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Syria Intensified Deadly Attacks; International Patience Runs Thin on Syria; States and Banks Reach Mortgage Deal; Santorum Raises $1M in 24 Hours; White House Rethinking Contraception; First Nuclear Reactors in 30 Years; Women Closer to Combat; Conservative Convention Starts Today; Buzzer Beater Caps Duke Comeback

Aired February 09, 2012 - 09:00   ET

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

SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN HOST, "STARTING POINT": Hey, Kyra.

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Hey, Soledad. Thanks so much.

Well, we begin this morning in Syria. And if the pictures don't tell you how deadly the battles are, just listen to the voices.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ABU ABDO, SYRIAN ACTIVIST, REVOLUTIONARY COUNCIL OF HOMS: We are dying slightly. And we try to save each other at least, I mean, to keep somebody alive because, I mean, we believe that we all going to die. The city is isolated, it's being under shelling and bombing, and everything. And there's nothing to do.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: The embattled Syrian regime is stepping up its brutal attacks. And activists who want democracy and want President Bashar al-Assad to fall, they're telling us that more people are being killed. And we're seeing the neighborhoods right here reduced to rubble.

In Homs, Syria's third largest city, more than 90 people are reported killed so far today. And because foreign reporters are mostly banned from the country, we continue to rely on home videos posted online.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DANNY, SYRIAN OPPOSITION ACTIVIST: That was another rocket over there. So this is -- this is happening every day.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: And while this is happening every day the United Nations is considering a joint monitoring mission with the Arab League.

Our senior international correspondent Nic Robertson was actually on the last monitoring mission in Syria. You've actually been on a number of these, right?

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes.

PHILLIPS: Give us a sense of how effective this can be and how this works.

ROBERTSON: If anyone thinks that Arab League monitors backed with some semblance of United Nations training can go in and stop the kind of artillery fire and gunfire that's going on, then think again. Because there were monitors there who wouldn't even cross police road checkpoints, never mind go into contested areas.

There were some monitors who were willing to do that, but they're not set up and protected and equipped to go in and stop tanks firing and stop two forces shooting at each other.

PHILLIPS: So why are we even talking about this then?

ROBERTSON: One of the reasons we're talking about this is because Assad, backed by Russia who created a scenario on the ground where the West is put in a position, they're watching huge, horrible humanitarian suffering. We're the ones that are saying what can we do to help? How can we stop this?

Russia and Assad would like nothing better than see us divided, see the international community brought to a position where they will compromise for something less, i.e., not a removal of Assad, i.e., not going in with a military intervention. Maybe just protecting the people, saving the people. That's what they're aiming for in the short term right now.

PHILLIPS: OK. We saw what happened in Libya, and what is -- in your sense, that's ultimately going to happen in Syria, right? But we're a long ways off.

ROBERTSON: We're a long way from that. Assad still has 20 to 30 percent support of the population. They still buy his message that he is fighting terrorists groups who are backed by an international media conspiracy. He has the support of Russia right behind him. There's no strong U.N. resolution against him.

And he is a smarter guy with a stronger army that hasn't given up on him yet. And the rebels there, the opposition, don't have what the Benghazi, the east of the country, a huge base where they can operate from. They have tiny little enclaves that we're seeing being shelled right now. Baba Amr and places like that.

It's not that we haven't seen this type of thing before. If you think back to Bosnia when Russia was supporting the Serbs there, politically not militarily on the ground, there were tiny little enclaves, the infamous Srebrenica, the Serbs, after three years of standing back and shelling it, after the U.N., we're talking here about Arab League monitors, where the U.N. provided safety and security in Srebrenica, the Serbs still went in and massacred 7,000 people. So what Assad and Russia are looking at here is a scenario where the international community could settle for something less, i.e., trying to protect these areas. And that will be no protection.

PHILLIPS: Nic Robertson, here in the United States with us. Usually you are oversees working the story. It's great to have you here on set. And we'll continue to talk about the story because I know you'll be traveling back over there.

Nic, thanks so much.

And Max Foster is following the international reaction to the crisis in Syria for us. He joins us once again out of London.

What are you seeing this morning, Max?

MAX FOSTER, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: Yes, Kyra. You're hearing from Nic about the problem on the ground. The question is, what to do about it. What's the next step? And that's what the papers are really obsessed with at the moment.

The "Guardian" here in the U.K. really pointing their finger at the U.S. "Western Conspiracy to Do Nothing." "The reality is that from Barack Obama down, nobody in the western camp will -- with diplomacy at a standstill has a clue what to do. They know only what they cannot do, which primarily is not get involved in another Middle East war."

