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Coach's Wife Knows; Gingrich Lands Big Endorsement; Egypt's First Vote after Uprising; Beware of Cyber Monday Scams; Beware of Cyber Monday Scams; Prince William to the Rescue; Bill Clinton Praises Gingrich; Gingrich Lands Big Endorsement; Rep. Barney Frank Won't Run Again; Coffee May Cut Cancer Risk; Patriots Beat Eagles; Tebow Leads Broncos to OT Win

Aired November 28, 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: And of course it's Christine that bumped up "The New York Times" bestseller list. Ali just came along for the ride. Exactly.

Good morning, guys.

(LAUGHTER)

PHILLIPS: Happy Monday.

Well, we begin this morning with the firing of Syracuse assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine. A third man comes forward and accuses Fine of molesting him nine years ago. And a decade-old recording of Fine's wife suggesting she not only knew about the alleged sexual abuse, but allowed it to go on, has surfaced.

CNN's Deborah Feyerick live in Syracuse with more -- Deborah, tell us.

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, you know, Kyra, once officials here at Syracuse University heard that tape, there really was no other choice. They had to fire Bernie Fine, which they did late last night, issuing a statement saying new allegations had come forward.

The accuser, Bobby Davis, lived in the Fine household for a period of time. Now he made the recording shortly after the alleged decade-long affair came to an end. And the tape suggests that not only did the coach's wife know about what was going on, but in fact she had a role in it.

We want to warn you that the tape is both graphic and also disturbing.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LAURIE FINE, WIFE OF BERNIE FINE: I know everything that went on with him. You know, I know everything that went on with him. Bernie has issues. Maybe that he's not aware of, but he has issues. You trusted somebody you shouldn't have trusted. BOBBY DAVIS, ACCUSES BERNIE FINE OF ABUSE: Yes.

FINE: Bernie is also in denial. I think that he did the things that he did, but somehow through his own mental telepathy has erased it out of his mind.

You know what, go to a place where there's gay boys. Find yourself a gay boy, you know, get your rocks off, and have it be over with.

DAVIS: Yes, but --

FINE: You know, he needs a, that male companionship. I can't give it nor is he interested in me and vice-versa. Because I care about you, and I didn't want to see you being treated that way. And it's hard -- if it was another girl, like I told you, it'd be easy for me to step in because you know what you're up against. But if it's another guy, you can't compete with that.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FEYERICK: Now that tape was never given to police, nor was it made available to university officials when they investigated charges back in 2005. Instead, Bobby Davis gave the tape to ESPN's sports channel as well as a local paper here. Both of them held on to that tape because they were unable to get anyone to corroborate the events or the accounts in that tape.

Lori Davis who has not spoken since this tape was released was quoted years ago saying, in fact, she knew that tape recording conversations existed, and she said that in fact they may have been edited by Bobby Davis in order to make them seem more inflammatory.

Now Davis' account is corroborated by his stepbrother, Michael Lang. Both of them were in the Fine house for a period of years. Both of them worked here as ball boys for the revered basketball program.

You can imagine the Syracuse community really trying to come to terms with these two sides of a coach that they have long respected.

A third accuser did step forward, saying that he too was molested by the coach. But the accuser's father says that in fact he doesn't believe the story. Police right now vetting the account.

As for Bernie Fine, well, he says that he hopes the investigation is quick and credible. Everyone waiting for the results of that investigation. Both by the police and the district attorney -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: And we wait, too. Deb Feyerick, thanks so much.

All right. Let's turn to politics now. He has climbed to the top of the crowd, and today Newt Gingrich takes his presidential campaign to South Carolina after landing a big endorsement in New Hampshire.

Our deputy political director Paul Steinhauser has the latest.

Good morning, Paul.

PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN DEPUTY POLITICAL DIRECTOR: Good morning, Kyra.

You know we often talk about endorsements whether they matter nor not. This one probably does matter. Why? New Hampshire. It's the second state to vote, the first state to hold a primary, and we are talking about the New Hampshire union leader doing the endorsement. The most important -- probably almost influential on the Republican side newspaper in the Granite state.

Here's what they said about Newt Gingrich, he's by no means the perfect candidate, well, maybe not so good, but they go on to say but he's the best candidate who is actually running.

Listen, the union leader, this is not a one-day deal with them. They probably going to be, you know, touting Gingrich over and over again in the next six weeks until the New Hampshire primary. At the same time, probably criticizing Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor who's the frontrunner in the polls up there.

Well, how's the union leader's track record? Take a look at this. This is going to be endorsement from the union leader dating back to 1980. They got it right just three years ago. John McCain did win the primary, went on to win the nomination. But you've got to go all the way back to 1980, the last time they endorsed somebody, Ronald Reagan in 1980, who went the primary, the nomination, and then of course the presidency.

