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Cain Denies New Harassment Claims; Penn State Child Sex Abuse Case; Berlusconi Faces Leadership Test; Cain's Accuse Goes Public; Stocks Set to Rise; Battle for Battleground State; Vets Behind Bars but Still Proud; Joe Frazier Dies at 67 of Cancer; The Best of Berlusconi's Gaffes

Aired November 08, 2011 - 09:00   ET

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

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, guys. You're right. That's what we're topping the hour with.

Herman Cain, these claims of sexual harassment are now simply too scandalous to ignore. He actually plans an afternoon news conference, as the guys just mentioned, to confront the latest accuser head on.

Yesterday, as you know, Sharon Bialek claimed that Cain groped her in 1997 when she met him for a possible job. Cain says it's time to, quote, "set the record straight."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HERMAN CAIN (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I will talk about any and all future firestorms because here's one thing people don't know about Herman Cain. I'm in it to win it. And I'm not going to be discouraged --

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Well, Mary Snow has the latest developments and Mark Preston is looking at the political fallout. Mary, let's go ahead and begin with you. What caused Cain to reverse course all of a sudden and decide to hold this news conference?

MARY SNOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT: You know, Kyra, last week when Herman Cain had railed against the press for bringing up these accusations of sexual harassment he was highly critical of anonymous accusers, but that all changed yesterday with a person who came forward who now brings a name, a face and specific allegations.

And, you know, yesterday when Sharon Bialek had this news conference, Herman Cain's campaign came out with a general, broad statement saying that all allegations of sexual harassment against him were false.

By last night, the campaign had started raising questions about Sharon Bialek saying that she had history of financial difficulties and that she had declared bankruptcy at one point. Earlier this morning, on "AMERICAN MORNING," Sharon Bialek answered those questions saying, yes, she had filed for bankruptcy at one point but she is saying that she does not expect to gain any money by coming forward.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SHARON BIALEK, ALLEGES CAIN SEXUALLY HARASSED HER: Like millions of other people out there, you know, I am struggling. And I could have actually sold my story, but I didn't. Because I want -- my whole objective to tell the truth and also help other people out there who may have been in similar situations.

And initially, I went into this hoping every hope of hopes that Herman would just step forward. That was my, actually, primary goal. Just admit it, step forward, admit it and move forward.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SNOW: And, Kyra, Cain's campaign also came out questioning why she's coming forward more than a decade after this alleged incident and says that there is no record of this and no complaint filed. And when asked why didn't she report this to anyone, she said that she was not working at the National Restaurant Association when this alleged incident happened. That she had been fired a month prior and, therefore, she did not come forward with a formal complaint.

PHILLIPS: All right, Mary Snow, I will be following this story, obviously, throughout the morning, up until that news conference is live.

Let's talk about the political fallout now and how Cain's fellow Republicans are responding.

Senior political editor Mark Preston in Washington.

So, Mark, is this a political risk for Cain or is the news conference just long overdue?

MARK PRESTON, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL EDITOR: Well, there's no question that this news conference is long overdue, Kyra. The question is, will it put anything to rest? And I pretty much can guarantee you right now that all it's going to do is open up Mr. Cain to even more questions.

The biggest problem for Mr. Cain is two. One is that there are multiple women right now who have said that he sexually harassed them and now we've seen -- we've been able to put a name and a face to one of those women.

In addition to that, his story seemed to evolve at the beginning where he seemed to remember, you know, the payments to one of these women as the story continued on. You know, when the glare of the media spotlight hit him.

So today when Mr. Cain holds his news conference later this afternoon, he's going to come under more questions about what is happening, why he hasn't addressed it, and clearly this has been a terrible public relations nightmare for him and has been absolutely mishandled by his campaign -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: So Cain's opponents are staying pretty quiet on this, why?

PRESTON: They are staying pretty quiet because up until last night when a woman came out and actually put her name and her face to one of the allegations, all of these accusations have been anonymous. Why would a candidate want to get involved in this mess? Why would one of his rivals want to get in the middle of it especially when you have folks accusing the media of trying to kick up a firestorm?

But it's not really just the media who thinks that these allegations or accusations could be true or at least want to hear some more answers, it's also the American people. In fact, let's look at this new poll that was just released yesterday from Pew that asked these questions of whether they believe these allegations are true.

If you look at that, that's pretty devastating right there. Four in 10 Americans believe that these allegations against Mr. Cain are true and this poll, Kyra, was taken even before this fourth accuser came out yesterday and made even further allegations against Mr. Cain.

