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President Trump Wraps Up his U.K. Visit; GOP Lawmakers Opposes Trump's Tariffs on Mexico; Trump Administration Impose New Travel Rules to Cuba; Cardinal Pell Hoping to Walk Free from Charges; Parkland Chief Ousted Facing Charges; At Least 60 People Killed In Sudan Violence; Trump In The United Kingdom; Thousands Protest Trump's Visit To London; 75 Years After D-Day; Dangers Of Climate Change; 2020 U.S. Presidential Election; CNN Presidential Polls; Amazon On The Hudson; Larry Throws Shade. Aired 3-4a ET
Aired June 05, 2019 - 03:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[03:00:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ROSEMARY CHURCH, CNN ANCHOR: Hello, everyone, and thanks for joining us. I'm Rosemary Church. You are watching CNN Newsroom.
Ahead this hour, Donald Trump goes for pageantry's straight into British politics. Th U.S. president meets one Brexiteer and praises another during his second day in the United Kingdom.
Plus, the most senior Catholic official convicted of child sex abuse is now trying to be set free. We will have the latest on Cardinal George Pell's legal appeal.
And later, a countdown to a global catastrophe. The new report that warrants climate change is an existential threat to human civilization.
Glad you can join us. Well, U.S. President Donald Trump's third and final day of his state visit begins in a few hours with a D-Day commemoration. Back home, he's facing opposition from his own party over his plan to raise tariffs on Mexico.
Jim Acosta has our report.
JIM ACOSTA, CNN CHIEF WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Meeting Charles in London and telling Britain how it should run its internal affairs President Trump is facing some palace of his own back home. As members of his own party are rejecting his plan to slap tariffs on Mexican imports.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I don't think they will do that, if they do that it's foolish. There's nothing more important than borders. I've had tremendous Republican support. I have a 90 percent -- 94 percent approval rating out of this morning in Republican Party.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: Senate Republicans are growing increasingly anxious over the president's plan.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL (R-KY), MAJORITY LEADER: There is not much support in conference for tariffs, that's for sure.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: As some in the GOP say there could be enough supporting Congress to block the tariffs. They are set to go into effect next week.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. RAND PAUL (R-KY): And I really do think that there may be enough numbers of people who think that shouldn't be allowing one person to make this decision. That we actually may have enough to override a veto on this.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: The Republican revolt back in Washington comes as the president is dabbling in British politics. Standing next to outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May Mr. Trump touted some of her possible successors.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: I know Boris, I like him. I've like him for a long time.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: While he lashed out at Britain's Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: I think that he is from where I come from, somewhat of a negative force.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: And continued his war of words with London's mayor.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: I think he should actually focus on his job. He'd be a lot better if he did that.
SADIQ KHAN, MAYOR OF LONDON: You know this is something I expect from an 11-year-old.
(END VIDEO CLIP) ACOSTA: The president also try to rewrite history about Britain's ongoing effort to withdraw from the European Union. While Mr. Trump correctly stated he once predicted Brexit would pass. He got his facts wrong as to where he said it, claiming that took place at his golf course in Scotland in 2016.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: Some of you remember that prediction, it was a strong prediction made at a certain location on a development we are opening the day before it happened.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: But that's not true, when Mr. Trump travel to his golf resort the Brexit vote had already happened.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: It's an amazing vote. It's very historic. I'm very happy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: The president did find time to praise Prime Minister May though he said she shouldn't have taken his advice and sue the European Union to force a Brexit deal.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: I would have sued, but that's OK. I would've sued and settled maybe, but you never know.
THERESA MAY, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: I've always talked openly with you, Donald, when we have taken a different approach and you've done the same with me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ACOSTA: Despite that display of warmth there was a frosty reception on the streets of London where thousands of e protesters taunted Mr. Trump who refused to accept that these large demonstrations actually happened.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: There were thousands of people cheering, and then I heard that there was a protest. I said where the protest? I don't see any protest, I did see a small protest today when I came, very small. So, a lot of it is fake news, I hate to say.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: All right. Our Jim Acosta with that report. And political analyst James Boys joins us now from London. Good to see you again.
JAMES BOYS, POLITICAL ANALYST: Good morning, Rosemary. CHURCH: So, in the joint news conference held by President Trump and
British Prime Minister Theresa May Tuesday. Mr. Trump said everything was on the table when working out a trade deal with Britain including the National Health Service.
Mrs. May jump in of course to clarify saying it would all be negotiated but perhaps the damage was done. Later on, morning television he set the record straight saying this. Let's bring that up.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: I don't see it being on the table, somebody asked me a question today and I said everything is up for negotiation because everything is, but I don't see that being. That's something that I would not consider part of trade. That's not trade.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: So, President Trump walking back his early comment about DNA shares being part of a future trade deal.
