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Syracuse Coach Fired; Election Day in Egypt; "Black Friday" Goes Out of Control; Get the Best Cyber Monday Deals; Highway Rollover Rescue; GOP Presidential Race; A Rape Victim's Story

Aired November 28, 2011 - 14:00   ET

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

BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN ANCHOR:And hello to all of you.I'm Brooke Baldwin.

As always, let's get you caught up on all things making news this hour "Rapid Fire."

Let's go, beginning with disturbing new allegations in the Syracuse University sexual abuse case.There is audiotape.The school fired assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine just last night after a third man accused Fine of molesting him when he was a boy.

Also, a phone recording from nine years ago is emerging.ESPN, citing experts, claims the voice is that of Fine's wife, Laurie Fine, who says she knew -- quote -- "everything that went on."We're going to get reaction in a couple of minutes when I speak with psychologist Wendy Walsh.

Also, Pakistan's prime minister has a warning for United States, no more business as usual.Saturday's NATO airstrikes that killed two dozen Pakistani troops has sparked protests and caused new damage in relations between the two countries.NATO is calling the incident tragic and unintended.The U.S. relies on Pakistan's cooperation to help go after Islamic militants.

We're also watching the U.S. markets right now.Take a look at the numbers with me, huge numbers on this Monday, the Dow up 280 points.Why?You had record-breaking sales, of course, a couple of days ago on Black Friday and hope, hope that European leaders may be working on a solution to their debt crisis.

Also today, the family of that Florida A&M drum major who died in a possible hazing incident plans to sue the university.Robert Champion died November 20 after a game in Orlando.An attorney says Champion's family is concerned about a cultural of cover-up at FAM-U.All band performances have been suspended and the school's longtime band director has now been fired.

Election Day in Egypt, voters there are choosing who will sit in the lower and upper houses of parliament.This is the first democratic exercise in all of Egypt ever since Hosni Mubarak was pushed out of power several months ago.We are live from Cairo in a matter of minutes.

And a high school senior who blasted Kansas Governor Sam Brownback on Twitter says she's not apologizing.She is 18-year-old Emma Sullivan.She tweeted during this youth in government field trip.A Brownback staffer spotted the tweet, contacted the group.Sullivan was called to the principal's office.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

EMMA SULLIVAN, STUDENT:He started off just saying that he had to do a bunch of damage control and I need to do damage control and that I needed to fix this.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN:We in fact just got a statement from the governor's office.He says his staff overreacted.Coming up next hour, Emma Sullivan is going to join me live.I will talk to her about the tweet, the blowback over this whole story and her refusal to apologize.

Also, the U.S. Border Patrol plans to replace and extend this surf fence.You heard of this?Surf fence, 300 feet into the Pacific Ocean.This is at the western most point of the U.S./Mexico border so this is between Imperial Beach, California, and Tijuana, Mexico.According to "The L.A. Times," a new steel fence 18 feet tall will replace the barrier which has several gaps in it.

Mitt Romney getting ripped in a new ad from the DNC today.This ad here, it paints the GOP presidential candidate as wavering on issues like abortion, health care.It's called "Trapped."It's airing in five states and in Washington, D.C.And in a statement, Romney's campaign spokesperson says Democrats' focus on the GOP candidate was a distraction from real issues like jobs and the economy.

And a high-profile fighter for the liberal causes is retiring from politics.Congressman Barney Frank of Massachusetts has decided not to seek reelection.Frank says when he leaves the Capitol, he's not coming back.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. BARNEY FRANK (D), MASSACHUSETTS:There is no way I would be a lobbyist.Look, I will miss this job and I will have some twinges of regret when the new Congress is signed up, but I will tell you this.And maybe you are going to laugh, but one of the advantages to me of not running for office is, I don't even have to pretend to try to be nice to people I don't like.

(LAUGHTER)

FRANK:So some of you may not think I have been good at it, but I have been trying.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN:Congressman Frank, clearly known for his sense of humor, quit wit, keen knowledge of House rules, and for being one of the first openly gay members of Congress.

Got a lot more for you to cover here in the next two hours, including this.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BALDWIN (voice-over):A damning conversation recorded long ago.We're now all hearing what the wife of a Syracuse basketball coach told her husband's accuser.I'm Brooke Baldwin.The news is now.

(voice-over):Did she try to cover for this alleged pedophile and what on earth would make a wife want to do that?Wait until you hear the details.

