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Free Speech Case at Supreme Court; Search Continues For Missing American in Mexico; President Obama Awards Medal of Honor
Aired October 06, 2010 - 16:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN ANCHOR: We are keeping track, 27 days until Election Day, and CNN has all your latest political news. "The Best Political Team on Television," Wolf Blitzer leading the peak. He's at the CNNpolitics.com desk. Hello, Wolf. What do you have?
WOLF BLITZER, HOST, "THE SITUATION ROOM": Hi, Brooke.
Let's go through some amazing numbers. One number, $140.1 million. That's how much the Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman has spent so far trying to become the next governor of California. Of that, by the way, $119 million is her own personal money. She's the former eBay CEO. That already breaks a record out in California.
Jerry Brown is the Democrat candidate. He has only spend so far about $11 million. Remember, he didn't have much of a primary challenge. A lot of the money she spent was getting the Republican nomination, so -- but, you know we have some polls that show he's slightly ahead of her, but this is a contest that continues in California. It's going to be very, very expensive.
But we have some polls that show he's slightly ahead of her, but this is a contest that continues in California. It's going to be very, very expensive.
Our new CNN poll of polls, the average of several major polls, by the way, shows that the Republicans are doing well on that so-called generic question, who do you prefer in the next Congress, Republicans or Democrats?
Among likely voters, our average in this poll of polls, 50 percent say they like the Republicans; 44 percent say they like the Democratic candidate. So that does not necessarily bode well for the Democrats right now.
Finally, we're getting reaction to the statement, the comment that Bob Woodward, the "Washington Post" reporter, said to our own John King yesterday that Hillary Clinton replacing Joe Biden as President Obama's vice presidential running mate in 2012 is on the table.
The secretary saying: "I don't believe what I read. I have absolutely no interest and no reason for doing anything other than just dismissing these stories and moving on."
A pretty firm denial from the secretary of state, but we will see what happens. A long time to go.
One thing I should add, Brooke, as we go get ready for "THE SITUATION ROOM" that begins in an hour right at the top of 5:00, we're going to have new CNN/"TIME" magazine poll numbers in four battleground states on some of the contests, Senate and gubernatorial races out there, Nevada, Connecticut, New York State, Missouri.
I think our viewers are going to want to hear what these polls show in those four states, and we will release them right at the top of 5:00.
BALDWIN: Yes. You have got some interesting numbers. We're keeping our mouths zipped. You get to do it, Wolf. We will see you in one hour. Thank you.
By the way, we're going to get another political update in just about a half an hour from now. You can always get the latest news, "Political Ticker." Go to CNNPolitics.com and hop on Twitter. They are @PoliticalTicker.
And with that, here we go. Want to welcome the women, the men watching us on American Forces Network all around the world this hour. We're going to hit you fast. See if you can keep up with me. Let's go.
Drugs, cops and crime, the Justice Department announcing the biggest crackdown on police corruption in the history of the FBI. Take a look, the feds arresting more than 130 people in Puerto Rico. You ready for this? This includes almost 90 police officers, two U.S. Army officers, and 30 civilians.
The crackdown, by the way, part of a two-year investigation into this drug trafficking ring. The officers allegedly protected cocaine dealers.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ERIC HOLDER, U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL: The Justice Department's commitment to rooting out and eradicating corruption in our law enforcement ranks has never been stronger.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: We are told hundreds of FBI agents went down to carry out all these raids. And it's important to note here, Puerto Rico a major shipping point for drugs between the East Coast and South America.
Next, a desperate search along the both -- crews in Mexico still looking for the body of an American who was reportedly shot by pirates. You know the story here. Tiffany Hartley says gunmen in three boats approached the couple on a lake that straddles the Texas/Mexican border. They allegedly shot her husband. She got out of there on her Sea-Doo. Listen to how she describes what it was like to leave her husband behind.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TIFFANY HARTLEY, SAYS PIRATES SHOT HER HUSBAND: I kept hearing God say, you have got to go, you have got to go. And I looked back at the other boats to see where they were, and they were heading back to me, and I had to -- I had to decide to leave David or stay, and, ultimately, if I stayed, maybe killed or kidnapped.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: Her family right now begging Mexico to allow the U.S. to help in the search.
Next: brand-new video of a Saudi prince slapping his assistant. Take a look with me. This is in this elevator, that prince now on trial, accused of killing him. Take a look. Prosecutors alleged the prince killed this guy in a hotel room while the two were on a trip to London earlier this year.
