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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Announces Resignation; Trump Accepts Republican Nomination to Second Term; RNC Speakers Praise Trump, Play Up Election Fears; Jacob Blake's Shooting Sparked Wildcat Strike by Sports Teams; 17-Year-Old Facing Felony Charges in Kenosha Shooting. Aired 4-4:30a ET
Aired August 28, 2020 - 04:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[04:00:00]
ANNOUNCER: This is CNN Breaking News.
ROBYN CURNOW, CNN ANCHOR: Hi, good to have you along this hour. Welcome, I'm Robyn Curnow here at the CNN Center here in Atlanta.
And we are following two major stories this hour. First the breaking news, reports that the Japanese Prime Minister is on the verge of resigning. We expect to hear from Shinzo Abe this hour. And also, Donald Trump wrapped up an unprecedented Republican National Convention. We have the low light and the high lights of his speech and the week.
So, we begin in Japan where Japanese public broadcaster NHK reports that the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is preparing to resign citing health reasons. He has fought colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease for many years now. Reports of the Prime Minister's impending resignation sent Japan's stock index plummeting. It finished down 326 points on Friday, that's 1.4 percent. Other markets in the Asia Pacific region were much higher as you can see here.
Well, journalist Kaori Enjoji is live this hour in Tokyo and we are seeing the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe looking like he's ready to start speaking. But let's listen it before we go the Kaori. Let's go to Tokyo, and we are seeing the Prime Minister looking like he is ready to start speaking. But let's listen in before we go to Kaori.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): -- so you see we have kept some space among reporters. Whenever you have questions, you say something, then you can take off your masks based on judgment. First, there will be some remarks given by Prime Minister Abe and then after that, we take questions from the floor. Mr. Prime Minister, the floor is yours.
SHINZO ABE, JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER (through translator): The summer heat is going on. To the people in Japan, we'd like to appreciate their countermeasures, their support to the people of COVID-19, the summer heat measures. We appreciate what they have done.
From the government, there have been requests from the local governments, central government that appreciate what they have done for us. On COVID-19 countermeasures since January this year we have been fighting against invisible enemy.
We try to minimize the infection as much as possible. We try to avoid the serious symptoms of the people to protect the lives of people from time to time based on expertise. The government has done its level best, that's what I think. But quite regrettably many people have been infected and some of them died. I'd like to express my cordial condolences for those victims.
At this moment doctors, nurses, are trying very hard to treat the diseases of the people. And I can appreciate what they are doing right now. Today and from summer to autumn, then fall and the winter, we made decisions on government countermeasures against COVID-19.
Many facts have come to light during the past six months. By taking out countermeasures to avoid disease strike a balance between the preventive measures and social economic activities is possible.
We have seen advancement of the treatment drugs such as remdesivir. The fatality rate of the people under 40 years old is 0.1 percent. Half of the people who died are in their 80s and older. They are a high risk of serious symptoms for elderly people and people suffering chronic diseases. We try to save a life of the people.
The most important key for the government is how we can deal with the countermeasures for those people. Winter is coming. Then on top of COVID-19, the seasonal flu may rise. We may have more people with fevers. We have to reduce the burden on medical systems and we're going to have a focus --
CURNOW: Ok, you're listening there to the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He is talking about the government response there to COVID. Of course, the reason we went to that press conference in the first place is that we're hearing from local press reports that during these comments, we are expecting the Prime Minister to actually resign. He has not got there if that is what he is intending to do. So, we are going to continue to monitor that press conference, monitor these conversations. We will jump back in as soon we hear anything else.
But I do want to stick with Tokyo and go to Kaori Enjoji who joins us now. With the expectation that this press conference could go in a far different direction than a list of the government's successes and failures when it comes to COVID.
[04:05:00]
KAORI ENJOJI, JOURNALIST: Absolutely, Robyn. I think that it is important to note that this press conference that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is giving at his official place of work is the first since June 18th. It has been 2 1/2 months since he has addressed the public in this fashion. And during that time, his support rating has fallen. If has stabilized since.
And as you may know over the last two weeks, it has been a tumultuous time in Japanese politics because the Prime Minister made two hospital visits back to back and it sparked concerns about his health and those concerns were reignited today as public broadcaster NHK and other local media reported that the Prime Minister had decided to step down.
