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Protests in Egypt; Zimmerman Bond Revoked; Battle of the Surrogates in Wisconsin; Legal Panel; How Will Hispanics Vote?
Aired June 02, 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: All right. Protestors are pouring out into the streets of Cairo, Egypt.
People are outraged that former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will not be put to death for the death of protesters during last year's revolution. You're looking at live pictures right now from Tahrir Square, the center of the uprising.
Very similar scene to what you saw, right, last year during the Arab spring. Well this was early this morning. The scene inside the courtroom when the judge announced Mubarak will get life in prison.
Infuriated opponents screamed Mubarak should have been sentenced to death. Mubarak supporters were also in the court and were angry Mubarak was not acquitted. Demonstrators outside the courtroom scuffled with riot police. Their anger intensified after Mubarak's two sons and six former aides acquitted of charges during the same court proceeding.
CNN senior international correspondent Ben Wedeman is live at Tahrir Square where the crowd only seems to grow. Ben, these demonstrations while very boisterous, a lot of people, considered peaceful?
BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, so far, yes, fairly peaceful. We see a steady flow of people coming into the square. Earlier we did see them burn the poster of one of Ahmed Shafiq who is one of the two presidential candidates running in the runoff election in the middle of this coming month. He's considered a protege of Hosni Mubarak. So he's very much the brunt of a lot of the anger. Many of these people are angry that - there was a certain amount of satisfaction that Hosni Mubarak got a life imprisonment, a sentence of life imprisonment. But the feeling is that the senior officials from the interior ministry, the hated interior ministry got off innocent, scott-free. The feeling was they were very much instrumental in the killing of hundreds of protesters during the revolution.
By giving the interior minister and Hosni Mubarak a life sentence was not enough. They want to see justice done in the name of those hundreds of Egyptians who died bringing down the regime of Hosni Mubarak. Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: And then Ben, not long after Mubarak heard the court's order, he was immediately taken by helicopter to prison. But then apparently he refused to leave the aircraft. What more can you tell us about that moment?
WEDEMAN: What we understand is according to Egyptian state television, he had what is described as a "a health crisis." And when his helicopter arrived at the prison. And keep in mind that until now he's been at a hospital, in a luxury wing of that hospital, only today did he show up in the (INAUDIBLE) prison south of Cairo. When he arrived he apparently refused, according to ministers, officials from the interior ministry, he refused to get out of the helicopter. It was only after intervention by some very senior military officials that he finally agreed to get out of the helicopter and go to his prison cell that had been specifically prepared for his arrival. Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: Ben Wedeman, thanks so much from Cairo. We'll check back with you later on throughout today.
All right. Meantime unrest in Egypt and unrest continuing in Syria where there is an ongoing effort, a new international effort to stop that escalating violence there. Today the Arab League met in Qatar to discuss the crisis. The league's chief called for a peace plan time line saying it needed to protect Syrian civilians. An opposition group says Syrian security forces stormed villages today burning houses and killing at least 13 people.
George Zimmerman, the confessed shooter in the Trayvon Martin killing in Florida could be back in jail as soon as today. A Florida judge revoked his bond ordering him to surrender no later than Sunday afternoon. His bond had been set at $150,000 after he pled not guilty to second degree murder in the killing of the 17-year-old. But the judge now says Zimmerman blatantly lied to him about how much money he had. We'll talk more about this case with our legal guys coming up in a matter of about 15 minutes or so.
All right. When the opening bell sounds on Wall Street Monday, everyone will be watching to see if the market recovers from Friday's dive. The Dow plunged 275 points, the biggest one-day drop since November. That erased all the gains made in 2012. So what caused the dive? Investors did not react well to the government's May jobs report. Only 69,000 jobs were created. The unemployment rate ticked back up, now at 8.2 percent. Didn't take long for President Obama and Republican House Speaker John Boehner to use the latest numbers to blame each other's party for the decline.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. JOHN BOEHNER (R), HOUSE SPEAKER: I would just hope the president and my colleagues in the Senate would look at our plan to create American jobs. Passed over 30 bills sitting in the United States Senate. We can help the American people at a time of this great need if the Senate would just look at the bills before us.