The "Global Times" over in China considers their local power, "China Cannot Stay Out of Syrian Chaos." "China needs to put in more efforts to delay the Western advance in the Middle East. The political landscape in the Middle East is becoming unfavorable to China. Doing nothing is not an option."

And "Today's Zaman," "What Now in Syria?" "Neither a neo- imperialist intervention nor the continuation of the current dictatorship is a viable option in Syria. The challenge for all stakeholders is to find a third way that will ensure the rebuilding of Syria as a democratic, pluralist and prosperous country."

So, Kyra, lots of talk but really no one's got a clue what's going to happen next.

PHILLIPS: Yes. And it's quite a guessing game for all of us. Max, thanks.

Well, next hour a $26 billion settlement will be announced between the nation's largest banks and nearly every state in the country. Underwater homeowners getting a check, and while some say, hey, it's about time, critics say the settlement money is peanuts. And where is this money coming from anyway?

CNN's Christine Romans is live in New York.

Christine, a lot of mixed feelings on this. CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Well, look, this is the biggest industry government settlement since the big tobacco settlement of 1998, Kyra. So in sheer size, this is big, $26 billion. And it could be even bigger if more servicers pile on. But you're right, there's a lot of concern and skepticism because so many of the programs to date have been underwhelming, disappointing.

One in four people who've been promised help under some of these government programs have been helped. And so there are a lot of homeowners quite rightfully who feel scarred by the housing market.

But let's talk about what they're aiming to do here. It would be a million underwater homeowners. These are people who owe more on the house, Kyra, than the house is worth. California, New York, Florida, they are now on board. Almost all the states on board. So that's important. The attorneys general of some of these states didn't want to give up their own big investigations into the banking industry, and they won't have to.

Now these are non-Fannie and Freddie loans. So to go back to your point about mixed feelings. One million underwater homeowners. There are 11 million underwater homeowners in America. We've been talking to economists who say look, this is -- it would be an immediate infusion of money into the housing market. That's good. But you're right, there's a lot -- long, long way to go before you can talk about making everyone whole -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right. So to get a check do you have to have your mortgage through one of the listed banks?

ROMANS: That's right. And you know trying to figure out the mechanics of when you would get a check, how you would get a check, who would get a check. For the people who are underwater, they're saying it's about $20,000 in principle reductions. There might be some other kind of relief in there, too. There are a lot of reports this morning there could be refinancing at lower rates if you're underwater but current in your loan. There could be some refinancing at lower rates. That's been tough to do.

And also some reporting in the big papers this morning about potential cash payments for people who are in foreclosure from December 2008, I think, or September 2008 to December 2011. We'll know for sure in 53 minutes quite frankly, but we're going to get a lot of the detail about who exactly would benefit, how quickly, and how they would get the money.

Also, how the government, Kyra, is going to monitor these servicers. Remember, they're being punished essentially for the robo- signing scandal. For really in some cases having very sloppy mortgage servicing procedures that really left people out in the cold. You know that consumers have been complaining about, you know, their relationship with their mortgage servicer. From here on out the government wants to make sure that these are going to be better actors and they're going to help fix the housing market instead of be a problem for homeowners. PHILLIPS: All right. And now about 52 minutes away from Eric Holder talking about that.

Christine, thanks so much.

ROMANS: You're welcome.

PHILLIPS: Well, in Politics, nothing sells like success. And Rick Santorum is taking that lesson to the bank. The presidential candidate has raked in more than $1 million in donations just since his three big wins Tuesday night.

CNN political editor Paul Steinhauser live in Washington.

So, Paul, Santorum won those states with a small budget, a skeleton staff. What do you think? Does the infusion of money mean that he's a greater threat to Romney?

PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN POLITICAL EDITOR: Hey, money helps in politics, no doubt about that, Kyra. And you know a big win brings big money. You mentioned a million for him. And also the Red, White and Blue Fund, that a independent but pro-Santorum super Pac, they say they're starting to see more fundraising as well.

I reported yesterday, you know, Santorum is already using some of that money to, you know, beef up his staff. We're seeing him fundraise yesterday in Texas. Today in Oklahoma. Oklahoma also a Super Tuesday state so he's there to campaign and look ahead to some of the next contests.

And Rick Santorum also had some choice words for Mitt Romney. Here's what he said.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RICK SANTORUM (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: If this race -- if this race is about how to better manage Washington, D.C., with someone who's a CEO and can manage the affairs and create a better platform for government?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No.