So a devastating situation for Mr. Cain right now. The question is, can he survive? He's trying to stay on message. Interesting that he went on Jimmy Kimmel last night to try to deliver that message, but in addition to that, Kyra, he's also trying to capitalize on that message, trying to raise money -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: And he's going to hold this news conference today and we still don't have any idea exactly what time that's going to be, correct, Mark?

PRESTON: We think it's going to be late this afternoon, maybe around 5:00 Eastern Time.

PHILLIPS: OK.

PRESTON: Maybe around 3:00 -- Mountain Time.

PHILLIPS: Got it. And we'll take it live. Mark, thanks.

We'll have your next political update in just about an hour and a reminder for all the latest political news, you can always go to our Web site, CNNPolitics.com.

Well, more victims and more charges are possible in the child sexual abuse case against a former Penn State University assistant football coach.

Our Jason Carroll has been covering this case. Joining us live, once again, from State College, Pennsylvania.

So, Jason, what's the next step in this legal process? JASON CARROLL, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, we know that tomorrow there'll be another court proceeding for Jerry Sandusky. He is the man at the center of this sexual abuse scandal. That will be happening tomorrow.

Also as you know, Kyra, late yesterday two school officials who ended up resigning in the wake of this scandal, Gary Schultz, the former senior VP and also Timothy Curley, the former athletic director, both of those two are out on $75,000 bail facing perjury charges.

And, Kyra, what was so interesting was, yesterday after court proceeding, their attorneys immediately came out slamming the attorney general, calling, quote, "The charges of perjury a charge of last resort." So the attorney general definitely going to have a fight on their hands in terms of fighting this legal battle and the school still wrapped up in this sexual abuse scandal.

Also, as you know, there have been many questions about Joe Paterno, the head coach, and what will happen with him -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Then that was my next question, actually kind of two questions in one. A lot of people are wondering, are we going to see more victims come forward, Jason? And then what does happen to Joe Paterno?

CARROLL: Well, let's start with the first one about more victims. Yesterday the attorney general came out and made it very clear that it was possible that more victims could emerge.

And the reason for that, Kyra, is if you believe what the attorney general and what prosecutors are alleging about Jerry Sandusky, he had access to so many young men, young boys that it is, in their opinion, that because he had so much access to these young boys that there's a possibility, there may be more victims that are out there.

Also interesting, Kyra, when you look at the 23-page grand jury report, two of the eight victims identified as victim number two and victim number eight, they still haven't been able to identify them. So that just gives you a sense of how difficult it is to identify the victims and then find them, as well -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Jason Carroll, appreciate it.

Well, Joe Paterno has his weekly news conference at noon today. He is not expected to address the scandal, but we will monitor his remarks for any news.

Allegations of corruption, tax fraud and saucy bunga bunga parties. Italy's Silvio Berlusconi even admits to being, quote, "a bit of a rascal," but today he faces perhaps the biggest test of his political life.

Zain Verjee joining us from London.

So, Zain, could Berlusconi actually lose his job?

ZAIN VERJEE, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: He may. We're on a night said -- to see what exactly happens with that vote. It's going to happen in about half an hour and it really will be very important for the entire world to see what the outcome of that vote is.

Let's take a look at the headlines and see what they're saying. The "International Herald Tribune," "End appears to be getting closer for Berlusconi." It says, "The European debt crisis threatened a second European government on Monday but Mr. Berlusconi is unlikely to go down without a fight."

Then the "Scotsman," which is the national newspaper in that country, "Knives come out for Berlusconi as Italy creeps closer to abyss. Increasingly, Mr. Berlusconi is himself being seen as the problem, but he has remained defiant insisting he still commands enough support in parliament.

Finally the "Wall Street Journal" in Europe, "How Berlusconi survived this long." This is a guest editorial that's pretty harsh. It says, "Forget his taste for young lovers, Mr. Berlusconi's true sin is his lack of resolve. A supposed macho in bed, he is a coward at governing. Mr. Berlusconi has always readily abandoned the field whenever the prospects of major reforms required him to spend political capital."

Well, Kyra, the fate of the euro and market stability really depends a lot on how Italy handles the whole situation and the question right now is, does Silvio Berlusconi have the ability and the credibility to carry out much-needed austerity measures. The jury is out, but much of Europe thinks no -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Well, he sure had some fun as the prime minister, Zain Verjee, wouldn't you say?