[03:05:00] But there still has many Britons on edge. And last hour you mentioned that you though perhaps the president didn't really know what exactly the NHS was when he made those earlier comments at the news conference.
Now if that's the case, how worried does that make you if he's planning on working on what he calls a phenomenal trade deal with Britain?
BOYS: I think it's interesting and important to keep things in a degree of context. I think Donald Trump has an awful lot of people and names thrown at him. He was asked with regard to an individual Michael Gove, for example, who he claimed that he didn't know but of course he's actually met.
And I think a lot of people are really sort of passing an awful lot of what the president's words that's being said at this point. And that's important, of course, because he is the president and his words matter.
But I think that we need to keep this into broader context. Very clearly, there is going to be a whole host of wide-ranging discussions and negotiations about any future trade deal.
There will be obviously a place at the table for issues to do with American pharmaceuticals companies who are going to want to get access to the British market as part of that. Whether we like that or not, that is an inevitability of it.
But I think the extent to which fears are being thrown around about some sort privatization through the back door of the National Health Service through this are being widely exaggerated, in part by the president's critics who frankly, could jump all over the president on this trip for any situation quite frankly including his attire, what his children are wearing. And I think we need to keep this in context.
Yes, let's criticize the president for policies that we disagree with. But let's also recognize that he is a vital ally for this country whether we agree with him personally or not.
CHURCH: Right. And President Trump denied seeing any protests or any protesters as well in London. Calling all of that fake news. You are there in London, what are the protests like there? How big are they? And why is it that the president apparently can't see them?
BOYS: I think it's important to remember that when the president travels around anywhere quite frankly, but certainly here in Central London he's kept very much within a security bubble for his own protection. He was flying around Central London on Marine One for the most part.
When he did make the journey to Downing Street in The Beast he did certainly go past a crowd of protesters outside Downing Street as some of you imagery has shown. From his point of view, there were certainly individuals flying the American flag and waving in his support, just as there were protesters gathered to oppose his visit.
Many of those protesters were kept a long way away from where he was, they were in parliament square, they were in Trafalgar Square where they were addressed by Jeremy Corbyn.
It's important to note, I think some of these were clearly organized by groups such as socialist workers here who would expect to take a staunch view against any Republican president quite frankly.
So, the protest numbers were down on last year as your report that you screened a little bit earlier in his hour showed. There were protests, I think the president is quite right to say the numbers were down. But they were certainly there.
CHURCH: Right. And Theresa May went to great pains to emphasize what she called the precious and profound friendship between the two nations. Mr. Trump praised Mrs. May for her handling of Brexit despite criticizing her just a couple of months ago.
What did you make of the overarching on both sides to end this relationship in a better place?
BOYS: I thought there was a concerted effort to do so. You don't get much of a better compliment in Donald Trump than to be called a better negotiator than he is quite frankly, I was quite staggered by that remark.
But also, Theresa May was at great length to try to smooth the way for her successor and their eventual relationship with an American president by reminding all concerned and all present that the relationship between the United States and Great Britain would continue irrespective of whoever was sitting in the Oval Office or in Downing Street.
And, of course, this trip has been very important to cement those ties. Far too many people have been lamenting the death of the special relationship over the last couple of days. I think the exact opposite.
I think this trip goes to show that irrespective of the individual occupants of the Oval Office or in Downing Street that those relationships are strong and will continue. Because it's ultimately, in the national interest of both nations for it to do so.
CHURCH: James Boys, always great to chat with you. Thank you.
BOYS: Thank you, Rosemary.
CHURCH: Well, in just a few hours, President Trump is to head to Portsmouth for a D-Day commemoration. And that is where our Phil Black joins us now live. Good to see you again, Phil.
[03:09:57] Of course, the president set to join other world leaders for this D-Day commemoration and to emphasize the strong bond between the U.S. and Britain and also the other countries involved.
Talk to us about the symbolism of all of this, and of course their shared history.
PHIL BLACK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Sure. It's hugely symbolic and hugely significant memorial. To remember a day that defined modern Europe. It was the biggest amphibious assault ever, it was a hugely complex military operation that saw 130,000 more transported across the English Channel to land on the beaches of Normandy under heavy fire, around 18,000 dropped in from the sky, as well.
And all of this was so important because it really changed the momentum of the Second World War. It led to the liberation of Western Europe and contributed significantly to the end results, allied victory over Nazi Germany.
