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African American Farmers; John McCain Fighting to Keep Seat in Arizona; Target: Taliban Stronghold; Dueling Vice Presidents; U.S. Leads Medal Count

Aired February 14, 2010 - 16:00   ET

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

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Hello, you're in the CNN NEWSROOM. Today is February 14th. I'm Fredricka Whitfield.

One day after the start of a massive new allied offensive in southern Afghanistan, there are civilian deaths. 15,000 coalition troops are trying to drive Taliban forces out of Helmand province. This is exclusive CNN video from today showing troops gearing up on the front lines in the Taliban stronghold of Marjah.

Meantime, their top commander, Stanley McChrystal, says he deeply regrets the death of 12 civilians killed by NATO rockets that apparently missed their target. CNN pentagon correspondent Chris Lawrence is live from Washington. So Chris, will these civilian casualties be a setback for allied forces?

CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Very well could be, Fredricka. First, let's tell you exactly what went wrong here. Take a look here. You can take a look and see exactly Helmand - here's where the U.S. troops are positioned in Afghanistan. And that's what we really want to concentrate on, the Taliban influence. That's why they're there, because the Taliban had been having a stronghold in that area.

What happened in this instance is that the Marines were taking direct fire from a compound and they launched two rockets that apparently went about 300 meters off course and hit those civilians. In fact, we're now told that they have suspended use of that particular rocket system while they're doing an investigation into what went wrong.

And I want to bring in Arturo Munoz, who is a senior analyst at the RAND Corporation. He also spent nearly 30 years at the CIA. And you advised the Marines on this area of Afghanistan. When you look at what happened today with the civilian casualties, let's go to Fred's question. How much of a setback could that be for the troops there?

ARTURO MUNOZ, SENIOR ANALYST, RAND CORPORATION: It is a public relations setback. But I think we have to keep in mind that the Marines have taken extraordinary measures to avoid civilian casualties because they know full well the propaganda use that the enemy makes of civilian casualties.

And in this incident that we're talking about, it really seems to me that this is an inevitable, you know, unfortunate accident that happens in war. I mean you're having a battle in a populated area. It is almost inevitable that some civilians will get hit by accident.

LAWRENCE: As we take a look, and zoom in a little bit on the areas that we're now talking about, as we talk about now Marjah, we know they went in and they announced this well beforehand in an effort to try to get civilians to move out of the area somewhat. Does today's misfire - does that say that strategy didn't work or is that yet to be seen?

MUNOZ: I think in general, from what I have seen, the strategy has worked quite well. You have, for example, a statement by 40 tribal elders from the Marjah area welcoming the Marines. That's extraordinary. And this is due to the political and psychological activity that was done before the military operation.

And this is part of the strategy of announcing the military operation before it happens, to try to get this kind of buy-in from the local people, or at least acceptance of the intervention that's taking place. So I think it's too early to say that because there was this one accident, this strategy hasn't worked.

LAWRENCE: It isn't fair.

MUNOZ: I think that's too early.

LAWRENCE: Let's take you in a little bit just so we can show our viewers a little bit more what have we're talking about here. You know, one of the commanders in this area said some of this terrain is so rough, that four wounded troops who would have normally just been treated at the scene had to be airlifted out of the area because this terrain is so rough.

We know Marines came in from the north. We know they came in from the south and established sort of a perimeter around the area, not allowing anyone in or out. As you look at what's happening now, do you see the Taliban more in the lines of just hanging back in some of these compounds, or are they fleeing? Are they taking a stand or are they running away?

MUNOZ: I think the Taliban are probably doing both. I mean they do not want to sacrifice, in my opinion, the bulk of their fighters, you know, fighting the Marines, because they're going to lose. So what I think they're doing is, some Taliban are staying behind and will put up a fight because they need to for their image, you know, for their propaganda purposes. They have to fight.

But, I actually think most of them will withdraw because the Taliban leadership, those who doesn't want to lose all that fighting force, you know, to the Marines.

LAWRENCE: And how important is this area right here to keep some of these forces, the Taliban, from fleeing to the east and setting up again here in Lashkargah?

MUNOZ: One of the reasons they went into Marjah in the first place is because you had a Taliban concentration here that threatened the provincial capital of Lashkargah. This is relatively close. So it was of (INAUDIBLE) to allow the enemy to have this back-and-forth in such a short distance from the provincial capital.

