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Second Student Dies In High School Shooting; Alleged Gunman In Court; More Than Delegates At Stake Today; Courting The Crossover Vote; 29 Delegates At Stake In Arizona Primary; Commuter Plane Makes Belly Landing
Aired February 28, 2012 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN ANCHOR: Well, we begin this hour with the latest from Chardon, Ohio. A second student has died after yesterday's shooting at Chardon High, 17-year-old Russell King Jr.
He was declared brain dead by the medical examiner's office. The 16-year-old Danielle Parmertor, he died at the school yesterday. Three others remained hospitalized.
The alleged gunman now identified by fellow students is 17- year-old TJ Lane, a student at a nearby school for at-risk kids and there is this. Sounds from the police dispatchers as the horrific scenes unfolded at the school.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Attention Chardon Rescue. We have an active shooter at the high school. Repeat, active gun shots at the high school. Chardon, we have three students down in the cafeteria at this time. We still don't know where the shooter is. Also, there's a fourth one down in room 200.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FEYERICK: Ted Rowlands is in Chardon, Ohio, for us this morning. And Ted, what can you tell me about the two boys who died?
TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, you know, obviously, Deb, these were young men in their teens who went to school at 7:30 in the morning, were waiting to take a bus to another location, basically another campus where they learn trades.
And they were shot and killed without warning. There was a surveillance tape that has been seen by someone who talked to -- a Cleveland plain dealer who said literally, they were sitting at a table, these three kids and the gunman just got up from another spot and shot them.
So as you can imagine, this community is absolutely distraught about this. And there was candle light vigil last night where people came out from the community and these people, the ones that have died, and then the two that are still clinging to life are obviously in everybody's hearts and prayers this morning. FEYERICK: And Ted, with so much sort of developing right now, the investigation in full swing, have police or sheriffs deputies said anything about the possibility that this was a targeted shooting? That the suspected gunman knew exactly who he was aiming for? Because it does seem that he knew at least one if not more of the boys who were at that table.
ROWLANDS: Well, clearly, according to eye witnesses and according to the actions on this videotape, it appears as though TJ Lane was targeting this group of kids. Why? Who knows?
There's a speculation that he was the victim of bullying or this other speculation about a possible girlfriend scenario. You know, who knows what the details are and the validity of all of these different potential reasons.
But according to the witnesses and according to the person that has seen this videotape, it does appear as though he targeted these kids specifically, the ones at a table. There was another young woman that got in his way as he was trying to leave the cafeteria according to this videotape and the person that saw it.
That seems to be more of an accidental thing. But the -- well, not accidental, but non-planned thing. But as you mentioned, it does appear these three students at least were targeted.
FEYERICK: One of the boys who was actually at that table in the cafeteria when the shooting broke out knew the suspected gunman and was actually grazed by one of the bullets. He has given a remarkable eyewitness account, what do you know of him?
ROWLANDS: Well, his story is amazing. As you mentioned, this is a young man that looked up and saw as you said the flashes of the gun as he witnessed his friends being shot.
He describes how he looked into the face of this alleged shooter and he said there was no expression at all and that he was able to get away. He was grazed in the ear.
But a remarkable young man that was able to get out. He actually made one of the initial 911 calls after he got out of the school. But this young man was right in the middle of it and clearly very lucky he didn't get hit.
FEYERICK: Ted Rowlands for us in Ohio. I know a lot more information is going to be coming out of there and we'll be checking in with you in just a while.
Also coming up, a senior just down the hall in class when the shooting occurred, she's going to join me to share her story. That's coming up live.
For the first time in more than two weeks, voters are again having their say in the Republican presidential race. For frontrunners Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney, the stakes, they are pretty high.
A total of 59 delegates are up for grabs today in two states. Arizona, that's a winner-takes-all state, Michigan divides its delegates based on the results. But considering that Michigan is the state where Romney grew up and where his father was very prominent is a critical weigh station for a campaign desperately needing to regain momentum.
CNN's Paul Steinhauser is in the Detroit suburb of Bloomfield Hills. Miguel Marquez at a polling station in Gilbert, Arizona. And we're first going to go with Paul. Paul, the Democrats actually having a pretty big say over who could win Michigan. What's going on there?
PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN POLITICAL EDITOR: Yes, they sure could because, of course. This is an open primary Michigan, which means, of course, Republicans can vote in the GOP, but so can independents and so can Democrats.
