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Middle Class Income Unchanged from 1988; Alleged Italian Madam Denies Supplying Berlusconi; Costs for Health Insurers Fall; Real Cat Burglar Prowls Neighborhood; Iran's 'Green Movement' Uprising Reborn; Shopping Smarter

Aired February 16, 2011 - 11:00   ET

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

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN ANCHOR: Live from Studio 7, I'm Suzanne Malveaux. Let's get you up to speed for Wednesday, February 16th.

Arab anger is exploding in Muammar Gaddafi's Libya. Protesters want a prominent Libyan human rights activist released. Police confronted the crowd, leading to fights. The Gadhafi regime countered with pro-government rallies in several cities.

Police stayed on the sidelines in the Persian Gulf state of Bahrain today. Protesters surged into Pearl (ph) Plaza after a funeral procession. They honored a man killed by security forces during another protester's funeral held that happened on Monday. Bahrain's king appeared to change tactics, announcing a committee will look at reforms.

And in Iran, regime supporters flood the streets for a funeral. The government claims that protesters killed a man during a march Monday because he was a member of the hated Basij militia. Protesters say the man was one of them and police beat him to death.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

"SARA," IRANIAN PROTESTER: We didn't know what was coming, so we were scared. But when I saw so many people being back like old days, that was really exciting.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: The Obama administration is expressing outrage after attackers shot and killed a U.S. immigration agent and wounded a second. An official says a group of thugs ambushed the Americans north of Mexico City. The agents drove an armored car with diplomatic plates.

In the House today, lawmakers are plowing through hundreds of amendments to a Republican spending bill. It would cut $61 billion from this year's budget. That is right, Congress has still not finished work on a 2011 budget. The country has been running on temporary funding measures. The Republican cuts face a White House veto.

And Bernie Madoff, in his first prison interview, is blaming the banks. That's right Madoff is jailed for swindling billions in an elaborate Ponzi scheme, and he tells "The New York Times" "They" -- the banks -- "had to know, but the attitude was sort of, If you're doing something wrong, we don't want to know."

United Airlines says it expects some delays but hopes to resume a normal schedule today. United grounded its fleet of 757s yesterday, and the airline says it needed to do some follow-up checks on an on- board computer system. "The Wall Street Journal" is reporting that United didn't comply with FAA guidelines during the first check.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DIANE DORAN, UNITED PASSENGER: They said there were some mechanical difficulties, and I just called the automated system and they said there were some computer difficulties. So you just wait.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Number crunching by CNNMoney.com shows that the American middle class is stuck in neutral. IRS figures show that the average taxpayer earned $33,400 back in 1988, when adjusted for inflation. Well, they averaged $33,000 in 2008. That's a loss, a decrease, of $400. At the same time, the richest 1 percent have seen their incomes soar 33 percent, leaving average Americans in the dust.

So the question is, why hasn't the average American seen much of an increase in their income over the last 20 years? There are some labor experts say it's because workers no longer have a strong voice. They say that unions are not as effective as they once were, and it's questionable to whether or not that's actually going to change because many people in the country blame the unions for some of those economic problems.

I want to go to Washington and talk back with Carol Costello. Carol, I don't know if it's overstating the case or not, but it almost seems like there's been a war on unions.

CAROL COSTELLO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I don't think it's overstating it at all. You could say there is a war on unins -- on unions, rather. Financially strapped states from Arizona to Ohio to New Jersey are pushing laws to limit the power of labor unions, especially unions that represent public employees. In Ohio, Democrats say a bill has been introduced that would effectively kill off public employee unions.

Unions are in part to blame here, of course. Think of overly generous pension plans bankrupting states and stories of unions protecting incompetent workers. On the flip side, though, unions have kept wages up for their members. Bill Rogers (ph), former chief economist for the Labor Department, says because of collective bargaining deals, union workers earn 15 to 20 percent more than their non-union counterparts. Rogers argues without collective bargaining available to much of the middle class, wages have stagnated.

Consider this. In 1983, union members made up about 20 percent of the workforce. Last year, unions represented less than 12 percent of the workforce. And Rogers says with that decline, the wage gap has widened precipitously. In 1988, the average American income was $33,400, adjusted for inflation. Twenty years later, it was $33,000. And the richest Americans -- their income increased 33 percent over the last 20 years.

