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Brady Leads Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Win Over Kansas City; Fans Celebrate on the Streets, Ignore COVID Guidelines; South Africa Pauses AstraZeneca Vaccine Rollout; Trump to Face Historic Second Impeachment Trial This Week. Biden Calls Continuing Pandemic a National Emergency. Aired 4-4:30a ET

Aired February 08, 2021 - 04:00   ET

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

[04:00:00]

ROSEMARY CHURCH, CNN ANCHOR: And we want to get straight to our top stories this hour. One of the biggest sporting events in the world wrapped up just hours ago. The Super Bowl where Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominated to top the Kanas City Chiefs.

But scenes like this are what officials urged people not to do. Packed crowds, few masks, heightening concerns that Super Bowl gatherings could lead to a spike in COVID cases.

Adding to those concerns, the spread of coronavirus variants and the strength of vaccines to fight them. South Africa has just paused its rollout of AstraZeneca vaccine after a study showed minimal protection against the variant first identified there.

All this playing out as the country hardest hit by the pandemic is now bracing for a rare political battle. The second impeachment trial of former president Donald Trump set to kick off tomorrow.

But first, let's start with the Super Bowl and the celebrations in Tampa. Quarterback Tom Brady powered the Buccaneers to victory on Sunday. They defeated the Kanas City Chiefs 31-9. The 43-year-old quarterback won his seventh Super Bowl extending his own record with Tampa Bay in his first year. He was named the game's MVP.

CNN's Andy Scholes joins me to talk about all of this. Good to see you Andy. Tom Brady, the greatest of all time winning his seventh Super Bowl in the first year with the Buccaneers. Talk to us about the highlights.

ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS: Well, Rosemary, I tell you what, we built this game up all week long that it was going to be this epic showdown between the greatest of all time Tom Brady taking on Patrick Mahomes, who's the greatest quarterback right now.

But this game really didn't live up to the hype. It wasn't a close game in the second half. We didn't have any kind of epic finish. But we did get to see history. Brady winning his seventh Super Bowl. The 43 year old now has more Super Bowl titles than any other team in NFL history. And Brady proving he can go win a Super Bowl anywhere doing it in his first year in Tampa.

And he already convinced his old buddy Rob Gronkowski to come out of retirement and join him in Tampa and they just put on a show in the Super Bowl. Brady finding Gronk for two touchdowns in the first half. They have now hooked up for more touchdowns than any other duo in postseason history.

The Bucs were really running away with the game by halftime. They were up 21-6. Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and Bucs defense, they were just relentless all game long. They pressured Patrick Mahomes more times than any quarterback in Super Bowl history. This was the first time that Mahomes he made in his career that the Chief failed to score a touchdown.

Brady, meanwhile, he had three touchdown passes in the game. He was named the MVP of the Super Bowl for the fifth time in his career as the Bucs easily beat the Chiefs in Super Bowl 55, 31-9.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TIME BRADY, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS QUARTERBACK: I'm so proud of all of these guys out here. Everything we dealt with all year. We had a rough month in November, but BA had all the confidence in us. The team had a lot of confidence. We came together at the right time. I think we knew this was going to happen, guys, didn't we? We ended up playing our best game of the year.

ROB GRONKOWSKI, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS TIGHT END: It's hands down one of the greatest accomplishments in sports history. I mean, I'm not going to say it's the greatest, but I would say it's up there for sure, you know. To come down here to Tampa, come to an organization that was ready to win. Come down here with the players, you know, they're all fantastic players, great guys. It's everyone overall. I mean the story is just unbelievable and it definitely ranks up there as, you know, one of my biggest accomplishments ever.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SCHOLES (on camera): And it certainly is an unbelievable story, Rosemary. You know, Brady and Gronk coming down from New England to Florida, winning the Super Bowl title with their first year with the Bucs. And both of them said after the game, definitely coming back next season.

CHURCH: I think so. Very impressive, indeed. Andy Scholes, thanks for bringing all of the highlights there, appreciate it.

Well President Biden and the first lady delivered a taped message to football fans that aired just before kickoff. In it the president thanked the nation's front line workers and he urged all-Americans to wear masks.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOE BIDEN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: And as we thank you and all of our essential workers, let's remember, we all can do our part to save lives. Wear masks, stay socially distanced, get tested, get vaccinated when it's your turn and most of all, let's remember all of those who we lost.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

[04:05:00]

CHURCH: So did fans follow that advice? Well, there was a lot of celebrating at the Super Bowl when the hometown team won but the crowds who gathered in Tampa's night life district are a real concern. CNN's Randi Kaye has the details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RANDI KAYE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it was quite a game and certainly quite a crowd here in Tampa. There is a mask mandate for people who are in the entertainment zones and the entertainment areas. You have to wear a mask if you can't safely social distance or face fine up to $500. But a lot of people are ignoring that mask mandate.