SANTORUM: Then we will not only lose this election. But even if we win this election, we will eventually lose this country.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STEINHAUSER: Hey, you know, Mitt Romney when he runs for president, Kyra, he also -- often talks about how he's such a good manager as CEO. Rick Santorum taking issue there. And as for the money again, yes, it buys ad time, it buys commercials, it buys staff and get-out-the-vote efforts. Money does help -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Well, at the same time, Romney is being forced now to widen his attacks.

STEINHAUSER: He sure is. Listen, remember after South Carolina when Romney didn't do so well there, Gingrich had the big win? Romney's campaign really started going after Gingrich. Well, now Mitt Romney himself and his campaign starting to step up the attacks against Santorum as well as Gingrich.

Take a listen to what Romney said yesterday in Atlanta when he got to the airport there before he campaigned in Georgia.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MITT ROMNEY (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: And among my opponents, well, actually, I tip my hat to Ron Paul. He's one of those that says don't keep on spending too much. And he's willing to cut spending. But the other two guys, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum, they spent -- they spent a lot of time in Washington and during their years we spent more money than we were taking in.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STEINHAUSER: Those are fighting words, aren't they, Kyra? That's Romney's theme out here. I'm the outsider. I never served in Washington. Gingrich and Santorum, they're insiders, they worked in Washington, big debt. So I think you're going to hear a lot more of that from him and from his campaign -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Paul, thanks.

And how far can Rick Santorum actually ride this momentum from this week's political trifecta? Well, he's going to join our John King tonight. "JK, USA," 6:00 Eastern right here on CNN.

And a controversy at the intersection of religion and politics. A policy that makes Catholic institutions cover birth control for employees. The White House trying to make changes that the church can live with. The archbishop of New York weighs in.

And for a second week in a row a big cruise ship limps home early with a lot of sick passengers. We'll tell you what's to blame straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Checking stories "Cross Country" now.

In Charlottesville, Virginia, more testimony expected in the high-profile murder trial of George Huguely. The former University of Virginia lacrosse player is accused of beating his ex-girlfriend to death. Defense attorneys call the death an accident.

And there's one brave little girl in Bremen, Georgia. Britney Baxter was in the toy section of the local Wal-Mart, as you can see right there, when that man came up behind her and grabbed her. Now watch as bring the any kicks and squirms until the man finally let go. Cops caught the guy and have charged him with attempted kidnapping.

And the Crown Princess cruise ship is back in Fort Lauderdale with more than 100 sick passengers and crew. The company blames a norovirus outbreak. The ship underwent a cleaning after more than 400 people got sick on its last voyage.

And the Obama administration wants to tweak its new policy that would make religion-based employers cover birth control in their health care plans. They're looking for a way for women to get coverage without forcing Catholic charities and hospitals to compromise their beliefs.

CNN's Jason Carroll actually talked with the archbishop of New York about this.

So, what did he tell you, Jason?

JASON CARROLL, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, first, let me start off by saying you know there's a specific reason why we've reached out to Archbishop Timothy Dolan. And that's because he's the very same man who wrote that editorial in the "Wall Street Journal" criticizing the president, saying the administration's new policy would force individuals to violate their moral teaching if they had to provide contraceptive coverage.

The new rule would require all employers, even religious ones, such as schools or hospitals, to offer birth control under their health care plans. Churches and other houses of worship would be exempt, but there has been a great deal of backlash from some in the Catholic community and now it seems the administration may be willing to find some common ground.

And I asked Archbishop Dolan about that when I caught up with him late yesterday.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CARROLL: Apparently the administration is looking for some ways to find some wiggle room here in this. It says that -- sources say that policymakers are looking for a legal way to ensure that women receive contraception coverage but Catholic charities, hospitals, institution, et cetera, would not pay for it.

Would that be enough wiggle room on your -- in your -- from your perspective?

ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY DOLAN, ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK: It would be difficult for me to comment not knowing all the details, but I would welcome the fact that officials of the government are saying we need to rethink this and we need to have a graceful exit so that Catholic charities and a place we're at right now, Catholic schools, Catholic health care institutions, can continue to do the wonderful work that we've done for so long. Hallelujah, if there's some opening to a way to roll back what we find to be choking restrictions of the rights of freedoms and principles of conscience.

CARROLL: There's one recent survey that shows some 52 percent of the Catholics actually agree with what the administration is trying to do. And so, I'm wondering, is there some sort of disconnect with some Catholics who are out there, or do you see this as something else?

DOLAN: Could be. Could be. For us, it's not about polls, it's about principle. And although there -- it is true that there would be people that might not agree with the church's stance on contraception, there's enthusiastic unanimity on the American stance of freedom of religion.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CARROLL: Dolan initially said he felt personally betrayed by the president because he says the president assured him during a meeting that religious employers would be exempt from the new policy. Supporters of the plan point out that some 28 states already have a plan like this in place and that policy will go into effect August 1st -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Jason Carroll, thanks so much.