So talk back. Should union power be curtailed? Let me know what you think at FaceBook.com/Carolcnn. Your answers coming up within the hour. FaceBook.com/Carolcnn. Keep them coming -- Suzanne?

MALVEAUX: Carol, it's absolutely amazing and so surprising when you look at those numbers. It's hard to believe.

COSTELLO: Oh, yes. The wage gap is bigger than it ever has been in the history of this country. And we talked about the poverty rate in this country yesterday, Suzanne. It's the highest since 1948. So something's awry. Is it because of the lessening union power or is it because of something else? That's what we're asking our viewers today.

MALVEAUX: All right. Expect to hear a lot from the viewers today. Thank you, Carol.

COSTELLO: Sure.

MALVEAUX: Well, here's a look at what is ahead on the rundown. Speaking out exclusively to CNN, the woman accused of providing girls for Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. She talks about these allegations.

Also, stuck in the blistering Arizona desert for five days, if you can imagine, this. This man -- what he did to survive. Unbelievable.

And for the first time in a decade, health insurance companies are seeing a decrease in medical expenses. Big question is, will you?

And finally, a cat in Florida with sticky paws. House pet by day, kleptomaniac by night. It's all caught on videotape.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MALVEAUX: One day after being indicted for allegedly paying for sex with a teenage prostitute, Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is downplaying his legal and political troubles. The 74- year-old denies wrongdoing and he's called this whole case a complete farce.

Well, one of the women who attended Berlusconi's parties has been talking exclusively with our senior international correspondent, Dan Rivers. And he's joining us from Milan. Dan, bring our viewers up to speed here about this case. We -- there seems to be a development every day, and now you are exclusively talking with someone who has some information.

DAN RIVERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Suzanne, let me just fill in the viewers. Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister, has been indicted for paying for sex with this young Moroccan girl nicknamed "Ruby, the heart stealer." I sat down with another woman who is linked to this scandal, which involves a whole bevy of different young women, allegedly, who attended wild parties at his villa outside of Milan. I talked to Nicole Minetti, who's one of the women who is being investigated for procuring other prostitutes for Silvio Berlusconi.

I probed her on a whole range of issues. We put the whole interview on the Web site, but here's a bit where I'm talking about the financial relationship between her and the Italian prime minister.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RIVERS: So you would deny ever having received any money from Silvio Berlusconi?

NICOLE MINETTI, UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR PROCURING PROSTITUTES: Well, he helped me in some incidents (ph) and situations. I mean, he didn't have any problems helping people even in an economic way.

RIVERS: How much money did he give you?

MINETTI: That's a detail which I wouldn't go into.

RIVERS: But thousands of euros?

MINETTI: It doesn't matter. That's not the -- that's not the matter.

RIVERS: Well, some people say it does matter because it would suggest that he was either paying for your services or paying to keep you quiet.

MINETTI: Or as he was helping me just because he cared for me. It could be one thing or the other.

RIVERS: How would you describe your relationship with prime minister?

MINETTI: I had an affectionate relationship, meaning someone that you care for and cares for you.

RIVERS: But not an improper relationship or sexual relationship?

MINETTI: I wouldn't go in those details. Those are private details.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

RIVERS: Certainly side-stepping those questions, very key questions in all this, but she was very clear on the fact that she had never procured prostitutes for the prime minister, and was very clear, as well, that she said that the parties she attended at the prime minister's house did not involve sex, did not involve prostitutes. They were just normal dinner parties -- Suzanne.

MALVEAUX: All right. Dan, thank you so much. We'll see how all of this unfolds. Obviously, this is a story that continues to give us a lot of nuggets there. Thank you, Dan.

Another case is unfolding in Italy. A judge has indicted the parents of American student Amanda Knox, you may recall, on a charge of slander. Now, this comes two years after an Italian jury convicted Amanda Knox of murdering her roommate. Well, Knox's mother spoke to CNN's Drew Griffin.

DREW GRIFFIN, CNN SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT: You know, as an American citizen, you are going to ask yourself what this is all about after I tell you. In 2009, the parents gave an interview to the "Sunday Times" of London in which they were describing an interrogation that Amanda Knox had described to her parents. The parents were relating that she was denied food and water, she was denied an interpreter, and that she was physically and verbally abused during the intense interrogation.

