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Egypt's President Removes Top Generals; Romney And Ryan Stump In North Carolina; DNC Bus Tour Trails Romney's Tour; Obama Holds Five Fundraisers; Navy Warship, Tanker Collide; Iran: Quake Rescue Operations Are Over; Wisconsin Sikh Temple Reopens; Aurora "Takes Back The Movies"; USA Basketball Wins Gold Medal; An Olympic Journey Back In Time; Lolo Jones On Camaraderie; Bill Graham Hospitalized For Bronchitis
Aired August 12, 2012 - 14:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Hello, everyone. You're in the CNN NEWSROOM. I'm Fredricka Whitfield.
We begin in Egypt where President Mohamed Morsi has ordered two top generals to retire. Morsi is seen with both of them in some images you're about to look at.
The Egyptian leader has also canceled a constitution decree issued by the army limiting presidential powers. There he is there with the generals at each side.
Our Ian Lee is on the phone with us now live from Cairo. So Ian, you know, can Morsi do this and have the generals actually accepted this decision?
IAN LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (via telephone): Well, Fredricka, it looks like so far from what we're hearing that this is going to go through. And just to give a little bit of context, the field marshal was probably the most powerful man in Egypt.
Now President Mohamed Morsi is the most powerful man in Egypt. This also comes as President Mohamed Morsi sacked his head of intelligence. He sacked the head of the Republican Guard, which oversees security.
There was a lot of turnover right now within the security service, within the military. This is all coming as we have this conflict going on in Sinai.
A lot of people are wondering why he would fire his top military commander while an ongoing operation against militants is happening in the Sinai, and why didn't he do this when he had a cabinet reshuffle just a couple weeks ago.
So there are a lot of questions people are asking. Right now, it's safe to say that Egypt is in a state of shock as this news comes out.
WHITFIELD: So Ian, lots of questions, lots of confusion. And while some reports he's fired them, in others he's asking them to retire, and at the same time, Morsi may be offering new posts, advisors to these two generals? What do we know about that? LEE: Well, the two generals will be advisors. So really they won't have any of the power that they previously had. So it was kind of a consolation prize, if you will.
He says they're going to retire, but they're going to stay on as advisors. He also ordered them from the top medals Egypt has to offer. But I want to put a date out there right now.
A date that might have more significance, one that we see coming up. August 24th, we're hearing a lot of chatter about this day because there's a lot of -- there's a protest scheduled against President Mohamed Morsi.
There's been a push by different political parties saying that they're going to come out on that day to protest against the powers that they see that Mohamed Morsi is trying to get.
So that's a date to put on the calendar, to see if there is a fallout from this decision, if that affects the protest in the coming weeks.
WHITFIELD: All right, Ian Lee from Cairo, thanks for that update.
All right, let's talk about the U.S. presidential race now. With just 87 days left until Election Day, both candidates are packing their schedules with fundraisers and campaign stops.
Mitt Romney and his new running mate, Paul Ryan, are stumping in the battleground state of North Carolina today. They just wrapped up an appearance outside a furniture store in High Point, North Carolina.
And then tonight they fly to Ryan's home state of Wisconsin for a rally in the congressman's home district. And then the team splits up.
Ryan heading to Iowa and Romney flying to Florida to resume his battleground bus tour and at every stop so far -- the economy has been the big focus.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MITT ROMNEY (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I've got good news for you, and that is that this nation is going to come roaring back. There are some who are fearful that if we stay on the track we're on, we're going to end up like Greece.
And we're going to have like Europe has the chronic high unemployment and the low wage growth and fiscal calamity right at the door. That's not the path we'll take us down.
I see our president making us more and more like Europe. I don't want to be like Europe. I want to be like America.
