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Virginia Governor's Race Offers Early Glimpse at 2022 Midterms; Americans to Start Seeing Mail Delivery Slowdowns as Early as Today; New Bodycam Video Sheds Light on Petito-Laundrie Domestic Dispute. Aired 10:30-11a ET

Aired October 01, 2021 - 10:30   ET

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

ERICA HILL, CNN NEWSROOM: With Trump world.

[10:30:00]

JIM SCIUTTO, CNN NEWSROOM: It all comes after Trump donor Trashelle Odom alleged that Lewandowski touched her inappropriately at a fundraising event in Las Vegas last weekend. That is according to both Politico and the New York Times.

CNN Reporter Mike Warren is in Washington this morning. Mike, what details do we know?

MIKE WARREN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, we know that Lewandowski, who was Donald Trump's 2016 campaign manager, at least in the first half, is no longer chairman of this super PAC, Make America Great Again Action. That job is going to be taken over by Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida.

This PAC was endorsed by Donald Trump but played a pretty small role so far. It raised just about $5 million in the first half of 2021, helping boost with ads to Trump-endorsed special election House candidates, one won, one lost, but there's no question that Lewandowski had retained a seat at the table in the Trump inner circle until these allegations from Trashelle Odom, a Republican donor, who alleged that just last weekend, he made these unwanted sexual advances toward her. So that is what's happening.

But we're looking now at what happens next. You saw that statement from Donald Trump's spokesman, but we know that in the past, people have been cast out of Trump's inner circle come back weeks, months or years later. It's something we're going to have to watch.

One more note on this, this is affecting Lewandowski's business endeavors elsewhere. Kristi Noem, the South Dakota governor, who has been advised by Lewandowski, and has been considered as a potential future presidential candidate, a spokesman for Noem telling CNN yesterday that Lewandowski is no longer advising her. Jim, Erica?

SCIUTTO: Mike, thanks very much.

Well, A tight governor's race in Virginia and a critical test now in one of the nation's first statewide elections with former President Trump out of office and off the ballot. Republican Glenn Youngkin is attempting a delicate public balancing act.

HILL: Yes, locked in this closer than expected race against Democrat and former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe. The political newcomer is trying to keep that Trump base energized while not scaring off independent voters.

CNN Chief National Affairs Correspondent Jeff Zeleny joining us now. So, Jeff, the race, it's really important to point out, this isn't just about Virginia right now. In a lot of ways, this is a key test for both parties leading into 2022.

JEFF ZELENY, CNN CHIEF NATIONAL AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: Well, Jim and Erica, you're right. I mean, this is one of the two states across the country that elected governors the year after a presidential election. So, it's the first time for the mood and sentiment of voters really to be registered. And Virginia has been trending blue for several years now. But there are signs this governor's race could be different. That's why both sides are paying careful attention in the final month.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GLENN YOUNGKIN (R), VIRGINIA GOVERNOR CANDIDATE: All right. Who's ready for a new governor?

ZELENY (voice over): Glenn Youngkin is auditioning to be a new face of the Republican Party.

YOUNGKIN: We're about to absolutely send a shockwave around the country.

ZELENY: That shockwave would be a victory this fall in Virginia, where the GOP has not won statewide in a dozen years. He's locked in a tight race for governor with Terry McAuliffe, who's hoping to keep that Democratic streak alive by trying to paint his rival as a clone of Donald Trump.

FMR. GOV. TERRY MCAULIFFE (D-VA): He's a total wannabe Donald Trump.

ZELENY: Youngkin is testing how big the Republican Party's tent can be.

YOUNGKIN: Forever-Trumpers, never-Trumpers and single issue voters and libertarians and tea party folks. And it's about bringing people together.

ZELENY: Yet he rarely mentions the former president by name, a point Trump has noticed.

DONALD TRUMP, FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT (voice over): The only guys that win are the guys that embrace the MAGA movement.

ZELENY: But the former president says you need to embrace him more and embrace the MAGA movement more.

YOUNGKIN: He knows exactly where I stand.

ZELENY: You didn't mention his name today.

YOUNGKIN: I'm a Virginia first candidate. I'm on the ballot. It's Glenn Youngkin running in Virginia.

