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Police: "Lone Wolf" Terror Suspect Stopped; Penn State Trustees Hold News Conference; Debt Panel to Admit $1.2 Trillion Failure; Tax Breaks Set to Expire; Penn State Scandal Investigation; Lawmaker Accused of Sex Abuse; Minor Flooding in Los Angeles; Protesters March Near Mayor's Home; Bloody Battles in Tahrir Square; Egyptian Forces, Activists Clash; Possible Deal for "Ponzi" Poker Site; Former FBI Director Joins Penn State Probe; Prince Harry Visits Las Vegas; Beckham Going Out a Winner

Aired November 21, 2011 - 10:00   ET

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

HALA GORANI, CNN ANCHOR: That's one of my favorite commercials, the guy who does the flash mob before everyone else.

JEFF FISCHEL, HLN SPORTS: He's not the only one who loves it.

GORANI: It's funny. Thanks, Jeff.

Top of this hour, authorities in New York believe they stopped an alleged terrorist before, perhaps hours before, he could execute his plan. Plans that included using homemade bombs to blow up New York police cars, they say.

Post offices as well might have been a target and troops coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan. The 27-year-old Jose Pimentel is in jail without bail right now.

CNN's Deborah Feyerick is following the story. Tell us more about the man himself. How long had authorities had him under surveillance?

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Hala, they had been watching him for about two and a half years. He is currently at Rikers Island having been denied bail yesterday during that court hearing where you see him.

The message he wanted to send according to police is that he wanted to alert people that, in fact, Jihad is alive and well. Assuming that the three pipe bombs he was preparing actually worked, a counterterrorism source tells me that he could have killed upwards of a dozen people.

Now because he was under surveillance for two and a half years, NYPD bomb experts had time to build and detonate a similar device to show the potential impact. That's what we saw at the start of this segment, that car exploding. You see it right there.

New York's top cops says the suspect was radicalized by the teaching of U.S. born cleric Anwar Awlaki and that it was Awlaki's death by U.S. led drone strike in Yemen in September that accelerated the alleged plot, turning it from aspirational to operational.

The police say he followed directions from "Inspire," the al Qaeda magazine carefully scraping match heads to collect a powder and then assembling ignitions using batteries, wires, even electronic circuits from Christmas lights.

New York City's mayor says tactical units arrested the 27-year- old U.S. citizen because he started drilling holes in the pipes, which according to the al Qaeda instructions is really the last mechanical step in building the bomb.

Court papers show that after Pimentel was arrested, he told detectives that he believed he was an hour away from completing the device. He faces five terror-related charges. He has pleaded not guilty -- Hala.

GORANI: All right, Deborah Feyerick, thanks very much. Well, happening now is the special committee of the Board of Trustees of Penn State University is having a news conference in Philadelphia now.

They're expected to talk about the findings of an independent investigation that is looking into sexual abuse allegations against former football coach Jerry Sandusky and a possible cover-up.

CNN's Jason Carroll is covering this for us. We'll check in with him in a few minutes.

Well, it's a trillion-dollar failure brewing in Washington. The congressional "Super Committee" is expected to announce that it cannot make a deal on debt reduction. The goal was to find ways to cut $1.2 trillion from the budget.

Failure to get this done could affect every American. Alison Kosik is breaking down what this means for your bottom line. We'll get to her in a moment.

But first, let's start with congressional correspondent, Kate Bolduan on the Hill. All right, so, the sticking points. Why did the "Super Committee" not come up with an agreement with a plan and a deal at this stage?

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Hala, yes, barring some unforeseen, and I stress unforeseen, breakthrough of this committee is headed towards failure, and it seems that really what it came down to is that they just could not, the members on this committee, could not bridge the divide.

Maybe they couldn't find the political courage in an election year to come together, to compromise and to see eye to eye on the issue of taxes.

Just listen here to two members on the committee, Democratic Senator John Kerry from Massachusetts and the Republican senator from Arizona, Jon Kyl just from this morning.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SENATOR JOHN KERRY (D), MASSACHUSETTS: There is one big, big hurdle to get over. The Republicans have been insisting that we make permanent and extend the tax cut to the wealthiest Americans. We cannot in good conscience extend the Bush tax cuts at the higher end when we're at a 60-year low in terms of the revenue coming into the government.

