Return to Transcripts main page
CNN Newsroom
Fall Begins on September Next Week; War Veterans Fighting for Jobs After Fighting for the Country; Two Movies to Watch Over the Weekend; The New Jennifer Hudson After Losing Weight; Plane Crashes Into Spectators; U.S. Hikers Could Go Free Soon
Aired September 17, 2011 - 16:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Nine people are dead, more than 50 others injured after a World War II era plane crashed in Reno, Nevada. The P-51 Mustang was taking part in the Nevada Air Race when something went horribly wrong. It narrowly missed a grandstand packed with spectators and slammed into an area containing boxed seats. We'll go live to the scene in a few moments.
And still no word from Iran on whether two U.S. citizens are either out of prison or will be shortly. Iran's president said a few days ago that he expects Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer to be released. They were arrested two years ago on spy charges.
And three people are hurt today in India after a bomb went off at this private hospital. It happened in the heavily visited area of Agra where the Taj Mahal was located. Police say the bomb went off in the reception area blowing out the windows. Last weekend a briefcase bomb killed 11 people in New Delhi.
Former U.S. Senator Charles Percy is dead. The moderate Illinois Republican served in the Senate for nearly 20 years and eventually became the chairman of the powerful foreign relations committee. In recent years he was battling Alzheimer's disease. Percy died today at the Washington, D.C. hospice. He was 91 years old.
Federal investigators are on the scene of a deadly plane crash at a Reno, Nevada, air show. They are trying to determine what caused the vintage P-51 Mustang to lose control and slam into the ground, killing its veteran pilot and six others. Dozens of people were injured. Our Dan Simon is in Reno. What are you learning about this crash, Dan?
DAN SIMON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Fred, there is a press briefing that's going on right now behind me. The biggest headline is that authorities just announced that the death toll has climbed considerably. Three people were said to have died from this crash. Now the death toll has risen to nine. That coming from Dave Evans with the Reno Police Department, who just spoke about it moments ago. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAVE EVANS, RENO POLICE DEPARTMENT: Fifty four patients from the scene here to area hospitals. Of those 54, hospitals reported two fatalities. We also have a total of seven fatalities we know of at this time on the tarmac including the pilot. 17 folks are still being treated at local hospitals. And a total of 24 have been treated and released.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SIMON: We have also learned that the NTSB walked the scene this morning. The investigators took a look at the wreckage. They also discovered this component that we have been talking about throughout the day which is called the elevator tab lift. There is some speculation that that's what may have caused the plane to go down. There is photographic evidence that shows a part of the plane dislodging from the aircraft in the air. They actually did find a component on the ground. At this point they really can't link the two. They can't definitively say that's the part that came off the plane but of course, they're going to be zeroing their efforts in looking at that.
Fred, of course, there is also a lot of talk about this pilot. 74 years old. They're going to be looking at his record. At this point they have said that he's been a very competent, very experienced pilot. But, of course they're going to be looking at everything. Back to you.
WHITFIELD: And again, just for clarity, people are just getting updated as we get information from federal authorities there. Nine people in all were killed from that crash. Thanks so much, Dan Simon.
All right. Developing now in Iran where two U.S. citizens could be free again at any time. Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal are hikers who claim they crossed into Iran accidentally. They have been in prison on espionage charges for two years now.
Let's go live to CNN's Mohammed Jamjoom. He is in Oman today. So Mohammed, what more are we hearing and why do the lawyers for these two feel so confident?
MOHAMMED JAMJOOM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it's been several hours since we have heard substantial updates from anybody with the Iranian government. The last person who made any comments on the record. According to a Simi (ph) official news agency in Iran, the foreign minister was quoted today as saying "the judiciary would have the final word on when the hikers would be released." Based on reports he is seeing in the media he believed that leniency would be taken and that these hikers would be released fairly soon.
Speculation all day was that Saturday would be the day the hikers will be released. The lawyer told us - the lawyer for the hikers in Tehran told us many times today that he was very optimistic that it could happen at any time. Why was he optimistic? It's complicated. But let me try to break it down. Basically, he went to the court today. He saw there was a document that was signed by one judge saying that that judge knew that the bail had been posted but yet one more judge still has to sign the document as well before these hikers can be released. The lawyer believes that this judge will sign it soon. The foreign minister seems to be indicating that he believes the judiciary will release these hikers soon as a humanitarian gesture, and yet nothing completely definitive yet. Why are we in Oman? Because last year the Omanis played an integral part in making sure Sara Shourd, the third hiker, that she was released on humanitarian grounds. The Omanis paid the bail for Sara Shourd. She came through Oman on her way back to the States. So a lot of speculation that the Omanis are now playing a role in trying to negotiate the release of Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer. Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: And Mohammed, it was $500,000 that had to be paid for her release. The same price tag for these two young men, too?
