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D.C. Won't Extend Pre-Obamacare Plans; Backlash Over "Brown Thursday"; Highlights from this Year's CNN Heroes; Highlights from this Year's "CNN Heroes"; Police Chief Tasered for Charity; Jews Celebrate "Thanksgivukkah"; King James Returns to Cleveland
Aired November 28, 2013 - 09:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you and happy Thanksgiving. I'm Carol Costello. Thanks for spending part of your holiday with me. I appreciate it.
I want to take you now to New York where one of the most famous Thanksgiving traditions is ongoing, the 87th Annual Macy's Day Parade. It's just kicked off. Sixteen giant balloons, including favorites like Snoopy and SpongeBob making the two and a half mile trek today. Jason Carroll is there. We'll go -- take you there live in just a second.
In other news this morning, if you live in Washington, D.C. and recently had your insurance canceled after the launch of Obamacare, you likely will not be able to keep it. The city's health regulators will not allow insurers to extend those plans despite an Obama administration proposal to permit states to continue those plans through next year.
Separately, with just two days until the deadline to get the Obamacare website working for a majority of users, we're learning that officials are giving a sneak peek at the fixes to top members of the tech community. One of the experts in attendance says he's confident that the site will meet that November 30th goal.
All of this comes as the White House announces another significant concession for the health care law. CNN's Jill Dougherty is at the White House with that.
Good morning.
JILL DOUGHERTY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Carol.
Well, you know, the deadline, this self-imposed deadline that the administration has set for Saturday, is designed to improve the website, but even the administration admits that they're going to make it -- they're going to try to make it work for the vast majority of users. And here's one exception.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DOUGHERTY (voice-over): With just two days to go before a self-imposed deadline to get the Obamacare website working right, another delay. The Obama administration now says that healthcare.gov won't be able to enroll small businesses for another year, after promising this too would be ready.
REP. LLOYD DOGGETT (D), TEXAS: Will the shop website for small businesses that was delayed be fully functional during November?
MARILYN TAVENNER, ADMINISTRATOR, CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES: Yes. We will institute the shop component at the end of November.
DOUGHERTY: Republicans quick to pounce on the administration for announcing another delay just before the Thanksgiving holiday. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor charging, "once again, President Obama has unilaterally delayed another major portion of Obamacare and once again he's tried to bury bad news around a holiday, hoping nobody will notice."
Small businesses shopping for health care will be able to use direct enrollment with an insurer, agent or broker, but during a conference call with reporters, the administration was downplaying overall expectations.
JULIE BATAILLE, CMS SPOKESWOMAN (voice-over): To be clear, November 30th does not represent a relaunch of healthcare.gov. It is not a magical date.
DOUGHERTY: The spokeswoman admits there will be times after November 30th when the website does not function properly. Programmers still have a lot of work to do. The goal? Make sure it can handle 50,000 users at one time, yet there might be times when demand exceeds that and consumers will be directed to a virtual waiting line.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
DOUGHERTY: And they have a team, you know, of these technical experts who are working on this around the clock trying to get it to the point that they wanted for this weekend. But, Carol, you know, in a way, it's almost like trying to fix your car when it's racing down the highway at 90 miles an hour. They weren't able -- they didn't plan at all to shut it down, which might have, you know, been even a better idea. They're trying to repair it as they go along. And you're going to see some of these glitches and improvements and glitches and improvements as you go.
COSTELLO: All right, well, November 30th will be interesting. Jill Dougherty, many thanks to you.
Checking other top stories at 36 minutes past.
Iran is inviting international nuclear inspectors to come visit one of its most controversial reactors next month. This comes on the heels of the historic six-month nuclear deal reached this past weekend. Some fear the reactor in the town of Arak could create plutonium for a bomb.
Parts of a World Cup stadium under construction in Brazil will be closed while authorities investigate a deadly crane accident. Two worker were killed when a crane hoisting metal collapsed. Brazil is in a rush to finish several stadiums before the World Cup starts in June. A judge has already halted work on another stadium due to safety concerns.
