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Christie to Give State of the State; Suspect in Custody After School Shooting; Texting Dispute Ends in Fatal Shooting, Suspect in Court; Toxic Water Concerns; Budget in Congress

Aired January 14, 2014 - 13:00   ET

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

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Right now, Chris Christie gets ready to deliver one of the most closely watched State of the State speeches ever. Will he and should he address the scandal he is now facing?

Also right now, Hillary Clinton's Iowa problem. Why she potentially could face a tougher time winning over Iowa voters than a lot of people might expect.

And right now, a retired police officer is in a Florida court after allegedly killing a man who refused to stop texting his daughter during the previews at a movie. What's behind this shocking crime?

Hello, I'm Wolf Blitzer in Washington. We start this hour with another big day for the New Jersey governor, Chris Christie. In two hours, he'll give his annual State of the State address. But for the first time in a long time, people outside New Jersey are actually paying special attention to what he might say.

Our own Erin McPike is joining us from Trenton, the state capitol, right now. Do we have any indication, Erin, of whether or not he'll actually mention the so-called traffic scandal during the speech?

ERIN MCPIKE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, our sources in Christie's office say that he will, in fact, acknowledge the scandal. But he's going to say that it's clear that it doesn't take away from the bipartisan results that he's had over the last four years, nor will it stand in the way of what he hopes to accomplish over the next few years.

Now, we also know that he's going to unveil a few new proposals. One of those is on property tax relief and the other is on education reform. So, he's going to call for a longer school day and for a longer school year. And, of course, he's tussled with teachers' unions in the past so it will be interesting to see how that plays out -- Wolf.

BLITZER: What about the investigation, the separate investigation, auditors looking into how his office spent money earmarked for Superstorm Sandy relief?

MCPIKE: Well, Wolf, I just spoke with someone in Christie's office who told me that Christie is not going to mention that federal probe, but instead he will discuss the funds that have been allocated so far for Sandy relief, $18 million for new housing. And he says two-thirds of that funding has gone to New Jersey's residents so far. And three quarters of that have gone to low and middle income families. So, the point there is he's going to assert that he's used those sandy relief funds wisely -- Wolf.

BLITZER: What's the latest on the investigations? And I say that plural.

MCPIKE: Well, Wolf, as you know, the New Jersey assembly just formed a special committee yesterday to go about investigating the bridge scandal. Now, what we understand from the New Jersey assembly is that nothing will move forward until Thursday when there's a voting session to reauthorize subpoena power for that committee. So, more details to come on Thursday -- Wolf.

BLITZER: The investigations continuing, some of them only just beginning. Thank you, Erin.

Let's bring in our Chief Political Analyst Gloria Borger. Gloria, what does he need to say in two hours when he addresses the folks in New Jersey, and, you know, people will be watching all over the country.

GLORIA BORGER, CNN CHIEF POLITICAL ANALYST: He needs to talk to the people of New Jersey about the job he's doing for them as governor and the job he intends to do for them as governor. I'm not sure whether he needs to make a direct reference to the scandal. He can make an oblique reference.

And as Erin was pointing out, he can say, I'm committed to working in a bipartisan way. I'm not going to let petty politics get in the way of doing my job. He can acknowledge that he has made some mistakes along the way, but that he is turning the page for the state of New Jersey. I think he has to convince the people of the state all over again that he is somebody that they can really trust to do their job.

BLITZER: And so, there's one potential scandal, obviously, --

BORGER: Right.

BLITZER: -- involving the traffic jam at the --

BORGER: Right.

BLITZER: -- George Washington Bridge. You know, there's now this other scandal potentially that you've been investigating --

BORGER: Right.

BLITZER: -- involving Jersey City, New Jersey. The Democratic mayor there and some retribution after he failed --

BORGER: Right.

BLITZER: -- to endorse Christie.

BORGER: So, there are the bigger things and there are the smaller, petty things. You know, the bigger things are the bridge and the question about why the political ads for Sandy contained his picture.

BLITZER: It almost looked like a campaign commercial.

BORGER: Like a campaign ad. And they cost more money. OK. So, that's the larger. The smaller is kind of the petty political stuff. And as you referred to, there's mayor of Jersey City, Democrat, was unsure who he was going to endorse. He had just gotten elected in May. He was setting up some important meetings for him with state officials, particularly from the port authority, trying to get some money for his city. And the day after he told the Christie people that, you know what, I'm not going to endorse you, suddenly all of his meetings were cancelled within an hour. Nobody even made an effort to hide it, Wolf.