SEN. JON KYL (R), ARIZONA: Our Democratic friend said we won't cut one dollar more without raising taxes. I think that tells you a lot about the people in Washington. We went into this exercise in order to reduce federal government spending. When we get from the other side is no, we're not going to make any more cuts unless you raise taxes.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BOLDUAN: And you really can hear it right there. Democrats were the differences. Democrats, they have insisted all along that revenue and increased taxes need to be part of deficit reduction measures as part of a, quote/unquote, "balanced approach."

But Republicans remain largely opposed to any tax increases unless it's part of an overall broader based tax reform with an overall lower rate. So barring again any unforeseen breakthrough, they are headed for failure, and we could hear later today that they just couldn't pull it off.

And shortly, Hala, what's next, well, that means that they're sweeping across the board cuts of $1.2 trillion will set in -- those will set in 2013 and it will hit half of those cuts will hit the defense budget very deeply.

And the other half will hit domestic programs with a few exemptions, special those programs that help low-income Americans. Of course, they'll set it again in 2013, so they'll have all next to fight about that -- Hala.

GORANI: All right, Kate Bolduan on Capitol Hill. Thanks very much. Let's get to Alison Kosik at the New York Stock Exchange. So how will this affect ordinary Americans in terms of the taxes they might be paying?

ALISON KOSIK, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: OK, so every American worker, Hala, could wind up seeing their payroll taxes go up because the "Super Committee" looks like it won't be able to reach a deal. So some temporary tax breaks are essentially set to expire on December 31st.

The biggest one that I'm talking about is the payroll tax. That was actually what's taken out of your paycheck to fund Social Security. Right now that's at 14.2 percent, so you may notice your paycheck is a little higher than let's say it was, say, last year. But guess what? That will be set back to 6.2 percent unless Congress does something.

Also, some emergency unemployment benefits, those are set to expire as well. Congress extended them during the recession up to 99 weeks, but up to two million people will fall off the roll by February if there is no extension.

And here's what analysts say they say that those measures could wind up hitting overall economic growth in the U.S. It could hit GDP. Now Congress could also pass an end of the year extender, but at this point, you know what, Hala? They're dealing with a lot right now. Clearly they're not getting a whole lot done -- Hala?

GORANI: All right, and we're seeing the Dow Jones. They're 234 points down, a triple digit decline, not looking good on Wall Street. Alison, we'll see you a bit later.

Let's cross over live to Penn State University where a news conference is under way. Ken Frazier is heading up this special committee to investigate the reaction of the university to allegations of child sex abuse by one of its coaches is speaking. Let's listen in.

KENNETH FRAZIER, CHAIRMAN, PENN STATE TRUSTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE: We're committed to leaving no stone unturned to get to the bottom of what happened. Who knew what, when and what changes must be made to ensure this doesn't happen again.

And that means in any area of the university, not just the football program. No one -- no one -- is above scrutiny, including every member of the administration of the university, every member of our board of trustees, and every employee at Penn State University.

To that end, the board of trustees has formed a special committee. The composition of that committee, which includes trustees, as well as people affiliated with the Penn State community, will be covered in a press release we are issuing today.

To add further outside perspective to our committee, we've appointed an independent and distinguished member and Penn State graduate to the special committee, the eminent engineer, Air Force officer and former astronaut, Dr. Dion Bluford.

To lead the investigation, we found a person whose personal integrity and professional background are beyond reproach. I'm pleased to report to you that we have more than met that standard.

To conduct this investigation, we've engaged in an outstanding firm led by a man with impeachable credentials and unparalleled experience in law and criminal justice, former FBI Director Lewis J. Free. Judge Free will be our special investigative counsel.

He has complete rein to follow any lead, look into every corner of the university to get to the bottom of what happened and then to make recommendations that will help ensure that it never happens again.

We will conduct the investigation with complete independence. Judge Free will conduct it with complete independence, I meant to say. Once his work is completed, he will make his findings and recommendations public.

Judge Free has led some of the most substantive, consequential and important investigations of our generation. And beyond that, he has been an active leader and board member of The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the most prominent, private organization in the United States dedicated to protecting children from sexual crimes.

As FBI Director, Judge Free permanently assigns agents to work at the center. He's also been a member of the board of the United States Naval Academy Foundation, and as director of the FBI, he launched the Innocent Images National Initiative to protect young children.

This is the first step in a process that will put in place effective systems and controls.