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: My message to Congress is let's get to work, right now Congress should pass a bill to help states prevent more layoffs so we can put thousands of teachers, and firefighters and police officers back on the job. Congress should have passed a bill a long time ago to put thousands of construction workers back on the job rebuilding our roads and our bridges and our runways.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: The 69,000 new jobs fell far short of the 150,000 economists had forecast.
All right. The queen's diamond jubilee will take up four days and it will be set to some amazing music. We'll bring you some of the sights and sounds.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: All right. The world will celebrate with Great Britain over the next four days as it celebrates Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee, 60 years on the throne. She's still not the longest serving monarch. That distinction belongs to her great-grandmother Queen Victoria.
Brooke Baldwin is covering it all and we'll be watching her over the next few days as the world celebrates. Hey, good to see you. All right. So you're there -
BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Fred.
WHITFIELD: What's happening in this big prelude to the celebration?
BALDWIN: First of all, what everyone is abuzz about is the sunshine. People have been forecasting rain and rain and more rain so we're seeing blue skies ahead which is wonderful. You're right the River Thames is behind me. This is Tower Bridge, you can see over my shoulder.
This exact spot is where you'll see Piers Morgan and myself tomorrow morning because really, really part of the hugest celebration of this entire diamond jubilee is this massive flotilla. I mean imagine maybe the Potomac River in Washington D.C. and you have these 1,000 boats. There's going to be the first floating belfry of its kind with these different bells and each time these belfry chimes, the (INAUDIBLE) will be returned by different churches in their own bells, up and down the Thames.
This massive flotilla is about seven and a half mile flotilla. Of course the royal family will be on the royal barge. The Middleton's have their own bat as well, including.. And yes, Pippa Middleton as well. So that's what we're excited about. And just quickly let me show, we're decorating our own little CNN location with some bunting, little red, white, and blue of the Union Jack right here.
WHITFIELD: I'm sure the people there are very happy to see that you're celebrating their culture there. OK. So you know, Tomorrow where you're going to have this parade, you know, on the river there, what else will be taking place over the course of the next few days?
BALDWIN: Well, today there is a huge horse race. They call it the derby, its spelled like derby, like we would say. It's the oldest horse race in the world. I was asking someone what would you maybe compare it to. I don't even think the comparison is entirely appropriate but maybe the Kentucky Derby. The queen loves horse racing. In fact my producer said she's mad about it. She's at the horse race today. And then the big next celebration is Tuesday, which we'll be covering live and that's when the queen and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh will be coming round down the (INAUDIBLE) with all kinds of people waving their flags in the final culmination. As we saw, Fred, during the royal wedding, they will be standing in the balcony for the big wave.
WHITFIELD: I see. OK. So clearly, you know, Great Britain is coming out in big numbers. People are very excited about celebrating this diamond jubilee. But you know, in general, what's the reception among Americans, you know, how interested they are about Queen Elizabeth?
BALDWIN: Well, we've seen recent polling from Americans. And it's something like 80 percent approved. So I think the president of the United States would like to see these kinds of numbers. You can see the numbers favorable, 82 percent. It's pretty stunning. And I just want to point out one other thing as I've been talking to Brits here in London. They really do walk around much more shy, perhaps shy, stiff upper lip. But this is a true occasion. This is a party here, Fred, in London and they are ready to celebrate.
WHITFIELD: Oh, fantastic. We're ready to celebrate along with you. We'll be watching your coverage beginning 11:00 a.m. Eastern time tomorrow, you along with Piers Morgan. Thanks so much, Brooke, there looking lovely in red right there at the bridge. OK. So you want to watch tomorrow the celebration of Queen Elizabeth diamond jubilee, coverage beginning at 11:00 a.m. right here on CNN.
