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Biden Not Running; Ryan's Conditions for Speaker; Trump Soars in Polls. Aired 2-2:30p ET

Aired October 21, 2015 - 14:00   ET

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[14:00:13] BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN ANCHOR: Breaking news here. You're watching CNN. I'm Brooke Baldwin.

We have breaking news out of Washington, D.C. The political man of mystery is not, I repeat, not running for president. Joe Biden, after months of speculation and guessing games and recent jabs at Hillary Clinton, revealed his decision moments ago alongside the president of the United States and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden. Let's let the vice president explain.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOE BIDEN, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: As my family and I have worked through the grieving process, I've said all along, what I've said time and again to others, that it may very well be that that process, by the time we get through it, closes the window on mounting a realistic campaign for president. That it might close. I've concluded it has closed.

I know from previous experience that there's no timetable for this process. The process doesn't respect or much care about things like filing deadlines or debates and primaries and caucuses. But I also know that I could do this if - I couldn't do this if the family wasn't ready. The good news is, the family has reached that point. But as I've said many times, my family has suffered loss, and I hope there would come a time - and I've said this to many other families - that sooner rather than later when you think of your loved one it brings a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eyes. Well, that's where the Bidens are today, thank God. Beau is our inspiration.

Unfortunately, I believe we're out of time. The time necessary to mount a winning campaign for the nomination. But while I will not be a candidate, I will not be silent. I intend to speak out clearly and forcefully to influence as much as I can where we stand as a party and where we need to go as a nation. And this is what I believe. I believe that President Obama has led this nation from crisis to recovery and we're now in the cusp of resurgence. I'm proud to have played a part in that. This party, our nation, will be making a tragic mistake if we walk away or attempt to undo the Obama legacy. The American people have worked too hard, and we've come too far for that. Democrats should not only defend this record, and protect this record, they should run on the record. We've got a lot of work to get done over the next 15 months, and

there's a lot of - the president - there's a lot that the president will have to get done. But let me be clear, that we'll be building on a really solid foundation. But it all starts with giving the middle class a fighting chance.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: Much to discuss here. Let me bring in our senior Washington correspondent, Jeff Zeleny, and CNN political commentator, Michael Smerconish, who also hosts CNN's "Smerconish."

Welcome, you two.

And, Jeff Zeleny, I mean we yanked you off vacation a couple of days ago because you had just the latest and greatest reporting on all things Joe Biden and now, you know, to many a surprise, not running. What happened?

JEFF ZELENY, CNN SENIOR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT: Right. Brooke, this is part of a process. And this is where a lot of his friends hoped that this would end up. So some people are wondering, hey, did the media get this wrong?

This has been a series of Joe Biden kind of unplugged in real time. He made so many phone calls to people to see if there was still time to run. But at the end of the day, he concluded that there simply wasn't time. But in that statement, so interesting, he said his family had signed on. In fact, one of his daughters-in-law was very much looking forward to a campaign. She's been doing media interviews. So he was reaching out to people. He wanted so much to run. But at the end of the day, I'm told he just didn't see a path to this and he decided this last night, I'm told, but he did not tell the president until today, until this morning. And the president, you know, said that he would be with him at his side to make this announcement in the Rose Garden. So certainly interesting.

So much reaction from across the Democratic Party. But the person who this affects the most, of course, is Hillary Clinton. She was, you know, expecting him to run. They were preparing for this. He, of course, has been, you know, offering a lesson to her. We thought they were warning shots actually saying, don't call Republicans your enemy. Actually, it was a bit of a lesson saying that, hey, we need to work with Republicans.

[14:05:12] But let's take a look at her statement. She issued it just a short time ago.

BALDWIN: OK.

ZELENY: It says, "I am confident that history isn't finished with Joe Biden. As he said today, there's more work to do. And if I know Joe, he will always be on the front lines, always fighting for all of us."

So, Brooke, of course she would like to get his endorsement. He is not endorsing anyone at this time. He'll stay very much involved in this campaign.

BALDWIN: Michael Smerconish, off of Jeff Zeleny's point about, you know, in the last couple of days, I think today was the fourth (ph) reference without saying the name Hillary Clinton, using the enemy's line in reference to what she said at the debate last Tuesday, and also when he said, what made news yesterday, about, you know, his stance on the OBL raid. What is this all about? I mean he said today, while I will not be a candidate, I will not be silent. Is this - is this a preview of his non-silence in the months to come?

MICHAEL SMERCONISH, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: Well, I think he intends to stay very active. The White House just released a transcript of the speech, and I know we all watched it, but, for me, it was more impactful to read the words and then to imagine that speech as a speech of an individual announcing his or her candidacy because, Brooke, if you change the first three paragraphs of that statement that he just offered -

BALDWIN: It's like a campaign speech.