GORANI: The news conference there, the head of the special committee looking into the University of Pennsylvania's reaction to allegations of child sex abuse by one of its former coaches.

They're discussing the formation of a special committee that will be headed by Louie Free, the former FBI director. They're taking this very seriously, it seems saying no one is above scrutiny.

He also has involvement with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, so there are details being made public about this special committee that will look into how the university handled these allegations.

We'll be right back. Our Ben Wedeman is live from Cairo as bloodshed and death unfolds in Tahrir Square once again.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GORANI: Checking news across the country, a Michigan congressman accused of sexually abusing a young cousin decades ago calls the allegations false and shameful. Representative Dale Kildee says his relatives are trying to black mail him. He's held his district seat since 1976.

And it does rain in Southern California. Here's the proof, heavy downpours pounded the Los Angeles area for hours on Sunday, triggering minor street flooding and even a few mudslides. The wet conditions were blamed for several traffic accidents in the area.

In New York, "Occupy" protesters tried to take their message to the mayor's front door with drums banging and music blaring. The group moved close to Michael Bloomberg's east side townhouse as they could, but police barricades blocked street access to the mayor's home. Organizers posted their plans for the Sunday serenade on Facebook. For a third day now, Egyptian forces are unleashing gunfire, tear gas and batons on pro-democracy activists in Cairo. You're hearing reports of at least 33 people killed, another 1,700 injured in the clashes.

This is all going down in and around Tahrir Square, the hub of the protests that put Hosni Mubarak from power. CNN's Ben Wedeman is there. Ben, nine months -- I think 10 months now after the initial revolution, this is happening again in Cairo. Why?

BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, basically people are increasingly fed up and frustrated with the fact that the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, the military that took over from Hosni Mubarak doesn't appear to be willing to hand over power to civilians as quickly as some Egyptians would like.

Now, as you can see or possibly see behind me, Tahrir is filling up yet again. The organizers of these demonstrations have called for a million man march tomorrow. Increasingly, it does appear that a movement is growing to push for the introduction of civilian rule because the military hanta has not made any indication about when they could possibly hand overrule to civilians.

We do have in one week, Hala, the beginning of a round of parliamentary elections that go until next March, and it's not clear when there will be presidential elections, whether there will be another vote on the creation of a new constitution. So people are just getting impatient. They want a change.

GORANI: Right. And I was going to ask you, you're overlooking Tahrir Square right now I believe, Ben. What's going on right now? I'm still reading reports of tear gas, of people injured, of bodies piling up in morgues in Cairo. Are we still in this situation of complete chaos right now in Tahrir?

WEDEMAN: Well, actually, the chaos is not in Tahrir itself. As you can see, there are lots of people coming. It's peaceful there, but it's in the roads leading from the east into Tahrir where the real clashes are taking place really focused on one road leading to the Interior Ministry.

And of course, for many Egyptians, the Interior Ministry is the symbol of the old regime, the symbol of repression, of torture, of retention without trial. That really is the focus of their anger so in Tahrir itself, very peaceful. There are children. There are women, almost a festive atmosphere.

It's off of Tahrir where these clashes are taking place. We were caught in one of them yet again just soaked with tear gas. We are getting indications that police have been using snipers to kill some of the protesters.

Certainly the death toll would indicate that this is not a restraint as the military calls it, quite to the contrary.

GORANI: Well, it's going to be interesting to see if these elections in eight days time will be able to take place. Thanks very much. Ben Wedeman is live in Cairo.

New developments in the case of a poker web site that feds said was a Ponzi scheme. Will players get their money back? Place your bets and we'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GORANI: Well, poker players are well aware every game is a gamble, but card sharks on one web site didn't know the half of it. Their money has been frozen for months since the feds shut the site down. Some new developments could change that, though. Poppy Harlow reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

POPPY HARLOW, CNNMONEY.COM: How much money did you make playing poker on line?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: About $300,000.

HARLOW: In how long?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Three or four years.

HARLOW (voice-over): In the online poker world, Shawn Busse was known as Georgia Kicks.

SHAWN BUSSE, FULL TILT POKER PLAYER: I was playing poker like any other day and all of a sudden we couldn't play anymore. The money was frozen.

HARLOW: It became known as Black Friday, when the Justice Department seized Full Tilt poker operations and froze player accounts alleging the company was operating a global "Ponzi" scheme.