What are last week take a look at this. Here's the most recent out last week, this is a WMUR Granite State poll, and there's Romney right at the top. He is the -- well, if you saw that poll, he'd be the frontrunner by far, about 4-10 right there. Likely New Hampshire primary voters endorsing or supporting Romney.

Gingrich is starting to rise. You can see him right there now, Kyra, at 15 percent -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Well, Gingrich rising, then you've got Herman Cain going the other way in the polls, down.

STEINHAUSER: Yes. And he is blaming everybody, I guess, but himself. Take a listen to what he told our Candy Crowley yesterday on "STATE OF THE UNION."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CANDY CROWLEY, HOST, "STATE OF THE UNION": What do you think has gone wrong in the past month or so?

HERMAN CAIN (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Well, obviously, false accusations and confusion about some of my positions has contributed to it. And, you know, that was to be expected. In terms of the campaign itself, nothing has gone wrong in terms of our strategy, of spending time in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, and Florida.

So in terms of the mechanics of the campaign, nothing has gone wrong. But as you know, Candy, some people are heavily influenced by perception more so than reality.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STEINHAUSER: Cain's poll numbers nationally and in the crucial early voting states is starting to lean waiver a little bit but he is still doing OK in those poll numbers.

And Kyra, you want to hear more from Herman Cain? He's a guest with Wolf Blitzer today in "THE SITUATION ROOM" -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: OK. Paul, thanks so much.

STEINHAUSER: Thank you.

PHILLIPS: And we just want to remind you as Newt Gingrich rises in the polls, you're saying that he's getting that big endorsement from New Hampshire's largest newspaper. So don't forget Gingrich talking about to CNN about what he needs to do to keep that momentum up. Watch that exclusive interview on "JOHN KING, USA" 6:00 Eastern on CNN.

Now for all the latest political news, you can always go to our Web site, too, CNNPolitics.com.

All right. Today a critical test of Egypt's march toward democracy is the first parliamentary election since Hosni Mubarak's regime was toppled nine months ago.

Ivan Watson is actually at a polling station for us in Cairo.

Ivan, after a week of pretty violent protests, how are things looking today?

IVAN WATSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: They look pretty peaceful. And people seem pretty enthusiastic, Kyra.

I am right outside of a polling station. You can see the soldiers there. Crowd control. To best indicate how historic this is, I want to introduce you to Mohammed, I just met him here. He is an electrical engineer.

You came with your father. And, Kyra, Mohammed was telling me this is the first time you've ever voted. Why?

MOHAMMED, VOTED: Yes. The first time for vote. Because no chance for votes at various times.

PHILLIPS: Got it.

WATSON: There have been elections before.

MOHAMMED: Yes, because of the revolution now, make me the chance to vote.

WATSON: And for your father, too.

MOHAMMED: Yes. And also -- and my sister. It's usually before to be voting.

WATSON: And does it feel like this is an important day for Egypt right now?

MOHAMMED: Sure, very, very important today and as the stable of freedom. The fair system of freedom and to be -- to be a human.

WATSON: Wow.

So, Kyra, there you go.

PHILLIPS: And we apologize. We are having some technical issues there with Ivan Watson's connection in Egypt. But we are monitoring the first parliamentary election there in Egypt.

Our Ivan Watson at a polling station. We'll try and connect with him again a little later in the hour ahead.

All right. Meanwhile, three American students are back home after their own harrowing ordeal in Egypt. Police there accusing them of throwing Molotov cocktails at security forces. The men were on a study abroad program at American University in Cairo. They said the charges were entirely fabricated.

Now earlier on CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING" we did hear from Derrik Sweeney and his mom. Here it is.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DERRIK SWEENEY, FREED AMERICAN STUDENT: I honestly believe that they -- if they chose to apprehend us because we were obviously foreigners. Basically, the color of our skin and our eyes. And we were the only ones that I saw in the area that appeared to be foreigners. And we were just standing on the street.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Well, Derrik says that he doesn't regret attending the protest, but says that he and his friends should have resisted the temptation to get too close.

All right. Just ahead, a warning for online shoppers on this cyber Monday. Counterfeit and pirated goods are lurking all across the Internet. And the danger is not just to your wallet. Less than 10 minutes from now, we'll tell you what you need to watch out for.

All right. Straight ahead, Prince William to the rescue. The heir to the British throne takes part in a dramatic rescue at sea. We're going to have all the details.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) PHILLIPS: All right. Let's check news "Cross Country."

