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Snow Covers 49 States; Tragedy in Tucson; CNN Political Update

Aired January 12, 2011 - 10:00   ET

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

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Meantime, it is 10:00 a.m. on the East Coast. 7:00 a.m. out West. I'm Fredricka Whitfield, in for Kyra Phillips. Here are some of the stories that have us talking this morning.

Could this be coming to your state. Lawmakers in Illinois approved massive tax hikes to help dig the state out of debt. Both individuals and companies will be sharing the pain and footing the bill.

And one year ago today, a devastating earthquake struck Haiti and left much of the impoverished nation in ruins. Nearly a quarter million people died.

And the space shuttle "Discovery" is now expected to launch next month after months of unexpected repairs. NASA officials say they have discovered the cause of the cracks around the external fuel tank and fixed them.

Take a look at the big picture. Snow covering 49 states right now. The southeast, still stuck with temperatures heading down. The northeast, already burned out on snow, bracing for round three. Schools, businesses and airports closed. A punishing winter that just won't take a break.

All right. We're going to check on some of the hardest hit cities in a moment but first let's step back and take a look at the big weather picture. Meteorologist Bonnie Schneider with us now. So it's really heading further north. Boston is going to get really whacked. Philadelphia, Washington. They're kind of in the clear, right? I mean, you know -

BONNIE SCHNEIDER, AMS METEOROLOGIST: They still have snow, just a few inches in Washington.

WHITFIELD: But they can manage that.

SCHNEIDER: Sure. Sure. But look at Manchester in Connecticut, we're looking at a lot of snow. We're seeing snow across much of the state of Connecticut and still snowing there. So these snowfall totals are likely to increase as we go through the day. No surprise there. When you look at the radar picture, the storm winding up and as Rob Marciano has been reporting all morning, it's been bottoming out, meaning the pressure has been dropping rapidly, the storm is intensifying and we're seeing the wind just pushing on in and sweeping the snow about creating zero visibility at times. Heavy snow hitting Boston at this hour, Maine, much of New England just getting hammered with this system. New York did get substantial snow, about nine inches, but this winter is really going to be worse across New England. And part of the reason is the wind, notice the wind coming in out of the northeast. Classic nor'easter. And then you see towards Rhode Island, the winds are even more intense. With those gust of winds, it certainly does feel brutal out there.

The temperature has been holding steady in the 20s and it's going to stay cold with a very strong wind chill factor tonight making it really uncomfortable to be outside. Some better news, though, as you can see here. Still going to be cold across the southeast. We have a lot of snow on the ground. We're waiting for it to melt. I'd said by tomorrow the temperatures will start to improve. So we'll see some better conditions in Atlanta. At least the sun is shining. That should help a bit and melt a little bit of the snow.

(CROSSTALK)

WHITFIELD: Yes. That's right. And isn't that something? We're seeing nine inches for New York and that's really no big deal?

SCHNEIDER: It's not that bad. It's definitely a nuisance and it's going to create some problems, but it was a whole lot worse two weeks ago.

WHITFIELD: Yes. That was the warm-up. They got it down.

All right. Well, let's talk a little bit more about what's taking place in the Boston area since they're expecting the brunt of this snowstorm. On the phone with us right now, Peter Judge with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. So Peter, give me an idea how difficult it is trying to get around at this point.

I know the city has declared a snow emergency which means non- essential city employees can work from home, no one needs to get on the road. And we're looking at some images right now of a few diehard SUVs that are venturing out. Paint a picture for me.

PETER JUDGE, MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (ON THE PHONE): Yes, Fredricka, actually not only the city, but the governor has asked the same of state workers and as well as reaching out to the private sector. Fortunately, most folks have followed the governor's lead and they have allowed the plows to do their work.

Unfortunately, we got about a foot of snow, at least, in most places and expect at least another foot in many other places and in some places maybe even two more feet before this storm is over here.

WHITFIELD: And I imagine you're most concerned about the most vulnerable elderly people who perhaps have hit hard times, may not have heating in their homes. How can you make sure you can address their needs?