ZELENY: He makes Republicans, at least here, must chart a new course.

YOUNGKIN: The Republican Party has figured out one thing over the last 12 years and that's how to lose.

ZELENY: The former private equity executive is investing millions of his own money into the campaign, introducing himself through T.V. ads as a former college basketball player, a father of four and an outsider.

YOUNGKIN: I'm Glenn Youngkin, I'm not a politician.

ZELENY: But his positions are coming under closer scrutiny, like his support for requiring vaccinations for measles, mumps and rubella, but opposing mandates for the COVID-19 vaccine.

YOUNGKIN: I do believe the COVID vaccine is one that everyone should get but we shouldn't mandate it.

ZELENY: Is it the politics or the science that's different about COVID and the other shots that you do support mandates for?

YOUNGKIN: Oh, yes. There's nothing about politics in here for me.

It should be mandated for young children. I think we need to just step back and recognize the best way to do this is to encourage everybody to get the vaccine.

ZELENY: And his calls for election integrity, which he repeatedly raised during his primary race to solidify his standing with the far- right base, despite saying now there's no evidence of fraud, as Trump and many of his followers insist.

[10:35:09]

Do you believe all along, since election day last year that President Biden won?

YOUNGKIN: I have been very clear there's not extensive fraud in Virginia.

ZELENY: With early voting under way, Youngkin is hoping to capitalize on any dissatisfaction with President Biden and the Democratic policies in Washington.

YOUNGKIN: Go vote. Who voted early already?

ZELENY: In a November contest offering an early glimpse of the nation's mood going into next year's midterm elections.

YOUNGKIN: All eyes are on Virginia. America wants us to win. Why? They need hope.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ZELENY (on camera): And as Glenn Youngkin walks that fine line with supporters of President Trump, the former president trying to urge them to back him, he's also trying not to turn off Democrats.

But interestingly about this race, what is happening here in Washington, the gridlock and stalemate, that, of course, is worrying Democrat Terry McAuliffe. He urges Congress to, in his words, quit talking, get this done, so the Democratic effectiveness also on the ballot. Jim, Erica?

HILL: Yes. Jeff Zeleny, I appreciate it. Thank you.

And speaking of that agenda and what is happening or not on Capitol Hill, we just heard from Congressman Pramila Jayapal moments ago. Here's a little bit more of what she had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

REPORTER: Good morning. This morning, this focus is still on the framework, getting a framework. Is that enough or do you need a vote in the Senate?

REP. PRAMILA JAYAPAL (D-WA): What I have consistently said -- well, first of all, let me just start by saying I'm really proud of our caucus. We have been so united in standing up for the president's agenda and really making sure that we don't leave behind women who need child care, families who need paid leave, communities that need us to address climate change, housing, immigration. These are the things we're fighting for in the build back better agenda, and it's the president's agenda. And I know the White House deeply appreciates that we're fighting for the president's agenda.

Second, you know, I think as we've said from the beginning, we have been waiting for an offer to counter the $3.5 trillion that is on the table, and we understand that we're going to have to get everybody on board in order to be able to close this deal. So we're waiting for that. And I believe that there are really good conversations happening at the White House with those senators on what that offer is going to be. So until we get that, we don't have anything to say about numbers. So, if you ask me about whether I'm willing to accept a number or not, there's no number on the table and I'm not negotiating against myself.

And then the third thing is just, you know, for those of you who have asked me what I need, what our caucus needs in terms of, you know, moving forward, I have consistently said that we need a vote in the Senate because I want to make sure that there are no delays, that there are no mix-ups, that there are no mixed understanding about what the deal is. And so that's what I've been saying.

I am open to hearing what other options there are for that, but I am very concerned about legislative language, holding things up, vote-a- rama, changing the deal, and those are the things that have to be addressed along with the content. So it's content and process, and we're working through all of that now, and I feel positive. I mean, I really believe we're still going to deliver on both of these things, the entirety of the president's agenda to his desk.

REPORTER: Today, though?

