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Sparks Fly In Iowa; Noriega Returning To Panama; Hollywood Gunman Identified; College Basketball Brawl; Gingrich Target in GOP Debate; Sandusky To Face Accusers; AAU Investigating Abuse Claims; Quake Strikes Southern Mexico; Syria Deadline Reported; Russian President Promises Probe; Countdown To CNN Heroes; How Newt Became An Evangelical Darling
Aired December 11, 2011 - 14:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: You're in the CNN NEWSROOM. It is Sunday, December 11th. I'm Fredricka Whitfield. Here's a quick look at the stories we're covering.
The morning after the GOP debate in Iowa, six of the seven Republican candidates squared off about being a career politician, infidelity and knowing the facts.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GOVERNOR RICK PERRY (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: You're for individual mandates my friend.
MITT ROMNEY (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: You know what, you've raised that before, Rick, and you're simply wrong.
PERRY: No. It's true then. It's true now.
ROMNEY: Rick, I'll tell you what -- $10,000 bucks? $10,000 bet?
PERRY: I'm not in the betting business.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: So who were last night's winners and losers? CNN's deputy political director Paul Steinhauser joins us live from Des Moines in just a few moments.
Former Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega is on a flight right now destination, Panama, to face jail time tore the killings two of political opponents in the 1980s.
Noriega spent 22 years in prison in the United States and France for drug trafficking and money laundering. Today, France turned Noriega over to Panamanian authorities before boarding the plane.
Los Angeles police have identified the man in this terrifying video. It shows 26-year-old Tyler Brehm shooting into cars on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood Friday, apparently at random.
They still don't know what motivated this rampage in which Brehm wounded three people. Responding police officers shot Brehm and he died at a nearby hospital.
Was it basketball night or fight night? A cross town rivalry in Cincinnati turns violent on the court. With just seconds left at last night's University of Cincinnati/Xavier basketball game.
A huge brawl broke out. A Cincinnati player threw a punch at a Xavier player, drawing blood and then there was this comment from a Xavier player after the game.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TU HOLLOWAY, XAVIER BASKETBALL PLAYER: You know that's what you're going to see from Xavier and Cincinnati. And we got disrespected a little bit before the game, guys calling us out.
We're a tougher team, we're grown men over, we have gangsters in the locker room. We went out and zipped them up at the end of the game. That's our motto.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: All right, because of NCAA rules there may be several suspicions after officials review the game tape.
Better college sports news to report now, Baylor University junior quarterback Robert Griffin III is the 7th Heisman Trophy winner. He beat out Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck who was named runner up for the second consecutive year.
All right, back to the Republican presidential debate where all things politics and personal were tackled. One question that was posed to all of the candidates, should voters consider marital fidelity when picking a president?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PERRY: Cheat on your wife, if you will cheat on your spouse, then why wouldn't you cheat on your business partner or why wouldn't you cheat on anybody for that matter.
NEWT GINGRICH (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I've made mistakes at times, I've had to go to God for forgiveness, seek reconciliation, but I'm also a 68-year-old grandfather. And I think people have to measure who I am now and whether I'm a person they can trust.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: CNN deputy political director Paul Steinhauser joins me now from Des Moines, Iowa. So, Paul, was there a candidate whose answer revealed the most about them to that question?
PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN DEPUTY POLITICAL DIRECTOR: Yes. I think that question was all about Newt Gingrich, don't you? The former House speaker, of course, married three times and admitted to an affair with his -- when he was married with his second wife. You know, Fred, a lot has changed since the previous presidential debate, which was our CNN debate just before Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C. since then, Newt Gingrich has risen to the top of the polls, both nationally and right here in Iowa.
This is, of course, the first state to hold the contest, January 3rd caucus kicks off primary and caucus calendars. So Gingrich was in the spotlight.
When you're the frontrunner, you may simply have a bulls eye on your back and played some good sound there. There was also some back and forth between Gingrich and Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor over who is a career politician and who isn't. Take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROMNEY: We have differences of viewpoint on some issues, but the real difference, I believe, is our backgrounds. I spent my life in the private sector. I understand how the economy works.
GINGRICH: The only reason you didn't become a career politician, you lost to Teddy Kennedy in 1994.