It was just clear that the governor's office had sort of put the kibosh on it and said, OK, we're not going to meet with this guy. Is that a crime? Absolutely not. Is it petty and small? You might say yes. So, this is the kind of thing that goes on at the state level all of the time. But if you want to be seen as presidential, Wolf, I think it's a bit small.

BLITZER: Yes, Especially when people are looking to see if the traffic incident is just an isolated event --

BORGER: Right.

BLITZER: -- or if there are other political shenanigans going on in and they're investigating that right now.

Some new poll numbers. The Monmouth University (INAUDIBLE,) New Jersey residents' poll. Approval of Governor Christie in December, 65 percent approved of the job he's doing. That's now down to 59 percent. It's only a six-point drop. Not that bad. But Look at this. Do you have a favorable impression of Governor Christie? A year or so ago, 70 percent said yes. Down to 44 percent now. That's a pretty significant slip.

BORGER: Yes, it's a very significant slip and I'm sure it's troubling for the governor's staff. If you look more at these polls within the state of New Jersey, a couple other numbers pop out. And only half of the -- about half of the people say he's not being completely honest about all of these controversies which goes to the very important trust question. Any leader has to have the trust of the people he's going to lead. And only 44 percent believe -- and this is people in the state of New Jersey who watch him every day, paying close attention to this. Only 44 percent believe that he has the right temperament to be president of the United States. That's very telling.

And, again, this temperament issue is very important when people look at a presidential candidate, because they want to see you as something larger, bigger, better than most of us. And when you're seen as part of petty politics, it doesn't work.

BLITZER: You make a good point. The reason we're so interested in this story is he potentially could be the Republican presidential nominee.

BORGER: Right. And these are the kinds of characteristics people look at. Not only does he care about my problems and does he understand me, and I think Chris Christie would get some good grades on that, but can I trust him? And does he have the temperament to be the leader of the United States?

BLITZER: I'll speak later this hour. Democratic Congressman Rush Holt of New Jersey, he's got strong views on this whole subject. Thanks, Gloria.

In New Mexico, reports of a school shooting at a middle school in Roswell. We're still learn -- still learning details, but so far we know two children have been taken to the hospital.

CNN's Miguel Marquez is following developments from Los Angeles. Miguel, what else do we know?

MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, well, shocking this would happen yet again. Look, Roswell is a very small town, about 50,000 people in southeastern New Mexico. This is at Berrendo Middle School. Typically in New Mexico, middle schools are fifth through eighth grade, so we're talking 10 year old through 13 or 14.

We're seeing some tape now from one of our affiliates in New Mexico of the scene outside of that middle school. Two individuals, two children, we understand, were shot possibly with a shotgun. We understand the shooter has been apprehended. We -- it is not clear whether that shooter is alive or dead. It sounds as though the shooter was taken alive. But it's not clear whether or not he gave up to police or they had to take him out in some form.

We know that two individuals that were shot were taken to a local hospital, eastern New Mexico Regional Center which is a level three trauma center, not -- doesn't deal with serious industries -- injuries. They have since been airlifted to UMC in Lubbock, Texas. That is a level one trauma center. There are two individuals there who are listed in critical condition.

Authorities there in Roswell saying that parents can go to the Roswell mall some miles away to pick up their kids. All of the kids from Berrendo Middle School are being transported to the Roswell mall.

We also understand that there may be a third injury in this, but it's not clear whether that may be the shooter himself or somebody else. So, we're trying to get more details on that. And we expect more details soon. Coming up, 3:00 Eastern, New Mexico State Police are expected to give a news conference. We will certainly be listening to that -- Wolf.

BLITZER: And we'll stay in touch with you, Miguel. Thanks very much for that information, very disturbing information.

What witnesses say started as an argument over text messaging ended in the shooting death of a father. Police say the gunman, a retired police officer, was involved. He's in court as we speak right now. We'll have the very latest on this truly shocking story when we come back.

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BLITZER: Right now, a retired police officer is in court accused of shooting and killing a man in a movie theater after an argument over text messaging. 71-year-old Curtis Reeves is charged with second degree murder in the death of a father who witnesses say was texting to check the status of his three-year-old daughter.

Rosa Flores is joining us now with the latest. Rosa, first of all, what do we know about the events that led up to this really shocking shooting?

ROSA FLORES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, what we can tell you is that here are the highlights. There was text messaging, popcorn flying all over the place, and an altercation that turned deadly.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice-over): A little girl, not even three years old, has just lost her dad, because according to police and witnesses, a man shot and killed him Monday oh afternoon all because he was texting at the Cobb 16 movie theater in Wesley Chapel, Florida. The movie was "Lone Survivor" and it hadn't even started.