JUDGE: Well, in many levels. Certainly, we work with our local emergency management directors in each community and they outreach. But also we're just asking people to be good neighbors. Make sure - check on those folks in your neighborhood who might need that little extra assistance, particularly in the southeast part of the state where at this point we got probably the better part of 80,000 homes without power.

WHITFIELD: Wow.

JUDGE: So in that regard, it's somewhat problematic because of the really heavy wet snow in that part of the state.

WHITFIELD: Wow. OK. Peter Judge, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, thanks so much. All the best.

And, of course, we've got reporters all up and down the ice sheet blanketing the East Coast. Rob Marciano is in Atlanta. Mike (INAUDIBLE) is in Boston. Allan Chernoff in New York. First off, we're going to get you up to speed on the crippling flight delays as well. Carter Evans live from LaGuardia Airport. Carter, let's begin with you.

CARTER EVANS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, you know, Fred, check this out behind me because this is something you just don't see too often anymore. This is a security check point with absolutely no one in it and the reason it is this empty is because most of the flights are canceled right now and it's not even open.

Check this out. This is my flight board here on my iPad. You see the red canceled there. Whether you're look at that here or on the monitor, that is the case at airports in this region today. 650 flights canceled here at LaGuardia. 425 canceled in Newark Airport, and 300 canceled in JFK. But I tell you, here at LaGuardia, all the staff is here. They're ready to go.

WHITFIELD: All right. Well, that's good news there.

We're going to get back to the weather situation in a moment. We're going to take you straight to Capitol Hill right now, to the house floor. Live pictures, the one I show you right now. That's the Capitol Building. But inside on the House side, we understand that a number of lawmakers are right now reading - this is in the prelude of a resolution that will be signed in honor of the victims of the tragedy of Tucson. Let's listen in.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: - in the shooting including Ron Barber and Pamela Simon, those staffers to Representative Giffords and several individuals including Patricia Maisch, Army Colonel Bill Badger, retired, who was also wounded in the shooting, Roger Schillingberg (ph), Joseph Zamudio and Daniel Hernandez, Jr., helped apprehend the gunman and assist the injured. Thereby risking their lives for the safety of others and should be commended for their bravery.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the House of Representatives one, condemns in the strongest possible terms the horrific attack which occurred at the Congress on your Corner event hosted by Representative Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson, Arizona on January 8, 2011.

Two, offers its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of those who were killed in the attack. Three, expresses its hope for the rapid and complete recovery of those wounded in the shooting. Four, honors the memory of Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, John Roll, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, and Gabriel Zimmerman. Five, applauds bravery and quick thinking exhibited by those individuals who prevented the gunman from potentially taking more lives and helped to save those who have been wounded.

Six, recognizes the service of the first responders who raced to the scene and the health care professionals who tended to the victims once they reached the hospital whose service and skill saved lives. Seven, reaffirms the bedrock principle of American democracy and representative government which is memorialized in the first amendment of the Constitution and which Representative Gabrielle Giffords herself read in the Hall of the House of Representatives on January 6, 2011, of the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Eight, stands firm in its belief in the democracy of which all can participate in which intimidation and threats of violence cannot silence the voices of any American. Nine, honors the service and leadership of Representative Gabrielle Giffords, a distinguished member of this House, as she courageously fights to recover. And 10, when adjourning today shall do on out of the respect of the victims of this attack.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Pursuant to the order of the House today, the resolution shall be debatable for six hours, divided equally and controlled by the majority leader and the minority leader or their designees. The gentleman from Virginia, Mr. Cantor and the gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Pastor, each will control three hours. The chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you, Madame speaker.

Madame speaker, I yield one minute to -

WHITFIELD: Senior congressional correspondent Dana Bash is with us now to take us through the procedures here. We see Eric Cantor now speaking and the expectation is House Speaker John Boehner, there he is right there - actually let's listen in right now to House Speaker John Boehner.

REP. JOHN BOEHNER, HOUSE SPEAKER: ... unspeakable acts of violence have taken six innocent lives and left several more, including our colleague, Gabrielle Giffords, battling for theirs. These are difficult hours for our country. Among the fallen is Gabe Zimmerman, a member of Congresswoman Giffords' staff, a public servant of the highest caliber. One of our own.