ROMNEY: Wait a second.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STEINHAUSER: It wasn't just that, Fred. There was also Ron Paul of Texas, the Texas congressman, and Michele Bachmann, the congresswoman from Minnesota, Rick Santorum and Rick Perry as well going after Gingrich to a degree.
But, you know, it seemed he had pretty much an answer for almost every attack. So I think a lot of people are saying that Newt Gingrich really did no harm to his frontrunner status in the debate -- Fred.
WHITFIELD: And so Paul, what about Mitt Romney? Wanting to bet 10,000 bucks, $10,000, any backlash?
STEINHAUSER: Yes. You know, I saw you played a little bit of that sound with that he gave to Rick Perry. Of course, the Texas governor said no, he wouldn't take the bet. It was over whether Romney really in his book "No Apologies" whether written about support for a mandate, individual mandate, on health care reform.
People are saying that maybe the bet did backfire because $10,000, a lot of money to the average person this state or basically anywhere in the United States.
And for a person like Romney, multimillionaire, if he's tried to kind of relate to the average person, maybe betting $10,000 not the wisest thing. Republicans and especially Democrats are already attacks Romney on that bet. We'll see if that story has legs -- Fred.
WHITFIELD: All right, Paul Steinhauser, thanks so much. I'll see you 4:00 Eastern hour for our hour of politics. Thanks so much, Paul.
Meantime, there's an e-mail war raging right now between some of the country's leading evangelicals over candidate Newt Gingrich. At issue, Gingrich's three marriages and his Catholicism.
In about 15 minutes, I will talk with Dan Gilgoff, he's the religious editor for cnn.com. He just published an extensive article about Gingrich and religion on CNN's belief blog.
This week, former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky will be in court for a preliminary hearing. He now faces more than 50 charges of child sex abuse. Sandusky posted a $250,000 bond and is now under house arrest.
Last week, he was arrested a second time following new allegations by two more reported victims. CNN national correspondent Susan Candiotti has been following the developments. She's joining us now from New York.
So Susan, what's to be expected this week in court?
SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN CORRESPONENT: Well, there's a preliminary hearing coming up on Tuesday, Fred, and it's difficult to say how many victim could be testifying, but it could be everyone that has been identified by the grand jury, at least six, along with other witnesses.
At this preliminary hearing, we'll get a brief preview of the prosecutor's case. They must convince a judge there's enough evidence against Jerry Sandusky to go to trial. Now legally it's usually not a difficult thing to do at this stage.
Among those testifying will be alleged victim number 1. Sandusky is charged with performing oral sex on the boy in his early teens in 2007 and 2008.
When he reported it to his school, prosecutors say that started the Sandusky investigation. I spoke with a young man's civil lawyer, the alleged victim is now a senior in high school, and he's ready to take the stand.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CANDIOTTI: What do you think the atmosphere will be like in the courtroom?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think it will be electric.
CANDIOTTI: How is your client trying to prepare himself for this?
MIKE BONI, ATTORNEY FOR "VICTIM 1": He is committed himself to a assisting the prosecution in any way the prosecution needs him for.
CANDIOTTI: What is it going to be like for him to face coach Sandusky? BONI: It will be very difficult. I'm sure it comes as no surprise he hasn't seen him face to face in several years. I believe it's going to be a very difficult, difficult experience for him.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CANDIOTTI: Now CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin tells CNN that this is going to be a very important hearing for both prosecutors, the defense, as well as the alleged victims.
WHITFIELD: All right. Susan Candiotti, thanks so much for that. Appreciate that.
All right, in another case, jolting the sports world the Amateur Athletic Union says it's working with police to investigate allegations of sexual abuse against its former director.
In an in depth report today on ESPN's "Outside the Lines" two men tell how Robert "Bobby" Dodd molested them in the 1980s when they played on one of his basketball teams.
Dodd is currently being treated for colon cancer. Dodd denied the allegations in a meeting with AAU officials last month, but CNN has confirmed the organization investigated those claims and then fired Dodd.
So with all of these new allegations of coaches abusing children allegedly, what can you do to ensure your child's safety? What standards should be set for organizations designed to actually help children?
We get those answers when we talk to the executive director of the National Children's Advocacy Center that's today in the 5:00 Eastern hour.