Deb, here's how close it is. Take a look at this. This is the most recent poll. American Research Group came out yesterday. Look at that, 36 percent for Santorum, 35 percent for Romney. You really can't get any tighter than that.
And, you know, of course, this is setting up, Michigan and Arizona set up Washington State on Saturday and then 10 states a week from today on Super Tuesday.
So what happens here could really have an impact on those states. In Bloomfield Hills, this is where nearby Mitt Romney grew up here and went to school here, elementary and high school.
Talked to a lot of voters here, of course, a lot of them are supporting Romney in this area, but of course, they also say the economy, the top issue -- Deb.
FEYERICK: And Paul, interesting, you know, the Democrats who are going to turn out, Mitt Romney now he realizes what's happening gave a press conference to reporters in which there was an overwhelming sense of urgency in his call to Republicans to come out and vote.
If he doesn't win Michigan, effectively, how does he convince the rest of the country that he can beat Barack Obama?
STEINHAUSER: Exactly. That's a big question mark for Mitt Romney and you mentioned the Democratic crossovers here in Michigan. And some Democrat activists urging Democrats to vote against Romney because that's what most Democrats think would be the bigger threat to President Obama.
But Rick Santorum himself, his campaign getting involved as well. Take a look at this automated call from the Santorum campaign to Democratic voters here in the Detroit area.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: On Tuesday, join Democrats who are going to send a loud message to Massachusetts' Mitt Romney by voting for Rick Santorum for president.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STEINHAUSER: Well, the Santorum campaign standing by that saying no problem here, reaching out to any kind of voter who can vote today. As you can imagine, Mitt Romney and his campaign furious with this. In a news conference that you carried live last hour. Here's what Romney said about all this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MITT ROMNEY (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I think the hardest thing about predicting what's going to happen today is whether Senator Santorum's effort to call Democrat households and tell them to come out and vote against Mitt Romney is going to be successful or not.
I think Republicans have to recognize there's a real effort to kidnap our primary process. And if we want Republicans to nominate the Republican who takes on President Obama, I need Republicans to get out and vote and say no to the dirty tricks of a desperate campaign.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STEINHAUSER: In an extremely close contest, crossover Democratic voters could be crucial -- Deb.
FEYERICK: Rick Santorum who has accused the other Republican candidate of ganging up on him shows he's got a little bit of a street fighter in him with that robocall. Paul Steinhauser, thanks so much.
And we're going now to Arizona where the race is also really close. According to the latest post from the American Research Group, Romney still does lead the pack, but Rick Santorum has narrowed the gap.
A mere 4-percentage point separates the frontrunners, and given the margin of error, that actually puts them in a statistical dead heat. CNN's Miguel Marquez in Gilbert, Arizona. And Miguel, has it been a surprise to the Romney camp that the lead has narrowed so much?
MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, well, they won't admit it's a surprise, but certainly not only a surprise, but a shock. Two weeks ago, Romney was up by 20 points here across Arizona.
He has the endorsement of both the governor, Jan Brewer, Senator John McCain. He's the only candidate who could run ads here and yet despite all of that, the numbers have narrowed for him.
FEYERICK: So Arizona has not sort of seen the kind of campaigning there that the candidates are doing in Michigan. Why is that? Have the candidates basically said done deal?
MARQUEZ: Yes, I mean, it's a tough call for Santorum. It's a winner take all state. If Romney wins by one vote, he gets all 29 in the electoral votes here and Santorum's running a scrappy campaign, he doesn't have as much money as Romney. He probably looked at the landscape a couple of weeks ago, a lot of early voting here, as well. About 250,000 ballots have already been cast in early voting here. Today, we'll have less of the votes cast in this primary election done today in realtime.
So it was a hard call for Santorum. And I think he probably looked at the map and said this, you know, Michigan is where we should make our biggest effort. But he may come within a few points here in Arizona and his camp will probably see that as hugely encouraging as they move into Super Tuesday -- Deb.
FEYERICK: And just finally, Arizona's economy has really been struggling. Do you get a sense that any of the candidates are really addressing that with voters who are going to the polls today, to the people there?
MARQUEZ: Yes, this is the one big thing that the candidates have really avoided talking about. You drive around the streets of Mesa and the smaller suburbs around Phoenix, and it is shocking to see the number of stores and businesses closed all around this area.
And the candidates in the CNN debate last week pretty much talked about the border, border security, immigration. They really didn't address what they were going to do to help Arizona.