It's being remembered here in Portsmouth today because this is where a lot of the vessels sailed off from. And the central focus of the memorial will be those who lived through it. Those who have memories of that operation, the surviving veterans, men now in their 90s who actually stormed those beaches dropped from the sky or provided vital support from the sea and the air as well.
Their courage and sacrifice will be remembered and honored, as well of course those who did not live through the operation.
The other big theme here though, that you're touching on, Rosemary, will be, of course, the international cooperation that was required to pull this off. The planning and the execution.
Fourteen countries involved made this happen. And the lesson from all of that. And I think we're going to hear about it or hear about this a little today and that is essentially what can be achieved when countries work together on this sort of scale, Rosemary.
CHURCH: Yes. And of course, we heard the queens toast to the U.S. president Monday, she emphasized the importance of the relationship with the United States and of course other traditional allies that shared sacrifices made during the Second World War and of course post- war institution set up to safeguard that hard-won peace.
And it's a message the prime minister has also been stressing. Wondering if there is a sense that that message has been received by the president. A very diplomatic message given what he has said about allies in the past?
BLACK: Indeed. No doubt the overwhelming theme of this state visit particularly from the British side has been the importance of the relationship, the enduring relationship, the shared history, the shared values all that has been accomplished together in that historical sense. Regardless of who happens to be the leader of any given country at any given time.
You are going to hear more of that again today, I think, that again will be the theme. It's about remembering this moment in history and what was achieved, its legacy, its overall importance in that grandeur historical context.
Again, the importance of countries working together to achieve things in that way. And again, the greater importance that that has in a big picture sense as oppose to who happens to be here, who happens to be the individual leaders.
And there will be 15 international leaders hosted here by the U.K. as these commemorations unfold.
CHURCH: Many thanks to our Phil Black joining us live there from Portsmouth in England. As we await those D-Day commemorations, and it is coming up to 8.15 in the morning there. Thanks again.
Well, the Trump administration is cracking down on travel to Cuba and U.S. airlines are already responding. Delta is taking action while United and Southwest are reviewing the new rules.
CNN's Patrick Oppman explains the latest restrictions.
PATRICK OPPMANN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: If you are U.S. citizen and you are hoping to go to Cuba and having planned your trip as yet, you may have waited too long.
The Trump administration on Tuesday roll back much of the Obama era opening with a communist run eye on, it is going to be much more difficult for U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba.
Now, the Trump administration said that essentially, what they've done is made it illegal to go to Cuba as a tourist that what they called veiled tourism that even though tourism is restricted and travels is restricted to Cuba.
Now one category people to be -- people travel will no longer be allowed. These were the organized group tours. Also, how people came to Cuban on U.S. cruise ships and that will no longer be prohibited. It's not clear if cruises will be prohibited as well. But it's going to be a lot tougher for Americans to go to the island.
It's essentially rolling back the changes that were made under President Obama. And the Trump administration said they are doing this because of Cuba's assistance to Venezuela, Cuba's backing to the Maduro regime and the Cuban's, quote, a communist foothold in the region.
[03:15:01] This will obviously have an impact on the Cuban government. Hotels were full with Americans. Americans were the second largest category of travelers after Canadians.
So, this will hurt the Cuban government. It's also going to hurt U.S. cruises, U.S. airlines because you have less people coming from the U.S. and Cuban entrepreneurs, these are people who have open up restaurants, and Airbnb's and apartment rentals to meet this increase demand of all these Americans coming.
And there will be many, many less Americans coming because even though while some categories of travelers will still be allowed. This was really how many, if not most Americans came to the island and then will now be prohibited.
President Trump says that he's taking a very different tactic towards Cuba, much more sanctions, and the Cuban economy which is already suffering will likely suffer even more.
Patrick Oppman, CNN, Mexico City.
CHURCH: He is a cardinal, a former aide to the pope and a convicted child molester. Now there is a chance George Pell could walk free. The latest on his appeal, that's coming up.
Plus, a sheriff's deputy faces charges for what he didn't do during a school shooting. Were back in just a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CHURCH: The Florida sheriff's deputy who came under heavy criticism for his actions during a school shooting is now facing charges.
Scot Peterson announce his retirement shortly after last year shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. He was formally terminated Tuesday at a disciplinary hearing.
Mary Moloney has the details.
MARY MOLONEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: On February 14th 2018, as a gunman killed students and staff inside a Parkland Florida High School. Scot Peterson was outside behind stairwell. The Broward County deputy assigned to protect the students at the school had his gun drawn and wore his bullet-proof vest, but he stood shielded away from the gunfire.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He stood there for some 45, 48 minutes and did nothing.