JAMJOOM: It's not completely confirmed, Fredricka. There has been a lot of speculation. But most of the people we have spoken with with knowledge believe that the bail has been set at $500,000 for each person who is still in jail, Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer. That would make it $1 million. Again not completely confirmed but most of the people with knowledge of the case that we've spoken with in Iran do believe that's the bail money that's been set at this stage. Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: All right. Mohammed Jamjoom, thank so much.
All right. You can catch "Financial Fix" now - are we going to that right now? It's number one issue in American homes, getting your financial house in order. We're going to have that right after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: All right. Some international news now. So if a certain political candidate in Switzerland gets his way and he's actually elected it would be kind of terrible news at least for one popular computer program. CNN International Ralitsa Vassileva with us now to explain exactly what this means. This is very cryptic.
RALITSA VASSILEVA, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: I'm wrapping my brain around it.
WHITFIELD: Yes. Why is it bad news for a computer program?
VASSILEVA: Well, this guy founded a party which is called the anti- Powerpoint party. I'm not kidding.
WHITFIELD: Why?
VASSILEVA: And he wants to ban Powerpoint. He said it is dull, uninspiring and it costs Switzerland $2.5 billion a year.
WHITFIELD: Wow!
VASSILEVA: He's calculated -
WHITFIELD: Because so many people use Powerpoint (INAUDIBLE)? VASSILEVA: Because he said it's boring, people waste time just kind of sitting through bleary eyed sitting through these Powerpoint presentations. And he's made some - he's given some examples on his Web site which is very entertaining. We made a full screen here for you to illustrate.
He said, for example, the legendary speech of Martin Luther King, the "I Have a Dream" speech, a quote would look like this. For example, Martin Luther King says, "I have a dream that one day on the rest hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood." It gives you the chills. It's so emotional. It's so powerful.
Well, this is what he says a Powerpoint presentation make it sound like and look like. "Mutual get together of former slaves and slave owners at a table of brotherhood in Georgia." Which one would do you prefer?
WHITFIELD: The real thing. Everyone prefers the real thing. This is his primary platform for getting into office? Very serious position.
VASSILEVA: You know, he says really he doesn't have any political goals but he's doing this to draw attention to his cause. Because he said that's the only political party that really draws attention in the media.
WHITFIELD: This is making him popular.
VASSILEVA: And actually, you see we're biting. We're giving him time. Well, he needs in Switzerland, he needs 10,000 signatures to run for election.
WHITFIELD: OK.
VASSILEVA: But he has 300 so far.
WHITFIELD: Yes, OK. Seems like it would fall flat to me.
VASSILEVA: But he has another avenue because the Swiss - in Switzerland you can take an initiative, amend the Constitution, change laws, introduce new laws. All you need is 100,000 signatures and the government has to hold a referendum. So he has another way of doing this, he holds a referendum, gets 100,000 signatures in the referendum. So we'll see. We'll see.
WHITFIELD: OK. Wow. There's going to be a follow up to this, especially if he wins, right?
VASSILEVA: Right. It's interesting. He's a Swiss speaking coach but you know there might be a conflict of interest, of self-interest there because he's actually written a book called the "Powerpoint Fallacy." So it might be drawing attention to a cause he strongly believes in.
WHITFIELD: The picture is a lot more complete now.
VASSILEVA: But it does make you think. It does make you think.
WHITFIELD: He's making us think. OK. Ralitsa Vassileva, thanks so much. Good to see you.
VASSILEVA: My pleasure.
WHITFIELD: All right. Next we're going to talk a legal case. A Walgreens pharmacist scares off would be robbers and he's now suing to actually get his job back. Our legal eagles tackle this issue.
And also straight ahead, should you spend your money watching Sarah Jessica Parker juggle a high stress job with motherhood?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, god. How long have you been there?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Long enough. But go ahead, if there is anything else you need to adjust.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No, no. I think I'm fully adjusted though. Thank you. Thank you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: It's the number one issue in American homes, getting your financial house in order. Well, today, do you know that nearly six million young Americans are moving back home to live with mom and dad. They are in age range of 25 to 34 and they are often referred to as boomerang kids.