REPRESENTATIVE PAUL RYAN (R), VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We feel, as your fellow citizens, that we owe you a choice, a choice of two futures. We can either stay on the current path that we are on, a nation in debt, a nation in doubt, a nation in despair, a nation with high unemployment, where we're giving our children a diminished future, or we can change this thing and get this country back on the right track.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: Not everyone in North Carolina shares Romney and Ryan's visions of what the right track is. In Raleigh, a group of Democrats protested Romney's economic policies.
The Republican presidential candidate was supposed to make an appearance in Raleigh, but the event was canceled to fit in tonight's stop in Wisconsin.
Members of the DNC were there to launch their own bus tour to trail Romney's. Their logo reads -- Romney economics, the middle class under the bus.
So their candidate of choice, President Obama, is also scheduling back-to-back campaigning events this week. Today, he is in Chicago for five fund-raisers.
CNN's Athena Jones is covering all that activity joining us live now from Chicago. So Athena, Romney has outraised the president for three straight months now we understand. Will Obama gain some significant ground today or at least is that their hope?
ATHENA JONES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Fred. Well, they're certainly hoping to begin to do that. I mean, the campaign is not going to be releasing official totals for the five fundraisers today, but they're estimated to bring in between $3.5 million and $4 million.
We're talking about five separate events in the city of Chicago, his hometown. He's coming here to rev up the hometown crowd and also raise money from people who support him.
Their price points are all over the place for these events. Somewhere tickets cost $40,000 a person. The one where we are today, the ticket prices start at $51, which is of course the birthday the president celebrated earlier this month.
Five fundraisers today, one of them, of course, is at his home in Hyde Park. While most the people there will have paid $40,000 a head, they also ran a contest whereby donating just a few dollars, $3, $5, whatever you could.
People were entered into a raffle to come celebrate his birthday at his house. So it just goes to show how much they need to raise this money -- Fred.
WHITFIELD: Yesterday, we know there was a statement that came from the Obama campaign about the Paul Ryan selection by Mitt Romney. Today, is anything new being said by Obama or his camp?
JONES: Well, certainly, you know, David Axelrod was on "State of the Union" with Candy Crowley. Let's listen to how he summed up their view of the choice of Romney. Let's listen to that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAVID AXELROD, SENIOR ADVISER, OBAMA CAMPAIGN: I think it's to help further define the race. I don't think it's shaken up the race because Governor Romney has embraced many of the positions that Congressman Ryan espouses, extremely as they sound. I mean, he's for the trillions of dollars of tax cuts for millionaires.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
JONES: And so that's just a summary of the kind of lines we're expecting to hear from the Obama campaign and from President Obama himself linking Ryan to Romney and to this idea that they're going to be serving the interests of the rich and of corporations, whereas Obama and Biden are going to be serving the interest of the middle class -- Fred.
WHITFIELD: All right, Athena Jones in Chicago, thanks so much for keeping us posted.
All right, a U.S. Navy destroyer and a merchant ship collided early this morning. It happened near the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East. The guided missile destroyer "USS Porter" collided with a Japanese-owned tanker.
No one on either ship was injured. The "Porter" is now docked and repairs have to be started. Navy investigators are assessing the damage now. But the collision left a huge gash in the "Porter's" side.
Officials in Iran say rescue operations are now over after two strong earthquakes struck in north western Iran. At least 250 people were killed and more than 2,000 hurt. The quakes destroyed scores of villages and damaged historic monuments in the area. A series of aftershocks followed the quakes, including one measuring 4.4.
And people in Aurora, Colorado are taking back the movies. How a big give-away is helping the city recover from a horrific attack.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Today is an emotional day for American Sikhs in Wisconsin. Worshipers held their first prayer service since a gunman burst into their temple a week ago killing six people.
By tradition the temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin opens their service to the public, but this time honoring those killed and appealing for peace and understanding. Extra security was also added.