All right. It is known as the biggest breast cancer fighting group. But today something was missing at the annual Susan G. Komen Global Race for the cure.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: The Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure is happening in Washington today but the number of people taking part in the annual event is down. About 25,000 people showed up today. An impressive number but far lower than the 37,000 last year. The reduced numbers come after Komen's decision in February to stop funding Planned Parenthood programs. The best cancer fighting group reversed the decision. Many supporters worry about long-term impact. Actress Gabrielle Union is the group's spokeswoman.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GABRIELLE UNION, KOMEN FOUNDATION GLOBAL AMBASSADOR: The beautiful thing about both organizations, Planned Parenthood which I'm also a spokesperson for, and I got involved in Planned Parenthood through their involvement with Susan G. Komen and their absolute commitment to getting women, you know, access to affordable health care. Their goals are the same, helping women everywhere. So hopefully as long as people really learn the facts, and stay on point and just know that they are both, you know, committed to the exact same thing, saving lives and offering affordable preventive care and affordable healthcare for all women.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: Komen races in other cities are also reporting drastic declines this year.
All right. In a tough economy, anything that will help you find work is a good thing, especially now that the unemployment rate is back up to 8.2 percent. In today's "Smart is the New Rich" Christine Romans says a job fair is a good place to start.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Job growth slowed in May and job seekers at this career fair are more focused than ever.
MARK HEADLEY, JOB SEEKER: Today, I see all the things that I need to work on (INAUDIBLE) for my next career fair.
NIKKY NWAMOKOBIA, JOB SEEKER: Approaching someone and having to (INAUDIBLE) about yourself for one minute is kind of nerve-racking, good to practice.
ROMANS: For Mark Headley and Nikky Nwamokobia their plan is simple, meet people and start a conversation.
CAROLINE CENIZA-LEVINE, CAREER COACH, SIXFIGURESTART: When it's competitive like this and a lot of job seekers out there, the best moves are the most basic one.
ROMANS (on camera): No question they are coming into a labor market that's not very forgiving, only 69,000 jobs created in the month of May. That means for anyone looking for a job at 8.2 percent unemployment, every edge counts.
MARIA SARVANSKI, JOB SEEKER: I've been trying to work on jobs search strategies every day.
ROMANS (voice-over): Maria Sarvanski recently added an MBA to her resume. She's been looking for a marketing job in the battered travel and leisure sector for about three months. She hired career coach Caroline Ceniza-Levine to help.
SARVANSKI: It's a process that you have to keep on top of it, meaning that you have to work and do something for your search almost every day.
ROMANS: Her job coach says it's important to keep evolving with the job market, build contacts, use social media and don't just pursue one type of position. Keep your options open.
CENIZA-LEVINE: I think people are looking for that magic bullet, that one thing to do, will spend a lot of time on something like a resume where they really should doing multiple things.
ROMANS: For Mark Headley and Nikky Nwamokobia they hope to meet enough employers to keep their search going.
Christine Romans, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: A woman adopted from an orphanage in India 30 years ago is now facing deportation from the United States. A court ruled that she's been living in this country illegally. Our legal guys are ready to weigh in on this case. Hi, Avery, hi, Richard.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Florida confessed shooter George Zimmerman could report back to jail today. He's been free on bail for weeks after he pleaded not guilty to murdering Trayvon Martin but the judge revoked his bond yesterday because he says Zimmerman blatantly lied about how much money he had.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JUDGE KENNETH LESTER JR., EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT: You can't sit back and obtain the benefits of a lower bond or circumstances based upon those material falsehoods. That's what they were. So at this time revoke his bond and place him on no bond status.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: So let's bring in our legal guys, Avery Friedman, a civil rights attorney and law professor in Cleveland, good to see you and Richard Herman, a New York criminal defense attorney and law professor joining us from Las Vegas. Good to see you as well.
OK. Avery, you first, you know, the judge said that Zimmerman misrepresented himself. He was not truthful about how much money, apparently had a legal defense fund, you know, in the bank. And he said that the family wouldn't be able to afford it. So this is much bigger than just this bond hearing, isn't? That he is going back to jail but this really could kind of pave the way in the upcoming trial. In what way, in your view?
AVERY FRIEDMAN, CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY: Well, in a number of ways. Number one, he's got a hearing coming up on the so-called stand your ground defense. That's going to turn on his credibility with Judge Lester. Well Judge Lester already concluded at least yesterday that George Zimmerman is a liar. The odd thing about it, though, is that these jailhouse conversations about the money going into the Web site through Paypal, Fredricka, that conversation is already known. And it's odd that it's being brought up now. I think what's equally if not more important is the fact that after the shooting, George Zimmerman went out and got a second passport. What does that tell you?
