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Taliban Attack in Afghanistan Leaves Some Soldiers Dead; North Korea Fired Missiles This Morning; Sarah Palin Stepping Down as Governor
Aired July 04, 2009 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN ANCHOR: It is 8 o'clock on the west coast, 11 o'clock right here in the CNN Center in Atlanta. Good morning to you. I'm Brooke Baldwin, in today for Betty Nguyen.
T.J. HOLMES, CNN ANCHOR: And hello to you all. I'm T.J. Holmes. And you are in the CNN NEWSROOM.
Up first here, two U.S. soldiers are dead after a brazen attack in Afghanistan. Taliban fighters hit a U.S. base with a truck bomb, missiles and a rocket. This was a two-hour assault. In addition to leaving those two Americans dead, four others were wounded.
CNN's Atia Abawi has been covering this developing story from Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan.
After this attack, how is the U.S. responding?
ATIA ABAWI, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, the U.S. actually responded -- during the attack, they did kill 10 -- at least 10 militants and captured one. The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attacks. A vehicle born explosive devices went off outside the outposts and then they fired rockets and mortar, at least one containing white phosphorous.
A spokesperson for the governor of Paktika province where this attack occurred said that at least 32 militants were killed. But we're waiting to get more figures and that's coming in -- T.J.?
HOLMES: And, Atia, before we let you go here, we talked a little earlier to some of our reporter over in Iraq. And, you know, even though they're a long ways away, a lot of these American soldiers still, in other place, celebrating the Fourth? They're doing anything there as well to mark the 4th of July?
ABAWI: Absolutely, T.J. We're at Bagram airfield and festivities have been going on all day. There was a ceremony this morning with music, barbecue and games. And a U.S. Army band entertained the troop there's in that tent, and one member of the band actually played a song that resonated with everyone there. It was a song called "Fallen Comrade." He wrote it himself. It basically was inspired by ceremonies held here at Bagram when fallen soldiers come here, killed in action after they died in battle.
And actually we have a soldier here: Staff Sergeant Tony White, who has a special message this 4th of July for a special person. STAFF SGT. TONY WHITE, U.S. ARMY: Hi, Mandy. Just want to wish you a happy 4th of July and happy anniversary. Love you, baby.
ABAWI: And that was fantastic. And Mandy is his wife in the States, worried, of course, for Staff Sergeant Tony White here.
Festivities will continue throughout the night, and hopefully, we'll get more pictures for you to show you the festivities that are going on -- T.J.?
HOLMES: Well, I'm glad you were able to get that in. And wherever Mandy is, I hope she was able to see that.
Atia Abawi, we appreciate you. Thank you so much.
BALDWIN: Glad we got that in, indeed.
Well, Vice President Joe Biden spending the 4th of July with our troops in Iraq. He swore in around 200 of them as new American citizens. Biden's visit comes just days after U.S. troops pulled out of Iraq's big cities, leaving the Iraqis in charge of their own security.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOSEPH BIDEN, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: You are the reason why America's strong. We're all immigrants -- different stages, different times, different places -- we're all immigrants. And the one thing we can never forget and I hope you never forget is there's always room for more in America -- always room for more in America. It's the life blood of our country. That's what made us so different.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: In closed door meetings and an official says Biden warned Iraqi leaders not to let the country slide back into sectarian violence, that the American people had no interest in putting, quote- unquote, "Humpty Dumpty" back together again. T.J.?
HOLMES: Well, some fireworks out of North Korea this morning. South Korean media reporting that North Korea has fired out of seven more missiles over the Sea of Japan. All of them happened in a nine- hour window. These were all short-range missiles just like the four North Korea test-fired on Thursday. South Korea's government is calling this a provocative act.
Meanwhile, just about everybody today just scratching their heads and saying what in the world is Sarah Palin thinking? Well, Palin will resign as the Alaska governor at the end of the month. This move left Republicans stunned and split.
Does it help or hurt her possibilities as a presidential runner in 2012? And Palin says she just wasn't going to run for re-election in 2010 and didn't want to spend 16 months as a lame duck governor.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GOV. SARAH PALIN (R), ALASKA: I will support others who seek to serve in or out of office, and I don't care what party they're in or no party at all, inside Alaska or outside of Alaska. But I won't do it from the governor's desk.
I've never believed that I, nor anyone else, needs a title to do this -- to make a difference, to help people. So I choose for my state and for my family more freedom to progress all the way around so that Alaska may progress. I will not seek re-election as governor.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: Well, depending on who you talk to, Palin's resignation is either the smartest or the dumbest thing she's ever done.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Since she's made this announcement, Washington politicians of both parties have gone nut, suggests to me she's probably done something pretty smart.
ED ROLLINS, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: I think this is a stupid, stupid move. It's going to cause speculation she got chased out for some reason.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: Like, I said, it depends on who you ask.