VERJEE: Yes. He sure has. I think bunga bunga now is least of his worries, it's bailout or burn out.

PHILLIPS: There you go, stay tuned.

And of course, we're going to be watching that 9:30 Eastern vote in the Italian parliament. When it happens, we will let you know the results.

Herman Cain's latest accuser goes public. But will race play into who the public ultimately believes? Coming up after the break, we're going to talk to Zerlina Maxwell, political activist who believes it will.

And take a look at this video from Oklahoma. Storm chasers rushing towards a huge twister making its way across the state. But that's not all Oklahoma experienced. We'll have the story, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: All right, let's check news "Cross Country" now. Oklahoma can't seem to catch a break. On Monday at least one tornado touched down the southwestern part of the state. Several others also reported there and damage estimates are pretty minimal so far. There are no reports of injury.

And another earthquake hit the state, 4.7 magnitude quake near Shawnee. It was the third since Saturday.

Well, in Chicago it was white hair and wheelchairs that dotted the crowd at "Occupy" protests at Federal Plaza. Hundreds of seniors gathered some even blocking traffic. Their message, leave Social Security alone.

In Columbus, Ohio, big surprise for two little girls. Captain Darren Poleman has been away from his family for about a year. His daughters had no idea that their father would be the guest reader at their elementary school.

Well, the Herman Cain scandal, now we have a name, face and very specific sexual allegations. But what our next guest says caught her attention the most was that the accuser is white.

Political analyst and columnist Zerlina Maxwell wrote an op-ed for TheGrio.com and for full disclosure here, she's also an Obama campaign alum.

Zerlina, let's get right to it. You actually write that Herman Cain is a, quote, "black man being accused of sexual assault by a living, breathing, blonde, white, Republican woman."

Tell me what you're getting at here.

ZERLINA MAXWELL, POLITICAL ANALYST: Well, what I'm getting is essentially she is one of their own, right? She is not going to be easily assassinated character-wise because she is a Republican. And her being white and blonde really just gives a face, a very specific face, especially given the historical context of the race factor being black men being falsely accused of sexual assaulting white women. That is really looming very large over this scandal.

PHILLIPS: And on that note, you know, you mentioned Anita Hill and the Clarence Thomas in your op-ed, and the character assassination that Anita faced.

So, you're saying this white accuser is going to face a different crowd. But, I guess with that said, I mean, she's being challenged with leading him on, with having financial problems.

MAXWELL: Well, I think there's definitely a gender dynamic there that is, you know, interracial. However, I think that Anita Hill was easy, an easy target because she was an unknown entity. So, she was able to be smeared as slick or a political opportunist, whereas this white Republican woman does not necessarily have the same qualities that Anita Hill did -- just for obvious reasons.

I think that definitely because she is a woman going after a powerful man, there's a gender dynamic here at work and they are definitely going to attack her. That is going to happen to any woman coming forward with these types of allegations that are very serious.

But at the same time, I think that the dynamic will be different because her being blonde, white and Republican and, again, under the historical analysis, it looms very large over the scandal and the context is somewhat different.

PHILLIPS: So, the Cain campaign flatly denies any Sharon Bialek claims here. How do you think race will play into who the public will ultimately believe here?

MAXWELL: Well, I think Herman Cain is coming forward this afternoon at 5:00 p.m. to address these specific allegations. Sharon Bialek is the fourth accuser. "The Washington examiner" report makes five accusers.

And so, he really has a lot of explaining to do. He has not done a sufficient job explaining what went on with these allegations, two are documented. They're not just allegations that have written documentation.

So, he really has a lot of explaining to do, especially since his comments after the allegations were first reported. His comments had evolved. He started out saying, "I have no idea what anybody is talking about" with regards to his settlement and then moved to, "Well, I remember a settlement, but I don't remember anybody harassing anyone," and then he moved to, "I never harassed anyone."

So, he's evolved in his own remarks and very important that he come clean and give a sufficient explanation and specifically with regards to these allegations because it really is an alleged sexual assault that she's describing, not just workplace harassment.

PHILLIPS: Before we go, Zerlina, I just want to point out "The Washington Examiner" additional accuser, we haven't confirmed that yet. Obviously, people are talking about that article. We're going to follow up on that.

But our viewers can read your op-ed in thegrio.com and we may here -- you said Cain needs to speak. We may hear from him at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. And we'll take it live.

Zerlina, thanks so much for your take.

MAXWELL: Thank you.

PHILLIPS: You bet.