And then a teenager's crude tweet about her governor lands her in the principal's office.

SULLIVAN:I need to do damage control.

BALDWIN:Now she's at the center of a national conversation about freedom of speech and what words are better left un-tweeted.

SULLIVAN:I didn't say anything that I couldn't say at school.

BALDWIN:Her deadline to apologize to the governor is today.She joins me live with her decision.

Then we unlock the clues to the best coupons and secret discounts this Cyber Monday.

And when shopping turns blood sport, the backlash against big box stores.

Plus, does obesity amount to child abuse?Sunny Hostin on the case of an 8-year-old taken from his mother.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BALDWIN:Just hours after the world heard a secret and possibly incriminating audiotape now of the wife of Syracuse assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine, the university fired him amid mounting accusations of child sex abuse.

Bobby Davis, the first accuser to come forward, says he recorded a conversation he had way back in 2002 with Fine's wife, Laurie.

And I have psychologist Wendy Walsh to listen with us to parts of this audiotape that we will play for you now.

So, Wendy, just stand by.This is a recording, I should mention, this is all courtesy of ESPN.The network first received it back in 2003, but waited eight years to release it because they wanted corroboration.ESPN says they got that when a second accuser, Davis' step-brother, Mike Lang, recently came forward as well.

The first part we're going to play for you is Laurie Fine seeming to suggest that she not only knew her husband was abuse Davis, but allowed it to go on.Take a listen.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

LAURIE FINE, WIFE OF BERNIE FINE:I know everything that went on.I know everything that went on with him.Bernie has issues maybe that he's not aware of, but he has issues and you trusted somebody you shouldn't have trusted.Bernie is also in denial.I think that he did the things he did, but he's somehow through his own mental telepathy has erased them out of his mind.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN:At one point, Davis asked for Bernie Fine for a couple thousand dollars that he claimed was for student loans.So, on this tape, Laurie Fine presses Davis for details about what her husband wanted in exchange for that cash.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

FINE:What did he want you to do?You can be honest with me.

BOBBY DAVIS, ACCUSED BERNIE FINE OF SEXUAL ABUSE:What he's always doing.

FINE:He wants you to grab him?

DAVIS:Yes.He tried to make me grab him.He was like, he grabbed me and --

FINE:But you never had any oral sex with him?

DAVIS:No.I think he would want to.

FINE:Of course he would.Why wouldn't he?

(END AUDIO CLIP)

BALDWIN:On this next recording we're going to play for you, Laurie Fine also seems well aware of her husband's alleged predilections.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

FINE:You know what, find yourself a gay boy, get your rocks off and have it be over with.

DAVIS:Yes.

FINE:You know, he needs a -- that male companionship that I can't give him, 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 for -- if it was another girl, like I told you, it would be easy for me to step in, because you know what you're up against here.When it's someone, it's another guy, you can't compete with that.It's just wrong.And you were a kid.You're a man now, but you were a kid then.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

BALDWIN:One more piece of this audiotape I want to share.You will hear Laurie Fine and Bobby Davis, they appear to agree that Bernie Fine believed he was untouchable.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

FINE:I said to him -- Bobby and I talked.I know some things about you that if you keep pushing are going to be let out.And he didn't even flinch.

DAVIS:I know.That's what I'm saying -- he doesn't...

FINE:He says, let them go ahead.Sure, let them go right ahead.

DAVIS:He doesn't think he can be touched.

FINE:He thinks that -- I think he thinks he's above the law.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

BALDWIN:ESPN says an independent audio analyst confirmed the voice you just heard was that in fact of Laurie Fine.

Bobby Davis it should be noted claims Laurie Fine also had a sexual relationship with him when he was 18 years of age.Davis then gave the "Syracuse Post-Standard" newspaper the tape shortly after he says he recorded it in 2002.

At that time, Laurie Fine suggested that Davis actually recorded her several times and selectively edited that tape.CNN has made multiple, repeated attempts to contact Laurie Fine.Thus far she has not called us back.

Now, just yesterday, we should mention a third man told CNN he had also been accused by coach Fine.But that accuser's father says his son is lying.Fine's attorneys released this statement, let me read it for you -- quote -- "Mr. Fine will not comment on newspaper stories beyond his initial statement.Any comment from him would only invite and perpetuate ancient and suspect claims.Mr. Fine remains hopeful of a credible and expeditious review of the relevant issues by law enforcement authorities" -- end quote.