And two nuke reactors getting the green light today, both being built in Georgia. We're going to talk about it right after the break.

And Kate Middleton stepping up her new role. While her husband is on military duty, she makes her first official solo appearance.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Kate Middleton stepping out on the town, and she's all by herself. Her first solo royal appearance as Prince William continues his deployment in the Falkland Islands.

And our Max Foster -- why weren't you there by her side at that art gallery? I know you love art.

MAX FOSTER, CNN ROYAL CORRESPONDENT: Because I was on air at the time, but we did have our crew there. The pictures that you're seeing right now, the Duchess of Cambridge -- you know, this is the first time she's appeared on her own at one of her own events, one of her own charities. So, this is the first sort of tentative steps she's making here into carving out her own public role. It's a big test for her. She would have been nervous.

The palace would have been nervous as well which is why it was very low key. We were only allowed to film the arrival at the gallery, not her going around the gallery itself.

But it seemed like a big success. So, all steam ahead, Kyra, for next week when she goes on another visit on her own to children's hospital. And she's going to meet some recovering alcoholics and drug addicts as well at a center up in Liverpool.

So, we're really seeing the emergence of the future queen and how she wants to see herself perceived in the media.

PHILLIPS: Well, we will be watching closely.

Meanwhile, her brother-in-law, Prince Harry, new credentials on his military resume.

FOSTER: Yes, exactly. Exactly at the same time as the duchess was out in those pictures, Prince Harry was receiving an award. He actually came out on top of a pretty tough Apache helicopter training course, which took place in America if you'll remember. And he came top of the class and won an award.

As a result -- these are pictures from his training in Arizona. As a result, he is now qualified almost to go into battle. Probably Afghanistan if he's going to go anywhere. He's got a bit more practice to do, but as a pilot, he's actually qualified at this point.

He's been doing pretty well by all accounts. And so, he expects some sort of deployment later in the year, possibly early next year.

PHILLIPS: Max Foster on the royal watch -- thanks, Max.

Alison Kosik at the New York Stock Exchange.

What's the deal with these two new nuclear reactors in our backyard, right here in Georgia?

ALISON KOSIK, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Exactly right in your backyard. This is really being considered a milestone, Kyra, when you look at sort of the history of nuclear power in this country. The vote on this one that we're talking about is happening today to actually build the first nuclear power plant in the U.S. in 30 years.

Now, if the Nuclear Regulatory Commission approves this, two nuclear reactors will be built 30 miles south of Augusta, Georgia. They'll provide energy to 1 million homes.

And if you want to look at the U.S. as a whole, where nuclear power plants are, you see on this map, there's actually 64 nuclear power plants in this country, most of them concentrated on the East Coast. But you know what? Half of these nuclear power plants are actually 30 years old. That raises worries about their safety.

You know, at one point, there was really a big push towards more nuclear power, but because of the cost, the safety concerns, Kyra, that big sort of renaissance of nuclear power plants, it really didn't materialize -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Well, how are the markets looking today?

KOSIK: Well, would you believe that we've sort of got a deal? Now, it's not a done deal yet. I'm talking about the debt deal involving Greece, but it could finally be here. Greece's politicians, they've finally, finally agreed on austerity measures. But, of course, there is yet one more step before it's really a done deal.

The IMF, the ECB, the E.U., they all have to sign of on this, on this $170 billion bailout before they hand that money over to Greece. But we do see stocks are going to be starting in the green today in about five minutes when the opening bell rings.

Also helping stocks today, it looks like jobless claims -- a drop in jobless claims is helping futures right now. New claims fell by 15,000 last week. They're holding below that 400,000 level, Kyra, at 358,000 -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right. Alison, thanks.

We know women in these wars have been in combat. Well, now, the Pentagon actually plans to open up thousands of official front line support jobs. We're going to tell you why the changes are coming now.

We're also going to talk about Rick Santorum's momentum versus Mitt Romney's millions. Who's going to grab the headlines at CPAC?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Checking top stories.

Syrian opposition groups say security forces have launched a fifth day of deadly attacks in the city of Homs. The U.N. plans to take up a proposal calling for joint monitoring mission in Syria.

The TSA plans to expand its fast-lane technology to 28 additional airports from the current seven. The program lets qualified passengers go through screening more quickly if they've already provided personal information before getting to the airport.