I talked to Karen Lee today about them, and she's the author of "It's Just Money, so why does it cause so many problems?" I asked here what you do once you let your grown kids move back home.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KAREN LEE, FINANCIAL CONSULTANT: So once you talked to your children about your own financial situation, I want to - I'm giving you permission, it's time to ask about theirs. What kind of debt are they in? Very important that you help your kids stay on top of those debt payments, not be late.
WHITFIELD: So it's not just open the door, OK, come on in and I'll help you feel better. But we need a dialogue because this should not be a permanent situation.
LEE: I would think the former would be a huge mistake if you just let them in with no ground rules.
WHITFIELD: You have to let your kids know that there are conditions right away.
LEE: Absolutely. So the other thing I'd like to tell you is if your children have an abundance of debt I encourage you to encourage them to seek debt consolidation help.
WHITFIELD: I thought that usually cost more money.
LEE: No. It actually does not. Talk with your credit card companies, lower your interest rates. But they package everything together, make it easier and you get involved.
WHITFIELD: Oh my goodness.
LEE: The other thing you can really do to help your children is insist that they work. Now, there's a lot of people -
WHITFIELD: They are not on vacation because you come home. You got to find something.
LEE: And we have a lot of people right now not wanting to be underemployed due to education. I would say get a job, get any job. And if they absolutely can't, are there some chores at home that you've been paying other people to do, lawn service, cleaning service.
WHITFIELD: Sweat hours.
LEE: And maybe you can reduce your budget a little in respect for helping them out.
WHITFIELD: And then you come up with this plan and you say it's up to parents to then say "OK. Got to do little checks and balances here. Let's make sure this plan is working or let's modify it, things like that."
LEE: Let's start with the ground rules of you must set a plan with your kids. So the first thing is are you actually going to loan them money? If you are, I would like to see a promissory note written up. I want to see some interest payments. The greatest help you can give them is with some job search assistance. There are actually outplacement firms that help people put the resume together conduct a better job search. Your own professional network. Help your children find a job that way.
But most importantly the last thing on that list the time frame. Give them a time frame. Now you might not be able to stick to it. But at least say three months, six months and we'll talk about what happens. On our last tip if you get past that point, that last point is monitor that plan.
WHITFIELD: So hopefully you all have this in writing and you go through this plan, remind them what the arrangement is and hopefully it will be a happy household.
LEE: I would like to see weekly meetings. Because what you're saying, and I agree is there's a lot of resentment that can come up over this situation. So are they actively looking for work?
WHITFIELD: Yes.
LEE: Are they contributing with the chores at home? And then as you come up to that time frame, do we readjust it or do we now have to practice tough love?
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: All right. Tough love from Karen Lee. You can catch "Financial Fix" every Saturday at 2:00 Eastern time and then again on Sundays at 4:00 right here on CNN.
A Georgia man is scheduled to be put to death next week for killing a Savannah police officer back in 1989. Well since that time, several eyewitnesses have recanted their testimony and there is a worldwide effort to get Georgia's parole board to stop this scheduled execution.
Earlier I talked with our legal guys about this case and the case of a Walgreens pharmacist as well who fought off a robber not only to lose his job but get in hot water. We begin with the pending execution of Troy Davis. Listen.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
AVERY FRIEDMAN, CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY: I'll tell you Fredricka, what's more important are the efforts made by former FBI director and former federal judge William Sessions along with 27 other federal state prosecutors, state prosecutors and judges who say there is some evidence - actual evidence of innocence. That's what the board has to consider. In fact, Judge Sessions published an op-ed piece yesterday in the Atlanta newspapers there.
And I think the parole board is really going to struggle to make a decision. There are three new members. They rejected it in 2008. Let's see what happens.
RICHARD HERMAN, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: People make mistakes. Eyewitness testimony is not the best. The real dichotomy is are you pro death penalty or against it? If there is a chance of putting an innocent man to death, is it worth the death penalty? That is the overriding issue here.
WHITFIELD: We are talking about Walgreens now. Pharmacist, he's packing when he goes to work and you know what some robbers come in, allegedly try to hold up the place. He pulls out his weapon. The robbers flee. No one's hurt, everything's fine. However that robber I guess, what he didn't know was there was a written policy that Walgreens pack, you can't pack. You can't bring your weapon. And so he lost his job. Richard, he says he wants his job back and he is suing for it.
HERMAN: Yes and when the local police chief says if I was the guy I would have done the same thing. In the end he's going to get his job back and Walgreens is going to modify their policy. This guy was a hero. He saved not only his life but other employees' lives. He's a hero and Walgreen should embrace this.
