has been hit hard. And prime minister is pushing a stimulus package much like what was done in the United States, but much smaller, focusing on infrastructure and also tax cuts.
And finally, on Afghanistan, they will touch on that as well. The president, as you mentioned, has been beefing up troops into Afghanistan; 17,000 troops going into Afghanistan. And here, in Canada, the parliament has set a deadline for withdrawal of all its ground combat forces by 2011. So the president was asked whether or not he was going to try to sort of prod Canada to perhaps extend beyond 2011. He said he's not here to do that, but rather just to talk to the Canadians about what the Americans are planning in Afghanistan going forward.
You did talk about that warm reception. It was interesting, as the president landed here, he was greeted by some dignitaries at the airport. And on the route here to the parliament area, there were a lot of Canadians waving signs and screaming. And there was what appeared to be this impromptu moment, when the president was walking into the parliament. He went in through the first set of doors with the prime minister. And then he pivoted, went back outside and then had that camera moment where he waved to the crowd. And they, of course, started screaming.
So certainly on this very cold day, and snow falling here, a warm reception from Canadians, Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Dan Lothian, thanks so much.
President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper will hold a joint news conference. We'll carry that live. It's scheduled to gets under way about 2:45 Eastern Time.
Well, all-night sessions, all kinds of concessions, it wasn't pretty. But California lawmakers have finally approved a budget plan aimed at closing a projected $42-billion deficit. The drawn-out battle ended when state senate leaders got the final vote from a Republican Abel Maldonado. Now, in exchange for election reforms, removal of a gas tax hike, and other concessions, and still Maldonado says, it was a tough choice.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ABEL MALDONADO, (R) CALIFORNIA STATE SENATOR: All I can say is that this state of mind, California, is my home. It has given me everything. It has given me an opportunity. It has given my family the American dream. And for me to sit and to watch it be destroyed by partisan stubbornness, I know that there will be dire political ramifications for me when I cast this vote. But the ramifications to the people of California are far much greater.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Well, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is breathing a big sigh of relief right now. We're expecting to hear from him this hour. Plus, we'll push forward and see what's in store for the people of California.
Now, California's not the only state suffering right now. And some cash-strapped Republican governors still oppose President Obama's stimulus plan. But all that cash may be too tempting for South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford. He says that just because you're against the plan doesn't mean that you can't take the money.
And how tough is it to find a job these days? One glance at the latest jobless numbers will tell you. The government says the number of people getting jobless benefits jumped to a record high for the fourth week in a row, nearly 5 million. Those people jobless have been out of work for more than one week at least; 627,000 people filed first-time claims last week. Same as the week before, but still near a 26-year high.
Now, as the jobless numbers rise, stocks continue to sink. Today the Dow fell below the 7,500 mark. Susan Lisovicz is at the New York Stock Exchange to explain what it all means.
Hey, Susan.
SUZAN LISOVICZ, CNN FINANCIAL CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Kyra. Well, you know the Dow industrials have fallen below 7552 this week, but they've yet to close below that level. And that's something that, you know, a lot of market pros watch, because basically you're looking for the next level of support. So while the slow-up we're seeing right now doesn't seem to be anything unnerving, it's the levels that we're looking at.
It's interesting to note that it was less than a year and a half ago that the Dow industrials hit their all-time high, above 14,000. How things have changed.
So basically if the Dow closes at this level, right now, that you currently see, the next low to watch is 7,286, which would be the closing low for the Dow in the last bear market, way back in October of 2002.
Financials pushing markets lower today. Citigroup, Bank of America shares, each down about 9 percent. Hewlett-Packard shares are down 8 percent. It cut its annual earnings forecast. The Federal Reserve, as we've been talking about, Kyra, says there will be a gradual economic recovery, but it won't come until the second half of the year. And it will come depending on the success of all the stimulus.
Which brings us to one of the reports we talked about in the last hour, Kyra. Leading economic indicators rose for the second straight month in January. Why is that? Well, because of the stimulus that is already seeing, the Federal Reserve expanding its balance sheet, with all that lending it's done, buying securities, that has helped leading economic indicators. And that forecast activity, the next three to six months forward. That's s something that the market will be watching, more signs of that; the light at the end of the tunnel.