It's an important time for him because he has already marked 2,799 consecutive days as the Japanese Prime Minister. This is one for the history books already. However, he has long suffered from colitis, he suffered from it as a teenager. And people were concerned that history may repeat itself today because this is Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's second time in office. The first time around, he abruptly resigned after one year citing health reasons. So, analysts and political watchers and government officials were very concerned that he may do so again. Leaving the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party, which is the party -- which is the leading party here in Japan in disarray.
Now, just take back -- look back as to what Abe has done in the last near 7 1/2 years. The problems started to rise this year in particular as the pandemic hit. There was a lot of criticism that the government response to the pandemic and COVID-19 was too little too late. Particularly because Japan had a chance to respond to it much sooner with the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
On top of that, there is the economy. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made his economic agenda part of his legacy. As you may know, people call it Abenomics. It was monetary easing, physical expansion and also structural reform. And to his credit, the stock market has about doubled during that time. But then the pandemic came along and pushed the Japanese economy deeper into recession. So, this is the situation the Prime Minister has faced and as we expect him to make a resignation anytime now -- Robyn.
CURNOW: Kaori, thanks so much for that update. And we'll continue to monitor this press conference. Thanks so much for that.
So, Donald Trump has defied political convention from the moment he ran for President, much to the likes of his supporters. But in accepting the Republican nomination for re-election on Thursday night, he certainly shattered any illusions of normalcy. Even in the midst of a pandemic that has killed 180,000 Americans in just five months. About 1,500 cheering supporters sat shoulder on the White House lawn. The coronavirus did not appear to be a concern but according to President Trump, they had plenty else to be afraid of, namely Joe Biden, the Democratic administration.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: There is violence and danger in the streets in many Democratic run cities throughout America. This problem could be easily be fixed if they wanted to. We must always have law and order. All federal crimes are being investigated, prosecuted and punished to the fullest extent of the law.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CURNOW: Well, the President has had very little support in the black community, just 4 percent in one recent poll. Yet he portrayed himself as a champion of the African-American community, on par with Abraham Lincoln.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: And I have done more in three years for the black community than Joe Biden has done in 47 years. And when I'm reelected, the best is yet to come.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CURNOW: Well, President Trump's record over the past 3 1/2 years speaks for itself. But on the final night of the Republican National Convention, numerous speakers spoke about him in much different terms. One might expect a glowing portrait from his eldest daughter and advisor, but others played on the fears that the President hopes will win him a second term. Including an emotional plea from the widow of a retired police officer who was killed by rioters earlier this year in St. Louis. Take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
IVANKA TRUMP, DONALD TRUMP'S DAUGHTER AND ADVISER: We want a culture where differences of opinion and debate are encouraged, not canceled. Where law enforcement is respected. Where our country's rich diversity is celebrated and where people of all backgrounds, races, genders and creeds have the chance to achieve their God-given potential. This is the future my father is working to build each and every day.
SEN. TOM COTTON (R-AR): We need a President who stands up for America, not one who takes a knee.
[04:10:00]
A strong and proud America is a safe America. Safe from our enemies and safe from war.
BEN CARSON, U.S. HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT SECRETARY: President Trump does not dabble in identity politics. He wants everyone to succeed. And believes in the adage, a rising tide lifts all boats. Many on the other side love to incite division by claiming that President Trump is a racist. They could not be more wrong.
RUDY GIULIANI, TRUMP'S PERSONAL ATTORNEY: These continuous riots in Democratic cities gives you a good view of the future under Biden. All five of the top cities for homicides like the top cities for rioting and looting are governed by progressive Democrats using the progressive Democratic approach to crime, which is to do nothing.
ANN DORN, WIDOW OF RETIRED OFFICER KILLED BY RIOTERS: Violence and destruction are not legitimate forms of protest. They do not safeguard black lives. They only destroy them. President Trump understands this, has offered federal help to restore order in our communities. In a time when police departments are short on resources and manpower, we need that help. We should accept that help. We must heal before we can effect change. But we cannot heal amid devastation and chaos. (END VIDEOTAPE)
CURNOW: And I do want to take you back to our top story. I want to take you straight back also to Tokyo where the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is speaking. We are expecting him to resign. Let's listen in.