And the founder of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure says the organization made mistakes regarding Planned Parenthood. Nancy Brinker addressed the controversy in a letter to "The Washington Post". The Komen Foundation announced it would stop donating to Planned Parenthood, then revised that decision.

Women in combat, they're doing it. But now, the Pentagon is making it official. Thousands of new jobs opening up.

CNN's Barbara Starr is at the Pentagon.

Tell us about the changes, Barbara.

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, the Pentagon is going to inform Congress later today that it's opening up about 14,000 jobs to women, combat-related jobs. Look, women are not going to be in those front line units that we see, the sniper teams, counterterrorism teams, but a number of new jobs will be open to women.

This is going to be one of the biggest changes since the 1990s when the policy went into effect that restricted women in combat. Some of the jobs that will be open to them include tank or artillery mechanic, crew members on missile launchers and field surgeons in forward deployed combat teams.

This is going to officially put so many more military women in the position of getting that combat unit credit that can let them have the promotions more on the same footing as men. But the reality, Kyra, as you know better than anybody, if you think women are not already in combat in the last 10 years in Iraq and Afghanistan with these new wars where there is no front line, just listen to the latest statistics from the Pentagon. More than 140 women, military women, have lost their lives in the war. And, of course, more than 860 have been wounded, Kyra.

PHILLIPS: You and I both have met them. We've seen it, Barbara, no doubt.

Why do you think this is happening now?

STARR: Well, this has been something that has been brewing for a long time. Over the last 18 months or so you have seen senior military commanders speak out and say the reality is that women are in combat. The statistics show it. The U.S. military couldn't go to war these days without the service of military women. So, that is the reality in places like Afghanistan.

And it's time, they say, to catch up with the reality to let more women serve formally and openly and get the credit for their service. Still, of course, it's those small units, the sniper teams, the infantry units, walking those patrols, conducting those raids, don't expect to see women on those missions any time soon, Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Barbara Starr at the Pentagon -- Barbara, thanks.

Popular TV drama is going off the air. We'll tell you which one, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Heading into the big CPAC gathering of conservatives, it's Mitt's money versus Santorum's momentum. Conan O'Brien puts their finances into perspective.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CONAN O'BRIEN, COMEDIAN: Three wins for rick Santorum. Since yesterday's primaries, Rick Santorum's campaign has received $250,000 in donations. Yes.

When Mitt Romney heard this he said, $250,000? That's cute.

(LAUGHTER)

O'BRIEN: Aren't you a good little candidate?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Will Cain and Robert Zimmerman with us.

So, guys, who's going to cash in at CPAC -- Will.

WILL CAIN, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: That's hard to predict, Kyra, I don't know. I don't have that crystal ball. You know, I have to say Rick Santorum's kind of got the momentum. He's kind of a movement conservative. I would expect him to do really well at CPAC.

ROBERT ZIMMERMAN, DEMOCRATIC STRATEGIST: It's going to be awesome. You're going to have Sarah Palin there who's already accused Republicans of using Stalinist tactics against Newt Gingrich, Ann Coulter never disappoints.

I mean, the bottom line is, CPAC is going to be Atlantic City (INAUDIBLE) for the right wing. So, it's going to have a lot of energy.

PHILLIPS: And the first song? The first song will be what?

ZIMMERMAN: None of them can harmonize, that's their problem.

CAIN: That's a legit criticism.

ZIMMERMAN: By the way, ultimately though, it's Rick Santorum's moment to be able to energize and galvanize the religious conservative movement. Of course, the danger for ultimately Mitt Romney in this process is pushing him so far to the right wing that as they get energized over their war against contraception and the war against marriage equality and their commitment to keep troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, they lose the mainstream of this country.

PHILLIPS: Well, you're shaking your head.

CAIN: Well, I only shook my head because Robert invoked this war against contraception thing. And I have made this point that I do believe this is a bigger issue for Democrats than they realize. This issue over the Catholic institutions, Catholic universities, and the pushing of contraception into health care plans, it's going to resonate beyond religious conservatives, beyond your hardcore social conservatives.

I can only use myself as that proxy. This is not my battle, Kyra. This is not the one I'm not most excited about taking Robert on about.

But when you start infringing and pushing into the realms of religion, and private practices, and their principles, then you're talking about something just beyond your standard social issues. And you animate a group, I think, much bigger.

PHILLIPS: All right. Let me get back --

ZIMMERMAN: That bigger group are women because this is about women's health because this law that we're talking about is already in effect in 28 states.

PHILLIPS: All right. Let me get back to Santorum for a minute. You know, Romney is changing his attack plan now. He's going after Santorum hard. Do you think he should stay focused on attacking Obama, Will?