And I think a lot of people are wondering where are they on the economy? People feel lost here. More than half the homeowners are under water. Sixty percent of businesses here are underwater. The economy is a massive, massive issue here and they certainly not hearing it from the candidates.
FEYERICK: Yes, incredible given the number of the debates that have been held that the voters don't even know the position on the economy. Thanks so much, Miguel Marquez there for us in Arizona.
Tonight, two more opportunities for someone to separate themselves from the Republican competition. Coverage of the Arizona and Michigan primaries begins 6:00 Eastern with a special edition of "JOHN KING USA."
That's followed by CNN's complete live coverage of results at 7:00 Eastern with Wolf Blitzer and, of course, the Best Political Team on Television.
Well, fire ball at the Daytona 500. Unbelievable. Juan Pablo Montoya's car slams into a jet dryer igniting a massive fire. More from the track for our cross country segment that's next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
FEYERICK: Hello, everyone. We're checking our stories cross country. A commuter plane made an emergency landing at Newark airport, New Jersey last night. The front landing gear failed on approach to the airport. No one onboard was hurt.
Arizona could become the first state to let parents access text messages on their children's phone. Right now, believe it or not, parents need a court order for that access. The parental access bill was passed in Arizona Senate Committee.
And check out this fire ball at the Daytona 500. Juan Pablo Montoya slammed into the back of the jet dryer incinerating his car. He got out OK, but the crash forced a two-hour delay. We'll have more on the race later this hour with lots more of those dramatic pictures.
Well, now let's talk about what's at stake for the GOP presidential candidates. Fifty nine delegates are up for grabs in Michigan and Arizona. That's combined. Arizona is a winner takes all state. Michigan will divide its delegates based on the results.
CNN contributor, John Avlon is senior political columnist with "Newsweek" and "The Daily Beast." And John, you just got back from Michigan. So tell us how important tonight is for the candidates especially since Michigan is reflective of voters in swing states.
JOHN AVLON, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: That's right. I mean, first thing to keep in mind, there are more delegates at stake tonight 59, than in any single night in the process up to this point.
Super Tuesday, of course, will have over 400 delegates, 10 states, but this is actually the largest delegate prize on one night we've had to date. So this is high stakes.
Arizona, as you said, winner take all, Mitt Romney has had a sizable lead there, but it has been shrinking. Michigan is too close to call. This is where all the attention is because we're looking at a photo finish.
And this is, of course, Mitt Romney's home state, a place he won four years ago so this is really high stakes and too close to call. So it's exciting stuff to cover.
FEYERICK: And john, in Michigan, this is what's amazing. And many people may not know, but you can actually lose the popular vote, but then win the delegate count. Could that happen? And will that just confuse everyone?
AVLON: This is a really important point as folks were watching the returns come in tonight. Usually proportional delegates means is whatever the split of the proportional vote a candidate gets, that's the delegates they get.
Not so in Michigan. This is not academic, this is really important. It's not a popularity contest tonight. Instead, Michigan's giving its delegates according to congressional district. There are 14 congressional districts in Michigan.
So you could conceivably have someone lose the popular vote because the population centers around Detroit, Wayne County, those suburbs, but win delegate count, and at the end of the day, this is a delegate fight, it's not simply a popularity contest.
So even though the polls show neck and neck, you could see a situation tonight where Mitt Romney wins the popular vote and wins support in the Detroit and suburban region, but Rick Santorum's able to pull ahead in delegates because he does well in the districts that are more rural, but that's where the delegates are.
It's really important as we're looking to declare who the real winner is tonight. It's not just the popular, it's the delegates.
FEYERICK: It's fascinating and probably not coincidence that President Obama's in Washington today giving a speech about the auto industry and the bailouts there, especially since that's a huge issue in Detroit.
Mitt Romney just a short time ago referred to Santorum as an economic lightweight. Is that going to resonate with Michigan voters?
AVLON: Well, you know, Romney's hoping it is. You know, he is playing defense in a state that he should be running away with. You know, both Romney and Santorum have dismissed the bailout. Romney in particular pronounced terms.
It's interesting because 56 percent of Americans now believe the bailouts have worked. Romney's strategy at this point has got to say, look, Republicans, especially social conservatives, be careful what you look for.