Well, because she is stepping down, Sean Parnell, congratulations, sir. You are getting a promotion. He will be the new governor starting July 26th. He's currently the lieutenant governor. And I spoke to him this morning.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LT. GOV. SEAN PARNELL (R), ALASKA: She told me what her decision was going to be upfront and then she explained her rationale. And so, I was -- I was very surprised at first, but then as she began to explain why she was doing it, I began to see that it was, Sarah Palin once again moving to put Alaska's interests first.
Remember that basketball metaphor she used where she talked about the full-court press being on her and how it's time for her to pass the ball to a teammate so we can progress here in Alaska with our agenda, and I think that was an apt way of describing how she perceived things.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: Now, Parnell says he, yes, in fact, will run for his own office. He'll run for governor himself in 2010. He told the Anchorage television station KTVA, he expects to file that paperwork next week. BALDWIN: The latest now on the death of Michael Jackson in preparation for Tuesday's massive public memorial, extraordinary demand, as you can imagine, on a very short supply of tickets dolled out by lottery in just a couple of hours.
CNN's Susan Roesgen is at the Jackson family compound there in Encino, California.
And, Susan, I know that federal officials are getting in on this investigation, but I imagine the focus now, right around where you are, is Tuesday in the Staples Center?
SUSAN ROESGEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it really is. This is the sort of informal memorial, Brooke, that has still been building -- the roses, the balloons, people taking pictures, the handwritten notes. And I did sort of a poll of the people back here. Most of them got on that Web site and tried to get one of those tickets.
So far, the organizers say, Brooke, they have had 500,000 people register online trying to get tickets, and half a billion total hits of people on that Web site. Tonight, at 6 o'clock local time, they're going to have a computerized random drawing and then they'll let the lucky winners -- just 17,500 people who will actually be able to go -- they'll let those people know tomorrow morning.
Other than that, they're saying, please don't come. It's going to be, you know, such a zoo down there at the Staples Center. This, as you can see, is really quiet. It's always had just a few people. Nothing too major, very laid back here.
But the organizers of the Staples Center memorial are saying that this is supposed to be a celebration of Michael Jackson's life, and these are free tickets that they're giving away. And even though there aren't very many of them, those tickets are not supposed to be sold.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TIM LEIWEKE, PRESIDENT & CEO, AEG ENTERTAINMENT: This is a memorial service. I'm hoping that people have dignity. I'm hoping that people understand we're trying to do the best we can to accommodate the worldwide demand of Michael's fans.
We're hoping that no one takes advantage of this particular process. And we're going to great lengths per the request of the family to create a system that will allow us to get the tickets and the wristbands in the hands of the fans. For those that would try to take advantage of this, shame on them.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ROESGEN: And shame on you, says the city of Los Angeles, if you do try to go down to the Staples Center of on Tuesday. They're actually, Brooke, going to cordon off the whole area, about four blocks around the Staples Center so that only the people have the lucky wristbands showing that they've gotten a ticket can get in. The city of Los Angeles is very concerned that tens of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands of Michael Jackson fans and media will show up on Tuesday, and that the city will basically have gridlock if all of those people try to get down there just to catch a glimpse of some of the people going into the memorial -- Brooke?
BALDWIN: And I know they're saying, if you don't have ticket, stay home. Susan, let me ask you about this latest sort of bombshell when it comes to the investigation. According to the "Associated Press," they have found very strong anesthetic, Diprivan, inside Jackson's home?
ROESGEN: The "Associated Press" is reporting that Diprivan, that anesthetic used in surgery, never used outside of surgery normally, was found in Michael Jackson's rented home -- the home that he was renting, and that's where he collapsed.
Our sources are telling CNN that Michael Jackson in the '90s traveled with basically a mini clinic, an I.V. and Diprivan to be able to have himself injected with it to go to sleep, that he had terrible insomnia and he had, apparently, found a physician to give him Diprivan, which should not be given outside of an emergency room.
So, again, our sources are telling us that Michael Jackson had this mini clinic to help him get to sleep. The "Associated Press" is saying that that particular drug was found in his rented home. We're still working to confirmed that, Brooke.
BALDWIN: And we're still waiting on this toxicology report which I -- the results will be back for, still, a couple of more weeks. But Susan Roesgen, live for us there in that growing memorial in California -- Susan, thank you.
We want to remind our viewers that tonight and tomorrow night, CNN's Don Lemon takes an in-depth look at Michael Jackson's life and legacy. We'll be talking about his childhood, his music, his finances and his influence. Don't miss the "CNN PRESENTS" special "Michael Jackson: Man in the Mirror," this weekend at 8:00 Eastern Time, only on CNN.
