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Government Shutdown Looks Likely; Obamacare: Does it Need Tweaking?; Pastor Gunned Down in Front of Family; Political Football; So Long, Heisenberg

Aired September 29, 2013 - 19:00   ET

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

DON LEMON, CNN ANCHOR: Top of the hour now, time to handle the serious news of the day.

The more government shut down gets talked about in Washington, the more inevitable it seems and there's been plenty of talk. There are just 29 hours left for Congress to somehow cut a deal on spending and avoid the first federal shutdown in 17 years. The White House put out this photo of President Obama meeting with senior staff. He has been largely out of sight this weekend, though he did work in a round of golf on Saturday.

Over at the capital though, late last night, the House approved amendments to a spending bill that would fund the government beyond Monday's midnight deadline. A bill Republicans say would avoid a shut down.

But Senate Democrats insist the bill has no chance, dead on arrival. That's the way they say it in Washington. The Senate doesn't even plan to meet again until tomorrow afternoon. And remember the government starts running out of money tomorrow night at midnight.

It has been a long weekend, a tough talk and debate. Just a sampling now of a late night discord you may have missed at the capital during last night's debate.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. DAVID SCOTT (D), GEORGIA: You have been hijacked by a small group of extreme folks who simply hate this President.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The President of the United States will talk to the dictator of Tehran but he won't even negotiate with the House of Representatives.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: So come Tuesday, open enrollment for Obamacare gets under way and is set to run through the end of March. This comes as House Republican leaders remain defiant in their effort to undercut the President's signature healthcare law. For the first time Americans without insurance will able to shop for private insurance and health insurance market places also known as exchanges. Many will be eligible for government help to pay for those plans. The law also forbids insurance companies from rejecting people because of their preexisting conditions. By 2014 every American with some very few exceptions will have to have some form of health insurance or be fined.

Obamacare is at heart of the standoff, the shutdown standoff. House Republicans passed a spending plan that would delay parts of the President's healthcare plan for a year.

Our next guest is a Democrat who supports Obamacare but says there's room to improve the plan. I want to go now to Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal. He joins me now on the phone from Fairfield, Connecticut. Thank you Mr. Blumenthal -- Senator for joining us. What would you do to change and improve Obamacare?

SEN. RICHARD BLUMENTHAL (D), CONNECTICUT (via telephone): One of the aspects of Obamacare that I think needs attention is its effects on businesses, on increasing their expenses at a time when they are recovering from the greatest recession in recent history. There are other areas that may need improvement but the way to address those issues are separately, not to hold hostage the entire nation in effect trying to decimate a program that's been passed by the Congress, signed by the President, upheld by Supreme Court, reconfirmed by in effect a recent election when it was a central issue in the presidential race.

And this kind of holding hostage is really inimical to interest of the entire nation. Again, very bad for our economy, undercutting job growth and I think really calmer heads, common sense ought to prevail here.

And hopefully, if there is a shut down and I still have a sliver of hope that there won't be, we can come back as quickly as possible to address the issues on the test separately from the resolution to continue the work of the government.

LEMON: Talk more about that sliver of hope. What gives you that sliver?

BLUMENTHAL: The sliver of hope is really for the majority of both parties. And I'm not going to try to be partisan in what I have to say, but obviously we're talking about a very narrow fringe ideologically extremist group in the House of Representatives that has in effect refused to compromise in the way they sent back a plan that they knew was doomed. They are taking the President's signature program and saying, you need to abandon it. And that kind of negotiating stance or public policy position simply is unreasonable and intransigent or worse.

LEMON: They would say, Senator that is why they were elected to office to come there and do this. And not to do business the traditional way the way it's been traditionally done in Washington.

BLUMENTHAL: Put aside the way business is done in Washington. The way to do business is to compromise through reasonable and sensible approaches. That's the way that I did business for 20 years as Attorney General, my state's chief elected law enforcement officer. I was a law enforcer as a United States attorney beforehand. I have settled plenty of cases.

And there is no way to go into a negotiation and say, I'm going to destroy the President's signature program which has been passed by the Congress and signed by the President, upheld by the Supreme Court. And by the way, it will go into effect and has gone into effect already in significant part, but it will continue to function regardless of what happens in shutting down the government.

In the meantime, our economy will suffer the credibility and trust and our government will be undercut. Jobs will be undermined and economic recovery will be setback. So I'm hoping still that sliver of hope that the majority of Republicans will say no to this fringe extremist ideological group that is in effect holding the nation hostage.

LEMON: All right. From your mouth, as they say, to God's ears we hope so as well. Thank you very much. We appreciate it.

BLUMENTHAL: Thank you.