CHRIS NOCCO, SHERIFF, PASCO COUNTY: It was a 1:20 starting so we know that they were probably going through the previews. And it's absolutely crazy that, you know, it would rise to this level of altercation over somebody just texting in a movie theater.

FLORES: 43-year-old Chad Oulson was on a date with his wife, Nicole. He was texting their daughter's daycare to check in on her. That's when witnesses say 71-year-old Curtis Reeves, a retired Tampa police captain, seen here dressed in white, became quite irritated.

CHARLES CUMMINGS: Their voiced started going up, there seems to be almost a confrontation, and then, bang, he was shot.

FLORES: Witnesses say that during their argument, Oulson threw a bag of popcorn at Reeves. Charles Cummings, a retired Marine who served in Vietnam, says it was absolutely shocking to be caught in the cross fire once again.

CUMMINGS: He staggered two seats over, fell on my son and I.

FLORES: The father and son say they watched in horror as Reeves shot Oulson in the chest with a 380 semi-automatic handgun killing him. Oulson's wife was shot in the hand, as witnesses say she tried to shield her husband. After he was shot, Mr. Oulson staggered and fell on another man and his son.

ALEX CUMMINGS: He said, man, I can't believe I got shot. Blood started coming out of his mouth, and I was, like -- I just held him and was trying to hold him up and then he just fell down.

FLORES: In the midst of the chaos, other movie-goers tried to help.

CHARLES CUMMINGS: The fellow that was in the movie, he said he was a nurse, jumped down, and he started pumping the gentleman's chest until the paramedics arrived.

FLORES: An off-duty deputy, who just happened to be in the theater, detained the suspect and secured the gun until police arrived.

C. CUMMINGS: I can't believe people would bring a pistol, a gun, to a movie. I can't believe they would argue and fight and shoot one another over popcorn. Or even a cell phone.

FLORES: Reeves is now charged with second degree murder.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FLORES: And we have some live pictures that we'd like to take you to. And these are live pictures of inside that Florida courtroom where the suspect is going to be making his first court appearance. Again, that charge, he was arrested and charged on second degree homicide. And we would, of course, bring you the latest information as it becomes available. We're looking at it just as you are at this moment. Now, we should also add that Oulson's autopsy is scheduled for today, Wolf.

BLITZER: We'll stay on top of this story, we'll monitor this hearing - this hearing that's unfolding right now. Rosa, thanks very much.

Other news we're following. West Virginia's toxic water crisis is becoming a major problem for other states, as well. In Ohio and Kentucky officials are now worried that contaminated water could flow into the Ohio River. As a precaution, they even closed intake valves that feed the water supply in some cities along the river, including Cincinnati.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MAYOR JOHN CRANLEY, CINCINNATI: We have the ability anyway, the technology to clean the water regardless, but we'd rather not take the risk or spend the money to clean it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: In West Virginia, some residents are again allowed to start using the tap water, but about 200,000 others have not been given the all-clear. Jean Casarez is in Charleston, West Virginia, for us.

So what's happening with the water supply down the Ohio River, Jean?

JEAN CASAREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, here's the situation. This is the Elk River right behind me, which is the water source for the people here in Charleston, West Virginia, and nine counties. The Elk River feeds into the Canal (ph) River, which feeds into the Ohio River. And so Ohio's Water Authority has shut off two valves just as a precaution.

Now, their water companies do have reserves, so it doesn't mean the people are out of water there. But Kentucky also followed suit for a short time. They turned off two of their intake valves in protection for their people. Those have now been turned back on.

But right here in Charleston, West Virginia, you know, 300,000 people were without water. Water to bathe in, drink or cook with. And now we're learning that one-third of those people have gotten the green light to turn their water back on. But what that means is that two- thirds of the people are still waiting to use water. They still have to use bottled water. So this is still a community that is in dire straits when it comes to just normal aspects of living.

BLITZER: And we know also, Jean, the storage facility that had these chemicals that got into the water supply had not actually been inspected since, what, 1991? I assume this is triggering not only outrage, but a call for major regulatory changes.

CASAREZ: Right, a full inspection, 1991. It was a different company. It stored a hazardous chemical. And then when it became a pollutant, under law, it didn't have to be regulated, it didn't have to be inspected anymore. And what we are learning from the Department of Environmental Protection is that, in fact, they are going to the legislature and they are looking for means so that this doesn't happen again. So that a company like this doesn't slip under, and in a loophole, so that it doesn't have to be regulated and thus inspected because that could have stopped all of this.