And even in our shock, we are composed and determined to fulfill our calling to represent our constituents. This is the great cause for which Gabe gave his life. (INAUDIBLE) Gabe gave a sworn oath to uphold and defend the Constitution and at the time of the attack, he was engaged in the most simple and direct of democratic rituals, listening to the people, listening to his neighbors.

The brutality that shattered Saturday's morning calm was devastating, but brief. Bravery and quick thinking prevented a larger massacre turning innocent bystanders into heroes. The service and skill of first responders and medical professionals saved lives. Law enforcement officials are now working to ensure justice.

Look to Tucson right now and you'll be reminded that America's most plentiful source of wealth and strength is her people. We're thankful, so thankful that Gabby is still with us and we're thank that two of her staffers who were also wounded Ron Barber and Pam Simon are with us, as well. Instead, Gabby's staff has pressed on, opening for business Monday morning, right on schedule.

And the men and women who faithfully served the people of Arizona's eighth district have signaled that no act, no matter how heinous, will stop us from doing our duty and being among the people we serve. And to all the dedicated professionals that we rely on to make will institution work, to each of you, thank you for what you do. And to Gabby's staff and their families, please know that our hearts and prayers go out to each of you.

This body has yet to fully register the magnitude of this tragedy. We feel a litany of unwanted emotions that no resolution could possibly capture. We know that we gather here without distinction of party, the needs of this institution have always risen above partisanship. And what this institution needs right now is strength. Holy and uplifting strength. The strength to grieve with the families of the fallen, to pray for the wounded and to chart a way forward no matter how painful and difficult it may be.

Today is not a ceremony, but a tragedy that stirs us to renew our commitment to faithfully fulfill our oath of office. And let's not let this inhuman act frighten us into doing otherwise. The free exchange of ideas is the life blood of our democracy as prescribed by the first amendment, the beacon of free expression that Congresswoman Giffords recited in this well just days ago. These rights have not been handed down by dictate. They have been preserved and protected through generations of hard sacrifice and commitment. And we will continue that unfinished work.

We will do it for Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Philly Schneck, Dorwin Stoddard, ordinary citizens who died participating in their democracy. And we will do it for Judge John Roll and we'll do it for Gabe Zimmerman, and we will do it, god willing, with Gabrielle Giffords. Our hearts are broken, but our spirit is not.

This is a time for the House to lock arms in prayer for the fallen and the wounded in a resolve to carry on a dialogue of democracy. We may not have all the final answers, but we already have the answer that matters most, that we're Americans and we'll make it through this difficult period. We will have the last word. God bless this House, god bless this Congress, and god bless America.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Gentleman from Arizona.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Madame speaker, I yield one minute to the minority leader, Miss Pelosi.

Gentlewoman from California, the minority leader, is recognized for one minute.

REP. NANCY PELOSI (D), MINORITY LEADER: Thank you very much, Madame speaker. I thank the gentleman for yielding and extend my condolences to him, Mr. Pastor, the senior member of the Arizona delegation and all of the members of the Arizona delegation.

Madame speaker, I'm pleased and saddened, greatly saddened, to join the Speaker of the House in coming together in sadness today to share our prayers and indeed our hopes for those who have lost so much because of the tragedy in Arizona involving our colleague, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, her staff and innocent bystanders.

Words are inadequate at a type like this, but nonetheless, I hope it is a comfort to those who have lost loved ones or who were injured on Saturday, that so many people mourn the losses, but also pray for the survivors and care for them at this very difficult time.

I think the resolution in its description of what happened and the context with which it happened is an excellent resolution and I hope people will read it, pray over it, and be grateful that we have this opportunity to comment on it. Today we will say many prayers for our country and for the victims of this horrific event. We think of our colleague, Congresswoman Gabby Gifford fighting to recover and the 14 others who were injured and remember the six who were killed. Their names are mentioned and described in the resolution.

The Speaker has mentioned their names, but I think acknowledging them bears repetition. How do you explain the death of a nine-year- old Christina Taylor Green who recently had been elected to the student council in her school, Mesa Verde Elementary School? The unbearable grief of John and Roxanne Green, again, we pray for them and will carry Christina as an inspiration in our hearts.