It's brother versus brother in the race for mayor of a small town in Ohio. But how competitive did these siblings really get? We're going to find out because we're going to talk to both of them in about 10 minutes.

Also, don't worry, it won't be like this scene from Armageddon. But NASA called the asteroid passing by earth today potentially dangerous. More details after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, it's not the end of the earth, but it is a bit unsettling. An asteroid the size of an aircraft carrier is actually hurdling towards earth. Actually, it will pass pretty darn close within 200,000 miles.

But tech geek international diva, Zain Verjee, is in London. And she loves this story, which is the reason why we're talking about it, because she's all about the worse-case scenario -- Zain.

(LAUGHTER)

VERJEE: About the worse-case scenario, deep impact, Armageddon, the catastrophe if an asteroid hit earth. But, actually, you know what? That's not going to happen. We can all relax. Earth is in no danger.

But, Kyra, I think tonight you should polish your telescope because the best view around the world is actually going to be on the East Coast of the U.S. The asteroid is going to be passing closer than the moon, actually. It is about four football fields big.

The big deal here, too, is for scientists and geeks and amateurs with telescopes that want to look up because this provides -- because it's so close, a gold mine of information. You know, things like what is it made up of? Is it going to be hard, black rock? Will it be powder puff?

You know, will it have water? What will it tell us about the future of space travel, information that we wouldn't ordinarily get because asteroids don't pass this close, or are they this big. One comes by every, oh, 100 years or so, Kyra.

So, this is a big deal. But an asteroid hits earth, according to scientists, and poses a threat, once every 100,000 years, Kyra. Hopefully, we'll be OK. No asteroid that we know right now is on a collision course with earth.

One scientist put it this way. Look at it like this. The porridge is not too hot, not too cold, just right -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Great. So, not only taking me back to the three little bears, you're taking me back to my telescope which is still in my play box from when I was 8. Thank you, Zain. We'll be paying attention, that's for sure.

OK. All right. Let's take you to Wall Street now.

The focus shifts from Greece to Italy, which is also drowning in debt and could have huge implications for the global economy. Felicia Taylor at the New York Stock Exchange.

Now, we're talking about Italy impacting our markets today.

FELICIA TAYLOR, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Absolutely right. There will be no Armageddon, no catastrophe on Wall Street. We are looking at a higher open. The Dow futures are up about 75 points. It basically follows on the momentum that we saw in the European markets that were up 1 percent to 2 percent.

And as you mentioned, the focus is on what is a budget vote in Italy. If it doesn't pass, then it could lead to a confidence vote for Berlusconi. And people have been talking about having him possibly resign. Obviously, he hasn't been too popular lately.

The analysts on Wall Street are saying that they actually want Berlusconi out because he hasn't implemented the kind of reforms that were necessary to keep Italy sort of in the mix. They need to get around Italy and make sure that Italy doesn't have any kind of troubles that we've seen in Greece. So, that's the focus today and, hopefully, we will get that confidence vote very shortly, actually -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right. Felicia, thanks.

Well, mayoral election in Ohio with two brothers trying to get the job. We'll get the details about this sibling rivalry, next.

And the world watched as a jury convicted Dr. Conrad Murray in the death of Michael Jackson. Now that the verdict is in, Hollywood is weighing in.

"Showbiz Headlines" are next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Checking top stories now.

The U.N. says that more than 3,500 Syrians have been killed in a month's long government crackdown. Dozens of those deaths coming after the government agreed to a peace plan last week.

And a big test for Italy's prime minister just minutes away. Silvio Berlusconi's support has been crumbling ahead of a crucial budget vote in parliament. If enough allies defect, rather, and he loses his majority, he could resign or face a confidence vote. We're watching it for you.

And weeks after being diagnosed with liver cancer, boxing great Joe Frazier has died. Smokin Joe was an Olympic gold medalist and the first fighter to beat Muhammad Ali. He was 67 years old.

Well, it's election day for millions of Americans and they're casting ballots for everything from local races to statewide initiatives. And in some key battleground states, they're also setting the stage for next year's presidential election.

Deputy political director Paul Steinhauser is talking about a number of interesting races. Shall we start with the governor's races that are catching your attention?

PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN DEPUTY POLITICAL DIRECTOR: Yes, let's start at the top, why not? And then we'll work our way down, Kyra.

And there are two states that are voting for governor today. One of them, Kentucky, where the Democratic incumbent there running for his second term. He is considered an overwhelming favorite in that battle.