ABE (through translator): For the past seven years and eight months, we have addressed a variety of challenges. There are a lot of the challenges we haven't completed. At the same time, there are some achievements and there are some milestones that we hit in order to respond to the mandate.
The achievements are thanks to the public and people of Japan. I really want to extend my appreciation to the people of Japan. Despite all the support, even though I have one year to go in my tenure, and with other challenges that have not been addressed yet, and amid the coronavirus outbreak, I decided to step down as the Prime Minister. I would like to send my apologies to the people of Japan.
I wasn't able to solve abduction issues involving Japanese nationals. It is indeed a source of regret. The peace treaty with Russia constitutional amendment. I'm going to leave my status without achieving all of those ambitions and targets.
It is indeed a regrettable thing for us. But it is a commitment made by the LDP to the people of Japan. Under the new leadership of the party, we're going to work out new policies, we're going to have a new engine for growth and for momentum and those measures will be executed.
Next Prime Minister, before he or she is appointed, the onus will be on me, I will take my responsibility as the Prime Minister of Japan. I go through treatment, and I'd like to regain my health again so that I'd like to stand behind a new administration as a politician.
To the people in Japan, I'd like to appreciate your support for about eight years. Thank you very much indeed.
Then we'd like to take questions from reporters, first based on practice, we take questions from two coordinators. And if your name is announced, then please go to the mic. Then please state your affiliation and name and ask your question.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Now you can ask your question.
Nihon TV, Sugawara, thank you.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): So, you decided to step down as the Prime Minister as you said the continuous administration of the drug will continue. Maybe you could have considered the option to serve as Prime Minister and be treated.
[04:15:00]
So, I believe your health condition is very severe. Are there any necessity for you to go to the hospital continuously? So, when did you make decision to resign? And in the first administration you needed to quit, and this is a second time for you to do that, there may be --
CURNOW: Japanese Prime Minister who has announced to the nation and also to the world that he is resigning after nearly eight years in power, the longest serving Japanese Prime Minister. I want to stay with this in Tokyo. Kaori Enjoji has been listening in. There are questions now being taken from journalists. What did you make of these comments?
ENJOJI: Well, there were two brief bows that the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gave as he made an apology to the nation. Apologizing that he could not fulfill the requirements that were tasked to him as Prime Minister of Japan. And the reason for that the Prime Minister cited his ongoing illness which is why we believe to be colitis.
Let's just take you back to how he explained the situation, his health concerns. He said that the conditions surrounding his medical health surfaced back in June and he was taking medication to try to treat this illness. But then there was a sudden change in his health, as the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe put it, around the middle of July. And he felt that he had exhausted his energies. And then he said that at the beginning of August, the condition started to flare up and so he tried an additional drug to try to calm that situation.
But on the 17th of August, as the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe just explained, he went back to that hospital, that very famous hospital visit by now. And he was told by his doctors, Shinzo Abe says, that he needs to make continued treatment. And in response to this, to use Shinzo Abe's words, he says that in politics, quote, results are everything, end of quote. And this is the reason why he says that he is stepping down as the longest serving Prime Minister Japan has seen in the post-war period.
He has already made history with that, Robyn, earlier on in this wake. But history today is repeating itself because this is the second time that Shinzo Abe is resigning abruptly. This is his second stint in office as the premier of Japan. His first one was very short lived, just one year and he resigned for health reasons as well.
He has been under tremendous pressure over the last few months, all leaders have as we face this pandemic. But in particular Shinzo Abe because Japan was one of the first countries to have to deal with this crisis and there has been a lot of criticism that the response from his government was too little too late. And we saw decline in the support rating from his government and of course the economic collapse. So, we now have confirmation, Robyn, that Shinzo Abe the Prime Minister of Japan will be resigning after nearly eight years in office this time around.
OK, thank you so much for that. Kaori there in Japan, thank you.
Some new details emerging about the suspect in that deadly protest shooting in Wisconsin. The 17-year-old's social media indicates he loved guns, police and the U.S. President Donald Trump. That's next.
[04:20:00]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CHURCH: Hundreds of protesters rallied outside the White House as President Trump delivered his acceptance speech. Demonstrations, chanted, marched and blasted music. Organizers say they wanted to drown out Trump who they say has divided the country, supported racist policies and mishandled the pandemic.