Look at the implications if Rick Santorum wins the state and the nomination, is he going to be taken seriously as presidential timber as opposed to Romney's core strength if the economy's issue number one, it's his business credentials. That's the rift he's been trying to run on the entire time and he's not going to stop now.
FEYERICK: Yes, he's repeated over and over again, the economy has created jobs. John Avlon, thanks so much. It is going to be exciting. You want to watch tonight.
AVLON: Thank you.
FEYERICK: And of course, CNN tonight will have some more opportunities for someone to separate themselves from their Republican competition.
The coverage of the Arizona and Michigan primaries begins at 6:00 Eastern with a special edition of "JOHN KING USA" followed by CNN's complete live coverage of results at 7:00 Eastern with Wolf Blitzer and the Best Political Team on Television.
Next, more details on the school shooting in Ohio. A senior just down the hall when the shooting occurred is going to join me to share what she saw and experienced coming up in a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
FEYERICK: Schools are closed today in Chardon, Ohio, following yesterday's deadly school shooting. Two dead, one of them was declared brain dead. Witnesses say 17-year-old gunman TJ Lane targeted a table in the cafeteria, opened fire, and hit five students, three of them are still hospitalized.
The 18-year-old Candice Page was in science class down the hall. Candice and her mom, Teresa Hunt joins us now. Ms. Hunt, we spoke to you yesterday and you gave us great information about what was going on and what you were experiencing.
Candice, when you were talking to your mom even via text, explain what everyone was doing in that school. What you heard and what you saw, Candice? Hi, Candice.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hi.
FEYERICK: Listen, we spoke to your mom during while all this was happening. For you, you knew two of the victims, specifically Russell King, how close were you to him?
CANDICE PAGE, SENIOR, CHARDON HIGH SCHOOL: A year or two ago, but we kind of drifted apart when we both went to Auburn. It was kind of we didn't really talk or anything, but we were really close before then a little bit with our other friends.
FEYERICK: Did you know there was a friend, an eyewitness who says that Russell King may have started dating the suspected gunman's ex- girlfriend. Is that something kids there are talking about today?
PAGE: I'm not really sure about that, but I know I had heard that before. But I'm not really sure on anything why he did it or why he specifically targeted Russell.
FEYERICK: All right. And that's one thing that police obviously are investigating. You were down the hall, what did you hear? What did you see?
PAGE: Well, I was in the classroom, kind of far away from the cafeteria. I was in science class and I had heard people saying in science that they were getting texts from people in the cafeteria that knew what had happened, and that's how I knew what was going on.
FEYERICK: And some of those texts that you have, what do they describe? Do you remember?
PAGE: There was some panic. Yes, kind of like the kids were just like a little bit panicked. Parents were really panicked, but overall, the school handled it very well.
FEYERICK: Right. And your teacher, what actions did your teacher take in order to make sure that you were safe?
PAGE: We were just basically in lock down and we had the door locked. We were hidden down in the classroom against the wall where they couldn't see us. So after about half an hour, they evacuated us to the elementary school.
FEYERICK: And Teresa Hunt, you were so vital in speaking with us yesterday putting things in context from the texts that your daughter was giving us. The gunman, the suspected gunman, what is talk in the town now about who this young man is?
TERESA HUNT, CANDICE'S MOTHER: I heard that he was a very quiet individual, more gothic, more dark person, sad at times, but no anger issues. He wasn't in trouble in school in any way that we know of.
He rode the bus with my niece every day to school. He was really -- she said a really nice kid to her. He wouldn't start up a conversation, but if she talked to him, he would hold the conversation with her. She didn't expect this at all. I know a lot of kids are saying a lot of stuff --
FEYERICK: Right. Did your niece say anything? He was quiet, kept to himself, but would engage. Did your niece say anything about the possibility, for example, that he looked like he'd started having a hard time or his demeanor changed or anything to that effect?
HUNT: No, no, there were no signs physically. He always stayed the same, she said, his personality stayed the same.
PAGE: Yes.
FEYERICK: And -- Candice, you're saying yes also. Did you know the suspected gunman?
PAGE: I didn't know him at all. I had no idea who he was. I barely saw him.
FEYERICK: All right. Candice, how difficult is it for you and your friends to go back into that school when it reopens?
PAGE: I think it's going to be extremely difficult, especially for the kids that were in the cafeteria, and it's going to be hard for the students to get into the cafeteria.
They'll just think about it the whole time and I don't think most of them will go in there. It's definitely going to be really hard on a lot of the kids.