One last thing. Coca-cola, its shares are up 2 percent. It's increasing its quarterly dividend. Doesn't sound like a big deal to you? Well, guess what. S&P Index Services said that dividends paid by S&P 500 companies would decline 13 percent this year. So it's a real rarity. It's increasing its dividend, and Coke shares are up as a result. It's 47th consecutive annual increase. The company is based - in your town, Hot-Lanta, Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Yes, it is. And you never mention Pepsi in this town, or you get ousted. Kicked out. Completely scorned.
LISOVICZ: Oh, no. Ooh. Arch enemy.
PHILLIPS: Thank you, Susan.
LISOVICZ: You're welcome.
PHILLIPS: Well, it's one of the key jobs in the Cabinet. And you're looking at the lady who just might fill it. She's Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius. Administration sources say that she's the leading contender to become Health secretary. But they add that President Obama is still checking out other nominees. The Health secretary would be the point person on getting Mr. Obama's massive health care reform plan through Congress. The president's first pick, former Senator Tom Daschle, as you know, he bowed out over tax issues.
She's in South Korea, but Secretary of State Clinton has her eye on the North. She arrived today with tensions growing between the two Koreas. Our Foreign Affairs Correspondent Jill Daugherty is traveling with the secretary.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JILL DOUGHERTY, CNN FOREIGN AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT (On camera): En route to Seoul, South Korea, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that the U.S. and its allies are monitoring a possible succession crisis in North Korea. There have been reports that Kim Jong-il, the leader of North Korea, suffered a stroke last year. There have been threatening comments coming from the North towards South Korea. And there have been recent reports about the possibility that the North may be preparing to launch a long-range missile.
Secretary Clinton said everyone is trying to read the tea leaves, as she put it. The leadership in the situation in the North, she said, is somewhat unclear. If there is a succession, even if it is a peaceful succession, she said, it could create more uncertainty. And that uncertainty in turn could encourage more provocative behavior.
Here in Seoul, Secretary Clinton will be meeting with the president, the prime minister, and the foreign minister, conferring about this. And at the next stop on her itinerary, that's Beijing, she will be doing the same with the leadership of China. The aim of all of this, she said, is to try to come up with a strategy that is effective in influencing the North Korean leadership. Jill Daugherty, CNN. Seoul.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: A spokesman for embattled Illinois Senator Roland Burris stepped down today after new disclosures about requests that Burris raise money for former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. In a written statement to CNN, Jason Earp says that it's time for him to get back to his communications business. Senate Ethics Committee is investigating Burris after disclosures that he spoke with Blagojevich's brother about possibly raising money for the former governor. Blagojevich appointed Burris to the seat once held by President Obama, and was impeached and removed from office on charges he tried to sell the seat. Burris says he did nothing wrong.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. ROLAND BURRIS, (D) ILLINOIS: I ask you, today, to stop the rush to judgment. You know the real Roland. I've done nothing wrong. And I have absolutely nothing to hide.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: While testifying in Blagojevich's impeachment trial, Burris did not mention the conversations with the former governor's brother. He later said his testimony might have been incomplete and filed an affidavit correcting it.
America's first African-American attorney general mincing no words when it comes to race relations. In a speech, the Justice Department employees marking Black History Month, Eric Holder said the U.S. is a nation of cowards on matters of race with most Americans avoiding candid discussions. He also says that most Americans still self-segregate in their private lives. Michael Eric Dyson is an expert on race relations.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHAEL ERIC DYSON, AUTHOR, RACE RELATIONS EXPERT: I think Mr. Holder, as attorney general, is living up to his name, he's the holder of our consciousness. He is the holder of our conscience. He holds us to a higher standard. If we are Americans, we want to be first in everything. All he's suggesting, let's be successful in race relations as we've been successful in other areas.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Now, in his speech, Holder says that Americans need to overcome an ingrained inhibition against talking about race. By now you have heard all about the government's economic stimulus plan. But you might not know about a plan to stimulate marriage in this country. Conceived by President George W. Bush and funded by your tax dollars. CNN's Carol Costello has more on the government's push to the altar.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, marriage is good, really. And Uncle Sam is using $5 million of your tax dollars to convince young people to take a trip down the aisle.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO (voice over): Many studies show marriage is good for you. A good one generally makes you healthier, wealthier and happier. If you take a look at Hollywood, marriage is war. Even before the "I dos."