SMERCONISH: And leave everything else intact, it's a campaign speech. And he lays out an entire platform. And, you know, I trust Jeff's reporting. He's much closer to the situation than I am. It sure looked from a distance as if he was getting in. And I only became convince in the last 24 hours that he would because of the about-face on Osama bin Laden. And he really wanted that record altered. And when you now look at what he said yesterday at GW and you put it in some context, seemingly it was not to cast himself apart from Hillary Clinton, but rather he wants to rewrite history in that regard. I'm not being critical, I just find that very curious.

BALDWIN: I - Jeff Zeleny, do you want to add anything to that? I agree with you, Michael Smerconish.

ZELENY: I mean Michael's right, everyone interpreted that as a sign that he was, you know, trying to clean up a little bit of history here. He was trying to put himself on the right side of what obviously was a successful raid. And, you know, it seemed as though that he was - you know, there are stark differences between Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden on foreign policy. She's much more of a hawk. He's much more of a dove, if you will, to simplify it.

But it - it - it sure seemed as that. But I think the bigger take-away is here, and he did it again today in the Rose Garden, like, this is his theme, this is his anthem, about working with Republicans. And so interesting that it's happening on the same day that Paul Ryan is essentially trying to get Republicans to unify. I mean -

BALDWIN: It's the same thing Paul Ryan is saying.

ZELENY: Right. And it's, you know, of course both of those men were running mates in 2012. So many differences between them. But a couple similarities now, Washington works as well. So I think that Joe Biden was intentionally trying to send that message to Hillary Clinton. I think if she had a do-over, she might not have said Republicans are her enemies because she will see that again and again in ads. But he is - he's being very intentional with his language here.

BALDWIN: What about, just quickly, Michael, to you, on the Republican side, Donald Trump. Of course he jumped on the Twitter and this is his tweet on this news. "I think Joe Biden made a correct decision for him and his family. Personally, I would rather run against Hillary because her record is so bad." Your reaction, sir?

SMERCONISH: My reaction is that even Joe Biden's statement that he's not running is about Donald Trump in Donald Trump's mind.

BALDWIN: Michael Smerconish and Jeff Zeleny, thank you both so much.

ZELENY: Thanks, Brooke.

BALDWIN: You laugh. I hear you. I hear that.

Make sure you watch Michael Smerconish every Saturday morning, 9:00 a.m. Eastern, right here on CNN.

Coming up next here, can one man unite a fractured Republican Party? We were just talking about him, Paul Ryan. He agrees he will run for the job he's never wanted, but he has demands. Can he win the Republicans who helped push out the current speaker, John Boehner? We'll talk with a member of the House Freedom Caucus next.

Also, 100 days, a major milestone for Donald Trump who remains the Republican front-runner, refusing to fade away as so many had predicted. We'll talk to someone who not only knows him, she runs one of his top hotels.

And later, not one drop of alcohol. Nothing. One group's advice to expecting mother that is shaking up this debate about drinking while pregnant.

You're watching CNN. Be right back.

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[14:13:51] BALDWIN: Welcome back. You're watching CNN. I'm Brooke Baldwin.

You just heard the big news of the day out of D.C., the vice president will not be running for president come 2016. That is the White House. Now for the headline from Capitol Hill. Paul Ryan says he is willing to become its next speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. But if he has his way, it will not be the same job that John Boehner is leaving. Ryan has set several conditions in order to take on that position that, remember, is second in line to the presidency.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. PAUL RYAN (R), WISCONSIN: This is not a job I've ever wanted, I've ever sought. I'm in the job I've always wanted here in Congress. I came to the conclusion that this is a very dire moment, not just for Congress, not just for the Republican Party, but for our country. And I think our country is in desperate need of leadership. (END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: The conditions Congressman Ryan is stipulating, here you go, support of three factions within in the House of Representatives, including the Freedom Caucus, who some blame for the current Republican leadership vacuum. Number two here, a rules change to make it more difficult to overthrow a sitting speaker. And the final demand, something that John Boehner himself said today can be done.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

[14:15:02] RYAN: The last point is personal. I cannot and I will not give up my family time.

REP. JOHN BOEHNER (R), HOUSE SPEAKER: I think - I think there's a way to do that and I've frankly outlined over the last week or so a way that Paul could do this differently than the way I did it.

QUESTION: And what way would that be?

BOEHNER: Well, we'll let him decide.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: I want to turn to an important person on this, Colorado Congressman Ken Buck, a member of the House Freedom Caucus.

Congressman Buck, thank you so much for joining me.

REP. KEN BUCK (R), HOUSE FREEDOM CAUCUS MEMBER: Thank you.