WHITFIELD: So one was expired -
FRIEDMAN: A flight risk (INAUDIBLE). WHITFIELD: The expired passport was turned in when the court said "You know, we want your passport." He turned in the expired one. But then, Richard, his attorney came out, even as soon as last night, to say he had possession of the other passport. So it was more of an oversight. Do you buy that?
RICHARD HERMAN, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Fred, it's an oversight. And everybody is making way too much out of this. We'll hear his version, yes, we'll hear his version of why he didn't report the money. We'll hear whatever explanation there is for it. He will be out on bail.
WHITFIELD: Will his explanation matter?
HERMAN: It will matter.
WHITFIELD: He has 48 hours, tomorrow afternoon Zimmerman must turn himself in. If not today but by tomorrow. But Avery, it's a revoked bond. It is not on the condition of a better explanation. This judge is saying he's going to be back in jail.
HERMAN: Fred, there will be another bail hearing almost immediately. Bail will be set. He'll be out on bail. What's more alarming to me is the obviously coached witness statements by the prosecutors. Four people gave initial statements and then four of those statements miraculously changed weeks after they were given.
To me that's the prosecution overreaching and coaching. This whole thing with the bail, Fred, this is nothing, it has no bearing on the case. He's going to get bail. He's going to be released. This is not a stand your ground case, this is a self-defense case. And I believe there's enough there on self-defense.
WHITFIELD: OK. Well, Martin's family attorney said this will have an impact on the case because if he's going to lie leading into, you know, a bail hearing, then his word is - you know, I guess, this whole case is predicated on his word. It's his word against who else's word? Because Trayvon Martin is not here to defend or give his account, detailed account of what took place. So Avery, you know, Trayvon Martin's family is saying if you lied about that, then how do we know the course of events were exactly as Zimmerman states.
FRIEDMAN: Well, I mean the reality of this case is when the case goes to trial. Because remember, he's facing a Hosni Mubarak kind of outcome potentially, a life sentence. He is never going to take the stand. So whether or not Judge Lester assigns credibility or lack of credibility at a bond hearing I think will have very little impact when it gets down to the trial itself.
WHITFIELD: OK. Now let's talk about another case. This is very interesting. An Indian woman who was, you know, adopted when she was just months old. And now 30 years later she's facing deportation. Her adoptive mother died when she was just eight years old. Apparently the mother never carried through on the proper paperwork for the citizenship of this young girl. Now she's facing deportation. Richard, what kind of resource does she have? HERMAN: She's in a heap of trouble right now, Fred. I tell you I.C.E., Immigration Custom and Enforcement, they are in the case here. This young woman got herself a felony conviction. When you have a green card or you have no legal status in the United States and get a felony conviction you're going to get deported.
WHITFIELD: Had she not got in trouble with the law, then perhaps the way would be paved differently?
HERMAN: I think so. I don't think she would have come up on the radar and I think she would have continued on her lifestyle. But because of this they are seeking deportation. India has to provide her with a passport. They are not going to do that, it looks like because they want her to stay here or be able to stay here, since she's lived here the last 30 years. So you know, it's a tough case but she caused her own problem here really.
WHITFIELD: And so Avery, that felony was on forgery, how do you see it?
FRIEDMAN: Well, I see it very differently. I think there are humanitarian considerations here and that the rest is on the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security. Why? Because she has multiple sclerosis. It's essentially, at least as she puts it, as (INAUDIBLE) puts it who is the defendant in this "a death sentence." And even though it's a felony, that felony related to a drug addiction, she's overcome that. If the Department of Homeland Security exercises discretion, then there is some chance here.
But she recently lost in the second highest court in America, Fredricka, and I don't think the Supreme Court is taking this case.
WHITFIELD: All right. Very good. All right. We're going to see you again in about 20 minutes. We've got some other cases to talk about, including a woman who is suing Neiman Marcus because she's been unable to return more than a million and a half dollars worth of merchandise. We can't wait to hear what you guys have to say.