The police say that's just blatantly not true, and that is what this case is about. That what is what they are being charged with. Yesterday, I did sit down with the mother. This is what she had to say about this additional charge she now faces.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: I mean, if you are looking at it as the Italian justice system versus your family, this almost feels like persecution, not prosecution, going now after the parents.

EDDA MELLAS, MOTHER OF AMANDA KNOX: Well, and I wouldn't say the Italian justice system. I would say a few people in Perugia, definitely. It feels very personal now. It feels like, OK, you're after our daughter, you're after, you know, us. Someone today commented on the radio it's almost like they try to wear them down. Maybe if we keep at them, they'll go away or -- you know, or go bankrupt or whatever. But it's not stopping us.

GRIFFIN: Will you?

MELLAS: Oh, probably eventually, yes.

GRIFFIN: Go bankrupt?

MELLAS: Well, you know, I think we've mortgaged just about everything we can mortgage. But there's lots of -- you know, there's been very kind people who have sent donations to help pay for Amanda's defense.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: There is a new appeal in this case and a lot of hope because there is now a new judge, a judge who ordered a new look at, quite frankly, scant physical evidence in this case. That review is due in May, and then the parents will face their judge in July. So there is hope for a new appeal here. But again, you know, her conviction has been upheld by the higher courts in Italy, and she is serving 26 years in prison.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MALVEAUX: That is Drew with our exclusive there.

Another case is raising some questions about Twitter and Facebook. What can be done to keep jurors from disrupting trials by using social media sites? We're going to talk with "In Session" legal analyst Sunny Hostin about that in the next hour.

And insurance companies paying less for medical care. We're going to get to the bottom line on what that could mean for your health care costs.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MALVEAUX: The joke's on us today. Conan O'Brien -- well, he takes a hit at TV news for today's "Punchline."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CONAN O'BRIEN, HOST, "CONAN": All local news is pretty much the same, no matter where you live. So Andy and I can show you what you're missing right now in a piece we're calling "Local News Roundup." Tonight's top story, a water main broke in a town you've never heard of. Some old people tried to stave off death. Animals went someplace they didn't belong. And a person on the street was interviewed.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, you want to woo-woo! (INAUDIBLE) You know what I'm saying?

O'BRIEN: And now for sports, let's go back to Andy Richter (ph) -- Andy.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Your team lost again, and the coach thinks that they got to play better and they got to work way harder than they have.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We got to play better, we got to work way harder than we have.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Conan?

O'BRIEN: Andy?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: That was great! Now it is your turn to "Choose the News." Wonderful spoof of -- I don't think so. These are three stories, and here's how it works. You text message us for the one that you want to see in detail in the next hour. So here are the choices. A Jim Crow-era guidebook brings back feelings and some lessons from that chapter in American history. The so-called "Green Book" showed African-Americans where they could stay safe in the segregated country.

Story number two, suicidal people change their minds after spending some time in a coffin, pretending to be dead in order to appreciate life. It's a radical treatment in South Korea.

And a rare look at advanced Marine sniper training. We're going to take you about 9,000 feet into the Sierra Nevada mountains.

So here's what you do. Vote by texting 22360. Vote 1 for Jim Crow-era guidebook, 2 for radical suicide treatment, or 3 for advanced sniper training. Now, the winning story is going to air in the next hour, so text.

Medical expenses -- we are following. For insurance companies -- well, they fell last year for the first time in about 10 years or so. That's according to a new study. Alison Kosik -- she's joining us with the bottom line on what this could mean for your health costs care (SIC). Alison, I don't know if this is going to make much of a difference for us, whether or not we're going to see a decline. What are we talking about?

ALISON KOSIK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it very well may mean a difference for us, but I'll tell you what. This a huge shift for the health insurance industry. For the first time in a long time, medical costs for health insurers have fallen almost 2 percent last year. Now, some analysts speculate that's because insurers are actually excluding people from coverage and denying to pay claims. But if these costs went down for last year, this would be the first time in 10 years. And I'll tell you what. It's a long time coming. Insurers' costs have really risen sharply -- look at that -- over the past few years because of the obvious, medical care costs more these days -- Suzanne.