The noise was actually heard from the South Lawn and occasionally during the televised address.
Well days after being shot in the back seven times by a Kenosha, Wisconsin police officer, 29-year-old Jacob Blake remains in hospital. Despite being partially paralyzed, Blake's family says that he is handcuffed to the bed in his hospital room. Wisconsin's governor said there is no reason for that sort of treatment.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GOV. TOM EVERS (D-WI): There have been no personal understanding why that would be necessary. Certainly, he has paid a horrific price already being shot seven or eight times in the back. So, I can't imagine why that's happening and I would hope that we would be able to find a better way to have him get better.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CURNOW: Kenosha city officials held a news conference on Thursday that was short on answers literally. They refused to take questions about Blake or the shooting at a protest Tuesday night that left two dead and one injured.
However, the suspect in Tuesday's protest shooting now faces multiple felony charges. Omar Jimenez has the details. But a warning, some of these images are disturbing -- Omar.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
OMAR JIMENEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): There are seven shots now heard throughout the world, as people from politicians, to athletes are fed up with what's now become an all too familiar story. The NBA is now set to resume play later this week after postponing their playoffs for days, in solidarity with Jacob Blake. The WNBA joining the NBA in postponing games that were set to be played tonight. And several NFL teams cancelling their practices today to show support.
CHRIS WEBBER, FORMER NBA STAR: It kind of felt helpless. It felt like they wanted to do something. It felt like they weren't a part of it. Like they were being protected from what everyone else in the world are seeing. And so, I think, the fact that you had everyone on the campus, you know, it has to be the perfect storm as the pandemic, it's a bubble.
JIMENEZ: But in Kenosha, a community has been dealing with pain and even violence on an almost nightly basis since Blake was shot. Wednesday, police arrested 17-year-ld Kyle Rittenhouse and charged him with first-degree intentional homicide. After a night where two people were killed, and a third person was injured.
His social media portrays him as someone who loved guns, police, and the president.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This president gets it done.
[04:25:00]
JIMENEZ: Even posting a TikTok from one of President Trump's Iowa rallies in January. It's not clear if that or support for blue lives matter played into his alleged actions. A post to a Snapchat account believed to belong to Rittenhouse, appears to show him on Tuesday with a rifle near the scene of the protests.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, do right here to stop those.
JIMENEZ: While law enforcement hasn't confirmed the man seen here in this video is actually Rittenhouse. Within a minute of this man firing his weapon in Kenosha, he is seen walking towards police with his hands up as onlookers continue to yell --
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That dude shot someone, that dude right here, right here.
JIMENEZ: But law enforcement moves on. Thursday, nearly all of the local leadership held a press conference but didn't add any major new details and shuffled out without taking a single question.
That shooting come three nights after Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back by a Kenosha police officer, Rusten Sheskey, a seven-year veteran with the department.
JOSH KAUL, WISCONSIN ATTORNEY GENERAL: All involved law enforcement officers are fully cooperating with DCI during the investigation. And the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave. As I've said, this is an ongoing investigation.
JIMENEZ: The Wisconsin Department of Justice releasing new details about the initial call for officers Sunday that a woman claimed her boyfriend was there when he wasn't supposed to be and wouldn't leave.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Complainant says Jacob Blake isn't supposed to be there and he took the complainant's keys and is refusing to give them back.
JIMENEZ: Not long after that is when officers arrived on the scene. Investigators say Jacob Blake admitted to having a knife in his possession but would not say when exactly he had it. A knife was recovered from the floorboard on the driver side of the vehicle, but it was unclear if officers were aware of it at the time.
Previously, attorneys for the Blake family said he had no weapon in the car and posed no threat.
(on camera): And Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old accused of shooting people in the streets of Kenosha is now facing five felony charges. Among them, one count of first-degree intentional homicide, and one count of first-degree reckless homicide. Of course, tied to the two people that were killed Tuesday night. And according to the criminal complaint filed, he actually was on the phone and told someone on the phone that I just killed someone after allegedly shooting the first person. Rittenhouse is expected to be in court Friday morning.
Omar Jimenez, CNN, Kenosha, Wisconsin.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CURNOW: You are watching CNN. I'm Robyn Curnow. More news after the break.
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