FEYERICK: That was clearly a safe place where everybody used to hang out. How busy would the cafeteria have been at that time of the morning?
PAGE: The cafeteria's really popular, everybody goes there, and it's just something that kids are going to have to try to deal with to get through, you know, the school.
FEYERICK: Have you gone to any of the grief counseling? They did have -- they were offering it to teenagers, anybody who need to talk. What is it on your mind now? What scares you?
PAGE: I think it's a really great thing. I think kids should do it. I haven't gone myself, but I'm thinking I should just because I was close with Russell. But I mean, the help's there if kids need it and I think they should take the opportunity.
FEYERICK: Tell me a little bit more about your friends, about the two boys that died, Russell and Daniel. The kind of kids they are and what you can tell us about them?
PAGE: Yes, people really loved all those kids. And, you know, they were the highlight people's days. They were just really outgoing, smart, and they loved making kids laugh and that's what they did.
FEYERICK: Well, clearly the town's going to do something to memorialize them, to remember them, perhaps have a collective grieving period.
Candice Page and Teresa Hunt, thank you so much for being part of this. And good luck to you moving forward. We appreciate your time.
We're going to take a break, a quick break, and then we're going to be back at the half hour.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
FEYERICK: "Political Buzz" is your rapid fire look at the best political topics of the day. Three questions, 30 seconds on the clock. Playing today, Democratic strategist Robert Zimmerman; Patricia Murphy, founder of Citizen Jane Politics and a contributor to "The Daily Beast"; and CNN contributor Will Cain. Welcome, everyone.
ROBERT ZIMMERMAN, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: Good morning.
FEYERICK: Well first question, two important primaries, Arizona, Michigan; the coverage starts here, CNN 6:00 Eastern. Predictions, you first, Will.
WILL CAIN, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: Me first. Me first to do the impossible thing and predict what millions of people will come together today to decide on some outcome in a popularity contest. But I'll try. Arizona, easy Mitt Romney win, the endorsement of Jan Brewer, the Governor who has 75 percent approval rating among Republicans should help, and he's leading every poll by like 10 points or more.
Michigan, the one that's impossible to call. I'll say this, I have no special insight, I don't know, but Mitt Romney is fighting hard and usually when he's not doing well, he sends up smoke signals, leaves the states, starts apologizing ahead of time. That's not happening, so I'll say Mitt Romney wins Michigan, as well.
FEYERICK: All right, Patricia, what are your predictions?
PATRICIA MURPHY, FOUNDER, CITIZEN JANE POLITICS: Very similar. I'm going to say Arizona, Mitt Romney, not a problem. Michigan, Mitt Romney by a pinky and that could change, though.
But the fact that it is so close for him in Michigan is already a loss for Mitt Romney. It should not be this close. This is an embarrassment for him. It shows the problems with his campaign. It shows the problem with his ability to connect with people.
I was in Michigan yesterday there is not a ground swell really going in either direction. I think it's a tossup there, but I'm going to put a pinky on the scale for Mitt Romney because he can't afford to lose. So I'm going to say maybe Mitt Romney.
FEYERICK: All right. And Robert, what about you? Your predictions?
ZIMMERMAN: Ok. Certainly Arizona is going to be a strong state for Mitt Romney, even though it's a winner take all and he'll capture the majority of the delegates. The real focus is going to be on the popular vote in Michigan. That state some very contrary history going back to voting for Theodore Roosevelt when he ran as the Bull Moose (ph) candidate for president. Voting for George Wallace in the Democratic primary or upsetting by voting for John McCain when George W. Bush had it in 2000.
So because of that contrarian history, I'm predicting that that state's going to go slightly for Rick Santorum. But to Patricia Murphy's point, the fact it's even close --
FEYERICK: Yes all right.
ZIMMERMAN: -- the fact it's s even close running on this radical message is a defeat for Romney.
FEYERICK: Pinky worth. Pinky worth. Ok, Rick Santorum's campaign uses Robo calling urging Democrats to vote against Mitt Romney. Tough campaigning or political dirty tricks? Ladies first, go ahead, Patricia.
MURPHY: Well thank you. Tough campaigning, listen, all's fair in love, war and politics. Democrats don't even take a vow of chastity when you register for a political party it's not only not against the law it's very much within the law that's why these are open primaries.
