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European Economic Crisis Dominates G-8 Talks; Interview With China Aid President Bob Fu; Legal Guys Tackle John Edwards' Trial and George Zimmerman Charges; Remembering Donna Summer; Vilma Sues Goodell; Obama at G8 Summit

Aired May 19, 2012 - 12:00   ET

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

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: We're going to begin in Camp David where members of the G-8 countries are on a unified front. In fact, two major international summits going on here in the States over the next three days. President Obama kicking off that diplomatic marathon today. He is huddling with G-8 leaders at Camp David right now.

Tonight, he heads to Chicago for a meeting of NATO leaders. Europe's economic crisis and the impact it could have on the U.S. is a big focus of today's G-8 talks. Here is what the president had to say as the summit got under way.

This morning we're going to be spending a lot of time on economic issues. Obviously the Eurozone will be one topic. All of us are absolutely committed to making sure that both growth and stability and fiscal consolidation are part of an overall package all of us have to pursue.

CNN's Brianna Keilar at Camp David. The Eurozone crisis entering year three. You can see watching the arrival of the leaders it is. It's top priority for them.

BRIANNA KEILAR, CNN POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: That's right. We saw Angela Merkel arrive greeted by President Obama. He basically asked her, Fred, how are you doing. She kind of shrugged and he said you have a lot on your mind. It's tough. Europe is at a crossroads.

You heard President Obama saying this morning in that sound bite there is sort of pushing what he thinks a solution may be for Europe. That is as Europe has done a lot of belt tightening, cutting government programs, it hasn't seen a lot of economic growth. He's pushing more of a balanced approach, a more stimulus, not quite what the U.S. has done, which is a huge infusion of cash really but figuring out some way to stimulate economic growth in Europe because there's this worry there's going to sort of spill over into the U.S.

President Obama really looking to some other nations like the new president of France who supports a more balanced approach to put pressure on Germany, the biggest economy of the Eurozone leading wait on this but under a lot of pressure to change directions at this point -- Fred.

WHITFIELD: Brianna, President Hollande among the players on the scene. One player missing, newly minted Russian President Vladimir Putin. What's happening there? Why is he not there?

KEILAR: He's not here, Fred, because he is -- this is the official word -- still cementing his cabinet. It's represented. There's issue Russia and U.S. and other Security Council nations don't see eye so too sigh on, Iran and Syria, more Syria.

There's a lot to talk about. It's looked at as a snub. I look at it like this. In formalizing his cabinet, it's kind of like if you're asked on a date and you say you have to wash your hair. President Obama is not going to the APEC in Russia in September. So there's a little bit of a frosty relationship going on right now between Russia and the U.S.

WHITFIELD: However, Brianna, they will carry on at Camp David. We have live images of the president of the united states and Angela Merkel by his side. We saw leaders of the U.K., Japan, Italy, Canada. As you mentioned, Russia not there, getting ready to descend upon stairs there as they make their way for the traditional class photo there at the G-8 summit there at Camp David. All dressed in their leisurely, relaxed attire, very sitting with the kind of rustic atmosphere of Camp David there, Brianna. However, while they look very cavalier and casual, they are getting down to that serious business you are underscoring.

KEILAR: Yes, they have a lot of work to do. That's really why President Obama changed the venue. It was initially supposed to be in Chicago, and he changed it to have a more intimate setting. This is kind of different. When I went to the G-8 in France, I felt like this big flashy convention. You had leaders stealing time to talk at the side of the convention.

Here they can talk, take a walk in the woods if they want to. It's certainly informal. You can see that by what they are wearing. They are dealing with business. They are doing that as well with NATO. Some of these leaders will be going to the NATO. They will talk about details about the exit strategy, how to exit without send thanksgiving country into chaos. There's a lot of things to work on.

WHITFIELD: Most seemed to get that sweater memo. Weather is cooperating. It's beautiful and gorgeous. They all seem to be very happy to be there and work through these very serious matters. Iran being on the table. Greece, the Eurozone being on the table as well as big economic concerns.

How much of their dialogue has also been about Iran? I know that's going to dominate the NATO discussions the president will be heading off to later today once it embarks in Chicago. However, is it one of those items that does seem to be of universal concern for these G-8 leaders if they are willing to talk about, expound about?

KEILAR: Sure, Fred. It did dominate the conversation last night.