Now, I don't think the Taliban guerrillas are fleeing towards the government lines. I think they're fleeing the other way, which makes sense. I mean, we really don't know at this point. Well, what makes sense is they would flee to the mountains and to the desert to get away from the Americans, not to go towards them. The idea is to avoid casualties.

LAWRENCE: And I have one other question. I remember a few years back being in Iraq, in Anbar province around the end of 2004, 2005 when Ramadi, Fallujah, things like that were going on. Are we in danger of becoming bogged down in Helmand? Is Helmand in danger of becoming another Fallujah?

MUNOZ: I don't think so. And one reason why is because, you know, the U.S. military is a learning organization, and especially the Marines. A lot of the Marines that are involved in the Marjah operation were involved in Fallujah and they don't want to repeat the mistakes that were made in Fallujah. You know, the whole international image of the U.S. military flap in Fallujah. They don't want that. They have taken many steps to avoid Marjah becoming a Fallujah.

LAWRENCE: To make sure, I guess, Fred, that we want to make sure that the city is intact when they're finished and eventually pull out and allow the Afghans to take over.

WHITFIELD: All right. Arturo Munoz and Chris Lawrence, thanks so much from Washington. Appreciate that.

On CNN's "State of the Union" this morning, national security advisor James Jones talked about NATO's longer term plans for Helmand province.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEN. JAMES JONES, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: Instead of clearing the area and leaving as we frequently did in the past, we now have our plans call for clearing the area, holding the area, and then providing some building for the people there, better security, better economic opportunity, better governance, more of an Afghan face, and then eventually, transitioning to full Afghan sovereignty in those provinces.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: General Jones voiced optimism about the offensive saying there is a new sense of confidence among coalition commanders.

Calling himself a complete supporter of the Obama administration strategy in Afghanistan, former vice president Dick Cheney. Still Cheney and the current vice president Joe Biden duked it out on the Sunday talk shows. This is how the two clashed over handling of the alleged Christmas day airline bomber.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) DICK CHENEY, FMR. U.S. VICE PRESIDENT: The administration really wasn't equipped to deal with the aftermath of an attempted attack against the United States in the sense that they didn't know what to do with the guy.

There was talk earlier after they dismantled the system we'd put in place for prisoner interrogation, of high-value detainees. They'd gone out to supposedly create the Hague high-value interrogation program, but in reality it was not up and running at Christmastime when it should have been.

JOE BIDEN, U.S. VICE PRESIDENT: I don't know what Dick's been doing lately. I don't know - we did exactly what he did with the shoe bomber. Richard Reid. Exactly what he did. We brought in the experts. I was told he said we didn't bring in the right people. The experts are the FBI interrogators. They are the best that we have. We brought them in immediately. They were in his custody. They got all the information they could get from him prior to him going silent.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: So why does this White House feel compelled to respond to criticism about how it is handling national security among other domestic issues? Well, I talked to senior White House correspondent Ed Henry earlier.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Is this White house also getting hit hard about the issue of national security and among those taking swings, you've got Sarah Palin who, more than a week ago, took some swings during the tea party convention, and now vice president Dick Cheney also speaking out about national security and even talking about Afghanistan and this White House's approach.

ED HENRY, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: It's like back to the future. You know, Governor Palin, 2008 campaign, all over again. Former vice president Cheney on ABC. It is like the 2004 campaign against John Kerry all over again. I think the bottom line is that Republicans see a real opportunity here. They believe that the president is weak on national security, weak on waging the war on terror.

And to give you a sign of how the White House realizes that this could be a political liability, rather than ignore Dick Cheney, which is what they sort of tried to do in the early days of his post-vice presidency days. They're now pushing back hard.

You saw the current vice president Joe Biden go on NBC and CBS. That was not by accident. They wanted to push back. Certainly Joe Biden made his point. I think that the White House believes that this is sort of a caricature that Dick Cheney is laying out there about being weak on national security. They look at the offensive going on in southern Afghanistan, for example, right now and they believe this president is taking the fight directly to terrorists. They believe clearly they've made some mistakes along the way. The Christmas day bomber was not handled perfectly. This is sort of one of their first real tests. But they believe that on the margins they are waging this war on terror effectively.

And I think again, pay close attention to that offensive in Afghanistan because that's a large part of Vice President Biden's case this morning and today that bottom line is they think that these charges from the former vice president are nonsense.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And we'll hear from Ed Henry a little bit later on about the president's agenda for the week.