(END VIDEO CLIP) MOLONEY: Seventeen people died in the attack.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LORI ALHADEFF, PARKLAND VICTIM'S MOTHER: He needs to go to jail and he needs to serve a lifetime in prison for not going in that day and taking down the threat that led to the death of our loved ones.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
[03:19:55] MOLONEY: More than 15 months after the shooting, Peterson was arrested by the deputies from the department he used to serve.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We swore an oath to protect the public that we serve. If you don't do your job you will be held accountable.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MOLONEY: Peterson faces 11 counts including felony child neglect, negligence and perjury. His attorney bows to fight the charges which he calls politically motivated retribution.
Parkland parents say the developments are bittersweet.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We missed our children every day and there is nothing that's going to bring them back and we know that. But it just hurt so much and I know that whatever comes our way doesn't bring them back.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MOLONEY: I'm Mary Moloney reporting.
CHURCH: We turn to Australia now, and police say a man released on parole earlier this year has been arrested for killing at least four people during a mass shooting in Darwin. It's not clear what triggered the attack, but police are ruling out terrorism.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHAEL GUNNER, CHIEF MINISTER, NORTHERN TERRITORY: I understand when an event like this occurs especially considering recent global events. People fears turned to terrorism. I can confirm that we do not believe this is a terrorism incident.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: Police are still trying to establish a motive for the shooting and the investigation is ongoing.
Well, he was once one of the most powerful men in the Roman Catholic Church, now Australian Cardinal George Pell is in court appealing his convictions on child sex abuse. A former Vatican treasurer was sentenced to six years in prison back in March, for molesting two choirboys.
If his convictions are overturned, he could walk free.
For more, CNN's Anna Coren is live in Melbourne. Good to see you again, Anna. So, what is the latest on all of this and what is the legal argument for George Pell?
ANNA COREN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Rosemary, today has wrapped up and we are waiting for George Pell to leave the Supreme Court and head back to the Melbourne assessment prison. A few blocks from where we are here at the Supreme Court. And of course, that is where he's been for the past three months after receiving his six-year sentence.
The legal argument for the appeal is that these were unreasonable verdicts, that is at the core of it. His defense team says that the testimony and the evidence of the sole surviving choirboy could not convince the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that Pell in fact sexually abuse these choirboys back in 1996, 1997 when he was the archbishop of Melbourne at St. Patrick's Cathedral not far from where we are standing.
We heard from his barrister Bret Walker today who said it was virtually impossible for Pell to commit these crimes. He said, quote, "the offending not only did not occur but could not have occurred." And that's what they were trying to illustrate today that it was impossible for Pell to have molested these boys. That the cathedral was busy. It was after Sunday mass that somebody would have seen. So that is the heart of their legal argument.
He has to convinced two of the three appeal court judges who have been forensically examining this evidence and this testimony. They have seen everything that the jury has seen.
Legal argument, Rosemary, in this country is very divided as to which way this will go. There are experts who say that Pell has a very good chance of getting off and walking free. Because, perhaps these verdicts were unreasonable.
There is the other school of thought that says the court of appeal is extremely reluctant to overturn the decision of the jury. Because it was the jury that heard this evidence, they heard the testimony, they believed this choirboy.
They found him to be credible, to be trustworthy so much so that they convicted George Pell of five counts of child sex abuse.
Now, the other choirboy who was molested, he died in 2014 of a heroin overdose. His father blames George Pell, he says that Pell destroyed his son's life. We spoke to his lawyer earlier today. Take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LISA FLYNN, ATTORNEY: I've spoken to her client this morning, he's feeling a nervous and anxious but also somewhat relieved that this day has come. Ever since George Pell did indicate that he was going to appeal the conviction, this has been hanging over our client's head. So, in some ways he is relieved that we will have a decision soon.
[03:24:58] But obviously, he is also feeling really anxious that the court of appeal could overturned George Pell's conviction in relation to the sexual offenses against his son.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COREN: That was Lisa Flynn from Shine Lawyers representing the father of the deceased choirboy. He of course has launched a civil suit.
Now, this has been livestreamed throughout the day. It's the second time that the Supreme Court of Victoria has done this. And that gives you an indication of the level of interest the high public interest in this case, and also, they want to be as transparent as possible.
George Pell will reappear here tomorrow. We will hear from the prosecution as to why the verdict should not be overturned. The conviction should not be overturned. So that will make up tomorrow's legal argument.
At this stage, Rosemary, we're thinking it's highly unlikely that the court of appeal will hand down a decision. You never know. But it's looking like it might come in coming weeks, some lawyers say in the coming months. Either way, Rosemary, both sides can appeal to the high court. So, the saga is far from ending anytime soon, Rosemary.