WHITFIELD: Interesting but what if Avery something had gone wrong and that's what Walgreens is saying. You know what, what if our employee brought his weapon to work and, you know, tried to stop something from happening but someone got hurt? We had a policy. FRIEDMAN: Yes. That's the whole point. I think the guy is a hero. The community thinks he's a hero. He has a right to pack. And he's going to lose in the case. This case will never get to a jury because as a matter of law, the judge has to throw the case out. The chief of police Richard is talking about will never get to the witness stand.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: All right. You catch our legal guys every Saturday noon Eastern time right here in the CNN NEWSROOM.
All right. Web cams can be pretty tricky, especially when you don't know your web cam is actually recording while you are trying to figure it all out. Coming up, an elderly couple but now they are an internet sensation.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: All right. New technology can be tough. Fiddling around with new gadgets, not quite knowing what you're doing. I get that. I do.
It's not easy.
JACQUI JERAS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: I know. Programming, setting up web cams.
WHITFIELD: Yes. But thank goodness that's a problem because we have a really fun viral video.
JERAS: I love this video.
WHITFIELD: I think everyone does. It made me smile. Absolutely.
JERAS: Yes, me too.
WHITFIELD: Let's take a look. This is, you know, grandparents, you give them a new piece of technology. Hey, let's be able to Skype, see each other when we talk, et cetera. But then maybe you should send really good instructions on how to make it work.
JERAS: Right, or at least know when you are actually recording perhaps. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Look at the monkey.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Did it capture? What did it - I put it on capture.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hello my baby, hello my (INAUDIBLE).
(END VIDEO CLIP)
JERAS: I love it. WHITFIELD: He doesn't know that they are being recorded.
JERAS: I know.
WHITFIELD: He's having a lot of fun. Well, she is really intense. I heard -
JERAS: She is.
WHITFIELD: I heard her later talking, chewing that gum. Trying to figure this thing out. It's gone viral.
JERAS: Bruce and Esther Huffman. That's their names. They live in Oregon and apparently their children got them this because they wanted to send videos to the grandchildren so they can stay in touch better. So they got them a laptop with a web cam. They were trying to take actually like still pictures of each other.
WHITFIELD: That's funny.
JERAS: The whole thing is on my Facebook page, by the way. I would highly recommend you take a few minutes.
WHITFIELD: You'll love it.
JERAS: Watch the whole thing..
WHITFIELD: It has really gone viral. Four million hits, you know, on Youtube. And you know, in fact their daughter she got a kick out of this after looking at this and said, "I'm putting this on Youtube so that everybody can enjoy it." It's innocent cute fun and they are lovebirds, too. They have been married some eight years or so like that. They're just so in love. It's cute. He's singing to her, tries to kiss her.
JERAS: Inappropriate ones, too.
WHITFIELD: (INAUDIBLE) and all that stuff too.
JERAS: Yes, it was cute.
WHITFIELD: I like it. All right. Jacqui, thanks so much for playing.
Of course we're going to check out a few more videos in a different kind of form, kind of on the big sliver screen however.
JERAS: All right.
WHITFIELD: Big screen coming up. Grae Drake is going to be with us and talk to you about whether you need to go to the movies this weekend, whether you're going to like what you see.
JERAS: All right.
WHITFIELD: That's coming up. JERAS: See you then. I'm walking off.
WHITFIELD: So confusing.
All right. So it's the last weekend of the summer and it already feels like fall in some parts of the country. So in a minute Jacqui will be starting her way right back here and give us a little bit more she'll be back with more on the forecast coming up.
This is a confusing day. I still have more to say.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KAREEN WYNTER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER (voice-over): Carell, the remarkably funny average guy we have come to adore in movies like "Crazy Stupid Love" and "The 40-year-old Virgin" but Carell's career changing role didn't happen in the big screen. It was his work as bumbling boss Michael Scott on the hit TV series "The Office" that first propelled Carell to superstar status.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My mind is going a mile an hour.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That fast.
WYNTER: So after seven seasons on "The Office," and five lead comedy actor Emmy nominations, will number six nomination finally make Carell the winner and give him the top prize this year?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It has not been a blockbuster year for me financially. My blockbuster stock is down.
WYNTER: The buzz in Hollywood is this will be Carell's blockbuster Emmy year with television academy voters potentially sending him off the small screen in style.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Later, guys.