Dorothy Morris, married for more than 50 years to her high school sweetheart and mother of two. Federal Judge John Roll who had just come from mass which he attended every day. Phyllis Schneck, mother of three, grandmother of seven and a great grandmother. And I know the New Yorkers like to hear that she is a Giants fan, snow bird in Arizona, carrying that dedication west.

Dorwin Stoddard. Dorwin died shielding his wife, Mary. Shielding his wife, Mary. And as has been mentioned in the resolution and we have mourned Congressman Gabby Giffords' director of community outreach, Gabriel Matthew Zimmerman. One of his colleagues, his co- workers said Gabe helped people for a living.

As we honor the heroes who risked their lives to protect others, among them some who were injured, Patricia Maisch, for one, who grabbed the full magazine of ammunition from the killer as he attempted to reload. Just think of how many more we could have lost. Roger (INAUDIBLE) and Joseph Zamudio who tackled and subdued the suspect. Imagine the courage. And Daniel Hernandez Jr., 20 years old, an intern who had just been on the job for four days. When he heard gunshots, he ran toward them, he ran toward them, and attended to Congresswoman Giffords helping to staunch her bleeding with his own hands.

We pray for the recovery of other members of Congresswoman Giffords' staff, Ron Barber, Pam Simon. We commend (INAUDIBLE) and the entire staff for carrying on. Those heroes at the scene were joined by first responders from county and municipalities arriving just three minutes after the first 911 call, performed excellently and in doing so saved lives.

We also pay tribute to the skilled professionals of Arizona's University Medical Center whose role is ongoing, healing the victims of this tragedy. Tonight, the University of Arizona community joins with Tucson, the state of Arizona and, indeed, the entire nation to acknowledge together Saturday's tragedy. Appropriately this remembrance is called "Together we thrive, Tucson and America."

"Together we thrive, Tucson and America" will be an opportunity to grieve and it will be a demonstration of our strength, strength in community, a strength in community that was demonstrated last Saturday, a strength in community there that is ongoing. Tucson demonstrated its strength on Saturday when the city was full of heroes, ordinary citizens, victims, first responders coming together in the spirit of community.

Madame Speaker, our colleague Congresswoman Giffords was the primary target of the cowardly act and as she recovers, we honor her as the brilliant and courageous member of Congress. She brought an invigoration, the thinking of a new generation of national leaders. A business woman, state legislator, she came to Congress full of ideas. And we will long continue to be blessed by them. And we look forward to when she is present with us on the floor.

She has spoken out courageously and led boldly when the times demanded it. It is especially tragic that those who lost their lives and those who are wounded have come together as a resolution presents to participate in an activity that reflects the best of our democratic tradition, a representative of the people, Gabby Giffords and her staff hearing directly from the men and women she represents.

American democracy is founded on our commitment to a contest of ideas, not violence. Political disagreement and dissent must never violate our nation's values as expressed in the Constitution, a free expression speech and peaceful assembly. Gabby spoke to that right here from the floor last week.

In this hour of anguish, we seek renewed commitment to hope, to civility, to peace among the American people. In many of our churches, we sing on Sunday and other days of the week "let there be peace on earth, and let it begin," not just with us, "but with me," with each of us, within each of us. In speaking as one House today, coming together like as peace with us, we offer our thoughts and support, our prayers for the health of our colleague, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, and for all of the injured. We share the stories, the heroes of the tragedy and have mourned those who perished.

Let their actions and their memories be a blessing to our country. We don't know why god saw this to be necessary, but let this be something that we cherish as an opportunity as we mourn the heartbreaking horror of it all. This resolution is a fitting tribute, it's a great resolution. Please read it again and again. Carry those names in your heart. Remember each of these people because, again, a tragic accident took lives, wounded people in the free expression of ideas.

May this resolution remind us of the urgent need to uphold our democratic values, to treat one another with courtesy and with respect, and to act as Congresswoman Giffords has always done, and always do, in a manner that reflects the best of American leadership.