A standoff right now in Los Angeles. "Occupy" protesters are defying a deadline to leave their camp outside city hall. Police are there on the scene, and so far no violence has been reported. We're following this out -- from KTLA, rather, one of our affiliates.

Also in California, dramatic rescue in I-10, in the desert just east of Los Angeles. About a dozen bystanders were lifted from this pickup truck that had rolled over, and pulled a woman passenger to safety. Another passenger survived. The driver of that crash was killed.

And prosecutors in Seattle deciding not to file charges against a man who calls himself the masked crusader. Phoenix Jones is among a group of self-proclaimed super heroes who patrol Seattle streets against crime. He was arrested for pepper spraying a man. He says he was chasing a stabbing suspect.

Well, today, millions of Americans will avoid crowded stores and take their shopping list online. And while this cyber Monday offers a lot of good deals out there, you've got to look out for the scams. Pirated DVDs, counterfeit clothing and potentially dangerous toys.

John Morton is the leading -- is leading, rather, the fed's crackdown. He's the director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

John, you told me already you have taken down about 150 of these sites. How exactly have you been able to track and know that they are not legit?

JOHN MORTON, DIRECTOR, IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENDORSEMENT: Well, what we do, Kyra, is we look for websites that are pretending to be the real thing but actually selling counterfeit and pirated goods to the unwary, and it's a hard business. This is a criminal effort. A lot of these networks are overseas. And we take a lot of time to separate the real from the fake.

PHILLIPS: What if I'm online, though, and wanting to shop? Is there anything you can tell me that I can look for, some red flags, to know if it's a fake site or not?

MORTON: Absolutely. Look for words like replica, cheap, any misspellings in the Web site. If the Web site doesn't have a particularly good background of who it's operated by and where to go if something goes wrong. Know your supplier. Most legitimate retailers have authorized online outlets, and you can go online, you can figure those out. Just be careful.

PHILLIPS: Well, and I notice you brought a number of things in. I'm looking over at the table to your left. And just from first glance, everything looks legit to me.

How do you know these are bogus items? And tell me what we need to look out for here, as in the most common things that are fakes?

MORTON: Well, as you can see from the items to my left, it covers the water front all the way from NFL jerseys, to DVDs, to handbags. If the price is too good to be true, typically it is.

Again, know your supplier. Make sure that you're not chasing that deal too far. Go with legitimate online Web sites. And be careful.

Holiday lights, cords, batteries are counterfeit. And when you buy those things, they can often be a very serious fire hazard and something that everybody needs to watch out for.

And that's why on this Cyber Monday, we're going after these Web sites. We've taken 150 seized today. And we're going to keep going after them so that when you go online, you can have some confidence that it's the real deal when you shop.

PHILLIPS: John, if I'm looking -- OK. The boots, the jersey -- I don't know. Scottie, can we bring that table back? All right. The hat. How do I know that these are fake items? Can you give me an example?

For example, the boots -- how do I know those Timberlands are not real?

MORTON: Well, if you go and look at the soles on those Timberland, the stamp is very poor quality. Often you have to look at the stitching. And if it doesn't match up, for example, on the Coach bag, it won't match up. It won't match up inside. A lot of times, the holograms on the NFL jerseys are fake.

But increasingly, we're seeing a sophisticated move by the counterfeiters to try to approximate the real deal as closely as you can. And that's why you've got to be careful.

Last year, we seized a Web site called realtimberland.com. There was nothing real. There was nothing Timberland about it. It was just counterfeits being made in China, sent overseas to unwary buyers here in the United States.

We seized it. And when we seize them, we put up our banner as you can see on the screen here, that lets you know this isn't and wasn't a real site. It was a fraud and the government has seized it.

PHILLIPS: Got it. John Morton with ICE -- John, thanks for your time this morning. Appreciate it.

MORTON: Thank you.

PHILLIPS: You bet.

Still ahead, a royal rescue. Britain's Prince William helps rescue two sailors tossing about the frigid waters of the Irish Sea. We'll have the details right after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: All right. Well, Britain's Prince William is not just second in line to the throne. He saves lives, too. The prince co-piloted the helicopter that plucked two sailors from a life raft in the Irish Sea.

Dan Rivers is live in London -- where as you can imagine the story is getting a lot of attention this morning.

Hey, Dan.

DAN RIVERS, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Hey there.

Absolutely. Yes. This is getting a lot of media attention here. It's part of the prince's routine job really. But everyone obviously is attaching the word "hero" to him.

He was involved in this dramatic rescue of two crew members of a stricken cargo ship out in the Irish Sea, a full-scale gale blowing. He helped to pilot that helicopter out, plucked two to safety. Five men from the crew are still missing.

