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Iran's Disturbing Revelation; Clocking Ticking on Tax Cuts; William Bennett Publishes New Version of Best Seller; Sports Update on Cam Newton, LeBron James, Derek Jeter; Government Corrals Mustang Out West
Aired December 05, 2010 - 18:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DON LEMON, CNN ANCHOR: Now on CNN: a whole new reality when it comes to jobs now that we know it's getting worse instead of better. Having to survive on less -- we'll show you how to do it.
Conservative commentator Bill Bennett is here live, we'll ask him why Republicans and American people are on opposite sides of the debate over tax cuts for the wealthy and "don't ask, don't tell." And, by the way, he has a new book out -- one that he wants you to read every single day.
An American classic gets a makeover. It's still the star of the menu, just now on more of them. The hamburger creating new business opportunities and helping diners in a weak economy.
The news starts now.
(MUSIC)
LEMON: Hello, everyone. I'm Don Lemon.
Whatever you're doing right now, I want you to stop and pay attention. This is extremely important.
Iran, an avowed enemy of the United States and arch enemy of Israel, today announced a crucial development in its nuclear program that could dramatically destabilize the world and pose a serious threat to U.S. national security. For the first time, Iran says its nuclear program is completely self-sufficient. The key is the ability to make, quote, "yellowcake." Yellowcake is a form of processed uranium that's vital to creating enriched uranium.
Before now, Iran was dependent for other countries to provide it with yellowcake. Iran insists their nuclear program is only to generate electricity, but the U.S. and other countries are deeply skeptical, accusing Iran of secretly pursuing nuclear weapons.
Both Republicans and Democrats are in rare agreement that Iran's revelation is a serious threat to global security.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D), MASSACHUSETTS: If the Iranian leadership doesn't get it by now and they're not willing to be a legitimate partner in nonproliferation efforts in the country, then we're going to have to take stronger steps to push them in that direction.
NEWT GINGRICH (R), FORMER HOUSE SPEAKER: If the world doesn't do something decisive to replace this dictatorship, we're going to be faced with a nuclear-armed Iran in a very new future.
(END VIDEO CLIPS)
LEMON: CNN's Matthew Chance is in Geneva to explain why this is so important right now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, the announcement of this by the Iranians clearly timed to cause maximum impact coming as it does on the eve of these crucial talks with the so-called P-5 plus-1, the five permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany and Iran over its very controversial new career program.
But perhaps surprisingly, the United States, most suspicious of the Iranian nuclear program, are playing down the significance of the fact that Iran is now producing its own yellowcake as part of this enrichment process. And the reason for that is this: it doesn't fundamentally change the basic problem that the international community are now grappling with when it comes to Iran -- and that is, first of all, to get Iran to end its uranium enrichment activities. It's already undertaking, a lot of them. It wants them to end those activities because the deep suspicions in the West, particularly in the United States, but other countries as well, that, of course, Iran doesn't just want peaceful technology, it wants to develop a nuclear bomb, something that Iran denies.
And so, that's still the fundamental issue, the fundamental task of the international community when they sit down for these talks, the first in more than a year, with the Islamic republic on Monday and Tuesday of this week.
Matthew Chance, CNN, Geneva.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LEMON: All right. Matthew, thank you very much.
No one, rich or poor, wants money taken out of their pocket, especially not in these difficult times. But that's exactly what will happen if the Bush-era tax cuts expire at the end of the year. The clock is ticking.
And CNN's Kate Bolduan says wheels are in motion to get something passed quickly.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KATE BOLDUAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Don, lawmakers appear optimistic that a deal is coming sooner rather than later. The negotiations and contentious debate over what to do about the Bush-era tax cut played out today on the Sunday talk shows. Here's a little of that. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL (R-KY), MINORITY LEADER: I think it's pretty clear now taxes are not going up on anybody in the middle of this recession. We're discussing how long we should maintain current tax rates.
SEN. RICHARD DURBIN (D), ILLINOIS: I could tell that you without unemployment benefits being extended, personally, this is a nonstarter.
SEN. ORRIN HATCH (R), UTAH: I've said that neither side has the votes to get what they want, so I think we're going to have to kick it over for about two years, we're going to have to do unemployment insurance, no question -- even though we're 100 weeks into unemployment insurance. We're going to have to do that.
SEN. RON WYDEN (D), OREGON: I'd be willing to go along with a one- year extension so we can protect the middle class, not do anything to discourage economic growth, and give us the time to fix this job- killing, insanely complicated mess of a tax system.