The video, you see this is inside of this elevator during that trip. Prosecutors showed it. They had prove that the two had this abusive relationship. The prince is accused of beating and sexually assaulting that man. The defense has yet to tell its side of the story.
Next, talk about a pit stop. Look at this massive sinkhole opening up on the infield of a major NASCAR track. This is Charlotte Motor Speedway. This is North Carolina. We're told it's 35-feet deep, crews working to fill it. So, who's to blame? A combination of heavy rain and the track being built on top of a landfill.
Fans, don't worry, next week's race, right on schedule.
Next: tragedy at a Bible school. This is in North Carolina, a student found dead in a dorm room, but now the mystery still unraveling. Police say Jonathan Schipper was shot in the head on Sunday. This happened on the campus of Mid-Atlantic Christian University. The crime scene leaving police baffled.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DET. JERRY BOYCE, ELIZABETH CITY, NORTH CAROLINA, POLICE DEPARTMENT: In my career as a detective, I haven't run across one like this. And after the evidence is disclosed, then you will see what we're talking about. It's just very challenging.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: We are now learning police are questioning a 23-year- old man. That person is a student, part-time police officer who claimed he acted in self-defense. So far, no charges.
Next, could it be you want one of these? People talking on cell phones on the planes. Don't be surprised. Singapore Airlines announcing that it will roll out wireless connections for texting, BlackBerrys, and, yes calls on your cell phone by early next year. And if allowed, expect to see it on longer flights. This would mark the very first time that a carrier actually allows personal calls in the air. So in-flight chats, convenient chaos? You decide.
Next, below-the-belt politics on a soccer field in Bolivia. Folks, this is some of my favorite video of the day. Want to watch -- watch this guy. See his back, number 10. There is some trash talking. Watch it with me. And then, bam, knees a player in the groin.
But listen to what makes this really Interesting. There he goes. The guy who used his knee as a weapon, that's the president of Bolivia, the victim, his political rival. The outburst now going viral in South America and now here in the U.S.
Next, I want to tell you about this bizarre moment. This happened inside a Texas courtroom. You have this man who shocks prosecutors, obviously shocking the judge and his own lawyers by -- stands up and he shouts, I'm guilty. This happened at the very start of this trial for the rape of an 87-year-old woman.
Both sides immediately moved onto the sentencing phase. The victim, by the way, has 26 grandchildren and great-grandkids. She told jurors that she's glad it happened to her and not someone younger, because that woman wouldn't have to live with the memory as long.
And now take a look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Engineering and math. We cannot sustain -- whoops.
(LAUGHTER)
OBAMA: Was that my --
(LAUGHTER)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: Whoops, the presidential seal going out with a bang.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OBAMA: All of you know who I am.
(LAUGHTER)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: It happened during the president's address at "Fortune" magazine's Most Powerful Women Summit in Washington. President Obama goes on to say somebody in the crew must be sweating bullets right about now.
And, finally, let's take a look at the Big Board. We are flirting with that big number, that big round number, 11000, finishing in the green. Hey, there's always tomorrow.
Now, watch this. This is not just any rainstorm. The sound you hear is hail, the size of golf balls, hitting a family's backyard pool. This is Arizona. Up next, Chad Myers is going to walk me through some of this tornado damage that followed this hail, rain, downpour.
Also, this --
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm sorry that they raised their son for the devil in hell. I'm sorry that they let him have anything to do with (EXPLETIVE DELETED) army.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: His words, provocative, hard to listen to, but does he have a right to say them? Free speech, it's a landmark case hitting the Supreme Court today.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BALDWIN: All right, breaking news here.
We have told you about two tornadoes that have touched down just an area, a town just outside of Flagstaff, Arizona. Now we're getting word of a possible third tornado.
And on that note, let's go over to the Twitter board, because we're getting a tweet here from the Red Cross. And they have tweeted saying: "On alert for tornado warning in Flagstaff, Arizona area. Tornado safety checklist." And I'm sure you can check out that link. And that will bring you up to speed there.
But let me reset here in case you're just tuning in. Central Arizona apparently ground zero for multiple tornadoes today. At least seven people thus far have been injured. Looking at some of the video, this was an RV camper dealership. Now it's a just crumpled metal mess there.
And according to this county, the sheriff, Bill Pribil, says some 30 trails and their inventory totally destroyed. On top of that, he says at least 100 homes across the county had damage or their windows were totally blasted out.