And this is an ongoing operation. And as I say, one body sadly has been recovered. But they are not giving up hope yet. Helicopters are still in the air as I speak.

We're not clear whether Prince William remains involved with this. He is due at some function tonight at Buckingham Palace. So it's probably unlikely, but certainly a very dicey situation for him to be way offshore in some very, very bad weather.

PHILLIPS: Dan, how often does the prince get a chance to go out on these types of rescue missions?

RIVERS: Well, he's been qualified for more than a year as a search and rescue pilot. And actually just a few days after his wedding back in May, he was involved in two different rescues. This time on mountains in Wales, rescuing people who got into difficulties while out climbing or walking on the mountain. So, it is something that he's been used to doing.

This was particularly dramatic because of the weather conditions. The ship actually sank. And, clearly, if he hadn't been out there with his colleagues, these two men would possibly have not made it back.

PHILLIPS: Wow. Dan Rivers out of London for us -- Dan, thanks so much.

Well, coming up, Newt Gingrich's comeback is going strong. He is at the top of the Republican pack, and he's earned a big endorsement. Even Bill Clinton is heaping on the praise. Is Newt the man to beat now?

And a birthday controversy from Miley Cyrus. What the star said about being a stoner.

We'll also take you live to the New York Stock Exchange and check on your numbers.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Checking top stories now:

Syracuse has fired assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine. The university acted after a third man came forward. He accuses Fine of molesting him nine years ago. He was 13 at the time.

People in Egypt voting today in the first election since Hosni Mubarak was forced from power. Parliamentary voting will take place in phases between now and March.

Pakistan's prime minister says no more business as usual with the U.S. after the NATO airstrikes that killed two dozen Pakistani soldiers. The U.S. is planning its own investigation.

(MUSIC)

PHILLIPS: Well, record Black Friday sales. What's in store for Cyber Monday?

Let's ask Christine Romans. She's at the New York Stock Exchange. Or actually in New York, with a preview of today's market trading. I'm always so used to seeing the NYSE.

You know, Christine, we were talking just moments ago with John Morton from ICE, talking about surging sales and all the frauds that are out there. So, you have to -- it's great day for the economy. But we have to be careful as well.

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Well, you have to be careful about your own economy, too, don't forget, because as we know the last two quarters, Kyra, people are taking home less money. There's not as much money as there used to be in the average person's paycheck.

So, where is the money coming from for these record sales? The industry says it's coming from savings and it's coming on credit cards. So you got to be very careful about what kind of debt you're taking on.

Earlier today, Marshal Cohen from the NPD Group told me that about 44 percent of people who shopped this weekend shopped for themselves. It was pent-up demand. Not necessarily holiday shopping, but really people who have been waiting for bargains to buy for themselves.

The National Retail Federation, which is of course the big trade industry, trade group that critics say is actually a cheerleader for getting you to spend money that you don't have, they say it was a record 16 percent increase in holiday sales.

We do know from shopper track tracking kinds of data that there were more people in the stores. The final numbers aren't in just yet.

But let me segue to stocks today, because Apple shares, Kyra, right now in premarket trading look like they'll be up 3 percent. Amazon looks like they'll be up 4 percent. Why? Holiday shopping, Cyber Monday -- you're probably going to see those online retailers doing very, very well.

I mean, Apple had a great weekend. So did Amazon. They shipped -- delivered something like four times as many Kindles as they thought.

And then European markets are doing very, very well and Asian markets overnight on this just belief that Europe is going to get its act together. And so, we're looking at stock futures right now. I mean, it looks like the Dow could be up 200 points when the opening bell rings in a little over a minute and a half, Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right. We'll talk again. Christine, thanks so much.

ROMANS: Sure.

PHILLIPS: Well, Newt Gingrich is a pretty popular guy lately. He is surging in the polls, riding high on a buzz worthy debate performance, and he just earned an endorsement from "The New Hampshire Union Leader." That's right in Mitt Romney's backyard.

Even if Bill Clinton -- or even Bill Clinton, rather -- is pouring in on the praise for Gingrich's thoughtful approach to immigration.

Take a listen.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

WILLIAM J. CLINTON, FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT: He thinks about this stuff all the time. He's articulate. And he tries to think of a conservative version of an idea that will solve a legitimate problem.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: All right. Joining us live, CNN contributor John Avlon and CNN.com contributor L.Z. Granderson.

Guys, so Bill Clinton says that Newt Gingrich gives independent voters something to think about. L.Z.?

L.Z. GRANDERSON, CNN.COM CONTRIBUTOR: Well, you know, definitely what he said would give independent voters something to think about. But the person who said it won't.