Meantime, U.S. secretary of state Clinton is overseas delivering a tough message to Iran. Clinton arrived in Qatar this morning for the start of her Gulf tour, which includes a visit to Saudi Arabia. Clinton told the Islamic World Forum that Iran should reconsider its nuclear program.

She warns, "Iran leaves the international community little choice but to impose greater costs for its provocative steps."

Let's check in with our Jacqui Jeras who's got the severe weather picture as well as something else that's going on out of Kansas.

JACQUI JERAS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Yes, we just got some breaking news, Fredricka, along i-70 just west of the Kansas City area. You can see the snow's been coming down here creating some very icy roadways. Part of i-70 is shut down because of a massive pile-up.

We're hearing there could be as many as 100 cars involved with this. We're still gathering information as soon as we get more on this situation, of course, we'll pass that along to you.

This is part of our latest weather system that we're going to be watching here across the nation's midsection. We've got an area of low pressure right about in this area, and this storm is strengthening a little bit. And it's going to be heading off to the east, and then towards the mid-Atlantic and the northeastern states as we head into tonight and tomorrow.

We do have winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories, which have been issued in advance of this storm. We think the heaviest accumulation is right up here where we have those warnings south of Indy, down towards Louisville, over into Cincinnati, towards Columbus where we could have a good four to eight inches of snowfall.

Here in the southeast, you can see, we've got winter storm warnings here again. We're going to start out as rain with this system tonight and then transition over to some snow. But the totals we think are going to be lesser than what you have been seeing with the last storm.

We do have some delays out west. San Francisco, ground stop. Lots of fog here. That fog's going to stick in the bay area throughout the week. And some ground delays in Newark. Expect a lot more delays across the east, Fredricka. Tomorrow, as this next storm system comes in. We're getting word from Atlanta that AirTran has cancel flights as well as Delta in advance of the storm for tomorrow. So make sure you call your carrier. It is going to be another bad travel day.

WHITFIELD: Oh, boy. Another hit. All right. Thanks so much. Jacqui, sort of a one-two punch for the southeast this time.

All right. Olympic champion, Broadway star, TV analyst, pioneer. All of the above. Dominique Dawes is all of that, and more. She's come a long way and she's with us live from Vancouver straight ahead. There she is right there. We'll talk Olympics. We're going to talk about her favorite sports and athletes to watch over the next few days.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: All right. The United States is leading the pack at the winter Olympics with four medals so far. Skier Hannah Kearney won the gold in the ladies moguls freestyle and Shannon Bahrke took the silver. Apolo Ohno won the silver in the 1500 men's short track speed skating. And J.R. Celski won bronze.

Ohno who made his Olympic debut 18 years ago now has a total of six medals tying him for most by an American in the winter games. The U.S. has four medals so far in these Vancouver games followed by the Koreans with two. A bunch of other stories and countries to follow with one medal each.

Dominique Dawes is an Olympic gold medalist, the president of the Women's Sports Foundation and a reporter for Yahoo! Sports. She's joining us now from Vancouver. Good to see you.

DOMINIQUE DAWES, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST: Good to see you, too.

WHITFIELD: OK. Well, I'm wondering, Ohno's appearance last night, there was huge anticipation. The first heat was an amazing one. He ends up getting silver and another American getting bronze. But for Ohno, this being his sixth medal tying with Bonnie Blair. Give me an idea how much this helps pump up the other particularly American Olympians.

DAWES: Well, I was actually at the rink last night able to watch Apolo take home the silver medal. It was just amazing to see the two Koreans that were right in front of him. They actually fell out and then a Korean won the competition.

But I really think this is going to pump up the rest of Team USA. Everyone wants to break records and more importantly bring home some hardware. Apolo really set the stage for everyone to get excited.

WHITFIELD: And a nice little surprise for J.R. Celski with his parents in the stands. I mean, he is a young guy. He had a pretty near-tragic turn not long ago and what a recovery for him taking home a bronze now.

DAWES: Oh, I'm sure he's very proud with that experience. I mean, getting any piece of hardware, as you said, he's very young. He's probably going to look toward another Olympic games and I'm sure this experience and this memory will really help him see things in the future.

WHITFIELD: All eyes were also on the sliding centre with a full day of competition so soon after the death of the Georgian luger. But now with the men starting at the women's starting line, which means it's shortened the course, any idea whether some Olympians feel like they're being short-changed particularly those at the sliding centre, whether they'll be short changed because of the shorter track and whether this compromises the making of Olympic or world records?