Let's move a little further south to Mississippi where the lieutenant governor, he is a Republican, he is expected to -- well, the polls indicate he may win there and he would succeed Haley Barbour. The current two term governor, Republican.

The Democrat there, Johnny DuPree, he's trying to become the first African-American governor ever of Mississippi. We'll keep our eyes on those contests.

One down ballot contest, actually a little more interesting, and that is in Virginia. And, Kyra, if the Republicans win back the state senate today in Virginia, they will control the state senate and the statehouse and they will control the top three executives positions -- governor, lieutenant governor and the attorney general. And that's important because, remember, Virginia, a battleground state that President Barack Obama won in 2008, a state he would like to win again. Maybe this could be a barometer of things to come next year, Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Well, you're actually talking about the battle over voter rights in two states as well.

STEINHAUSER: Yes. And two states have referendums today that would limit voter rights in a way.

Let's start with Maine where they're maybe going to repeal a law that was signed earlier this year that allowed people to register day of.

In Mississippi, let's go back to Mississippi, again, where there is a ballot measure that would require photo ID. A lot of states now pushing towards photo IDs when you vote.

So, two states have those today -- could be a foreshadowing of more things to come next year, Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Indeed. OK. Paul, thanks so much.

Also on the ballot today, Mississippi's controversial move to ban all abortions. It's inflaming passions and making for some unlikely opponents. Paul will break it all down for us at the top of the hour.

OK, as we mentioned, today is election day. And so, if you're one of those families sitting around the breakfast table debating politics -- well, put your family drama aside because in Elmore, Ohio, the mayoral race is all about sibling rivalry. Longtime Mayor Lowell Krumnow is being challenged by his brother, Councilman James Krumnow. And the mudslinging has already started.

Elmore has 1,500 residents and the brothers are battling it out for every vote. They're joining me now from Toledo.

Councilman James Krumnow and Mayor Lowell Krumnow, thank you, gentlemen, for joining me live.

OK, you're smiling. That means you're not fighting too much right now. We're keeping the peace among the family -- is that right, Mayor?

MAYOR LOWELL KRUMNOW, ELMORE, OHIO: Yes. Absolutely. It's not a knockdown race, just a friendly rivalry.

PHILLIPS: A friendly rivalry. All right.

Well, Councilman, let me ask you -- why are you running against your brother?

JAMES KRUMNOW, COUNCILMAN, ELMORE, OHIO: When I ran for council two years ago, the people asked me in the community when the mayor's term was up and I said two more years. They said, well, in two more years, we want you to run for mayor. So, I'm just doing what they asked me to do.

PHILLIPS: Well, Mayor, how do you feel about this -- your brother running against you?

L. KRUMNOW: I was a bit surprised, but I think the voters in general know what both of us offer to the community and we'll know in a few hours.

PHILLIPS: OK, now, you guys are being very civil and well- behaved. Are you telling me that you never argued as brothers? Yes, exactly. I'm getting a laugh now. You both can pipe in on this. Did you ever fight as brothers?

L. KRUMNOW: We're on national TV, of course, we're going to put our best. We don't want to put the town in a bad light.

J. KRUMNOW: Yes.

PHILLIPS: Of course not. OK. Yes? Go ahead.

L. KRUMNOW: Of course, it was always the skirmishes as you're growing up when you're growing with three older brothers and I'm the youngest one -- you had to always take a little bit of the beatings.

PHILLIPS: OK. And, you know, James, your brother's already kind of going after you. The mudslinging has already begun. He said, you know, you haven't shown up for as many council meetings, you know, in just a few years when in 20 years of being mayor, he's always been there.

What do you say to that?

J. KRUMNOW: Well, that's probably true. But I'm in town during the day when they need somebody and I'm only 30 seconds from city hall during the day. I can be downtown for any problem.

PHILLIPS: All right, gentlemen.

L. KRUMNOW: Well, in reality --

PHILLIPS: Yes?

L. KRUMNOW: -- as you know that most of the meetings, both committees and councils are taking place in the evening and that's when you need to put in your opinions. Be there at the committees, be there at council, to show what direction you would like to see the community go. If you're absent that often, it's hard to get that idea across long term for the community.

J. KRUMNOW: But, also, I'm representing people that work the back shifts that can't make the meetings.

L. KRUMNOW: And I'm also a phone call away and more than happy to work and serve the community since 1982.

J. KRUMNOW: Yes, thank you.

(LAUGHTER)

PHILLIPS: I love it. See? This is what I need to do. It's like a --

(CROSSTALK)

PHILLIPS: -- moment. Yes, exactly, once I get you two to warm up, to warm up, and then it all starts to come out. I love it. I love how you two are being very well-behaved.