So now that we have listened to this together, Wendy Walsh, psychologist, based upon what you just heard, would you call Laurie Fine an enabler?A predator?Pick the noun.

WENDY WALSH, FAMILY THERAPIST:Well, I definitely would say she's an enabler.She has some confusing sexual issues herself about where the law is and where the line is drawn.

I also -- you know, this is a real messy case.If you're comparing this to the Sandusky stuff, where you have clear witnesses, eyewitnesses, you have grand jury testimony of a litany of victims, it seems more cut and dry when the media tries it in the public eye.

In this case you have got a young man asking for $5,000 from Fine for his college tuition.You have a sexual relationship with the wife potentially, alleged.And then you have these advances at least.Now, I mean, again, no graphic testimony of any sexual act, but, remember, even groping and grabbing is illegal.So we definitely have some reports of that.

BALDWIN:Yes.And I don't even really want to compare the allegations at Penn State to, of course, what's happening here at Syracuse.You can see the obvious comparisons, but really if we can just stick with the call that you heard and also just, Wendy, her behavior, her tone of voice.What did you make of that?

WALSH:She seems to be confused herself.She's confused about her own marriage.She said, he's not interested in me.He needs a male companion.

She seems to think that's OK for her marriage.I'm wondering if in fact she did have a sexual relationship with this young man when he turned 18 if that wasn't a little bit of retribution, if it wasn't a little bit of anger at her husband.And also this piece of, well, if it was another girl I would know how to intervene, but I don't know how to deal if it's two men.

BALDWIN:Let me just revisit that, because that struck me as well.Part of it -- I'm just reading part of the transcript.This is Laurie Fine talking.'It's hard for -- if it was another girl like I told you, it would be easy to step in because you know what you're up against.When it's someone, it's another guy, you can't compete with that.It's just wrong.You were a kid.You're a man now.You were a kid then."

So, according to this transcript, is that essentially saying, well, if it was a girl, is not quite as even a playing field?Is that denial?What is that?

WALSH:What she is saying is she would feel more jealousy if it was a girl.But what she's losing sight of when she talks only about gender and not about age is that this was an underage boy, this was somebody under the age of 18.

BALDWIN:Twelve, 13, allegedly?

WALSH:Twelve, 13, exactly.

So the point is she's thinking like a wife, saying, I know how to be jealous if he gets another girlfriend.But if he gets a boyfriend -- but she's losing sight of the fact this is a crime and this was a child, if it in fact happened in the way it's been reported.

BALDWIN:But how does one -- and, again, these are just accusations -- but how does one in a marriage, according to these transcripts, go on being married to someone and seemingly knowingly understand what your husband is engaged with?

WALSH:Oh, Brooke, you would be amazed at the amount of arrangements people have in their marriage.

Marriage is not -- we would love to think marriage that it is just un -- devoted and unconditional love and committed sex, but marriage is all kinds of things.She may have needed him for economic support.She may have -- there may be other pecks in this marriage that had kept her there and kept her mouth shut.There's all kinds of reasons why we protect a spouse who may be a bad guy.

BALDWIN:Yes, it's not all picture-perfect.I realize that very much so.Wendy Walsh, thank you for the context.Appreciate it.

WALSH:Thank you.

BALDWIN:A historical day today in Egypt.It's Election Day for 17 million people, and, after weeks of violent protests, people are now -- there they are -- standing in line for hours and hours to cast their ballots.And for most Egyptians, this is the first time they have ever been given the opportunity to vote in a free election in decades.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE:I feel great.I feel my vote will change Egypt to a better future.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN:We will take you live to Cairo in two minutes.

Plus, this man is arrested after three men are found dead.Police say they had answered an ad on Craigslist.We're going to speak with one of the men who says he was one of the lucky ones.He got away.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE:Wait a minute.He owns a 688-acre farm and he doesn't know the exact exit it's at?Something's wrong there.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN:And today is Cyber Monday.There are deal after deal after deal online, but what about those pesky coupon codes?You know you're always trying to find the good one, a legitimate one.We have got the inside scoop for you coming up this hour.We will be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BALDWIN:"Globe Trekking" now to Egypt, where it is a day that many Egyptians thought would never, ever come, an election with people truly believing their votes will be counted.

Look at everyone in line.This is the first time Egyptians are going to the polls since the ouster of longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak.