I just think President Clinton is being a very smart politician. And that he is setting people up to vote for Gingrich because Gingrich would be easily defeated in a general election. I think it's a smart move, and I think it's also a move that works on President Obama's behalf.

PHILLIPS: John, what do you think?

JOHN AVLON, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: Yes. I mean, Democrats would love to run against Newt Gingrich. And the sort of sad fact is, it was a sincere compliment. Newt Gingrich circa 2007 when he was talking about building broad coalitions could have appealed to independent voters. But in this incarnation where he is throwing red meat, talking about secular socialists in the White House, that alienates independents from the get go.

PHILLIPS: All right. L.Z., you mentioned Obama. If Gingrich earned the GOP nomination, let's talk about how he would fare against the president.

GRANDERSON: Well, I don't see him doing much beyond his base. And even his base in my opinion is a bit eroded, because people haven't forgotten Newt Gingrich of the '90s. And when I mean people, I mean the religious conservatives. It still leaves a bad taste in their mouths.

And so, I don't see Gingrich having the ability to reach beyond what you see right now, which is just a little buzz about anyone besides Romney. And that's really what it is.

Even the newspaper that everyone's talking about, they have only picked one person who has actually won the presidency, and that was Reagan back in 1980. So, that's not really as big a deal as we are saying right now.

PHILLIPS: John's smiling.

AVLON: Well -- yes, first of all, give Newt his due. He will surge in the polls in New Hampshire and elsewhere in part because of this endorsement. The Romney camp can't be happy because of it.

And there is a glass ceiling that Romney has. And Newt could coalesce some of the anti-Romney vote.

But when you pivot to the general, that's when things get fun. And you start gaming that out, you start asking yourself questions like, could President Obama win 40 states with a 40 percent approval rating? That becomes a new bar and it's sort of fun to think about as you play it ahead.

PHILLIPS: All right, guys. I've got to ask you about this. Herman Cain thinks that he's a shoo-in with black voters in Iowa. Here's the quote from his mailer. According to "The Des Moines Register," "As a descendant of slaves, I can lead the Republican Party to victory by garnering a large share of the black vote." L.Z.?

GRANDERSON: You know, why is this man still talking? I just really -- I don't get it.

You know, I've gone through a lot of emotions when it comes to Herman Cain. I have been frustrated, I've been upset, I've been curious. And now, I'm at the point that I just feel really bad and sad for him.

It's obvious he's not going to win. It's obvious he's in over his head. Why doesn't he take this part of his life and spend it at home with his wife, with his grandchildren, and enjoy this part, instead of making himself look like an idiot for the next few months?

I mean, he just isn't ready. And the idea that he's going to, quote, "get black people to vote for him based upon what he said during the latter part of the summer, he's dreaming.

PHILLIPS: L.Z. used a pretty powerful word there, John. Is he an idiot?

AVLON: No. Herman Cain is not an idiot. He is a great communicator, and he had his surge and I think he's going to be a player in the Republican Party on some level probably for some time to come.

But I really want to give him the benefit of the doubt and say this mailer was about the general election, not the Iowa caucus. Iowa is a great state. It is an educated state. It is a politically representative state. But it is not a particularly diverse state.

So, I mean, that mailer gets a little off base. But I think you're going to see Cain keep a core base of support. He'll be a player in the party because he is a great communicator.

PHILLIPS: I'm putting my money on some sort of radio show, talk show.

GRANDERSON: He's off base.

PHILLIPS: L.Z., John, thanks, guys. You got things going for Monday. Appreciate it.

Well, Newt Gingrich has the spotlight. We definitely have been talking about that. Now the question is, how should he use it? It might be time to show voters the new Newt, according to our David Gergen. We'll talk about that in just a moment.

Also, "Playboy" sued for alleged sex discrimination. The shocking claim Hef and his friends favor ladies over dudes. A.J. has got your "Showbiz Headlines," next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Dow Industrial looks pretty good right now, up 255 points. Hopefully, we'll stay in that positive territory on this Cyber Monday. Many of you spending lots of money, getting ready for the holidays.

All right. "Showbiz Headlines": Miley Cyrus's people are pushing back on the star's stoner controversy. This is all stemming from a video of Miley at her 19th birthday party.

A.J. Hammer is joining us with all the saucy details.

Hi, A.J.

A.J. HAMMER, HOST, HLN'S "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT": Hey there, Kyra.

Yes, happy birthday, Miley. Here is your present. Yet another drug related controversy. I'm sure she's thrilled about this.

Here's the deal: Miley was celebrating her 19th birthday with Kelly Osbourne and a crowd of friends when she talked about smoking pot. And, of course, being Miley Cyrus -- of course, the whole thing was caught on video. Now, it's out there for everybody to see.