WYNTER: Carell left "The Office" at the end of last season to focus on his increasingly demanding film career. He's been in five movies in the past two years with three more in production.
STEVE CARELL, ACTOR: I'm always amazed that I'm doing any of it. The fact that I have been able to do TV, movies, it's - I'm constantly pinching myself.
WYNTER: Carell's humility and humor are missed by his "Office" co- stars.
ED HELMS, ACTOR "THE OFFICE: Steve can't be replaced. He was a force of nature. He's wonderful and amazing.
WYNTER: And fans of "The Office" will miss him on the show, too, but they can likely look forward to a Steve Carell acceptance speech at the Emmys Sunday night.
Kareen Wynter, CNN, Hollywood. (END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: All right. Let's talk some pretty nasty weather, potentially dangerous, too. Jacqui Jeras from the weather center.
JERAS: Yes, mid section of the country could see severe thunderstorms over the next couple of hours. I want to start by showing you some video, this is just amazing if you haven't seen it yet from one of our i-reporters. This is from Ocean City, Maryland, on Thursday.
Take a look at that. That's a tornado. It was actually a water spout. When a water spout makes its way to shore we call it what? A tornado. This is Viktor Tsventanov. I hope I'm saying that right. And he said it was just amazing to see this happen right in front of him. Nobody was hurt in the situation. There was a little bit of minor damage and the power went out in those area. So thanks to Viktor. We hope we don't catch any more pictures like that today. But let's show you where that threat of severe weather is. And there you can see the red box. That is a tornado watch which means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop here. This is south central Kansas, north central part of Oklahoma and then south of there a severe thunderstorm watch.
Now, the good thing is we are getting rain. We're getting rain in Texas, believe it or not. It's nice to see it happening around Austin, San Antonio. But we do have to be cautious and really watch for some of the lightning strikes which may be out there to go with it. Our other weather headline today, is it gorgeous outside? It's fall out there.
WHITFIELD: Pretty.
JERAS: It's football weather, is it not? Temperature is 10 to 15 below average across the upper Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic states. You do have a little bit of rain to go along with it. So, sorry about that, but we'll take the cool-down because it certainly feels good even into Dallas to see 89 degrees as opposed to 90 and 100 degrees temperatures. We bottomed out basically when it comes to the core of the high pressure system. So, we are going to gradually warm up throughout the weekend. We are not going to see you know crazy temperatures any time soon Fredricka, but it's nice to see that we are kind leveling things out just a little bit.
WHITFIELD: Yes, it's a nice transition because you said not officially, but unofficially fall is here.
JERAS: Well, the 23rd is the autumnal equinox.
WHITFIELD: Alright, very good. Thanks so much, Jaqui.
Alright, the unemployment rate for America is returning. War veterans, well, more than 11 percent, pretty high. They are fighting for jobs when they come home after fighting for our country.
CNN pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr shows us how a former marine is helping to fix the problem one crop at a time.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MIKE HANES, IRAQ WAR VETERAN: Tell me city girl, you have to tell me what this is.
(LAUGHTER)
HANES: Well, these are all kind of vegetables growing over here. Right here is curly dock. It's a kind of sour. It's you can cut this raw in a salad. You can cook it.
BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: After serving in the Marine Corps reconnaissance unit in Iraq, Mike Haynes returned home in 2004, plagued with such severe combat stress he couldn't work, he found himself homeless.
HANES: When I came back, I really had extremely difficult time transitioning, and I just could not interact or associate with society at all.
STARR: Then Mike came to this farm just outside of San Diego. Here, fellow Marine Corps and his wife teach farming combat veterans looking for new careers. It's much needed help. The jobless rate for Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans is 11.5 percent in today's already fragile job market. And mike was vulnerable says Colin.
COLIN ARCHIPLEY, FOUNDER, ACRHI'S ACRES: Frequently he gave us a call and said you know I don't think I'll make it. We kind a coerced him.
STARR: Now Mike is turning everything around at the farm's kitchen table a new life is mapped out.
HANES: I got to find out if they sell it in huge containers.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Right. So what I'll do is to I'll call my main distributor.
STARR: Mike is going into production with his own hot sauce called Dane (ph). All food's spice trying to get it on market shelves this fall. An army veteran, Dwight felt an instinct connection.
DWIGHT DETTER, ARMY VETERAN/WHOLE FOODS BUYER: Here's a person I want to get involved in this and I kind a fit in with what I do you know for work, but gave me new opportunities to help him develop his label, his brand.