CNN's Ivan Watson is in Cairo right now, where the polls on the first day of voting, they closed just a couple of minutes ago.

And, Ivan, we know that this is not the first election in Egypt, certainly a unique one.Tell me, how was the turnout today?

IVAN WATSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT:It was quite large, especially considering all the violence that we saw in the preceding week, with at least 41 people killed in the streets here.

We routinely saw people, lines stretching around the block at the polling stations.They extended voting hours today to 9:00 p.m.It's a little bit after 9:00 local time, 9:20, and we just watched the polling station workers here closing them down because the ruling military council here has decided to give an extra day for Egyptians to vote.

So people who didn't get a chance to cast their ballots are expected to come back 8:00 a.m.The polls are supposed to open up again.We saw them sealing the ballot boxes, using even wax to protect the ballots so there can't be any tampering overnight, Brooke.

BALDWIN:Ivan, I know you talked to a number of people who cast their votes today.Let's listen to what they told you.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE:I feel great.I feel my vote will change Egypt to a better future.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE:Before, have a government was a dictator, but now there are no dictator.The people in Egypt, they are controlling the country.But no -- at the first, maybe before some people paying money for the people to vote for the, but now there are no like that.There are all free, all different, all clean and...

WATSON:Does this feel like a good day for Egypt?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE:Yes.Yes.Very good, very nice day.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN:Nice day for Egypt.

Just to be clear, Ivan, as we mentioned, these are parliamentary elections.This was not a presidential election.So what happens next?

WATSON:A lot of elections, lower house of parliament elections are being phased, so only one-third of the country votes at a time, and then another third.And that's going to go on until January.Then there will be runoffs.And then you start voting for the upper house of elections.

This election season is going to go up until March.So Egyptians will have a lot of time to work out the kinks, and there were kinks.In some polling stations, the ballots didn't arrive until hours late.So people were stuck waiting.Gunshots fired in one southern city today when one former member of the former ruling party of Hosni Mubarak was banned from being able to run in the election and some of his supporters started firing guns. So there's going to be an awful lot of time to practice elections in Egypt for the next four months.And I have to point out, the ballots themselves, in here, 67 candidates that people can choose from for parliament -- Brooke.

BALDWIN:Sixty-seven candidates, wow.

And, Ivan, one more question as we saw images of people sort of calmly waiting in line and that was sort of juxtaposed with some of the clashes.I presume that is from Tahrir Square.How is Tahrir Square today?

WATSON:You know, I haven't been around there.I have heard reports that's the numbers have diminished somewhat.

And this is going to be an important message to those demonstrators as well for a boycott of the election because they say that the military council is still running the show here.That's what primarily what they were -- I think the numbers of people that we saw out today will be a strong message that many Egyptians endorsed this political process, this historic first election.And maybe since (INAUDIBLE)

BALDWIN:Ivan Watson, I'm going to jump in.The signal is not wonderful.But I think we understand the significance of this day.

And as he mentioned again, they're going to continue having those polling places open through tomorrow.

Ivan Watson for us in Cairo.

Back here at home, we're seeing a huge, huge rally on Wall Street. Take a look at the Big Board up 297 points here.We're just an hour- and-a-half away from the closing bell, but at what cost?We have the new details on the crazy incident at Wal-Mart.Remember we talked about this on Friday -- Black Friday?Plus, we will talk to economist Peter Morici, who basically says Wal-Mart is creating this, is creating this kind of environment and then overreacts when the madness ensues.

More on that coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BALDWIN:Everybody, get out extra early and shop.That was the message we all got for this past Black Friday, but this year a number of situations got out of control and quite honestly very dangerous in a number of places nationwide.

First, you had California.This woman did finally turn herself into police, saying she was the person who pepper-sprayed video game shoppers in that Wal-Mart.This was during Black Friday, the frenzy in Los Angeles.

And then there was this.This is from a Wal-Mart in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, shoppers in a near riot.You hear the screaming trying to get their hands on some $2 waffle irons, $2 waffle irons. Then this from a Wal-Mart in Arizona, this grandfather handcuffed, face down there on the floor.He was charged with resisting arrest and shoplifting.And this takedown, it got quite bloody.In fact, we can't even show you some of the worst images of this man.Police say they're investigating that arrest.

But, given all of this, now I want to bring in Peter Morici.He's a professor of international business at the University of Maryland.