BLITZER: All right, Jean, thanks very much. Jean Casarez is reporting on all the latest information, disturbing information, from West Virginia.

Congressional leaders here in Washington are pushing beyond the partisanship to try to come up with a $1 trillion budget. Our Capitol Hill correspondent will examine some of the winners and the losers. She'll explain why Obamacare fits into both categories. That and a whole lot more news when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: President Obama has convened his cabinet for the first time in 2014 and he says there's a whole lot of work to do this year. The president praised congressional leaders for coming up with a new spending plan. The $1 trillion budget would fund the government through the end of September. He urged Congress to pass it right away.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: You know, I was very pleased to see the House and the Senate agree to a budget, and to put forward a bill that will fund our government at levels that allow us to take some important steps to provide the services and the help that Americans need and the American families need in order to get ahead in this economy. And so I would urge that Congress pass that funding measure as quickly as possible so that all these agencies have some certainty around their budgets.

(END VIDEO CLIP) BLITZER: The leaders have agreed so far, but it still hasn't been voted on by both chambers. The House hopes to vote tomorrow on the $1 trillion spending plan, the Senate later. Leaders from both parties agreed on the budget, so it probably will pass. It certainly provides a welcome break from partisan battles and forced spending cuts. Our Capitol Hill reporter, Lisa Desjardins, has been going over the budget.

Let's talk about winners and losers first. Some winners, Lisa. What do you see?

LISA DESJARDINS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Right. Let's just start with these winners. There are some agencies that got some big boosts. And one of the biggest programs, Wolf, is Head Start. Little kids across this country will benefit from $1 billion in additional funding that is in this deal for Head Start. That's over what Head Start was dealing with after budget cuts. That's a huge boost.

Another winner, paychecks for government workers. Both military personnel and most federal employees, people who work for agencies and the like, will see about a 1 percent increase. That may not sound like a lot, but that's the first pay raise that many federal workers have seen for three years now.

And then one last winner, Wolf, how about this, light bulbs. Old- school light bulbs. If you like your incandescent, inefficient light bulbs, this deal makes sure that you can keep buying them. It would stop the Obama administration from having any funding to enforce a changeover to more efficient light bulbs only. So, how about that?

BLITZER: Well, what about some of the losers, Lisa?

DESJARDINS: Yes, there are some losers. Of course, as some agencies gain, other agencies lose. And this is where Republicans will say they've had some wins.

Let's start with some of the agencies they don't like, the IRS. Of course, there was that Tea Party scandal in the last year and the IRS will now be down to 2009 funding levels. Another agency not popular with conservatives, Wolf, the EPA. The Environmental Protection Agency doesn't see a cut from last year in this budget, but it doesn't -- neither does it gain very much. And overall Republicans point out the EPA has been cut about 20 percent since 2010. So they are generally losers here.

And one last one, the nation of Russia. There are two provisions in this bill that would affect Russia. One, this would make it harder for the U.S. to buy weapons from Russia, including some controversial helicopters. There are some ways the U.S. can get around that. But also in this bill, this would say that the missile defense shield plan for Romania would go ahead. That's fully funded. And that's something Russia also does not like, Wolf.

BLITZER: Tell us why Obamacare is both a winner and a loser in this bill. DESJARDINS: Yes. Essentially, Obamacare comes up with a draw here. And that's because the Obamacare implementation goes forward. It is funded as it was. It does not gain any money, which is what Republicans wanted to prevent, but neither does it lose money. And as you know, Wolf, that Obamacare funding has been the linchpin in so many of these budget battles in the last year. The government shut down over that factor. But here we are with a giant spending bill and the Obamacare implementation funds, as they are now, will go forward. Those implementing Obamacare say they need more money. They're not getting it. So that's a loss. But nonetheless, they are able to go forward. And that is a change from these sharp, sharp policy funding debates we've seen over the health care law in the last year.

BLITZER: All right, Lisa, I know there's a lot more in this legislation, as well.

DESJARDINS: Yes.

BLITZER: We'll continue to discuss in the days to come. Lisa Desjardins joining us from Capitol Hill.

The governor, Chris Christie, is set to give a very important address in about 90 minutes or so. He's expected to talk about that bridge traffic scandal, among other subjects. Up next, I'll speak to one New Jersey congressman who wants to know, is there more to this than we've heard so far?

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