DAWES: You know, Fredricka, this morning I spoke with Noelle, (INAUDIBLE) and she is a skeleton athlete, and skeleton, lugers and bobsledders all go down that same track and they are focused on safety first. Of course, there's been concerns because this track is so fast and there's no concern or issue about an Olympic record because there's never been an Olympic games at this track. So that's not going to be an issue whatsoever. It's safety first and making sure that everyone walks away.

WHITFIELD: Let's talk about some of your favorites in the games. We've already spoken to Noelle. She's one of your favorites to look out for. Jeremy Weir another. So you'll be skate side - or ringside watching the figure skating. But I understand you're into that speed skating once again. Shani Davis is another you'll be rooting for.

DAWES: Well, you know, I'm here as a host for Yahoo! Sports. I'm really thrilled to have an opportunity to interview these athletes. And number one, men's figure skating has not been popular in the past and this year, these Olympic games, everyone's going to be looking for the American men to get on that podium, possibly one-two, or maybe even one-two and three. And so Jeremy Weir is one of my favorites.. I love his personality. I love his (INAUDIBLE)

WHITFIELD: Very flamboyant and fun.

DAWES: Yes, he's very flamboyant. He has a personality which always sells, especially after the games. And then also Shani Davis. I think that's a story that really needs to be pushed a lot more. First African-American speed skater to qualify and also win an Olympic gold medal in Torino.

To just think that he is the Tiger Woods really of speed skating. I hope that Shani's going to continue to open doors for young African- American boys and girls to see speed skating as an opportunity for them to excel.

WHITFIELD: I know are you there as a special correspondent for Yahoo! But at the same time I know have you to be partial to some of these athletes and you'll be rooting in the stands just as though you were a fan just like you are a working correspondent. Right? DAWES: Well, that's what I'm figuring out now when you report, as I reported for Yahoo! in Beijing, you become a fan, too. It is just a thrill.

WHITFIELD: All right. Dominique Dawes, good to see you. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. Have a good time. in Vancouver.

DAWES: Thank you. I appreciate it.

WHITFIELD: A look at our top stories right now.

New details about the University of Alabama's biology professor accused of killing three faculty members. 23 years ago Amy Bishop Anderson fatally shot her 18-year-old brother. Documents show that she and her mother claimed it was an accident. Anderson was at a faculty meeting on Friday when police say she brandished a gun and shot six colleagues, killing three.

And more time in space. That's the word from NASA today to astronauts at the International Space Station. They had just finished a six-hour spacewalk when they were told they still had more work to do. The shuttle is now scheduled to return to earth February 21st.

President and Mrs. Obama are spending this Valentine's day away from the White House at Camp David. The rustic setting is a bit different from the ritzy Chicago restaurant where the first couple spent Valentine's day last year.

All right. Jacqui Jeras, I know you're ready to chat and you, too, at home ready to join us in the chat room. We're going to have a lot of interesting things to talk about, including Valentine's day, and Danica Patrick. Right?

JERAS: A little Nascar accident happened yesterday. There's been another one today, believe it or not. We'll chat about that when I see you next.

WHITFIELD: In the chatroom, after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: All right. Welcome back to the NEWSROOM. We'll get to the chat room in a moment. But take a look at newest images coming in out of Kansas city - or near Kansas City, Kansas. You heard Jacqui Jeras talking earlier about a 30-car pile-up. Oh, my goodness. From this view right here, it looks like more than 30 vehicles but that's what officials are saying.

It is still unclear whether this is weather related. Clearly you see the snow on the ground there. Perhaps even some black ice could have potentially impacted this collision between these vehicles. But Jacqui, these are some extraordinary images that are coming in. You told us about it less than 10 minutes ago or you know, about this pile-up. This is more than a fender-bender involving more than 30 vehicles. JERAS: Absolutely. We don't have a report on injuries or if there are any fatalities yet. Of course, we're checking into that for you.

WHITFIELD: There are apparently four ambulances there but it is unclear like you said how many people may have been injured in this. We'll keep tabs on that.

JERAS: You have to be so careful out there. So much of the country is dealing with the snow and ice this weekend.

WHITFIELD: Right.

JERAS: In almost every state.

WHITFIELD: I remember that image you put up of the snow, the precipitation that has crossed the entire country just about every state.

JERAS: Every state except for Hawaii. It is in the panhandle of Florida, probably melted by today.

WHITFIELD: Wow, pretty bad. And there's more to come in the weather picture. We'll talk more about that momentarily.