In Aurora, Colorado, First Lady Michelle Obama offered comfort to the victims in the family members of last month's theatre shooting. She also talked with medical staffers who treated the wounded, thanking them for their professionalism in a time of crisis. A dozen people died and 58 others were injured in that attack. That shooting shattered a community's sense of security. Nick McKirk of CNN affiliate KUSA explains how a ticket give-away may help lure movie goers back.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We got probably 30 left to give.
NICK MCKIRK, KUSA REPORTER (voice-over): Where going to the movies has become an act of defiance, an act of community.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Me and a friend of mine were in line waiting to see the movie and it was sold out in that exact theatre actually.
MCKIRK: Tyler (inaudible) almost saw Batman that night.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It is out of response to the Century 16 shooting.
MCKIRK: He and his friend knew many who were inside the night of July 20th.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A friend of mine, A.J. Boik was there.
MCKIRK: Which is why they are here on this Saturday in Aurora.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We want everyone just to come and enjoy the movies again.
MCNIRK: And in Denver, volunteers who raised the money to donate 1,300 tickets to strangers.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Pure act of kindness. That's pretty neat.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We want to try and find something that was the exact opposite what have this guy did in the dark and to try and find a way to spread a little bit of light.
MCKIRK: Make no mistake, three weeks later the pain is still real.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My oldest daughter had a friend who was shot three times in the back. My youngest daughter at the last minute made the decision to go to a different theatre.
MCKIRK: Now her son, Alexander, joins dozens of volunteers.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't want to let one person affect my whole life.
MCKIRK: Easing pain by showing up and giving back.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's OK, Mama.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thanks, honey.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: Nick McKirk of CNN affiliate KUSA there. So Nick says in all of that 1,300 tickets were given out last might.
Lolo Jones one of the best known faces from the London games. I'll talk to her about camaraderie at the Olympics.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: The American medal rush strikes gold twice more today. In the premier event the USA basketball team beat a surprisingly tough Spanish squad 107-100. Kevin Durant led all scorers with 30 points to help America repeat as gold medal champs.
American diver, David Bodea, pulled off a shocking upset in the 10 meter platform diving. That's America's first gold in the event since 1988.
All right, America also won a gold in wrestling. A Ugandan won a thrilling marathon today and the British won the super heavyweight boxing gold.
So final day of competition, which means the closing ceremonies just a few hours away so many memories to reflect on. I've been privileged to attend four Olympic games, including this 30th Olympiad.
But this time, attending an Olympic games with my five-time medalist dad, Mal Whitfield was uniquely different.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD (voice-over): Serving in the Korean war as a Tuskegee Airman gunner sergeant couldn't stop his dreams of making history at the 1948 Olympic games in World War II bomb scarred London.
So why at 87, a wheelchair, a survivor of two strokes and deteriorated leg from decades of competitive world stage racing would Mal Whitfield put on the brakes now returning to London for the 30th Olympiad destined good medicine.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They're the stars.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They really are.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, they are.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: London games was their first gold.
UNIDENTIIFIED MALE: It was a long time ago.
WHITFIELD: Dad, known as "Marvelous Mal" because of his seemingly effortless style on the track and near undefeated winning streak in the 800 meters saw old London and friends of long ago with new eyes and lots of laughter.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's very different here.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's right.
WHITFIELD: Fellow '48er bronze long jumper, Herb Douglas made the return, too.
HERB DOUGLAS, 1948 BRONZE LONG JUMPER: It's reliving what we did in 1948 and the maturity that we had. We were able to handle it now. Your dad and I couldn't handle it back in 1948, but today we're ready!
WHITFIELD: The 1968 Olympian Bob Beamon whose world record jump stood for more than 20 years says he owes much of his Olympic success to men like dad.
BOB BEAMON, 1968 OLYMPIAN: I read about him through my coach, Larry Ellis, and he said, you know, these are the great ones that came before you. These are model guys to look at. This is just a real wonderful treat to be with them.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm your groupie.
WHITFIELD: The journey to London with dad and my brother Lonnie was filled with golden moments like this. At lunches, and galas honoring unforgettable athletes, other highlights -- this historic super city of London transformed through a host of modern day sports venues.