And, Peter Morici, what is it about Black Friday and these stores -- I don't know if it's one store in particular or just the big box stores in general -- what happened for these Black Fridays to get so out of control?

PETER MORICI, FORMER DIRECTOR OF ECONOMICS, U.S. INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION:Well, 20 years ago, it was a celebratory event.You got a head-start on the Christmas shopping season.Very often, the men took care of the kids and the women went out shopping on Black Friday.And it was a lot of fun.

But, over time, retailers recognized it's a big day, so they have a lot of come-ons, $2 waffle irons, $50 wide-screen TVs and so forth, but not nearly enough supply.At the same time, they have jacked up the event, encouraged people to come out at midnight the night before and so forth.

And look at those crowds in the scenes you're showing.Do you see any meaningful crowd control on the part of Wal-Mart?No.They have encouraged basically a ruckus that has turned into a mayhem.And they haven't exercised discretion and responsibility in managing these crowds. It's no wonder a few people get out of hand.Police lose control of themselves even.

BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN ANCHOR:Speaking, Peter, of crowd control, I do want to tell you we reached out to Wal-Mart.Here's what we got from them, part of the statement, quote, "we have worked with nationally recognized crowd management experts to create and put in place successful and comprehensive plans at our stores across the country.These plans incorporate proven crowd management techniques into the unique circumstances."Do you think these are effective?

MORRICI:Well, I'm an economist.I measure things.Look at what you just saw.Did that look like a crowd being managed effectively?You know, Wal-Mart is very good at spinning these negative PR events to their advantage or at least, you know, trying to diffuse the negative criticism.

I think it's time that we need to take a close look at how this company does business.If you check my record, I'm hardly a left-wing economist that, you know, goes around, you know, trashing people for making a profit by selling it cheap.

BALDWIN:But aren't these stores kind of setting themselves up?As you mentioned, you can shop late, late in the evening hours before even the Black Friday, you know, Friday morning.You have all of these sales, marketing, commercials, at what point does the onus fall on the company to take proper measures here?

MORRICI:I think the onus falls on them quite seriously now.For one thing I'd like to know where Wal-Mart was within the constraints of fire code yesterday.All public buildings have limits on the people you can put in them.

It seems as though Wal-Mart was way over the limit yesterday.Where are the fire inspectors and why aren't they issuing citations?But, no, Wal-Mart is the equivalent of yelling "fire" in a movie house.Wal-Mart is creating the conditions for a riot.

BALDWIN:But, Peter Moricci, 30 seconds, these are the people who go out there and they do the shopping and the shoving and one woman had the pepper spray.It cannot all fall on the stores.

MORICCI:Absolutely.People need to behave more responsibly.It's like crowds at stadiums and so forth.However, the institutions need to set guidelines and talk to folks about what is considered to be responsible behavior and create conditions for them to act responsibly.We need a reasonable dialogue.

I don't want to throw everybody in jail, but I want Wal-Mart to start accepting some responsibility for the mayhem that took place yesterday and start doing something more constructive than issue the flowery statement you received.

BALDWIN:Professor Peter Moricci fired up about Black Friday.Thank you so much, sir.Thanks for coming on.

MORICCI:Take care.

BALDWIN:So if you stayed out of the stores, stayed out of that mess on Black Friday, Cyber Monday may be your cup of tea.Well, now we have some inside information about how you can get even better deals.That's in two minutes.

But first, it's the season for shopping.We have a list of five companies with great return policies, all according to "Consumer Reports' Naughty and Nice Holiday List."

So here you go.Up first, Microsoft customers have up to 45 days to return hardware or software, even after they've installed it on their computer.Next company gives fans three days to cancel ticket order and allows them to exchange seats for better ones that become available that become available that being live nation.

And this adventure company lets you return or exchange items at any time for any reason to any location.Got to like that, REI.Coming up, couple more places that won't give you a hassle when you're making a return.Here is a hint, one is a super market, the other a credit card company.Find out next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BALDWIN:OK, so almost as important as buying something, you want to know if you can take it back.So we've been giving you this list of companies with great return policies.

This was all taken from "Consumer Reports."It's their "Naughty and Nice Holiday List."So recapping, you had Microsoft, Live Nation, REI.

So next on the list, American Express, customers can get refunded up to $300 even if the original merchant refuses to do so.This supermarket says they'll double your money back on anything purchased, bi-lo super markets.