All right. I'll tell you what? Councilman, Mayor, we're going to follow this race. We're going to see who wins and we will update our viewers.

But you two -- but you two boys behave yourself and you just remember, family is way more important than politics.

J. KRUMNOW: Right.

L. KRUMNOW: Absolutely. The family comes first, followed by the community and we're here to serve no matter who wins.

PHILLIPS: There we go. Gentlemen, thanks so much. We'll be watching Elmore, Ohio, there.

All right. Well, Nancy Grace snaps, but not on the judges, on her dancing partner. We're going to tell you what set her off in today's "Showbiz Headlines".

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Lots of reaction coming in from around the world after Dr. Conrad Murray was found guilty and even celebrities reacting to the verdict.

A.J. Hammer, what are you hearing?

A.J. HAMMER, HOST, "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT": Well, Kyra, there's been plenty of reaction and, quite frankly, it's been almost as complicated as the case itself. So many people are sounding off, a lot of celebrities, of course, taking to Twitter, sending out their reaction.

Now, we saw some jokes on Twitter and on the worldwide web. A lot of excitement, as well, over the guilty verdict and also a lot of people, these were my favorite comments, just taking time to remember Michael Jackson. "Showbiz Tonight" was right there at last nights' "Glamour" magazine women of the year award where it was the hot topic on the red carpet.

Here now is a bit of what we heard.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)

KERRY WASHINGTON, ACTRESS: We were watching CNN and we all thought, wow, how amazing that we're kind of sharing this moment. It is definitely a moment in pop culture history that we'll never forget.

GAYLE KING, HOST, "THE GAYLE KING SHOW": Do I think that Conrad Murray intended to kill Michael Jackson? No, I do not. But I do think that he was certainly, based on following the trial and listening to the trail, his actions to me do appear to be negligent.

WENDY WILLIAMS, HOST, "THE WENDY WILLIAMS SHOW": Somebody had to take the fall. I mean, you know, poor doctor, you know, he -- I guess he had a hand along with about 150,000 other hands.

(END VIDEO CLIPS)

HAMMER: And to that point, this verdict is really seen as a message to doctors who work with celebrities, high-power people: do not let your clients manipulate you into risky behavior.

So, Kyra, this is certainly a verdict that I think will be discussed inside Hollywood circles for a while now. Maybe some doctors are shaking in their boots today. But, hopefully, hopefully, it will change some of the behavior that really has been going on for as long as Hollywood has existed.

PHILLIPS: So, finally, the real Nancy Grace revealed on "Dancing with the Stars." She was being so diplomatic, A.J., and kind of going the flow. Oh, we saw the attorney come out, didn't we?

HAMMER: The real Nancy Grace. OK, you mentioned attorney, that's important, Kyra. You don't want to get her wrath on your BlackBerry this morning.

Look, "Dancing with the Stars" is a tough competition, right, even the professional athletes who have competed on the show talk about how stressful it is, how strenuous it is. Nancy has been working so hard. She's been working so hard. And while she's definitely having the time of her life -- yes, it is exhausting.

Well, here's how things played out. But having spent some time with them, I'm not sure that it's all really serious. But watch what happened with her and Tristan.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NANCY GRACE, HLN HOST: Are you actually acting tired? Because you don't have twins that get up at 5:00 and you don't have a full- time job and I do.

TRISTAN MACMANUS, DANCER: I am tired of you.

GRACE: I'm tired of you, too. So there.

MACMANUS: (INAUDIBLE)

GRACE: Good, we're both tired of each other, we should get married. That's the way that works.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: Well, maybe some of that energy will translate into votes because she needs them. She did not do well at all last night, unfortunately.

PHILLIPS: Well, we will continue to follow the drama, as it ensues. Ended on such a fun note, Nancy is so funny and full of energy. Why are we acting so depressed, A.J.?

HAMMER: I know, I know. I want to see her stay on the show.

PHILLIPS: So do I.

All right. A.J. is going to stay on the show, but it's going to be next hour. He is joining us with more "Showbiz Headlines." Coming up in the next hour, he's going to tell us more about Adele and her throat surgery. We're also going to have details on her operation and find out if she's going to be able to belt out those tunes, once again.>

All right. We're going to stay on that music theme. Coming up, why a black guy from Detroit loves country music but really wants to change it. L.Z. Granderson joining us, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: You know, like so many other things in life, people make generalizations about music and genres, their fans. We see it with hip-hop. We see it with country music. Racial stereotypes are plenty.