And we're getting another look. Here's more of the damage here, tractor-trailers overturned by the roadside, more trailers, a tough situation for -- if you're looking at this.
Chad Myers, I think this is some of the most compelling video. This was this freight train on the tracks. What was it, 28 cars, 28 cars just totally derailed.
(CROSSTALK) CHAD MYERS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Yes. I looked at video here of this and they all fell over in the same direction, and that doesn't indicate a tornado.
(CROSSTALK)
BALDWIN: Well, what would that have been?
MYERS: You can get wind to blow over a boxcar, because these were tall boxcars stacked on top of each other.
BALDWIN: Well, that's some serious wind, my friend.
MYERS: What I would rather have seen to confirm a tornado that hit that would be that boxcars on the one side of the track went this way, on the other side of the track fell this way.
So, wind can -- if everything blows over in one direction --
BALDWIN: It's too neat.
MYERS: It's too clean.
BALDWIN: Gotcha.
MYERS: And so we expect wind, as it comes around, to blow boxcars off to the south on the west side of a tornado, and then to the north on the east side of the tornado or of the circulation.
They are going to go out there. They know it was a tornado at some point in time., whether it knocked these trains over or not. We know that what hit that trailer RV center was certainly spinning, because, well, the Weather Service saw it out the window, so they confirmed that one in a big hurry.
BALDWIN: Look at this.
MYERS: So far -- yes, look at that, upside down.
BALDWIN: Upside down.
MYERS: Yes, no question about it.
So far today, on the severe weather Web site put out by the Weather Service, we have had six tornadoes reported in Arizona. Not all of them will be confirmed as tornadoes, and some may be the same tornado just kind of skipping along.
So all of those things will be known later on today. For the big story, though, Flagstaff, and Sedona, even the Weather Service no longer very impressed with the storms, although we are getting a couple of showers now down toward the valley, down toward Sun City and up toward (INAUDIBLE) City, seeing some rain showers here.
We haven't had any yet in Phoenix or Scottsdale. They are building. I don't believe that they will build strong enough to make the weather like you saw in Flagstaff. It appears the energy or the potential for tornadoes has now moved up into Utah.
How many tornadoes have you ever heard in Utah?
(CROSSTALK)
BALDWIN: And I was asking you earlier, how many tornadoes does the state of Arizona get a year? You said four?
MYERS: Four.
BALDWIN: They're about to get possibly three in a day.
MYERS: Yes, exactly.
BALDWIN: Crazy.
Chad, thank you.
MYERS: You're welcome.
BALDWIN: I want you to take a look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I just vividly remember being bitten on the head and the sound that makes as it was -- as her -- as her teeth were going into my head and running along the skull.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: Look at -- you saw the stitches on that man. He was mauled by this bear. Somehow, he managed to cling to life, in large part because of his wife.
We're going to explain how. We're going to explain how, we're going to explain why and when. And we're going to play you part of this 911 call. Pretty gripping stuff. That is coming up.
Also, their 15 minutes of fame came, and I guess maybe it's still coming here. Remember the Salahis who strolled into the White House last year, apparently without an invitation? What happened on the way to that party? We've all seen this video. What happened before this video was shot? We're going to take you inside of a limo and give you the precursor to this night. What embarrassed the White House and made the Salahis starts. We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BALDWIN: And welcome back.
You know, when Barack Obama was first running for president, he cited a book on Lincoln as one of his prime influences. Do you remember that? The book is written by Doris Kerns Goodwin. It's called "Team of Rivals," and because of the book's influence, the president gave his rivals high-profile positions on his staff. Hillary Clinton, one prime example. But on CNN's "PARKER/SPITZER" last night, author Goodwin explained that Barack and Hillary pretty much pale in comparison to Jack and Lyndon.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DORIS KEARNS GOODWIN, AUTHOR: The best rivalry is JFK and LBJ because they eventually became one person. LBJ was able to pass the things that JFK mobilized the country for. Without one or the other, they wouldn't have been as successful as they were.
ELIOT SPITZER, HOST, "PARKER SPITZER": Did they ever appreciate that? I guess that couldn't have.
KEARNS: No. No. JFK and LBJ got along pretty well. It was Bobby and LBJ that hated each other. That's the most mortal rivalry.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: You can see "PARKER/SPITZER" weeknights at 8:00 Eastern right here on CNN. Tonight's guest, Ohio Democrat Dennis Kucinich. He'll be on to talk about the political climate today, whether or not the president can energize supporters, and what place liberals have at the table today. Tonight at 8:00.