(END VIDEO CLIPS)
BOLDUAN: Now, here's the translation of that. It appears they're making progress, both Democrats and Republicans agree something needs to be done by the end of the year when the tax cuts expire. Neither side, though, has enough votes to get exactly what they want. The deal in the making looks like it could include a temporary extension of the Bush-era tax cuts for everyone, including the wealthiest families. And in exchange, Democrats would get something they've been fighting for, an extension of jobless benefits for possibly a year for the long-term unemployed. Anything else, like some extension of tax breaks in the stimulus package which the White House is pushing for is more of a gamble.
Bottom line: nothing's a done deal yet, but they're definitely working on it. Sources tell CNN, congressional Democratic leaders and administration officials met at vice president's residence last night to continue talks as they try to hammer out a solution on this tax issue -- Don.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LEMON: Kate Bolduan tonight in Washington -- thank you very much, Kate.
'Tis the season of giving, and what a big gift one woman left in a Salvation Army kettle, a valuable coin worth much more than the average donation.
But, first, tackling the holidays in this tough economy, especially if you're unemployed. Advice on how to survive and avoid making a huge mistake.
And I'm always online and ready to connect. So, make sure you check out these feeds and catch our best video clips on CNN.com/Don.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LEMON: Disappointing economic news this week -- job growth was much less than expected in November and the unemployment rate rose slightly after holding steady for three months. Now, here are the figures. They're a little disappointing.
The unemployment rate climbed to 9.8 percent, the highest since April. And employers added a less-than-expected 39,000 jobs compared to nearly 200,000 in October. For adult men, the jobless rate is up to 10 percent. For adult women, it's now 8.4 percent. But for teenagers, it went down slightly to just under 25 percent.
You know, the rate was up among all races with blacks hit the hardest at 16 percent, Hispanics are at 13.2 percent, whites just under 9 percent, and Asians 7.6 percent.
You know, all of this is especially bad news with the holidays rapidly approaching.
So, joining us now in New York is Ryan Mack. He is a financial planner and the author of a new book that's called "Living in the Village," which gives advice to people on how to get their financial house in order.
Good to see you. You doing OK?
RYAN MACK, FINANCIAL PLANNER: I'm fine. How are you? Thank you for having me.
LEMON: I'm great. First of all, you know, you're warning people to stay away from companies that advertise quick cash available during the holidays. What can people do who need money right away? What can they do for bills?
MACK: Well, we have to understand that this is a time -- I mean, the unemployment extension may or may not come, so we can't rely upon the government to fill our pockets. We have to start doing things right now to make sure that we can sustain ourselves.
So, the first thing we have to do is look at our budget. A lot of people say, well, I'm not making any money. How can I budget? Well, you're still spending money. So, what bills do you have that you can prioritize or you might want to chuck?
In the end of the day, you might not need a landline and a cell phone. You might not need premium cable. You can only -- you might just want to use various V cart or card so you don't have to have broadband Internet at your home. All these things are cheaper. So, you can start decreasing your expenditures.
Another thing you can do is start calling all of your bill creditors before your bills are due, let them know your situation. A lot of times, they get calls after the bills are due, making you a little bit less trustworthy that you're actually trying to fix your situation. So, if you call them ahead and advance and say, look, I'm having a little bit of hard times here. I might need an extension, I might need a little bit of assistance.
LEMON: So, plead your case.
MACK: A little bit of leeway in terms of when the next bill -- excuse me.
LEMON: Yes. So, listen, I was on a radio show last week talking about Black Friday and people were saying, but I need to go. I had to go. I need the savings.
And I said to one woman, I said to one gentleman, I said, you cannot save money by spending it. And he goes, you know what, I wish you would tell that to my wife.
It's true. Even if -- you know, Black Friday, you can't go out and spend all that money and think you're saving by spending.
MACK: Exactly. Well, I mean, this is -- Black Friday is one of the most perpetuated, as far as I'm concerned, facades of all time. There is no such thing as really a sale. What -- a lot of individuals are actually selling above manufacturer suggested retail price.
So, what they do is they just pump up this sale and they say, look here, they buy a shirt for, let's say, $20. They pump it up to $100 and they mark it down to $50. So, they're still making over 100 percent profit.
LEMON: Yes.
MACK: And they're still capitalizing off and putting money in your pocket.
LEMON: And, Ryan --
MACK: And you have to understand there are a lot of -- yes, sir?
LEMON: I tell people the Black Friday's every day. I mean, obviously, it was a week ago. But it's every day because retailers always want you to buy their products so they're going to put it on sale.
Let's move on now and talk about borrowing, because many times, people will go to family members to borrow money because it's easier. Wise move?