As our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of all who were affected, I want to call special attention to Commander Navy Captain Mark Kelly, Gabby's husband who has been a source of strength to all of us in this difficult time. We pray for him, we thank him for his and Gabby's service to our country. God truly blessed America with their leadership, with their service, and with their love for each other.

Thank you, Madame Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The woman yields back to gentleman from Virginia.

REP. ERIC CANTOR (R), VIRGINIA: Madame Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The gentleman is recognized.

CANTOR: This week most members of the House will gather briefly here in Washington. But our hearts and spirits will be in Arizona. The unspeakable tragedy in Tucson last Saturday came as a complete shock, casting a pall over the entire nation.

With this resolution, we join 300 million Americans and millions of others around the world in showing our solidarity with Congresswoman Giffords and the rest of the victims. Gabby serves Arizona's eighth district with distinction and thoughtful leadership and we are all praying her speedy recovery. Saturdays' cowardly crime was more than just an attack on dozens of innocent Americans at a grocery store.

It was an attack on the very essence of democracy and Representative government, an assault on the open exchange of ideas between legislators and the people to whom they are accountable. This resolution honors the memory of Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Judge John Roll, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwin Stoddard, and Gabriel Zimmerman.

The slain represent a broad cross-section of the American public, young and old, men, women, and child, friends, brothers, sisters, and children. They will be missed. But in not forgotten. This inexplicable crime reminds us that there is evil in the world. Yet as we look for light in a thicket of darkness, our nation has drawn inspiration from the bravery and quick thinking displayed by the heroes on the scene. Were it not for their efforts, there likely would have been many more victims.

The outpouring of support, prayer and solidarity also reminds us that America is a country of compassion, community and empathy. We will stand with the victims and their families and pray and mourn with them as they cope with this horrific tragedy.

Madame Speaker, I also want to offer my thoughts of comfort to Gabby Giffords staff and want them to know that our hearts hang heavy and our thoughts and prayers are with them as they try and persevere through this very difficult time.

Madame Speaker, I'd also like to add my thanks to the brave law enforcement that has helped our nation over the last several days and every day. The law enforcement under the directorship of Director Mueller of the FBI, the local law enforcement in Arizona, and from our perspective, most especially, the Capitol Police and the office of sergeant of arms and the sergeant of arms himself for the tremendous job that they are undergoing each and every minute as we try and cope with this tragedy.

WHITFIELD: Virginia's Eric Cantor there underscoring the purpose of this resolution that all are about to sign there on the House side of the capital there. He is describing that this Saturday's attack was not just an attack at the grocery store, but in his words "it was an attack on democracy."

We also heard from minority leader Nancy Pelosi, who underscored the importance of coming together in this time of sadness. And then preceded to by House Speaker John Boehner, as well.

All right. Our congressional correspondent Dana Bash is also on Capitol Hill. Explain from here what will happen.

DANA BASH, CNN SENIOR CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: They're going to continue to talk for most of the afternoon. They're going to break for a prayer service, which will be close to the press, it'll be private. But I think it's important to note what we just witnessed here is a reminder to all of us that for these people who work in the capitol, the members of Congress and their staffs, this hits so close to home. These were their friends, these were their colleagues and this is a reminder that this could happen - it could have happened to any of them. It was so, so random.

And the fact that we heard from the Republican and the Democratic leader talk about the resolution that was written with input, Fred, from both parties. And this is the resolution right here, it's four pages. Talks about Gabby Giffords, talks about her staff, but also as you heard goes in to detail about the people who were killed who people might not know. Gives a little bit of a paragraph, a little bit of a biography on who these people were and why it should be remembered for the history of the United States in the record who they were and what happened.

John Boehner saying "our hearts are broken, but our spirit is not." Very, very telling in terms of the mood that we have felt here all week and will continue to feel here in Congress, Fred.

WHITFIELD: Our congressional correspondent Dana Bash, thanks so much from Capitol Hill. We'll continue to keep close tabs on that as each of the lawmakers reads and pays tribute to the many people, the six that were killed and the many others who were injured, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

Much more right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Half past the hour now, and millions are dealing with nasty weather. In fact, Florida is now the only state in the country that doesn't have any measure of snow on the ground. New England will be bearing the brunt as this powerful storm churns up the coast. Blizzard warnings are in place across much of New England. Boston could see up to 18 inches of snow. And then move further south. Much further south to Atlanta.