CAIN: Well, look, that would be a hard thing to convince Mitt Romney right now, because going straight at Newt Gingrich worked so well. I mean, when he ignored Gingrich and allowed Gingrich to play offense, it didn't pan out for him. When he went hard at Gingrich, it worked in Florida. So, I think he would probably think, if it worked once, try it again.

I do want to say this, his attack on Santorum, what it looks like, Kyra, this whole he's establishment, he's insider -- I'll say this, I've asked conservatives over and over to rationalize me the continuous embrace of Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich and on and on, and the only consistency I can find is he's anti-establishment, whoever the current love is. He's establishment.

So, if Romney can paint Santorum as establishment, and I'm skeptical of that, it would be a good attack.

PHILLIPS: Robert?

ZIMMERMAN: You know, what's interesting, Will makes a very important about the dynamic that's taken place here, because when Mitt Romney took his off his Republican opponents and focused on Obama, he was clobbered in South Carolina. However, I think what's interesting to notice, is there's a big difference between beating your opponent and winning. Romney is very good at beating his opponents, but that doesn't mean he's been able to energize and galvanize support for himself.

In fact, as we've seen, Republican turnout is significantly down in most of the states and the states that Romney won four years ago, Colorado by 60 percent, Minnesota with 40 percent, he lost this time around.

CAIN: Let me tell you this real quick. He's wrong 80 percent of the time. He's 100 percent right, right now. Mitt Romney has been awesome at telling people why they should not vote for Newt Gingrich, or why they should not vote for Barack Obama.

He has not been good at saying why they should vote for Mitt Romney. He needs to figure out that answer.

ZIMMERMAN: And, Kyra, that just means Will's listening better. That's all.

PHILLISP: We're going to leave it on a positive note, gentlemen. Thank you.

And if you want to reach young conservatives, go to CPAC, because in a minute, we're going to meet a young conservative blogger and hear why he's going to the big conservative convention.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: All right. Let's check stories cross-country now.

Indiana hands out fines for violations in this deadly stage collapse that happened last summer at the state fair that killed seven people. The state's builder, the fair commission, and stagehands union were fined more than $80,000.

And Washington's governor promises to sign a same-sex marriage law into -- bill, rather -- into law. State lawmakers passed the bill yesterday, but opponents will try to put the issue on the November ballot.

And a Florida judge frees a man on a domestic violence charge on one condition. Joseph Bray forgot to wish his own wife a happy birthday. They got into an argument and he threatened her. Bray's been ordered to give his wife flowers, a birthday card, and take her to dinner and bowling. The couple will also have to see a marriage counselor.

Well, say good-bye to "House". Everyone's favorite honorary doctor is leaving the air waves.

"Showbiz Tonight" host A.J. Hammer live in New York.

OK. A.J., we've never talked about this show. We always talk about "Modern Family." I forgot to tell you, I'm a "House" follower. I'm so disappointed. What's going on?

A.J. HAMMER, "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" HOST: Yes, sad news for you and "House" fans. End of the road for Hugh Laurie the fantastic TV drama "House." But, wow, I mean, what run it has been for the show. It's calling it quits after 177 episodes. Eight seasons on FOX.

Laurie and the producers released what I thought was a really eloquent statement breaking the news. I want to read a bit of it for you.

"Since it began, 'House' has aspired to offer a coherent and satisfying world in which everlasting human questions of ethics, and emotion, logic and truth could be examined, played out, and occasionally answered. The producers have always imagined 'House' as an enigmatic creature. He should never be the last one to leave the party. How much better to disappear before the music stops while there is still some promise and mystique in the air."

Now, Laurie says he doesn't see himself going back into television after this, Kyra. I know that is a huge disappointment to you and all of his fans. But he is certainly not going away. So, many accolades over the years for his role in that show.

PHILLIPS: Yes. It's pretty amazing.

All right. What is the deal about this big reunion at the Grammy's?

HAMMER: This is going to be really cool. All of the surviving members of the Beach Boys are going to be taking the stage on Grammy night. I'm talking about founding members Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, along with Bruce Johnson and David Marks, who have been with the band for almost 50 years.

Now, this is the very first time in almost 20 years that all these guys are going to be sharing the stage together. And they'll be performing with some current Grammy nominees, Foster the People, and Maroon 5.

But it does not stop with this. The Grammy appearance is kicking off a whole new start for the Beach Boys, Kyra. They're kicking off a 50-city tour in April. They plan on releasing a new studio album this year.

So, break out your beach balls and your Hawaiian print shirts. The Beach Boys are back.

PHILLIPS: I'd be breaking out my old eight-track is what I would be breaking out. A.J., thanks so much.

