Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Newsroom

Senate Passes Multibillion-Dollar Settlement for Black Farmers; Anthony Bourdain Dishes About His New Book; Ethics Hearing for Congresswoman Maxine Waters Called Off; Donald Trump Considering 2012 Bid for President; Graceland Kicks Off Blue Christmas; Advice For Holiday Travelers

Aired November 20, 2010 - 15:00   ET

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

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Chef, author, and TV star. We catch up with the well well-traveled Anthony Bourdain. Usually touring the world that tantalizes take fuzz now touring America talking about his book "Medium Raw" that is coming up later on in the hour.

And at 4:00 p.m., Harry Potter is back. We will take a closer look at the new installment out this week, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." How did our movie critic grade it?

You're in the CNN NEWSROOM, where the news unfolds live, this Saturday, November 20th. I'm Fredricka Whitfield.

CNN is your holiday travel headquarters. We want to get you caught up on all the major travel stories heading into this busy holiday travel season. Our Kate Bolduan is standing by. Tell us about airport screening procedures. Jacqui Jeras is in the CNN Severe Weather Center tracking your travel forecast. And we will get to Jacqui in a moment.

So what can you expect in terms of security procedures once you get to the airport this holiday season? Body scanners, pat downs, which? Our Kate Bolduan is at Regan National Airport in Washington, one of the 69 U.S. airports using full body scanners as well. Kate what can we expect?

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey there, Fredricka. We're told that there are going to be about 24 million people flying this holiday season. As always, it's going to be a very busy time. And leading up to that very busy holiday travel season that starts this week, we're hearing criticisms from private group, civil rights groups, pilots and passengers that these new security procedures in place, these full body scanners as well as these enhanced pat-downs that were put into place as of November 1st are too intrusive, to obsessive and simply just to invasive, but TSA is defending their security procedures saying that they are safe and they are necessary. We spoke with some people traveling out today to get their thoughts on the new procedures. Here's what they had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, I already feel like it's too much to go through security, and get patted down by random people you don't know. The last time I traveled to Greensboro and came through this airport I was wearing yoga pants and a sweatshirt and I was on crutches. They felt like it was necessary to pat me down and do all that, and I already think that's going too far.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes. I always believe there's a balance in everything that has to be struck, and I think that being safe on a plane is important, and I think, again, I think having the electronic or using the technology as a scanning mechanism rather than having somebody actually doing a pat down on you is a way to keep that balance.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BOLDUAN: And to her point a recent CBS news poll suggests that 81 percent of Americans that they poll actually support the use of these full-body scanners even though criticisms from many people said that they are just too invasive, that it's almost like a virtual strip search some have called it. So four and five people do support these full body scanners. But what can you expect when you come to the airport?

There are a couple of answers that we wanted to offer to viewers to know what to expect when you get there. You may or may not come across one of these full body scanners as there are 400 of these machines installed in about 69 airports. As you mentioned, Fredricka, so that's about 12 percent of all the commercial airports in the U.S. So there is a possibility that many people won't even come across these full body scanners.

If do you, you have the option of opting out. If you do not want to go in the full body scanner, if do you so then you're going to be subjected to one of these enhanced pat-downs that we've seen these, some would say, a bit startling photographs and video of what it actually means, but not everyone is going to be subjected to one of these pat-downs. You'll be subjected to these pat-downs, if, as I mentioned, you opt out of the full body scan or if you go through the full body scanner or the metal detector and you set off an alarm, which would need some secondary screening as well. You would be subject to it then and there is also just selected, randomly selected people that will be subjected to these pat-downs.

But almost as an understanding, what a big debate is going on across the country Fredricka. President Obama just today he himself talked about these new security procedures and in Portugal at press conference he was asked about it, he said he understands the frustration of fliers but also says that it's a tough situation for both TSA and the flying public. Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: All right. Thanks so much. Kate Bolduan at Reagan National Airport. Appreciate that.

Let's find out what else is happening out there as you either hit the road, hit the skies. Jacqui Jeras is watching all the potential travel delays. Any particular troublesome areas?

JACQUI JERAS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Yes. We're watching things out west. That's where we're going to have the greatest problems in terms of travel today, because we have very windy conditions, and a lot of heavy snow. A lot of people this time of the year, Fredricka, like to go skiing. The ski resorts are happy because they're getting that good snow but it is going to be a little difficult to get there from time to time. There you can see the snow coming down from the Sierras into the Wasatch Range. We are going to see some wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour.