This G-8 summit started with a dinner. Ten leaders, eight of them the G-8 members, and representatives from the European union. They talked a lot about Iran. It seemed from a senior administration official that the president and the White House, that they are encouraged.

They feel like, and this really matters, here in just a few days we're going to see conversations begin in Baghdad between Iran and five nations, four of which are represented here as well as China and they will be trying to pressure Iran to give up its alleged nuclear weapons ambition.

It seemed like everyone was certainly on the same page in terms of saying this isn't acceptable. They want to pressure Iran. That's really what these kinds of summits are about, opening lines of communication and knowing where everyone is.

WHITFIELD: All right. Thanks so much, Brianna Keilar, appreciate that at Camp David.

While it may not necessarily be on their agenda, perhaps a conversation is taking place involving Chinese human rights activist now on his way to the united states right now in flight Chen Guangcheng is making his way from China to the U.S. We understand that Chen his wife and two children are on their way now. They are expected to arrive in New York in just a few hours from now.

Chen set of a political firestorm after he escaped house arrest in China late last month and then sought refuge at the U.S. Embassy there. From the embassy he went onto a Chinese hospital. New York University offered him a fellowship. U.S. diplomats began negotiations to allow Chen to come to the U.S. and also help secure him a visa. So China Aid, a U.S.-based human rights organization, says Chinese authorities told Chen and his family today to pack up and leave right away and got them off to the airport.

Bob Fu is the president of China Aid. He's joining us right now via Skype.

So you spoke to Chen before he boarded that flight. Give me an idea what the conversation was like, how you were able to get he and his family off so quickly?

BOB FU, PRESIDENT, CHINA AID: It's really the answer to a prayer. I think it proves the international pressure with constructive diplomatic dialogue did produce results. And the Congress had two hearings in 10 days only for Chen Guangcheng and his plight in China. I think al things work together that has been happening. I talked with him six times before he boarded his flight today. He sounded very upbeat. Although I can tell he's very concerned about his extended family members that he will leave behind who are facing some real serious retribution by the local authorities.

WHITFIELD: What are his fears specifically about what kind of retribution those family members, extended family members, one specifically, a nephew, left behind might possibly face?

FU: That's right. His nephew had been charged with a trumped up charge called intentional homicide for simply exercising self-defense when he was at his own home. And experiencing tremendous beating and torture both for him and appearance by local authorities. Local authorities. Escaped out of his home. Facing the possible death penalty if the conviction was dealt out.

His sister-in-law also accused of harboring a criminal in her home, also facing a criminal charge as well.

WHITFIELD: So, Bob, did Chen have a feeling -- did his family have a feeling at any moment they would be taken to the airport? Were the bags packed? Who gave him the word that it was time to go to the airport? How was he even taken through the airport? It's a sizable, very sophisticated airport there in Beijing. How did he get through airport without incident and boarding a flight?

FU: Well, yes. This is one of the most efficient operations by a communist government. Around 9:00 when I called him, he was still saying no passport, no visa, didn't know today or tomorrow or the next 10 days.

At 10:00 he said, I received phone call from the government to pack. Around 11:00 the government car already picking him and his family on the way to Beijing International Airport. They still do not have their passports or visa in their hands until an hour or two hours later when they got to the airport and they were put in a secure location, waiting over there.

Still do not have the passport in their hands. Really only an hour or so before they boarded the airplane they were given their travel documents. I spoke to him 15 minutes before they boarded their flight. He finally said, we're ready to go and we're heading to New York city.

WHITFIELD: Bob Fu, president of China Aid, thanks so much for your insight on all the developments.

We do understand that Chen and his family right now on a plane bound for the U.S. We understand his flight may arrive sometime later today, maybe in the 6:00 Eastern hour.

Of course you want to stay with CNN for the latest on this developing story. We have reporters at New York airport and in the bureau al day and incremental changes that may take place during the day. One of our producers is on that flight along with Chen and his family and he'll keep us posted as well.

It should have been on its way to outerspace by now. This rocket is still waiting on the ground in Cape Canaveral, Florida. We'll tell you what went wrong.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: A last second technical snag put Space X's rocket launch on hold delaying its plan to send a spacecraft to the international space station. NASA said it was engine trouble. Space X engineers are troubleshooting the problem.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) GWYNNE SHOTWELL, PRESIDENT SPACE X: What we're doing now is detanking the vehicle, safing the flight termination system. Doing t tech sweeps which clears the ignition fluid. We should have some technicians up into that engine about noon today.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: If the problem is fixed quickly, the launch could take place Tuesday.