Right now, we got a little fun in the chatroom. You know, let's talk about Danica Patrick, huge anticipation.

JERAS: I know.

WHITFIELD: She's usually an Indy car diver.

JERAS: Right.

WHITFIELD: This time she was in the Nascar national series. And there was a bit of a pile up, so to speak in that respect. But yes -

JERAS: Not the greatest - she got caught up in that unfortunately.

WHITFIELD: Yes.

JERAS: First go of it not turning out so well but she seems really optimistic. She has a great sense of humor.

WHITFIELD: And she has a -

JERAS: Just because it didn't work it, it doesn't mean it's not going to work out next time.

WHITFIELD: That's right. She says you know what, it's never fun - quoting her now, "it's never fun when you crash up a perfectly good car and it's not your fault." What happened?

JERAS: No. What about the speed skating, too, at the Olympics, you know, and there is that big crash and you're going along great and somebody else wipes you out.

WHITFIELD: Things happen.

JERAS: Not fair.

WHITFIELD: I know. Not fair at all.

JERAS: Daytona 500 going on by the way, as well. That had an accident already this morning. They also had to shut down the track because a piece of asphalt left a huge hole. They had to fix the track.

WHITFIELD: Oh, my goodness.

JERAS: So very interesting weekend with Nascar.

WHITFIELD: Woo. We're both in the Valentine's day spirit with our rouge, our red.

JERAS: Look at you! Nice.

WHITFIELD: You know what, our colleague Tony Harris and his team tried to get the pulse of people out there. What they're excited about with this valentine's weekend and what they look for in the ideal mate. We thought it was so humorous and so great that we wanted to play that. Let's listen.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What are you looking for in a mate?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Really just somebody who's sweet and caring and pretty.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm looking for honesty, trustworthy, he has to be tall, too. And preferably with dark hair. Someone that's stable in a relationship and someone that's committing and faithful. Yes.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Do you feel like women these days are looking for Mr. Perfect?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. They complain a lot. Men can't be perfect. It's a lot of good men out there and just have to work with what you got.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Oh, that's nice. But it's interesting, too, it is unclear whether the people who were polled were all attached or kind of, you know, talking about the wish list of what you are looking for.

JERAS: Yes. Well, you know, I was able to work with Tony this week when he was working on this project and we chat about this. And he said that he thinks that a lot of reason why single people are still single, it's because, of course, he blamed women and here were single - but he said we have unrealistic expectations. That we're expecting Mr. Super. And you listen to those women talking about their lists was. Their list is just this big. The guys are like I just want somebody nice who loves me.

WHITFIELD: Was that the one young lady said - you know, kind, has a good heart, and of course, she said, it would help if he was good looking. Oh, well. But then I heard a dude say that, too.

JERAS: Never want to settle though.

WHITFIELD: That's interesting. Well, I hope that everybody has a nice, happy Valentine's and everyone has a good heart.

JERAS: Happy Valentine's to you.

WHITFIELD: Everyone's wearing a good heart hopefully today. Thank you so much, Jacqui. Appreciate that. And thanks for being in the "chatroom." It is always fun.

All right. African-American farmers, they are tired of waiting. They want that promised government settlement from years ago. How they are hoping to finally get it in 2010.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: After weather snarled everything in Washington last week, the White House has to get back to business. I talked to senior White House correspondent Ed Henry about this week's priorities. The White House, federal government, had quite the setback in the last week because of snow. How does it get back on track?

ED HENRY, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Yes. You know people have called all of us in Washington wimps for a long time. We always freak out when there is just an inch or two of snow. This time there was real snow, it was multiple blizzards, but you are right the government was shut down. President was still working in fairness to him. Congress kind of didn't really get a lot done but I think clearly when you talk to top White House aides what they want to do more than anything is get this jobs bill which seems stuck in the Senate right now back on track because the president kicked this whole year off by saying we're putting health care on the back burner, we're going to make jobs, jobs, jobs the focus.

Here they are still struggling to get this jobs bill through the Senate. They've got to get that back on track this week. Because it is the president's top priority and let's not forget the week after they've got this big health care summit they're planning with Republicans at the White House. If they don't get the jobs bill done by then, all of a sudden the American people will see health care as the focus yet again with no victory on the jobs bill. That's what they're all about, is about the economy this week.

WHITFIELD: Thank you, senior White House correspondent Ed Henry.