From Syria now, a warning. A blood bath could be imminent. The Syrian government is giving protesters a deadline. The details straight ahead on that.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Checking news headlines overseas now. An earthquake struck Southern Mexico overnight. It was centered about 100 miles south of Mexico City, but was still felt in the capital city. Officials say the 6.5 magnitude quake killed at least two people and damaged dozens of home.
And Syrian military commanders are warning protesters in the city of Holmes to hand in their weapons and stop protesting by Monday night or they'll face bombardment. According to an opposition leader, that deadline has not been verified by the Syrian government.
Russia's president promises to look into allegations of election fraud. That comes one day after tens of thousands of Russian voters filled public spaces in Moscow, furious at what they call a rigged parliamentary election last weekend. All right, back in this country, some pandas get a taste of the holiday spirit. We have video that's gone viral. You'll understand why.
In Los Angeles, there are no strangers to rolling out the red carpet, but this time, it's for the CNN Heroes, All-Star Tribute set for tonight. We're counting down to the big event.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: We've got video that's gone viral. Jacqui Jeras with me now. Everybody likes snow, and that includes --
JACQUI JERAS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Definitely.
WHITFIELD: The pandas. In San Diego of all places.
JERAS: Of course, they had to make the snow.
WHITFIELD: Yes, of course, in San Diego.
JERAS: Little too warm this week.
WHITFIELD: You have to explain. It didn't drop below the freezing mark there unfortunately.
JERAS: Take a look. Look at this video. This is By-Yun and 2-year- old son Yun-ze seeing snow for the first time there.
WHITFIELD: Exploring a little bit.
JERAS: Looks like one snack.
WHITFIELD: Dragging the tongue along the snow, pawing it, checking it out. What is this stuff?
JERAS: So there's the Christmas tree. They actually gave the pandas a tree. The tree stand was made of ice and the ornaments were pieces of fruit.
WHITFIELD: That's cute. Nibbling a little bit on that. Isn't that adorable?
JERAS: That's fun. It is cute. A live web cam, by the way, at the San Diego zoo where this is and check on them. I checked them before the commercial break and still a little snow there, eating bamboo, what else do they do?
WHITFIELD: They just eat and lay around and have fun.
JERAS: I know. What a life.
WHITFIELD: What a life.
JERAS: Think we could go to the zoo.
WHITFIELD: Very nice. Thanks so much. See you a bit later as well.
All right, and we're just hours away from tonight's live broadcast. We're all been anticipating this, Jacqui, this "CNN Heroes" tonight is the finally the night.
JERAS: I know. We've been waiting for this and the red carpet is going to be filled with stars there to honor those who have given so much of themselves and CNN 2009 Top Ten Hero Doc Henley gives us a backstage tour.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DOC HENLEY, 2009 TOP TEN HERO: It's been three years since I was actually up on that stage. I've never really had a chance to see what all goes on behind the scenes. I'm Doc Henley and this is your backstage pass to CNN Heroes, An All-Star Tribute.
We're here backstage at the historic Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and this place is massive. With a show like CNN Heroes, I mean, there are hundreds and hundreds of people that pull together months and months of work to actually make a two-hour show happen.
In this room right here, we've got media, we've got PR.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK. Here we go. Rehearse it again.
HENLEY: Production going on behind the scenes. This is where all the magic happens. This is the first time that "CNN Heroes" has put on a live show. How does that make it different?
HAMISH HAMILTON, DIRECTOR: You're microseconds away from what could be a complete and utter disaster. You have to get it first time around.
ANDERSON COOPER, HOST: Never know what's going to happen, nothing goes as planned and makes it fun and interesting and exciting.
HENLEY: All the honourees, they became so tight knit. These guys lives are about to change.
What was it like looking out when practicing at all the celebrity faces that will be in attendance tomorrow?
TARYN DAVIS, TOP TEN CNN HERO: I love your show. You're really pretty. Don't know who you are, but can't wait to meet you.
HENLEY: The folks that you are presenting impacted you in anyway?
CHRIS COLFER, CELEBRITY PRESENTER: They made me cry.
HENLEY: They're out doing this work for what they believe in and then they get here.
COOPER: The 2011 CNN Hero of the Year --
(END VIDEOTAPE) WHITFIELD: And see how all the preparations come together tonight 8:00 Eastern Time when we honor all of our Top Ten CNN Heroes, An All- Star Tribute.
Join host, Anderson Cooper and a line up of celebrity presenters, some of whom you saw in that piece for an evening that is sure to inspire you. Don't want to miss it, tonight, 8:00 Eastern Time right here on CNN.