HAMMER: You don't have an eight-track, Kyra. Come on.

PHILLIPS: Oh, yes, I did.

Well, it's a frightening cliffhanger on "American Idol." A.J. is going to be back with us next hour on that story and other showbiz headlines.

And looking at health for her this morning; $40 billion is on the table to help reduce the number of pre-term births and early elective deliveries in the U.S. The Department of Health and Human Services is using the money to educate hospitals, doctors, and mothers. It says that these early elective deliveries can cause problems for both the mother and child.

Still ahead, it's a candy bar slam for a Patriots player. We're going to tell you why these Butter Fingers were dumped in Boston. Sports in ten minutes.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, CPAC, the big conservative convention underway in Washington this hour. And for 19-year-old blogger Brandon Kiser, it's a big opportunity for this small town Kentucky boy. It's not just your typical red-stater showing up to pump the GOP. This is also a place for the up and coming conservatives to stake their ground.

Ok, Brandon, you're there. Are you missing Ashlynn (ph) yet? Is everybody watching back home in Kentucky?

BRANDON KISER, BLOGGER: I hope so.

PHILLIPS: Listen, you know, a lot of teens your age, they're interested in parties and dating. And they're not thinking about politics. How did you find your way to this convention and blogging?

KISER: I wish I could tell you. I honestly have no idea. I just started watching the news when I -- basically when I was a young teenager. And kept watching it, I started reading blogs on line and thought I would try my hand at it and now I'm standing here talking to you.

PHILLIPS: Now wait a minute you're still a young teenager. You're 19. So you must have started doing this when you were in elementary school. Tell me what got you excited about CPAC. Was it a certain I don't know, a speaker or a subject matter? Something had to get you motivated to want to pack up and get there.

KISER: Really it's largely the opportunity to meet and talk with other people, other conservatives, especially ones that are my age or ones that I have talked with or read online and things like that.

PHILLIPS: And -- and -- who -- who are you keeping your eyes on at CPAC? Who is it that you -- if you had a chance to meet someone, who would it be?

KISER: Probably Marco Rubio.

PHILLIPS: Ok. Tell me why.

KISER: Yes. Well, he's a -- I think he really embodies what young conservatism is. He's a relatively young guy. He's new to the Senate. He's from Florida. And I honestly think that he could be -- potentially be president one day and so that I think he's someone to keep your eye on.

PHILLIPS: He would probably love to hear that from you. So Brandon, what do you make -- what do you make of all the presidential candidates so far on the Republican side, who do you like?

KISER: Right now, I'm without a candidate. I started out liking Governor Tim Pawlenty. He spoke -- he spoke to some stuff that I really agreed with and he seemed like he had a wide appeal that you need to win a general election against Barack Obama. And then I moved on to Jon Huntsman after he dropped out and once Mitt Romney and then I guess Rick Santorum won Iowa. And then I supported Jon Huntsman in New Hampshire then he dropped out. So now I'm kind of out of lull, I probably just wait it out until the convention.

PHILLIPS: Well, before I let you go, who are you go to -- what are you going to blog about today, Brandon?

KISER: Probably the speakers and I hope to get an interview with Senator Mitch McConnell.

PHILLIPS: Ok, we'll be looking for that. Brandon Kiser, enjoy your time. KISER: All right. Thanks for having me.

PHILLIPS: You bet.

Well, this Saturday, the state of Maine is going to weigh in on deciding the GOP nominee. Coverage beginning at 6:00 p.m. Eastern with the special edition of "THE SITUATION ROOM" with Wolf Blitzer. CNN's complete live coverage then of the caucus results will begin at 7:00.

All right, here're some stories we're working on for later today.

11:15 Eastern Time, House Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor hold their weekly briefing.

45 minutes later in Des Moines, Iowa First Lady Michelle Obama is kicking off a three-day nationwide tour celebrating the second anniversary of "Let's Move", that's her campaign to fight childhood obesity.

And then at 5:00 Eastern, a career milestone for Sir Paul McCartney, the singer will finally get his star on the Hollywood's Walk of Fame. He's the last of the Beatles, by the way, to get his star.

All right, we're following lots of the developments in the next hour of the CNN NEWSROOM. Let's check in first with our Christine Romans.

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, we're going to have more details as they become available today, we hope, about this landmark settlement to further more -- between the big banks conservators and consumers who are underwater on their loans. I'll have more details for you at the top of the hour -- Kyra.

IVAN WATSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Ivan Watson in Istanbul. Opposition activists say more than 90 people were killed in the besieged Syrian city of Homs today alone. They are calling on the international community to help establish a humanitarian corridor to evacuate the civilians from the killing fields there. I'll have more on that story at the top of the hour.