CHURCH: Most definitely. Our Anna Coren bringing us up to date on the situation there from Melbourne, Australia and coming up to 5.30 in the afternoon early evening. Many thanks.
And coming up here, honoring those who gave their lives for freedom. We will talk to veterans who fought in the battle of Normandy the beginning of the end of the Second World War.
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CHURCH: Welcome back, everyone. You are watching CNN Newsroom. I'm Rosemary Church.
Let's check the headline for you this hour.
U.S. President Trump is promising a phenomenal trade deal with the U.K. But his suggestion that the National Health Service would be on the table in talks was met with immediate opposition. He walked the comment back later.
In a few hours from now, President Trump will join world leaders at the D-Day commemoration.
Cardinal George Pell arrived at an Australian court hours ago to appeal his child sex abuse conviction. He was sentenced to six years in prison for molesting two choirboys. His lawyers argue the former Vatican treasurer did not get a fair trial. If judges overturned his conviction, he could walk free. [03:29:55] A doctor's group says at least 60 people are now dead after
Monday's attack on Sudanese protesters. Security forces formed (inaudible) sit in as demonstrators called for civilian rule after the violence the country's military leader said, he wanted election in nine months. He also said all deals with the opposition are canceled.
Well, President Trump's public feud with London's mayor is heating up. Before landing in the U.K. for his state visit, Mr. Trump tweeted that Sadiq Khan was a stone cold loser. It came after Khan wrote an editorial comparing Mr. Trump to fascists of the 20th century. Then during a press conference with the outgoing Prime Minister, Mr. Trump had some more words for Khan.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Well, I think he has been a not very good mayor from what I understand. He has done a poor job, crime is up, a lot of problems and I don't think he should be criticizing a representative of the United States that can do so much good for the United Kingdom. We've talked about it before, he should be positive not negative. He is a negative force not a positive force.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: Meanwhile, Khan had some strong words of his own. He spoke with CNN's chief international correspondent, Clarissa Ward.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SADIQ KHAN, LONDON MAYOR: This is what I expect from 11-year-old. For him to decide on how to behave is not up to me to respond -- it's beneath me to do childish tweets and name calling.
CLARISSA WARD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: What made you decide to write what you wrote about him though? Because some people will say, hold on you were egging him on?
KHAN: I'm quite worried about what I'm seeing across Europe and across my country where you've got far right parties, a far right movement that in previous years are on the fringes. It's not being normalize in the mainstream and they see Donald Trump as opposed to void.
WARD: Some people say though, the U.K. is in a moment where it need to be pragmatic. It needs to look ahead to a bilateral trade deal. Do you worry at all that your comments could potentially jeopardize the U.K.'s working relationship with the U.S. in the future? Particularly if President Trump is reelected?
KHAN: Well, those people who say it's wonderful for us to leave the European Union, even without the deal, because we have a good deal with the U.S. This demonstrates why (inaudible) and the Donald Trump bask is unwise, because you know, we know he's mood changes from hour to hour. He can be upset by a (inaudible) in a Sunday newspaper to the extent. Where he resolves to name calling from Air Force One. (END VIDEO CLIP)
CHURCH: Well, some people in London made it clear that President Trump was not welcome there, when thousands turned up to protest his state visit. CNN's Nick Paton Walsh as our report.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NICK PATON WALSH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, President Donald Trump said, he saw love and admiration and so many words in the protests. And certainly when he saw his convoy drive past this Parliament Square. We think, he was probably in the vehicle, he would've heard the intense booing of this small contingent of maybe about 10,000 or so protestors in total who gathered up into Trafalgar Square, up for the main protest.
Significantly smaller numbers than a year ago, no doubt about that, but the same method again what may say is the phobia -- islamophobia of Donald Trump, the message of unity. In fact express by believing U.K. opposition politician Jeremy Corbyn, who address that particular crowd. They weren't allowed down the main street, close enough the Donning Street, (inaudible) opens its gate, but they were certainly all about inside there.
But I have to say, then it was the rain that did much of the job in terms of lessening the embarrassment potentially for Theresa May, the British Prime Minister of this kind of protest here at the very heart of government, the numbers radically dropped and in fact we've seen really slowly people go home here and then eventually one or two pro- Trump supporters and up surrounded by anti-Trump protest.