HOLMES: Well, closed for eight years after the terrorist attacks on September 11th, one of the best views of New York is now open again.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SPC. DANIEL CALKIN, U.S. ARMY: Hi. My name is Specialist Daniel Calkin from Douglasville (ph), Georgia. Just wish to my family a happy 4th of July and a special message to my wife. I love you, babe. I'll be home soon.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDIWN: There are plenty of activities to keep you busy. And as you're about to see, very much so in shape this 4th of July. Look at these pictures from Atlanta, 55,000 runners competing in the Peachtree Road Race. It is one of the largest 10k races in world. I ran it last year. It's ton of fun.
More than 500,000 recyclable paper cups and 65,000 bottles of water on tap to help runners stay hydrated. As you can imagine, Atlanta gets hot.
And a couple of big dogs are in Brooklyn, New York, this weekend. Reigning champ, Joey Chestnut, is getting ready to square off with big rival, Takeru Kobayashi, again, in Coney Island's annual hot dog eating contest. Counting down before they go -- oh. (INAUDIBLE) this 4th of July. Astronomic contest starts next hour.
Are you hungry?
(INAUDIBLE)
BALDWIN: I don't know.
HOLMES: Reynolds cooked hot dog this morning. I had one of his hot dogs.
BALDWIN: How many -- how was it?
HOLMES: Not very good.
BALDWIN: You don't want to talk about it.
HOLMES: We'll turn to New York. Our Susan Candiotti is standing by there for a treat on this 4th of July.
Susan, it's nice just to hear that the crowd is reopened at the Statue of Liberty. You've got to go up there. Just, first of all, gives us an idea of the view.
SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: It's an awesome view. But, you know, even more than that, T.J., it's the sense that you're just inside Lady Liberty's head and that is the thing, I think, that many people, if not all of them, will remember the most.
The view, frankly, it's OK. And you can kind of sort of see her torch, which is also very interesting and part of the points on her crown. The view is interesting but obstructive. And that's why I say, just the idea that you are there is enough to be a memory that will certainly last forever. I think you could say awesome?
Three hundred and fifty-four steps to make it to up the top. Remember, this is the first time the statue has been opened since the September 11th attacks. The pedestal, the observation deck, reopened in 2004. But finally, now, people are back into the crown.
And here is the story of the day. You are about to meet right now Aaron Weifinger and Erica Breder, and, yes, they scored some of the first tickets among the first group to go up. But guess what Aaron did? Aaron proposed to Erica, and had you no idea. Is that right?
ERICA BREDER, ENGAGED AT STATUE OF LIBERTY: None at all.
CANDIOTTI: Let's see that. Let's see that rock when she said yes.
(CROSSTALK)
CANDIOTTI: What did you think when he asked you?
BREDER: I believe that I was silent for several minutes, at least it felt like several minutes. I was so excited. It felt like everyone was quiet. It was just the two of us and it was a big sense of relief. I was very excited.
CANDIOTTI: But you did say yes, thank goodness.
BREDER: Yes.
CANDIOTTI: Yes. And how did you come up with the idea?
AARON WEIFINGER, ENGAGED AT STATUE OF LIBERTY: Fourth of July has always been a favorite holiday. So, that was part of it. My great-grandparents immigrated through Ellis Island and Erica's parents immigrated into the country as well.
So I really -- the thought behind the statue and coming into a country in freedom and liberty, and allowing our parents and great- grandparents who did it for us, and allowing us to have the wonderful lives we do, it has a lot of meaning.
And it's beautiful. We're on the island here. It's a beautifully sunny day in New York. I couldn't have asked for anything different.
CANDIOTTI: For sure. And where did your parents and grandparents immigrate from?
BREDER: Czechoslovakia.
CANDIOTTI: And you, too?
WEIFINGER: And my great-grandparents came from Russia and they also came from Hungary.
CANDIOTTI: Memorable. And was it like inside the crown?
BREDER: It's fantastic. It was so much smaller than we had anticipated. The view is -- the view is fantastic.
CANDIOTTI: The view fantastic. And what about being able to see a bit of her head and the curls on the inside?
WEIFINGER: Yes, it was very neat. As we went up into the crown, just being able to see -- and knowing at, you know, over 100 years ago, this was created by hundreds of people, hundreds of thousands of people who have been inside, yet since September 11th, they weren't able to go into the crown. So, really, just being able to go in the crown, it's amazing; being the first group to go in the crown made it really special -- and obviously being able to propose on such a unique day.
BREDER: We're very fortunate to have this experience.
CANDIOTTI: Absolutely. Do you have a marriage date yet? Fourth of July?
BREDER: Possibly.
WEIFINGER: Possibly 4th of July.
CANDIOTTI: Let's keep that symbolism going.
WEIFINGER: We got fireworks coming tonight. So, we're very excited.
CANDIOTTI: I can imagine so. Congratulations to both of you.
BREDER: Thank you so much.
CANDIOTTI: Thank you very much for joining us.
