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Libyan Woman Claims Rape by Soldiers; Libyan Rebels Take Key Towns; Radioactivity 100,000 Times Normal at Fukushima Daiichi; Japanese Doctors & Nurses Haunted by Memory of Patients

Aired March 28, 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. I want to get you up to speed for Monday, March 28th.

Libyan rebels are driving west today. Their next target is Sirte, Moammar Gadhafi's hometown. Rebels have faced little if any resistance, and NATO air strikes have badly damaged Gadhafi's hardware and forces.

Over the weekend, opposition fighters swept from Benghazi to the east to reclaim the oil cities of Brega and Ras Lanuf.

(SCREAMING)

MALVEAUX: A Libyan government spokeswoman says a woman who said she was raped by Gadhafi's troops has been released to relatives. Well, CNN can't confirm that. Eman Al-Obeidy burst into a Tripoli hotel on Saturday to tell international journalists that she had been raped by 15 soldiers. Government handlers rushed to silence her, while journalists frantically tried to help.

Our CNN's Nic Robertson was among them.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In another brazen display of brutality, much feared by regime opponents and rarely seen by reporters, a bag is put over Al-Obeidy's head as she is led away.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are you OK? Are you OK?

EMAN AL-OBEIDY, CLAIMS RAPE BY LIBYAN SOLDIERS: No.

AL-OBEIDY: (SPEAKING ARABIC)

ROBERTSON: A little later, she was manhandled out of the hotel, screaming, it seemed, for her life. "If you don't see me tomorrow, then that's it!" she was shouting.

Journalists, protesting her treatment all the way, but to no avail. Bundled into a car against her will, she was sped away. Her last words, she was being taken to jail.

(END VIDEOTAPE) MALVEAUX: Al-Obeidy's parents dispute the government claim that she has been released. They tell Al Jazeera that their daughter is a hostage, as they put it, at Gadhafi's compound.

NATO says it took formal control of the Libyan no-fly zone today and will soon manage all other aspects of the military operation. Defense Secretary Robert Gates again says the mission's goal is to protect Libyan civilians, not forcing Gadhafi out.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ROBERT GATES, DEFENSE SECRETARY: Regime change is very complicated, and it can be very expensive and can take a long time. And so I think the key here was establishing a military mission that was achievable, was achievable on a limited period of time, and that could be sustained.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Arizona Senator John McCain wants the U.S. and others to arm the Libyan rebels. He and other Republicans say that the president needs to clarify the purpose, the cost and the duration of the operation.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: This policy has been characterized by confusion, indecision and delay. And it's wonder, the nature of your question, that Americans are confused as to exactly what our policy is, because on the one hand, they say it's humanitarian. On the other hand, they say that Gadhafi must go.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: President Obama will speak to the nation tonight on the Libyan mission. CNN will have live coverage and analysis of the president's speech from the National Defense University in Washington. We get started at 7:00 p.m. Eastern, 4:00 out West.

In London, British Prime Minister David Cameron is making a statement on the Libyan situation. He is expected to urge the opposition organized for a transition process. An international conference will be held in London tomorrow, and it is designed to outline the political framework for the way ahead in Libya.

(CHANTING)

MALVEAUX: Now, the Syrian government may bow to protesters' demands and lift the oppressive emergency law that has been in place for 50 years now. President Bashar al-Assad is expected to address the nation soon. And dozens of protesters have been killed since demonstrations began just nine days ago.

In Japan, highly-radioactive water is now leaking into a tunnel underneath the Fukushima nuclear complex. Officials say now it is 100,000 times more radioactive than normal. Technicians want to pump the water out so work can resume, but all of their storage tanks are now full.

Well, some of that radioactive water is now seeping into the Pacific Ocean. Japan's nuclear agency says a sample of seawater taken a mile north of the plant is 1,100 times more radioactive than it should be.

Doctors and nurses caring for patients in the wreckage of Niigata hospital. They are also dealing with survivors' guilt. They fled the roof when the tsunami engulfed every floor. There wasn't time to move the patients. Twelve drowned in their beds, and now those doctors and nurses are working around the clock.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KYUNG LAH, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): "It's a natural disaster. They want to save everyone, but in this situation, they can't."

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Kyung Lah's full report on Niigata hospital and its staff. That, at the end of the hour.