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Your wedding can suck it.
COSTELLO: In the movie "Bride Wars," two young women vie not for love and a happy marriage, but for the perfect wedding. Some say that's a terrible message sent at a time when more young people than ever are rejecting marriage. Federal statistics show 7.1 marriages per 1,000 people in 2008. That's down from 10 per 1,000 people in 1986. And the government wants to reverse that trend.
PAUL AMATO, PENN STATE UNIVERSITY: Young people in the United States are somewhat confused about marriage. Marriage has changed a great deal in the last several decades. And the old rules really no longer apply.
COSTELLO: Paula Amato wrote, "Alone Together: How Marriage in America is Changing", and is an adviser to the National Healthy Marriage Resource Center, which is government-funded and designed to extol the virtues of marriage for 18 to 30-year-olds. It means $5 million of your tax dollars will pay for pro-marriage adds on YouTube and MySpace. And a web site called "Twoofus.org, designed to get a conversation going about what marriage is. It's an initiative that was born in the Bush era.
GEORGE W. BUSH, FMR. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Marriage is critical to the well-being of families.
COSTELLO: And one that will be launched by the Department of Health and Human Services, even though President Obama has yet to name someone to run HHS. As for how such an initiative might lure more young people to the altar? Well, we asked.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Is this something the government should be doing?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That's not really the federal government's business. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If people are going to get married, they're not going to be like, yo, pro-government, it's like, yo, let's get married.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I would laugh if I saw and ad that said Americans should be getting married.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You should want to get married because you want to. You don't need someone to teach up you the value of marriage.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK, well, it's not like telling you, get married. You know what I'm saying?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They're just like, you know, shedding light on the values behind it.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: As for what the Obama administration thinks of this initiative, well, it has no position. And probably won't have a position until it finally names someone to head up HHS, Kyra.
PHILLIPS: All right. Carol Costello, thanks so much.
America's new first lady is no stay-at-home kind of woman. Just a month into her husband's term, Michelle Obama is getting to know her hometown.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Straight to the first lady, Michelle Obama. As usual, she's early once again, talking to the Department of Agriculture. It's part of her listening tour as she visits each department. Let's listen in.
(BEGIN LIVE FEED, IN PROGRESS)
MICHELLE OBAMA, FIRST LADY OF THE UNITED STATES: Like I've been doing, it's probably one of the - next to hanging out with Malia and Sasha - it's probably one of the most valuable things that I think that I can do.
We're so lucky to have Secretary Vilsack. I got to know him on the campaign trail. Spent a lot of time in Iowa. He brings to this job a lifetime of public service. In one of the greatest states in this country, which has become one of my favorite states, Iowa. You get to know Iowa when you're running for president. You spend a lot of time in Iowa.
And it is a good place, with decent, hard-working people with some strong values. And getting to know the state as I've done and getting to know Secretary Vilsack, as I have, over the past several years, I know that we are lucky. And you are all be blessed to have someone who is so committed and knows so much about so many things regarding agriculture, working with family farms in rural communities. He's going to bring all of that experience to his work here at the Department of Agriculture. And we are grateful to have him on board. So let's give him a round of applause.
(APPLAUSE)
I was also particularly pleased to hear that he's working on creating these wonderful gardens here at the USDA. Did you know that? That's a very good thing. And kicking off this effort to build these gardens all over the world, in all of the facilities of the USDA. Because I'm a big believer in community gardens, both because of their beauty, and for their access to providing fresh fruits and vegetables to so many communities across this nation, and the world.
So, to help kick this effort off, I've brought a little gift to get this garden going. It's right here, in this pot.
(LAUGHTER)
It is a seedling. It will be beautiful one day. But right now it's a seedling. And it's a special seedling because it comes from the Jackson Magnolia Tree. And the Jackson Magnolia Tree sits on the South Portico of the White House. And it's a special tree, because it was planted by President Jackson in honor of his wife, Rachel, who passed right before they moved into the White House. So I hope that this seedling brings years of joy and beauty to the garden that will be planted here in the same way it has brought beauty to the White House for 180 years.