WEIFINGER: Thank you.
CANDIOTTI: And, you know, I think, one of my favorite factoids, T.J., is that the skin of the Statue of Liberty is only the thickness of two pennies. Imagine than?
HOLMES: Huh?
CANDIOTTI: Back to you.
HOLMES: Well, you've got all kinds of information coming to us this morning. Susan Candiotti and that gentleman sounds excited. I think he just told us a little too much information.
BALDWIN: Fireworks tonight.
HOLMES: Fireworks are coming tonight. That has all kinds of meaning. Doesn't it, Reynolds?
BALDWIN: We are giggling. Hey, Reynolds.
REYNOLDS WOLF, CNN METEOROLOGIST: What was that about?
(LAUGHTER)
WOLF: That was -- that was a little bit too much information.
BALDWIN: Yes.
WOLF: T.J., you're ripping on my hot dogs, man!
BALDWIN: You had 'em and didn't like 'em, right?
HOLMES: Reynolds, I know you're trying to do a lot -- and do weather and trying to cook, it's too much to ask of you.
WOLF: You know, I know. I'm a weather guy. But when it comes to cooking, I am certainly fair to partly cloudy. I'm going to put these downstairs, I'll be right back with you.
Yes. Put these downstairs. There we go.
(LAUGHTER)
BALDWIN: (INAUDIBLE)
WOLF: Came right back up. Here we go.
BALDWIN: Come on back.
WOLF: All right. Let's start with the forecast and show you what's happening out here. You know, let's now go from hot dogs to hot weather -- 101 in Dallas today; 98 degrees in Memphis. Hot times up in the Mud Island.
In Chicago, Wrigley Field, it's going to be a cool day for you, 70 degrees the high. Nice breeze coming in off the lake. Same deal in Detroit, highs mainly into the 60s and 70s. Eighty-six in Washington; 78 in Boston.
Salt Lake City and Denver, you're going to see a big difference between the temperatures -- 90 in Salt Lake City, but back in Denver, 75, and a chance of scattered showers that may pop up into the afternoon.
Speaking of showers, we've seen them in St. Louis early this morning and a rumble of thunder. Scattered showers in the midday hours, into the afternoon, we see a little more development just to the north of Columbia and right along the I-70 corridor. You may be dealing with that into the afternoon hours.
Now, something else you'll see -- a chance of raindrops in parts of central and south Florida. Perhaps some into the Ohio Valley -- and then I mentioned in Denver, could see some rain there.
But in terms of your water, at least, along the coast, water temperatures are fairly comfortable all around Florida. All the way to the Keys to, say, Palm Bay Beach (ph), are mainly into the 80s. Same deal for much of the Texas coastline.
When you get to the Outer Banks, North Carolina, and then into the Jersey shore, you're going to notice these water temperatures really begin to drop a bit from those 80s into 70s to 60s and 50s. Overall, though, a nice day for you.
All right, folks, that is the latest on the forecast. I'm going to stay not downstairs but upstairs and stay right here, and send it back to you. HOLMES: All right, Reynolds.
BALDWIN: Thanks, Reynolds.
WOLF: All right.
HOLMES: Very interesting. We appreciate you, buddy.
WOLF: You bet.
HOLMES: Well, the people are speaking out in Washington this morning. We'll take you to a tea party
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BALDWIN: Many people will be out and about celebrating on this Independence Day. But some of them are choosing to do so by exercising their First Amendment rights by staging protests against high taxes and big government.
CNN's deputy political director, Paul Steinhauser, is at one of these tea party rallies in Washington.
Paul, I see some folks with some strongly-worded signs behind you. Why are they there and why on the 4th of July?
PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN DEPUTY POLITICAL DIRECTOR: You got it, Brooke. Well, you know, we're right across the street from the U.S. Capitol. We're at the Upper Senate Park.
And people have been gathering here since early this morning and the crowd is definitely getting a lot larger. And, Brooke, you got it right. This is -- these tea parties, as they're called, they're being held -- their Web site says, at about 1,500 places across the country.
This is round two. If you remember, there were tea parties, rallies, on April 15th, Tax Day. And that's really what this is all about. TEA stands for "taxed enough already."
Our CNN Team here spoke to some in the rally crowd. Take a listen to what they had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEAN ALBERT, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA: They're wasting all of our money. They're not running the government like we would run our checkbooks. So, when I'm out of money, I stop spending money. And if you do the same thing, it would be what reasonable people do.
DARREN GARDNER, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA: (INAUDIBLE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STEINHAUSER: And, Brooke, I said -- as I said earlier, the crowd here is definitely getting larger and more and more people attending. They're going to be going for a couple more hours and we're going to be here for it all -- Brooke?