STARR: Mike says he's learned to seek support but for combat vets getting any job can be tough.
HANES: It's hard to find support for these veterans coming back because there's so much involved with turning that off. You know the on switch that's been triggered when you're in combat.
STARR: And perhaps something switched on for Dwight thinking about whether helping a young vet get ahead makes him feel like he's still serving.
DETTER: That's funny. I haven't even thought of that in that way. Yes, maybe so. Maybe it's a rewarding feeling that I didn't get when I was doing it at the time. Interesting.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: Our Barbara Starr joining me now from Washington. It is really bad, the job market for so many veterans. Why is that?
STARR: Well, you know, a lot of them say they are coming home at a time when the bottom is falling out of the economy. Many return either to big cities or small hometowns across the country and the jobs, just aren't there. Minimum wage jobs perhaps, but they're like us. Everybody's looking for a good paying job.
One of the hopes is by many of them the president's job bill calls for some tax credits for employers to hire veterans. Some companies are looking at very, targeted hiring programs. But until the economy really turns around, a lot of veterans are coming home to tough times, Fred.
WHITFIELD: Alright, Barbara Starr in Washington. Thank you.
STARR: Sure.
WHITFIELD: Alright, perhaps you are thinking of heading to the movies this weekend. Will "drive" get you revved up?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's a crime thriller, a dark comedy at times and a love story.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did you have any idea there would be a second car?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: alright, two big names at the movies this weekend. Ryan Gosling is on the run after a heist gone wrong and Sarah Jessica Parker's first return to the big screen after the sex in the city two. So, there are two movies, "drive" and in the big screen along with "I don't know how she does it." But are they worth your box office guts?
Here to tell us, Grae Drake is telling it like it is from fandango and movies.com. Good to see you from Los Angeles. OK. So, let's begin with "drive." Should we get revved up about this one?
Gosling is a Hollywood stunt driver by day, a getaway car driver by night. Let's start the ignition. Let's watch.
(MOVIE CLIP PLAYING)
WHITFIELD: ok. SO, not a lot of words in this movie. What did you think?
GRAE DRAKE, FILM CRITIC, FANDANGO & MOVIES.COM: That's true.
WHITFIELD: OK. A lot of broom, broom.
DRAKE: I'll tell you what?
WHITFIELD: Yes?
DRAKE: I have never wanted to be a steering wheel so bad in my life.
WHITFIELD: Oh my! Grae?
(LAUGHTER)
WHITFIELD: Like I said, you call it, like you see it. OK. That means you liked it. Or at least you like the eye candy.
DRAKE: It's spectacular.
WHITFIELD: Spectacular?
DRAKE: I loved everything. Yes.
WHITFIELD: What? Ok. Tell me why.
DRAKE: Yes, the good news is Steve McQueen is alive and well in the body of Ryan Gosling and this movie brings it on every level. There is something for everybody in this movie. There is a really sizzling hot love story between him and Carey Mulligan, and there's also an enormous amount of violent action and car driving.
(LAUGHTER)
WHITFIELD: You liked all of that.
DRAKE: Just fantastic.
(LAUGHTER)
DRAKE: Loved it. And you know what? Albert Brooks plays a bad guy in this movie, really away from character. This guy will kill you fast than you can say due pro. He's insane and really bad. And this movie is fantastic.
WHITFIELD: Oh, my goodness. OK. So, what's your grade?
DRAKE: Loved it. AAA.
WHITFIELD: Oh, my gosh. Putting the pedal to the metal there with a really high score. A on "drive." OK. Let's move on to "I don't know how she does it." Sarah Jessica Parker. I don't know, life imitating art, art imitating life in her case. So, let's take a look at how the movie unfolds.
(MOVIE CLIP PLATING) (LAUGHTER)
WHITFIELD: OK. So it looks like there are supposed to be some pretty funny moments. Did it tickle you?
DRAKE: Yes.
WHITFIELD: OK. You liked it.
DRAKE: It did tickle me. You know, I don't know how he she does it. She doesn't know how she does it. I don't think she'll ever do it but it was fun to watch.
WHITFIELD: Well, it's good that it's going to be a hit because in some of her movies, there Jessica Parker or at least some of the movies that she's starred in haven't done super, super great lately. Might this be the one to put her on top?
DRAKE: I think that this movie, despite some of its more obvious problems, some cliche, some relying on stereotypes and easy jokes, aside from that I still really laughed over it and the women in my theater did, too.