MACK: Well, it all depends. I mean, at the end of the day, whenever you borrow your money from anymore, I'll say, always come with a promissory note. I mean, a lot of times, going to money -- I mean, look, it's hard times, unemployment extension is starting to get -- you know, at the end of the day, you might not get that additional check whether or not they extend it or not.
So, if you do go to your family, understand -- come to them with a promissory note with specific criteria of letting them know, this is how I plan on paying it back. A lot of times, family and friends might be the only individuals that might be able -- the ones willing to give you capital depending upon your situation.
But again, just make sure you come credible, say, here's our promissory note, draft it up for them. And anyone you want to go borrow money from, you want to make sure that you're credible and let them know that you have a plan in place in order to make sure you're paying the capital back. You're not relying upon them in order to do that for yourself.
LEMON: And real quickly, in the short time we have left, Ryan, you say swallow your pride and go ahead and file for benefits, and also, you can take a job that pays less.
MACK: Well, essentially, a lot of individuals are joining the ranks of unemployed, individuals going out there taking a job. You might have been a hot shot attorney before, but there's nothing wrong taking that job at the community center just to keep money in your pocket and bills paid, to keep a roof over your head.
These are things that individuals have to do. The local community center or community college might have some great programs so you can start taking those cheaper classes to diversify your skill sets.
LEMON: Ryan Mack, and the book is called "Living in the Village," and it gives advice to people on how to get your financial house in order -- thank you, sir.
MACK: Thank you so much, sir.
LEMON: Coming up: a freighter stranded off the coast of Alaska battling huge waves and sending out an SOS.
And parts of Europe, well, it's resembling the North Pole right now. A major winter storm is blanketing countries with sub-zero temperatures and causing all kinds of problems.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LEMON: Time now to check your top stories on CNN.
The search goes on for two Alabama children missing since June. Police believe their father and stepmother killed the 3 and 4-year- olds. The search didn't start until about two weeks ago when a missing persons report was finally filed. The parents are in custody, but they aren't charged with murder at this time.
A dramatic rescue is playing out in the frigid waters off the Alaskan coast. Two rescue vessels are trying to tow this stranded freighter to safe harbor, battling waves as high as 26 feet. The massive cargo ship developed engine problems on Friday, loaded with among other things, half a million gallons of crude oil. They're hoping to reach a port on Alaska's remote Aleutian Islands by Tuesday afternoon.
If you are headed to Europe, be sure to pack your heavy raincoat and all of your weather gear, your heavy coat. Parts of the continent are in an icy freeze right now. Snow and sub-zero temperatures have made driving very treacherous. Dozens of people are reported dead in weather-related accidents and from exposure in Poland, Russia, Germany, France and the Czech Republic. Flights have been snarled but are expected to get back to normal this week.
I want to go now to some of the interesting stories from across the country that caught our attention. In Dallas, a Salvation Army bell ringer knew right away that it wasn't an ordinary donation. What he found was an envelope containing an South African Krugerrand. The gold coin is estimated to be worth between $1,300 and $1,500. The anonymous donor left just her initials. She said all she wanted was to be sure the Salvation Army received the coin like she planned.
Just how bad is a Bearcat? Look at this video. University of Cincinnati mascot was cited for disorderly conduct yesterday after throwing snowballs into the crowd. Look, being arrested right there.
A school spokesman says the mascot was told to stop but he didn't. They say he pushed a security guard and they both fell on the ground. The mascot was cited for disorderly conduct. Again, a backup mascot took over at halftime. And there you go.
So, we all know people in Buffalo are crazy about the cold weather. So, yesterday, nearly a thousand hearty souls took a dip in the icy waters of Lake Erie. This year's polar bear plunge raised more than $130,000 for the Special Olympics. Lots of goose bumps as well.
Terror at an upscale resort, sharks in the water and vacationers are under attack. One woman has already died. But first, conservative commentator Bill Bennett on the divide between the GOP and America's -- Americans on "don't ask, don't tell," and tax cuts. We'll find out what he has to say about that -- plus, some thoughts on Sarah Palin. And by the way, he's got a really interesting new book out that we're going to talk about. He joins us next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LEMON: OK. CNN political contributor William Bennett, we call him Bill Bennett around here. He's a radio host and author. And he's also served in the cabinets of two Republican presidents. He joins me tonight from New York to talk politics and the release of "The American Patriot's Almanac," a new version of his national best seller.
It's good to see you, Mr. Bennett.
WILLIAM BENNETT, NATIONAL TALK RADIO HOST: Thank you very much. The only CNN commentator confirmed by the Senate three times, how's that?