So, let's watch exactly what happened.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MILEY CYRUS, SINGER: Thanks for waiting for three hours. And the real party -- and throwing a party. And this is amazing. Bob Marley cake. Yes. You know you're a stoner when your friends make you a Bob Marley cake. You know you smoke way too much (EXPLETIVE DELETED) weed.

KELLY OSBOURNE, SINGER: I thought salvia was your problem, Miley.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: OK. Now, Kelly Osbourne is joking about the last video drug controversy where Miley was seen taking hits from a bong. Cyrus said that was OK because it wasn't marijuana, it was salvia, which is a legal herb.

Now, Osbourne is defending her friend on Twitter saying it was all a joke. Miley's friends have been teasing her ever since that salvia story broke by calling her Bob Miley, hence the Bob Marley cake there.

"Showbiz Tonight" has reached out to Miley Cyrus, Kyra. We haven't gotten a response yet. I think people need to cut her a little bit of a break. However, when you're Miley Cyrus, you need to know, if it is going to be on video, even if you're joking about it, people are going to see it, and they are going to probably call you out on it. And that's exactly what's happening here it seems.

PHILLIPS: All right. Well, apparently this guy is calling out "Playboy," saying that it discriminates against men.

(LAUGHTER)

PHILLIS: Yes. He's really standing up for men everywhere who ever wandered into a bar and had to pay a tab while the women walked in for free.

Here's the story -- he is a California man named Steve Fry who is suing "Playboy" over a party at the Playboy mansion. It's called the Leather Meets Lace party. They charge men 1,000 bucks to attend, women got to go in for free. Kind of what you might expect at the Playboy Mansion.

But Fry reportedly alleges this is discriminatory towards men and it promotes negative stereotypes, and it is easy to see his point. Kind of hard to believe it would actually come to a lawsuit.

However, it does look like he has a case. In California, the courts have ruled in the past that ladies nights' promotions are in fact discriminatory.

And as I was poking around online, I saw one article, Kyra, about a guy named Steve Fry. So, it's probably the same guy -- previously, he sued a hotel over a similar promotion.

So, maybe this is his calling in life. It's his mission. He's standing up against this level of discrimination.

PHILLIPS: It's such a powerful cause. A.J., thanks.

We will have more riveting showbiz headlines next hour, including rumors that Brad and Angelina are adopting child number seven.

A.J.'s got all the scoop. So, stay with us.

All right. Things are looking up for Newt Gingrich. A big endorsement, strong poll numbers. And a lot of momentum. Are we seeing a new Newt, a candidate to be reckoned with? We're talking about it.

And, first, the sugarplum fairy got fired. Now, Frosty has gotten himself arrested. Let's hope Santa's elves are on their best behavior.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: All right. Let's check news across the country now.

A college professor is expected in a Massachusetts court today answering to child porn charges. Grant Smith is accused of viewing a video on his laptop on a flight from Utah to Boston. Another passenger saw Smith, took a cell phone picture of him, and flagged the crew.

Some Occupy Philly protesters are defying an eviction order this morning. The mayor ordered everybody out yesterday so a $50 million construction project could start as scheduled. Many people packed up, but others bulked up their tents, and with wood and nails.

So much for jolly and happy. Frosty the Snowman has been arrested at a Christmas parade in Maryland. He's actually accused of kicking at a police dog, and hitting an officer with the head of his frosty costume. The snowman says that it was a bogus arrest.

(MUSIC)

PHILLIPS: Newt Gingrich starts the week with a brand-new stamp of approval. An endorsement from "The New Hampshire Union Leader." Add that to his surging poll numbers, and it looks like Newt's got momentum -- and that, of course, makes him a target for the rest of the GOP pack, who are going after him for comments like this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NEWT GINGRICH (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I don't see how the party -- the party that says it's the party of the family is going to adopt an immigration policy which destroys families that have been here a quarter of a century, and I'm prepared to take the heat for saying: let's be humane in enforcing the law.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Well, senior political analyst David Gergen wrote the article, "Is there a new Newt in town?" He is joining us live from Cambridge, Massachusetts.

So, David, you actually write that he has seized the spotlight by being more interesting, and more of a gambler. Yet analysts say that he may pay a price for his stance on immigration.

DAVID GERGEN, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: Well, he may. You know, going soft on immigration as it's called is very dangerous within Republican ranks, as you well know. We saw that with Rick Perry and how he tumbled in Iowa after he had come out for a variety of things that seemed to be soft. And now, here's Newt Gingrich today.