The group's made a name for itself protesting at the funerals of American soldiers. The families -- they're outraged, horrified, but what about the highest court in the land? That's ahead.
Also, 27 days until election day. Our political team is tracking developments right now on Capitol Hill to the campaign trail. We're going to get their highlights, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BALDWIN: Check the calendar. Twenty-seven days until election day. CNN has all of your latest political news with The Best Political Team on Television. Paul Steinhauser is at the CNNpolitics.com desk.
Paul, I know you have some big poll numbers coming out in about 48 minutes here. I'm looking at the clock -- or I see Mark in the front, Paul in the back. It's two of you guys, two in one hit. Take it away.
PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN DEPUTY POLITICAL DIRECTOR: It's a tag team. And you know, you're stuck with us for another 27 days, I guess.
BALDWIN: Oh, brother.
STEINHAUSER: We've got-- oh, brother.
We have brand-new poll numbers coming out at the top of the hour. In fact, they'll probably by on CNNpolitics.com in just a few minutes. Keep watching, Brooke, but also go to our Web site as well. Where are we having these new poll numbers? First of all, Nevada. Probably arguably the most important Senate race in the country now. Harry Reid, Senate majority leader, fighting for his political life against Sharron Angle, Republican nominee who is a Tea Party-backed candidate. So, we'll have brand-new numbers there.
Also in the gubernatorial contest, another great state where the Republicans may grab back a Senate seat is Connecticut. We'll have brand-new numbers there as well, also in the governor's race. Talking about governors' races, we'll have brand-new numbers in New York state. Bizarre, wild Senate race there between Andrew Cuomo, the Democratic nominee, and Carl Paladino, a very outspoken man who's backed by many Tea Party activists.
And also, a great Senate battle in Missouri, Brooke. All this stuff coming your way online in a few minutes. Wolf Blitzer will break it all down at 5:00. Mark, what do you got?
MARK PRESTON, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL EDITOR: Hey, Brooke. You know, Americans know a lot about lines of credit certainly in this bad economic time. Well, lines of credit are not just exclusive to home improvements or just trying to get through some very tough times. Political parties take out lines of credit. In fact, $15 million has been taken out by the Democratic National Committee; another $15 million in a line of credit has been taken out by the Republican National Committee.
Why are they taking this money out? They're taking it out because Republicans think they have a shot of taking back the House of Representatives. Democrats are taking it out because they're trying to limit their losses. So, both political parties very likely will tap into this $15 million. So, when the dust settles on election day, expect there to be a lot of debt at the RNC and the DNC. We'll figure out who the winner, of course, that night.
Let's close with this right here. There's a lot of television ads hitting the screens right now. Some states are really being inundated with them. So, you need to cut through the clutter.
In this one ad right here that we're going to see appear in five different states, a conservative group, the Family Research Council's action -- political action committee is trying to use a bit of humor with it. And what they have done is they've cut this 30-second ad, they're trying to focus on five vulnerable House Democrats, saying these Democrats really support big government.
It's actually a pretty funny ad. If you have an opportunity, you can go to CNNpolitics.com. Check it out on the screen. You know, very hard to cut through the clutter and all loudness we have in an election. This is one of those ads that could potentially do it. Brooke.
BALDWIN: Good deal. Paul, I thought for a second you might have ditched Mark, but I just see you wanted to get closer to your buddy.
STEINHAUSER: He's coming right next door! (LAUGHTER)
BALDWIN: Gentlemen, we thank you. They've mentioned the poll numbers. Just want to remind all of you, you can check those out at 5:00. Hop online, go to CNNPolitics.com. Get on Twitter. Their Twitter handle is @PoliticalTicker.
And I know some of you are going to say give it up already when you see this next piece of video. Let's roll it. Go ahead.
(VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: You can just sigh away at the TV screen. I know, I know, you've seen this video before, you're over them, maybe you're not. They've had their 15 minutes of fame, the Salahis.
But people, the blonde in the red sari finally gets to share her story from that infamous night at the White House, and we have the video. Bravo TV sharing it with us. They shot that night. We have the Salahis inside the limo. Who were they calling? What were they saying? What were they thinking? That is "Trending."
But next, Jeff Toobin joins some on this case of this outspoken preacher. Fred Phelps. His church, Westboro Baptist. The issue, hate speech that goes beyond his offensive words at soldiers' funerals. We'll explain.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BALDWIN: All right. Here we go.