BALDWIN: Paul, it's kind of tough to hear some of those people out there because the music is so loud. I'm sure this whole movement is gaining a little bit of momentum where you are, across from the Capitol. But what specific issues -- what are some of the specific complaints that these protesters are focusing on?
STEINHAUSER: Well, a lot of what they're saying here is that they're worried about the government getting too involved in private business. They point out the bailout of Wall Street. They talk about how the government is getting too involved in General Motors and Chrysler, the big auto companies. They also talk about the federal budget deficit getting way out of whack. And they have major concerns -- that as well as the stimulus package.
You know what? If you look at some recent polls by Americans, Brooke, more and more Americans are getting worried about the U.S. federal budget deficit -- Brooke?
BALDWIN: All right. Paul, thank you. Of course, exercising that First Amendment right to protest, but hopefully, they'll clear out of the way for the fireworks tonight.
Paul Steinhauser, live for us in Washington -- thank you.
STEINHAUSER: Thanks, Brooke.
HOLMES: A sheriff in one South Carolina community says there is a serial killer on the loose. This happened after four deadly shootings in less than a week.
Take a look here. Here is a sketch of the man. You see there on your left. That's a sketch of the man police say is the serial killer.
The first killing happened last Saturday in Gaffney. That's about 50 miles south of Charlotte. A peach farmer was found dead in his home by his wife. Also, this week, the bodies of an elderly woman and her daughter were discovered, and a man was found shot dead at a business. His teenage daughter still hospitalized. Police don't know if the killer knew his victims or if these are random killings.
We will keep an eye on that story.
Also, a lot of eyes on New Orleans as its bursting with song, again, for the Essence Music Festival. But it's more than a musical message; it's got a political one as well.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BALDWIN: It is 11:30 on the east coast; 8:30 out west.
And happening now, they're calling it a provocative act. That's exactly what South Korea is calling this latest missile launch -- I should say -- launches, these tests by North Korea. The nation fired seven short-range missiles in less than nine hours today, and one U.S. official said, quote, "This type of behavior is not helpful."
Michael Jackson fans more than eager to attend the singer's memorial service next week. Seven hours after that huge lottery opened, more than a half a million people had registered for the Staples Center ceremony in Los Angeles. Meantime, the "Associated Press" is reporting that sources are saying investigators have found a powerful anesthetic diprivan in Jackson's home after his death.
HOLMES: Many people are eager to attend the memorial ceremony on Tuesday. A lot more people were eager as well to be a part of a tribute at the Apollo Theater earlier this week. The Apollo really known as an epic, the epic center for black culture and heart in Harlem, New York. Well that is where Michael Jackson made his New York debut back in 1967, along with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. They won amateur night there.
Well, I was there for that tribute this week and spoke to the historian of the Apollo who was actually there the night Michael Jackson made his debut.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BILLY MITCHELL, HISTORIAN: We knew he was special. We knew that the group, the guys were special. But we didn't know how special they would be. You know, during that time there was a group out called the Five Stairsteps that were very good, another family group. But when the Jacksons sit the scene, it really took it to a different level.
I remember singing -- ooh, child. But when the Jacksons came out with "ABC" and that started that choreography, but seeing Michael here the first time as a young kid, he was the nucleus of the kid. He was the more talented, in my opinion. People focuses on him because he was so little and so talented. So it was great.
HOLMES: Got to put it in perspective for people, seems like Harlem, the Apollo, the black community is reclaiming our guy. That is our guy, Michael Jackson.
MITCHELL: Yes, but actually -- because it started here at the Apollo. So Harlem is claiming him, but the world is claiming Michael. Even though he's an African-American, the world is claiming him. See that's the way Michael would have wanted it that. It doesn't matter if you're black or white. You know, Michael was sending out all these social messages to us as he got older. It wasn't about "ABC" and "tweetle deedle dee." He was talking about heal the world, make the world a better plate for you and for me. Those are some deep, deep thoughts he sent out there.
HOLMES: Is that message or has it been in the past five days, of course, some of the stuff that has happened in the past 10 years or so, is part of his life, sure. People remember his music, but some might not remember necessarily what he really did for opening up doors for other black Americans.
MITCHELL: Well, that's why we have to keep reminding them. See people have a short memories, when it comes to things doing well. When they claim something is bad, they want to harp on that. We have to keep on reminding people, Michael wasn't just an entertainer, he was a humanitarian, he was a philanthropist, he had all these wonderful things going for him. You know, he wanted to heal the world. I don't know if that was naive of him, but he really felt that he could heal the world.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: And again, 9-years-old, 1967, Michael Jackson made his Apollo debut, his New York debut and that was what many people thought lost him to that super stardom. You know, you start small, he was from Gary, Indiana, just a kid. Take him there, much bigger stage and that's where he really blew up, as some would say.
BALDWIN: And great shots last week from the Apollo and people and then inside the Apollo for the hours upon hours of Michael Jackson tunes.