So please accept this gift from the White House.
(APPLAUSE)
As you probably heard, I've been running around the district visiting departments. And as I've said, it's been one of the most fun things that I've done. My purpose is simple. It's to say thank you. You know, that's something that Barack and I talked about. Talked about all the folks who have dedicated their lives, as the people on this stage have done for -- did I hear the youngest worker on here has worked for 38 years? See, I have staff on the back who gulp every time they hear that, because they're like 20. So they can't imagine doing anything for longer than four years.
But what is true and what America needs to remember is that this nation is built on the backs of you, workers, who have dedicated their lifetimes to working on behalf of the issues that are so important to this nation. And before we do anything here in this town, in this country, we thought it is important to say thank you for the work that you've done, thank you for the work that you're going to do, because we're going to need you working so very hard over the next several years. So thank you.
It's important for people to know what happens here at the Department of Agriculture. As you begin moving the policies and programs of this administration forward, I wanted to come by and just remind people of the work that you do, from supporting the farmers that produce the food that we eat, to managing the school meal programs that give students the energy and the nutrition they need to get through the day, to providing greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables, to giving struggling families the assistance they need to put food on their table, and to protecting our food supply, the work of this department touches the lives of all Americans on a daily basis in ways that sometimes we can't even imagine.
And like many parts of this country, rural America is hurting economically. The president is taking steps to turn our economy around and help struggling families. And the expansion of the Children's Health Insurance Program will insure more children, including those in rural communities, so that they get the health care that they need. The new investments that will double the nation's renewable energy capacity is going to bring new jobs, and economic opportunity to rural communities, who will play a central role in creating America's clean energy future.
And the president's plan to address the home mortgage crisis is going to help rural families refinance their mortgages, modify loans, and secure loans with more affordable monthly payments. And this effort's not just going to just help keep families in their homes, it's going to help strengthen rural neighborhoods and communities across this country. So there's a lot of work to do. And we have great leaders in Secretary Vilsack and President Obama that we can count on through the next several years.
But it's, again, important to remember that these great leaders are only as great as the people who hold them up. And again, that's where you all come in. They can only do the work that they do because there are thousands and thousands of dedicated federal workers like you, who are willing to make the sacrifices in their own lives, with their own families, to devote the time and energy that is so needed to get the work done. So again, we are going to need you in the months and years to come. The challenges that we face are serious and real. And it's going to take quite a long time to get this country back on track.
So your contributions are more important now than they have ever been. So again, on behalf of my husband, on behalf of the administration, and the Obama family, I want to thank you for your energy, for your passion, and for your commitment. And let's get this thing planted.
Thank you. Thanks so much.
(END LIVE FEED)
PHILLIPS: You know, the first lady's been pretty busy. She's speaking here at the Department of Agriculture. But listen to what she's done just in February. She's been making the rounds, meeting with federal workers at Cabinet departments. She's been reading to children, chatting with teens, touring the neighborhood health center, dropping in at Howard University, doing family night at Kennedy Center. She's even splashed across the March cover of "Vogue," as you probably saw. And I thought this quote was pretty good. Latisha Bald ridge, she was the social secretary for Jacqueline Kennedy. She said this of Michelle Obama, as she's kind of stepped into her role as first lady. "I thought she would go off like a cannon ball, and she has."
Anyway, we're following her listening tour, as she continues to make her rounds, meeting all those within the federal Cabinets, or the Cabinet departments, rather.
Borders and budgets, we're pushing forward on both today. Live pictures now from California and Canada. We're waiting to hear from Governor Schwarzenegger on the end of an epic budget battle. Also from President Obama, his first foreign trip as commander in chief, he's in Canada.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Well, it's been 106 days, but California lawmakers have finally OK'd a budget to deal with the state's $42 billion deficit. So, now what? Ted Rowlands is in Los Angeles. Ted?
TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, this, as you said earlier, was an epic scenario up in Sacramento. Over 100 days of partisan bickering finally came to an end this morning, early this morning after lawmakers pulled an all-nighter. There was a lot of pressure to come to an agreement, because today 10,000 pink slips were ready to go out, more jobs lost. And more importantly, in terms of an immediate effect, more than 300 construction projects under way in the state were going to be halted because the state has basically run out of money.
But because this deal has been brokered, one lawmaker did flinch. A Republican came over to the Democratic site and to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's side. They were able to come up with a deal because of that. The state can now proceed in its daily businesses.
Now they will start issuing income-tax refunds, which had been halted because of the budget crisis. Forty-two billion dollars is the deficit here. There's been a deal made. A budget is now in place.
Now the hard part. We're talking about significant tax increases for residents of California, which Republicans were against, and very significant cuts in different programs, including education. But at least now a template to deal with this very, very significant budget.
PHILLIPS: Ted Rowlands, thanks so much.
Well, you remember this? Sure, you do. It's that infamous shoe- toss. Today, the guy who did the tossing got his day in court. Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zaidi said that he was provoked by President Bush's, quote, "bloodless and soulless smile" when he pitched this fit during a December news conference in Baghdad.
He's charged with assaulting a foreign head of state on an official visit to Iraq. But his lawyers want to change assaulting to insulting, claiming Bush's unannounced visit was not official. The trial has been postponed three weeks while the court rules. A key U.S. air base could soon be closed, and that's a move that could hamper efforts in Afghanistan. Kyrgyzstan's parliament voted to close the Manas Air Base. And if the key hub for troops and equipment is going in and out of Afghanistan, well, that order will now go to Kyrgyzstan's president. If he signs it, the U.S. would have 180 days to leave. Defense Secretary Gates says the U.S. will consider paying more rent to keep that base open.
Well, he wanted her hand in marriage. And when she said no, he took her eyes instead. Now, we want to warn you, this story contains pretty graphic images, which you may find disturbing. It's an Iranian woman blinded and disfigured from an acid attack. she fights for justice so no one will have to suffer like she did. CNN's Reza Sayah reports from Tehran.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
REZA SAYAH, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Amenah Bahrami says her big brown eyes used to be the envy of her friends. But this is what a jilted suitor did to Amenah's eyes when he threw acid in her face.
AMENAH BAHRAMI (through translator): I was just yelling, I'm burning, I'm burning, for God sake, somebody help me.
SAYAH: The attack has made headlines in Iran because Amenah, now 31, is demanding an eye for an eye.
BAHRAMI (through translator): People like him should be made to feel my suffering.
SAYAH: In accordance with Islamic law, Amenah wants to blind Majid Movehedi, the man who blinded her.
The two met in college in 2002. First came his unwanted advances, says Amenah, then came the threats.
BAHRAMI (through translator): He called me every day and harassed me. He told me he would kill me. He said, you have to say yes.
SAYAH (on camera): This corner that you're looking at right now, that's where her jilted suitor, Majid, used to hide. And a couple days before this incident, she said, look, I don't want to marry you.
(voice-over): But Majid wouldn't take no for an answer. November 2004, as Amenah walked home from work, the threats turned to violence. This is Amenah's first visit back to the scene of the attack in Tehran.
(on camera): She says she went up a little bit, and then she sensed someone was right behind her.
(voice-over): The moment she looked back, she says, Majid attacked. What felt like fire on her face was acid searing through her skin. (on camera): So these are the clothes that Amenah was wearing that day, and her mother has just kept them. This is the coat that she was wearing, and just look at it. It is just absolutely shredded. And you can -- I can right now smell the acid. Yes. I mean, I have trouble breathing.
(voice-over): Attack victims in Iran often get what's known as blood money from the culprit, a monetary fine in lieu of harsh punishment. With no insurance and mounting medical bills, Amenah could have used the cash, but said no.
BAHRAMI (through translator): I don't want to blind Majid for revenge. I'm doing this to keep this from ever happening to someone else.
SAYAH: Amenah's demand has outraged some human-rights activists. Usually they support victims of acid attacks, but on Internet blogs, they criticized her. Her determination to blind her attacker is as barbaric as the crime, they write.