Let's take a look at a live picture in Salt Lake City right now, mostly just cloudy conditions. There you can see shaking on the camera because of those strong winds. You are under a high-wind warning. Gusts as high as 60 miles per hour and that snow is going to start later on tonight. It might actually start as rain and then change over and four to eight inches can be expected by Monday morning. So the sooner you travel the better off you're going to be.

Tomorrow let's take a look at what you can expect for your forecast. If you happen to be traveling, just want to know what the weather is going to be like, we'll continue to see the heavy snow and blustery conditions out west and we are going to start to see this area of low pressure developing across the Midwest. A little bit of snow up into northern Minnesota, icy conditions into Minneapolis and then turning to rain ahead of the system and Wednesday, of course, the biggest travel of the year, places like Dallas, up towards Nashville into Detroit we will see some wet weather and we will snowy conditions across parts of the upper Midwest. And it looks OK right now across the northeast and the west. Watch that change as we head into Thursday.

Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: All right. We'll look forward to that. Thanks so much, Jacqui.

All right. President Barack Obama is touting success at the NATO Summit in Lisbon, Portugal this weekend. He discussed a new joint U.S. NATO missile defense plan and added that Russia has agreed to cooperate with it. And the president repeated his pledge to start withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan next year.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE U.S: We have come together leer in Lisbon to take action in four areas that are critical to the future of the alliance. First, we aligned our approach on the way forward in Afghanistan. Particularly on a transition to full Afghan lead, that will begin in early 2011 and will conclude in 2014. It is important for the American people to remember that Afghanistan is not just an American battle. We are joined by a NATO-led coalition made up of 48 nations with over 40,000 troops from allied and partnered countries, and we honor the service and sacrifice of every single one.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Meantime, the war in Afghanistan is also the focus of protests in London today. Thousands of demonstrators want British troops to come home they say the financial burden is too high and no longer justified. No doubt fueling their comment is the rising death toll as well. Yesterday marked the 100th British combat troop death in Afghanistan this year.

Face to face with Russell Simmons this hour. He tells me about his latest fashion venture and explains why he decided to become a designer in the first place.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Finding a niche market. Well Russell Simmons has a knack for doing just that no matter what the industry is. The hip hop mogul broke new ground in the early '80s co-founding Def Jam Recordings and a year later, he lounged a multimillion dollar fashion company. Well this year Simmons is out with a new clothing line called Argyle Culture, and to see it on his any reality TV show "Running Russell Simmons." Face to face I asked him what inspired him to get into fashion.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: So Argyle Culture where did this come from?

RUSSELL SIMMONS, CO-FOUNDER, DEF JAM RECORDING: I'm old, I'm not dead.

WHITFIELD: You're not dead, no.

SIMMONS: New stuff.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is cotton. The colors that would look great.

SIMMONS: The urban graduate. I can't design young men's clothes. I grew up late, but designing men's clothes was fun. An expression, it is an honest expression and argyle is that.

This is hot. I want this in the photo shoot.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Why you always got to three on the floor?

WHITFIELD: You're able to pick up the phone. You know, call folks. We see that in "Running Russell Simmons." Are you able to convince Tyson getting back into modeling? He's saying, I'm 39, I let modeling go.

SIMMONS: You are the most perfect example of what I want to do.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hmm. So you're asking me to come back then, huh?

SIMMONS: Yes, man. Come on back.

You know I don't really do the fashion thing anymore.

WHITFIELD: You allow him, or you convince him, to be the face this Argyle Culture. Why is that so important?

SIMMONS: He spoke the language. He was the face of the early urban companies. He grew up, became the face of Polo. Really kind of speaks to this community. The kind of growth everyone wants and buys into. Remember, fashion brand, especially mine, which is an inspirational brand. You want someone that speaks that inspiration, and he is. The perfect face, and I'm lucky enough to get him to do it, and it was fun exercise.

WHITFIELD: I love something that you wrote about, you talked about the inspiration of how you got into fashion. You were in music about 20 years and then all of a sudden you're in a fashion show. You're seeing some of these fashions that are influenced by the very music that you're helping to craft, and you say, wait a minute. Why am I not doing this? Why do I not have a hand in this?

SIMMONS: I felt Tommy Hilfiger who is a dear friend. A $30 million business, and Snoop and these guys decided they like it, and you get a multibillion dollar business. Because they picked certain styles from that designer and with the collection, it speaks that language. That was the intention. Whether it in fashion that is in communities I speak to and how do I bring it together and make it into the collection, make it special and unique and that's fun. That's why we do it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: All right. Russell Simmons, while he's made a whole lot of money he's also given back a whole lot and he spearheaded several filmantlopic (ph) organizations including one he says that is bridging a religious divide. That conversation, face-to-face, coming up in the next hour of the CNN NEWSROOM.