LEMON: You guys, you guys are --
BENNETT: I don't know. You know, for what that's worth.
LEMON: You guys, it's very competitive among that group of contributors and commentators. So, listen, we're going to talk about your book. By the way, I have it right here in studio, and we've been thumbing through it. It's a great book. We've been thumbing through it here.
BENNETT: Thank you. Thank you.
LEMON: OK. But I want to talk some politics first. As you know, the Democratic attempt to extend the Bush tax cuts for the middle class failed yesterday. So, Bill, Democrats always accuse Republicans of being the party of the rich, and since polls like this one show that the American people generally don't favor tax cuts for the wealthy, why is the GOP so steadfast on tax cuts for people making over $250,000 a year?
BENNETT: Well, I think couple reasons. First of all, I think -- we think, and I'll associate myself with that view, that, you know, if you live in a state like Maryland and you make $250,000 a year, your family does, you're paying 50 percent of year income in taxes and that's a lot. And we think that's enough.
Second, we got to get spending under control. We don't get spending under control, if we keep feeding the beast. We think that's part of the problem.
Third, the most important reason is an awful love of economists, Democrats and Republicans, do not think it's a good idea to raise taxes on anybody during a recession, particularly on people who are more likely to be employers. Jack Kemp, my old partner used to --
LEMON: Do you agree with that?
BENNETT: Yes, I do. Jack Kemp, my old partner, used to say, you know, you don't help the employee by hurting the employer.
I notice Peter Orszag, you know, the president's OMB director who left a few months is in favor of extending these tax cuts. "The Economist" magazine is. Several Democratic senators, you don't have to be a conservative Republican --
LEMON: All right. I get your point. I get your point. Let's move on.
This is a critical issue as well. The GOP -- is the GOP on the wrong side of the gays in the military?
And I want to show you this poll. This poll says 72 percent of people in America favor openly gay people in the service. OK? And that's -- and military polls are the same way as well. They said it doesn't make a difference. Unit cohesion, it won't matter.
The only group in the military that is opposed to it in the majority is the Marine, the Marine Corps. So, do you feel like Republicans and GOP are on the wrong side of this issue?
BENNETT: Well, you know, I come at this with an open mind. I wanted to see what the survey said, what the data said. I do think it matters what those men -- the closer you get to combat, the more opposition you get. Marines who are going to be in combat are opposed. Also, Army folks who are in combat -- combat army are opposed.
We say we want to pay attention to them. We want to do everything for them. We want to honor them. We probably ought to honor their wishes, at least take them seriously.
It's an unresolved issue and I think we should continue the debate. Remember, legislation is required here. A lot of people have said, you know, you're going to lose talented people by not having gays in the military or openly gay people in the military. It looks like that same survey, Don, said a lot of people would leave the military early if it was put there. Let's just follow the process here and see what happens.
LEMON: Didn't people say the same thing, though, about integrating the military and more people in the military were opposed to integrating it than they are opposed to "don't ask, don't tell." I mean, is this a false argument? One day when -- are we going to look back and go, what was the big fuss about? Europe did it in 2000 and they said an overwhelming nothing happened.
BENNETT: Yes, well, European military doesn't do a whole lot in the world, either.
LEMON: OK, let's end it there because I want to get to the break. But I want to ask you about --
BENNETT: I don't like the analogies -- I don't like the analogies between integration and gender. I think these are very different issues.
LEMON: Why so? We're going to go long, producers, because I want to get your opinion on this. Why so?
BENNETT: Because one is a matter of behavior, the other is a matter of something over which a person has no control, how a person is born, what color their skin. It's entirely irrelevant to the person's actions or behavior. When you're talking about openly serving homosexuals, you're taking about behavior, not skin color. It's a different thing.
LEMON: But it's the same -- some people would say it's the same issue, that you have no control over your sexuality as well. So, it's equivalent to race.
BENNETT: We are getting into a highly debatable proposition here. There's no question -- OK.
LEMON: Let's talk about the Republican Party.
BENNETT: Good.
LEMON: Michael Steele -- should he return again as the chair?
BENNETT: I don't know. You know, Michael's a friend of mine. I pushed him for chairman. I wrote letters for him.
I think he's done well. He had some mistakes, made some gaffes. But, you know, you can't argue with the success that we've seen with the Republicans. You know, if you do it on the basis of winning seats, he looks pretty good.
But other people are running, let's see how the process --
LEMON: Who should replace him?
BENNETT: I don't know. I mean, I don't know all the people in the field. But, you know, right now, we are in a position of strength, which is not something we could say always the last couple of years.