HOLMES: It was amazing in there to see those people wait outside. Some even overnight for five-plus hours out in the hot, Harlem heat. They finally get inside and they didn't sit down and enjoy the air conditioning, they sang and danced for that 30, 45 minute session they had, got out for the next group to come in. So it was neat to be a part of it.
BALDWIN: That's great you got go.
Well, tonight and tomorrow night, CNN's Don Lemon will be taking an in-depth look at Michael Jackson the life and legacy, his childhood, his music, his finances, and his influences. Do not miss the "CNN Presents" special "Michael Jackson: Man in the Mirror" this weekend at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, only on CNN.
A tribute to Michael Jackson in New Orleans this weekend. The late King of Pop will be honored at the Essence Music Festival. The annual event marks the birthday of the black women's magazine and Beyonce, John Legend, Lionel Ritchie and Anita Baker are among just some of the artists set to perform.
HOLMES: Certainly more than just about the music there at the music festival, the celebration of African-American contributions. And Congresswoman Barbara Lee represents California's ninth district in Congress. She is in New Orleans, hosting a seminar on blacks in politics at the festival and the congresswoman joins us now. Good morning to you, ma'am, how you doing down there in New Orleans?
REP. BARBARA LEE (D), CALIFORNIA: Good morning, doing great.
HOLMES: All right, well let's start here. You talked about politics here. You're a member of the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, a very influential group up there on Capitol Hill. How has, or has the role or the influence of the Congressional Black Caucus changed now that there's a black man in the White House?
LEE: Let me say first of all thank you for the chance to speak with you this morning. I am -- it's very important to recognize that the Congressional Black Caucus, we're 42 strong. We have 17 brilliant subcommittee chairs as well as four full committee chairs and our great president actually was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. When you look at our agenda of the --
HOLMES: Ah, looks like we just lost the congresswoman. I will give it just a second, pause, see if that signal possibly comes back up. But again, Congresswoman Lee down at the New Orleans, at the Essence Music Festival. Trying to get her back up, talking to her about all kinds of things going on there. Like I said, she is going to be hosting a seminar there on politics and African-American politics. We're going to try, maybe try to get a quick break in and maybe we can get that signal back up and continue our conversation.
Meanwhile, our reporters cover stories developing every day in the black community. Our Soledad O'Brien has been working on stories as well that you will see only here on CNN, July 22nd and 23rd. CNN presenting, the chapter, "Black in America 2," two nights, two primetime documentaries, all new stories right here on CNN.
BALDWIN: Well, we're trying to get the congresswoman back. We'll also be talking about the economy and how it's taking a toll or fathers, unable to spend as much time and perhaps as much money on their families.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BALDWIN: For a lot of families, the July 4th holiday is just all about vacation and perhaps in some cases, the first vacation they've had in a while, especially for dads.
HOLMES: Yes, we have a new survey now that finds many dads are working harder than ever in this economy and fewer would give up their jobs even if they could. Josh Levs with more on this survey.
JOSH LEVS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Important family day across the country, right? Lots of people having those big cookouts, finally getting that time. And people who have been working weekends and nights really looking forward to today. It is interesting, these new stats. Let me just show you. It came out from CareerBuilder and it talks about dads and how much they're working these days.
This is how many bring homework at least once a week, it's at 31 percent now, up from 25 percent a year ago. But the even more telling statistic is this one, check that out. How many guys would quit their jobs right now if their spouses could support the family? 2005, it was 49 percent. Now it's way down to 31 percent. CareerBuilder says that's because in this economy, men more than ever are focusing heavily on their roams as providers and really feeling that focus.
And given that, we asked our panel of dads about how the economy is impacting them, including one stay-at-home dad.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KJ COPELAND, STAY-AT-HOME FATHER: My business was slow, I'm a corporate recruiter. So it made sense to get by kids home from day care and keep them full time.
LEVS: How's that going?
COPELAND: It's great. It's fun stuff.
LEVS: Do you guys ever wonder what it would be like if you weren't working and you were a full-time dad?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't think I could do it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You'd have to pay me.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's tough.
LEVS: Do you all ever have moments, though, when, it exists where you're a little bit jealous of the full-time parent?
LEE MAY, FATHER: Yes. Just the amount of time she's able to spend with my daughters, and the bond that they seem to have immediately when I come home, and just, you can see the difference in that, and you get a little jealous at times.
JOE CERONE, FATHER: And it's also, you're told a lot about the first things they've done. Like, just this morning when he dropped her off at school she said something the first time that she's never said before. And I missed out on it because I was at work.
LEVS: If the full-time job came along tomorrow, would you want it?
COPELAND: I'd definitely want my job back, or a job back.
LEVS: So even though you love being a full-time dad...
COPELAND: I do.
LEVS: You would want to work full time again?