In fact, we have video of an area known as Ybor City, where hundreds of people were lining the streets. They were going to bars and restaurants, many of them maskless. They were inside the clubs. Certainly, the city is being asked why they didn't do more to enforce the mask mandate.

We called the mayor's office today which sent me to the police in Tampa and when I asked them, they said -- the spokesperson said that they are very disappointed certainly about one gathering, on even at a bar and grill at a hotel here in Tampa. They were very concerned about that.

The spokesman for the police telling me that they have a level of responsibility that must be followed, or risk being shut down. Now that particular event was supposed to have a mask mandate and temperature checks in place, but it's unclear if any of that was followed. In terms of citations or fines that were issued, the Tampa police would not say how many if any at all were issued here in the city.

Randi Kaye, CNN, Tampa.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CHURCH: Well more now on that troubling vaccine development in the global fight against COVID-19. South Africa is pausing its rollout of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine following a recent study showing it offered reduced protection against the variant first identified there. And for more on that CNN's David McKenzie joins me from Blantyre in Malawi. So David, you have interviewed a number of doctors about the AstraZeneca vaccine. What's been the reaction to the pausing of its rollout because it offers minimal protection for the South African variant?

DAVID MCKENZIE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it's certainly very disturbing because this vaccine as seen as a key to potentially starting the process of ending the pandemic, particularly in the African continent. We're here at the Queen's hospital in Blantyre. They're busy refilling oxygen to deal with the second surge of the virus here that caught may people by surprise. And is driven by that variant discovered in South Africa. So they need a vaccine here that works, and they need it very soon -- Rosemary.

CHURCH: Yes, I mean, talk to us about what this vaccine news means to Malawi.

MCKENZIE: Well, we were inside the isolation wards, the COVID-19 wards here at the hospital. They have converted four of the wards to combat COVID. At times they're up to 100 patients swelling the hospital here in Queens. As I said that this has taken them by surprise this time around. Very few cases relatively speaking, few deaths during the first wave.

This new variant has really battled the health care and they're in a situation now that many of their health workers are getting sick. Just three physicians are working in the COVID wards. There should be eight here in this hospital. That pressure is seen throughout the country. We were at district hospitals that are even more short of oxygen.

People afraid to go to the hospitals because they feel they might die there. And the solution to that is Doctors Without Borders and administrators here at the hospital is to get some vaccine in quickly. They want some 40,000 doses to deal with those frontline health workers to at least stop the system from buckling under the strain of COVID-19. It could take years before enough vaccine gets to Malawi to get herd immunity in the country. Until those tents they're building behind me aren't just for the current wave but what could be more and more waves to hit this part of the continent -- Rosemary.

CHURCH: It is a real concern. Dave McKenzie joining us there from Malawi. Many thanks.

Well researchers at Oxford University say they are retooling the AstraZeneca shot to be more effective against the South Africa variant. They hope to have the new vaccine ready by autumn. A scientist from Oxford explained the changes they were making and likened it to developing annual flu vaccines.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SARAH GILBERT, PROFESSOR OF VACCINOLOGY, OXFORD UNIVERSITY: We have a version with the South African spike sequence in the works. It's not quite ready to vaccinate people yet. This year we expect to show that the new version of the vaccine will generate the antibodies and recognize the new variant. And then it will be very much like working on flu vaccines. So people who will be familiar with the idea that we have to have new components, new strains in flu vaccine every year to keep up with the main flu strains that are circulating.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

[04:10:02] CHURCH: And CNN's Salma Abdelaziz joins us now from London. Salma, we were listening there of course. So you know, this retooling of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine will happen around -- or be available at least around autumn or fall. That is a very long time away. So what happens in the meantime?

SALMA ABDELAZIZ, CNN REPORTER: That certainly is, Rosemary. And there's been a lot of calming of fears over the weekend after this news broke. That the Oxford University vaccine is not as effective -- as clinically effective against the South African variant.