JOSEPH KELLY, CO-EDITOR, GAMING LAW REVIEW: I think this is unchartered territory for the first time players' moneys have been seized.

HARLOW: The DOJ says Full Tilt owed some $390 million to players around the world, including roughly $150 million to U.S. players, but had only $60 million in its coffers.

And it alleges that members of the company board and other owners were paid more than $440 million over a four-year period. Full Tilt fired back, saying it's in no way a "Ponzi" scheme and says it's committed to paying players back. Out 60 grand, though, Shawn Busse is not convinced.

BUSSE: A lot of people feel betrayed, I guess, that this was, you know, the site where they made their income. They had a relationship with people there. They trusted them, and, you know, they basically stole from us.

HARLOW: French investment firm group Bernard Tappe reached an agreement with the Department of Justice to acquire Full Tilt Poker and says, it will reimburse players outside the U.S. But for American players like Shawn, they'll have to apply to the DOJ to get their money back. Full Tilt's current owners have not yet accepted the deal.

BUSSE: I try not to get my hopes up. I consider that money lost, and if I get it back, then it will be a nice bonus.

HARLOW (on camera): I think that the general feeling is, OK, well, people can't play the games they like online anymore. But for you, it was a lot more than that. This was your livelihood.

BUSSE: This was my job, yes. I feel like my job has been taken away from me right now. This was my source of income for the past four years.

HARLOW: And Shawn is not alone. According to 82 gambling capital, about 8 percent of U.S. online poker players, or about 3,500 people in this country made a living on the game, now many have moved abroad where online poker is alive and well. What was your best day ever?

BUSSE: Playing on line in 2009, I got second place for $163,000 in one tournament. Poker has been an American pastime for how many years --

HARLOW: An American pastime?

BUSSE: Sure. Everyone loves to play poker.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GORANI: Poppy Harlow joins us now live. So you've spoken to other Americans who have made a living or at least made some income playing poker online. I mean, are they hopeful that they're going to get their money back?

HARLOW: I think they're very skeptical, Hala. They want to see how this all plays out. The settlement is good news for them and if they can at least apply to get the money back, but they have a lot of questions about it.

Take a look, we're going to -- two other players we spoke with, right there you see Ethan Ruby. He says he used his winnings on Full Tilt to help start a college fund for his kids and have a little fun, he bought a hot tub with it.

But he at this point does not think he'll see the $13,000 he had tied up when his account was frozen. Another guy we spoke with, Brian Mogalesky, he's someone who turned to online poker after he lost his job in the mortgage industry. He's out $28,000.

So you've got a lot of people for different reasons quit their job, didn't have a job and they turned to poker for their full source of income and they're skeptical.

I do want to read you a statement that we got from Full Tilt Poker this morning. They basically said they're pleased the settlement has been reached between the DOJ and that French investment firm.

They said that repaying customers has been Full Tilt's number one priority. Bottom line, though, Hala, in this country, those players have to go through the red tape of the government, go to the DOJ for restitution. The big outstanding question is if and when they're going to see their money again.

GORANI: All right, Poppy Harlow, thanks very much.

All right, in medical news, it's being called a smart bomb for your mouth. A UCLA micro biologist says he's developed a mouthwash that virtually eliminates bacteria responsible for cavities and tooth decay, and he says we may actually be able to wipe out tooth decay in our lifetimes.

It's unclear whether this means the end of brushing your teeth or not. Either way, sounds like a positive. Coming up, we'll ask our "Political Buzz" panel, which party will get more blame for the $1.2 trillion super failure we're expecting in Washington.

Also, actor, Hugh Grant testifies about being hacked by the "News of the World." Hear what he told British lawmakers today next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GORANI: Checking "Top Stories" now a New York City man is jailed on terrorist charges. Police say Jose Pimentel plan to set off pipe bombs at police stations and also target service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Also among the stories we're following, Hugh Grant is joining others testifying today before British lawmakers in the phone hacking scandal involving a tabloid newspaper "News of the World." Grant says his phone was hacked by "News of the World" and has made this one of his causes recently. The "News of the World" tabloid shut down after the scandal broke.

Also Bruce Springsteen is taking the E-Street Band back to the road. The world tour is set to start in Europe next May. It will be the band's first tour in three years.