Now, this movie is aimed at a really specific demographic. OK? If you answer yes to any of the following questions. A, have you ever worn pantyhose in your life? Two, do you know why reclaimed furniture is awesome? Or lastly, does your nanny absolutely drive you up the wall? Then you should see this movie.
(LAUGHTER)
WHITFIELD: This is the one for you. OK. So, the grade then?
DRAKE: This movie, in the world of flawed chick flicks, I have to give it a B minus. I still liked it.
WHITFIELD: That's pretty good. Now we know what you think about that one. That's good. So, alright, looks like we have two good movies in which to choose from.
DRAKE: Yes.
WHITFIELD: We're happy about that.
DRAKE: Very different but very good.
WHITFIELD: All right. Grae Drake, always good to see you. Thanks so much. Looks like we're going to the movies this weekend.
DRAKE: Thank you.
WHITFIELD: Two good ones to choose from. Thank you Grae.
Alright, Jennifer Hudson, which we wants to tackle too, of America's serious problems, hunger and obesity. Straight ahead, he signer weight transformation and how losing weight can help feed Americans. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: All right. You have no doubt heard this before. It's all about job creation when it comes to restoring the economy, but how do more jobs get created? Is it all up to Washington?
CNN's Fareed Zakaria spoke with Jeffrey Immelt about that very though economy. Not only is he the CEO and chairman of G.E. He is also the chairman of President Obama's council on jobs and competitiveness. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
FAREED ZAKARIA, HOST, FAREED ZAKARIA GPS: You are a Republican, right? You registered Republican. What do you say to Republicans where you now see the entire party largely unified around the idea that the only thing that the government can really do to create jobs is to cut the budget, cut the deficit, slash spending? There is very little appetite for any kind of a formative government policy led along investment. Is that the right path?
JEFFREY IMMELT, CEO, GENERAL ELECTRIC: Look, I'm in my essence I make aircraft engines and gas turbines and sell them to customers around the world. I'm really not a politician. You know, I don't really want to set public policy.
But I believe in balance. Does the debt, deficit need to be reduced? Absolutely, right? Is government too big in many ways? Absolutely. But does the country still need to invest in education? Does the country still need to invest in infrastructure? Does the country still need to invest in the types of innovation and R&D that are going to make this country competitive in the 21st century? Yes we do.
You know the advantage I have is I live my life in Beijing, in Rio, in Paris and Moscow. And I see the world investing in competitiveness. I see the world wanting to gain share versus the United States. And so, I think a balanced approach ultimately is what most business people, most CEOs would like to see.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: That was G.E.'s Jeffrey Immelt. He and other American leaders give their take on unemployment of Fareed Zakaria's prime time special "restoring the American dream, getting back to work" Sunday at 8:00 Eastern time.
Ted Kennedy's only daughter has died. Kara Kennedy Alan was 51 years old. She's seen here in 2009 accepting her father's Presidential Medal of Freedom award from President Obama. She died of a heart attack yesterday after a workout at a Washington area health club.
Time for a CNN equals politics update. We are keeping an eye on the headlines at the CNN politics.com desk. And here's what's crossing right now.
He calls himself the champion of the constitution. So, GOP Presidential Candidate Ron Paul is celebrating constitution day with another one of his money bomb fund-raisers. The online event today attempts to raise a large sum of cash in 24 hours, a tactic that's proven successful in the past for the Texas congressman.
Washington is getting ready to debate the merits of President Obama's $447 billion jobs bill. Both the White House and Republicans used their weekly addresses today to urge legislative action aimed at creating jobs.
Republican presidential contender Michele Bachmann defended her position on gay rights, the HPV vaccine and the debt ceiling as she made her debut on "The Tonight's Show with Jay Leno." Bachmann has kind a been the butt of Leno's jokes, appoint that he made as he thanked her for being a good sport. Leno went on like with some of the jokes with Bachmann and heavy on questions about where she stands on issues.
And for the latest political news you know exactly where to go. CNNpolitics.com.
OK. Much more of the newsroom straight ahead, Don Lemon is here. Finally, it's been a long time since we have been both here face to face to talk about what's coming up.
DON LEMON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I walked into the building. I was like, wow. I have been - I literally like I think over a month I haven't been in the studio and on the road.
WHITFIELD: Yes. Glad you're back.
LEMON: Hey, Fred, listen. You know, we are going to be talking about the story. This been much reported. You saw the protests today and people in support of Troy Davis. His scheduled execution is for Wednesday. His case got a lot of attention.