African-American farmers plan to rally in Washington tomorrow despite the snowdrifts and frigid temperatures. They're protest stems from a discrimination lawsuit against the Department of Agriculture. Farmers want lawmakers to approve payouts of a $1 billion settlement from 1999. President Obama has included funding for the payments in his 2010 budget. So why haven't the farmers seen a single cent?

John Boyd is the president of the National Black Farmers Association and he is already in Washington. Farmers have demonstrated before, Mr. Boyd, in D.C. and even last week in Montgomery. So do you feel any closer to actually getting that settlement?

JOHN BOYD, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL BLACK FARMERS ASSOCIATION: Well, I think we're on the verge of success but the president has stepped out and put the $1.15 billion and the proposed budget to Congress and we need for Senator Harry Reid and speaker Pelosi to act, because thousands of black farmers across the country are waiting for them to do the right thing here.

WHITFIELD: In fact, this statistic that I have is it true an estimated 50,000 black farmers have proven claims that they are eligible for the damages and if you do qualify, it means $50,000, plus a $12,500 tax credit. So the president is on-board but your feeling is there needs to be pressure put on Congress. That's why you're rallying tomorrow.

BOYD: Absolutely. And we reached out of to thousands across the south and 2,000 in Montgomery, Alabama and 1,500 in Jackson, Mississippi. So black farmers have been out and hopefully they're on their way to Washington for the rally tomorrow. The highways look pretty good.

WHITFIELD: OK, good. That's good news. What is the explanation as to why the settlements haven't been handed out? If this was an agreement, 1999, what's taken so long? What's going on?

BOYD: Well, basically a lot of the farmers came after the filing deadline where the government filed motions in federal court to keep us from knowing where the black farmers were in the south. So about 75,000, 80,000 black farmers came after the filing deadline in 1999 and we lobbied Congress from 2000 to 2008 when then Senator Barack Obama sponsored our bill and the farm bill.

That bill called for $100 million and allowed the black farmers to proceed in court. So we're acting already on a law that's in place and the black farmers are still waiting. So we're urging the administration to take a step further and urge Congress to appropriate the funds for the black farmers. We've waited long enough.

WHITFIELD: Can you give me kind of a nutshell, what is the plight of the black farmer in America right now? How is "the business" of farming going?

BOYD: Let me say this. Farming is tough for black farmers, white farmers, for small farmers. But when you add discrimination and racism on top of acts of nature and things of that nature, it makes it very, very difficult. In 1997, we filed that original lawsuit, and in 1999 there was an admission of guilt by the Department of Agriculture by then Secretary Dan Glickman that said discrimination was rampant in farm subsidies where black farmers have been shut totally out of the U.S. farm subsidy program. There are some things that need to happen to make agriculture better for small farmers and certainly for black farmers in this country.

WHITFIELD: Has there been any way that your organization or others may have been able to track how many black farmers in particular who may have been counting on that 1999 settlement to stay afloat, and since they haven't received any of these claims, is there any kind of figure on how many black farmers have had to go under who have lost their livelihood as a result of not being able to get some sort of subsidy or payment from this settlement?

BOYD: Yes. I'll be honest with you, Fredricka. Many black farmers have died waiting for justice. So this is a very, very serious issue that has been totally overlooked for decades. That's why we're coming to Washington, D.C. tomorrow to remind the nation that black farmers contributed to American agriculture and they deserve to be a part of the American fabric and take part in federal programs.

WHITFIELD: Are you hopeful that this year indeed, since the president's pushing for it in the 2010 budget, that you will have the leverage on Capitol Hill in order to get it? Get that payment this year?

BOYD: Absolutely. And certainly every black farmer in this country is grateful that the president has taken interest in this and following up on his leadership that he started in the Senate. So this is not something new for President Obama. He's been on-board a long time. But we need for our Congress to act and make this a reality for black farmers.

WHITFIELD: John Boyd thanks so much with the National Black Farmers Association. Appreciate that. All the best in the bad weather potentially tomorrow during your rally.

BOYD: Yes. Happy Valentine's Day.

WHITFIELD: Thank you so much. Happy Valentine's.

All right. The first lady wants us all to focus on childhood obesity and the small, but important, changes to make to keep our kids healthy. We've got some easy solutions for you, and your family coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Let's look at the week ahead with a look back in time.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD (voice over): Five years ago this week in 2005, the youtube.com domain name was activated. Before long, the video sharing website was one of the most popular destinations on the internet.