The concern there, ice-covered roads and the arctic blast that keeps the roads treacherous for yet another day, and much of the metro area has been paralyzed, by the way, since Monday. The snow has stopped falling in New York, good news there. But they do have a pretty significant I guess turnout of snow there. About eight inches or so.

Bonnie Schneider is in our weather center. And this is what, the third hit of snow for the New York area in as many weeks. I know it's been a tough winter.

BONNIE SCHNEIDER, AMS METEOROLOGIST: And not even halfway over yet.

(WEATHER REPORT)

SCHNEIDER: And we'll get a little bit of a break. For how long though?

(LAUGHTER)

SCHNEIDER: Remains to be seen, right?

WHITFIELD: All right. Yes, until the next storm rolls in right behind it. Thanks, Bonnie. Appreciate that.

SCHNEIDER: Sure.

WHITFIELD: All right. The stock market. Rain, snow, doesn't matter. It opened about an hour ago. Here's a look at the numbers. The Dow up about 76 points. 11,747 and some change there.

Meantime, talking about the markets, rapper 50 Cent made a big chunk of change by tweeting. He reportedly raked in more than $8 million by giving a business an online shout-out. Alison Kosik is live from New York with more on that. He scored.

ALISON KOSIK, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Fredricka. You said it. He definitely made a pretty penny just by tweeting this week.

Now, here's what happened. He wound up posting a tweet encouraging his followers to go ahead and buy shares of a small company that really probably not many people have heard about called H & H Imports. But the kicker here is that he owns a big chunk of the company. People went ahead and followed his recommendation -- mind you he's got like 3.8 million followers on Twitter. The stock wound up jumping from 10 cents to 35 cents to 40 cents in one day. That's a jump of almost 300 percent.

Mind you, this company isn't that strong. I think it's swimming in more like $3 million of debt. But you know what? 50 Cent wound up making millions of dollars on this. His tweet, by the way, has been pulled down, but reports say that it said, quote, "You can double your money right now. Get what you can afford. There's no joke. Get in now."

Fredricka?

WHITFIELD: And so how legal is this to do that?

KOSIK: We talked with a few lawyers. A couple say there's kind of a gray area here. They're not exactly sure how legal or illegal it is. One securities lawyer that we talked with, a notable one, says it's definitely not legal. This lawyer says the SEC sometimes go ahead and makes exceptions, but the lawyer says that 50 Cent - as we know, fity-cent -- may be in hot water. This lawyer says it's going to be interesting to see if the Department of Justice, if the SEC goes ahead and moves forward with this.

Because the lawyer says what he did just isn't allowed. 50 Cent could face civil charges, even the possibility of criminal charges. This lawyer said listen. Using your celebrity to make millions of dollars, just not a good idea. You have to wonder, because watching how these tweets progressed over the weekend, there was a little back pedaling from 50. His tweets on his page now are a little more cautious.

Take a look. If you look in the middle of the screen, though, it says, "H & H - that's the company -- "is the right investment for me. It may or may not be right for you. Do your homework. I own H & H stock. The thoughts are my opinions."

So, a little backpedaling there. We'll see how this pans out if the SEC does get involved.

WHITFIELD; Interesting stuff. All right, Alison, I think you just like saying 50 Cent, too.

KOSIK: Fi-ty. Fi-ty. WHITFIELD: Short for 50. There you go. All right. Alison Kosik. All right, thank you.

KOSIK: Sure.

WHITFIELD: All right. The next big courtroom trial involving a celebrity is already shaping up. Michael Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray, ordered to stand trial for the singer's death. More on that after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: All right. The stage appears to be set for the next chapter in the Michael Jackson story, the involuntary manslaughter trial of his doctor, Conrad Murray. A judge has ordered him to stand trial and forbidden him to practice any medicine in California until the trial is over.