And Fred, you know, some say he's innocent. I will be talking to his sister and the pastor who turned him in to police. I also have a call out to a former prosecutor, Fred, who says there was physical evidence. There was physical evidence in the case to convict him because people are saying there is no physical evidence. I want to talk to him about the shell casings that were found at two crime scenes, one at the officer scene and another man who was shot in the face. So, they say there is evidence and they don't understand why people say there is no evidence when it comes to Troy Davis.
WHITFIELD: Some of the argument has been there wasn't more evidence than the shell casings.
LEMON: Yes.
WHITFIELD: More physical evidence.
LEMON: Yes. And then we'll make a turn and talk about "Dancing with the Stars." You know our very own Nancy Grace will be on there.
WHITFIELD: Premieres Monday. LEMON: Yes, premiers on Monday. But we're going to talk about Chaz Bono because he'll be on "Dancing with the Stars" and we are all wondering, is this a moment when it comes to the transgender community for people to know about that? Our Doctor Wendy Walsh, she's going to talk to us about that later on tonight on CNN. And also, an exclusive interview, our very own Shanon Cook talked with Sting about his life and career. Can you believe?
WHITFIELD: He's still fascinating.
LEMON: Fantastic. Can we hear him? Do we have him? We do have him. Let's listen to Sting.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHANON COOK, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: When you look back 25 years, what do you see? What does it look like?
STING, SINGER, MUSICIAN: 25 years is a sizable chunk of time when you think about it. In the average life maybe you would be lucky to get three of those chunks. If you're really lucky you get maybe four. So this is the middle chunk of my life. It's important that if I look back on it that I feel that I have lived up to my potential.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LEMON: He's lived up to his potential. He achieved a lot. OK. So, why is she talking to him? How old do you think he is? Don't look at the prompter!
WHITFIELD: Well, he looks so great that I really couldn't even. I know he's a big yogi, too. So that keeps him young.
LEMON: Sixty. Full interview, 7:00 Eastern.
WHITFIELD: I can't wait to see it.
LEMON: and 10:00 p.m. A little bit at 7:00.
WHITFIELD: Alright Sting, always fascinating, as are you. Our Don Lemon, good to see you.
LEMON: Good to see you. You look great.
WHITFIELD: Thanks so much. Back at you.
LEMON: Lots of love.
WHITFIELD: From size 6 to size 0. Who do you think I'm talking about?
LEMON: Oh! Well, there's the video.
WHITFIELD: Amazing.
LEMON: She looks great. WHITFIELD: I know. Jennifer Hudson, She and I talked about her weight loss and her inspiration.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Actress and singer Jennifer Hudson made an amazing transformation. She lost 80 pounds with weight watchers. Earlier this week, I talked with the academy award winner about her weight loss including what inspired her.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JENNIFER HUDSON, SINGER/ACTRESS: I wanted to set an example for my son to be honest. That was a huge part of it. After being pregnant also and wanting my body back and knowing I could do whatever I want to do with it. And then again, like I said, having the child and wanting to be table set an example for him which is something I did not have growing up. So, I want to make sure he had a fair shot and fair chance. And you know if nothing else he knew, you know he had that example. And so that's what inspired me to do it.
WHITFIELD: Jennifer, you're really tackling a lot. You've got weight watcher. Every designer is apparently coming their way. They want to dress you now. And there was a great you know segment of the population, a lot of women who said you know what Jennifer Hudson was allowing a lot of women to feel big and feel very beautiful and now they are seeing a lot more svelte Jennifer Hudson and there are some women who are saying you know they feel betrayed. What do you say to them about a, why you came down in your weight, how you're feeling healthy and what's your respond to them who say they feel betrayed?
HUDSON: One, there's absolutely nothing wrong with being the big girl that they may be. So, be proud of that. That should depend on you. And at the end of the day it's about what you want for yourself and how you feel for yourself. And no matter what size that is, no matter where you are in life, it's about what you want for yourself. It's nothing else. Not about size. It's about good health and least for me it's about good health. But overall what you want for yourself. So, if you want to be that big girl, be the fiercest big girl you can possibly be and I'll be the healthiest fierce girl I can be.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: And she is fierce and healthy, Jennifer Hudson. We also talked about how weight watchers is helping feed America. The company, weight watchers, is donating money to two hunger fighting charities, a dollar for each pound that its members lose.
Alright, that will do it for me. I'm Fredricka Whitfield, more in NEWSROOM Coming straight up. Don Lemon is on his way right now.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