More now on Libya and the westward march by rebel forces. They are headed toward Moammar Gadhafi's hometown of Sirte. Over the weekend, they pushed from Benghazi, in the east, to reclaim Brega and Ras Lanuf.

Our CNN's Reza Sayah joins us from Benghazi.

Reza, what is the next step for these rebels? How far, how much progress does this actually tell us?

REZA SAYAH, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, they've made remarkable progress. They're energized, they're on fire, it seems like. They've made 200 miles gained in the past 72 hours, gaining about five key cities.

The latest city that they've captured, Bin Jawad, which is right in the middle of the coastline in northern Libya. And this push, this fresh surge started on Saturday, when the city of Ajdabiya finally fell into the hands of opposition forces with the help of those coalition air strikes. Once they broke through Ajdabiya, then it was Brega that fell, Ras Lanuf, two key oil towns, and then Bin Jawad.

Now all eyes on Sirte, which is the hometown, the birthplace of Colonel Gadhafi. We talked to opposition officials here. Because this is Colonel Gadhafi's hometown, they anticipate a fierce fight. They anticipate resistance there.

Overnight here, there were some reports that Sirte had already fallen. There was celebratory gunfire throughout the night, until dawn. That celebration turned out to be premature.

Sirte, according to opposition officials, still being fought over. After Sirte is Misrata. And their mission, their ultimate destination, they say, Suzanne, Tripoli, and the fall of the regime. MALVEAUX: Reza, what would that mean, if they took control of Gadhafi's hometown? What would that mean to the rebel forces? Is it largely symbolic, or would this be a huge military success as well?

SAYAH: Well, it would certainly reach their first gain, which is getting rid of Gadhafi. Then the focus shifts on this transitional government.

They say they're going to write up a constitution and they're going to put in place a democracy. It's not clear how that will happen. But I think it's too premature to talk about the toppling of Gadhafi.

As these forces push west, I think you can expect the resistance to firm up. When you talk about Misrata, there is fierce fighting going on over there. That's a city that's just east of Tripoli. If it's captured by opposition forces, it would be, in essence, a staging ground for that final push to Tripoli.

I think it's a little too early to talk about Tripoli and the fall of the Gadhafi regime, but certainly these opposition forces have made significant progress over the past several days. Key in that progress has been these air strikes by these coalition forces.

MALVEAUX: All right. Reza Sayah, thank you so much.

U.S. officials are choosing their words carefully when it comes to Libya, which brings us to the "Talk Back" question today. Our Carol Costello, joining us for more.

You and I have been talking about this all morning. You've got to lay it out for us.

COSTELLO: Yes. I mean, it's just -- you can kind of understand it in a way, but it will be interesting to see what people have to say about this.

U.S. Tomahawk missiles, pounding Libyan military targets. F-15s, screeching overhead. The sights and sounds of war, right?

If they are, President Obama isn't saying so. When it comes to Libya, Mr. Obama prefers the term "operation" or "action." Other administration officials are following suit, carefully choosing their words.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The military mission --

HILLARY CLINTON, SECRETARY OF STATE: The military mission --

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: An operation like this --

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: An accomplishable task.

(END VIDEO CLIP) COSTELLO: That's my favorite. Why words like "task," "operation," "mission?" Maybe because we are already involved in two other wars with nearly 150,000 troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. That may be why earlier this month, Defense Secretary Robert Gates issued this warning --

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GATES: A no-fly zone begins with an attack on Libya to destroy the air defenses. It also requires more airplanes than you would find on a single aircraft carrier. So it is a big operation in a big country.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: An attack, a big operation. But is it a war? Webster's defines war as "opened and declared armed hostile conflict between states or nations."

And that brings us to our "Talk Back" today. Is Libya a war?

Write to me, Facebook/CarolCNN, and of course I'll be eager to read your thoughts about this coming up this hour.

MALVEAUX: Some people say it's just semantics. But you know what? President Obama, out of all people, he knows the importance of words. He's a wordsmith.

COSTELLO: Well, remember the whole "war on terror" thing?

MALVEAUX: He gets it, absolutely.

COSTELLO: Remember the whole "war on terror" thing? He said, oh, it's not the war on terror any longer, and he called it something else.

MALVEAUX: Right. Very specific about what that is.

COSTELLO: But in Iraq in Afghanistan, he does call those conflicts wars, but not Libya.