Late last year, a court in Tehran handed down the sentence: acid in each of his eyes. He's appealed the decision, but this month, the court ruled the sentence stands.
Today, Amenah is remarkably self-sufficient, but challenges remain. She says she can't afford to pay for her medical care, so she's turned to the Internet to ask for help. She's lost her big brown eyes, but her smile is still there. Determined, she says, to get justice.
BAHRAMI (through translator): If I don't do this, and there is another acid attack, I will never forgive myself for as long as I live.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Reza joing us now. After working on that piece for us, definitely hard to watch, Reza, without a doubt. Now, does the victim get to put the acid actually in this guy's eyes? And is that what she wants to do?
SAYAH: Kyra, she says she's willing to do it. But that's not what's going to happen. What's going to happen within the next few weeks, the sentence will be carried out, two doctors will go to the prison.
They'll put the attacker out with general anesthesia. They'll administer the acid. And he's going to be blind. Now, keep in mind, Amenah had the option of disfiguring his face, because that's what he did to her, but she said no, all I want is for him to be blind -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: And he's going to get anesthesia and will not feel nearly the pain that she did. Well, how often do victims demand their right to an eye for an eye, Reza? SAYAH: It's very rare. And I'm concerned with doing a report like this is perpetuating these false stereotypes and misconceptions. The fact is that these acid attacks are rare in Iran and especially in Tehran. And exercising the right to an eye for an eye is very rare. But on this occasion, she says she wants to do it to send out a message, so anyone who thinks about doing this again will not -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Well, we'll follow her story. That's for sure. Reza Sayah, thanks so much.
What is the U.S. hoping to accomplish in Afghanistan by sending more troops? We're going to look at the options.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Frightening hours across parts of the South last night as severe thunderstorms pounded the region. The National Weather Service says that at least three tornadoes touched down in central Georgia. An apparent tornado also touched down in Alabama. Those storms killed at least one person, injured 16, and more than 13,000 homes lost power.
And while the nasty weather's over in most of the South, other parts of the country are getting more snow today. Chad Myers watching it all, including the ski reports for us. Hey, Chad.
(WEATHER REPORT)
PHILLIPS: That's right. So he should have expected the cold weather.
Well, he's definitely getting a warm reception, that's for sure. We're watching President Obama's whirlwind visit to Canada. We're expecting a live news conference about 2:45 Eastern time with him and the prime minister. We'll take that live as soon as it happens.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: You can talk about jobless claims and GDP, but this is what a recession looks like. People who used to be at work at this hour lining up for food donations when a major employer shuts down.
This is actually Wilmington, Ohio, a town of 12,000 reeling from the pullout of the cargo shipper DHL -- 3,000 jobs already gone. Thousands more could follow. The precious cargo of food and personal- care items rolled in today from the charity Feed the Children.
And all eyes on Ottawa right now. You don't hear that every day. Today, though, for a few short hours, the capital of Canada is hosting the president of the United States. Live pictures now.
And it's a uniquely important international relationship that we're keeping in the spotlight today. Now, in just a few moments, President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper are due to hold a news comfirm -- conference, rather, on Parliament Hill. CNN's Dan Lothian joins me on the phone. He is there. And we are all waiting to hear from the president and the prime minister to talk about what they have negotiated. Dan, bring us up to date.
DAN LOTHIAN, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: That's right. Well, I can tell you now that we've gotten just under a two-minute warning here for this event to begin. And as you mentioned, you know, this is really a critical meeting between the first -- the first time that the president has had a chance to come here to canada and meet with the prime minister.
And they're talking about trade, the economy and also the war in Afghanistan. They'll be answering -- well, here they are coming out. So, you'll see the president there and the prime minister, Prime Minister Harper, coming up to the microphones. They won't be taking a lot of questions. Probably maybe four questions total will be taken in this event.
But we're expecting to hear them talk a little bit about what they were able to discuss on trade, the economy and Afghanistan. Here they are.
STEPHEN HARPER, PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA (through translator): It is a pleasure for me to welcome President Obama to Canada. We are deeply honored that he has chosen Canada for his first foreign visit since taking office. His election to the presidency launches a new chapter in the rich history of Canada/U.S. relations. It is a relationship between allies, partners, neighbors, and the closest of friends. A relationship built on our shared values, freedom, democracy and equality of opportunity epitomized by the president himself.