There is a piece of dirty tricks in here though, I think because Rick Santorum is hitting Mitt Romney for not supporting the auto bailout. Rick Santorum did not support it either. So I think full information would make that clean you know -- clean and easy, but this is not a completely honest ad.
FEYERICK: Yes a little bit of full disclosure.
MURPHY: Yes.
FEYERICK: Ok good enough. Robert you're next.
ZIMMERMAN: Ok look, these are the rules of the road, these are the rules that govern primaries, that's why as a national -- Democratic National Committeeman I've always argued to keep primaries closed to Democrats or Republicans for choosing candidates.
But the reality is normally this doesn't have much of an impact in terms of open primaries in terms of one party influencing the other. The difference in Michigan is the role of organized labor. They can deliver a vote, they can have a marginal impact in a close election.
FEYERICK: All right and Will what about you? Is this political dirty tricks or just scrappiness?
CAIN: Tough campaigning, but not one without its risks. So I'd say this they're going to explain it that they're appealing to the Reagan Democrats out there, the blue collar potentially socially conservative workers out there that they could come over and make into Rick Santorum supporters.
But it's also feeding into at the same time some organized Democrats are telling their people to go vote for Rick Santorum. So together it becomes just like admission of un-electability for Rick Santorum that -- that you guys should come vote for me. You Democrats should come vote for me because, Mitt Romney has a better chance to beat Barack Obama. I think this could be cudgel that Romney could use down the road if Santorum loses.
FEYERICK: Right.
Ok all right because the Democrats probably yes, picking a different candidate come -- come -- come the real vote.
Ok, your "Buzzer Beater", 20 seconds each, third question. Mitt Romney had a special guest at a rally last night just outside of Detroit. Let's let him tell it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
Mitt Romney (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Son of Detroit, a friend, a guy who makes great music who introduces me by -- by DVD everywhere I go, Kid Rock.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FEYERICK: All right, interesting -- interesting endorsement there. So here's your "Buzzer Beater" question. What other hard partying rockers do you want to throw behind one of the candidates? Robert, you first?
ZIMMERMAN: Well, I'm sort of like Mitt Romney at a Nascar event answering that question. But I would say all of these candidates can take a lesson from Bono, especially his song "Pride on a Beautiful Day." But the problem is they're running on such a negative, angry message, such anti-education message, I would say Kanye West album "College Dropout" may fit their theme or maybe --
FEYERICK: You got buzzed. Will?
ZIMMERMAN: Ok.
CAIN: Did you say me, Deb?
FEYERICK: Will, yes, you, Will.
CAIN: Me yes, ok. Well, I think what's happening here, is that could you have a more ill-suited couple than Kid Rock and -- and Mitt Romney? Could you have more kind of a contrarian nonsensical relationship? So if you carry that logic out, Rick Santorum should have somebody like Metallica. Some kind of hard charging not what you'd call socially conservative band, I don't know. Newt Gingrich would be somebody soft and nice somebody playing the standards maybe. I don't know.
FEYERICK: That's two but at the same time, Kid Rock, obviously popular with Nascar. So maybe he'll get that -- that a little of votes there too. Patricia, you last.
MURPHY: Yes, since -- since we're talking about Michigan and Detroit, I am saying I need to know what Prince is going to do, I need to know what Eminem is going to do.
ZIMMERMAN: Right.
MURPHY: Because as Prince and Eminem goes so goes Michigan.
FEYERICK: Yes, you know I -- I have always -- I have always said that. Nobody ever believes me.
MURPHY: We always say it, don't we?
FEYERICK: All right, ladies and gentlemen.
ZIMMERMAN: I'm totally with you.
FEYERICK: Thank you so much. It's going to be interesting to see what happens. We'll report and bring you back tomorrow. Thanks so much.
MURPHY: Thanks Deb.
ZIMMERMAN: Thank you.
FEYERICK: Well, CNN tonight, two more opportunities for one of those candidates to separate themselves from the pack. Coverage of the Arizona and Michigan primaries begins at 6:00 Eastern with a special edition of "JOHN KING USA". That's followed by CNN complete live coverage of results at 7:00 Eastern with Wolf Blitzer and of course, The Best Political Team on television.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
FEYERICK: "Gordon Gekko" is changing his tune. In the 1987 movie "Wall Street" the fictional insider trader made these words famous.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHAEL DOUGLAS, ACTOR: Greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right. Greed works.