MALVEAUX: Let's see if he says it tonight. I don't think he will. I don't think he'll call it a war.

COSTELLO: I don't either.

MALVEAUX: But we'll see.

All right. Thank you, Carol.

COSTELLO: Sure.

MALVEAUX: So what do you think President Obama should say to the nation tonight when he discusses Libya? I want you to go to my Facebook page at Facebook.com/SuzanneCNN. Let us know. Remember, our coverage of the president's speech starts at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

Here's a look at what's ahead "On the Rundown."

A live report from Japan and insight from an expert on the latest nuclear worries.

Also, President Obama addressing the nation on Libya tonight. What is he going to say? Is it too late? We're going to talk about that.

Plus, how Japan and Libya are affecting your bottom line.

And get ready to pay for access to "The New York Times" online.

Finally, tsunami survivors haunted by memories of those they couldn't save.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MALVEAUX: There are new concerns today about Japan's damaged nuclear plant. The temperature is rising in one of those reactors, and radiation levels now are way up at another one.

Our CNN's Martin Savidge, he joins us from Tokyo. It's past midnight there.

Marty, what is the biggest worry right now at this plant? Help us understand what is actually happening today.

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it's almost one of those where you want to take your pick. But let me bring you the very latest news. And this is perhaps now top of the list of concerns.

It's just been confirmed to CNN from TEPCO -- those are the operators of the Fukushima facility out there -- that plutonium has now been found in the soil on the premises of the nuclear facility. Plutonium could only come from one source, and that would be reactor number 3, because that's the only one that has this MOX, or mixed oxide fuel. And that was a mixture of plutonium and uranium.

That's why reactor number 3 had always been the most serious of concerns, because that is the most dangerous of fuels. The fact that there is plutonium found in the soil -- and I'm not going to profess to be a nuclear expert, but from all the discussion that has been had on this subject, would indicate that this was the clearest example of a possible breach of the containment vessel for reactor number 3.

Again, TEPCO confirming to us that they have found traces of plutonium in the soil at the Fukushima nuclear site. And that would appear that it had come from reactor number 3. This is on top of the other news of the day, which had been --

MALVEAUX: Marty, I know you're no expert in this, but -- I'm sorry, Marty. I know you're no expert on this, but does that mean we are closer to a nuclear meltdown when they talk about a meltdown?

SAVIDGE: Well, "meltdown" is one of those terms that can be used a little too loosely. I mean, what you are concerned about, of course, is that any time that a core of a nuclear reactor the water level drops to a point where the fuel rods are exposed, that's all right as long as there is no breach of the containment vessel. But when you start picking up traces of plutonium outside, in the soil, it would indicate there has been some sort of broaching of that vessel. And again, that is about the worst stuff you want to get out there because of the high toxicity of that radioactively.

So, clearly, it appears that reactor number 3, for all the concerns, is now jumping again to the list of concerns. We thought reactor number 2, because of high levels of radiation found in water there, especially in the turbine building, they wanted to pump that water out so they could do more work to get the pumps going. The problem is, Suzanne, they have run out of places to store the water.

This is another problem they have. They thought they had tanks where they could pump off this excess. Those tanks are all full. They can't get in and work if there is water down in these areas. It's just one thing snowballing into another -- Suzanne.

MALVEAUX: It sounds like it's getting much worse.

And I understand that there is now radiation that was found in the ocean, about, what, 360 yards from shore? Do we know if it's from the plant, runoff from the water that has been pumped in? How dangerous is that?

SAVIDGE: Right. Clearly, it's coming from the reactor site. The question is, exactly where is it coming from, and how is it migrating into the ocean?

Some speculation is that the water has now been found in these electrical tunnels. These are very large tunnels. You could crawl through them. They run all around the facility.

The fact that water has gotten in there, that it's highly radioactive, could imply that that is the way it is somehow traveling into the ocean itself. TEPCO says they really don't know where it's coming from. That's what's so worrisome.

They do say it's not a threat to humans. And they also say they don't believe it's a severe threat to sea life because of the half-life it's gone (ph) in about eight days. But, still, you have to wonder, where is it coming from and how is it getting into the ocean? And until you know that, you can't stop it -- Suzanne.

MALVEAUX: Marty Savidge, thank you very much.