Our discussions today focused on three main priorities. First, President Obama and I agree that Canada and the United States must work closely to counter the global economic recession by implementing mutually beneficial stimulus measures and by supporting efforts to strengthen the international financial system. We concur on the need for immediate concerted action to restore economic growth and to protect workers and families hit hardest by the recession, through lowering taxes, ensuring access to credit and unleashing spending that sustains and stimulates economic activity.
Second, President Obama and I agree to a new initiative that will further cross-border cooperation on environmental protection and energy security. We are establishing a U.S./Canada clean energy dialogue, which commits senior officials from both countries to collaborate on the development of clean-energy science and technology that will reduce greenhouse gases and combat climate change.
Third, the president and I had a productive discussion about our shared priorities for international peace and security, particularly our commitment to stability and progress in Afghanistan. This has been a very constructive visit, revealing to both of us a strong consensus on important bilateral and international issues.
President Obama, I look forward to working with you in the months ahead, as we make progress on these issues and build on the long and deep friendship between our people and our countries.
HARPER: Once again, it is a great pleasure to welcome President Obama to Canada. We are deeply honored that he has chosen Canada for his first foreign visit since taking office. His election to the presidency launches a new chapter in the rich history of Canada/U.S. relations. It is a relationship between allies, partners, neighbors and the closest of friends. A relationship built on our shared values, freedom, democracy, and equality of opportunities epitomized by the president himself. Our discussions today focused on three main priorities.
First, President Obama and I agree that Canada and the United States must work closely to counter the global economic recession by implementing mutually beneficial stimulus measures and by supporting efforts to strengthen the international financial system. We concur on the need for immediate concerted action to restore economic growth and to protect workers and families hit hardest by the recession through lowering taxes, ensuring access to credit and unleashing spending that sustains and stimulates economic activity.
Second, President Obama and I agreed to a new initiative that will further cross-border cooperation on environmental protection and energy security. We are establishing a U.S./Canada clean energy dialogue which commits senior officials from both countries to collaborate on the development of clean-energy science and technologies. That will reduce greenhouse gases, and combat climate change.
Third, the president and I had a productive discussion about our shared priorities for international peace and security, in particular, our commitment to stability and progress in Afghanistan. This has been a very constructive visit revealing to both of us a strong consensus on important bilateral and international issues.
President Obama, I look forward to working with you in the months ahead to make progress on these issues and build on the long and deep friendship between our two countries and our two peoples.
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you so much. Thank you. Well, it is a great pleasure to be here in Ottawa. And Prime Minister Harper and I just completed a productive and wide- ranging discussion on the many issues of common concern to the people of the United States and Canada.
I came to Canada on my first trip as president to underscore the closeness and importance of the relationship between our two nations, and to reaffirm the commitment of the United States to work with friends and partners to meet the common challenges of our time. As neighbors, we are so closely linked that sometimes we may have a tendency to take our relationship for granted. But the very success of our friendship throughout history demands that we renew and deepen our cooperation here in the 21st century.
We're joined together by the world's largest trading relationship and countless daily interactions that keep our borders open and secure. We share core democratic values and a commitment to work on behalf of peace, prosperity and human rights around the world.
But we also know that our economy and our security are being tested in new ways. And the prime minister and I focused on several of those challenges today. As he already mentioned, first we shared a commitment to economic recovery. The people of North America are hurting. And that is why our governments are acting. This week, I signed the most sweeping economic recovery plan in our nation's history.
Today, the prime minister and I discussed our respective plans to create jobs and lay a foundation for growth. The work that's being done by this government to stimulate the economy on this side of the border is welcomed. And we expect that we can take actions in concert to strengthen the auto industry as well.
We know the financial crisis is global, and so our response must be global. The United States and Canada are working closely on a bilateral basis and within the G-8 and G-20 to restore confidence in our financial markets. I discussed this with Prime Minister Harper, and we look forward to carrying that collaboration to london this spring.