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Martin Savidge in Mississippi. Remember the 200-plus pardons by former Governor Haley Barbour and the outrage they sparked? Well, today we may find out if they were legal or not. It's being heard inside the state's Supreme Court here. I'll have that report next hour.

PHILLIPS: Thanks, guys.

And two sex abuse scandals rock one California school within a week. Now officials there have cleaned house. Students are back in class with new teachers. We'll have a live report in the next hour of the CNN NEWSROOM. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Quite a thriller on Tobacco Road, Jeff Fischel.

JEFF FISCHEL, HLN SPORTS: Yes.

This is really one of the great rivalries in college basketball. Duke and North Carolina, they're just a few miles apart, two of the most storied programs in college basketball. Both top ten teams again this year.

Carolina was up by ten with just a few minutes left. But here comes Duke, down two, time running out. Freshman Austin Rivers for three at the buzzer. Oh, he buries it. What a great shot by a freshman. His dad is Boston Celtic's Coach Doc Rivers, there he is. He's going nuts. He's seen everything in the game but he can't contain himself. Duke wins 85-84.

Great story in the NBA right now, Jeremy Lin, Harvard grad, was undrafted, failed to stick with two pro teams. Making the most of his third chance with the injury-depleted Knicks. Watch him, the crossover and then the dunk on the Wizard's John Wall finishes with 23 points. He also had a career-high ten assists. Since he joined the Knicks, Lin's been crashing on his brother's couch.

The Knicks finally signed him to a guaranteed contract this week. He might -- considering New York's real estate -- he might be able to afford his own place now, maybe.

This is the play a lot of Patriot's fans will spend all offseason thinking about. They believe the Pats would have won the Super Bowl if Wes Welker had made this catch with four minutes left. Slipped through his fingers.

To take a little jab at Welker, an online pawnbroker dropped hundreds of Butterfinger candy bars in a busy Boston plaza. There was a note, "Thank you, Wes Welker." That's just rude. The pawnbroker got a ticket for commercial dumping. The pawnbroker's apologized but I'm guessing they think the free publicity makes it worth it.

PHILLIPS: Yes. Look, we're talking about it.

FISCHEL: Yes, exactly.

Well, Will Ferrell's in New Orleans shooting a movie so the hometown Hornets invited him to introduce the line ups for last night's game with the Bulls.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

WILL FERRELL, ACTOR: At forward, 6'10 from Mexico, he doesn't speak a lick of English, but we still love him. Gustavo Io (ph).

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Great stuff. He said Derrick Rose, his favorite movie was "The Notebook". I mean just hilarious, I know.

PHILLIPS: Poor Gustavo, he didn't even laugh. Didn't find that funny. Thanks Jeff.

FISCHEL: OK.

PHILLIPS: Super Bowl ads have nothing on Victor Cruz. Just ask Jeanne Moos.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The salsa of victory. The mockery of defeat. The Super Bowl may be over, but the Patriots and the Giants left behind two moves we can't quite move beyond.

Giant's wide receiver, Victor Cruz celebrated touchdowns with the salsa. Now the salsa is spreading like an Internet virus. It infected a weatherman in Michigan.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm going to do my salsa dance right off the stage.

MOOS: Even Madonna wasn't immune. She volunteered a demonstration.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is Madonna with the silk city salsa and she's rooting for the New York Giants, I have to say it.

MOOS: The most courageous was performed by a Giants fan surrounded by Patriot's fans in what turned out to be a near riot, just a few seconds of salsa. Then as the dancer continued to taunt the crowd, he got sucker punched. The guy had to be rescued and danced right out of there.

The Giant's Super Bowl victory party is a safer place to salsa.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We are the Cruz dancers. Come on.

MOOS: This Cruz T-shirt, with how to salsa steps on the back, sold out. Don't even think of using me as a dance floor. But salsaing has given way to bradying. Bradying is the new Tebowing. You know, how everyone was mimicking the prayerful attitude of Bronco's quarterback, Tim Tebow, even in snow.

But there was nothing grateful about Patriot's quarterback Tom Brady after he was decked while being intercepted at the Super Bowl. Imitation is not always flattery. There is Bradying on the top of the table, Bradying in the dog house. It's easy to be depressed and dejected anywhere.

Even a sports anchor can be reduced to Bradying. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I was really unhappy with my performance on the show at 6:00

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: As well as you should have been.

MOOS: It's enough to make you want to drown your sorrows in salsa.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Move your hips a bit, feel the Latino inside you.

MOOS: Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEO CLIP)