If you want a pecan pie for your Thanksgiving dessert today, it's going to cost you. A shortage of pecans is driving up prices by more than 30 percent. The reason? A record rainfall hurt crops and wild pigs ate a lot of the nuts that fell from the trees. Also, China has a growing appetite for pecans. About a third of U.S. pecans are exported to China.
Today may be Thanksgiving, but some people are relabeling the holiday "Brown Thursday" as in another push for big holiday sales. Now, some stores are facing a backlash from workers and shoppers who say the commercialization of an American holiday has gone too far. CNN's George Howell has more for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GEORGE HOWELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): There's more to Thanksgiving now than just turkey. Wal-Mart, Kmart and Target all open for early bird shopper this holiday, just like last year. Joining them this year, J.C. Penney, Kohl's and Macy's. But not everyone's buying in to this new holiday tradition. More than 370,000 people petitioned Target to save Thanksgiving for its employees and their families and customers. And Kmart was blasted on its FaceBook page for its decision to stay open, 41 hours straight, starting at 6:00 a.m. Thursday.
KATHY GRANNIS, NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION: We know last year 35 million shoppers were out in stores and shopping online on Thanksgiving Day, and we're fully expecting to see just as many people this year.
HOWELL: But for those steadfast employees who have to work their Thanksgiving Day, shoppers on Chicago's busy Michigan Avenue have some sympathy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Sometimes we've got to work when we don't want to work. It's just the reality of it. So - but in the same note, I feel like people do need to be with their family. So it's more of a choice than, you know, it's -- to each his own.
HOWELL: In fact, several stores are choosing to give their workers the day off, closed on Thursday, from Nordstrom to RAI, Costco and Sur La Table.
JACK SCHWEFEL, SUR LA TABLE CEO: It's important to us that our employees, who have worked very hard this weekend, have a day off with their friends and family and recharge before we go into the Black Friday weekend.
HOWELL: Sur La Table's CEO, Jack Schwefel, spoke to me via Skype.
HOWELL (on camera): Do you feel like your store is missing out by closing?
SCHWEFEL: Not at all. I think that there's plenty of other days to shop, plus we're opening 24/7 on our website on surlatable.com.
HOWELL (voice-over): It's a move that shoppers don't seem to mind.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: On Thursday I think - I think I'd be -- I'd close just because I would personally want to be home with my family and I wouldn't want to keep other people away from their own families.
HOWELL: But for those who feel they'll somehow be missing out, Carla Rigletto (ph) puts it bluntly.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Get a life.
HOWELL: George Howell, CNN, Chicago.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: Still to come in the NEWSROOM, Hollywood's plan to keep you in the theaters this holiday season.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (INAUDIBLE).
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's completely frozen.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Cold, cold, cold, cold, cold, cold, cold, cold, cold.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A real howler in July, yeah?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: We'll take a look at Disney's long awaited release and a few other award worthy films, after a break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Holiday season is here and Hollywood had lots of new films to keep you coming back into the theaters.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Talk about a problem. I sell ice for a living.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, that's a rough business to be in right now. I mean that is really -- that's unfortunate.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Disney's animated musical "Frozen" follows the adventures of a young woman searching for her long lost sister, along with a rugged mountain man and his comical loyal reindeer.
Also in theaters, "Philomena." It stars dame Judi Dench as Philomena Lee (ph), who sets out to find a son she gave up for adoption 50 years ago. She teams up with a journalist to help track down her long lost son.
Based on the autobiography of former South African President Nelson Mandela, "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" follows his rise from a young boy to a revolutionary leader and international icon. Early reviews are mixed, but everyone seems to agree Indris Elba shines in the lead role. The movie hits theaters on Friday.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When does your journey end? You seek that which would bestow upon you the right to rule.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: I love "The Hobbit." Bilbo Baggins returns in "The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug" this December. In this film, Baggins joins 13 dwarves on a quest to save their land from the dangerous dragon named Smaug. Early trailers promise plenty of action to keep you glued to your seat.
There you have it.
It is a time honored tradition here at CNN. The CNN Heroes Awards chosen by you. It highlights those improving their communities one day at a time. Nischelle Turner takes a look at this year's event.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NISCHELLE TURNER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's that time of year again when giving back to others is in the air. Hosted by CNN's Anderson Cooper, this year's annual heroes event is packed with emotion.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thank you so much.