MALVEAUX: People care about this. What does it mean for their medical expenses?

KOSIK: Well, we, of course, want to see our medical expenses go down, so hopefully, these lower costs are, in fact, true, that this means higher profits for companies and then, hopefully, they'll pass those savings on to us. But the caveat here is these numbers are merely an average, so not every insurance company has necessarily had lower costs -- Suzanne

MALVEAUX: Yes, what about those markets? We're hearing that some more mergers that are taking place. What's the response on Wall Street?

KOSIK: Yes, we've got more merger mania happening here on Wall Street, something Wall Street loves because it shows confidence in corporate America. Take a look at stocks right now. The Dow is up 64 points, the NASDAQ higher by 22. Yesterday, we found out that Deutsche Borse is buying the New York Stock Exchange. Today we've got a big pharma merger in the works. We've also got solid earnings from Dell, and a strong outlook from Dell, as well. We've also got strong home construction numbers. So a lot to focus on for Wall Street, and a lot of it is good today -- Suzanne.

MALVEAUX: OK. Thank you. Good news. We appreciate that, Alison. Well, it is now time to go cross country for stories CNN affiliates are covering. Our first stop is Phoenix. Eighty-four- year-old Henry Morello is in pretty good shape. It's amazing considering he just spent five days stranded alone in the desert. He told reporters how it happened and what he had to do to stay alive.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HENRY MORELLO, SURVIVED 5 DAYS IN DESERT: I ran into a ditch and I got stuck in that ditch. Then the battery went dead and my phone went dead, and I went dead. Windshield washer -- I broke the top off of the thing with a rock and sucked some of the water out of there. This is (INAUDIBLE) your life because that's poison, isn't it?

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MALVEAUX: Now to Old Forge, Pennsylvania, where high school senior Kiel Eigen, confined to a wheelchair by a spinal injury in 8th grade -- he got up and walked for the first time. Inspired the whole community.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KIEL EIGEN, NO LONGER CONFINED TO WHEELCHAIR: Sports has been my whole life. I mean, if it wasn't for sports, I don't know what would make me get through all this, especially with all the support from everyone.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: And Forensic engineers in San Antonio, Texas, are looking into what caused a university hospital parking garage to collapse. Two people are injured. It happened Tuesday in a part of the garage that was under construction.

In Iran, a movement is reborn, but will it be enough to overpower a government?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MALVEAUX: Here's a look at what's ahead on the rundown. A county commissioners meeting starts out civil enough in Dallas, but it certainly doesn't end that way.

Plus, shopping smarter. If you're a group discount groupie, say good-bye to instant gratification. We're going to explain why.

And finally, what Americans are saying about their trust in the president and congressional Republicans to cut the deficit.

And there is still time to pick the story you want to see later in our "Choose the News" segment. Vote by texting 22360. Vote 1 for Jim Crow-era guidebook. It showed African-Americans where they could stay safe in a segregated country. Vote 2 for radical suicide treatment. This is people thinking about killing themselves actually spending time in a coffin. Or vote 3 for a rare look at advanced Marine sniper training.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MALVEAUX: OK, videos that keep you glued to your TV topping today's "Guilty Pleasures." It's an angry outburst at a commissioners court meeting in Dallas, Texas.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All of you are white. Go to (EXPLETIVE DELETED). Go to -- go to (EXPLETIVE DELETED)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: This is a meeting that erupted into a shouting match between one of the commissioners (INAUDIBLE) citizens. One of them called commissioner John Wiley Price (ph), quote, "the chief mullah of Dallas County." Well, price later said he thought the man was using a racial slur, and he lashed out. Two of the men expressed outrage at Price's comments.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We will not respect that kind of outburst to a citizen saying, Go to (EXPLETIVE DELETED)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He called me a fat boy. How does that make you feel? From a man standing -- sitting up here representing the county?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Unbelievable.

In Canada, a smashing good time.

(VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Now these are sledge hammers meeting cars. It's all part of a recycling program. Its aim is to get holder, higher polluting vehicles -- get them off the road and also, a pretty good way of getting rid of some frustration there.

A lot of pet owners, they think that their animals, you know, can do special things, but we've got something for you. Dusty the cat and her talent here is not only unusual, it's a little on the evil side.