But my own sense right now is that while he's going to pay a short-term price, especially in Iowa, he's clearly got the momentum, as you suggested. This endorsement from "Union Leader" in New Hampshire was a terrific boost for his campaign, just when he needed it. Because he is getting all this attention now, but what the question was: how do you sustain momentum with no debate this week? And here he gets "The Union Leader", in a state that looked like a lay-down for Mitt Romney.

This by no means -- "The Union Leader" has endorsed conservatives in the past who have not won. So it doesn't guarantee anything. But it does give Newt more credibility and more stature, and that's what he's seeking right now.

Because Kyra, he has -- he knows -- I have talked to him about this. He knows the next three or four weeks are crucial to his campaign. If he is still standing and as a viable alternative after Christmas, he is going to become probably the serious alternative to Romney in the campaign, and it could be a real -- it could be a close campaign.

PHILLIPS: All right, well, let's talk about New Hampshire for a second.

GERGEN: Sure.

PHILLIPS: Mitt Romney has consistently led in the polls there. But "The Union Leader's" editorial page editor says Romney plays it too safe. Take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't think we're in the kind of situation right now as a country but that's necessarily the right kind of president at the moment, perhaps in the late 19th century, perfect.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Ok. So what's the deal, David? You know are people drawn to Gingrich, the man, or is he just the alternative to Mitt Romney?

GERGEN: Well, I think it's a different style. He himself would tell you that -- that voters are looking for more of a brawler this year. They want somebody who will take the fight to President Obama. Somebody who will be tough, someone who really does want to change Washington, and will come with ideas and forcefulness to do that.

And that Romney so far has looked like more of a manager, someone that, yes, he's extraordinarily competent.

PHILLIPS: Oh we apologize. We lost our connection there to David Gergen in Massachusetts. If you want to check out his entire article, you can do that. "Is there a new Newt in town"? At CNN.com/politics. We apologize to David. But check out the article. He makes some very good points.

All right tune in to CNN tonight, Newt Gingrich is talking to CNN about what he needs to do to keep up the momentum. You can watch that exclusive interview on "JOHN KING USA" that's tonight at 6:00 Eastern right here on CNN.

And coming up, good news for coffee drinkers, a new study says it could cut some people's cancer risk. I'll ask our senior medical correspondent about it.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: All right.

We're just getting word that Congressman Barney Frank will not seek re-election. CNN has learned that he's going to be holding a news conference later today about 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. He'll talk more about his decision. We will take that live when he steps up to the mike.

All right, when you talk about an eye opener, a new study is suggesting a link between drinking coffee and lowering the risk of cancer. Senior medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen joining me now. I guess what kind of cancer are we talking about and how much coffee?

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN SENIOR MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes that's right, the bottom line.

In this case endometrial cancer and the women who drink four cups or more had a lower risk. A significantly lower risk of getting endometrial cancer and other studies have shown that people who drink a lot of coffee also have a lower risk of kinds of cancers, diabetes. So this is not the first time find health benefits for cancer.

PHILLIPS: Ok, so then I'm wondering how much can I drink, and does it matter what we put in our coffee?

COHEN: Yes, you know what; it does. With these studies have shown sort of you know we're talking like two, to two, three, four cups. That seems to be what gets the effect, but there is -- there is a but here.

PHILLIPS: Ok.

COHEN: Which is the minute you put, let's say I put in this milk. All right, so this is about two ounces of milk. You put that in there. And then you put in a couple of sugars. You've now put in like let's say 100 calories into that coffee.

PHILLIPS: Ok.

COHEN: And you do that four times a day, let's say. That's 400 calories. So it can really add up. So you want to be careful about what you're putting in your coffee.

PHILLIPS: So what is it that that has made this link? Is it the caffeine that's actually lowering our risk?

COHEN: You know what, they don't think so, which is good news. Because you can get decaf hopefully and still get these benefits. Coffee, actually you know when you think about it coffee comes from the ground, right? I mean, it's a produce in a way, right? So I mean, -- but so what that means is that it had antioxidants. And they think it's the antioxidants that are doing it.

But I do Kyra -- I do want to say this. I don't want people to say oh wow, boy I heard Kyra and Elizabeth talk about coffee. I'm not a coffee drinker but I'm going to go out there and drink four cups a day starting now.

That's not the way we want people to look at it, it's perfectly fine to drink coffee and may indeed be helpful for you. But it's not so great that you should start drinking it if you don't already drink it.

PHILLIPS: Right because there's all kinds of other effects that are not good for you from drinking too much coffee.

COHEN: It's like eating exactly. Caffeinated coffee and you know doing things like exercising, and eating right are off the charts so much better for you than drinking coffee. So the bottom line is if you're drinking coffee, feel good about it. You're OK. If you get jittery, you drink decaf. But you don't need to drink coffee.