HERMAN: Chump change.
WHITFIELD: Straight ahead.
HERMAN: It will be great.
WHITFIELD: All right. From the big screen to a real life superheroes joining forces to help change lives. Thousands of lives.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: It's a popular storyline in movies. Superheroes joining forces to tackle the world's problems. But this doesn't just happen on the big screen. Let me introduce you to some real life CNN heroes teaming up to help orphans suffering from AIDS in Malawi.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) ANDERSON COOPER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Marie Da Silva was a nanny in the U.S. when she started a school for AIDS orphans in her native Malawi. Honored as a top 10 CNN hero in 2008. She's now joined forces with two other honorees. Magnus McFarlane Barrow was recognized in 2010 for his work feeding children around the globe.
MARIE DA SILVA, CNN TOP 10 HERO 2008: He started his organization in Malawi. I just ask him to consider us.
MAGNUS MCFARLANE BARROW: I felt we were people who could work together.
COOPER: Today Magnus's organization provides free porridge daily to all 400 of Marie's students.
MCFARLANE BARROW: Am I giving them to much?
DA SILVA: His support means the children will always have something to eat. He is a saint to me.
COOPER: 2010 honoree Evans Wadongo makes solar lanterns for rural African communities. Evans visited Maria's school and recently his team taught students to build their own lamps.
DA SILVA: For the family it cuts the cost. For the children, it's helping them to study. Evans really motivated out kids to be inventors. They come up with their own little model.
COOPER: Now Maria's students plan to supply lamps to their community. With creativity and compassion, these CNN heroes are helping each other to change even more lives.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: CNN Heroes coming together to work together. It's a family. How sweet is that.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: And, remember, CNN Heroes are all chosen from people you tell us about. So to nominate someone who is a hero in your community, go to CNNheroes.com. Your nomination could help them help others.
And Wisconsin's gubernatorial recall election is just three days away. And both parties are bringing out the big names ahead of the vote.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: All right. Checking today's top stories, protesters are out in force in Cairo, outraged that former President, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will not be put to death for the death of protesters during last year's revolution. This was the scene inside the courtroom when the judge announced Mubarak will get life in prison. Mubarak's two sons and six former aides were acquitted of charges during the same court proceeding.
The head of the Arab League says audacious steps are needed to protect civilians in Syria. The league met on the crisis today in Qatar. U.N. envoy Kofi Annan says the Syrian government is responsible for stopping the violence, not U.N. monitors. And he told ministers that he recently urged Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad to make radical changes.
And now to a heated political battle right here in the U.S. Wisconsin voters head to the polls Tuesday to decide whether to vote Republican Governor Scott Walker out of office and put a Democrat in his place. The recall election is drawing big name politicians to that state.
Chris Welch joins us live now from Racine, Wisconsin.
So, Chris, who made this vote a priority this weekend?
CHRIS WELCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Fred. As you alluded to, this really has become sort of a battle between surrogates. I am at a Racine Tea Party event here. Tea Partiers have been a big supporter of Governor Scott Walker, who, as you know, being recalled. But here at this Tea Party, we've got RNC, Republican National Committee, Chairman Reince Priebus. He is speaking.
And yesterday we saw a heavy hitter on the other side of things. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is running against Governor Walker, and yesterday we saw former President Bill Clinton, really the heaviest of heavy hitters.
But a lot of the folks on the Republican side are using that to attack that President Obama is not here. I caught up with Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch last night. She's also being recalled. Here is what she said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LT. GOV. REBECCA KLEEFISCH, R-WIS.: What's more obvious is that the president himself, the current president, is not in town. And that to me speaks volume, his absence.
I think what it says specifically is that the president doesn't want to be associated with a losing campaign. And Tom Barrett's campaign right now doesn't have a whole lot of facts to stand on.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WELCH: So you know, as you can see, this is really turning into the battle of surrogates, as we alluded to. Now, we did reach out to the Obama election campaign. They would not give an official reaction to the lieutenant governor's comments, but they did say that, you know what, President Obama has put his support behind Milwaukee's mayor who is running against Governor Walker. The DNC pledged money and campaign efforts. Even though he's not here, they are putting time and effort in.