Well, one of those genres is known for addressing the issues of race and it's not country.

L.Z. Granderson writes about that in his latest opinion piece on CNN.com. As you know, L.Z. has his opinion. He is a writer. He's a joint singer. He had a garage band. He even sings karaoke. All these things I did not know.

Tell me why you love country music so much.

L.Z. GRANDERSON, CNN.COM CONTRIBUTOR: Because it speaks to me. It speaks to my heart, it speaks to a world that I know. You know, spending a lot of my summers in rural Mississippi, as well as in rural South Carolina, you know, where my parents are from.

And I think that it really speaks to what this country is about. A lot of patriotism about faith, about love, about drinks; so for me it's just a genre of music that just really connects.

PHILLIPS: So, what's your problem?

GRANDERSON: My problem is that I know the south. And a lot of us know the south. You know CNN is based in Atlanta. We know what Georgia is like outside of Atlanta. We know what the south is like and I don't see country music really singing about that aspect of life, that aspect of life in the country.

When we saw the video of the man being beaten by those teenagers and then run over, that happened recently. You know, we're not talking 30, 40 years ago. We're talking the attitudes today. So I would like to see the music, the storytellers, the artists tell that part of life in the country as well because I think that's important for us to move past this race and conversation all together.

PHILLIPS: Well, we're definitely seeing a crossover. You know, I loved Hooty & the Blowfish. I love (INAUDIBLE) even more.

GRANDERSON: Absolutely.

PHILLIPS: And he sings about the south, he's a Charleston boy. You know he talked big and rich and Cowboy Troy.

GRANDERSON: Yes.

IMUS: I mean, you're starting to see influences. Even Blake Shelton and his video, he's got diversity in there. Well, I wish we could talk more about this, L.Z.

GRANDERSON: Absolutely.

PHILLIPS: We're going to continue this conversation. I want folks to continue the conversation with you. Because I know a lot of people want to weigh in. CNN.com/opinion; if you like join the conversation leave a comment for him. And hey, maybe he'll even sing for you, you never know, I hear he's got quite a voice.

Now convicted of crimes against others and serving time behind bars in Maryland, but one thing about these men, they remain immensely proud of their military service. Our vets in focus this morning from photo journalist Tony Marini (ph).

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RONALD "MACK" MCCLARY, U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN: I was enlisted in the Army, but I decided to go into the Marines.

CALVIN AMOS, U.S. NAVY VETERAN: In 1972 to 1976 I was a hospital corps men HM3SS.

RICHARD PRATIS BEY, U.S. ARMY VETERAN: I was in the United States Army, specialist. I went to Vietnam.

EDWARD "BOOMER" BENJAMIN JACKSON, U.S. NAVY VETERAN: My specialty was planting and removal of underwater explosive devices.

STERLING TOLSON, U.S. ARMY VETERAN: I did my entire tour in Europe and enjoyed the military and willing to serve my country, again.

BEY: I've been locked up 18 years. My family and I discussed that I need some more structure or little bit more discipline in my life. And they felt that the military would be the best thing for me. So, I enlisted.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I love tanks.

GARY D. MAYNARD, DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY/CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: They serve this country. They put themselves in harm's way. They got out of the service. Some honorably, some dishonorably, but they got out of the service and they committed a crime against the State of Maryland, in this case. And I think people -- it would be good if people remember that these -- even though they committed a crime against the State of Maryland, they did serve this country and they did put themselves in harm's way for us.

BEY: The veterans here in this group here, they have a shine about themselves. They have a pride about themselves. The way they do things, the way they conduct themselves. They try to conduct themselves with the staff in a very, very respectful way and when you give respect, you get respect.

If possible, I would like for us, once we are released to keep this same bond. I want for us to get outside here and form some sort of a group and re-establish ourselves in the communities.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Checking stories later today:

President Obama is continuing to push for his Jobs Act with a trip to Philly. His remarks are scheduled for 11:45 Eastern time.

And Penn State University head football coach Joe Paterno is holding his weekly news conference that's at 12:20 Eastern time. And Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain plans a news conference at 5:00 Eastern in Phoenix.

All right, we're following lots of other developments for you in the next hour of CNN NEWSROOM. Let's go ahead and check in first with Mary Snow. Hey, Mary.