And in two occasions take away by police they said for their own protection, a larger group over there too. In fact left surrounded by anti-Trump protesters as well. But essentially in this political climate, frankly, whether who shouts loudest feels that they've won, it was the anti-Trump protests today, they made the most amount of noise those who are her in support at the American president, probably really dozens in their numbers at best. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, Central London.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CHURCH: Well, 75 years ago the largest seaboard invasion in history was waiting to begin. It would change the world and it signaled the beginning of the end for the Second World War. And would help lead to the Europe we know today, it was D-Day, in the upcoming hours, on the eve of the 75th anniversary. Britain will host a tribute to the thousands of allied soldiers who died as part of the remembrance.
Sixteen nations have signed a proclamation saying this, over the last 75 years, are nations have stood up for peace in Europe and globally for the democracy, tolerance and the rule of law. We recommit today to those shared values, because they support the stability and prosperity of our nations and our people.
[03:35:04] We will work together as allies and friends to defend these freedoms whenever they are threatened. It is their responsibility to ensure the unimaginable horror of war -- of World War II is never repeated.
Well, there were 10,000 allied casualties on the very first day. One veteran told us that it was the high price of freedom. The D-Day vets, now in their nineties are heading back to Europe to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Our Jim Bittermann, is following in their footsteps as they returns to the enormity beaches where they landed 75 years ago.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JIM BITTERMANN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: The first time Vern Ollar sailed along the Normandy Coast, it was an exactly on board a luxury cruise ship. It was 75 years ago where and his transport was a military landing craft heading for Omaha Beach on the coast of France. He barely got there, his boat got hit and he almost drowned wave down by heavy motor equipment, but Ollar survive.
VERN OLLAR, 81ST CHEMICAL MORTAR BATTALION: We lost a lot of guys, and I always get a lump in my throat, because all those guys -- we had almost 2000 D-Day just out of Omaha, 18, 19, 20, 21-year-old guys. It makes me -- I get choked up.
BITTERMANN: At 98 years old, Ollar has come back along with 17 other vets on a tour organized by the National World War II museum in New Orleans. Scores and allied veterans now at least in their 90s, are in Normandy for this anniversary of D-Day, the last salute some are calling. It is not sure how many more years there will be old soldiers around to share their living memory.
PAUL HILLARD, CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM: I keep that memory alive with me, there was a very high price paid for that freedom. So, value it, so that's -- I guess that's what we are trying to bring forward is the value of freedom.
BITTERMANN: So much of this year's commemoration is about remembrance. Not only for those who are here on Omaha Beach, but for those who weren't for those who never knew or for that -- exactly how much of modern Europe and today's world is based on what happened here 75 years ago.
Long gone are the generals and colonels who gave the orders and understood the bigger picture and how important it was for D-Day landings to establish a toe hold on a continent that have lost its freedom. Those who came back this anniversary, were well down in the ranks. Like paratrooper Guy Whidden, who says, he was just doing his job.
GUY WHIDDEN, 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION: I always thought god was with me. I don't remember any fear at all, some apprehension not knowing exactly what was happening.
BITTERMANN: To help the vets and others understand just that. The importance of what they were part of. There were lectures and seminars on board their cruise ship to put D-Day in context. And there was musical nostalgia to bring back a happy memory or two of what will be like to feel young again.
But mostly thought this anniversary are serious about an event many hear like Ollar. Say change their lives and change the world forever. Jim Bittermann, CNN, on the Normandy coast of France.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CHURCH: And coming up next, Byron glaciers, lethal heat, a new report is calling climate change an existential threat to us all and I've been talking to one of Americas top environmentalist. His views on the dangers of climate change, that is ahead.
[03:40:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CHURCH: An Australian think tank says climate change could devastate society by 2050, posing an existential threat. In their report, the Melbourne based group attempted to model future scenarios based on existing research. The group says a doomsday future is not inevitable, but drastic action is needed now.
And climate change carries a huge price tag, as well. Nearly one trillion dollars to the world's biggest companies. That is according to the charity, CDP, formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project. Nearly 7000 companies, including Microsoft, Apple, JPMorgan Chased, and Visa responded to its 2018 survey.
So, let's take a closer look at all of this with environmentalist Bill McKibben. Good to have you with us.
BILL MCKIBBEN, FOUNDER, 350 ORG: Rosemary, good to be with you.
CHURCH: So, two alarming new climate reports, the one from Australia suggests global warming could pose an existential threat by 2050 if swift in dramatic action is not taken. Warning of the displacement of more than a billion people, food shortages, and the partial abandonment of large global cities. It is of course, a doomsday scenario here, how plausible is it do you think?
MCKIBBEN: Well, look, today in India the temperatures reaching 123 Fahrenheit over 50 degrees Celsius, we saw last summer the hottest temperatures reliably recorded in the history of the planet, 129 degrees, and a series of cities across the mid-east and India. The human body can survive at 129 degrees Fahrenheit for only a few hours. If you can't cool yourself off. And so if we are already seeing those kind of temperatures with a one degree centigrade global temperature increase. You understand why the scientists aren't convinced that that will mean large parts of the planet will be like that inside of a few decades.