Vic Lee with CNN affiliate KGO has this cat burglar story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

VIC LEE, KGO REPORTER (voice-over): Meet Dusty. By day, he's a house pet. When the sun goes down, it's time to hit the streets. Dusty is a cat burglar.

ETHAN MCLELLAND, CAT BURGLAR NEIGHBOR: She always steals stuff. LEE: Neighbors like 5-year-old Ethan McClelland know him by his alias Klepto the cat.

E. MCLELLAND: Well she took my mom's swimming clothes.

LEE: Neighbors are on guard, but his victims don't intend to file police reports.

KELLY MCLELLAND, CAT BURGLAR'S NEIGHBOR: Now we haven't, cause we know where to go.

JEAN CHU, DUSTY'S OWNER: I think those are for playing hockey.

LEE: They go to Jean Chu and Jim Coleman's home, Dusty belongs to them. In the past three years, they figure, he has stolen about 600 items. And he's not choosey, he'll take anything that's not locked down.

CHU: Towels, gloves, shoes, socks, little toys, children's toys.

LEE: This pair of shoes, which he took in two trips, and even people's personal items.

CHU: Whities, and we have some black ones, too.

LEE: He especially likes bathing suits drying outside. He stole Kelly McLelland's bikini bottom.

K. MCLELLAND: And came back ten minutes later and took the top home. We know him very well.

LEE: Dusty's MO is always the same, he leaves home at night and returns with the loot in the early morning. The TV network Animal Planet recently installed a camera outside the house. It captured his nightly forays for a week.

Chu says Dusty's record take for one night take is pretty amazing.

(on camera): One night, how many?

CHU: Eleven, 11 different things.

LEE (voice-over): It's getting dark, now. The question is, which house will Dusty hit? It's a purr-fect night for a heist.

Vic Lee, ABC 7 News.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MALVEAUX: Purr-fect. Oh, I like that story.

Well, putting the brakes on a high-speed rail project. We're going to tell you which governor told President Obama thanks, but no thanks.

Also, an announcement from Britain's Royal Palace. That just ahead.

But first, see if you can answer one of today's can CNN challenge questions. It's about the late-Princess Diana. Where was Diana's first official appearance outside Great Britain as a princess? Was it Ottawa, Canada; Paris; Monte Carlo, Monaco; or New York?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MALVEAUX: Want to give you a piece of news just in here from our security team out of Washington. Producers as well as correspondents reporting here now that at approximately 8:30 this morning, there were several deputy U.S. marshals in northern district of West Virginia. They were serving an arrest warrant at a residence and apparently entering the residence here, three deputy U.S. marshals were fired upon, shotgun blasts. They were struck.

We understand that two of the deputies have been taken to a local hospital for treatment, the third was transported by a helicopter. We don't know what the conditions of these deputies are, but we do know that we are making some calls, our security team as well, out of Washington, making calls just to get more information on this.

But again, we can report three deputy U.S. marshals in West Virginia serving an arrest warrant were shot upon and that they are now being treated.

As protests continue across the Arab world, we are looking closer at the difficult history of Iran's Green Movement.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED CORRESPONDENT: Inspired by the recent uprising in Egypt and Tunisia, thousands pour into the streets of Tehran, a movement that is not new but rather reborn.

Just two years ago, Iran's Green Revolution erupted. Mass protests over the disputed reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad . A sea of young demonstrators dressed in green called for new elections and political change.

A young female protestor, Neda Soltan became the face of a democracy movement. He death, captured on camera during the unrest, galvanized the opposition against Iran's government and captivated the world.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We saw a shocking video of this woman Neda who had been shot in the chest. What is your reaction?

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It's heartbreaking.

UNIDENTIFIED CORRESPONDENT: But the protests ended within months after a government crackdown. Although the streets were cleared, the images seen today are evidence that the fire never died, even as Iranian authorities take greater control, monitoring the communications and movements of the leaders of the democracy movement. One of the biggest differences between the successful revolution in Egypt and the struggle in Iran is the role of security forces. In Egypt, military troops stayed largely out of the fray, resisted using force against the Egyptian activists. But in Iran, police use tear gas and batons to beat back the tens of thousands of demonstrators marching in the streets this week.