With the vaccine minister taking to the airway over weekend, saying, look, we have this under control. We are ready and prepared for any variants. We are preparing through our genomic sequencing program. Because the U.K. has one of the best genomic sequencing programs in the world. We are indexing and librarying all of the variants, 4,000 found so far. And we are preparing with manufacturers to make new vaccines if needed. But that's not all, Rosemary. The vaccine minister also saying that there might be an annual shot, as you just heard. A shot, a booster shot that you would get once a year to deal with any variants of COVID-19. Take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NADHIM ZAHAWI, BRITISH VACCINE MINISTER: We see very much a probably an annual or booster in the autumn and then an annual in the way we do with flu vaccinations. Where you look at what variant of virus is spreading around the world, you rapidly produce a variant of vaccine and then begin to vaccinate and protect the nation.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ABDELAZIZ (on camera): Rosemary, this is one of the first countries in the world that was really hit hard by one of those variants of COVID- 19. So no one here wants to live that nightmare again. That's why you see tough rules in place. Future plans for future variants already being rolled out. Meanwhile, of course, the vaccination program that's the country's main shield, its biggest shield against the variant that's prevalent here in the U.K. So far about 12 million across the country are vaccinated and the authorities here just want to protect those gains -- Rosemary.

CHURCH: Absolutely, let's hope that can come faster than autumn. Appreciate that. Salma Abdelaziz bringing us the very latest from London.

Well a first for the U.S. in the week ahead. A president impeached twice now faces a second trial in the Senate. The details from Washington next.

[04:15:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CHURCH: The U.S. is bracing for what is set to be a dramatic week in Washington as lawmakers kick off the historic and unprecedented second impeachment trial of Donald Trump. That begins Tuesday with House impeachment managers set to argue before the Senate that the former president was responsible for inciting last month's riot at the Capitol. Ahead of that the final pretrial legal briefs are due today. But still questions remain including how long the trial will last and if we'll hear from witnesses. CNN's Joe Johns has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOE JOHNS, CNN SENIOR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT: Some Republicans in the United States Senate say they are reserving judgment until all the evidence is in. Some compare themselves to members of a jury.

But for whatever reason, many Republicans over the weekend said they were reluctant to convict Donald Trump in this trial that is expected to begin on Tuesday.

They are well aware of all the support the former president has out in the country, even though some of the latest polling suggests quite the opposite. An ABC News poll says 56 percent of respondents believe the former president should be convicted and barred from holding office, while only 43 percent say he should not be.

But it's not up to the respondents of polling. It's up to the Senate. And here's what some of them said over the weekend.

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM (R-SC): If you believe he committed a crime, he can be prosecuted like any other citizen. Impeachment is a political process. We've never impeached a president once they're out of office. I think this is a very bad idea.

SEN. RAND PAUL (R-KY): Zero chance of conviction, 45 Republicans have said it's not even a legitimate proceeding. So it's really over before it starts.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Do you think the outcome is predetermined?

SEN. BILL CASSIDY (R-LA): Do I interpret --

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes,

CASSIDY: You know, everybody -- no I don't. I think it depends upon that which is presented. Let's face -- let's face it. The House did an incredibly poor job of building a case before their impeachment vote. If -- the president wasn't there. He wasn't allowed counsel. They didn't amass evidence.

SEN. PAT TOOMEY (R-PA): I think it's clearly constitutional to conduct a Senate trial with respect to an impeachment. In this case, the impeachment occurred prior to the president's leaving office. But you know, my job is going to be to listen to both sides of this, evaluate the arguments, and make a decision.

JOHNS: So the leadership watch continues here on Capitol Hill. All eyes on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to release the parameters of this upcoming trial. How long they expect it to las, whether there will be witnesses or not, how long the impeachment managers, as well as the former president's lawyers, will get to address the members of the United States Senate and make their cases.

Joe Johns, CNN, the Capitol.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CHURCH: On the other end of the Republican Party, embattled House member Liz Cheney is standing her ground in her leadership role and against former President Trump.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. LIZ CHANEY, (R-WY): Somebody who has provoked an attack on the United States Capitol to prevent the counting of electoral votes, which resulted in five people dying, who refused to stand up immediately when he was asked and stop the violence. That is a person who does not have a role as a leader of our party going forward. We have to make sure that we are able to convey to the American voters we are the party of responsibility. We are the party of truth.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHURCH: Earlier I spoke with a CNN legal analyst Shan Wu and asked him what evidence he thought might sway Senators at Trump's second impeachment trial.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

[04:20:00]

SHAN WU, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: The evidence that I think might change some people's minds is the actual evidence of what happened to people during that attack. When I used to try violent crimes myself, as a prosecutor, the testimony from victims and those who knew the victims was particularly compelling. And given that some of these lawmakers were in the Capitol when it happened, hearing from police officers, hearing about the effects upon them, what injuries, that might make a bit of a difference and bring back the freshness of the terribleness of that attack.