Sometimes you have to cut your losses and move on. This couple made a difficult decision when their life turned an exciting new corner. We'll tell you what they did.

If you have to go out, just a reminder, watch CNN from are mobile phone, live from your desktop. Go to CNN.com/tv.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Housing prices are nowhere close to where they were before the recession began. So should folks wait until it picks up or sell at the best price they can? Get it now. For a little peace of mind, our Christine Romans talked to one couple who made that very important decision.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Scott Nooner is a geophysicist, Kate is a brain researcher. No question this couple is smart. But their savviest move of late --

(on camera): Tell me the best job you got for staging.

(voice-over): -- putting their home on the market for 10% less than they paid for it.

(on camera): Look at this. That's how many brokers came through the house.

SCOTT NOONER, HOME SELLER: There are 92 different brokers there.

KATE NOONER, HOME SELLER: Over 100 were repeat.

ROMANS (voice-over): The Nooners have exciting new jobs in South Carolina. They don't have much time to move, so they priced their home quickly.

KATE NOONER: Definitely a pretty bitter pill to swallow as we were making this decision.

ROMANS: It may not be easy. Selling at a loss gives something valuable in return, peace of mind. Psychologist Robi Ludwig says, life can't wait for the housing market to improve.

(on camera): We are in an economy, housing market where a 5 or 10% loss is a good thing in the end. ROBI LUDWING, PSYCHOLOGIST & AUTHOR: We live in different economic times. So to measure things against an old economy doesn't make sense and isn't appropriate.

ROMANS (voice-over): It's the first Spring selling season in years that hasn't been miserable. Housing affordability is the best in 40 years, relentless price declines are slowing and surveys point to prices creeping higher next year. Housing starts are up and home builder confidence at an all-time high. Mortgage rates are near all- time lows.

But a true recovery in housing comes only with a better job market.

(on camera): The bottom line, you know, you can't have a household you back from living your life.

SCOTT NOONER: That's what we ultimately decided. Even if we lose money, that's the right move for us, we decided we have to do it.

ROMANS (voice-mail): Christine Romans, CNN, Montclair, New Jersey.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: A mountain of evidence in the Trayvon Martin shooting case, does it help or hurt George Zimmerman's stand your ground defense? Our legal guys weigh in on this one.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: All right. Jurors in the John Edwards trial have plenty to think about this weekend before getting back to deliberations on Monday. The former presidential candidate is charged with six criminal counts of campaign finance fraud. It could send him to prison if convicted for up to 30 years.

Bring in our legal guys, civil rights attorney Avery Friedman and Richard Herman, criminal defense attorney joining us from Las Vegas as well.

RICHARD HERMAN, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Hi, Fred.

WHITFIELD: The defense provided only three days of testimony focusing on campaign laws and trying to discredit the prosecution witnesses and not calling too many people, including not calling John Edwards or Rielle Hunter.

So, Richard, was this an effective strategy for the defense?

HERMAN: The strategy on the defense was the prosecution utterly failed to prove their case on the finance law, election laws and criminal statute in place. They maintain their position. That's their position on appeal. I think John Edwards is going to get convicted here. I think it was a mistake for him not to testify. I think he could have related to one or two jurors there. I think his conduct was so outrageous. The issue is whether he knew or did not know he was violating the law. Fred, this man is a lawyer. This man ran for president twice. He was a senator. He had to have known what the campaign laws are. That's the prosecution case. I think the jury is going to bang him out next week.

WHITFIELD: The bottom line, Avery, the prosecution has to prove he willfully and knowingly used campaign money to cover up this affair. I mean, that's at the crux of the case. Did the prosecution do that? Did they prove he knowingly, willfully misused campaign finance money?

FRIEDMAN: I don't think so, but I think if there's the most reviled man in America is John Edwards. I know my colleague said he was absolutely going to take the stand. That's what he predicted. I thought if John Edwards took the stand a first year law student could cross-examination him into oblivion. I didn't think he would take the stand.