And next week face-to-face with Fredricka and Salman Rushdie, a highly acclaimed author is now living a full and very public life after spending nearly a decade in hiding; it was a result of a death threat put out on his life for writing the satanic verses back in 1989. Rushdie has penned a new children's book. It's actually his second. This one about a dangerous journey into the world of magic. He wrote the book for his young son. Something he did for his older son years ago as well.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD (voice over): So now with your children as you think about them as you were writing this, did you find that this was kind of a cathartic experience for you, because you're thinking about a different audience. Even though this is similar to some of your other books, where it is kind of that magical realism?

SALMAN RUSHDIE: I just thought about cathartic, I don't know. But it was fun. A bit like letting your hair down, such hair as remains. But it's -- yes. Very enjoyable of an experience and sometimes writing adult fiction is a little less enjoyable. I hope would happen with this, the response from readers. What you get back from younger readers is wonderful, because they're very originally truthful.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: All right. Salman Rushdie of the satanic verses of fame. Well face-to-face now with Rushdie next weekend right here in the CNN NEWSROOM.

And coming up, we look forward to this, all week, your chance to join us for the "Viral Video Rewind." Oh, yes. Here we go, Josh.

JOSH LEVS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Oh, yes.

WHITFIELD: We look forward to this all the time. What do you have for us?

LEVS: Well first, I'm going to tell you what's behind that flying lawn mower that you mentioned earlier.

WHITFIELD: That was bizarre.

LEVS: It's real, and yes, you can get one. Plus, an adorable animal video that rises to the top. And check this out. You'll find out. Nothing -- that you're seeing here -- none of it -- actually exists.

WHITFIELD: Huh?

LEVS: It's unbelievable. Literally, none of it exists. I'll explain it to you. We have all this plus a girl with basketball skills, got the world talking. All of that coming up.

WHITFIELD: I love that. A little mix of uh-huh and sports and -- surrealism.

LEVS: That's why we're go viral.

WHITFIELD: All right. Thank you very much.

All right. Very bad economic times. So that is no laughing matter, and in a New York institution known for clowning around, found itself in some very serious financial trouble. In this week's "Turnaround" CNNs Stephanie Elam explains why the future is looking better for the Big Apple Circus.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

STEPHANIE ELAM, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Life isn't always a circus, especially if you're the Big Apple Circus.

GARY DUNNING, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BIG APPLE CIRCUS: We've gone from $23 to $17 million over the past couple of years. That's a pretty big cutback.

ELAM: A severe budget cut meant layoffs and furloughs at the big apple but the show had to go on.

DUNNING: What happens here in the ring is everything. So we really made sure to protect that portion of the budget and just made cuts elsewhere that we needed to.

ELAM: Cutting the budget without cutting the quality of the performance. GUILLAUME DUFRESNOY, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, BIG APPLE CIRCUS: We are extremely careful. There were some choices that I made to contribute to the overall savings. But we have not cut corner in the product and the artistry that we deliver. I think there is a lot to be said about that.

ELAM: And precision has paid off. Ticket sales are up and the circus raised over a million dollars at its annual benefit gala.

DUNNING: We're beginning to see positive trends. Clearly we need to build on them and continue to do the work that we do. We're beginning to see some signs that the audiences are coming back. That's exciting to see.

ELAM: Exciting signs for a company that's been walking a financial tightrope.

DUNNING: Is this a turnaround season? I hope so. The thing about the business, though it's not going to all happen in one second. We have a long season. Our performers know how to pace themselves because it is a long season. I think that's what we're going to have to do as a business. Pace ourselves and build ourselves back. Don't expect the silver bullet. Just keep working, keep doing the good work. I know that people will support us.

ELAM: Stephanie Elam, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: All right. This is the part that gets us jazzed and a lot of people jazzed because people love these viral videos. Josh always combing through tons of it. There's always a lot.

LEVS: There is so many all week. And we save them for today because we know time to tell you about them. We are going to start with the one you're talking about, everyone's talking about, and we teased it earlier. Look at this thing it is a flying lawn mower.

WHITFIELD: Of course, I ask, why? But OK.

LEVS: A flying lawn mower. There's a company called Flying Things dotcom. I was e-mailing with a guy who runs it, he told me it's a one- man operation. He makes all sorts of funky things that fly. The music, "Cotton Eye Joe" by Redneck. So I asked him why a flying lawn mower? He said they turn heads. You go down to the airfield, everyone has flying airplanes and helicopter, no one has a flying lawn mower. Look at this. Nothing grabs the audience's attention like seeing a lawn mower soar through the sky. It's brilliant. I love it.