Yes, we just showed some of the - from Friday, on Black Friday crowds, if you wanted to avoid this, do your shopping today, Cyber Monday.Retailers offering huge deals online, no crowds, no lines, no pepper spray.

Tech expert Katie Linendoll is back to help you as always hunt down the best deals.Katie, I mean, huge, huge sales this past Black Friday.What are we expecting for Cyber Monday?

KATIE LINENDOLL, TECH REPORTER:Yes, Brooke, you didn't play that waffle iron video long enough.The lady in blue, her pants fall off.I'll give you the money for the waffle iron.It drives me crazy.

But yes, let's talk about Cyber Monday because one of the pluses is you don't have to go out and fight the mayhem.Last year according to com score, $1 billion brought in on the day, we're projecting sales of $1.2 billion.

If you've been waiting for something online, whether it be electronics or clothing, today is the day to pick it up because 8 out of 10 retailers are offering special deals online.It's interesting, too.

I think consumers have become smarter in taking advantage of sales today.If you go to google.com/trends, I use this a lot to see what's trending in the U.S., you can see what's hot and what people are searching for right now.

Ten of the 20 fastest rising searches on Google are Cyber Monday related.These include Cyber Monday 2011, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Target, Macy's, Kohl's Coupons, Sears, Office Max and I became intrigued by this.

I also reached out to Google and asked them for some general insights on Cyber Monday.They say searches in general are up 125 percent year after year and also Cyber Monday coupons are up 50 percent year over year so, again, consumers getting a little savvy.Love it.

BALDWIN:Good.Let's talk those coupons because I tell you what this semi-dominated our morning editorial meeting as we were talking about having you on because, look, we're always online.You always kind of Google around trying to find those legitimate coupon code sites.Give me a couple of good options.

LINENDOLL:My two favorite options in terms of great coupon sites, this isn't just good for today, I use these year round, I never make a purchase without having a promotional code, retailmenot.com and also savings.com.

I will tell you.You can typically get at least free shipping, but oftentimes 10 percent to 20 percent off.The other sites to look for, overstock.com, Amazon known on Cyber Monday for having their lightning deals.

Last year was their highest selling day on Amazon, 13.7 million items ordered, that's 158 items per second, Brooke, amazing.Also interesting, the Kindle Fire is their best selling product online right now.

And also take advantage of Facebook.Hit that "like" button.They're rewarding their fans globally.If you have a brand that you absolutely love, make sure that you're checking them on Twitter and the Facebook side of things.

BALDWIN:So those were your favorite sites.Somehow we'll tweet those out because I know people always say what was Katie Linendoll was talking about.

So we'll get those up on Twitter this afternoon.We also know that U.S. authorities announced that they shut down 150 web sites selling counterfeit goods.So you have to keep that in mind, too.You know, how do you smart shop safely and intelligently on this Monday?

LINENDOLL:Yes, absolutely.Something to be aware of because with the good comes the bad.We have scammers, of course, out on a big day like this.Let's hook you up with tips.The big one is phishing.People love to lure you in with big ticket items.

That iPad that's $20, news, that's not $20, it doesn't exist.Beware of those links and promotional things that you are clicking on, make sure you understand it.Also, use a credit card instead of a debit card.

This is going to ensure that if your credit card number gets stolen, you'll face liability and you can get that money back.You could stop a purchase on a credit card, not debit card.Also make sure you're shopping on a secure web site.

That "S" in https, it stands for secure.Look for that little padlock in the lower right of your screen.What I love to say, not necessarily scanning things, but restocking fees.I had people calling me, I swear to you, at 6:30 this morning, like I found an amazing deal!

I'm, like, make sure you don't impulse buy.You can get upwards of 25 percent in terms of a restocking fee if you don't want that item.Also, be careful shopping on public Wi-Fi, easy for hackers to come in.

And 53 percent of consumers are going to be shopping on a smartphone this holiday season.Download an app like "Look Out."It's made for Android and IOS that will protect you and wipe your data should your phone get jacked.

BALDWIN:Good stuff, Katie Linendoll as always, thank you.We'll get it up on Twitter all the good tips. The race for the White House after a busy Thanksgiving holiday weekend, where do the Republican candidates stand?We go live to D.C. for the latest there.