LEMON: CNN's "CROSSFIRE" will debate Obamacare and a possible government shutdown in a special weekend edition. Ralph Nader, Carly Fiorina guest on "CROSSFIRE". It's going to air at 7:30, just about 25 minutes from now; 7:30 Eastern, right here on CNN.

Next, a pastor gunned down in a middle of a sermon. It turns out the suspect is no stranger to the congregation.

And it's one of the most popular television shows in history but "Breaking Bad" ends tonight. What's going to happen on the season finale? What do you want to happen? We're going to talk about it -- looking a back at Walter White through the years, straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: A time of reflection turns into a moment of terror for a Louisiana congregation. A pastor at the Tabernacle of Praise Worship Center is shot dead in front of his church members as well as his daughter and grandchildren. The daughter of the pastor tells our affiliate KPLC that the gunman used to be a deacon at the church. CNN's Rosa Flores joins me with the details. So she saw her father die as well?

ROSA FLORES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It's just horrible Don. Like there is no other way to say it. It was chaotic. People were screaming, running and others were praying while all of this was happening. And of course, the daughter of Pastor Ronald Harris was in disbelief.

She talked to our affiliate KPLC and says her father will be greatly missed.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TALISHA HARRIS, DAUGHTER OF PASTOR SHOT DEAD: Oh God, his humor -- his humor. Ok. In any situation, he would make sure everybody laughed, no matter what the situation is. He always brought his humor in it. He was a strong person. And whatever came his way, he still stood on the word of God. He never wavered.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FLORES: Now here is what she says happened at about 8:20 on Friday night. She said her father stood up to sing the song "I know God is a good God" when one of the church members ran in to warn everyone that someone was coming inside the church. That's when the first shot rang out hitting a plant.

She says that her father started running. He was shot in the back falling right next to -- hear this -- her kids. Then a second shot followed at close range. The allege shooter is this man -- take a look at your screen -- 53-year-old Woodrow Karey, a former deacon at this church. He faces second degree murder charges in the death of Pastor Ronald Harris.

Karey fled the scene on foot then called the sheriff's office to turn himself in. But during his arrest Karey also directed officers to a shotgun and a pistol in a wooded area. We should add that bond is set at $1 million. Karey has no criminal history; the motive, of course, still a mystery. And our affiliate asked the pastor's daughter, so what would -- what would you want to know. And of course she is asking, why?

LEMON: Why?

FLORES: Why would you do this? And why would you do it in this way, in front of his family.

LEMON: Yes. Unbelievable. Thank you Rosa.

FLORES: Yes it's so sad. It's so sad.

LEMON: Yes, it is. Thank you. I appreciate that.

A lot of people are watching what's happening in Washington and wonder if it's all a big game to our elected leaders. What if it's -- what if it were a big game. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: Some say there is a game being played in Washington this weekend and CNN's John Berman breaks down Washington's game plan with some classic coaching moments.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: This is the United States of America -- we're not some Banana Republic.

JOHN BERMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The pressure of the podium. This time of year it's a spotlight and often frustration shared by politicians and football coaches alike.

BILL BELICHICK, COACH, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: I'm moving forward. I'm moving on. I'm moving forward. I'm moving on.

BERMAN: Moving on to midnight October 1st. The deadline to avoid a government shutdown now centered around a three-and-a-half-year battle over Obamacare.

SEN. TED CRUZ (R), TEXAS: I intend to speak and support of defunding Obamacare until I'm no longer able to stand.

BERMAN: Whether or not the government shuts down, Obamacare remains the law of the land.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm like why are you in such a bad mood?

MIKE DITKA, FORMER COACH, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: What do you care? If you were 2-7, you'd be in a bad mood too. What's next?

BERMN: What's next? A seemingly endless supply of politicians insisting they understand the public criticisms and they are here to fix it.

REP. NANCY PELOSI (D) CALIFORNIA: This place is a mess. Let's get our House in order. We are legislators.

MIKE GUNDY, COACH, OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS: Come after me. I'm a man. I'm 40.

BERMAN: And with the clock once again ticking towards a government shutdown, tensions are running high.

SEN. PATRICK LEAHY (D), VERMONT: They don't come up with one single idea of how to make it better.

DENNIS GREEN, FORMER COACH, ARIZONA CARDINALS: If you want to crown them, then crown (EXPLETIVE DELETED). They are who we thought they were and we let them off the hook.

BERMAN: There has been 42 attempts in the House to delay, defund or repeal Obamacare.

SEN. HARRY REID (D), MINORITY LEADER: Any bill that defunds Obamacare is dead -- dead. It is a waste of time.

BERMAN: Or is it?

HERM EDWARDS, FORMER COACH, NEW YORK JETS: You play to win the game.

REP. JOHN BOEHNER (R-OH), SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Our goal here is to cut spending and to protect the American people from Obamacare. It's as simple as that.

EDWARDS: Hello.