Forty years ago in 1970, the Chicago seven trial ended. The defendants were found not guilty of charges they conspired to incite riots during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

Eighty years ago in 1930, American astronomer Clyde Tumbaugh discovered Pluto; it was considered the ninth and most distant planet in our solar system until 2006 when the International Astronomical Union demoted it to a dwarf planet.

One hundred ninety years ago in 1820, Susan B. Anthony was born. She helped lead the drive to get women the vote.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: He has been a Capitol Hill fixture, a presidential contender and a so-called maverick. Now, John McCain is in a fight for his political life with his very own party. What are the odds? We'll break them down.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Just over a year after his failed run for the presidency, Senator John McCain now fighting to keep his turf in Arizona. The challenge is coming from someone on the right, a former conservative radio talk show host. Here is CNN deputy political director Paul Steinhauser.

PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN DEPUTY POLITICAL DIRECTOR: Fred, John McCain's getting a serious challenge from the right. Monday Former Congressman J.D. Hayworth officially announced he's taking on McCain in the primaries. Hayworth says McCain's been in Congress too long and he isn't conservative enough.

McCain who was the Republican Party's nominee in the last presidential election is fighting for his fifth term as Senator from Arizona. He already faces another candidate on the right from one of the founders of the minute men the volunteer organization that tries to keep illegal immigrants from crossing the border from Mexico.

But McCain's racked up some endorsements from some top conservatives including his old running mate Sarah Palin. The former Alaska governor teams up with McCain on campaign trail in Arizona next month.

WHITFIELD: Well, this could obviously be Senator McCain's toughest election battle yet. CNN political producer Peter Hamby is with me now live out of Washington. Peter, wow! That's pretty shocking to hear that Sarah Palin just may be called upon by John McCain. How effective might this be?

PETER HAMBY, CNN POLITICAL PRODUCER: I think it will actually be very effective.

WHITFIELD: Why?

HAMBY: Well, McCain has always had a problem with the conservative base of the Republican Party. That's what this challenger with J.D. Hayworth that is who he is trying to appeal to. People like Sarah Palin, and he also got endorsed by Grover Norquist this week, he is also a conservative. But Sarah Palin is a superstar conservative. She is going to help John McCain blunt criticism from the right that he is not with them on their issues.

WHITFIELD: But wasn't she rather critical of McCain's people after their defeat? How do you turn that around?

HAMBY: She was very critical and very vocal. There's been a lot of back-and forth. She has always remained deferential to John McCain. Because, remember, he was the one who plucked her out of relative on security and thrust her on to the national stage. No matter how much she might disagree with him on certain issues, it is smart for her to always remain with him.

WHITFIELD: And so why does J.D. Hayworth feel like he has the advantage in this district that Senator McCain has been leading for so long?

HAMBY: Well. Right McCain's been in the Senate since 1986. He had a tough re-election in '92 but really hasn't faced that difficult re-election battles, J.D. Hayworth has been hammering John McCain on his radio show which he recently quit over immigration, over McCain's support for the bailout. And basically I talked to Hayworth's campaign manager this morning.

One thing they just want to hit home is that they think John McCain's been in Washington too long and that the voters in Arizona have McCain fatigue and that they deserve someone who is a true conservative and that John McCain is not dependable enough on issues like immigration and government spending.

WHITFIELD: All right, Peter Hamby, thank you so much, appreciates that. We look forward to a very interesting week in politics.

HAMBY: Same to you.

WHITFIELD: All right. Well sometimes it's almost like a political fight but it is over food at home. Of course, we all want our kids to eat right and exercise more. In fact, it has become a nationwide campaign. But how do you bring that campaign into your home and into your daily life? We have real tips that you can really use.

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WHITFIELD: First Lady Michelle Obama wants kids to shape up. We have been talking about her new campaign let's move this week. Well she has an ambitious goal ending childhood obesity within a generation. So how do you get everyone onboard? That's what we are asking. We are calling this segment "Family Matters." We are beginning it today. I want you to tune in as much as you can to try to get the whole family involved in things, in this case it will be "Childhood obesity, how to avoid it or prevent it." Tina Ruggiero is a nutritionist and registered dietician in Tampa, Florida. Good to see you.

TINA RUGGIERO, REGISTERED DIETICIAN: Pleasure.

WHITFIELD: With me in Atlanta is fitness trainer, Cliff "Hollywood" Boyce. Good to see you as well.