LEMON: OK, Bill, have you seen "Sarah Palin's Alaska"?
BENNETT: I have not seen "Sarah Palin's Alaska."
LEMON: OK. Stick around because we're going to play for you and you're going to hear it.
BENNETT: OK.
LEMON: There's part of it trite there. I want to know what you think about this show and what do you think about her as really the relative star of the Republican Party. Hold that thought. We'll talk after the break.
BENNETT: OK.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LEMON: All right, back to CNN's political contributor, William Bennett. He's basically a one-man publishing house for conservative best sellers. His latest is "The American Patriot's Almanac," a new version of his national best seller.
I promise you, we'll talk about this book and I'll give it a little time. We talked about Sarah Palin. You said you have not seen Sarah Palin's "Alaska." Do you plan on seeing it?
BENNETT: I don't watch a lot of television. Only CNN, Don, you know that.
(LAUGHTER)
LEMON: Listen, people are saying, about Sarah Palin and about the Republican Party, in order for the Republican Party to, I guess, be serious about change and stepping up, and agreeing upon the principles that they were founded upon, that it's going to have to be smarter than Sarah Palin.
BENNETT: Well, I think that's mean. I was at a debate the other day with a Democrat liberal and he said we have to be civil in all our discussions of our differences and then I said, I agree. Then he continued to take swipes and slaps at Sarah Palin the whole time. Look, she's a media star. She's a sensation. She's a beautiful woman. She's talented. It's a beautiful state. I can see this with the clips you're showing. But as to whether she'll be president of the United States or the candidate, she's going to have to take her chances with, I think, at least 15, 10, 15 other people. And what we have to do, I think, as a party, my own view, is to sit down when the time comes and to say, who's the person who can take on and defeat Barack Obama and get us a Republican president. and then unsentimentally, just like you pick, you know, the winners of the bowls or the teams that should go, not with your heart but your head, you pick that persons who's going to come out the best. Sarah Palin have very --
LEMON: Can she do it?
BENNETT: She's got very strong positives from part of the Republican Party.
LEMON: OK.
BENNETT: She's got very strong negatives and Independents are a problem for her. She's going to have to win over Independents because the numbers are not there for her in a general election.
LEMON: I was thumbing through your new book in the newsroom and people, honestly -- if I don't really like a book, I'll tell you. But this one, it's pretty good because it's an almanac. I said in the opening of the show, you said you want people to read it every day because you can learn something every day. Today, 1933, the 21st Amendment ending prohibition is ratified and, in 1955, prompted the arrest of Rosa Parks, and Montgomery bus boycott begins. Every day you can pick up this book and learn something. Let's take people to tomorrow and I'll let you comment on it. Congress, in 1790, moves from New York City to Philadelphia. And then, let's see, in 1884, workers finish construction of the Washington Monument. There is a live shot of New York and there you see the Washington monument live there. Great stuff.
BENNETT: Yes, the idea here is to make our history as interesting as it actually was. This is our worst subject in school, Don. Our kids do worse in history than in reading or math. But these books, biographies of Adams or Washington, sell like hotcakes. It's a fabulous story, the American story. We try to tell it here.
We have a day for each day of the calendar and we say what things that happened on that day, the things you mentioned. And we have other things, like 50 great American movies. That's something folks can argue about. And 12 reasons to love this country. We have all the basic documents. We have a lot of information on the states. It's kind of a handbook for young people and for families to learn about the country. There's a lot of talk about patriotism, a lot of invocation of patriotism, but this is the real stuff.
And, by the way, I know we're doing political stuff earlier, and I expect that. This is not a political book. and I think if you looked at it, you can tell it's not. It neither leans to the left or the right. It's just the facts, ma'am.
(LAUGHTER)
LEMON: It's just the facts, ma'am, as in the old show -- what is it -- "One Adam 12," no. And if was a political book, leaning left or right, I would not say it was a great book. I would just say you have a new book.
BENNETT: Thank you.
LEMON: This is something where you learn something. Every single day, you pick it up like a diary, December 6, look at it, learn what happened in history, and maybe even research a little bit more.
Bill Bennett, thank you very much. Let's put the book up again. It's called "The American Patriot's Almanac."
Have a great week ahead, sir.
BENNETT: Let's do this again. I like talking to you. It's nice not to be on with 16 people around a table, you know?
(LAUGHTER)
LEMON: At the -- with at the kids' table?
BENNETT: Sorry, guys.
LEMON: Thank you, Bill Bennett.
BENNETT: I don't know. You feel like you get promoted, move to the first table or the third table. You don't know where you're going to be, you know?