Obviously giving us the latest update there out of Japan.

I want to bring in our Michael Friedlander. He's been helping us make sense of the nuclear crisis. He joins us from Hong Kong.

Michael, you spent 25 years in the nuclear industry, 13 of them as a senior plant operator. First of all, just if you could, react to what Marty has just reported here. He said now they are finding plutonium in the soil around reactor -- they believe it's coming from reactor 3.

What does that mean?

MICHAEL FRIEDLANDER, FMR. SR. POWER PLANT OPERATOR: Well, the fact that they found plutonium out there is obviously something that we need to follow very closely. I wouldn't necessarily jump to that as a final conclusion right away, because over the last 72 hours, we have seen them make some very, very far-implicating statements, only then to, 24 hours later, retract them.

This is obviously a very, very important development. And if, in fact, it can be confirmed, obviously it's something that we need to look into further.

MALVEAUX: Michael, if it is true though, what does that mean?

FRIEDLANDER: Well, one of the things that has been a bit contorted, all low-enriched uranium-fueled reactors have plutonium in them. It's part of the nuclear fuel cycle as the reactor operates. How it got out into the soil obviously is the operative question right now.

Now, we know that over the course of the last two weeks, the reactor operators have been venting steam out of the containment buildings, and that steam has come from the reactor itself. We also have some indication in the unit 2reactor that there may have been some degree of fuel overheating, potentially some form of fuel melting.

So, again, whether or not that plutonium may have come from the spent fuel pool in unit 3, or perhaps it's on the other reactors, or as a result of the containment venting that has been going on over the days, it's really difficult to tell. But at the end of the day, it really doesn't matter where it's coming from. If it's in fact a confirmed situation, it's something that needs to be taken care of quite promptly.

MALVEAUX: Talk about the radioactive water that we're seeing. Where are the options if those storage tanks are full? Where do you put that?

FRIEDLANDER: Well, you know, from other issues that have occurred at nuclear power plants around the world, there's a number of ways of handling this. It's not uncommon at all to bring in temporary storage tanks that you can pump the water into.

The issue here is, is that -- just the very, very high levels of radioactive contamination. The point is, is that normally in a facility like this, tanks that can hold this kind of water are well- shielded, well-protected. We make sure that if in the event that there's another seismic event, that the tank doesn't rupture, obviously, in draining contents someplace that we don't want. That is probably the biggest concern, because as we've seen over the last couple of weeks, there have been ongoing aftershocks from the original earthquake.

So this is something obviously that the engineers are going to have to take a lot of consideration to when they decide where they're going to put that water. MALVEAUX: OK. Michael Friedlander, obviously a lot of questions, still. A lot of unanswered questions coming out from that nuclear plant.

Thank you, Michael.

Well, there is a new era at "The New York Times," and it's going to cost you.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MALVEAUX: A new era begins today at one of the oldest and most respected news institutions. Starting at 2:00 Eastern this afternoon, online readers will begin paying for extended access to "The New York Times" Web site.

Our Allan Chernoff has the details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALLAN CHERNOFF, CNN SR. CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): "The New York Times" is trying to harness a force that has been wrecking the newspaper business -- free access on the Internet. Executives here plan to walk a fine line to generate subscription revenue from avid readers willing to pay while still retaining casual customers who boost advertising revenue with their clicks. After much research, The Times believes that fine line is 20 articles every four weeks.

MARTIN NISENHOLTZ, SR. VICE PRESIDENT, "NEW YORK TIMES": We are as confident as we can possibly be in a research setting. Obviously, whenever research hits the real world, there are changes.

CHERNOFF: Whatever the right number of clicks is, The Times intends to be the largest general interest newspaper to emulate what business papers "The Wall Street Journal" and "Financial Times" have done -- collect subscription fees from online customers.

JILL ABRAMSON, MANAGING EDITOR, "NEW YORK TIMES": When I say it's a bet on the future, we want to maintain the most robust kind of newsroom full of talented journalists. And in order to do that, it seems sensible to begin asking some readers to pay for it.

CHERNOFF: As newspapers have given away their product for free online, paper subscriptions and advertising have dropped. The prestigious Times is no exception. Its online readership and Web advertising have steadily grown, but that hasn't made up for the drop in print revenue. So the paper needs a second stream of online revenue.