"Political Buzz" is -- I spoke too soon, I'm that excited. "Political Buzz" is our rapid fire look at the best political topics of the day. Three questions and 30 seconds on the clock. Playing today, Sirius XM's political talk show host and comedian Pete Dominick; CNN contributor, Will Cain; and radio host and co-founder of the Saint Louis Tea Party, Dana Loesch.

First question the super committee -- thanks to all of you for being here -- is expected to announce that it did not reach a debt deal. Republicans are blaming Democrats and Democrats are blaming Republicans. But in the end who will the voters blame the most? Dana, let's start with you. DANA LOESCH, RADIO HOST/CO-FOUNDER OF THE SAINT LOUIS TEA PARTY: Well, I think voters are -- I'll tell you who they'll blame the least, it's the party that's going to offer the most in terms of cuts and getting our spending under control. I thought the idea of a super committee was silly in the first place simply because you can't have a mini version of Congress when the full version of Congress couldn't do in a long period of time what the mini Congress failed do.

John Boehner should not have agreed to this but Democrats shouldn't have walked away from the table two weeks when Republicans put forth I think $400 billion in revenue increases which is exactly what Democrats want. But they want it a little too much. They couldn't compromise so they walked away from the table. Ultimately it's going to be the party that gets it done and passes a budget.

GORANI: Will, this is going to be seem through a partisan prism no matter what, right?

WILL CAIN, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: Yes, and I think as a matter of sheer politics, just tactics and strategy and all of that nonsense, I think that actually Democrats win this battle. Look it's a -- automatic cuts now kicked in, the $1.2 trillion in cuts that kick in, focused largely on defense and Democrats aren't too concerned about cuts coming from defense. What's more, it reaffirms President Obama's re-election strategy which is to paint Congress as incompetent, as do nothing, and this now provides that narrative for him to run on.

So I think, as again, just as a sheer political analysis, I think Democrats win this battle.

GORANI: All right, agreed, Pete?

PETE DOMINICK, RADIO TALK SHOW HOST: No. I have a problem with the question. I have a problem with the question.

GORANI: I apologize.

DOMINICK: The idea was that sort to put the pit Republicans -- it's not yours, it's -- we all do this. I mean, we pit Republicans versus Democrats, the media wins, the politicians win.

GORANI: Right.

DOMINICK: You know who hurts, who gets damaged by this?

GORANI: Who?

DOMINICK: The American people.

GORANI: Right.

DOMINICK: Society gets damaged by this. This idea that a payroll tax cut extension or unemployment extensions would hurt the economy more than ending tax cuts for the wealthy people. That's insane, $1.2 trillion in cuts, spending without any revenue increase would kill the economy. Everybody understands that. GORANI: All right, well it is the question that's being asked to you which is why we're asking it. I mean, in the end, somebody politically might get hurt by all of this and it's going to be a campaign issue in the election in the presidential race.

All right, Newt Gingrich has some advice for the "Occupy Wall Street" protesters. Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NEWT GINGRICH (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Go get a job right after you take a bath.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GORANI: All right. Well, the unemployment rate is more than nine percent. You have European countries out there with -- with slower growth that have smaller unemployment rates. How will Gingrich's words play out in this situation where joblessness is such a giant issue for Americans? Will, let's start with you.

CAIN: Look, from the beginning I've said this. "Occupy Wall Street" is a Rorschach test, an ink blot test. You know you see in it what you want to see but common narratives have emerged that of that it's about crime or criminality on and corruption on Wall Street. If that is what you think "Occupy Wall Street" is about, Newt Gingrich -- Newt Gingrich's words will be very ugly and play poorly.

If "Occupy Wall Street" on the other hand is simply about inequality. Inequality not as a result of corruption, just as a concept, Newt Gingrich's words won't offend many Americans because the truth is this country is not about what you make compared to someone else.

GORANI: I'm still getting used to the buzzer. Dana, what do you think?

LOESCH: Well, I think -- I think more people are going to look at the actions of this Administration and Congress and how that plays out with voters and the unemployed as opposed to Newt Gingrich's remarks. I mean, I've and -- I look at it like this, you know I really agree with what Will said. I mean, if you're out there and you're protesting corruption on Wall Street, why, then, are there so many of these individuals on video, all over YouTube, saying that they're going to vote for the Wall Street president who's received more in campaign donations from the likes of Goldman Sachs than any other presidential candidate?