The deaths of U.S. soldiers. Is God punishing the United States for, quote, "the sin of homosexuality"? That is according to pastor Fred Phelps and his Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church. I know you've seen these signs. You've seen them protesting time and time again. This is a church composed largely of his family members, and today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in this case. These are arguments as to whether groups like his can protest at military funerals.
Let me take you back. In 2006, members of his Westboro Baptist church, they protested at this one particular funeral. This funeral was for Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder. The protesters, as they always do, they carry these signs reading "God hates you" and "Thank God for dead soldiers."
Well, Albert Snyder, the father of that hero, that Marine, he sued that group. He sued the group and won a $5 million judgment. But the ruling was later overturned by a federal appeals court, and then appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Now, back in 2007, Phelps explained to CNN why his groups protest at these soliders' funerals.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
FRED PHELPS, FOUNDER, WESTBORO BAPTIST CHURCH: They don't want me preaching that God is punishing America by killing those servicemen. And if that's why he's doing it and sending them home in body bags, then appropriate forum of choice would be their funerals.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: CNN's senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin is joining me from New York. Jeffrey, good to see you here.
Let me -- before we get going on this, I want to play you something. This is Margie Phelps. This is one of Fred's daughters and she's an attorney, like many other kids in the family, for Westboro Baptist. She spoke to the media after leaving the courthouse. Take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARGIE PHELPS, ATTORNEY FOR WESTBORO BAPTIST CHURCH: When you have a private funeral, we will not be there. When you have a public funeral and you broadcast to the nation that that dead soldier is a hero, and that god is blessing America, we will be there and tell you god is cursing America. It is a curse for your young men and women to be coming home in body bags, and if you want that to stop, stop sinning.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: Look, Jeff, I mean, you don't have to beat around the bush, a lot of people know this is total hate speech. But no matter how distasteful, no matter how much makes you angry hearing her, she says some of these funerals are public, then her group with their signs, protesting can be there; true?
JEFFREY TOOBIN, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: Brooke, this is a really hard case because all of the emotion points in one direction. These people are horrible, they are vicious, they are nuts, but they are American citizens who have the right under the First Amendment to protest. And the question is, is protesting at a funeral on public grounds away from the funeral protected by the First Amendment?
And it is worth pointing out that these protests were not right at the gravesite. They were away from the funerals. They didn't stop anybody from attending. They did -- you know, you had to see them when you drove by the funerals, but they certainly didn't disrupt the funeral.
And you know, it has been true throughout American history that unpopular people are the ones who use the First Amendment, and this is a very understandably unpopular group.
BALDWIN: And I think Mr. Snyder, you know, he knew that these Westboro Baptist folks would be there, and I think he even gave family members a heads-up that, look, you may want to take a different way to the church.
But still, Jeff, my question is, as the Supreme Court moves forward and the justices are wrestling with this, could they maybe find middle ground? You know, you hear these entities talking maybe about picket-free zones or these floating buffers, so if you're a family members, maybe like these protesters can't get one 15 feet of you, might that be a possibility?
TOOBIN: You know, that's certainly a possibility because the Supreme Court generally approves rules that don't deal with the content of what's said. They say you can't protest within 100 yards of a funeral. That's a rule that they're likely to uphold.
But if they see this is a rule for just unpopular messengers, that's going to be difficult for the Supreme Court to uphold. I think they have to figure out first what exactly the facts were here. It's a little more complicated than just, you know, a protest at a funeral.
Were they on public ground? Did they disrupt the funeral? How far away were they? If they were away from the funeral? Because if they really were away from the funeral and if they didn't disrupt the funeral, this is political protest. It's in support of a cause that many of us find bizarre and abhorrent, but political protest -- the courts are not supposed to police what protests are allowed and what aren't. They're supposed to allow protests or not, and that's what makes this case just so hard.
BALDWIN: Let me ask you this, if -- and I know you don't have your crystal ball, we don't know which way the justices will go -- but if they decide to rule on Mr. Snyder's side, how may that affect the First Amendment going forward?
TOOBIN: You know, not a lot. I think it's very important to point out that this fringe group is exactly that. There's a fringe group. There are not a lot of Americans lining up to protest at funerals of military heroes. You know, most Americans are not so crazy and not so insensitive.
So, yes, it is possible that if the Snyder -- if the Phelps win this case, if this church wins this case, they will be able to protest, but there is not a long line of people out there trying to disrupt and inflict pain on these families.
So it's a very interesting case, but I don't think the implications are enormous, because I think most Americans have a lot more sense and caring than these folks.