TURNER: And unforgettable moments.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE).
TURNER: A night when Hollywood's brightest stars come together.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It shines a lot on people that don't do it for the light.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is the people to get excited about. It kind of makes your jaw drop.
TURNER: To shine the spotlight on 10 remarkable people who are changing the world.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is like the Academy Awards for good people.
TURNER: Like a great grandmother who used her life savings to turn a bus into a classroom.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Get on the bus, everybody. CNN Hero Estella Pyfrom.
TURNER: And the woman who started a drill team to keep kids off the streets.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (INAUDIBLE) Camden, New Jersey.
TURNER: Turning the tables on a traditional awards show.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm not the only hero in this room. And none of us as heroes stand alone.
TURNER: CNN HEROES puts these everyday people center stage.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I want to see you be brave --
TURNER: It's a star-studded event with a few surprises.
And a heroic ending that you don't want to miss.
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN HOST "AC360": 2013 CNN Hero of the year --
TURNER: A night to gather together to celebrate the human spirit.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: If you were a little confused, of course, the event is on tape but it will air so you can see it all and it's fantastic. "CNN HEROES AN ALL STAR TRIBUTE" airs Sunday night, 8:00 p.m. Eastern, right here on CNN.
What are you thankful for? We want to know this morning, Facebook.com/carolCNN or tweet me @carolCNN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Checking our "Top Stories" at 50 minutes past the hour.
Indiana police chief is taken down by a taser. But don't worry. It's for a good cause. Chief Danny Baker suffered the pain as part of a fund-raiser to pay for a new police cruiser. Right now there's only one squad car in the town that actually runs. All right. Baker it is such a weird thing to do, but it worked. Baker made a joke before being tased.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHIEF DANNY BAKER, KNIGHTSTOWN, INDIANA POLICE: I'm not responsible for anything that comes out of my mouth or any other orifice of my body.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: It's so weird. One donor gave the police Department $25,000. See, I told you it was successful.
Thanksgivukkah, that's what people are calling the convergence of Thanksgiving and first day of Hanukkah -- hasn't happened in 125 years. The first candle was lit last night on the National Hanukkah Menorah near the White House.
Reggie Aqui from our affiliate KGW is in Portland, Oregon with more on "Thanksgivukkah."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REGGIE AQUI, KGW REPORTER: Only in America, the land of Brangelina, the sfork, that thing where peanut butter and jelly are in the same jar, we now have a combinable holiday.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Now introducing the Menurkey.
AQUI: That's right, a menorah in the shape of a turkey for two holidays that are appearing together for almost one night only.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Maybe once in a lifetime according to some it's once in a millennium.
AQUI: An early Hannukah a late Thanksgiving collided together.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes we have to create a new name, a new word. Thanksgivukkah.
AQUI: And what do you do on thanksgivukkah? In Portland and Vancouver you build a new tradition. Presenting the canorah.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I guess it's a can and a Menorah a Canorah.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I get it.
AQUI: In both cities hundreds of canned goods will go to local food banks.
RABBI SHMULIK GREENBERG, CHATTEL JEWISH CENTER: The two holidays are similar in the concept of giving thanks to God.
AQUI: That's triple thanks for Carol Friedman. Her family is also celebrating a birthday, which, all together now --
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thanksbirthukkah.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thanksbirthukkah. Yes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Here's what's all new with the next hour of NEWSROOM.
Nothing says Thanksgiving like a huge family dinner surrounded by people who drive you crazy.
There's no way you can avoid those awkward and potentially inappropriate questions from your mom or that aunt you rarely see. But we can help you respond without throwing a turkey leg at them.
Plus, before the football and before all of that food, you may want to go outside and look up. A comet may be streaking across the sky.
And I want to hear what you're thankful for today. Let me know at Facebook.com/carolCNN or tweet me @carolCNN. Your responses in the next hour of CNN NEWSROOM.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: You know, I'm from Northeast Ohio but there's something I never understood about my people, they hate someone and then they love them again. We're talking about LeBron James. So Cleveland fans, Andy Scholes, hated LeBron for leaving and they cheered him when he came back playing for the Miami Heat.