Let's go to CNN producer Alan Duke in Los Angeles. So, Alan, is there anything about the judge's ruling that surprised you today?

ALAN DUKE, CNN PRODUCER: Well, what was expected was that it would be sent to trial, and indeed it was after six days of a preliminary hearing. And some pretty graphic and detailed medical testimony.

But the loss of the doctor's medical license is what his defense lawyer said was the nuclear option that could really derail his defense because how is he going to pay for it? He is a doctor working in Nevada and Texas, but can't now practice in California. That very likely will affect his ability there.

But the big surprise came with the last two witnesses, including the doctor who did the autopsy on Michael Jackson. Conceded that it's possible Michael Jackson either ingested the Propofol that killed him, induced, or injected himself through an IV. That was an admission that caused the prosecution to scramble. And they're saying even if Michael Jackson injected the fatal dose into himself, that Dr. Murray would still be guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

WHITFIELD: Because he allegedly supplied it. That's the argument?

DUKE: Yes, that he would have been negligent in leaving it sitting around a patient. In fact, the last prosecution witness, an anesthesiologist expert, said that he compared Michael Jackson to a heroin addict. Said you don't leave heroin -- a syringe with that next to a bed of a heroin addict and then walk out of the room. The defense theory that that's what happened with Michael Jackson with Propofol is still involuntary manslaughter, he said. Still homicide.

WHITFIELD: And so if there is any credence to this argument now that possibly Michael Jackson would have ingested it, was there any legal argument or medical argument being made after that about the effects that that would have on the body, ingested versus injected? DUKE: Well, the problem with the prosecution case is that according to the timeline, the dose of Propofol that Dr. Murray acknowledged giving him was way too small to have killed Michael Jackson when they believe he actually died. And so, they're trying to figure out how did Dr Murray when he was on the telephone and doing e-mail - that was documented -- how did he have given him that fatal dose at a certain time that would have had to have been administered?

And they found contents of Propofol in his stomach, and they're saying it was at very high levels. And that is how that could have gotten there.

WHITFIELD: Mm. All right. CNN producer Alan Duke joining us from Los Angeles. Thanks so much.

Meantime, here are some of the other stories we're talking about.

Health stories in particular. New research shows you should talk to your doctor before taking pain killers. The studies found significant risks of cardiovascular problems in people who take prescription-strength non-steroidal, antinflammatory drugs. One expert said the researchers didn't look specifically at patients already at risk for cardiovascular problems, and that means the risk of those drugs could be underestimated.

And if you suffer in the sleep disorder restless legs syndrome, our Dr. Sanjay Gupta has a few suggestions. Just try stretching exercises before the time the symptoms actually come on. You can also add more iron to your diet, or ask your doctor about prescription medications that can be used.

Republican Herman Cain is announcing a presidential exploratory committee today. And he answers critics who say he has no chance of winning. That's next in your political update.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: A Republican is ready to throw his hat into the ring for a White House run, but this candidate may not be a name you know. CNN political producer Shannon Travis is at the CNNpolitics.com desk with more on that. Shannon?

SHANNON TRAVIS, CNN POLITICAL PRODUCER: Hey, Fred. I've got a question for you. Are you ready for the presidential race to start out?

WHITFIELD: Yes, I am.

TRAVIS: You're probably like a lot of other people. We certainly are here in the political unit. Hey, the person you mentioned, his name is Herman Cain. Who is Herman Cain? Well, he calls himself a dark horse, a potential dark horse in this presidential race that's probably going to start this spring.

He's announcing today that he's forming an exploratory committee, not an actual bid. But an exploratory committee that will give him a chance to actually raise money and se if people are interested in a possible Herman Cain presidency or bid. He's a former CEO of Godfather's Pizza. He's a corporate titan. He has a lot of experience in the business world, and he's a darling of the Tea Party movement.

But a lot of people saying, "Hey, Herman Cain, you have no chance of winning. I've talked to some people." When I interviewed him on Friday, I put that question to him. Take a listen to this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRAVIS: But you'll be up against several pretty big names, potential contenders. Sarah Palin, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and others who have - who already have name recognition. Some of their political action committee have a lot of money, a lot more than yours.