And executives believe now is the right time to start charging.

PAUL SMURL, VICE PRESIDENT, NEWYORKTIMES.COM: A few things have changed recently. One is that people are more used to paying for digital content with the advent of apps and app store, and the ease of purchase through apps.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MALVEAUX: Allan joins us now from New York.

Allan, tell us it ain't so. We've got to pay, pay, pay. Is there any way to get around this pay wall?

CHERNOFF: There is. And first, let's mention what that pay wall is -- $15 every four weeks for access on your computer. If you want it on a tablet, you're going to pay $20 every four weeks.

There is a way around it though, yes. And The Times is doing this intentionally.

You can still click through links. So, if somebody sends you a link on Facebook, Twitter, even though a search on Google, you'll still be able to get access, though the links on Google will be limited. But you still can get access, but it won't be as easy.

MALVEAUX: OK. All right. Thanks, Allan. Appreciate it.

Across Minnesota, they are piling up the sandbags, thousands of them, as high as they can. About 1,000 volunteers were in Hastings over the weekend trying to protect their homes along the Mississippi River.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MALVEAUX: President Obama is going on television tonight to talk about Libya. We're going to talk with CNN contributor Fran Townsend about what he needs to say and whether it's too late.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MALVEAUX: Here's a look at what we have ahead on the rundown. Gadhafi's hometown now within their sights. Rebels on the march in Libya, after a weekend of key victories.

Plus, whether you are flying or driving, you could be vulnerable to the ongoing crisis in Japan, as well as Libya.

And now fears of a looming government shutdown. Will Congress finally agree on a budget to prevent one from happening?

New developments today in the fighting in Libya. Rebels are pushing west toward Moammar Gadhafi's hometown of Sirte. Taking the town would be a symbolic victory, but the rebels said it could be the toughest and bloodiest battle so far.

Victories by the rebels in Ras Lanuf and Brega over the weekend represent a comeback by opposition forces trying to topple Gadhafi. NATO expects to resume the no-fly zone today.

And President Obama goes on TV to talk about the U.S.'s role in Libya.

We want to take a closer look now at the mission in Libya, both the military operation, as well as the political mission. Joining us via Skype from New York, CNN national security contributor Fran Townsend. Fran is also a member of the CIA External Advisory Committee. And Last May, she visited high-ranking Libyan officials at the invitation of the Libyan government.

Fran, thanks for joining us here.

I want to first of all talk about this story. A lot of us have been talking about it, get your reaction on the awful scene that erupted in the Tripoli hotel, where foreign journalists who were staying and this young Libyan woman bursts in, claims that she was raped by 15 men loyal to Gadhafi forces. She shows her wounds, she tries to get help. Several journalists try to come to her aid. She's dragged off by Gadhafi loyalists. We're not sure where this young woman is now. The government says that she's been released to family. The family disputes that.

Is there anything -- anything -- that U.S. officials or U.S. journalists can do to track this young woman down and see what happened to her and protect her?

FRAN TOWNSEND, CNN NATIONAL SECURITY CONTRIBUTOR: Suzanne, this represents one of the great challenges for journalists in war zones, as you know. We've seen horror stories whether it's Iraq or Afghanistan, and now this horrible story in Libya.

Very (AUDIO GAP), the journalists are kept very much in their hotel. It's difficult for them to get outside to verify the stories. It's dangerous for them. Often times, unless the stories come to them, it's very, very difficult for them to reach out. Seeing Anderson Cooper on his show to call in to Libya and do interviews and other journalists doing it that way.

But this is a real challenge for us to actually independently verify or come to her aid, given that we're in the middle of a military conflict there.

MALVEAUX: Is there anything that the Obama administration, the White House, the State Department can do?

TOWNSEND: Not really. This is a Libyan citizen. Our freedom of movement there is restricted. The administration has been very clear that the Gadhafi regime has lost its legitimacy of governing so we're at odds with the regime. And so it's not clear to me that there is much that the American government is able to do to help this woman.

MALVEAUX: Fran, the president will go before the American people tonight. He is going to sell this mission, if you will.

What does he need to say to address the nation, to make us, first of all, understand what the purpose is going in? And then also the exit strategy -- how to get out of this.

TOWNSEND: Look, I think the president has his work cut out for him. If what the president does is go out there and say -- sort of claim victory, if you will, international leadership and this is the way it should be conducted, that won't be enough.