WHITFIELD: So, Chris, what do the latest polls say about what could potentially happen come Tuesday?
WELCH: Most of the public polls have put Governor Scott Walker with a slight single digit lead over his opponent. Now, that said, on the other side--
WHITFIELD: Uh-oh.
WELCH: This really is going to be a dead heat.
WHITFIELD: All right. Thanks so much, Chris. I think we got your point there. Signal is breaking up a little bit, but appreciate that from Racine, Wisconsin.
Can your boss force you to be weighed at work? Two former waitresses claim that's what's happening to them. And now they are suing. Our legal guys will break down this case straight ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: All right, a Dallas woman is suing Neiman Marcus for refusing to take back more than $1 million worth of gifts that her ex- husband allegedly bought from the wife's personal shopper. Our legal guys are back, Avery Friedman in Cleveland and Richard Herman in Las Vegas. Oh boy, this is a whopper of a case, isn't it?
So, Richard, you first, you know. Patricia Walker was in a traffic accident back in 2007, and her husband apparently was getting her a number of gifts during her recovery. Apparently, he was buying these gifts from the personal shopper who very much knew the taste of the wife. But the wife says they were having an affair. And so that upsets her. She says, you know, I'm taking all this stuff back. Many items she never wore, et cetera. But Neiman Marcus has not been taking the items back, so now she says she's suing. Does she have a case, Richard?
RICHARD HERMAN, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: First of all, Fred, that's quite a personal shopper there, I must say. Really personalized this case.
WHITFIELD: In terms of the million and a half dollars?
HERMAN: No, not in those terms, Fred.
WHITFIELD: OK.
HERMAN: You know what I'm talking about, Fred.
WHITFIELD: Go ahead.
HERMAN: Anyway, $1.5 million in items purchased through the personal shopper there, who got commission on everything. Look, Neiman Marcus has a website. They put their return policy up on it. It says if you're not fully satisfied with your products, we'll return them. And apparently they are not living up to that promise.
WHITFIELD: But it doesn't matter how many months have passed or years have passed?
HERMAN: It's got to. It's got to, Fred. Three years ago was when everything was purchased. So all this information came out during the course of the divorce. There's got to be some fine print in there, right, Avery? There's got to be something. And I think Neiman tried to resolve it, but apparently it was too much money, $1.5 million. They wouldn't do it all.
WHITFIELD: So, Avery, usually there's a 90 days or 60 days, two weeks most stores will extend that on their return policies.
AVERY FRIEDMAN, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Sure.
WHITFIELD: So if that term has expired and she wants to return these items to Neiman Marcus, how can she sue that they honor her request?
FRIEDMAN: Well, I don't think she can. In fact, the lawsuit, Fredricka, claims that there's a breach of a fiduciary duty, meaning there's a trust relationship between Neiman Marcus and Patricia Walker, who is the plaintiff. I mean, there's no trust relationship. And then she claims fraud. Well, there's no relationship between Neiman Marcus and the recipient of the gifts.
I mean, to be honest with you, I don't even -- I can't begin to understand this case, because it's not -- they are claiming, well, they should take the -- Neiman Marcus should take these gifts back. In fact, Favi Lo, who is the personal shopper in here, is named a defendant. So it's a very odd piece of litigation. I don't know where it's going. And frankly, I don't think it will ever get to a jury, Fredricka, because I think the judge has to dismiss this case.
WHITFIELD: OK. And we did reach out to Neiman Marcus, and they had a no comment on that case. We'll see where it goes and how it goes.
All right, meantime, let's talk about another case, this is very interesting. This involving young ladies Kristen McRedman and Alexandra Lipton, who are suing their former employer, a Sutton Place Restaurant and Bar for what they call sexual harassment and discrimination. The women claim that the managers at this restaurant forcibly weighed the female employees and then allegedly posted the results on the Internet. And so these women are saying, A, that's not right, we were harassed. And then to make that information public.
So apparently the court has taken this case. They have agreed to take on this case, Avery. How do you see it playing out?