Abe Lowell, when you're looking at prosecution chief witness Andrew Young, think about the $35,000 he spent on porcelain veneers for his teeth. I think there's an argument, if there's reasonable doubt come from Alex Forger who represented Bunny Mellon said it's personal. That's why he's got a chance at avoiding the conviction. He reminded it was his idea to pose as the man responsible for the pregnancy. He was willing to hide her. It really will be the government's burden to prove otherwise. That's at the crux. Did the prosecution meet that threshold.

HERMAN: The jury got a devastating jury instruction last week where the judge instructed the jury they can find the funds were used to influence the election. If they find it influenced the election, which obviously it would have because if it came out that he impregnated Rielle Hunter, that would have destroyed him immediately, that's sufficient. They must find he knew it was a violation of the law.

I don't think the jury is going to disagree with that. They are going to think this man, lawyer, politician knew and I think they will convict him.

WHITFIELD: All right, Richard. You think there's a conviction. Avery, I'm hearing doubt.

FRIEDMAN: Still up in the air.

WHITFIELD: Move onto another case. Much of the facts up in the air, at least the conclusion. Talking about George Zimmerman in the Trayvon Martin case a mountain of evidence revealed by the prosecutors. They had this treasure trove of evidence, now revealing it publicly. Among those pictures of George Zimmerman, his injuries, lacerations to the head, some cuts on his nose. His defense trying to substantiate that he was defending himself, that he was being beaten up by Trayvon Martin. At the same time there was also videotape that was shared of Trayvon Martin and how very casually he was buying skittles and iced tea at the store. He didn't seem like his behavior was erratic or out of sorts.

So the type of evidence that we have seen, Avery, does this put the defense in a better situation or advantageous for the prosecution.

FRIEDMAN: It's really a mixed bag, Fredricka. I think at the end of the day when you look at 200 pages of materials, 67 CDs, I think it actually favors the defense. Because for the first time we've seen in very graphic terms how George Zimmerman looked before the paramedics took care of him. I think that really goes heavily toward the defense of self-defense.

At the end of the day, good things for the prosecution. The prosecutor saw the head shots before treatment. I'm not sure charging him with second degree murder was really the smart thing to do here. Looks like a manslaughter.

WHITFIELD: Really.

Richard?

HERMAN; I don't think it's manslaughter, Avery.

Look, Fred, when you want to analyze credibility of a witness, you need to corroborate what the witness said. What did Zimmerman say. He said it looked like he was on drugs. There was THC in his system. He said Trayvon punched him in the nose. We saw a broken nose. He said Trayvon was banging his head in the concrete. The back of his head was cut and bloody. He said he reached for the gun. Zimmerman said he pulled the gun and shot at close range, one to 18 inches was the shot.

All this combined with the fact an eyewitness saw him on top of Zimmerman. Trayvon's own father said the screams were not Trayvon. The witness initially said the man on the bottom was the one screaming. Listen,Ttrayvon was 6'3". He was a lot bigger than Zimmerman.

FRIEDMAN: But not apparently in weight size. Apparently there was a 40-pound difference.

HERMAN: Wait a minute. That's nothing to do with the charge.

FRIEDMAN: Self-defense.

HERMAN: All right. It may be self-defense but that's not the point. The point is if the prosecution is going to charge George Zimmerman, I don't think should have charged with second-degree murder, should have been manslaughter. I'm not talking about the defense, I'm talking about what the charge should have been.

WHITFIELD: Still unclear, haven't seen the word for word account of George Zimmerman, what he told police. We have seen a report based on the police officer's description of the events conveyed but still unclear exactly what George Zimmerman said. There are some investigators who have said and outlined there's inconsistencies. That has to be revealed.

Avery, thank you so much. See you again to tackle another hot legal topic.

FRIEDMAN: Tackle that.

WHITFIELD: Tackle that. This one involving a suspended New Orleans Saints caught up in the NFL bounty scandal. Turning the table suing Roger Goodell for defamation.

Imagine your child responsible for caring for your mom. Meet a CNN hero who is trying to help children just like that.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Across the country more than a million children are caring for ill or disabled family members. Nearly a third of them are under the age of 12. Well this week's CNN Hero is helping them stay in school and hold onto their childhood.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are you OK? Here, let me help you. My mom has been sick for as long as I can remember. We need more methadone. Helping her out is a bigger priority than going to school, because I don't know what I would do if something happened to her. I wouldn't be able to really live.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: In the United States there's 1.3 million children caring for someone who is ill or injured or elderly or disabled.