BALDWIN: That's interesting. I was just curious. We'll be watching this case move forward.
We're also watching Elena Kagan, your pal from Harvard Law School, transparency sake, she also very familiar with free speech. And, Jeff, we're hearing she may be the one here writing that opinion.
Is that possible?
TOOBIN: Well, it's certainly possible. I would doubt -- the tradition at the Supreme Court is when a new justice comes on, he or she gets some low-profile cases to write first, not a high-profile case like that. So I very much doubt that she is the one who will write this opinion. However, what's interesting about this case an free speech issues generally, it's not the predictable splits in the Supreme Court. You don't always see the liberals on one side here, the conservatives on the other. You have conservatives like Clarence Thomas and Anthony Kennedy, who are really free speech absolutists, so I wouldn't be surprised to see them come down on the side of the protesters here, the Phelps here.
BALDWIN: Really?
TOOBIN: So this one, I think, is harder to handicap than most Supreme Court cases.
BALDWIN: Well perhaps the lack of predictability is what makes it fascinating to watch these justices. Jeff Toobin, thanks for talking to me about this huge case.
TOOBIN: All right.
BALDWIN: I want you to think back here when you were 24 years of age, what you had done, what you had seen, and I want you to meet Staff Sergeant Robert Miller. When he was 24, he unloaded enough firepower to distract the Taliban long enough for his comrades to take cover. And today he was awarded the Medal of Honor. You will hear that ceremony. He has since passed. You'll hear the ceremony and his parents, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BALDWIN: Today, President Obama officiated over one of the most solemn tasks facing a commander in chief. What he had to do was present a military decoration to the mother and the father of an American soldier who went to war and did not come back alive.
The decoration he presented was the Medal of Honor, the highest award the nation gives a uniformed service member, and it always recognizes valor above and beyond the call of duty. And like today, it is almost always awarded posthumously.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It has been said that courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point. For Rob Miller, the testing point came nearly three years ago deep in a snowy Afghan valley, but the courage he displayed that day reflects every virtue that defined his life.
When the dust settled and the smoke cleared, there was no doubt, Rob Miller and his team had struck a major blow against the local insurgency. Five members of his patrol had been wounded, but his team had survived. And one of his teammates surely spoke for all of them when he said of Rob, "I would not be alive today if not for his ultimate sacrifice."
This is the valor that America honors today. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The president of the United States of America, authorized by an act of Congress March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of the Congress the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.
OBAMA: Rob Miller and all those who give their lives in our name endure in each of us. Every American is safer because of their service, and every American has a duty to remember and honor their sacrifice.
MAUREEN MILLER, STAFF SGT. MILLER'S MOTHER: We are very proud and grateful that Rob showed such courage, and we are very humbled to receive his Medal of Honor.
We want everyone to know he loved what he was doing, he was good at what he was doing, and he believed he was working for a good cause.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Rob was very patriotic and appreciated the freedoms we enjoy and knew they could be taken away from us.
May god bless this country and the men and women who serve and protect the United States of America.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BALDWIN: Trending right now, an inside look at the so-called White House party crashers on the way to the state dinner that started the clock on their 15 minutes of fame. This was when the Salahis were trying out for "The Real Housewives of D.C." Bravo TV cameras were there, but Bravo has been sitting on this video until today.
Check out this couple in the backseat of their limo on the way to the White House.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHAELE SALAHI, "REAL HOUSEWIVES OF D.C.": Hello?
STACIE SCOTT TURNER, "REAL HOUSEWIVES OF D.C." (via telephone): Michaele?
M. SALAHI: Hi, Stacie. Oh my gosh.
TURNER: How are you doing?
M. SALAHI: We are excited and really fantastic.
TURNER: Really? What -- why are you excited?
M. SALAHI: We are going to the State Dinner.
TURNER: The state dinner? You're going to the White House tonight? M. SALAHI: Yes.
TURNER: You've got to be kidding me. Oh my god, Michaele. Tim Kaine didn't even get a ticket the State Dinner. How did you guys do that? Really everybody is talking about the dinner. So few people -- I mean, people who expected to get tickets didn't get tickets. So this is like -- I mean --
M. SALAHI: Big night.
TURNER: I was calling about something boring relative --
(LAUGHTER)
M. SALAHI: No, we're excited. What's going on?
TURNER: I was calling you about dinner at our house, just whenever you're free in the next week or two.
M. SALAHI: Wow, that would be great.
TURNER: So how did you get invited to that? Did they actually send you invitations or -- like how does that work?