WHITFIELD: It is quite brilliant, whatever revs your engine.

LEVS: I really kind of want one.

WHITFIELD: You do? LEVS: I kind of want one. I don't have a place to fly it, though.

WHITFIELD: OK. If you get one, you'll have a to do a video demonstration. It will go more viral than that, because it's Josh Levs.

LEVS: Yes. When I crash it into something. Speaking of things that fly. We have a new one of these. Look at this. I've shown you this kind of thing before. People go flying in amazing ways. Wind suit proximity jumping.

WHITFIELD: I would want to do that.

LEVS: I wouldn't. You're a skier?

WHITFIELD: Yes. I would like that.

LEVS: Flying over Sweden.

WHITFIELD: That would be me the whole time. Screaming. I would do that. Over the lawn mower, yes. Because that, I'm seeing the thrill in that. You know? That invigorating feeling of a, going down the mountain fast, but now you don't have to worry about some of the same things you worry -- well, still worry about crashing into things maybe here but it is a little different taking flight.

LEVS: The lawn mower thing I know I'd survive. This thing, I don't think I would.

WHITFIELD: Maybe not for that. Wouldn't be that proficient, but I like that.

LEVS: All right. Now the next thing is something that we both would love to be able to do. Maybe could you. You were a track and field star. Look at this. This is a new form of exercise I hadn't seen before.

WHITFIELD: What is it?

LEVS: He took a fitness ball. This I could do. Put a fitness ball inside, watch.

WHITFIELD: Wee!

LEVS: At the beach. Equals great form exercise. A guy named Ryan.

WHITFIELD: Wow.

LEVS: Blade monkey. They put this to the song, Raiders' song "Shooting Star." Taped it.

WHITFIELD: Wow.

LEVS: Really cool. Isn't it?

WHITFIELD: OK. I like that, too. I would do that, too. But that does take precision to hit the ball just so in order to take flight. Fun.

Wee!

And a gymnast, know what's he's doing.

LEVS: We're splitting your weekly treats. Today you are getting the adorable. Check out the kitties. Adorable, often animals, right? Look at the sweet kittens taking a nap in a group.

WHITFIELD: Sweet.

LEVS: But there's a surprise that you're going to see. Hanging out, taking a nap. You wouldn't know what's underneath the kitties that you're seeing there. It gets even more adorable.

WHITFIELD: The kitties don't know either.

LEVS: Someone comes along. Look what's underneath another kitty using the other kitty as a blanket.

WHITFIELD: Look at the paws. Sweet.

LEVS: Oh, yes. Adorable.

We can end on this one. I teased this before the break. This is astounding CGI.

WHITFIELD: You said, OK, we are not really seeing what we think we're seeing.

LEVS: Nothing in this video exists. This is an ad put together by this guy Alex Roman. I've linked the whole ad for you. What you're seeing in here is all created on computers. You're not seeing fruits. He created these from scratch. The people are saying he's one of the most amazing CGI makers in the world. It looks real.

WHITFIELD: Yes, it does look real.

LEVS: A form of art that you can create anything to look that real.

WHITFIELD: Computer technology is insane. I can't keep up.

LEVS: It's beautiful. So this --

WHITFIELD: Gave us a little frenzy there. He gave us a little Zen. Just a tad.

LEVS: As always, the videos are posted on my Facebook page, facebook.com/joshlevscnn. It is there for you every week. You can post your favorites also tweet them to me also and we'll have some of your favorites tomorrow in our 4:00 Eastern Hour.

WHITFIELD: Breathing exercises. The voice comes down. Josh's. Good. Tune in for that. Thanks, Josh. OK.

All right. We have some other big news coming your way. Like this. Discrimination lawsuit settled. 11 years ago. Remember from the past two months or so, seeing images of this tractor going through downtown Washington trying to make a point for the black farmers? Guess what? They're a bit closer now to receiving their settlement. We'll talk to the Black Farmers Association president after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: For thousands of African-American farmers, it's a payout that has been a long time in coming. The Senate has finally approved a multibillion-dollar settlement against the Agriculture Department. As our Brianna Keilar explains, the suit was actually settled 11 years ago, but funding for the final payment got the go ahead yesterday.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRIANNA KEILAR, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): For years now, John Boyd has divided his time between growing soybeans and pressuring Congress, fighting for tens of thousands of black farmers, like himself, discriminated against by the Department of Agriculture in the 1980s and 90s.