BALDWIN: We know that Congressman Ryan is set to meet with the Freedom Caucus in just about an hour and 45 minutes. What could he say to you, sir, that would mean you would absolutely support him?

BUCK: I think the Freedom Caucus is looking for a more open process. I think we're looking for a leader that is going to get on TV and advocate for the positions that Republicans take in the House. I respect the fact that he wants to spend more time with his family. I think that money has played too big a role in politics in D.C. and I think that the less fundraising he does, the better the - not just appearance but reality of how he's going to do his job.

BALDWIN: One of the conditions that we just ran through, congressman, you know, includes changing the rules, making it more difficult to overthrow a sitting speaker. And it was Congressman Raul Labrador from Idaho, a leader of your Freedom Caucus, calls that, quote, "a nonstarter." Do you agree with the congressman?

BUCK: Which congressman, Congressman Ryan or Congressman Labrador?

BALDWIN: Labrador. Good question.

BUCK: I believe that one person being able to file a motion may be able to be changed. I don't think we make it a two-thirds majority. I don't think we make it prohibitive of - for a motion to take down the speaker. I think that we have to make sure that if a speaker does something that embarrasses the House, that House members commits a crime or some other act, that the House can act quickly and take care of that issue. So I think there should be a measure in place -

BALDWIN: But let's say - let's say crime aside, when you're saying we make it prohibitive, transition, you don't like what Congressman Ryan is proposing in that regard?

BUCK: I don't like a ban on taking down a speaker until the next election two years later, no.

BALDWIN: What about his strategy here? I mean talking to a number of pundits, they're saying this is brilliant because here, you know, if your House Freedom Caucus does not green-light Congressman Ryan's wish list, then you lose. Hugh Hewitt, in a CNN op-ed, conservative Hugh Hewitt wrote, "we're about to see how self-destructive the Republican Party is." Your reaction?

BUCK: Well, I don't think it's a matter of being self-destructive. I think it's a matter of growing. We have reached a point where the party needs to come together. I think the party will come together. And I think we need to set the rules that we want to abide by. And I think Paul Ryan can do that. But I think it's going to take compromise by a lot of different groups in the house.

BALDWIN: So when you say come together, that means with Paul Ryan most likely as your leader.

BUCK: You know, I -I have yet to talk to the other people that at least last week were saying that they're going to run. So I am not ready to commit to Paul Ryan. But I think that he is one of the people that could bring the party together and have us move forward. I'm waiting to hear from him in an hour to see exactly what he's going to say.

BALDWIN: Right. OK, one of the people - let me follow up with that because we have a new CNN poll and it shows that the Republican has a 74 percent disapproval rating, Republican leaders in Congress. If not Paul Ryan, I know you want to hear from some others, who would be at the top of your "others" list?

BUCK: Well, I know Jason Chaffetz withdrew his nomination. I don't know if Marsha Blackburn is still running. I don't know - there - like I said, there were a number of people that floated their names last week. I just don't know who is still in at this point. And I'm anxious to talk to those folks.

BALDWIN: OK. And then just finally, the point about how Congressman Ryan does want to spend time with his family, how that is so totally important to him. You agree with that? You want to allow him to be able to go home? It's a tough job, isn't it?

BUCK: I - it is a - it's a very tough job and, you know, credit to John Boehner for spending years traveling the country and doing fundraisers and promoting Republicans and Republican issues around the country. But I think it took a lot away from John Boehner in terms of being able to work with the media and advocate for the positions that we're looking for. I think each speaker defines their role and I think Paul Ryan will be different than his predecessors.

BALDWIN: All right, Congressman Buck, thank you so much for the time. You've got a big meeting ahead too. I really appreciate it.

BUCK: Thank you.

BALDWIN: You got it.

Coming up, Donald Trump topping the polls. Listen, this is what we're saying every day now. It's been, what, four months? Next, we'll talk to someone who knows him quite well. Suzie Mills. She's the general manager of the Trump Hotel and Tower here just off Central Park in New York. What is it like, all these years, to work for Mr. Trump? Don't miss Suzie's take.

[14:19:54] Plus, Senator Barbara Boxer, her reaction to the news that the vice president will not be running for president. We'll also get her to take on Carly Fiorina's campaign as she ran against Fiorina in 2010 and beat her. Stay with me.

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BALDWIN: A new day, a new poll and, once again, it is Donald Trump in the top spot among his Republican rivals. Look at the numbers with me. The latest ABC News/"Washington Post" poll shows Trump soaring at 32 percent. And more leaning Republicans don't just think he has the best shot at winning the nomination. Forty-three percent also believe he has the best chance of winning the general election. And a lot of pundits, supporters, they're saying that these pollsters are voting on his personality, not his politics. So joining me now is someone who knows that personality oh so well. She is Suzie Mills, the general manager of the Trump International Hotel and Tower, just across the way from us here in Central Park.