M. SALAHI: First, it's sometimes a personal relationship that you have with someone, and in this case it's personal and professional.
TURNER: What time does it start?
M. SALAHI: We're leaving now. We just got in the limo, so we're headed over.
TAREQ SALAHI, "REAL HOUSEWIVES OF D.C." We're checking in at 6:30.
TURNER: This is like -- I mean --
M. SALAHI: Big night.
TURNER: It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
M. SALAHI: That's what we were saying, definitely.
T. SALAHI: It is.
M. SALAHI: It's an honor to be going. See you soon.
T. SALAHI: All right, big cheers.
TURNER: Bye-bye. Have fun.
M. SALAHI: Take care, Stacie. Thanks, love.
She was surprised, I think. They are a great couple.
T. SALAHI: If we had the ability to get them tickets, we would have invited them.
M. SALAHI: Well, another time. There's many state dinners ahead. And maybe with time --
T. SALAHI: Many other functions ahead.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: And there you have it. How did they get there? Personal and professional. What does that mean? Maybe you know, I don't know.
By the way, the red sari that Michaela wore that night to the White House it originally sold at this auction -- listen to this -- how much did it sell for, $7,000. OK, 15 minutes of fame up, moving on.
There are 27 days to go until election day, but if ballots were counted today, who would win? Would it be the Republicans? Would it be the Democrats? CNN is the only news network with the nationwide poll of polls, some interesting results. We're going to have those in just a couple minutes.
Also, looking ahead to tonight, Bill Maher, never short of opinions, tonight he's talking politics on "JOHN KING USA" that is at 7:00 Eastern time.
And at 9:00 Eastern on "LARRY KING LIVE," you're going to see Hilary Swank and Sam Rothwell talking about "Conviction." This is their new film, this is based on a true story you have to see to believe.
And then, 10:00 Eastern bullying in schools and now online. Why do kids do this? And what can be done to put an end to it? We're going to have an "AC360" special report you cannot miss.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BALDWIN: The battle for control of the U.S. Senate could hinge on a handful of seats in very critical states.
And our own Wolf Blitzer will be unveiling brand-new polling from four of the hottest battlegrounds at the top of the hour in "THE SITUATION ROOM."
And Wolf, first, let me show you one poll that has been released. This is called the Poll of Polls. This sort of a match-up (ph) of four national polls.
And it shows who voters are likely choosing for Congress. And take a look at the numbers here, obviously great for Republicans, not so great for Democrats. Republicans, 50 percent; Democrats, 44 percent.
So, Wolf, I guess if you're a Republican running right now, this is awesome news for you, not so much for Democrats, as we are 27 days and counting until Election Day.
BLITZER: Yes, that's true, but let's not also forget all politics are local. So there's going to be a lot of local issues in various states and districts as well.
The generic poll is very important. And I should point out in '94, remember, when the Democrats lost control of the House and the Senate, Bill Clinton was wrapping up his first two years in office. At this point going into the midterm elections in '94, there was a six-point advantage or so for the Republicans. So that does not necessarily bode well.
The Democrats wound up losing about 50-plus seats in the House of Representatives in '94, and the first time in 40 years lost the majority in the House. So unless the Democrats can really come back over the next nearly four weeks, they're going to be in deep trouble.
BLITZER: Now Wolf, not just the Poll of Polls here, but you're going to be releasing specific polls. And we have obviously two very fascinating races. You have Nevada, you have Connecticut. We saw Jessica Yellin and we talked to her a little bit about that race today.
Can you give me any kind of teaser? Have you looked at the numbers yet?
BLITZER: I have. I've looked at all the numbers, and I think you're going to be interested in what's going on in Nevada.
This is a state where the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, is facing a really major challenge from Sharron Angle. She's the Tea Party favorite.
I think our viewers will be anxious to see who's ahead in Nevada right now. I won't tell our viewers, but they'll know in a few minutes.
Also, in Connecticut, it's a fierce battle between two fiercely competitive people up in Connecticut right now, so we're going to watch that as well. Our viewers may be a little less surprised about what's happening in Connecticut, although they may be surprised about the numbers in Nevada.
I'll just tease it like that.
BALDWIN: Wolf, we'll take the tease.
Also, speaking of teasing, there was Bob Woodward speaking with John King last night on his show, made a little bit of news saying that the president may be dumping his own vice president, Joe Biden, and run for reelection with Hillary Clinton. He's saying it's on the table.