JOHN BOYD, NATIONAL BLACK FARMERS ASSOCIATION: It takes almost 380- some odd days to process a black loan application. It takes less than 30 days to process a white loan application.

They went through hell. They went through living hell. We lost land. We lost our livelihoods, our way of life.

KEILAR (voice-over): More than a decade ago, a federal judge ordered the government to compensate farmers for discrimination, and thousands were. But it wasn't until February that the Obama administration announced a settlement with 70,000 more farmers. It was up to Congress to dole out more than $1 billion in damages. After missing multiple deadlines, the Senate finally agreed, Friday, to pay up.

SEN. HARRY REID (D), MAJORITY LEADER: The bill has passed?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The bill has passed.

REID: I appreciate everyone's cooperation. This has been a long, hard slog to get to where we are.

KEILAR (voice-over): The breakthrough follows a partisan log jam. In July, the House approved a bill that included the farmers' settlement money, but the Senate failed to pass it. Republican senator Tom Coburn stood in the way because the measure added to the deficit.

After Democrats found a way to pay for the $1.15 billion black farmer settlement, as well as $3.4 billion for a settlement with Native Americans, Coburn dropped his opposition.

KEILAR (on camera): John Boyd, who has really been the face of the black farmers in this case said Senator Coburn himself called him up to tell him that he was on board.

Now, the next step for this as it goes over to the House after the Thanksgiving break. And as I said before, funding for black farmers has already passed the House, so it's not expected to run into any problems there. Brianna Keilar, CNN, Capitol Hill.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: John Boyd, founder of the National Black Farmers Association is joining us from Washington. So, this has been an incredible fight for the settlement. It's carried on for a long time, as we saw in Brianna's piece.

BOYD: Yes.

WHITFIELD: How and when might this, what, $50,000 go to each of the 80,000 black farmers who were part of this suit? When would that be delivered and how?

BOYD: Well, the vote that took place was a very, very historic vote. And Fredricka, as you know, that was the 10th time we tried to get that bill done, and I'm so happy that we were able to get it done with the leadership of Harry Reid and Senator Grassley, who worked together to make sure that this bill happened for tens of thousands of black farmers.

We have one more hurdle to work with after the Thanksgiving recess in Congress, so I'm looking forward to working with leaders there. And then, it should take maybe about up to six months to a year to make sure that we go through the process where there's going to be nearly 80,000 black farmers that have to go through this process.

It's not a blanket settlement, the way people have portrayed it. Each farmer would have to have their cases heard by an individual arbitrator. But again, yesterday's vote was very, very historic in nature. And I just want to thank the leaders of both parties for working together, leader Reid and others and Chuck Grassley that worked together to bring this justice to our nation's black farmers, who've been waiting so very, very long.

(CROSSTALK)

WHITFIELD: So, it sounds like while you're --

BOYD: And many who -- and many died at the plow.

WHITFIELD: Sorry about that. So, it sounds like, while you're feeling great relief that it has cleared this hurdle, and still --

BOYD: Yes.

WHITFIELD: There's at least one more step beyond that.

BOYD: Yes.

WHITFIELD: At the same time, there is this feeling of people -- farmers who have waited --

BOYD: Oh, yes. WHITFIELD: For more than 10 years, now, still have to wait a bit longer. Are we saying --

BOYD: Yes.

WHITFIELD: Wait a month more? Or maybe even a few more years before they would actually receive a settlement after the whole arbitration process, et cetera?

BOYD: I would say six months to a year, to be honest. And -- it's just been so very long, because many black farmers have died at the plow. Just died at the plow, waiting for justice, and CNN has covered even some of these funeral services of farmers who have passed recently.

So, I see it as a huge step in the right direction, and the White House, who has been on board in the past couple of weeks working on this. So, it seems like everything is moving in the right direction, and we just want get through the House and get the president to sign the bill so we can just put this thing in full motion so that black farmers can receive their payments.

WHITFIELD: And really quickly, John, I'm wondering, once a receipt of that settlement takes place, how might that change the life --

BOYD: Oh, yes.

WHITFIELD: Of a farmer or two that you can think of in particular. How might it make a difference for them to continue to do their business of farming?

BOYD: Well, it won't put them back into business. But those black farmers who are on the farm right now who need operating money to plant their crops next year, $50,000 will make a huge difference. For that black farm family in Mississippi who's no longer farming and can't pay their light bill and can't pay their real estate taxes, $50,000 will make a difference in their life.

But it -- what this settlement does is what I always said. It brought vindication. It's going to bring vindication and justice. This case was about justice and this case was about bringing American one step closer in civil rights and race relations in this country.