COPELAND: Yes, the goal is to work full time.
LEVS: What have you learned from this experience as a full-time dad that you didn't know before about full-time parenting?
COPELAND: It's a grind. Your day starts at 6:30 and ends about 9:30, 10:00 at night. I guess just how much -- everybody depends on you. You know, every minute of the day, it's all about you. You know? Everybody wants something from you. So, you know, it takes a little getting used to. There's no quiet time.
LEVS: You know what I want to know, which one is harder, full- time working for someone else or running your own business or full- time parenting?
COPELAND: Full-time parenting is definitely more of a grind.
LEVS: Who wants to go next about how the economy may or may not have changed your life as a father?
CERONE: Nowadays with this economy there are plenty of irreplaceable people out on the streets without jobs. And when you're running a family and you have three mouths depending on you, it's a lot of stress and a lot of pressure, because you just don't know from day to day in this economy.
LEVS: You're the only one with teenage kids, right? He's the only one here with teenage kids. Is it easier to talk to them about this? Is it easier because they're older, to get them to kind of understand with the financial challenges?
ORTEZ GUDE, FATHER: You know, it is.
LEVS: Or is it harder because they're aware?
GUDE: It's easier to talk to them about it, but obviously you know now, being a teenager is much different than it was during any of our time.
There's a lot of pressures that they have that we didn't necessarily have. When I was growing up I didn't have the pressure of needing to have the latest greatest gadget. It's a bit of a challenge, but they are also understanding, because things are so widely communicated now.
LEVS: Have you talked to them about the economy? Have you sat down and said, these are the challenges, this is what's happening? This is how it's affecting us as a family?
GUDE: We've absolutely sat down and had those conversations.
LEVS: Who else here has done that as a family? You've done that, KJ. Has any of you all done that? But you did with your children, including -- your youngest?
COPELAND: Oh, yeah. Deacon definitely knows. We were at Wal- Mart the other day and he looked at this toy and goes, daddy, I really like that, but you don't have a job, I can't have it.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LEVS: It was great to talk with them about it. Also guys, it's been interesting for me, you know I was in earlier this morning, just ran out for an hour, went home, played with my son.
BALDWIN: I saw you go out. I was like, where is he going?
LEVS: Off goes the jacket and the tie, I am off playing. I'm back. And you know what, it's really interesting to see how these guys from different backgrounds, different professions, are building that balance for themselves, each in his own way, finding a way to make it work.
BALDWIN: Yes, I was wondering about the takeaway just for you because you're always here and you're about to have number two. LEVS: I know, exactly, yes and people do say that because it's true. I end up being here at all hours. But you know what, you just find a way. You know, I don't travel much. I make sure to be around as much as I can and try to be home every evening and then basically what really impacted me about those guys is not so much the quantity but the quality of time.
Whether it's the stay-at-home dad or whether it's someone who is in a very different position, working lots and lots of hours, they're like when I'm at dinner, that's all I'm doing. I'm not checking the BlackBerry. The TV is not on, nothing is distracting us. Family time is family time. And that in and of itself is a great lesson.
BALDWIN: Make it count.
LEVS: Oh, you guys can weigh in. Show them the graphic where they can weigh in because we'd love to hear your stories, too. You get the blog, Facebook, Twitter/JoshLevsCNN in upper case. And we'd love to hear your stories. We're going to keep sharing them here, right here on the air, guys.
BALDWIN: Josh Levs, thank you.
LEVS: Thank you.
HOLMES: A lot of people spending that family time today on the Fourth of July. Also, a lot of people paying tribute as well to Michael Jackson. In New Orleans, musicians there changing their tune this weekend, jazzing up some of Michael's biggest hits in honor of the King of Pop.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SPC. MICHAEL WALKER, U.S. ARMY: I'm Specialist Michael Walker from Gainesville, Georgia. I just wanted to wish my family a happy Fourth of July and tell them I love them and I miss them.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: Well, the NEWSROOM continues at the top of the hour. Melissa, hey, how are you doing?
MELISSA LONG, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, happy Fourth of July.
BALDWIN: Happy early birthday.
LONG: Thank you very much. Happy early birthday to you one week later, exactly.
HOLMES: A slumber party or something here.
LONG: I just want to talk about what we have coming up because we are continuing to focus on Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, as you've been reporting. She has made the decision to step down as the governor of that state. Of course, the former vice presidential running mate of John McCain now fueling so much speculation, why is she stepping down? What's the motivation? We're going to talk to one of the local television anchors out of Anchorage about this and about the reaction in the state as well of Alaska.
Also, coming up in our legal segment, we'll be continuing to talk about Michael Jackson's death, talking about the will, dating back to 2002. Could another one surface? Also, will Debbie Rowe now challenge Jackson's mom for custody of his two eldest children? And how about the assets? How will they be divided? Talking about that coming up as well.