LEMON: We're going to take you up on that offer. I like having you too and I like talking to you. Have a good evening and a great week ahead.
BENNETT: Thanks, Don.
LEMON: Let's check in on the world of politics and see what's crossing on the "CNN Political Ticker."
Mark Preston, it's been a hot topic on the "Political Ticker" right now. And you heard what Bill Bennett is talking about, saying about Michael Steele and the Republican Party leadership. Have you some inside information on this, I hear?
MARK PRESTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I do, Don. It was interesting that Mr. Bennett didn't take a horse in the race for the chairmanship of the RNC. There are a lot of people interested in it. I will have another name to throw into the hopper. I have some news that we can talk about next hour.
But look, the chairmanship of the RNC, Don, is the hottest political story right now and, quite frankly, one of the most important political stories right now for the Republican Party, heading into the 2012 presidential year.
LEMON: All right, Mark Preston. Mark is going to be back next hour. We're going to talk much, much more.
Remember, for the latest political headlines, go to CNNpolitics.com.
The search is on for the elusive man behind the WikiLeaks fallout. Just one of the news stories we'll be covering this week, this coming week. And we'll tell you what else will be dominating the headlines.
And a way to escape the flames if your trapped by fire in a high-rise. An invention that could save your life if you live in, work in or even visit a skyscraper.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(EDGE OF DISCOVERY)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LEMON: CNN will be closely following any new developments this week in the murder investigation of Hollywood publicist, Ronni Chasen.
But we begin with this week's look ahead in Washington.
ED HENRY, CNN POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: I'm Ed Henry at the White House, where it's a big week for the president on the economy. After returning from Afghanistan for that surprise trip, the president on Monday is immediately heading to North Carolina, a big pivotal state in the 2012 electoral season as well, but a chance to give remarks on the economy after those awful unemployment numbers on Friday.
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: I'm Jeanne Meserve in Washington. Next week, the latest on the WikiLeaks investigation. Will they find Julian Assange and will the U.S. press charges against him? We'll have the latest.
POPPY HARLOW, HOST, CNN MONEY: I'm Poppy Harlow in New York. Wall Street was shaken on Friday following a much worse than expected jobs report. But on tap this week, we'll look at the metro area unemployment stats as well as a look at consumer credit. And also ahead, the latest report on oil and gas inventories in the U.S. Then on Thursday, the weekly jobless numbers will be released. That will be a big focus for investors. On the earnings front, Costco and Niemen Marcus report their quarterly numbers. And the week wraps up on Friday with the latest consumer sentiment report. We'll track it all for you on "CNN Money."
A.J. HAMMER, HOST, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT: I'm "Showbiz Tonight's" A.J. Hammer, and here's what we're watching this week. Hollywood's big murder mystery. We'll have the latest developments in the murder of Ronni Chasen. Plus "Showbiz Tonight" will be breaking business news this week when we reveal the star we're naming as the most provocative celebrity of the year. Who do you think it's going to be? We'll have it for you on Tuesday. "Showbiz Tonight" is live at 5:00 p.m. Eastern on HLN. And we are still TV's most provocative entertainment news show at 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific.
LEMON: Thanks, guys. That looks interesting.
What's happening domestically on this side of the pond or in the U.S.?
Let's bring in international desk editor, Azadeh Ansari, to tell us what's going on internationally.
AZADEH ANSARI, CNN INTERNATIONAL DESK EDITOR: Don, starting off Monday and Tuesday, we've heard a lot about this, Iran is going to meet with the U.K., the P5-plus 1, to talk about their nuclear plans. And as we know, they have been making headlines all day today.
LEMON: With the pace that they've apparently acquired and their use to make other enriched uranium. Date "X" in the U.K. Students are upset.
ANSARI: They are very upset. They have been upset for a long time now. The U.K. government is set to vote on a plan to increase the tuition cap. So take a look. These are pictures that took place, protests pictures that took place last week. We're going to see this, if not more, pictures like this coming out of these protests on Thursday.
LEMON: Have they gotten violent?
ANSARI: Very violent. They've have over 100 arrests that have taken place. Imagine if this happened in the U.S., if all of a sudden they're like, we're going to increase the tuition threefold. So people would be really upset.
LEMON: Take us to St. Petersburg, Russia.
ANSARI: Really cool festival taking place, the world's first audio and visual festival of its kind. Multimedia artists are going to gather and showcase their work. And one very popular artist is Brian Eno and he has this painting called, "77 Million Paintings." So it's -- they're different clips he's made over the course of 20 years. and if you want to take a look, this is a clip I believe that is off of the YouTube that shows this installment they're going to be showcasing at this festival. So it's one or two-week festival that's going to take place in all visual, audio stimulation taking place. A lot of it.