I mean, this is -- I mean, these are questions that has to be entered. It is Rorschach test and it also is what is the mission? What is the goal? I think Newt Gingrich's words, I think they -- they resonate. I think a lot of people understand them. They're dropping in the polls this movement.

GORANI: All right. Pete? DOMINICK: Newt Gingrich is just an arrogant, unlikeable guy. I mean, these comments are going to play well for a select few. I anticipate he's going to walk these back. I mean, say that to the blue collar worker who has been protesting because he's out of work. I just don't understand why we take this guy seriously and don't call him crazy. I mean, Ron Paul wants to end the fed and he's anti-war and he's been called crazy and minimized where Newt Gingrich is actually anti-poor and argues to end child labor laws in the same -- I think in the same press conference or speech. I mean, this is ridiculous. Who is taking this guy seriously?

GORAIN: Well, 20 seconds each now. Jon Huntsman heads into "Saturday Night Live" to defend his strategy to go big in New Hampshire. Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You seem to be putting all your eggs in one basket in New Hampshire. Are you worried you might alienate the rest of the country?

JON HUNTSMAN (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Seth I love all of America. From Dallas, Texas to Manchester, New Hampshire. From the majestic Rocky Mountains, to New Hampshire's scenic Lake Winnipesaukee, from the innovation of Silicon Valley to the affordable outlet malls in North Conway, New Hampshire.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I can't help but notice you keep mentioning places from New Hampshire.

HUNTSMAN: Well, it's not on purpose, Seth. I would never tie myself to one state. I like to spread my wings and fly like the purple finch.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Which is, of course, the state bird of New Hampshire.

HUNTSMAN: You know a lot about New Hampshire, Seth.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm from New Hampshire.

HUNTSMAN: Well, that makes sense, because you're kind and good looking.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GORANI: They might not win any acting awards, but politically, was this a smart move? Dana?

LOESCH: I think it was. I always -- I always find it kind of entertaining when you see candidates or elected officials go on to talk shows or go on to SNL. It worked really well for Rudy Giuliani, I just want someone to tell Huntsman to look at the camera more instead of focusing so much on the cue cards.

GORANI: Yes. LOESCH: He was like way over here while he was talking to the camera.

GORANI: Maybe reading a cue card? Will?

CAIN: We have a rash of that problem don't we Dana, because Michele Bachmann during her response to the "State of the Union" looked off to the left the entire time she talks. I think it's good for Huntsman. He needs a breakthrough in the consciousness --

(CROSSTALK)

GORANI: Listen up.

CAIN: -- he needs to break through to the conscience of mainstream voters and more exposure to "Saturday Night Live" will absolutely help him.

GORANI: Pete?

DOMINICK: You guys don't think this looks a totally normal way to deliver a message looking over here? Oh wait, I'm back to the camera. Yes. Listen, I like Jon Huntsman. He's the most -- he's the most reasonable guy, but we've entered this strange atmosphere.

Now, I don't think it's going to help him. Nothing can help him at this point. Certainly nothing can hurt him. John McCain went on SNL a couple days before, it didn't help him. Bob Dole went after the election obviously it didn't help him. It will help Jon Huntsman as much it will help the host Jason -- Jason Segel who -- I don't know who he is either.

GORANI: All right, Pete Dominick, Will Cain, Dana Loesch, thanks to all three of you.

CNN will bring you live coverage of the next Republican presidential debate. Wolf Blitzer will be asking these tough national political questions. Watch it live at 8:00 p.m. tomorrow night.

A Penn State panel looking into the child sex abuse scandal brings a former FBI director on board. We're talking about that next. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GORANI: A Penn State panel looking into the child sex abuse scandal is bringing a former FBI chief on board. CNN's Jason Carroll joins us from New York with that latest development.

All right. So a big FBI bigwig on board leading this investigation. Penn State wants the country to know it's taking this very seriously, it seems.

JASON CARROLL, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, it would seem so. As you know, Hala, what they've done is they've set up this special committee to look into how the university failed to respond as some are alleging to the allegations of abuse that were set forth there. And as you say, heading up this committee will be former FBI director under the Clinton Administration, Louis Freeh.