I think the president (AUDIO GAP) has to put in context what is President Obama's doctrine? We remember all too well that the Bush doctrine of (AUDIO GAP) threat, everyone who remembers that, knows what that is, whether they agree or disagree.

Here the president, we've seen Egypt, where he was vocal. Bahrain, where (AUDIO GAP) vocal. We've seen military intervention, Libya, after the U.N. resolution. But what we don't have is the framework in which the president approaches these foreign policy challenges. And I think that's what the American people are looking for. Otherwise, it looks like a bit of an inconsistency.

The other piece --

MALVEAUX: Fran, if I could, I want to bring in one of our viewers who submitted this to my Facebook page, Cory (ph). He says what he wants to hear from the president. He says, first you wanted to get rid of Gadhafi, now you don't want to pay for it, nor do you want American boots on the ground. We can't magically make it happen.

How should the president address those concerns from this viewer?

TOWNSEND: I think that's the most serious concern that your viewer mentions that the president must address. Gadhafi, now that the president has said he must go, you can't say that and not be willing to do something about it. This is a leader. Gadhafi is a guy who said he will retaliate with the military intervention there and he's done it in the past with Pan Am 103 in retaliation to the bombing on the compound by President Reagan.

This is a guy who now poses an immediate and direct threat to the United States and our western allies. The president needs to be able to say to the American people how he's going to protect us from Gadhafi -- Gadhafi's retaliation and what he's willing to invest to see that Gadhafi actually does go.

MALVEAUX: And finally, Fran, real quick here, does Gadhafi have a face-saving measure to get out of this, or has he been boxed in?

TOWNSEND: I think he's pretty tightly boxed in. And the only way that you're going to find a non-military, non-kinetic, if you will, resolution to this is if the American administration and the State Department works with our allies to provide him an exit strategy that doesn't involve a military solution.

MALVEAUX: OK. Fran, thank you very much. We appreciate it. We'll all be watching tonight to see what the president has to say.

Thank you, Fran.

We still want to hear from you. What do you think President Obama should say tonight to the nation when he discusses Libya? Go to my Facebook page at Facebook.com/suzanneCNN. Let us know. Remember, our coverage of the president's speech starts tonight at 7:00 Eastern. The clock is ticking toward fiscal showdown now. A possible government shutdown in Washington. We have details in our political update up ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

Former President Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalynn arrived in Cuba. This happened just moments ago. Carter will meet with President Raul Castro before leaving Havana on Wednesday. There is speculation that Carter will try to win freedom for American Alan Gross. Cuba recently sentenced Gross to 15 years in prison for what they call, subversion.

Iowa Republicans are getting ready for 2012. Mark Preston and Paul Steinhauser, part of the Best Political Team on Television, live from the political desk in Washington.

Great to see you guys.

Mark, I understand you just got back from Des Moines. You've been following a handful of presidential hopefuls. What's the mood out there?

MARK PRESTON, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL EDITOR: Well, I got to tell you what Suzanne, Just back from Des Moines. There was a political conference where five Republicans appeared to talk about their vision for the future if they are to run for president.

I got to tell you, the mood from Iowa Republicans, Suzanne, is that they want this race to kick into high gear. There's only a couple of Republicans who've actually announced that they are going to run. But on Saturday, we heard from the likes of Newt Gingrich and Hayley Barbour, John Bolton, Michele Bachmann, and Herman Cain.

Really the themes that they focused on was values. The folks at this conference, about 500 of them, were mainly social conservatives. There was also a lot of talk about the economy and there was talk about national security. But, really, Iowa, a very important state in the Republican presidential primary. They'll be the first to vote. They want to see the race kick into high gear.

Paul, what do you got?

PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN DEPUTY POLITICAL DIRECTOR: Suzanne, you know, it's been overshadowed by what's going on in Libya, what's going on in Japan with the earthquake. But remember, we're about a week and a half away from a possible government shutdown.

Now lawmakers are back right here in Congress today, this week, and that's going to be tops of their agenda, to keep the government funded through the rest of this fiscal year, which goes through the end of September. But if they don't have an agreement by the end of next week, by April 8th, we could have a possible shutdown of services and offices.