(LAUGHTER)
LEMON: If you're there, 2018, in Russia, FIFA, the World Cup.
ANSARI: Maybe we can get tickets this time.
LEMON: Maybe so. Maybe we can go.
ANSARI: We missed it last time.
LEMON: Thank you, Azadeh Ansari. From ineligibility to a shot at claiming the college football title, all in one week. After Cam Newton's performance last night, the Heisman Trophy is really his to lose. But could the drama off the field involving his dad still come back to bite him?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LEMON: The college football championship game is set. LeBron faces his former hometown. Derek Jeter will stay in pinstripes. That sums it up.
So much going on in the world of sports that we have these guys with us. Jamal Anderson is a former running back for the Atlanta Falcons, who now does sports analysis. Everybody sits up when the cameras on them.
(LAUGHTER)
Then David Cornwall is a sports attorney and he's a regular. He joins us all the time.
We have to start with Auburn and quarterback, Cam Newton. Auburn destroyed South Carolina here in Atlanta last night in the SEC championship. Now they move on to face Oregon for a national title. This is just days after the NCAA quickly reinstated Cam Newton after calling him ineligible over a play-for-pay scandal. Officials say there was no evidence that he knew about his dad's soliciting or led soliciting of any money.
David, does this mean that he's clear and something still won't come out?
DAVID CORNWALL, SPORTS ATTORNEY: The NCAA says the investigation is continuing but I refuse to allow the NCAA to define reality for me. This is the best college football player in America and he is a professional. Yesterday, he alone generated $44 million in economic impact and revenues for the SEC. The NCAA amateurism rules are draconian and fictional.
LEMON: OK. Jamal.
JAMAL ANDERSON, SPORTS ANALYST: Yes. No, I remember the first time we were all here, David, and we did not have disagreement about some of the rules. The thing that's a stickler, in particular with the Cam Newton case, Don, is this is pretty cool -- the rule for the NCAA reads, "The solicitation of cash or benefits by a prospective student athlete or another individual on his or her behalf is not allowed. Potential withholding conditions are based on the type and scope of the violation as well as the student athlete's responsibility."
LEMON: What you're saying, the rule is a rule and has to be followed. and you're saying the rule needs to be changed. It's draconian.
CORNWALL: Absurd. ANDERSON: The thing about this particular rule, obviously, everybody is saying, there's a loophole now. There's a loophole now. Kids' parents can go after because everybody -- the reason Cam's still on the football field -- and remember I said this before -- Auburn had better be careful that they were following the rules, and particular with this kid, is that they say he had no idea.
LEMON: They just go ahead and now engraving his name on the Heisman?
ANDERSON: There's no doubt. He's clear -- he was a Heisman Trophy winner, Don, in the middle of the season, after his performance against LSA. Nearly 1,400 yards rushing in the SEC. We're not even talking about what he did on the passing field.
You were there yesterday.
LEMON: Yesterday was gaudy. He had 408 total yards, six touchdowns.
But going back to Jamal's point, not knowing what his father did. That's what Reggie Bush said. He had no idea about his parents' living arrangement.
LEMON: All right, yes or now, Auburn national champions. I said yes or no.
ANDERSON: It's tough.
(CROSSTALK)
LEMON: I said yes or no.
ANDERSON: I can't say that.
(LAUGHTER)
ANDERSON: Oregon --
CORNWALL: Yes, if the Cornerbacks play well. No, if they don't.
LEMON: All right, that will have to be the last word.
Let's talk about LeBron returning to Cleveland with his new team. Everyone had the game circled on their calendars. I even watched it, even needing to be up 5:00 a.m. the next morning. He beat the Cavs by 28 points. How do you think LeBron handled the negative reaction from his homecoming, David?
CORNWALL: I think he did a good job, generally a good job. I think what's more important, this going back to Cleveland for the first time is now behind him and it's off the radar screen.
ANDERSON: It was tough, a lot of emotion and sentiment. People were wondering. We were watching LeBron.
LEMON: Going to do the powder. ANDERSON: Was he going to throw the powder in the air? There were a tremendous amount of people in and around the Cleveland area, and fans. In fact, people who weren't even Cleveland Cavaliers fans, who were looking forward to this game, because people wanted to see LeBron embarrassed and the opposite happened.
LEMON: Was that the mental obstacle he had to get over, and as soon as I have to go back, then, whew.
ANDERSON: There's one thing people like to say, a knock on LeBron, how he didn't stick through what he was saying, what he said to the Cleveland Cavaliers, excuse me, how he's not mentally tough. He came out in this game and he was cool as a cumber and really played well.