America realized that that there was a terrible injustice done to our nation's black farmers, and sometimes justice doesn't move fast.

WHITFIELD: OK.

BOYD: But I think this time, God has a way of making a way out of no way, and I think that's what happened here in the Senate.

WHITFIELD: John Boyd, congratulations on another hurdle cleared.

BOYD: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: Founder of the National Black Farmers Association. Of course, we hope to talk with you again --

BOYD: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: Once there is complete resolution and you and others feel like you have reason to thoroughly celebrate.

BOYD: Yes, thank you very much, Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: Thanks so much.

BOYD: And thank you for having me.

WHITFIELD: Good to see you.

All right, this next gentleman I'll be talking to, he's a chef, an author, a TV host, and a world traveler. He's outspoken and very provocative, and right now, he's in our studio. You -- there he is, right there. You'll meet -- look familiar? Anthony Bourdain, you'll meet him.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain joins me in a minute to talk food, travel, and people. But first, a look at our top stories.

In Lisbon today, President Obama said Russia and the US have agreed to cooperate on missile defense and work closely in other areas, such as Afghanistan and fighting the narcotics trade. The president said, quote, "We see Russia as a partner, not an adversary." The president also said progress has been made in Afghanistan, saying, quote, "We are in a better place now than we were a year ago."

And during his comments in Lisbon today, the president also acknowledged that some air travelers may be experiencing frustration with the new TSA pat downs and full body scans at airports in the US. But he said the enhanced security measures are needed to keep air travelers in the US safe.

And remember all those safety recalls by Toyota? A federal judge is now giving a tentative OK for a class action lawsuit against the auto maker to go forward. Drivers who claim they have experienced sudden acceleration in Toyota vehicles are bringing the lawsuit.

Let's talk food, now, and Anthony Bourdain. He knows how to dish it out, and we're not just talking about food, really. We're talking about a lot of things. What's known -- once known best as a chef, he is now recognized as an author, world traveler, and host of Travel Channel's "No Reservations." Perhaps this strikes a bell with you.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP - "No Reservations")

ANTHONY BOURDAIN, HOST, "NO RESERVATIONS" (voice-over): Then, we arrived at something really tasty and really special.

BOURDAIN (on camera): Wow. What is this, or do we know? Oh, these are little birds. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: These are sparrows.

BOURDAIN: Wow, that's just -- they're adorable.

BOURDAIN (voice-over): Tiny, whole-cooked sparrows, seared in butter and spices and basted with molasses until crispy, meaty, and delicious.

BOURDAIN (on camera): This is -- either mushrooms or spleen or something.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's -- I think it might be the gallbladder. But, no, is that -- ?

BOURDAIN (voice-over): At first, I wasn't sure what kind of gut this was, only that it was delicious. It looked kind of like fried spleen or Keith Richards at the pool, but tastier. And it turned out to be liver.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Did we also mention he's a bit of a comedian as well? Anthony Bourdain's latest book is "Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook." He's right here in our Atlanta studio. Good to see you.

BOURDAIN: Good to see you.

WHITFIELD: Well, very fun. You have the most admired job on the planet.

BOURDAIN: I'm well aware of it. I really have a lot of pinch-me moments. I even have to pinch myself to realize how lucky I am. I'm having a good time.

WHITFIELD: Yes, to travel the world and allow your tummy to lead you along the way. What's the most exciting thing about it?

BOURDAIN: I get to go anywhere I want. Anyplace I ever dreamed of as a kid or saw in a movie. And I think because everybody worldwide seems to feel very proud of their food and well-disposed to a wandering stranger who's interested in what they love to eat, it gives me a degree of access that I think even hard news reporters might envy, because there's not that resistance. All I want from you when I visit you in your country is to sit down and eat and get drunk together.

(LAUGHTER)

WHITFIELD: Yes, it's perfect. So, what -- how do you think that's come about? Because in your book, "Medium Raw," you kind of talk about some of your feelings about Food Network and some of the chefs who become famous or on TV and how you weren't necessarily that impressed with a lot that was out there.

But this opportunity, to be able to travel the world, you kind of created it. But it was also happenstance. And then, you thought, "Oh, my gosh, you're actually going to buy this? You're actually going to let me do this?"

BOURDAIN: Yes, I really -- I still can't believe I'm getting away with it. I sort of overnight -- had an overnight success with an over-testosteroned, noxious, memoir of a not very distinguished career in the restaurant business. One day, I was standing next to a deep fryer, and the next, I had this gig where I'm traveling around the world making television any way I want, anywhere I want. Living the dream.