(END VIDEO CLIP) FEYERICK: Well, these days, the character made famous by Michael Douglas is working with the FBI. Alison Kosik, following this from the New York Stock Exchange. Alison, what is behind this unlikely pairing?
ALISON KOSIK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Deb, you know what? Maybe greed isn't so good after all. In fact, it could land you in jail. You know for 25 years, Gordon Gekko, he's been the epitome of a sneaky crook. Well, as you said it, he's trying to help the FBI catch criminals just like him.
The FBI went ahead and put out a new 30-second PSA featuring the actor Michael Douglas. And FBI shows the clip that we just saw and then Douglas today. And he says the movie is fiction, but the problem is real. He asks that viewers should contact the FBI if they think there's been a financial crime committed as part of an effort to crack down on insider trading.
The FBI has certainly put quite a force behind this. It's hired 250 new forensic accountants, it got almost 250 convictions last year, and sometimes you know what, Deb, it takes a thief to catch a thief.
FEYERICK: Yes absolutely. And of course, 20/20 is hindsight, obviously.
Looking at the markets, Wall Street, a few new reports on the economy today. How do they look, Alison?
KOSIK: You're seeing modest gains right now. The Dow's up about 31 points, ever so slightly above that 13,000 level. That level, some economic reports that come in today, durable goods orders. Those are orders for big ticket items like refrigerators and airplanes.
Home prices also came in. Both of those reports showed that actually those numbers fell sharply. It showed that fewer orders from manufactured items came in, in January. It signals a sudden change in how businesses are planning for the future.
With home prices, they fell to their lowest level since 2002. That led to a flat open, but stocks are recovering as we are seeing right now after consumer confidence came in stronger than expected. Deb, it looks like Americans are a bit more optimistic about the job market.
FEYERICK: And that is a relief. Alison Kosik for us at the New York Stock Exchange. Thanks so much.
Well, kids playing those active video games seem to be getting a lot of exercise, but are they really? A new study breaks down the calorie count so you can compare, and that story -- a lot of calories doing that. That story's coming up.
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FEYERICK: Well, we've seen everyone from Nancy Grace, our very own, also Marie Osmond, Wayne Newton, Apollo Anton Ono on "Dancing with the Stars". This morning we learn the names of the current cast, the new cast. Showbiz correspondent Nischelle Turner joining us from Hollywood. And Nischelle, any real surprises on this?
NISCHELLE TURNER, HLN CORRESPONDENT: You know what, Deb, a couple of surprises. The cast has some big names, athletes and some lesser known stars, as well. I'm going to give them to you right now. Are you ready.
Ok. First of all, soap star Jack Wagner; then we have Melissa Gilbert also from "Little House on the Prairie", you remember her; wide receiver Donald Driver from the Green Bay Packers; Telenovela star William Levy; Sherri Shepherd from "The View"; opera singer Katherine Jenkins; singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw; tennis legend, Martina Navratilova; Disney star Roshon Fegan; "Extra" host, Maria Menounos; Jaleel White, you know, "Urkel" "Did I do that"-- yes, him from "Family Matters"; and music legend Gladys Knight.
I think this is a pretty interesting list, Deb. Some of my favorites going in, I think Jack Wagner, he's on "The Bold and The Beautiful", I think that he'll be very good. And I'm anxious to see how Gladys Knight does because I'm just a fan.
FEYERICK: I want to see how Urkel does. And by the way, that is a dead-on impersonation. Just by the way.
Now also -- ok. Uma Thurman, congratulations to her. What is the word on that? Is she pregnant? Do we know?
TURNER: Well, yes, we do know, "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" just confirmed this. That Uma Thurman is pregnant. This would be the 41-year-old's third child. She had two children with her ex-husband Ethan Hawke. But this is going to be her first with her current beau, Arpad Busson.
We don't have any information yet about the due date or anything like that. Uma's been very, very coy about this pregnancy so far. She was seen out and about at New York's fashion week earlier this month, but no one could actually tell that she had a baby bump. So you know, we think she's pretty early but yes, very good news for her. She looked beautiful in that picture.
FEYERICK: That's so stunning and also "Dancing with the Stars". It will be interesting to see how that all plays out because you do have a pretty interesting list of characters there. Nischelle --
TURNER: Yes.
FEYERICK: -- thank you so much. Really appreciate it.
TURNER: Sure Deb.
FEYERICK: Well, want information on everything breaking in the entertainment world, you can get it absolutely, check out "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" 11:00 Eastern on HLN.