PHILLIPS: I got it, it's interesting. Definitely a talker. Thanks Elizabeth. COHEN: That's true, thanks.

PHILLIPS: We're checking stories making news later today, 11:00 Eastern a family of Florida A&M University drum major who died last week announces the decision to file a lawsuit against the school.

At 1:40 Eastern President Obama along with officials of the European Union are going to make remarks to the news media following a summit at the White House.

And then, a celebration at 6:00 Eastern in Norfolk, Virginia. The USS Enterprise the world's first nuke powered aircraft carrier is celebrating its 50th anniversary of active service.

All right we're following lots of other developments for you in the next hour of the CNN NEWSROOM. Let's check in first with Deborah Feyerick -- Deb.

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, a very strong about-face by the top coach here at Syracuse University as the community grapples with the latest charges of teen sex abuse. That's coming up at the top of the hour.

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: I'm Christine Romans in New York with new details and new analysis of a huge monster secret bailout of the banks December 5th, 2008. It was a day they needed $1.2 trillion in bailouts. I'll tell you why it's been secret and what these new details reveal at the top of the hour.

MARK PRESTON, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL EDITOR: And I'm Mark Preston in Washington. Herman Cain has made it key to his campaign that he can get Tea Party voters to support his campaign. In a new e-mailer though he says that he can get African-Americans to support Republicans in the next presidential election.

And of course, the big news in Massachusetts, Barney Frank will not seek re-election. We'll have both of those stories at the top of the hour.

PHILLIPS: All right guys, thanks so much.

Also next hour, the Craigslist killings, three men are dead and two under arrest, including a teenage boy. We've got the details.

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PHILLIPS: Ok. We're still in positive territory. Take a look at the Dow Industrials for the New York Stock Exchange, up 313 points.

Jeff Fischel has some great quarterback play on Sunday NFL, Sunday football.

JEFF FISCHEL, HLN SPORTS: Yes. And right now you have to say one of the best or if not the best. New England's Tom Brady, six-time pro-bowler. He's looking great again this year. He could be having another MVP-type season for the Patriots. Brady airing it out against the Eagles right here. Finds Deion Branch who takes it up the sidelines. Branch gets taken down at the 1. That would lead to a Patriots touchdown. Brady threw for 361 yards and three scores.

Of course, his favorite target, Wes Welker. Here a 41-yard touchdown. Welker scored twice. Eagles fans chanting for Coach Andy Reid's firing. Of course, Eagles fans known to be emotional. Patriots win 38-20.

Tim Tebow did it again against the Chargers. Another day, modest passing number but coming through in the clutch in overtime. He picks up the first down, he ran 22 times. That's so unheard of these times for a quarterback. Then it's Willis McGahey (ph), he goes 20 yards. That led to the game-winning field goal for the Broncos. They win 16-13. Hey, it's better to win ugly than to lose. Denver is 5 and 1 with Tebow as their starting quarterback.

Bills wide receiver, Stevie Johnson, what's the matter with you. After he scored a touchdown after the Jets, he pretends to shoot himself in the leg like Jets wide receiver Plaxico Burress making fun of Burress. Went to jail after doing that in a nightclub. That's nice. Of course, Johnson got a celebration penalty. That helped set up a touchdown by yes, you guessed it, Plaxico Burress. After the game Johnson admitted his celebration was, quote, "stupid". He also dropped the ball that would have won the game for the Bills. That's an epic fail by Stevie Johnson.

Tennessee Titans taking on the Tampa Bay Bucks. It's time for a little razzle-dazzle. The handoff, the reverse on the kickoff return. Here comes Tommy Campbell and no one's stopping him. He's gone for the touchdown. Experts were saying the new rules of the kickoffs are going to make kickoff's boring. Now boring. Titans win 23-17.

Kyra, I want to fit this in. The NBA players must still approve a tentative labor deal. They reached it with the owners early Saturday. But it looks like there will be a season. The schedule, check it out, training camps start December 9. The free agency period begins then too. Regular season starts Christmas Day. There's a present for hoops fans. It's a 66-game season instead of an 82-game season. It will run through the end of April; that's ten days later than usual. Teams will have to play on three straight nights at least once to squeeze in all those games.

And one other note this morning we found out Urban Myers, the new head coach at Ohio State, we've been hearing basically rumors for a week. Ohio state fans very excited. He was really the biggest name that was available for coaching. And now taking over for the Buck Eyes.

PHILLIPS: Can I use razzle-dazzle again?

FISCHEL: There you go. Razzle-dazzle. A little (INAUDIBLE) stripes there for you

PHILLIPS: Thank you very much. Good for a Monday. Thanks Jeff.

FISCHEL: All right.