It's that threat of violence and retaliation from Iranian authorities that has kept the anti-government frustration simmering just below the surface until now.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MALVEAUX: And here to discuss the future of Iran's uprising Babak Rahimi, he's an assistant professor of Iranian and Islamic studies at UC San Diego and he joins us via Skype.

Doctor, we appreciate your time here.

ASST. PROF. BABAK RAHIMI, IRANIAN STUDIES, UC SAN DIEGO: thank you. We have watched the Iranian people rally for change before only to be beaten back by the state. Do you think the momentum coming out of Egypt, out of Tunisia is enough to overcome the totalitarian regime that we are seeing in Iran?

RAHIMI: As far as overcoming it, I'm not sure, but as far as gaining momentum and holding onto that momentum, I think there is something here we should really seriously consider.

What really the Iranian opposition, what the reason why they came out on February 14th was really on behalf of the people of Tunisia and Egypt, and they were very much inspired by their movement and how, according to them, that the Egyptians were also inspired by the Iranian movement back in 2009.

So there is an interesting connection here. I think this thing will continue as other Arab societies will also continue to challenge their governments that we are seeing happening all of the way from Libya to Yemen and Bahrain. So some really interesting developments happening in the regional level and the Iranian opposition sees itself participating within that greater movement.

MALVEAUX: How could -- how can this work the second go around? Because obviously it was squashed back in 2009. Does it stand a chance now?

RAHIMI: Quite frankly, I don't think so given the fact that the state will be more repressive for months to come. It feels that its authority has been threatened again. It thought it already had done away with the Green Movement, it has come back alive on February 14th.

I think what the movement is going to see for months to come, it's going to see an increasing repression. And then, of course, eventually there has to be some form of negotiation and compromise between the two entities, the government and opposition. But at this moment, it seems like neither of the sides are planning to do that, they're not planning to negotiate over their terms.

MALVEAUX: The level of brutality that we're seeing in Iran against these protesters and even some of the other countries where they have been killed, this is very different than what we saw in Egypt when had you a military that was basically sitting on the sidelines of all of this.

Is there a way the Iranian people can deal with that, overcome that kind of fear, that kind of confusion that comes from such an oppressive, brutal crackdown on their movement?

RAHIMI: Sure. I mean, what we saw in Egypt and Tunisia was the breakdown of barriers of fear, whereas in Iran there is of course that breakdown of fear was already there back in 2009, but the fear came back. And I think much of the reason is because of the state in Iran is very different than, say, the Egyptian state.

The role of the military in Egyptian civilian sphere is different than the Iranian one. The Iranian state or the paramilitary force, the Revolution Guard is regarded by some as the action of the state. They are the ones that actually they are all volunteer force in contrast to the Egyptian one, which is very different as a non- volunteer army. And as a result, we are just seeing a different way of dealing with the opposition within these two different respective countries.

I think the opposition realizes the Iranian state is probably more -- is not willing to negotiate because it's more independent, is more ideological and it probably needs to eventually needs to come out with other solutions in order to deal with the state.

But with regards to Egypt, I think what we are seeing is that the opposition is at least is inspired by the Egyptian people and seeing them as a source of inspiration in order to challenge the state right now in Iran.

MALVEAUX: Doctor Rahimi, thank you so much for your perspective. I know that you will be traveling back to Iran fairly soon. We wish you the best.

RAHIMI: Thank you very much. Appreciate it.

MALVEAUX: And to politics, a high-profile governor generates more presidential buzz. Our Paul Steinhauser part of "The Best Political Team on Television," live from the Political Desk in Washington.

Paul, tell us about this.

PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN DEPUTY POLITICAL DIRECTOR: Yes, we are talking about Chris Christie. And, Suzanne, the freshman governor, first-term governor of New Jersey, Republican, who has become among Republican circles kind of a rock star in a way. Why? Because of his in-your-face, forget-about-it attitude I guess you could say, and also because of his attempts in New Jersey to really cut government spending, cut the deficit, cut the budget in that state and try to lower taxes and really taking on the Democratic state house there.

So he's coming here to Washington, D.C. about two hours from now. He's going to be talking at the American Enterprise Institute, that's a conservative think tank here in this town, and there is a lot of buzz about his speech.