CHURCH: So, what action needs to be taken right now? To slow this process down?
MCKIBBEN: There's no mystery about climate change. It's caused by the combustion of coal and gas, and oil we need to stop it. Happily, we have an alternative now. The engineers have done their job and the price of solar panel or wind turbine has dropped 90 percent in the last decade. Now we have the fossil fuel industry in the way doing whatever they can to hold on to their business model. The only way to square that circle is for people to rise up in the next big chance of course, will be these global all ages climate strike in September 20th. That we are helping to organize. We expected to be the largest day of protest about climate change in the planet's history and that's the kind of citizen (inaudible), going to take to push our leaders to do the right thing.
CHURCH: Right. And of course the other report from the charity CDP warns that climate change could cost the world's largest public companies nearly one trillion dollars over the next five years. But adds that opportunity for new products and services to reduce environmental damage could prove profitable. What's your reaction to that report?
[03:45:00] MCKIBBEN: Well, look, there's not enough money on earth to really cope with the scale of what's coming if want global warming continue and evade it. And the first to (inaudible), is people who bear the brunt of this, of course, you people -- the poorest people on the planet who done the least to cause the problem. And they are probably not so worried about the entire economics of this.
They are about the fact that their (inaudible) are simply drying up. Or that the ocean is overtaking their island, or whatever. But for people in the rich world, look this is the greatest economic challenge that we've ever faced. Lord Stern said a decade ago, that it would be a greater cost than World War I, World War II and the great depression to mind when he revisited this report a few years ago, he said, he had grievously underestimated the caused.
So, hang on to your pocket books, the cost of making the transition into a renewable energy is infinitely smaller than the coast of just steaming ahead into a hot world.
CHURCH: All right, and that report published Tuesday by CDP surveyed nearly 7000 large companies and the findings concluded Coca-Cola warning there may not be enough clean water to make Coke. Bank of America's concern customers made a fault on their mortgages if flood insurance becomes unaffordable to these extreme weather conditions. Disney says it may be too hot to attend its theme parks and Apple worries it could lose millions in lost services and sales due to severe weather. Now these are major concerns for these big companies. So, what are they doing to lobby and to combat climate change?
MCKIBBEN: Not enough. Is the short answer, they all have been lobbying operations in Capitol Hill or in Brussels where all the other places that matter, but they don't used them to go after climate change. They are always worried about a new tax break for their industry or whatever it is. And so they left lobbying over climate change to the exons, and Shells and Chevrons of the world. And their views, they are lobbying might to make sure that nothing will ever change this.
As I say, that is why citizens have had to stand up and it is why we've seen this massive global (inaudible) movement from fossil fuel shares. It's why people are standing up to some of the big banks. That will be a big target during this climate strike in September 20th.
CHURCH: Yes, and you referred to that, of course, as well as that, that's coming up in September, we've all been witnessing these global protests. Being headed by younger people for the most part, trying to warn the rest of the population about the threat posed by global warming, but for the most part, politicians and decision-makers appear not to be listening, right? Why are they not heeding these warnings? Is it because the threat appears too far away? Or is it because they reject any threat exists at all?
MCKIBBEN: No. It's because they are under the influence of the fossil fuel industry. The richest industry in the planet. But they are beginning to pay more attention as we watch the U.S. political scenes (inaudible) -- since all (inaudible), political candidates are now coming out with ambitious climate plans and that is because they are seeing people stand up.
For the last eight months it's been mostly young people led by (inaudible), from Sweden, who have these massive school climate strikes. But they've now asked everyone to come together at the global climate strike.net, where all ages climate strikes, they are saying, look, it's not up to sixth graders to save the world, we will do our part, but we need other people standing up too. So we've been very, very pleased to see the response to that. We think it will be the biggest day of climate actions in the climate's history.
CHURCH: September 20th, the big day for people to work toward. Bill McKibben, thank you so much for joining us and sharing your expertise on this issue.
MCKIBBEN: Rosemary, what a pleasure, thank you.
CHURCH: And meantime, former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, is rolling out a new climate plan, he wants to implement if he becomes president. Our Arlette Saenz is on the campaign trail with him in New Hampshire.
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ARLETTE SAENZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Joe Biden back on the campaign trail in New Hampshire, rolling out his plan on climate change.
JOE BIDEN, FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 2020 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: They won as president, I would rejoin the Paris Climate Accord, which we Barack and I put together.