Second, we are launching, as was mentioned, a new initiative to make progress on one of the most pressing challenges of our time, the development and use of clean energy. How we produce and use energy is fundamental to our economic recovery, but also our security and our planet. And we know that we can't afford to tackle these issues in isolation.
And that's why we're updating our collaboration on energy to meet the needs of the 21st century. The clean-energy dialogue that we've established today will strengthen our joint research and development. It will advance carbon-reduction technologies, and it will support the development of an electric grid that can help deliver the clean and renewable energy of the future to homes and businesses, both in Canada and the United States.
And through this example and through continued international negotiations, the United States and Canada are committed to confronting the threat posed by climate change. In addition to climate change, Prime Minister Harper and I discussed the need for strong bilateral cooperation on a range of global challenges, one of the most pressing being Afghanistan. The people of Canada have an enormous burden there that they have borne.
As I mentioned in an interview prior to this visit, those of us in the United States are extraordinarily grateful for the sacrifices of the families here in Canada of troops that have been deployed and have carried on their missions with extraordinary valor. You put at risk your most precious resource, your brave men and women in uniform. And so, we are very grateful for that.
There is an enduring military mission against al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan and along the border regions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. But we also have to enhance our diplomacy and our development efforts. And we discussed this in our private meetings.
My administration is undertaking a review of our policies so that we forge a comprehensive strategy in pursuit of clear and achievable goals. And as we move forward, we intend to consult very closely with the government here in Canada to make certain that all our partners are working in the same direction. In April, we'll have a broader dialogue with our NATO allies on how to strengthen the alliance to meet the security challenges around the world.
And finally, we look forward to the summit of the Americas. My administration is fully committed to active and sustained engagement to advance the common security and prosperity of our hemisphere. We will work closely with Canada in advancing these goals and look forward to a meaningful dialog in Trinidad.
As I've said, the United States is once again ready to lead, but strong leadership depends on strong alliances, and strong alliances depend on constant renewal. Even the closest neighbors need to make that effort to listen to one another, to keep open the lines of communication and to structure our cooperation at home and around the world. That's the work that we've begun here today.
I'm extraordinarily grateful to Prime Minister Harper for his hospitality, his graciousness and his leadership. And I'm looking forward to this being the start of a continued extraordinary relationship between our two countries.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (SPEAKING FRENCH), good afternoon, we'll start with David Jackson, USA Today.
DAVID JACKSON, USA TODAY: Thank you, Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister. I have Afghanistan questions for you both. Mr. President, General McKiernan requested 30,000 extra troops. Your new order calls for 17,000. How likely is it that you will make up that difference after the review you've mentioned? And more importantly, how long can we expect all U.S. troops to be in Afghanistan? And Mr. Prime Minister, based on your discussions today, are you reconsidering the 2011 deadline for troop withdrawal? And are you also thinking about increasing economic aid to Afghanistan?
OBAMA: Well, David, the precise reason that we're doing a review is because I think that over the last several years, we took our eye off the ball. And there's a consensus of a deteriorating -- that there's a deteriorating situation in Afghanistan.
I don't want to prejudge that review. I ordered the additional troops because I felt it was necessary to stabilize the situation there in advance of the elections that are coming up. But we have 60 days of work to do. That review, which will be wide-ranging, will then result in a report that's presented to me. At that point we will be able to, I think, provide you with some clearer direction in terms of how we intend to approach Afghanistan.
In terms of length, how long we might be there, obviously that's going to be contingent on the strategy we develop out of this review. And I'm not prejudging that as well. I should mention just to pre-empt or to anticipate Prime Minister Harper's -- the question directed at him, that I certainly did not press the prime minister on any additional commitments beyond the ones that have already been made. All I did was to compliment Canada on not only the troops that are there, the 108 that have fallen as a consequence of engagement in Afghanistan, but also the fact that Canada's largest foreign-aid recipient is Afghanistan.
There's been extraordinary effort there. And we just wanted to make sure we were saying thank you.
HARPER: Just very quickly, as you probably know, it was just last year that we were able to get through Parliament a bipartisan resolution extending our military engagement in Afghanistan for an additional close to four years at that point. As we move forward, we anticipate an even greater engagement on economic development. That's part of the strategy that we adopted.