Also, dramatic rescue video.Have you seen this?This is from California.A dozen or so strangers lifted a pickup off the ground to free a woman trapped inside that car.You're going to see it in two minutes.Be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BALDWIN:I want you to take a look at this. This is an amazing rescue video.This is a highway rescue in California.So it's three people.They're trapped when this truck rolls over.This is I-10 near San Diego.

This crowd rushes in to help, begins to lift this pickup truck up, pulling one of the female passengers to safety.California highway patrol says two of the passengers survived, but the driver of the truck died.

Police are just trying to figure out what caused the truck to roll over in the first place.

And it is just about a month now until the first GOP primary officially kicks off the election year.Wolf Blitzer joins me now with your America's Choice 2012 politics update.Wolf Blitzer, how are the candidates looking here a month out?

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR:You know, it's looking like it's going to be a great political contest for all of us political news junkies out there because this could go on and on and on.

Right now obviously Romney is one of the frontrunners, but Newt Gingrich doing incredibly well especially because a lot of us had written him off last summer when he had a lot of problems.But he's right out there with Mitt Romney.

He's eye merging as the non-Mitt Romney if you will.As you know, Brooke, a lot of Republicans don't like Mitt Romney, they don't think he's conservative enough.In fact, Newt Gingrich made that exact point earlier in the day.

He said, Mitt Romney isn't as conservative as he is.He said, I'm more conservative than Mitt Romney.So he's trying to out-flank him from the right if you will.

When I say this contest could go on and on and on, for the first time the Republicans in all of these contests, it's not going to be winner- take-all in Iowa or New Hampshire, South Carolina, Nevada, Florida.

It's a proportionate vote.In other words, some of the delegates could go to different candidates depending on how well they do, which would stretch things out into February and March super Tuesday if you will.

Remember the last time, four years ago when there was a huge fight among the Democratic candidates we didn't know that Barack Obama would get the nomination until June after Puerto Rico, if you will because he was in this a fierce contest with Hillary Clinton.

I wouldn't be surprised to see something like that happen this time around as well.But it's totally, as we say, up in the air right now, a lot could still happen.

BALDWIN:We have a couple of these candidates on CNN today, right?We have Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich?

BLITZER:Herman Cain will be joinin me live in "THE SITUATION ROOM" during our 4:00 p.m. Eastern hour.Newt Gingrich is going to join John King live during the 6:00 p.m. Eastern hour.I have a lot of questions for Herman Cain.

I know John has a lot of questions for Newt Gingrich.John's in South Carolina right now.He's getting ready for that interview with Newt Gingrich.The two important live interviews here on CNN coming up in the next few hours.You will want to watch, Brooke, I know you will because you're a political news junky yourself.

BALDWIN:I am and I'll be talking to John King in the beautiful Charleston, South Carolina, about that upcoming interview our next hour.Wolf Blitzer, thank you very much.

Coming up here, a woman is raped, she gets pregnant from this rape, and then she's imprisoned for adultery.Now, after the story gets huge coverage globally, the president of Afghanistan is now stepping in.We're going to take you live to Kabul to get the details from our own Nick Paton Walsh, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BALDWIN:We have an important follow-up to a story that folks continue to ask me about, continue to tweet me about this after we aired this last Tuesday, the story of a woman who was raped and then imprisoned for it in Afghanistan.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NICK PATON WALSH, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over):Her rapist was the husband of her cousin, but in Afghanistan's draconian society, this 19-year-old was also blamed.Her rape, sex with a married man, was seen as adultery by the courts, and she was sentenced to 12 years in jail.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN:As we said, a lot of reaction to this particular story, even the State Department has weighed in tepidly.Some are saying.Let's go to Nick Paton Walsh.

He's live in Kabul.Nick, since we first aired your report last Tuesday, the authorities there in Afghanistan as you reported last week, they reduced the victim's sentence.That didn't satisfy critics.Today there is some movement.What can you tell me about that? WALSH:Well, we have had an interesting reaction today from the presidential palace who has told us the Afghan President Hamid Karzai has called on Thursday a meeting of high judicial officials to discuss this case and other issues as well.

Clearly that's the president taking an interest in the plight of this woman.You mentioned the sentence was reduced and that caused outrage to many because in fact what had happened is a judge had looked at her circumstances, decided that the adultery she was serving time for wasn't serious enough and her sentence could be reduced.

But that she failed to report the crime against her fast enough and therefore could spend another year-plus in jail with her young daughter.