SAENZ: He's 22 page proposal calls the green new deal a crucial framework for combatting climate change, and aims to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and estimates a federal price tag of 1.7 trillion dollars over 10 years.
BIDEN: We will hold polluters accountable for the damage they have caused.
SAENZ: Biden's climate roll-out comes as he faces criticism from progressive that his plan won't go far enough. Today, Jay Inslee, who was focused much of its campaign on fighting climate change, knocking Biden.
[03:50:00] GOV. JAY INSLEE (D-WA), 2020 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I'm disappointed that his plan doesn't have T's to really make sure that we get off coal in the next 10 years.
SAENZ: And Elizabeth Warren on a tour of the Midwest, explaining how she would implement the green new deal, with the two trillion dollar federal investment for green manufacturing, research and exporting.
SEN. ELIZABETH WARREN (D-MA), 2020 U.S. DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE: We need to be all in to fight this climate crisis. All in!
SAENZ: On a second swing for New Hampshire as a 2020 candidate, Biden helping one voter sitting on the floor find a seat.
BIDEN: I want the press to know, she pulled me close! I just want you to know. OK.
SAENZ: One month into his campaign, the former vice president still riding high on the polls. A CNN survey found Biden dropped seven points in the last month, but still leading the pack with 32 percent support, followed by Bernie Sanders at 18 percent, but Biden continues to take heat from some of his Democratic rivals.
BIDEN: We cannot go back to the old ways.
WARREN: Some, say if we all just calm down, the Republicans will come to their senses.
SAENZ: As he made his pitch to voters today, Biden pushing back.
BIDEN: And I'm not talking about going back to the past, I'm talking about avoiding the terrible future. There's people who say that you can't work with the other side, well, if that is the case, then prepare your children for totally different U.S.
SAENZ: After the event, Biden weighing in further.
BIDEN: See you around.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CHURCH: And, thanks to CNN's Arlette Saenz for that report. We'll take a quick break, then, the cat versus the beast. If you are not a fan of Larry, the Downing Street cat yet, stay tuned, you just might be.
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CHURCH: Well, Jussie Smollett will not be returning for Empires sixth and final season. That is according to the series creator Leah Daniels. Smollett was written out of the final episodes of season five following allegations that he fake a hate crime. He was charged with multiple counts, but prosecutors angered police when they drop the charges. Daniels previously said Smollett's legal issues were quote, causing a dilemma with the city of Chicago where they film Empire.
Well, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos just finished what may be the most expensive divorce settlement ever, $37 billion. Well now he is embracing the bachelor lifestyle. By getting a new apartment, actually two of them in New York plus a penthouse. Already to become one large apartment. In Manhattan overlooking Madison Square Park, the Wall Street Journal reports he paid $80 million, but he may have gotten the deal, the penthouse alone was listed for more than 70 million, two years ago. How about that?
[03:55:04] OK, finally, Larry the Downing Street cat has been a minor celebrity, but now he is a star, thanks to a world time photo bomb. Here's our Jeanne Moos.
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JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Meet the cat who crawled under the belly of the beast. This beast that is what they call President Trump's armored limo. When it pulled up in front of 10 Downing Street, Larry the cat was purge a under number 10 window grooming. Larry couldn't careless when President Trump son-in-law, Jared Kushner walked by and when the president in Britain's Prime Minister posed Larry photo bombed the photo op.
After all this is his territory, he's been here since 2011, when a rat was spotted, scurrying across the doors step in the BBC live shot, Larry was recruited to keep the rodents at bay. 10 Downing Street seem to be an animal magnet, watch that foxtrot by. Larry has become a favorite of the press. CNN's Anna Stewart once baited her mic with a cat treat.
Cat got his tongue. A mere beseeching glance at the officer on duty is enough to open doors. Larry head rivals, he and the foreign office (inaudible) of head words, but only Larry has made it in the resignation speech of the Prime Minister.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And the rumor that somehow, I don't love Larry, I do. And I have photographic evidence to prove it. Sadly, I can't take Larry with me. He belongs to the House and the staff loves him very much, as do I.
MOOS: Larry the cat has his own Twitter account after he was photographed parked under President Trump's limo, the account tweeted, what do you expect me to do, sit out in the rain? The photo was kept for Twitter users vying for the perfect cat captions. From have a wee on his tires at number 10 cat to grab it by the --
And with that photo, Larry was catapulted into the stratosphere of (inaudible) fame. Jeanie Moos, CNN New York.
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CHURCH: Larry is so cool. And you are watching CNN Newsroom. I'm Rosemary Church. The news continues now with Isa Soares in London, right after this short break. Do stay with us. Have a great day.
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