So, check this out. Brand new for you and for your viewers right now. A new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation National poll. Americans, who do they think have the better ideas? Which approach do they prefer more? Look at that, Americans are divided. Forty-six percent say President Obama has the better approach on the standoff. Forty-five percent say Republicans in Congress. So it seems Americans, Suzanne, are divided when it comes to that.

But one thing that they are very frustrated for sure about the whole budget process -- Suzanne.

MALVEAUX: Very much divided. Another thing they're divided on, I understand, you guys, the president's Final Four picks. Everybody's filling out their brackets don't know what to pick.

How did President Obama do?

STEINHAUSER: Yes, he didn't do so well at the end. He did well in the beginning.

OK, check this out. Here are the Final Four teams. We all know who they are. If not, let's go through them. We've got Butler. We've got VCU, from Virginia. That's a real, real Cinderella story. We've also got UConn and we've got Kentucky. I guess you could consider those the favorites right now, the higher seeds.

How did the president do? Well, look at his Final Four picks and you know what? None of them -- none of them made it, OK? Ohio State, Duke, and Pittsburgh. And he had Kansas go all the way. Those were all number one seeds. So I guess the president went with the winners but in the end the winners are now the losers.

I can't say I did any better. I did a lot worse than the president, Suzanne.

MALVEAUX: I didn't do any better myself. I wonder, I take a look at the teams and I think, OK, Ohio, was it political there? Was he trying to push it a little bit? You know, those swing states that he's going for? You never know.

STEINHAUSER: Maybe he was trying to do that. But 2012, still a long way away.

MALVEAUX: OK. Thanks, Paul, Mark. Appreciate it.

The latest political news, you know where to go, CNNpolitics.com.

Some drivers here in the United States are racing to the car dealerships, they're buying up whatever Japanese hybrids are left on the lots. But, is now the time to buy? We've got some Top Tips.

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MALVEAUX: Situations in Japan and Libya are having an affect now on your bottom line. Stephanie Elam is here to tell us what it means for car, as well as airline prices. So this is really impacting whether or not people are buying cars or how high those tickets are, Stephanie? STEPHANIE ELAM, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Yes. You know, Suzanne, it shows you how small the world has gotten, because we can tell you the crisis in Japan is impacting the auto industry for sure. Factory disruptions for big automakers like Nissan, Toyota and Honda, they could cause prices to climb into April.

And forecasting firm HIS Global Inside expects by the end of March, lost Japanese production will total nearly 600,000 vehicles, and they say that is about 37 vehicles lost every day. And some of those cars, of course, were destined for the United States.

Now, Ford is asking dealers not to order any new red or black cars on some of their most popular models, like the Taurus, as well as Super Duty trucks, due to delays in getting a paint ingredient for three shades of red, and the tuxedo black color, from a Japanese supplier. However, Ford is saying these colors and vehicles are currently available.

And as Rick Newman points out -- he's with U.S. News -- you're not going to see car models just like vanish off of showroom floors. But lower inventories could make dealers less willing to negotiate with you, or maybe offer rebates or option packages and any other incentives. It also might make it harder to get replacement parts, too, Suzanne.

MALVEAUX: So should folks try to buy a new car right now, or is it not a good idea? Not the right time?

ELAM: Right. That's a question a lot of people have. And CNN Money says if you're looking at a fuel-efficient Japanese model, experts say you might be better off buying now because prices are expected to rise.

But before you just take off and run out to the dealer, know that prices aren't going to go up immediately since dealers still have cars on their lots. Also, many Japanese cars sold in. U.S. are made in North America now. And Consumer Reports tells us that most car segments are highly competitive so there are a number of good choices in each area.

For example, let's say you're thinking about buying a Honda Civic but the price is too high, well consider a Hyundai Elantra. And still, make sure you comparison shop at different dealers and also for different models. And if your need isn't so pressing, then take your time and take a look at the reviews. You can also do that on ConsumerReports.org, Suzanne.

MALVEAUX: Stephanie, thanks. And I know we're going to talk about rising air fares. We've got more tips to save money, up next.

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MALVEAUX: Oil is now more than $100 a barrel because of concerns about Libya, as well as Yemen. It's boosting airline prices. Those prices are going up, those tickets, especially when it comes to southern travel. Our Stephanie Elam is back with some tips. And Stephanie, I've been traveling. I just traveled this weekend. It's not easy. You've got more -- those prices are going up and up and up.