CORNWALL: First time he's played well in a big game. I think it's big to have it behind him.
LEMON: Derek Jeter agreed to a new three-year $51 million contract with the Yankees, but it works out to $2 million less per year than he was making, but he is getting older. Is this a good deal?
David, you said -- there was an interesting comparison you sent me a text on, between LeBron and Jeter.
CORNWALL: LeBron is one of the top five players in the league on the upside of his career, confronting brand issues. He's lost his connection with the fans. Jeter's on the downside of his career, has such a strong brand. Mr. Yankee, he's a man. He's up there with Mickey Mantle and Babe Ruth. This deal is more about legacy than his ability.
LEMON: You think he would have gotten, Jamal, I don't know if you think it's a good deal or better deal, if George Steinbrenner was still alive?
ANDERSON: You know, I can't necessarily say that. The reality is the Yankees -- Derek Jeter's with the Yankees for one reason and one reason only, they can afford to keep him. Derek Jeter expected to get $20 million to $25 million a year. The Yankees came back with a lot less. There wasn't another team in Major League Baseball who was going to match that. But Jeter is the Yankees.
LEMON: Five seconds.
CORNWALL: This was a lifetime Yankee premium deal. That's all it was.
LEMON: David Cornwall, Jamal Anderson.
ANDERSON: Pleasure.
LEMON: Thank you both.
CORNWALL: Pleasure, thanks.
LEMON: Getting away from the TV sets. (CROSSTALK)
CORNWALL: Don't say nothing.
LEMON: They were fighting last week. Now they have a bro-mance (ph) going.
Thanks to both of you.
A symbolic of this country, wild horses running free in the American West, but the government is now corralling them. Why some are calling it a national disgrace.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LEMON: Wild horses have long been a symbol of the American West, but now, the federal government is trying to corral many of the Mustangs. It says it's a matter of safety.
But CNN's John Zarrella reports, some outraged animal rights activists say it's a national disgrace.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): You can't miss it when you drive down Main Street in Hawthorne, Nevada. It's a museum dedicated to old bombs. The only attraction here that's bigger, these wild horses known as the Walker Lake herd. And there's actually a connection between the horses and the bombs, which brings me to the controversy.
RICHARD COUTO, ACTIVIST & FOUNDER, ANIMAL RESCUE MISSION: Over my dead body will these horses be touched. They're not going anywhere.
ZARRELLA: Activists like Richard Couto, who, himself, spent days living with the herd, are trying desperately to stop the Federal Bureau of Land Management, BLM, which is responsible for maintaining and caring for the nation's wild horses, from removing the Mustangs.
ALAN SHEPARD, NEVADA DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT: The concerns I would have in managing horses there is we have no control of that piece of property.
ZARRELLA: No control because the Mustangs have put themselves in a unique position. Years ago, wandering from their land and making their way here, which just happens to be U.S. Army property, an old bombing range. There are signs warning of possible unexploded munitions, but where's the fence?
(on camera): The reason the Bureau of Land Management wanted to remove the Walker herd was because there's no fence here to keep the horses off the road here. And that, the bureau says, is a hazard.
(voice-over): At least four horses have been killed just this year crossing the road.
People, Mineral County commissioner, Jerrie Tipton, worries, could be next.
JERRIE TIPTON, MINERAL COUNTY COMMISSIONER: If you hit a horse because of the nature of the beast, they're much taller off the ground, you may get him through the windshield. And sooner or later, somebody's going to get killed on this highway.
ZARRELLA: Saving the Walker herd has become the focal point of an escalating battle between wild horse activists and the BLM.
COUTO: The BLM, the Department of the Interior, want the Walker Lake herd gone, out of sight, out of mind, no more issues, no more problems, get them off the property, period.
ZARRELLA: But the BLM has agreed to hold off on its Walker herd roundup while advocates and the Army try to work out a deal to put up a fence and manage the herd.
The roundups, most times using helicopters to chase down the horses, and then the care and feeding of the animals, sometimes for the remainder of their lives, are not cheap. They cost taxpayers $60 million a year.
TIPTON: Soon or later, the American public is going to take a look at that and say, it costs us $6 a horse a day out of our tax money to keep them in long and short-term holding. That doesn't even count what it takes on the open range.
ZARRELLA: To some, wild Mustangs are just hoofed grazers, a nuisance to the land. Others see them as emblematic of the American spirit, a national treasure to be cherished, not corralled.
John Zarrella, CNN, Hawthorne, Nevada.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