But some good news today because it does appear the presidential palace here, the man who has the possibility to pardon her, has taken interest in this case and called legal advisers in to talk about it -- Brooke.

BALDWIN:That's right.You said she hadn't reported it fast enough so she's still in jail.To say, Nick, bigger picture, the system in Afghanistan is stacked against woman would be an understatement of epic proportions.But, Nick, how bad is it?

WALSH:Well, in many ways society in Afghanistan is stacked against women, enormously different life to them here than you would find in the west.Of course, there are complaints from human rights activists and one female Afghan MP.

We spoke to the prosecutors here and the judiciary here a lot of the time enormously disinterested if not blatantly prejudiced against women when it comes to them reporting assaults against them, particularly sexual assaults.

They'll find they're prosecuted for crimes against morality like Gomes was.There are had hundreds if not thousands of other cases like this.This is the tip of the iceberg.

These are the ones that get reported that find themselves in a state where the judiciary is paying attention to them and often sadly result in the woman being punished often more if not as much as the man who attacked them.

BALDWIN:Please let us know where this story goes, Nick Paton Walsh, we really appreciate it live in Kabul.

And you probably know Cyndi Lauper's songs, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," "True Colors." now she is singing the blues.Cyndi Lauper on this "Music Monday," two minutes away.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BALDWIN:The name Cyndi Lauper probably brings to mind songs like "True Colors," "Girls Just Want To Have Fun," maybe the sound track to "Goonies." Blues wouldn't be the first genre you may place her, but today's "Music Monday" shows another side of Cyndi with the release of her new album, "Memphis Blue."

So, Cyndi Lauper singing the blues.I heard this was eight years in the making.Yes?So I guess the question is, what took you so long?

CYNDI LAUPER, SINGER:Really, my first job as a singer, a lead singer, was singing the blues.The kind of thing I learned in Queens, actually, when we used to do laundry and my mother played the Fats and Louis Armstrong record and we'd all dance and sing and laugh.

BALDWIN:So that's where this comes from, this Queens girl from back in the day and your mom.That's when it was instilled in you, the blues.

LAUPER:But it was joyful.It was never sad.I ask you baby please have mercy.

BALDWIN:So what do you say to the people who think, hang on, Cyndi Lauper and Memphis?What?

LAUPER:Well, people who don't really understand the blues and don't really understand music would think -- but people who know that blues is the basis of pop, rock, jazz and hip-hop, dance, it started with blues, 1-4-5.

BALDWIN:Do you play anything on "Memphis Blues"?

LAUPER:I play dulcimer.I need to do something on this one song and it worked and everybody is, like, yes, I like that.

BALDWIN:How many instruments do you play, Cyndi Lauper?

LAUPER:I don't really play anything.I just pick stuff up.

BALDWIN:You have such a unique voice.When did you first discover it?

LAUPER:My speaking voice is awful, but it's very unique, my singing voice.

BALDWIN:How did you find that?

LAUPER:It's a gift that I could always sing, and it was my entertainment growing up.I never met Barbra Streisand, but she was my best friend when with I was 9 because I sang with her breath for breath.

BALDWIN: Personally, you were like the sound track of my youth and I'm sure so many people come to you and say that.You're iconic and legendary.

LAUPER:For many reasons.

BALDWIN:At the time, in the '80s, who did you draw your inspiration from then?

LAUPER:Same people.

BALDWIN:For example?

LAUPER:I loved Big Maybelle.I spent many hours singing with her in my one-room apartment and dancing wildly.And Marvin Gaye and Lennon and the Beatles and, you know, all the rock a Billy stuff that was coming out, the Police.There was so much great music then.

BALDWIN:If you could share the stage with any one of the newer artists, who would you want to collaborate with?Who would be the Cyndi Lauper dream collaboration?

LAUPER:My dream is to create artist community where everybody collaborates.I love that.I would collaborate with just about any kind of music because I think it's all connected.

BALDWIN:How many years have you been at this?Has it been 30?

LAUPER:Most of my life.

BALDWIN:How do you have the energy still to go out there and do this?

LAUPER:I think the music is the energy.I really love the music.You want to make music that live.I focus on things that are catchy and have heart.So, you know, you want things that make you laugh and make you think and cry.

BALDWIN: Cyndi Lauper, thank you.

By the way, as always, take a look at our blog.You can catch the entire interview again if you missed it, pass it along to your friends, watch it again, CNN.com/Brooke