He has promised that he will, as part of his investigation, he will point out the gaps that may be there in the system. Also once again, how the allegations of abuse are reported. I want you to listen to part of what he had to say at a press conference that wrapped up just a few moments ago.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LOUIS FREEH, LEADING PSU INVESTIGATION: During the course of this independent investigation, we will immediately report any evidence of criminality to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. If our investigation identifies any additional victims of sexual crimes against or exploitation of children, we will immediately report this to law enforcement authorities.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CARROLL: Hala, he also pointed out that no one is above scrutiny in this investigation.

A question was asked about timeline. How long is all of this going to take? Well, Freeh basically saying he wasn't going to put a time on it. He understands -- he said that there is a sense of urgency here in terms of getting these recommendations out to the university as soon as possible.

Also I can tell you, nine members will be on this special investigative committee, and once again, Freeh is basically saying that what he is going to do is in terms of his investigation, he will have four prosecutors. Former FBI investigators will also be a part of this, so taking this very seriously in terms of trying to get to the bottom of exactly what happened here.

GORANI: All right. The special panel there headed by Louis Freeh charged with the sex abuse scandal at Penn State, the investigation into that. Jason Carroll is live in New York. Thanks very much.

Prince Harry is caught hanging out on the strip. America's royal visitor took a break from training and he headed to Vegas. We've got the details in showbiz next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GORANI: Well, it was a big night for women at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles last night. A.J. Hammer is here with the details. Who were the big winners, A.J.?

A.J. HAMMER, HLN HOST, "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT": Well, Hala, yes, it was ladies' night at the AMAs and the night's big winner was Taylor Swift. She took home every award she was nominated for that includes Artist of the Year, Favorite Country Album as well as Favorite Country Female Artist. The fourth straight year she's nabbed that award. You would think she would be putting on this look of shock when her name gets called, but when "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" caught up with Taylor Swift back stage, she told us that even with now ten AMA trophies, it is still a surprise for her.

Watch what she said.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TAYLOR SWIFT, SINGER: It never gets old. I am so excited. This is just crazy. Like this is my second time winning Artist of the Year, and I just can't believe that it happened again.

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HAMMER: That wasn't just Taylor taking home the trophies, though. Rapper Nicki Minaj took home two of her own. Beyonce and Adele were also winners last night. Adele unfortunately couldn't be there, still recovering from throat surgery.

And Katy Perry, given a special award of achievement because she's the first woman in the history of pop music, Hala, to have five number one singles, and that is definitely an award-worthy achievement.

Gorani: All right. And Nicki Minaj had a good look. I'm sure she could barely walk in them as well.

Let's talk about Mila Kunis. She was asked out by a Marine. Mila Kunis' co-star Justin Timberlake was asked out by a Marine as well. He went out on a date. And those two went out on a date as well. It was a nice thing tod.

HAMMER: Yes, this is pretty cool. According to all the reports out there, it was a pretty good date for everybody involved. And I should point out that Mila Kunis deserves some credit for starting this now new Marine Ball trend.

She was promoting her film, "Friends with Benefits", and at that time Marine Sgt. Scott Moore propositioned her using YouTube. Well, she accepted. On Friday, she went to the Marine Corps Ball in Greenville, North Carolina with the sergeant. And yes, her "Friends with Benefits" co-star Justin Timberlake also got asked out on YouTube after Kunis, and he went to another Marine Corps Ball last week. But yes, Hala, really cool to see them doing these kinds of things.

GORANI: Yes. I'm going to wait to see how many Marines after this post their YouTube requests.

Prince Harry in Sin City? Ok, he was in Las Vegas, but it didn't stay in Las Vegas, as the cliche goes. What did he do?

HAMMER: Yes. I'm not surprised this got out. He was seen out and about on Friday and Saturday night. And if you're wondering why Prince Harry would even go to Vegas of all places, well, it turns out he's actually in the middle of some military training in Arizona right now.

But "People" magazine did catch His Royal Highness having really a typical Vegas weekend. They say he flirted with a few women. Gambled a few hundred bucks, hit the night clubs and even caught a Cirque du Soleil show.

They also reported he was surprised to discover, Hala, you get free drinks when you're playing Black Jack. Is that not how things are done in Britain? Do the free cocktails not come your way when you're sitting at the table?

GORANI: I don't know. And I did live in the U.K. for eight years but I've never been to a casino. I'm sure if you're a high roller, they'll throw in a couple of drinks. Believe me, I think in any casino.

But yes, interesting that it got out, the Prince's visit to Las Vegas.