MARY SNOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey there, Kyra.

Herman Cain is vowing to set the record straight later today after a fourth woman comes forward accusing him of sexual harassment. We'll have the latest at the top of the hour.

BRIANNA KEILAR, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: I'm Brianna Keilar at the White House, beware the open mike. President Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy caught complaining about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the G-20 last week. That's what Reuters is reporting at this hour. We're awaiting White House reaction and we'll have more coming up.

ROB MARCIANO, AMS METEOROLOGIST: And I'm Rob Marciano in the CNN Severe the Weather Center. A huge asteroid is hurling towards earth. Will it hit? No. It's not going to hit but it's pretty cool. It only happens once every 20 or 30 years. We'll show you the track and the things we use to see it in the next hour -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Thanks, guys.

And a congressman who has taken on the NCAA is now speaking out about the sexual abuse case against a former Penn State coach. Congressman Bobby Rush says there is a culture of exploitation linked to college sports. He's going to talk with me about that next hour.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: That's right. Jeff Fischel and I remembering one of the greatest heavyweight fighters of all time.

Smokin' Joe.

JEFF FISCHEL: Yes, Smokin' Joe Frazier. That's right.

PHILLIPS: I just love that. Smokin' Joe.

FISCHEL: You know, and the story behind that, he got the nickname from his first trainer who told him he can make smoke come out of his gloves.

Frazier died yesterday of liver cancer. He was 67. Of course, the career of this heavyweight champion will forever be linked with Muhammad Ali. They fought three times including in 1971 at Madison Square Garden. The bout, when he -- it was called the fight of the century. Frazier used his left hook and knocked down Ali. He came away with a unanimous decision.

Then there was 1975 the "Thrilla in Manila", a titanic slug fest. Frazier lost when his trainer wouldn't let him come out for the 15th round. Ali later called the fight the closest thing to dying.

And on the passing of his ring rival Ali had this statement. "The world has lost a great champion. I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration. My sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones."

Joe Frazier was a great champion.

Monday night football now, the Bears and Eagles, it was a close one all the way to the fourth quarter. Chicago QB Jay Cutler finds Earl Bennett in the corner for the touchdown. The Bears take a 27-24 lead. They add a field goal.

Final minutes. Michael Vick driving the Eagles down the field. On fourth down, finds Jeremy Macklin but he comes up a yard short of a first down and that ends Philly's last chance. The Bears win, 30-24. That's sports.

PHILLIPS: Thanks, Jeff.

FISCHEL: Ok.

PHILLIPS: Well, the unique and colorful career of Italy's prime minister on the fritz. Silvio Berlusconi clinging to power despite rumors he might resign. Here is CNN's Jeanne Moos.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Close to calling it quits? Say it isn't so, Silvio. If Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi leaves, who is going to get caught on camera telling offensive jokes? Who else is going to call President Obama sun-tanned? Even when he stops talking there's never a dull moment with Berlusconi.

What other world leader inspires list after list of his worst gaffes? Rate the biggest blunder. Put his top ten to music.

Gaffes like the time Berlusconi arrived at a summit with his cell phone plastered to his ear leaving his hostess, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on hold. True, he was trying to iron out a summit sticking point with Turkey's prime minister, but he looked like a turkey talking and talking and talking while Chancellor Merkel greeted other leaders and waited. After about eight and a half minutes, she gave up and left.

Then there was the recorded phone conversation in which Berlusconi allegedly called Merkel, well, we can't even begin to say it on TV. The two words that will be forever associated with Berlusconi are actually one word.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Bunga-bunga parties.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Bunga-bunga.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Bunga-bunga. MOOS: This is a masked parody of a bunga-bunga party, parties featuring women like the poetically named "Ruby the heart stealer." Parties so hot that even George Clooney bailed.

GEORGE CLOONEY, ACTOR: This bunga-bunga party that became a very different kind of evening than anyone thought. It was like, I have to go. Oh, where you going? It's going to be a party. I'm like, no, I got to go.

MOOS: Berlusconi's dirty old man image is such that he even gets blamed for pranks he didn't pull. For instance, this comes from a film farce featuring an actor portraying Berlusconi, yet it circulates on the Web as if it's the real thing.

DAVID LETTERMAN, TALK SHOW HOST: You know who else is in town? Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. So good luck getting a hooker.

MOOS: But even when Berlusconi gets tripped up -- he still manages to land on his feet.

Jeanne Moos, CNN -- New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)