FRIEDMAN: They didn't originally. It took a five-judge appellate panel to reverse it. Remember, these are mere allegations right now, but you know what, we've dealt with cases like this before, and what's especially interesting is, what is it with people that own restaurants and bars, the men, that they feel like they have to weigh women? What's that about? The Sutton bar owners actually claim that there was a weighing issue in here, but they were just kidding about the whole thing.
I kind of like the case. And again, you really think they are weighing the men? They did. There was a 400 pound guy there. But why weigh the women? They are waitresses. So this is something the jury--
WHITFIELD: And how many -- FRIEDMAN: -- will have to sort out. The jury will sort it out.
(CROSSTALK)
WHITFIELD: -- have a scale just like nearby?
(CROSSTALK)
WHITFIELD: That doesn't seem right. OK, so, Richard, they are talking about these women are trying to seek $15 million in this lawsuit. And we did reach out, by the way, to the restaurant, Sutton Place Restaurant and Bar, and they did respond, their attorney, Joseph Maillin, said this. "At this point, all we have are allegations made by the plaintiffs. When it comes to trial, they will have to prove those allegations." So what will it take to prove those allegations, Richard?
HERMAN: Well, he's right, No. 1., that's all these are, are allegations. But more importantly, Fred, Avery is right. The initial trial judge dismissed the case. They had to take an appeal. And I'm sure the restaurant was feeling real good when that case got dismissed. Except the appellate division in New York reversed and said, no, this case has merit.
And in addition to that, the grounds that the restaurant said for their dismissal were in addition to the weight, they said that they came in late, they violated certain rules. The appellate division commented on that, and saying they didn't believe any of that. So that is going to permeate through the case. This restaurant is in a little bit of hot water right now. And I think it's best for the restaurant if they would sit down and try to make a deal here, because they are not going to get $15 million, but they could get hammered by a jury in New York in this case.
WHITFIELD: All right. I'm sure there will be a followup on this one. We'll be talking about it again. Gentlemen, so good to see you.
HERMAN: Absolutely.
WHITFIELD: Thanks so much. Avery, Richard, have a great weekend.
HERMAN: Have a great weekend. Are you going to the jubilee, Fred? Aren't you going to London for that?
WHITFIELD: I did not get that invitation.
(CROSSTALK)
WHITFIELD: I'll be watching and you can watch, too. Our live coverage begins between 11:00 and 1:00 Eastern time tomorrow. All right, thanks, guys, appreciate it.
All right, both President Obama and Mitt Romney are working hard for the Latino vote, but there's one issue above all others that's critical.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Jobs and the economy are a priority for Hispanic voters, and other issues like immigration are taking a back seat this election year. A recent NBC-"Wall Street Journal" poll suggests Obama can count on Hispanics in November. 61 percent pick him over Romney. CNN's John Zarrella has been talking to Latino voters in the state every candidate craves, Florida.
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JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Patrick Monteiga enjoys a good cigar and a game of darts at his favorite hangout in Tampa. But Monteiga, the publisher of a small weekly newspaper, is not your traditional Cuban American. He's a Democrat, not a Republican.
Monteiga says the issue that will decide how many Hispanics in Florida will vote is not what you might think.
PATRICK MONTEIGA, LA GAZETA PUBLISHER: Immigration at the end of the day doesn't affect many voting Hispanics. Schools affect them, Social Security affects them, Medicaid, Medicare. All these other issues affect them. Jobs, jobs, jobs.
ZARRELLA: Experts say stereotyping Florida's nearly 1.5 million registered Hispanic voters as focused on only hot button issues like gay marriage, communist Cuba or immigration, is just flat wrong.
Ruben Perez says there's no question about it.
RUBEN PEREZ, YAYA'S CUBAN CAFE AND BAKERY: In small batches, you're going to receive a product that was roasted every week fresh.
ZARRELLA: Perez owns a restaurant, food stands and a small coffee roasting business in Orlando. He hears and overhears a lot.
PEREZ: Some things -- it boils down to the economy, getting people to work.
ZARRELLA: And getting them out to vote. The Interstate 4 corridor between Tampa, Orlando and Daytona Beach, is split nearly 50-50, Republican and Democrat, with a large voting block of Cuban Americans in Tampa, and Puerto Ricans in Orlando. Perez himself is 50-50, half Cuban, and half Puerto Rican.