ELAM: Yes. Especially when you have a baby and you buy three tickets. It gets more expensive as I've been noticing. And those rising oil prices? Yes, we always think of them with our cars because of gas prices, but it does affect your air travel.

Rick Seaney with FareCompare.com says that oil and jet fuel prices are already impacting airline prices. He says they've had sic successful airfare hikes since January. We're watching a seventh one to see if it'll stick. And about a 25 percent boost in leisure domestic airfare tickets. And that's because of a lack of additional seats on planes and rising fuel costs. That means a $240 domestic round trip ticket is going to cost you around $300 now.

So that means you're going to have to do some searching to find a good trip for the summer. But, it may be more expensive, Suzanne.

MALVEAUX: All right, Stephanie, thanks. That's about what I was paying over the weekend. Appreciate it.

Thanks, Stephanie

ELAM: Exactly.

MALVEAUX: Well, we've the words operation, action, task, right, when it comes to Libya? But there's one word we have not heard, which brings us to today's Talk Back.

Our Carol Costello is here for more of that word -- the W word -- that word.

COSTELLO: You're not hearing much of the W word, at least from President Obama. Our Talk Back question today -- is Libya a war?

This from Jessica. "It is a war. My husband and two brothers are all active duty Army and I'm so fed up with the term military operations. Just because Obama isn't calling it a war doesn't change the fact that it is, in fact, a war."

This from Matt. "No, it is a not a war. We are intervening and supporting. But for it to be a war we would have to declare it as such and take actions to ensure a victory for the benefit of our nation."

This from Louis (ph). "Not for the United States, yes. But yes it is a war for Libya. And it does have the potential for becoming our war. Scary."

And this from Patricia. "Are soldiers risking their lives? Yes. Are innocent people dying? Yes. Are bombs and guns involved? Yes. If it looks like war, smells like war, walks, talks and acts like war, chances are it is war."

Keep the conversation going. Facebook.com/carolCNN. I'll be back with you in about 15 minutes or so.

MALVEAUX: All right. Thank you, Carol.

Running for their lives from a 40 foot wall of water. If you can imagine that. Nurses and doctors in Japan haunted by the memories of the patients that they had to leave behind.

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MALVEAUX: They were forced to run when the tsunami hit. Doctors, nurses, they had no choice but to leave patients behind. Now many are consumed by the memory.

Our Kyung Lah has this report.

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KYUNG LAH, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In the haunted shell that remains of Takata Hospital, under the broken beds, the IV bags filled with mud, nurse Fumiko Suzuki hears the screams of the lives she could not save.

FUMIKO SUZUKI, NURSE, TAKATA HOSPITAL: "The patients couldn't walk," she says. I heard someone screaming, "auntie, I can't save you, I'm sorry."

"I looked out and the wave was as high as a fourth floor window." "I'm sorry," I said, as I ran upstairs.

LAH: You had to leave patients behind?

SUZUKI (through translator): It is the biggest regret I have.

LAH (on camera): The tsunami flooded every single floor of this hospital. Fifty-one people were hospitalized that day. Twelve drowned in their beds, three died on the roof awaiting rescue. But it wasn't just patients who died that day.

(voice-over) Ten of Takata's Hospital staff died with the patients, among them, a man who ran for a satellite phone so survivors could call rescue crews. The hospital's director says he tossed it to the roof seconds before the tsunami killed him.

"This handwritten note reads he's helping us from heaven" says Dr. Ishiki. The doctor himself lost his own wife, but won't leave his makeshift clinic. A survivor burdened with the echoes of lives left behind. Nurse Suzuki feels the same. She's been here ever since she was rescued, cheerfully treating patients despite losing her house, her friends and her family, everything. The clothes she's wearing donated.

HAMAKO SUZUKI, PATIENT'S DAUGHTER: "When I hear that says Suzuki's lifelong patient, it breaks my heart. It's a natural disaster. They want to save everyone, but in this situation, they can't."

LAH: Nurse Suzuki says she can do something now. She can stay on the job.

FUMIKO SUZUKI (through translator): Whatever the situation, I will stay here. Talking with the patients will be my cure.

LAH: Caretakers pledging to heal and hoping to heal themselves.

Kyung Lah, CNN, Rukusen, Takata, Japan.

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