That said, in this book, I really talk about the fact that, having made the first half of my career making fun of celebrity chefs, I've become part of the problem.

WHITFIELD: And now, here you are. So, do you take all that back?

BOURDAIN: No. I still feel -- I was a chef for 28 years, and I'm somebody who takes food very seriously. So, it hurts me physically to see somebody abuse food on television or lie about it or sort of demean the profession. If nothing else, it's fun and funny to make fun of them. And if you can't make fun of Guy Fieri, comedy's pretty much dead.

WHITFIELD: So, when you do tour, and you're with the Travel Channel and you are embarking upon the most obscure places, and then some that are just so hugely popular among tourists. But you kind of rediscover these cities by your stomach, by the food that's being offered.

Do you open yourself up to, "You know what? I'm just willing to try anything." Is there ever a moment where you say, "OK, I will go, but so far," as it pertains to something raw or something living or --

BOURDAIN: Well, I see myself --

WHITFIELD: Creature --

BOURDAIN: In a tiny -- in my own tiny way, I see every American abroad as an ambassador for their culture. As I said, people take their food very, very seriously. I try very hard to not -- well, to be a good guest. And to try anything that's offered to me.

I've gone out of my way to do everything possible to not be offered cat or dog, and I've managed to avoid those two things. I don't know what I would do if I was confronted with it at the last minute in front of a proud family --

WHITFIELD: Because, as you said, you want to be polite.

BOURDAIN: I want to be a good guest. And it reflects on people, they take it very seriously. I'm grateful. So, I've never said no.

WHITFIELD: How honest do you feel like you are when, perhaps, you are invited in someone's home and you taste something unfamiliar and you don't like it. It has to happen. BOURDAIN: I -- I'll do my best. You play it by ear. You can say, "Well, I don't -- thank you so much, it's interesting, I don't love this so much." Or I'll say it's really good, but sometimes it happens I'll say, "It's interesting," and then later in a voice-over say, "Oh, my God, this is the worst thing I've ever ate in my life. I could kill myself, I want to boil my head in bleach and throw myself off a cliff."

WHITFIELD: Goodness, that's very severe.

BOURDAIN: Man, it's happened.

WHITFIELD: And I know people ask you things all the time. You mentioned to me some of the most popular questions that people asked. And, of course, one of those resounding ones, what's the strangest thing you've eaten? What's the most fascinating thing you've eaten? How do you answer those questions?

BOURDAIN: I don't --

WHITFIELD: How do you remember?

BOURDAIN: I don't even know what strange is, it's so relative. To a rural Thai, cottage cheese and ranch dressing would be the most appalling thing ever. Certainly, there's nothing more bizarre than a Grand Slam breakfast, if you look at it from the point of view of people abroad.

I have gotten sick, of course. But only twice in 10 years. I eat locally. If the locals are eating it from the street vendor selling food in a dirty-looking stall in Mexico, they're making a living feeding their neighbors. They're not still in business from poisoning their neighbors. You're much -- in my experience, much more likely to become ill eating at your major chain hotel.

WHITFIELD: Wow. All right. Well, it sounds like you have a great job. I know you do. And this great book, "Medium Raw," as well, people can kind of delve a little deeper into what makes Anthony Bourdain tick. And we forgot to even mention that you do cook as well.

BOURDAIN: Not so much anymore.

WHITFIELD: Not so much, but you do. And so, this Thanksgiving, what might be on the menu? What do you recommend?

BOURDAIN: I'm a traditional guy in that regard. I want turkey -- I'd be upset if I couldn't have turkey, stuffing --

WHITFIELD: Got to have the turkey.

BOURDAIN: Cranberry sauce. For me, it's all about the leftovers.

WHITFIELD: Yes. Don't get creative on Thanksgiving.

BOURDAIN: No. WHITFIELD: Your recommendation to others.

BOURDAIN: Yes.

WHITFIELD: That happened to me once. I brought lasagna to the family dinner and my brother was appalled.

BOURDAIN: Wow.

WHITFIELD: He's like, "What is this? What is this on Thanksgiving?"

BOURDAIN: That's --

WHITEFIELD: "Can't do it." I thought everyone needed a departure. All right. Stick to the basics. Anthony Bourdain, thanks so much. Good to see you.

BOURDAIN: Thank you, it was fun.

WHITFIELD: Excellent. Still wish I had that job. So, if ever you need a fill-in. You have a sick day?

BOURDAIN: I hear that a lot.

WHITFIELD: I'll travel by my -- by my tummy. Thanks so much.