They can become isolated. There are physical effects. The stresses of it and the worry.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thank you, baby. Thank you so much.

CONNIE SISKOWSKI: But these children suffer silently. People don't know they exist.

I'm Connie Siskowski. I'm bringing this precious population into the light to transform their lives so they can stay in school. We offer each child a home visit.

We look at what we can provide to meet the need. We go into the schools with a peer support group, and we offer out of school activities that give the child a break so they know they are not alone. We give them hope for the future.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Now I'm getting As and Bs-. I feel more confident.

SISKOWSKI: We have a long way to go. There's so many children that really need this help and support.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: And remember, CNN heroes are all chosen from people you tell us about. To nominate someone who is making a difference, go to cnnheroes.com. Your nomination could help them help others.

All right. Coming up remembering Donna Summer. She won five Grammys but was passed over for one distinction. We'll talk about that straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(MUSIC PLAYING)

WHITFIELD: Just makes you want to dance and feel very sad. The title of this song taking on a deeper meaning this week after passing of singer Donna Summer. The voice behind "Last Dance," "She Works Hard for the Money" and "Hot Stuff" was silenced today. The family says Summer, who was not a smoker died from lung cancer. Joining me now is Danyel Smith, author and former editor at "Billboard" and "Vibe" magazine. Good to see you, Danielle.

DANYEL SMITH, FMR. EDITOR "BILLBOARD" MAGAZINE: Nice to see you as well.

WHITFIELD: Well, in her death we're reminded of just how impactful her style of music was on disco, the '70s, the '80s, her look. I mean everything that encompassed Donna Summer. So what do you see as defining her legacy?

SMITH: You know, the thing about Donna Summer is I think she was underrated. I think people forget how much she was trained in the church, how sultry she was. I think frankly they forget how many Grammys she won and how many records she sold.

WHITFIELD: Yes, five Grammys, 14 top 10 hits. She really was always climbing the Billboard charts. She really brought a new kind of music. She brought a new flair to disco.

SMITH: She really did. She brought soul to it frankly. I mean back in those days it was the BeeGees, it was the Village People. It was Gloria Gaynor but there was something Donna Summer that was high style, high concept and just the epitome of soul.

WHITFIELD: And then how did she do that. You talked about her background in gospel music. She tells the story of being what 10 years old, singing in church and it just came to her, "Wow, I have this gift. I have this beautiful voice and it is going to be my future." But how did she make that transition from gospel to this style of music.

SMITH: Well, I think she was a smart girl, she was an ambitious girl and she was a talented woman. She came to New York. She auditioned. You know, she was on stage in productions of "Hair." She went overseas to Europe. And she was about her business as much as she was about her talent.

WHITFIELD: Wow. And no one can forget this song. It really did make a mark. It was considered kind of controversial at the time.

SMITH: I know what you're going to play. WHITFIELD: Let's listen.

(MUSIC PLAYING)

WHITFIELD: I mean, it was controversial, dicey at the time. I remember being a kid and hearing that and you know, also hearing the conversations of parents everywhere who were saying "Oh, no, we're not playing that." This was courageous wasn't it.

SMITH: It was very courageous. You know, it was very - and I have to say particularly for a woman, and for an African-American woman to be that boldly erotic and seductive, I mean the sounds were preorgasmic if I may say on CNN. And it scared people but people loved it. It was real. It was real and it was who she was. It was a part of who she was.

WHITFIELD: I heard her say that she did that because she really couldn't think of any other lyrics. It became laced throughout the song and in the end it kind of worked. You know, meantime, you talked about how she won five Grammys, and she had 14 top 10 hits, and yet she was never inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame. Why not? Might it still happen posthumously?

SMITH: I mean it's great if it happens posthumously. And the way the world works it probably will happen. I would lay my money on it happening, you know, next year. But why didn't it happen? It's because disco gets no respect. My colleague, Mr. Tannenbaum, Rob Tannenbaum said on Twitter the other day, disco is art in all caps. And it is. And you know, it gets tarred and feathered with this brush of not being creative. It really changed the course of music. It really did and in a good way.

WHITFIELD: Beautiful music, beautiful voice. Danyel -

SMITH: It is.

WHITFIELD: ... thanks so much for helping us to remember Donna Summer. And you know, we called upon you to remember Whitney Houston. Fantastic job at that too. And we can look forward to your book. You're working on a book about women and music, right?