Absolutely not, though, says Hillary Clinton. Here she was today. I'm going to get Wolf's reaction, but first let's roll the sound. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HILLARY CLINTON, SECRETARY OF STATE: We have a great relationship. And I have absolutely no interest and no reason for doing anything other than just dismissing these stories and moving on because we have no time. We have so much to do, and I think both of us are very happy doing what we're doing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: Wolf, I know you know this news of a possible switcheroo. This isn't new. The thought has been floated out there the past couple of months.
So why is this story not dead in the water?
BLITZER: Because Bob Woodward, the great reporter for "The Washington Post," has a brand new book. He was on "JOHN KING USA," and he said this idea of replacing Hillary Clinton, making her the vice presidential running mate for the president in two years, that he said is on the table. He was citing sources close to the secretary of state, among others.
Now, the White House is pushing back hard on that, she's pushing back hard on it right now, but we'll see what happens. I think it's being discussed, and there's so much buzz right now, precisely because Bob Woodward says this is on the table.
BALDWIN: Yes. Well, we heard from Hillary Clinton today. She said she's dismissing it, the White House dismissing it, so we'll just have to wait and see if the story gets floated once again.
Wolf, thank you. We'll look forward to those surprising poll numbers in five minutes. We'll see you on "THE SITUATION ROOM."
Meantime, we here in the CNN NEWSROOM will be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BALDWIN: All right. This is a story that just makes you think, what would you do if you're in this situation? Either you were this man, the husband, or if you were the wife?
Here's the story. And this is not actually just about surviving a bear attack, which is obviously incredible unto itself. But it's also about how this wife kept her wits about her while a 150-pound bear attacked her husband.
We'll have more on that in a second, but first the husband survived this attack. This happened mid-September. And today we're finally seeing him, we're hearing from him after weeks and weeks of recovery.
Here he is.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) JOHN CHELMINIAK, SURVIVED BEAR ATTACK: There were times when she was just clawing over the top. There were times when she was biting. I just vividly remember being bitten on the head and the sound that that makes as her teeth were going into my head and running along the skull. It was just a horrendous fight.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: You can see the stitches, his poor face. And it was during this horrendous fight with this bear when John Chelminiak's wife came upon them.
This was outside of their cabin. This is Washington State. And you're about to hear a 911 call. So, what she did, as you would do, you pick up the phone, you call 911, and you tell them your husband is being attacked by a bear.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
CHELMINIAK: I'm dying!
LYNN SEMLER, WIFE: He said he's dying.
OPERATOR: OK.
SEMLER: Honey, just a minute.
Megan (ph), close the door.
OPERATOR: OK. I'm going to get somebody to get the ambulance headed your way, OK? Hold on please.
SEMLER: OK.
OPERATOR: Stay on the phone. Stay on the phone.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
BALDWIN: Now, here's what happened after that. John Chelminiak was out and about, taking in the cool air, walking his dogs when this bear, totally out of the bushes, leaps in front of them. This was in the driveway of their mountain cabin.
And so the wife is inside minding her own business. She hears some noise outside the house, so she wants to see what's going on. She goes outside, realizes it's a bear with her husband.
Listen to more of this call.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
SEMLER: He is curled up, and -- oh, God, his head is all bashed in.
OPERATOR: OK. Where is the bear now?
SEMLER: I think he -- John -- John, wait.
OPERATOR: Where is the bear now?
SEMLER: I don't see him. He was at the door and I scooted him away.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
BALDWIN: So the attack left Chelminiak with deep cuts, puncture wounds across his body, around his head, a gash on the back of his neck that went all the way down his spine. He also, as you can tell in some of these pictures, especially when it's closer up, he lost his left eye. He has undergone several surgeries, several skin grafts, has more surgeries to come, perhaps in the days and months ahead. But through it all, obviously he is amazed with his wife's bravery.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHELMINIAK: She was incredible. I cannot say enough about what Lynn did. I was so scared for her when she was out there.
She has this little flashlight that she carries in the car. And she had the flashlight and she had the cell phone. And she was talking to the operator and trying to get maybe a neighbor if there was someone there to hear her.
And I could hear her tell the people that she was watching the bear pacing back and forth on the road just right down below us. And I kept wanting her to go back inside, because I thought she would be safer there.
But she stood her ground. And the game agents afterwards said that was precisely the thing to do, stand tall.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BALDWIN: Stand tall. And indeed he did. Amazing story.
And on that note, we're going to go to Wolf Blitzer in Washington.