ANDY SCHOLES, BLEACHER REPORT: Yes you know after that infamous decision fans are mad -- so mad they're even burning his jersey in the streets. But it looks like they've come full circle Carol. You know last night some fans are even handing out "Come back LeBron" T-shirts before the game.
Now a group of fans have actually started a "Comeback LeBron" campaign going as far as to put up billboards around Cleveland. And last night LeBron showed once again why they would love to have him back, he carved up the Cavs going 28 points and the Heat got the win. Now LeBron is also going to be doing some carving today but it's not going to be opposing defenses, it's going to be some turkey. LeBron is hosting the entire Heat team at his Akron estate for Thanksgiving dinner. It should be nice.
All right so what do you do, Carol, when you're a coach in the NBA, it's late in the game and you're out of time-outs? Well if you're Jason Kidd, you hold your soda in your hand and have one of your players bump into you. Check it out. It appears Kidd says hit me to Tayshon Taylor and then spilled his drink everywhere causing a stop of the action gaining time to call up -- draw up one last play. Brilliant, right?
COSTELLO: Yes.
SCHOLES: Yes it didn't work though, they've missed the shot.
COSTELLO: That was cheating.
SCHOLES: Good thinking. Nets end up losing the game to the Lakers 99-94.
All right. Brewers (ph) out there to Ryan Braun finally broke his silence and spoke to the media about his suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs. Braun was taking part in a food drive at Miller Park yesterday and he said that he's deeply sorry for what he's done.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RYAN BRAUN, MILWAUKEE BREWERS OUTFIELDER: Obviously the whole thing is a huge mistake. I wish that I hadn't done it. I wish I could go back and do a lot of things different. I don't think I can specifically pinpoint one thing that I regret more than anything else, I regret all of it. I wish I could go back and change it. But like I said, I can't do that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SCHOLES: All right trending on BleacherReport.com, right now is rivalry weekend in college football, the Wolverines are going to host the third-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes tomorrow afternoon. And if they shut out the Buckeyes, Carol a Michigan car dealership is giving away free cars.
COSTELLO: Yes good luck with that.
SCHOLES: Yes that's right. If you buy a car at Victory Honda at Monroe, Michigan now until the game you're going to get it for free if Michigan wins in a shutout. But Carols as we know --
COSTELLO: They're going to keep Ohio State from scoring.
SCHOLES: Exactly. Ohio State, the lowest they've score this year is 31 in a game. Michigan hasn't shut them out in 20 years. You're better off buying a lottery ticket than going for the free car. Right?
COSTELLO: Yes.
All right. It's Thanksgiving so you know what that means -- turkey, football and plenty of napping. Here is what's on tap in the NFL day, Lions are going to host the Packers at 12:30 Eastern -- I know you'll be watching that one Carol. That's followed by the Cowboys taking on the Raiders at 4:30. Then the Ravens are going to host the Steelers in the night. That game kicks off at 8:30 Eastern.
COSTELLO: I can't wait for that.
SCHOLES: Exciting day.
COSTELLO: I can't wait for 12:30. I'm so excited I'm going to run out of here.
SCHOLES: So you'll nap for the Cowboys game.
COSTELLO: No. I'll probably be passed out by then on joy that the Lions won.
SCHOLES: You're hoping. They have the longest-ever losing streak on Thanksgiving nine in a row.
COSTELLO: Stop it.
SCHOLES: Well I'm hoping they win for you, finally.
COSTELLO: Thank you Andy.
The next hour of CNN NEWSROOM starts now. COSTELLO: Happening now in the NEWSROOM, forget the feast it is time to shop. Stores are open, sales already under way. And everybody wants a piece of your holiday budget.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: To me, it's inconsiderate to families who want to spend their time together on this special day.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: To shop or not to shop? Or should we avoid the stores all together? Or this is the new way we live? We'll debate the war on Thanksgiving.
And if you don't want to work on Thanksgiving, it could cost you your job. This restaurant manager is sitting at home this holiday. Now his boss is feeling guilty and calling him back.
The second hour of NEWSROOM starts now.