SMITH: I'm working on a history of African-American women in pop music. I'm super excited about it. Harper Collins is publishing it. And I really feel like it's needed and I'm excited to do it.

WHITFIELD: Oh, congratulations. I can't wait to have you back to talk about that, too.

SMITH: Thank you. You have a great morning. Bye, bye.

WHITFIELD: You too. Have a great weekend.

All right. An Oregon church is suing a woman for allegedly posting negative online reviews. Our legal guys, they are poised, they're ready, to pounce on this one. They will be back with an opinion or two. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: All right. That New Orleans Saints bounty scandal just won't go away. A now suspended Saints' linebacker, Jonathan Vilma is suing NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for defamation. He claims Goodell made false statements and comments about his alleged role in the bounty program. Our legal guys are back.

Avery Friedman in Cleveland and Richard Herman in Las Vegas. All right, gentlemen, you know, Vilma went on to tweet about this, too, quite publicly saying that "As I've said before I never paid nor intended to pay any amount of money to any player for intentionally hurting an opponent." And he's also quoted as saying "The NFL relied on at best hearsay." So were there recordings, Richard, or documentation? Would there have to be in order for the NFL to suspend a player on something like this?

RICHARD HERMAN, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Fred, there was an intense investigation done by the NFL. I don't know every avenue they turned up. I don't know all the witnesses they interviewed, what information they got, but Roger Goodell acted as the judge and executioner here. He made the sole determination. Vilma was not allowed to participate in that. It appears to me that maybe Vilma has had some spicy gumbo at Broussard's in the quarter because he brought this ridiculous lawsuit that I have here. Ridiculous lawsuit, which is going to be dismissed. Ridiculous.

AVERY FRIEDMAN, CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY: Come on now.

WHITFIELD: Avery.

HERMAN: There's no way he's going to be able to prove actual malice or complete disregard for the truth.

WHITFIELD: OK. Avery, you disagree. How do you see it?

FRIEDMAN: I agree with that part of it. But let me tell you what the thinking is here. An arbitration started this week, Fredricka. What happened was lawyers talked about the penalty here. What the strategy is, because there's no substance to this case. Well, the strategy is is to get discovery, to find out what kind of evidence the NFL has. That's why Jonathan brought the case. If the evidence surfaces the case is dismissed. Because right now there's no way -

WHITFIELD: Or if the evidence does not surface, then case dismissed?

FRIEDMAN: He dismisses the case. He dismisses the case. So it was a very tactical thing, very tactical move.

WHITFIELD: OK. Well, the NFL, you know, says this in a statement claim that the NFL findings are corroborated by multiple independent witnesses. And he says that "Indeed, we have not yet reviewed the filing. However our commitment to player safety and the integrity of the game is our main consideration." So something tells me - there's more. "We recognize that not everyone will agree with the decisions that need to be made." So we'll see where this goes on both sides.

All right. Let's talk about another interesting case, this in Oregon. And this involving a church and a church member. And apparently a church member who was a stay-at-home mom went on a blog and talked about the many reasons why she felt alienated and felt that she was mistreated by the church and the church doesn't carry on, in her view, a Christian kind of manner. Well now the church says, "Oh, really, well we're going to sue you for making such public comments on a public domain." And Avery, where might this go? Does this mean you can't say anything negative about an institution like a church on a Web site no less?

FRIEDMAN: The pastor there, Charles O'Neal, was upset because the ex parishioner called him creepy. Based on that and the fact he was a narcissist -

WHITFIELD: And called them cult-like.

FRIEDMAN: Cult-like. Well, the fact is thou shalt not bring a defamation case. And the pastor should know that or the pastor's lawyer should know that. Because it's mere subjective opinion. It's absolutely protected speech. And this case - there's going to be a hearing on Monday, by the way. There's a likelihood I think that the judge is going to say dismissed.

WHITFIELD: Oh really? OK. So Richard, before I get your opinion on this, the pastor, Charles O'Neal, did say, this you know, "I stand by my right and the right of every American citizen to defend themselves, their families, their churches, their secular organizations and their businesses from worldwide web internet assaults consisting of false criminal accusations and character assassination of the worst kind."