Good to see you, Suzie Mills.

[14:25:00] SUZIE MILLS, GENERAL MANAGER, TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL AND TOWER: Nice to see you, Brooke.

BALDWIN: So you have been working for Mr. Trump for 19 years?

MILLS: Yes, 19 years.

BALDWIN: In those years, did you ever hear him say, I want to be president of the United States?

MILLS: A few years ago, yes, I did hear him say those words.

BALDWIN: Can you - what was he - what did he say about that and what was the reaction in the room?

MILLS: He was excited about the prospect, which was great to hear, and we were all excited for him.

BALDWIN: Was there anyone saying, oh, come on, you're not really going to do that?

MILLS: No. Everybody was very supportive.

BALDWIN: OK. You have known his kids. You have known Ivanka since she was itty-bitty, right?

MILLS: She was still in school.

BALDWIN: Still in school.

MILLS: Absolutely.

BALDWIN: Can - it was the first time we really heard from his daughter last week with Poppy Harlow at the Fortune Women's Forum and she talked about her relationship with her father. But someone who's known her for so long, can you just describe that relationship?

MILLS: Ivanka has an amazing relationship with her father. He is so respectful of the job that she does. Likewise with myself, he's extremely respectful of the job that I do. He is very encouraging. He's always very encouraging to all of his children and knows what an amazing job they do of running his company and is very confident with the job that they do each and every day to make sure that Trump Hotel Collection is the best hotel collection in the USA.

BALDWIN: Are you surprised Ivanka Trump isn't more involved in the campaign?

MILLS: I think Ivanka's focus is obviously to be building her own brand, as well as the hotel collection and the development of the Trump Organization. And she's very, very busy. A very busy working mom trying to balance everything.

BALDWIN: When you look at some of these Donald Trump rallies, you know, I think most people would assume, of course, he's this billionaire, real estate, TV mogul. Of course he'll have, you know, the support from white collar folks. But a lot of, you know, blue collar Americans attend these rallies as well. Does that surprise you?

MILLS: It doesn't surprise me. I think he's speaking to a lot of people. He's stirring a lot of pots that needed to be stirred. And I think he'll do an amazing job.

BALDWIN: What pot needed stirring, you think?

MILLS: Well, I'm not going to get into the politics.

BALDWIN: OK.

MILLS: Obviously he hired me to do a great job of running the best hotel in New York City, which is what I'm doing, and I leave all of the politics up to him.

BALDWIN: OK. Can you just tell me a story of how Donald Trump is behind closed doors in meetings? I know you're in meetings with him quarterly at least during the year. What is he like personality wise with everyone?

MILLS: He is so supportive of the job that I do and so respectful of the job that I do. He wants to know every single detail about the hotel, what's going on, who's checking in, how busy we are, when we do a renovation. He gets into the intricate details. We get -

BALDWIN: Down to the renovations of the hotel.

MILLS: Down to the renovation of picking the size of the television was the last project that we did.

BALDWIN: You have to be kidding me.

MILLS: It's his baby and he really cares. His attention to detail is absolutely phenomenal. And I always admire that about him is his attention to detail. Every time he walks into the building, every time we look at something to buy, he makes sure that that is perfect. He will not settle for anything else.

BALDWIN: "Saturday Night Live," he'll be on November 7th.

MILLS: Yes.

BALDWIN: You haven't had any back-and-forth. You haven't given him any tips on how to be in any of these skits yet? (INAUDIBLE).

MILLS: I haven't given him any pointers. No, I have not given him any pointers on that.

BALDWIN: We - we know, though, on a serious note, that some Hispanic groups, they are furious over this. They want him - you know, they want to boycott. They're furious with NBC for putting him on an entire show. How do you think he will do?

MILLS: I think he will do great. He is able to laugh at himself. And I think he will give a phenomenal performance. And I'm sure it will probably be the highest rated show that "Saturday Night Live" has ever had.

BALDWIN: And I'm sure he will tell us all about how it was the highest rated show -

MILLS: He's something (ph) else (ph).

BALDWIN: For some time. Suzie Mills, thank you so much, general manager of Trump International Hotel and Tower. Thank you so much for swinging by.

MILLS: Thank you, Brooke. Thank you.

BALDWIN: Next, Hillary Clinton behind closed doors preparing for tomorrow's grilling by Republicans on Benghazi. We'll speak live with Senator Barbara Boxer about the showdown and the big news today out of our nation's capital, the fact that Joe Biden has decided not to run for president.

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