BERMAN: John Berman, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE) LEMON: Anticipation is high. Still it is a day many fans never wanted to see come. "Breaking Bad" ends tonight. What's going to happen to Walter and Jesse? We're going to talk about it, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: Tonight is the night that millions of television fans have been both dying for and dreading at the same time. Two words, "Breaking Bad". And we're going to see this guy -- right there -- for the very last time. Heisenberg -- Walter White, the teacher turned meth king, that really good guy who became that really bad guy in five seasons on one of the most talked about TV shows ever.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRYAN CRANSTON, ACTOR: Chemistry is the study of matter. But I prefer to see it as the study of change.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You understood what I've just said to you.

CRANSTON: Yes. Bone cancer. Inoperable.

Maybe you and I could partner up.

AARON PAUL, ACTOR: You want to cook crystal meth?

CRANSTON: That's right.

PAUL: Someone straight like you, giant stick up his ass -- all of a sudden at age -- what, 60 -- he's just going to break bad?

CRANSTON: I'm so sorry.

No matter what happens, no more bloodshed. You know why I do this. I want security for my family.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What's your name?

CRANSTON: Heisenberg.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Heisenberg.

CRANSTON: Who is you think you see? I am not in danger, Skyler. I am the danger.

I'm in the empire business. Say my name.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Heisenberg.

CRANSTON: Damn right.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You and your pride and your ego.

ANNA GUNN, ACTRESS: How much is it? How big does this pile have to be?

CRANSTON: We're done. When I say we're done.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Maybe your best course would be to tread lightly.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: So everyone who follows "Breaking Bad" has a theory and you can guarantee that every one of them will be wrong.

Brian Lowry is a TV columnist for "Variety". You know, after five seasons, it is over. Will this be a series finale like "Lost", that made a lot of people mad. Or I don't know -- say, MASH ?

BRIAN LOWRY, TV COLUMNIST, "VARIETY": I don't think it'll be like "Lost". I think "Lost" was really a unique situation where it was an over overarching mystery, which is what made people so hooked on wanting to find out what happened with it. I really think this is much closer to "The Sopranos" where the show has been much more about the journey than the pay off.

But obviously, the opinion on the pay off will be varied and, like everything else associated with show, passionate.

LEMON: Yes. Not a dream sequence which was -- I think that was "Dallas" that did that.

Listen these are your words from your column.

LOWRY: Yes. You never want to get too coy.

LEMON: Yes, right. You say "Handled wrong, a finale can leave a bad taste in the audience's mouth. Done right, a finale can bestow an extra element of immortality. Walter White should be so lucky."

Why did you say that?

LOWRY: Well, because I really think this was a show that defied most of the odds. I mean this was a show that it's first season was cut short by the writer's strike. They ended up doing only seven episodes. It lived in "Mad Men's" shadow for a big part of its run. And then really through word of moth and the combination of that and Netflix and DVD bingeing, more and more people jumped on the bandwagon.

And so this is a show that really has been a terrific show from the beginning. A lot more people are watching it now than were at the outset. And I think it deserves, just to be worthy of the show, it deserves a great send off.

LEMON: Yes. You are right about the "Mad Men" thing and the writers' striking. I remember watching "Breaking Bad" from the beginning and I could never remember why it sort of fell off. And I just lost interest and that was because then I started watching "Mad Men", because of that and the writers' strike as well.

I've got to ask you this. How will people on the West Coast handle tonight? "Breaking Bad" airs at 9:00 Eastern time -- three hours before you're going to see it. How do you avoid spoilers on Twitter and those sorts of things?

LOWRY: Well, if you don't have East Coast feed, and a lot of people on the West Coast do get East Coast feed, so we can watch it at 6:00 p.m. our time. If you don't have an East Coast feed I would very much advise anyone on the West Coast to stay away from Twitter until they have seen it. Because people will not be able to contain themselves -- they will not hold back. There will be college graduate level analysis all over the Internet as soon as the hour ends.

LEMON: Yes. Well, good luck. Brian, thank you for coming on CNN and we shall see in not too long. Appreciate it.

LOWRY: All right. Thank you.

LEMON: All right.

At a sporting event the mic goes out during the national anthem. What happens next may make your heart beat a little bit faster. That's just ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: It's about as American as it gets. Before a major league soccer game in Kansas City, Kansas Friday night, the mic dropped out during the singing of the national anthem. Then the back-up mic didn't work, so the crowd in the stands sang it instead.

(AUDIENCE SINGING NATIONAL ANTHEM)

LEMON: Philadelphia won the game, by the way, 1-0 after not winning a game since August. Perhaps all that patriotic spirit was just the charm the team needed.

I'm Don Lemon in New York. Thank you so much for joining us. A special weekend edition of "CROSSFIRE" begins right now.