Again, I just want to make sure, what would you say to these critics who say Herman Cain has no chance of winning. But maybe he's doing this to increase his public profile?

HERMAN CAIN, POTENTIAL REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: To the people who say that Herman Cain has no chance of winning the nomination for the Republican party or winning the presidency, I simply say thank you. Because all my life, I've been in situations where I wasn't supposed to be able to become a vice president of Pillsbury, I wasn't supposed to be able to turn Godfather's Pizza around. I wasn't supposed to succeed in climbing the corporate ladder in corporate America.

So, to the people who say I don't have a chance, I say thank you. Because that inspires me.

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TRAVIS: So, Fred, there you have it. one other thing, I asked him will, hey, if you so happen to run against Sarah Palin, how would you differentiate yourself? He said he would stress that he's been a corporate titan in the business world for a lot of years. Fred?

WHITFIELD: OK. It is going to be a long haul, a long run, but we all knew that, especially after the midterm elections. Presidential runs already begun.

All right. Thanks so much.

All right. Of course, we'll have your political update in one hour. And a reminder, for all the latest political news, go to our Web site, CNNpolitics.com.

In the wake of the Tucson rampage, Republican congressman Peter King is proposing gun safety legislation. The bill would make it a crime to carry a gun within 1,000 feet of a top federal official, including members of Congress. One former member of Congress who represented Gabby Giffords' district doesn't think much of the proposal.

Republican Jim Kolbe spoke on CNN's "JOHN KING USA."

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JOHN KOLBE, FORMER U.S. REPRESENTATIVE: How do you even know if an official is within a thousand feet of you? It strikes me as being an almost unenforceable provision. I just don't see how that kind of thing can be enforced, and I don't think that's the answer to the problem we've got.

We do -- we need to lower the rhetoric, we need to lower the tone. But I think it's separate from this particular incident. And I just think talking about changing gun laws -- we've been through this, we know what the debate is like. And I just don't think it's a very productive debate. I don't think we're going to go there. I don't think Congress is going to do that.

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WHITFIELD: Watch "JOHN KING USA" tonight, 7:00 p.m. Eastern on CNN.

Next, we'll "Fast Forward," run down the stories you'll see coming up later on CNN.

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WHITFIELD: All right. Let's "Fast Forward" and take a look at some of the stories we're following today.

President Barack Obama leaves in less than three hour positive for Tucson, Arizona. He'll speak at a memorial service this evening for the victims of that shooting tragedy. U.S. representative Gabrielle Giffords was among those wounded. Doctors say she is breathing now on her own.

And House leaders plan a prayer service this afternoon for the Tucson victims. Among the six killed over the weekend were a federal judge and a nine-year-old girl. Twenty-two-year-old Jared Loughner faces several charges, including murder.

And lawmakers in Maryland could add their state to the five that already recognize same-sex marriage. Maryland's general assembly convened today for its 90-day session, and Democrats are confident the measure will pass. Governor Martin O'Malley has said he would sign the same-sex marriage law if it passes the legislature.

All right. Yesterday would have been a good day to have a baby. Your bundle of joy would have all 1s in his or her birthday. You'd never forget it.

But check this out. One newborn took the neat number to a whole another level and was born at 1:11 a.m., no kidding. Mom talks about that amazing timing after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) WHITFIELD: A Minnesota woman not only had her baby on January 11, 2011. The girl arrived at 1:11 a.m. What are the chances of that, being born on 1/11/11 at 1:11 in the morning?

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AMY ZELLER, MOTHER: The closer it got, 1:05, doctor came in. Nurses are rooting, my niece is rooting. We had six minutes to push her out. She came out exactly the right time.

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WHITFIELD: All right! Baby Flora cam in at a very healthy nine pounds, 11.5 ounces. And she is doing well. So I'd say her lucky number is either 1 or 11 for the rest of her life.

Carol Costello, in for the next two hours. Can you believe that?

CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: I can't believe that. That's amazing. I can't believe how far away you are!

WHITFIELD: I know! Hello! You have a great day!

COSTELLO: You too. Thanks, Fredricka.