BALDWIN: All right, interesting.
HOLMES: A lot happening. Melissa, good to see you.
LONG: Happy Fourth.
BALDWIN: Thank you, you, too.
HOLMES: Thanks so much.
Well a lot of people, of course, celebrating outdoors this weekend.
BALDWIN: Soon enough, we'll be out there, right? Reynolds Wolf tracking the temperatures at the CNN Weather Center. Hey, Reynolds.
(WEATHER REPORT)
BALDWIN: All right, well, a tribute to the King of Pop in the home of jazz, how Michael Jackson is being honored this weekend.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: Michael Jackson, his talent is being celebrated at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans this weekend.
BALDWIN: And some of the artists at the annual African-American cultural event talked to our own Sean Callebs about the impact Jackson had on their lives.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SEAN CALLEBS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Icons of the Big Easy, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band paying tribute to the King of Pop. Bands throughout the city are working Michael Jackson's signature songs into their sets.
TROY ANDREWS, MUSICIAN: When I listen to his music, he has influence from jazz, rock, funk, R&B, and that's where I am in life. I'm a student of music first of all. And I just wanted to be able to take everything and put it all into one.
CALLEBS: And few can stir the pot with the horn like Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, a rising star in New Orleans. On the spot he can conjure up a soulful version of "Rock With You."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (SINGING)
CALLEBS: Black and white, young and old, stop a New Orleans musician and you'll hear a Michael Jackson story. Even from main stays like Ivan Neville who arguably comes from the first family of Crescent City music.
IVAN NEVILLE, MUSICIAN: Us few from New Orleans, we're all influenced by the sounds of the streets of New Orleans. You know, but we all listen to the radio.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (SINGING)
NEVILLE: Even though my dad and uncles were all musicians and they had their brand of music, but I listened to the radio. And what you hear on the radio, you hear what is popular. You hear Michael Jackson.
CALLEBS: Allan Toussaint was a star in his own right when Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 stepped into the limelight.
ALLEN TOUSSAINT, MUSICIAN: I was so extremely impressed when I heard him for the first time, such a young child and singing with all of the nuances that age is supposed to bring about. If you are breathing during Michael's period, one way or another you were affected by Michael Jackson. I mean, there's no way around it.
CALLEBS: Through the personal ups and downs, Nola artists say Jackson never lost that command as a front man, the consummate entertainer.
NEVILLE: When I look at it now and look at how somewhat tragic his life has been, that's all he had, and that's what he gave us. I mean to me, he was put here to do -- to entertain us.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BALDWIN: And Sean Callebs is joining us live from the festival. And Sean, of course Michael Jackson dominating the conversation there, but you told us it was more of a celebratory topic. There was a tribute last night, concerts, you were there, Beyonce, Ne-Yo and it was a celebration.
CALLEBS: Without question. I think if you talk to folks, especially Trombone Shorty. I think he brought it out the best. He said, in New Orleans, we celebrate life when someone passes on. We don't mourn.
And you saw that in the jazz funerals, you'll see through the quarter. They had one on stage last night. It starts out very somber and then kicks up. It what was the whole place wanted. They wanted to celebrate Michael Jackson.
At one point Steve Harvey was on stage and he was talking, and he said look, I just want to step away for a minute and remind everybody Michael Jackson was the best entertainer of our lifetime. You're going to hear a lot of stuff over the next several days but remember that, take that away. I think that's what most of the 270,000 or so people here are really embracing this weekend.
HOLMES: You know, that's the point that was certainly driven home as well, Sean, at the Apollo this week, a tribute there. Nobody wanted to hear anything about -- of course we know it's part of his history, his story, his life, some of the things that he went through in his personal life. But everybody remembers that music and knows that music and wants to celebrate that. What else though besides the Michael Jackson tributes can we look forward to over the next couple o days at Essence?
CALLEBS: Well, there's going to be a lot of music of course. Tonight, Anita Baker performs and then Lionel Ritchie tomorrow night. But if you look around me, it's really a lot more than just music. You talked about how much of a cultural issue the three-day festival is. And people are talking about the kind of things you would expect, the economy, but one thing that's really getting a lot of attention here, HIV/AIDS is a huge problem in the New Orleans area.
It is the second highest ratio in a metropolitan city in the United States. About 70 percent of those who are HIV positive are African-American. Even though blacks only make up about 32 percent of the state, that's something very close to people at Essence and so they are offering HIV testing all three days here.
So there is a serious tone to this as well, but the underlying theme, look, this is a party, they want people to come here, they want them to have a good time.
HOLMES: You could learn along the way since there are serious issues being discussed as well. Sean Callebs, you enjoy your time there at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. We'll be checking in with you again this weekend. Thanks so much.
BALDWIN: Well, CNN NEWSROOM continues with Melissa Long. Hi, Melissa.