HERMAN: Well, Fred, I think that this pastor after about three and a half years of reading this blog couldn't take it anymore. He tried to do something. It just goes to show you the quality of legal minds in this country to bring this type of lawsuit, because Avery is 100 percent right. This case will be dismissed. The defense has brought an anti-slap action against them which means that this case must be dismissed. They cannot prevent her from writing on the internet. It was her opinion and her opinion only and that's not defamation.

WHITFIELD: OK. And that's protected.

FRIEDMAN: The only thing we've agreed - by the way, the only thing we've agreed on today at all. This case has got to be wrong.

HERMAN: That's right. That's how it should be.

WHITFIELD: OK.

FRIEDMAN: That's right. WHITFIELD: You guys have gone back and forth on this other case we want to continue to follow, because there's yet a new turn in that high-profile DUI manslaughter case that we've been talking about over the course of months and weeks. Polo magnate John Goodman. Well he was sentenced to 16 years. You all remember that. Well now he's actually spending the weekend at home in his estate in West Palm after getting out of jail on a $7 million bond while he appeals that conviction. I think both of you called it, he would be appealing.

And then you'll remember Avery and Richard, the lawsuit against Skechers for those shapeup shoes, you know, one of the advertised promises that wearing the shoes would help your bottom look like Kim Kardashian's. Well, case closed.

FRIEDMAN: Air brushed.

WHITFIELD: The Federal Trade Commission decided the toning shoes failed to live up to the advertising. And now Skechers has to pay $40 million. Most of the settlement money will go towards partial refunds to consumer who paid $60 to $100 for a pair in hopes of walking off extra pounds and toning muscles and getting a new shape. There you go.

FRIEDMAN: We called that one, too, I think.

WHITFIELD: Yes, I think you did. You guys call them all the time. That's why we call on you.

FRIEDMAN: I'm going to throw mine away then.

HERMAN: I'm going to throw my Skechers, Fred.

WHITFIELD: Well, they may benefit you in other ways, you know.

HERMAN: Yes, of course.

WHITFIELD: Avery, Richard, thanks so much. Appreciate it. Good to see you guys. Have a great weekend.

FRIEDMAN: See you soon.

WHITFIELD: And of course, you know, there is always the encore performance of our legal guys you can catch them again at 4:00 Eastern time on CNN right here in the NEWSROOM today.

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WHITFIELD: All right. Debt, defense and diplomacy are the themes at the high-stakes group of eight summit happening right now at Camp David. President Obama welcomed world leaders a short time ago laying out the groundwork they hope to cover.

And while the president is focusing on the eurozone crisis today Mitt Romney is talking U.S. economic policies on the campaign trail. Friday, in New Hampshire the Republican presidential candidate mocked President Obama's stimulus program as a waste of taxpayers' money. Tomorrow Romney he boosts his campaign war chest with a fund-raiser in Connecticut.

And peaceful isn't the first word you typically use to describe an airport. That is until now. We'll check out some zen therapy airport style when we return.

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WHITFIELD: All right. Early check-ins, long layover and flight delays give airline passengers a lot of downtime. They get a little frustrated at times. Well now some airports are creating a more zen- like experience while you're waiting for a flight. Rob Marciano is on the go with details.

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ROB MARCIANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Airports always provided retail therapy. But now there's more to do in an airport than just shop.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We had a little bit extra time left over. Me and my wife on our honeymoon and decided to get a massage.

MARCIANO: Yes, airport spas, such as Express Spa can help fill a layover with a little pampering.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I can't think of a better way. It was either this or sleep.

MARCIANO: And getting sleep in an airport is not just a dream if you know where to look.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: For sleeping, nap, relax from work.

MARCIANO: Airport mini hotels like Minute Suites have private rooms for sleep, work or just a moment of solitude. Peace can also be found in the quiet corners of most major airport, at historical displays, art exhibits and interfaith chapels. Mobile phone apps such as gate guru, yelp and ifly can help you find what's in your terminal.

And airport Web site provide full lists and many promote scannable codes for quick links to their Web site. Finding a little airport zen on the go.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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WHITFIELD: Thousands of members of the British Armed Forces took part in a flyby and parade at Windsor Castle today. It was part of a weekend of festivities marking Queen Elizabeth's 60 years on the throne. And if you are a big royal fan, stay tuned for CNN's special documentary on Prince Harry. "The Fighting Prince" airs today at 2:30 Eastern time.