The Donald. Can you believe he's considering a run in 2012? Do you believe it? You'll have to check out or CNN political update next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITEFIELD: All right, time for a "CNN Equals Politics" update. Here's what's crossing the ticker right now. The Democrats are making a big change in the wake of midterm election losses in the House. They've chosen New York congressman Steve Israel to the new head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He'll have the job of getting the Democrats back in control of the House in two years.

And next week's ethics hearing for California congresswoman Maxine Waters has been called off because of new information in the case. Waters allegedly steered bailout money to a bank that her husband has ties to. She denies doing anything wrong.

And Donald Trump says he is being pressured more now than ever to run for president. He says that he is considering a run in 2012, but admits that he'd really rather not.

Perhaps you have to travel this holiday season. Don't try to stress out about it. We have some simple tips to help you breeze through airport security.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: All right, let's take a trip Cross Country. We found some of the most interesting things going on right now. In Portland, Oregon, for example, Brook Riddick is known as the Fiery Fool, and you can see why. On Thursday, he set a new world record by putting out 34 flames -- flaming torches, rather, with his mouth in just 30 seconds.

And last night in Memphis, Elvis Presley's Graceland kicked off a blue Christmas with a festive lighting ceremony. The spectacle includes hundreds of holiday lights, including this oversized replica of the King's guitar.

And snow has arrived on Washington's Mount Hood already. A storm this week dumped more than two feet of snow on the slopes, just what the skiers and snowboarders were waiting for.

OK, so, for anyone traveling by plane this holiday, it's understandable that you might be a bit worried about the new screening technique. Just remember, things will go much easier and faster if you know how and exactly what to pack. And that's where our very organized Jacqui Jeras comes in to help us out with that.

JACQUI JERAS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Hey, Fredricka. Yes, you know, there are business travelers out there, people who travel on a regular basis, and they're like, it's nothing. They've got this thing down to a science, right?

But there are a whole lot of people who only travel over the holidays or maybe a handful of times a year, and it can be intimidating. So, here are a couple of tips to help you get through security a little bit easier.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JERAS (on camera): Packing a carry-on bag can save you both time and money when you're heading through the airports this holiday season. There's a wealth of information on the web, travel websites, as well as the TSA website.

First thing you need to do is familiarize yourself with the TSA rules and guidelines. Don't forget to bring that one quart plastic bag for all your liquids, and put that on top so it's easy to get in and out of your bag.

If you're going to be giving gifts this holiday season, make sure you don't wrap them. They may have to be unwrapped if your bag is checked.

Stacking things on top of each other? That's a no-no. It'll be easier to go through the screening process if things are separated throughout your bag so that they're easier to be seen.

Food and drink. Don't bring it. If you're in doubt, just leave it out.

Make sure your bag is the proper size, too. The number one mistake that people make when they're traveling is that they over pack. Believe it or not, I have five days' worth of clothes and toiletries in this bag. It really can be done. If your bag is overstuffed, it might not fit.

How big can it be? Well, that depends on the airline, so make sure that you go to your airline's website to find out what the regulation is for that airline.

Make sure that you have a bag tag and that you have everything labeled with your name and a contact phone number. And if you're bringing electronic devices, like your laptop or a DVD player, make sure that those things are labeled as well.

And last but not least, don't leave your bag unattended. That's how things get stolen. And it's also against the rules.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

JERAS: It's not quite as intimidating as sometimes it may seem. You can breeze through there if you follow some of those tips. And as I mentioned in the piece, there's a wealth of information on the web to help you with this as well.

Now, CNN is your holiday travel headquarters, and we want to help you travel through the holiday season. And we want to hear from you as well. You can follow us at twitter.com with CNNtravel, and you can also tweet us. How was your security wait time? Was your plane delayed? How were the interstates? Tell us your story throughout the week ahead.

You can also send us your iReports at ireport.cnn.com, and you can also check me out on Facebook, as well, and send us some of your information that way.

So, we'll be doing this, Fredricka, throughout the weekend and throughout the holiday week into next weekend, so, no matter what day you're traveling, hopefully, we can help you get through it and you can give us some valuable information as well.

WHITFIELD: Yes, it's very helpful stuff, and folks need little tips like this all the time, because it astounds me that people will still stand in line -- I can be in the security line, and they still may have a 10-ounce or 12-ounce --

JERAS: Tube of toothpaste or something.

WHITFIELD: Bottle of lotion. I'm like, "You're not going through with that. You realize this."

JERAS: Yes.

WHITFIELD: So, people need reminders.

JERAS: They do.

WHITFIELD: All right, thanks so much, Jacqui.