I'm going to begin with Tina and then we are going to talk about some athletic things that we could be doing at home with you Cliff. But Tina how do we get started? You say as early as 6 months we need to start hitting the message home for our kids. You have to eat healthy. What if my kid is not 6 months but 6 years, how do I do it?

RUGGIERO: Well, Fredricka, you are right. You can start as early as 6 months of age because when you do, when you wean a child on to healthy foods, you are basically giving them a gift of wealth, of health and wellness for a lifetime. But if your child is 6 years, doesn't matter. You can still get them off to a good start by getting them involved. Children are very, very inquisitive about food and cooking.

Why does a muffin rise? Why does bread turn brown when you put it in the toaster? Cooking should be fun and adventure. Take them to the store. Get them involved. And studies have shown that when you -- when you get a child involved in food preparation they actually are more likely to eat what you make.

WHITFIELD: OK. One of the common mistakes that a lot of parents make, for example, you know, your kid says oh, but all my friends are eating those chips and bringing those to schools, or what about those Cheetos. It is the nag factor.

RUGGIERO: Please, mom. Can you buy me that? And that's where we have to give our children a little tough love and say you know something, maybe on Saturday when we have our sweet day, you can have that. But you need to give them lots of options of healthy foods so that they can pick. Bottom line is adults buy this food. If we don't buy it, the children won't eat it. So we really have to say no every once in a while and feel good about it. Because ultimately we are helping our children live longer, healthier lives.

WHITFIELD: Then you say it is time for everyone to slow down. What do you mean by that?

RUGGIERO: We are on the fast track all the time. We are all busy. And it is really important that we be more cognizant of what we put in our mouths and when we eat. We need to bring back the ritual of dinner or breakfast. And stop the mindless eating. And it really doesn't take a lot of effort. Start to prepare breakfast the night before. Set the table, even scramble some eggs, put them in the refrigerator and in the morning, put the eggs in a breakfast wrap and put a little black beans and cheese in there and roll it up and hand it to your child as he or she runs out the door.

WHITFIELD: And I know you have also said that freezing is underrated. I am starting to do that a lot, I have been doing that a lot because my mom does it all the time and it makes a lot of sense. You had one big cooking day and you put some stuff in the freezer and then there is no excuse each day during the week, you just pull it out and put tonight the microwave or oven, et cetera.

RUGGIERO: You are absolutely right. And, you know something; Fredericka stocking a healthy pantry is just as important. You will have dry goods that are healthy on hand so you can make a quick meal or snack any time.

WHITFIELD: OK, so now we are ingesting the right things. Hopefully Cliff, then what? How do we get our bodies moving? You know, some kids feel like getting physical activity especially with P.E. being ruled out of a lot of schools. It is just too hard, it is so boring, and it takes too much effort. How do you get them enthusiastic about fitness?

CLIFF "HOLLYWOOD" BOYCE, FITNESS TRAINER: First of all, you have to make a game out of it and make it a safe environment. The parents involved with the kids because when you put a kid by themselves you know things are not going to happen. You have to make a game of it and make sure they are in a safe environment to allow youth to participate with their children.

WHITFIELD: So what are some of the inexpensive, creative ways to make this fun? What can you do at home?

BOYCE: First thing you can do, you can do pushups. And that's when the parents get involved with the kids and get on their knees and do what we call modification version. You are on your knees and your hands are down and you do pushups. Make a game out of it to see who can do the most pushups.

WHITFIELD: Wow, and you brought some things here, we can do it in about less than a minute, simple canned foods.

BOYCE: Ten ounces of canned goods. You can do arm curls with it and you can do side laterals with it. You can do shoulder presses with it. And you can do like three sets of 15 of each movement. Side lateral, shoulder presses, and arm curls.

WHITFIELD: What kid won't enjoy doing that and jump rope, what kid doesn't like that?

BOYCE: Jump rope is one of the best cardiovascular.

WHITFIELD: Mom and dad, have you to be involved.

BOYCE: You have to be involved and make it fun.

WHITFIELD: All right. Interactive games real quick. Kids are playing wii. Is that good fitness? BOYCE: Wii, you have to be careful with the boxing. Because the locking of the elbows. Sometimes kids don't have any sense of with hyperextension. That could be a major tendonitis.

WHITFIELD: Excellent. Cliff "Hollywood" Boyce, as well as Tina Ruggiero, thanks so much for making us all a little bit more fit, making it a family activity. I'm Fredricka Whitfield good to see you all.