(on camera): On the way to beach volleyball here at the horses guard parade. Of course, we got to pass by the queen's crib here at Buckingham Palace.
WHITFIELD (voice-over): A playful volleyball pit spiked between the skyline of Westminster Abbey and the queen's palace guards. The fear of gridlock and frustration with the crush of 200,000 at a time at the Olympic Park replaced with this reality -- crowds, yes. Headaches? Few.
(on camera): So what happens when an event ends and it also coincides with rush hour? Well, you cannot be claustrophobic. But, the bright side is when you do get an Olympic ticket, you also get a travel card that saves you about 7 pounds or $14 round trip.
(voice-over): Our trip, a smooth ride fuelled by the inspiration of one marvelous Olympian. Forever touched by fellow athletes he calls his brothers. Together creating new memories in a city where they first made history 64 years ago.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: Many of the 1948 Olympians told me this will be their last games to attend. It would be kind of hard to top the special reunions that took place in this go round in London six decades after they all competed together as Team USA.
So the kind of camaraderie you saw among the Olympians of yesteryear is special. Olympic hurdler, Lolo Jones agrees, although she is still heartbroken about failing to clinch a medal in the 100 hurdles. She's candid about relations on the track.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: Is that kind of fraternity or family bond felt by you and your fellow modern day Olympians or is that long gone because of money being made, a special coaching, the private training, all that encompasses being an Olympian today?
LOLO JONES, OLYMPIC HURDLER: I think my face already kind of gave that away. Yes. I think there will be some of my Olympic teammates that I will have that bond with, but I think -- I don't know. I think it's different now. I mean, I wish -- I mean, was he friends with all of us? I mean, like everybody?
WHITFIELD: Yes, it was amazing. I mean, the reunions of these '48 guys, they were hugging each other. There were little whispers in each other's ears. There were tears. There was laughter and it really did strikes me --
JONES: Was that years past or like now, now at the -- I have seen that in some events where they are like super great friends and they have these life-long bonds that I don't think will ever be broken.
I will say this. In the hurdle event, think one of the best moments I had out here -- I was in the call room before one of the races and it's just like every different country -- and I know these girls, I've raced against a few of them but not all.
A girl from Russia, I know she didn't speak English, but she gave me a wink, and I gave her the head nod like of respect. That kind of went on like -- I'm sitting in this car when we're all so nervous.
Like we all kind of at one point acknowledged one another, like you do your thing, I'm going to do my thing but I totally respect you and I think it was just said with like just a head nod or a wink.
So I don't think I'll ever forget that. That's just different countries. From my Team USA members and teammates, I definitely think I have very strong bonds with most of them and I don't know.
I would love to see a reunion and how we'll all be when we meet up 20 years later and we all have like no abs and eating what everyone wants.
WHITFIELD: You're going to be fit forever.
JONES: I've been on an all cheeseburger diet -- ever meal the last 48 hours has been from McDonald's.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: It's hard to pass up those French fries no matter where you are around the world.
So more of my conversation with Lolo Jones coming up in the 5:00 Eastern hour today. She talks about the intense pressure an Olympian faces coming from so many directions.
All right, he Reverend Billy Graham is in a North Carolina hospital right now. I'll tell you why he's there and what doctors are saying about his condition. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Evangelist Billy Graham is in a North Carolina hospital. Doctors say he is being treated for a pulmonary infection that's believed to be bronchitis.
The hospital says Graham, who is 93 years old, is alert and in good spirits. He's currently finishing up a new book summarizing his gospel message over the past seven decades.
I'll be back in an hour from now. Deadly cases of West Nile virus are popping up right here in the U.S. It has authorities scrambling to find a way to prevent it.
I'll have more on this coming up. I'm Fredricka Whitfield. Stay with CNN. "YOUR MONEY" starts right after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