PEREZ: It's amazing. They got a strong opinion, but when you ask who you're going to vote for, you know, I'm tired of it, I don't think -- so whatever political party can get those particular folks out to vote probably can win or lose.
ZARRELLA: That may come down to which candidate does a better job at courtship.
SUSAN MCMANUS, POLITICAL SCIENTIST: The issues are clearly economic, like they are for everyone else. But Hispanics really like to be appealed to. They love for candidates to come to their fiestas, to events at their churches, and to speak a few words in Spanish but not look fake about it.
ZARRELLA: Sure, there are specific issues that will sway some. Cuban American Wal Hernandez says one such issue was the Obama administration's granting Raul Castro's daughter permission to attend a conference in San Francisco.
WAL HERNANDEZ, CUBAN EXILE: I don't like Obama before, and now worse.
ZARRELLA: Experts say some hot button issue could gain enough traction between now and November to turn Florida's Hispanic vote one way or the other. Absent that, it will be as Patrick Monteiga says, jobs, jobs, jobs.
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WHITFIELD: And if you know someone who is looking for work, we've got a story that you don't want to miss. There are 26,000 jobs available right now. We'll tell you who is doing the hiring and what they are looking for.
But first, each week, CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta profiles innovators from all walks of life and all fields of endeavor. The program is called "THE NEXT LIST," and tomorrow he looks at David Peterson, who created a new language for one of television's most popular shows.
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UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The Dothraki are a kind of a wandering tribe in this kind of imaginary world that George R.R. Martin in his books has created. They are first and foremost warriors.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We took the tribe from George Martin's best-selling series, and in George's books, the Dothraki speak their own language. And we thought we could create that fictional language for a few lines. And we tried to do that and it sounded like gobbledygook.
DAVID PETERSON, LINGUIST: That's where I came in. I created the language for the Dothraki and worked as a translator on the show.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I was a little bit skeptical, but once we actually got the Dothraki language that David Peterson created and we saw the actors performing the lines, there was no question. It made a huge difference in the scenes.
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WHITFIELD: All right. The new jobs report is out, and it's not good news. The U.S. Labor Department says only 69,000 jobs were created in May. That's much less than the 150,000 forecast. And the unemployment rate has ticked up now to 8.2 percent.
All right. So if the jobs report is bad news, the good news is several big companies are now hiring. Alison Kosik has details on the firms that say they are looking. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ALISON KOSIK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Ten companies, 26,000 positions, and one big sign that the labor market is finally gaining some traction. Career Builder is out with a list of large companies that need skilled workers.
At the top of the list is First Transit, a bus transportation provider. The company plans to hire 10,000 workers, mostly bus drivers and technicians.
That's followed by, believe it or not, a bank. Wells Fargo has 4,500 openings for customer service reps, tellers, personal bankers, and other areas.
Third on the list, Community Health Systems, which is a big health care services provider. It has 4,000 spots open in nursing, physical therapy, I.T., and administrative departments.
Other companies on the list include AT&T, Coinstar, Bob Evans and Liberty Mutual.
These openings show some companies are getting more confident, and that job seekers have more options. Still, economic growth is slowing and there's still more than 12 million Americans out of work, so we're not totally on stable ground just yet. I'm Alison Kosik in New York.
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WHITFIELD: All right, it's not the real thing, but it's the next best thing, and with its arrival the Johnson Space Center in Houston will never be the same.
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WHITFIELD: All right. It may not be the real thing, but for space fans in Houston, it's just as good. We're talking about the space shuttle replica. Friday, thousands of people watched it arrive and dock in Clear Lake. The replica once greeted visitors at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. But it will soon be at a new permanent home at the Johnson Space Center.
All right. Coming up this afternoon, Mayor Bloomberg's proposal to ban sugary drinks over 16 ounces. We'll look at exactly how much sugar is in some popular drinks. And some tips on protecting your smart phone against viruses and hackers.
And some inside information on how to plan your summer vacation, perhaps to the Grand Canyon, places to stay, things to do while there. I'm Fredricka Whitfield. "YOUR MONEY" starts right now.