And for another reason as well, Suzanne. He has kept saying I have no interest, I am not running for the White House for the Republican nomination 2012, but people keep writing about whether he will or won't. So that's why a lot of interest in today's speech.

He's calling today's speech "It's time to do the big things," and he's going to make a plea that what he's tried to do in New Jersey, others should try to do here in the U.S. as the nation tries to tackle this massive budget deficit and get government spending under control.

So a lot of eyes on Chris Christie today. We'll have more after his speech.

Carol, some breaking news -- Carol? I'm sorry, Suzanne, breaking news earlier -- who am I talking to. I'm sorry.

MALVEAUX: Forget about it, as you said.

STEINHAUSER: Forget about it, you got it.

So, yes, two hours ago, breaking news out of Florida. The governor down there, Rick Scott, another Republican, another freshman just elected in November, he calls this news conference out of the blue. What does he announce? He's saying forget about it to that federal funding.

The White House wanted to give his state millions of dollars to build high-speed rail between Tampa and Orlando. He said, no, not going to take the money. That was the big news this morning. He becomes the third Republican governor to say no to federal funds, joining the new Republican governors in Wisconsin and Ohio to say no to those funds.

Now this is kind of a pet project of the White House and President Barack Obama. He says high-speed rail is a way to win the future. So Scott saying no to the money because he says the state would have to match the money, and he says in these tough economic times with the deficit the way it is, can't afford it -- Carol.

MALVEAUX: And what about -- it's Suzanne. Forget about it, Paul.

I have one more question for you, all right. Americans do they trust -- who do they trust more to tackle the deficit? We've been talking about this. Is it President Obama? Is it congressional Republicans? What are you getting?

STEINHAUSER: Well here's a brand new poll, and check these number out, CBS News poll, and it asked just that, Suzanne, who do you trust more, whose got the better solutions. Look at that, dead even split, 42 percent say President Barack Obama has the right solutions to cut the deficit, an equal amount say they trust congressional Republicans more to get the country out of the red. And look at that at the bottom, 9 percent say forget about it, neither side has the right solutions -- Suzanne.

MALVEAUX: Forget about it. All right, I'll see you, Paul.

STEINHAUSER: Thanks, Suzanne.

MALVEAUX: For the latest political news, you know where to go, CNNPolitics.com.

And there is still time to pick the story you want to see later in our "Choose the News" segment. Vote by texting 22360. Vote 1 for Jim Crow-era guidebook. It showed African-Americans where they could stay safe in a segregated country. Vote 2 for radical suicide treatment. People contemplating suicide spent time in a coffin. Or vote 3 for a rare look at advanced Marine sniper training.

Just how savvy a shopper are you? We've got some top tips on how you can make the most of online group discounts.

And time for our "Most Intriguing Person." This state senator from South Carolina was recently in the spotlight after arguing that the only people willing to work hard in America are illegal immigrants.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MALVEAUX: He's getting a lot of flak for it, but South Carolina's State Senator Robert Ford says the only people willing to work hard in America are illegal immigrants.

Take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

STATE SEN. ROBERT FORD (D-CHARLESTON), SOUTH CAROLINA: America's not going to do no hard, hard work. The foundation for industry is going to be laid by Mexican workers. That's a matter of fact.

Now they got some people upset about that. They better learn American history and they better get a life.

All of the media calls me, oh, Senator Ford, you should apologize. For what? Americans basic not going to do hard work. The hard work always done by new immigrants. In this case they happen to be a Mexican, Mexican immigrants. And I'm fighting like hell to make sure they stay here and become citizens. And once they become citizens, they're not going to do the hard work either.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Ford's comments created a stir among black leaders, Republicans and Democrats. Many called on him to apologize and he is our "Most Intriguing Person of the Day."

Retail sales weren't that great in January, but it doesn't mean that retailers are going to try even harder to get your dollars. The CNN Money Team's Stephanie Elam, she tells us how to shop smarter right now.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

STEPHANIE ELAM, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Suzanne.

That's true about retail sales, but in recent months we've seen that consumers are more comfortable shopping for discretionary goods than they were a year ago. But just to keep everything within reason, we have a few ways you can shop smarter starting right now.