CHURCH: And so the goal of the Democrats in the end is to ensure Trump never holds public office again. But if Trump is acquitted -- as most think he will be -- what other options do the Democrats have to stop him from running for the presidency again?

WU: None really. They can censure him. That would be something that would be more easily done. And I think at some points it's been discussed as maybe a political compromise to do that rather than seeking impeachment.

But they have to try. I mean, there's a saying in prosecution that some cases need to be tried even if you think you won't win. And perhaps the only real political effect they could have is by putting this evidence out there, reminding the American public, reminding Republican voters what he caused, the damage that has been done. It could have been even more dangerous for many of the lawmakers. That might be the only real assurance there is against him running again.

CHURCH: So far, it's only been the judicial branch of government that has actually stood up to Trump's election lie. Will justice only be found in a court of law when it comes to Trump and all his questionable dealings?

WU: I think so. Really impeachment is very much of a political exercise and it's really a vote of conscience and it's up to the conscience of these Senators, particularly the Republican Senators, when they hear this. But looking at the various criminal exposures he has, I think that those cases are going to continue to move forward. I'm in the southern district of New York. The U.S. attorney's office there is moving forward. The state attorney general of New York is moving forward. I don't think those are going to stop. And I think he's going to pay some real jeopardy along those lines. So ultimately that may be the real justice that the American people get.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CHURCH (on camera): CNN legal analyst Shan Wu speaking to me earlier.

And as lawmakers set their sights this week on the impeachment trial, President Biden remains focused on the coronavirus pandemic. In an interview Sunday he talked about his push for a relief package and the reopening of schools. CNN's Arlette Saenz has more now from Wilmington, Delaware.

ARLETTE SAENZ, CNN: In an interview ahead of the Super Bowl, President Biden reiterated his commitment to reopening schools safely amid the coronavirus pandemic. The president said his CDC director would be laying out guidelines for reopening schools as early as Wednesday. And he said that the country is currently in a national emergency. Take a listen.

NORAH O'DONNELL, ANCHOR, CBS NEWS: Let's turn to schools.

BIDEN: Sure.

O'DONNELL: About 20 million American children have not been in the classroom for nearly a year. There's a mental health crisis happening.

BIDEN: There really is.

O'DONNELL: Women are dropping out of the work force. Is this a national emergency?

BIDEN: It is a national emergency. It genuinely is a national emergency.

SAENZ: With the Senate impeachment trial into former President Trump set to get underway this week, the White House says President Biden will focus his attention of promoting the COVID relief package he wants to pass on Capitol Hill. And the president will virtually tour a vaccination center on Monday.

Arlette Saenz, CNN, Wilmington, Delaware. (END VIDEOTAPE)

CHURCH: Iran is still enriching uranium and challenging Joe Biden to make the first move toward cooperation. But the U.S. president is saying, no, in a interview. That interview with CBS News. President Biden says the U.S. will not lift sanctions on Iran, particularly not while Tehran enriches more uranium than what was allowed in the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran's foreign minister spoke to CNN on Sunday and says the U.S. is the one who needs to return to the pact and lift sanctions. Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JAVAD ZARIF, IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: Iran never left the deal. Iran is in the deal. Iran has reduced some of its commitments in line with the deal. The way to go back to full compliance on the part of Iran is for the United States, which has totally left the deal, to come back and implement its obligations.

[04:25:00]

Now it's clear it's a decision that President Biden and his advisers need to take. Whether they want to break with the failed policies of President Trump or whether they want to build on his failures.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHURCH: U.S. officials are currently in talks with European allies to figure out their next moves.

And coming up here on CNN NEWSROOM, vaccinations are up, as infection rates are falling in the U.S. But will it be enough to contain the rapid spread of emerging variants. We will take a look. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CHURCH: Welcome back, everyone.

Well U.S. health officials are working to prevent more contagious coronavirus variants from reversing the recent downward trend of cases. The Centers for Disease Control says nearly 700 cases of new variants have been reported in the U.S. The majority of those are the strain first identified in the U.K. And health officials say it could become the predominant variant by March. But they also said vaccinations are one way to help contain them.

According to the CDC more than 41 million vaccine doses have been administered in the United States and while coronavirus numbers are currently headed in the right direction in places like California, health officials still say the death toll is much too high. CNN's Paul Vercammen has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PAUL VERCAMMEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: More encouraging news out of Los Angeles County. Let's get right to the numbers. We saw that there were 3,123 new cases, that there were 4,421 hospitalizations and 89 deaths. That is a dramatic drop from what we saw a month ago. It also is a very good indication as to why they opened up restaurants for outdoor dining.