The Republican debate in Iowa last night got contentious at times without naming names, Rick Perry, appeared to be attack Newt Gingrich's character.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PERRY: If you will cheat on your wife, if you will cheat on your spouse, then why wouldn't you cheat on your business partner or why wouldn't you cheat on anybody for that matter.
GINGRICH: I've made mistakes at times, I've had to go to God for forgiveness, seek reconciliation, but I'm also a 68-year-old grandfather and I think people have to measure who I am now and whether I'm a person they can trust.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: All right. Let's bring in Dan Gilgoff, he's the religious editor for cnn.com. He joins us now from Des Moines.
So Dan, you've just written an article for CNN's belief blog concerning Newt Gingrich. It's titled "Newt Gingrich's Faith Journey, How a Thrice Married Catholic Became an Evangelical Darling."
Good to see you. So let's begin with the kind of the opening premise in your article, but then I want to put it in question form, has Newt Gingrich repented enough for his sins to be president according to people that you talked to?
DAN GILGOFF, RELIGION EDITOR, CNN.COM: Well, there's actually a debate going on right now about this. There was an open letter by a very prominent Evangelical head of Public Policy for the Southern Baptist Convention calling on Newt Gingrich to repent more, to give a public speech about his three marriages, about his affair with his current wife when he was married to his second wife, and to apologize for it.
And I think what was kind of surprising about the letter is that as opposed to galvanizing Evangelical support for a big speech like that from Gingrich, all of these prominent Evangelicals across the country came out in defense of Gingrich.
And said wait a minute, he's repented enough already and it's a real testament to how much bridge building Gingrich has done in recent years with Evangelical leaders and apologizing to. You saw that in last night's debate. WHITFIELD: So, do you suppose those who spoke before last night's debate who said they wanted to see him come out more publicly, kind of did that at that debate last night?
Is it enough he would say, I'm paraphrasing, he said people have said I've made mistakes, made some mistakes, you know, they -- it would be up to voters to measure now who I am and whether I am someone that they can trust, is that a public statement enough?
GILGOFF: I think so far it's actually proving to be, yes. Last night, you saw in the debate with that clip you played of Rick Perry. You know, Rick Perry is really trying to capitalize on his connection to Evangelicals.
He practices an Evangelical style of Christianity himself and so I went to church this morning here in Iowa and saw Rick Perry there and trying to connect and kind of giving a confessional about his faith and it really hasn't worked yet.
He hasn't broken through to Evangelicals. One of the reasons that is the case is because Newt Gingrich has and he seems to have a lot of those voters, those Evangelical values voters here in Iowa on his side, which is kind of surprising.
But part of it is because he's apologized and apologized a lot, you know, in the last four or five years and continues to do so.
WHITFIELD: So how does this Catholicism resonate, whether it be among Evangelicals or anyone else who is trying to uphold some sort of standard of religion as it relates to a candidate for presidency?
GILGOFF: It's kind of ironic because you think someone like Gingrich, who was himself an Evangelical for 25 years. He converts to Catholicism in 2009. His wife is a Catholic and brought him into the church.
You would think this might take a lot of Evangelicals off him leaving the faith, but it's actually had the opposite effect. It's being interpreted as a kind of born again experience.
I've talked to a number of Evangelicals that were close to Gingrich and said that he was a kind of shabby or sloppy Evangelical and coming to the Catholic Church has made him a lot more serious about his faith and has kind of changed him as a person.
So surprisingly, it's actually raised his stock in the eyes of a lot of Evangelical leaders in this country.
WHITFIELD: Dan Gilgoff, thanks so much. Appreciate your time. Of course, you can read Dan's article in the CNN believe blog, just go to cnn.com/belief and you can share your thoughts there as well.
I'll be back in about one hour from now when we will focus exclusively on the 2012 presidential race in the 4:00 Eastern hour. New numbers, by the way, suggesting President Obama is gaining ground in states that usually back Republicans. We'll talk about that as the president pushes "Made in America" as well. That campaign. And we're just 23 days now away from the Iowa caucuses.
GOP contenders still have one more debate and that's later on this week, scheduled for Thursday. Stay with CNN. I'm Fredricka Whitfield. "YOUR MONEY" starts right after the break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