Thanks, A.J. Hammer. And if you want information on everything breaking in the entertainment world, A.J. has got it this evening on HLN at 11:00 p.m. on "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT".

David Beckham, speaking of Brits, goes out with a bang. His L.A. Galaxy wins the MLS title, but Beckham may have made his last kick with an American soccer team. That story ahead.

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GORANI: The true soccer fan, the LA Galaxy won the MLS title last night, but it looks like David Beckham won't be back for the defense of crown. CNN's Don Riddell is following that story from London. Where will Beckham go, Don?

DON RIDDELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, if he goes anywhere, Hala, he's not saying anything at this point, but everybody knows he's out of contract within a month, and there is a lot of talk that he's on his way back to Europe with Paris Saint-Germain, the newly-wealthy Parisian French club that seems to be the likely destination for Beckham.

But you know what; he's dropping hints today so he might stay in L.A. It's known that his family is very well settled there, the kids enjoy it, and, of course, he's now a winner with the L.A. Galaxy which was the whole reason he went there five years ago. If he does leave, he will have gone out on a high though. That really was a fairy tale end to his Galaxy career. (INAUDIBLE) he's keeping us guessing.

GORANI: Right. He is keeping us guessing. But remind me how old he is. I mean at this stage if he goes to Paris Saint-Germain, what can he do for them at his level of the game at his age?

RIDDELL: look, by his age, some players would already have been retired, but Beckham really is quite a phenomenal player. He's always managed to stay very fit throughout his career, and he's demonstrated this season that he has still got it. He can still be very, very useful to a lot of these teams.

I think if he goes to Paris Saint-Germain, he can certainly help them out in two ways. One on the pitch and of course with the profile of the marketing which is one of the main reasons he was brought to L.A. in the first place. And he's got his eye on playing in the Olympics next year for the great British team in London. That I think would be how he would like to end his career. He's certainly very excited about the prospect of doing that.

GORANI: And his wife is into fashion. Is there a better city than Paris for that? So maybe it will happen.

Thanks very much, Don.

So what happens if the congressional super committee fails to reach a debt reduction deal?

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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The employees are incredibly nervous. I think everybody is. In a small business, it is a very hand to mouth kind of thing.

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GORANI: We'll go in depth on how failure could directly impact jobs in the next hour of CNN NEWSROOM.

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GORANI: The GOP presidential candidates get another chance to try and convince you to vote for them. Senior political editor Mark Preston is here live with the details. Tomorrow's debate topics, national security and the economy. Who is strongest on that, Mark?

MARK PRESTON, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL EDITOR: Well, you know, it would be interesting to see who comes out on top tomorrow, Hala. At no time has it been more important in the national security of the country than perhaps where we are sitting right now.

Look what's happening over in Egypt right now with those violent protests. We also have, of course, the foiled plot up in New York City of that lone wolf terrorist. You know there's a whole host of issues that these Republican presidential candidates will have to talk about tomorrow. It could be anywhere from China's influence over the whole world to what's going on in North Korea. Of course, Iran getting the nuclear bomb.

The fact of the matter is if a Republican wins the nomination, somebody wins the nomination and goes on to become the president, they're also the commander-in-chief. So this will be a very important debate tomorrow night at 8:00, Hala. Our own Wolf Blitzer is going to moderate.

But you know, Hala, let's turn to something that you could probably put into the category of just plain old frustrating. I don't know. You know what; let's just let the viewers take a look at this. This is Michelle Obama and Jill Biden who were grand marshals at a Nascar race down in Florida yesterday. Let's take a quick look at the crowd reaction when they were introduced.

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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden as they deliver the most famous words in motor sports.

Gentlemen, start your engines.

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PRESTON: And there you have the first lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, of course, who is the vice president's wife, Joe Biden. They were booed by some of those Nascar fans that were attending that race yesterday. You know it's unfortunate because it wasn't everybody that was attending the race, Hala, but gosh, you can really chalk that up for bad taste.

GORANI: You could sure hear it. With all the engine noise, the boos it made it loud and clear onto our screens.

Thanks very much, Mark Preston. And a reminder tomorrow 8:00 p.m. is our debate.

Thanks for watching. I'm Hala Gorani, sitting in for Kyra Phillips. I'll be back tomorrow at the same time, but now, Jim Acosta is next.

Hi, Jim. Nice to see you in person.