First up, group discounts are all the rage from companies, like Groupon, Living Social, DealOn, Scout Mob -- you know those companies. Well, while you may want to buy all kinds of deals that they're offering, the folks at "Shop Smart" magazine say be aware of the expiration dates. Many popular offers at smaller mom-and-pop companies may get swamped and booked up, so it might take a few weeks before you can get an appointment.

And with Presidents' Day right around the corner, "Shop Smart" says look for deals on appliances, furniture, and mattresses this upcoming holiday weekend.

Also, to nab the best deal while shopping online, "Shop It To Me" says you have got to be looking on the right day. The online personal shopping site scanned six months' worth of sales at more than 100 online retailers, and broke down the best days to buy what online. In fact, take a look at this. The folks say the discounts can be up to 40 percent to 55 percent off if you shop on the right day, they say.

And finally, if your new buy breaks, before you spend more cash to get it fixed "Shop Smart" magazine says contact the manufacturer. The product could be covered by a recall, a replacement policy may be there, or you might be able to get a discount on a new part.

Also if you paid by credit card, they suggest checking with your card issuer since some will extend the manufacturer's warranty -- Suzanna.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MALVEAUX: Well, stuck in neutral, middle class incomes have remained virtually unchanged since the '80s. IRS figures show the average taxpayer earned $33,400, that was back in 1988. That's adjusted for inflation. Well, they average $33,000 in 2008, a loss of $400.

The big question of course is why. Some labor experts say it's because workers no longer have a strong voice and unions aren't as effective as they once were.

Want to bring in our own Carol Costello for your chance to "Talk Back."

Carol, it's stunning when you see those figures, when you realize that the middle class is not doing any better than it did decades ago.

COSTELLO: If you a member of the middle class, it's depressing and it's quite painful. Bill Rogers, former chief economist for the Labor Department, says because union membership has declined wages have stagnated for the middle class. Yet, across the country, there is a push to kill off unions altogether.

So our question today -- Should union power be curtailed?

This from Michael. He says, "It's because of the unions our factories are closed down. They drained all the profits from investments back into the company to overpay workers."

This from David. "Union powers should be increased. When are people in this country going to wake up? The rich folks have been sucking away at the power that the middle class had...and the ignorant masses just willingly let them suck away..."

And this from Mike, "If you enjoy a five-day work week, you can thank the labor unions. Many of the benefits union and nonunion workers take for granted were fought for."

Keep the comments coming and the conversation going, Facebook.com/carol CNN.

MALVEAUX: All right. Thank you, Carol.

COSTELLO: Sure.

MALVEAUX: Well, here's a guy, he shoots, he scores, but a hockey fan leaves without the big prize. We'll explain and show you his amazing shot.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MALVEAUX: Just two months after their wedding, Prince William and Kate Middleton will make their first official trip abroad as a married couple and they are visiting Canada from June 30th to July 8th. This trip is going to take them all across the world's second biggest country from the arctic to Prince Edward Island. Queen Elizabeth is Canada's official head of state. She calls the country a home away from home.

Well, there is still time to pick the story you want to see later in our "Choose the News" segment. Vote by texting 22360. Vote 1 for Jim Crow-era guidebook to show African-Americans where they can stay safe in a segregated country. Vote 2 for radical suicide treatment. People thinking about killing themselves spend time in a coffin. Or vote 3 for a rare look at advanced Marine sniper training.

An insurance company is refusing to pay $50,000 for an amazing, and it is an amazing, hockey shot. It is trending online. Check out the video. Hockey fan Richard Marsh makes this incredible shot from 165 feet away. Amazing. Before the contest, Marsh said he would give the reward to a local hospital if he made it. He made the shot, but the insurance company avoided the payout saying Marsh hit the shot in front of the designated starting line. Owners of the Indianapolis ice hockey team, you know, they say they're going to make the donation to the hospital instead.

Also trending on CNN.com, a couple claims their million dollar prize just in the nick of time. Erin (ph) and Raleigh Hill (ph) of North Carolina kept their lottery prize a secret almost six months. They hid it in an envelope, a bible, a shoe box, finally a work locker. They cashed in their winning ticket just a day before it expired.

And another winner is coming forward at the Westminster Dog Show. History was made as a Scottish deerhound wins best in show. Hickory, yes, the first of her rare breed to take the title. Congratulations. A big surprise for many of the dog show elite.