And today's primaries in Michigan and Arizona are all about momentum. We'll talk about how the results will set the stage for Super Tuesday next week. Our political ticker is just about eight minutes away.
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FEYERICK: And here are some stories that we're working on for you later today in the CNN NEWSROOM.
At 11:30, President Obama will speak to the United Auto Workers Conference in Washington. He's expected to talk about the bailout that saved the auto industry.
At 2:30, the house judiciary committee holds a hearing on a controversial Obama health care mandate. It forces health insurance plans to provide contraceptive coverage to women in religiously affiliated organizations.
Then at 4:30, legislative leaders will take part in a poignant ceremony. They're going to dedicate a marker to commemorate African- American slaves who helped in the construction of the U.S. Capitol building.
And today in your "Daily Dose" of health news, if you think the slew of so-called active video games is helping kids get enough exercises, a new study suggests otherwise. All the bowling and dancing, and ping-pongs may help kids burn more calories than well, just watching TV, but researchers at Kansas State University (ph) say kids who played them didn't get any more vigorous exercise than kids who spent the time playing video games just sitting on the couch.
Well, the fight of Michigan and Arizona today -- polls are open and the race is tight between Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum. Next hour, Susan Malveaux is live from Arizona, a big issue there, securing the border.
Suzanne catches up with America's toughest sheriff, Joe Arpaio about his stance on illegal immigration.
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SHERIFF JOE ARPAIO, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA: I'm going to enforce those laws. If some people don't like it, go get another sheriff.
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FEYERICK: Plus, find out why Sheriff Arpaio arrested Elvis Presley. Yes, Elvis, the king. That's next hour in the NEWSROOM.
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FEYERICK: For those of you thinking "What, another one?" Yes, today's GOP primaries do have significance beyond state lines. A total of 59 delegates are up for grabs in Michigan and Arizona. But also at stake, momentum in the national race.
CNN political director Mark Preston joins me. And Mark, it's really important because Michigan could reflect what other swing states are going to do, right?
MARK PRESTON, CNN POLITICAL DIRECTOR: Yes. Not only reflect that, but there's been such an emphasis put on it because Mitt Romney is the son of Michigan and he was supposed to win Michigan right now, the polls show that it is very close.
But as you said a few moments ago, it's all about momentum coming out of tonight into Super Tuesday, and really who wins the narrative. The narrative tonight will define who has the momentum going forward into Super Tuesday.
FEYERICK: What about super Tuesday? I mean that's -- really, right around the corner, next week. Ten states that are going to be voting there. Is there a chance for Newt Gingrich, who we haven't seen really in Michigan and Paul to gain some ground there during those primaries?
PRESTON: Well, he has to, right? He's put all his eggs in the basket so to speak in the south, here in Georgia. In fact, today he's not in Michigan as you say, he's here in Georgia holding several campaign events. He'll be here tonight. He has said it is really important for him to do well if not win Georgia as well as Tennessee if he does not do well on super Tuesday, there will be calls, Deb, for him to leave the race. And for those folks to get behind Rick Santorum.
FEYERICK: You know, if -- so Mitt Romney, I think one of the things that I've been reading and that is that whoever emerges is going to be pretty bruised and bloodied. And then they're going to have to regroup to go up against President Obama. How difficult is that going to be? They can say, oh, no, this is part of the process, but some pretty serious damage done, no?
PRESTON: It is part of the process. In some ways it's good for the candidate because the candidate becomes battle hardened heading into the November election. However, the Obama campaign has turned on their VCR, they are videotaping, recording everything that is going on right now in this Republican primary in the most devastating accusations will be turning to television commercials heading into the general elections.
FEYERICK: Absolutely. It's like a football coach who gets to see an advanced preview of two teams.
So listen, really appreciate, Mark Preston, looking forward to tonight. And of course, to Tuesday; overage of the Arizona/Michigan primaries begins at 6:00 eastern with a special coverage, John King 6:00 and complete coverage with Wolf Blitzer and the best political team on TV, which Mark Preston is a part of. That's 7:00, Anderson Cooper, Candy Crowley, John King and lots, lots more.
Thanks so much for sticking around. I'm Deb Feyerick. CNN NEWSROOM continues now. It's Suzanne Malveaux live in one of those states, Phoenix, Arizona. Suzanne?
SUZANNE MALVEAUX: Thank you, Deb.