JAYAPAL: You know, the timeline is -- I've said before that Monday was arbitrary. I told my friends, Josh and others, that they shouldn't back themselves into a corner because if we weren't there, we weren't there. This is the legislative process. It has to work itself out. Hopefully, it will be soon. We're going to work -- I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying in Washington, D.C. I'm going to do all the work I can to get it done. Hopefully, it can be soon. But we'll work it through and see what the timeline is.

REPORTER: Do you think Speaker Pelosi underestimates' progressives determination?

JAYAPAL: No, I don't. I actually -- you all didn't believe me, but I kept saying we're not going to have a vote, and I kept telling her we didn't have the votes and I knew she knew that. Also, let's just remember, the speaker has been a great champion for this agenda. I mean, she has really been pushing this agenda and she and I have been in touch daily on it. And so, no, I don't think she underestimated us. I think she was trying to do as much as she could to get this done, which I greatly appreciate.

REPORTER: What do you think this meeting is going to be about in here? Is this going to be where you guys air your differences or is there going to be a resolution at the end of this?

JAYAPAL: No, I don't think there's going to be any resolution. Look, the resolution is not here in this caucus. The resolution is with two senators and the rest of 98 percent of the Democratic caucus. And so that's -- I think that's where the discussion is and, you know, we'll see what offer we get.

[10:40:05]

And I've been in close touch with the White House. I've spoken multiple times to them just since last night. So everything is -- I feel very good about where we are and I feel very confident that we're going to be able to deliver both these things but you're going to have to give us some time because it does take time to put together these kinds of transformational investments.

REPORTER: Did you have a chance to talk to Senator Sanders? He was pretty upset about how this process was unfolding last night.

JAYAPAL: I talk to Senator Sanders all the time. He's a great friend. And I think you should talk to him about how he feels. But I understand why he is. As I've said to you all, somebody said, are you angry? I said, I don't get angry. I'm just here to deliver on the promise we made to the American people.

REPORTER: Yes, Congresswoman, do you think President Biden needs to get more involved here to try to iron out these differences? JAYAPAL: Oh, I think President Biden is deeply involved. I can promise you that. He is deeply engaged in trying to iron out these differences. And I'm grate to feel him for his leadership, first of all, for his agenda, because, again, this is the president's agenda we're fighting for, and, secondly, for his involvement. You know, the president has had a tremendous amount on his desk. Would I have preferred that he, you know, engage sooner on the reconciliation bill? Sure. But we have a number of other issues come up. And I feel he's really doing what he needs to be doing right now.

REPORTER: I know you don't want to talk about number, but at some point, do you acknowledge that you may have to concede on that and come down?

JAYAPAL: Well, I think I've already said, we have to get everybody on board.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HILL: Congresswoman Jayapal there sounding very positive, as we're hearing today. She said she spoke to the White House a number of times, even this morning in her words, saying she's open to options but it is not just about the content of that bill, it's about the process she pointed out. And when asked about whether there would be a resolution among Democrats she said very clearly, this is not about a resolution, saying the difference is not in the caucus, the difference is with two senators.

How does this play out on Thursday part two? As we look ahead, we'll continue to keep you updated. Our reporters on the hill covering every step of the way and at the White House as well.

Also ahead this morning, snail mail, getting a little slower today. New U.S. Postal Service standards going into effect could really impact your delivery. We'll take a look at what's going to be hit and what's spared, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[10:45:00]

SCIUTTO: Well, starting today, Americans across the nation may be getting to notice that snail mail is moving a little slower. The U.S. Postal Service is officially implementing new service standards today, which the postmaster general says will make the mail competitive and more modern, though slower. Does that make sense? I don't know.

HILL: On the surface, my answer is no. CNN's Kristen Holmes joining now us from Washington. With a closer look, I know, Kristen, who will and won't be affected with this. I have to say though, even just from conversations with friends, you see it on the surface and you think, how does this work? It doesn't sound like a good plan.

KRISTEN HOLMES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes. Good morning, Erica and Jim. That's right, especially because coming off a year where we've heard Americans complaining about their mail service. And, obviously, this means it's not going to get any better. And, essentially, this impacts anyone who uses the Postal Service. In fact, officials are already telling people that if you are mailing something with a deadline, give yourself some extra time.

So, this is all part of Louis DeJoy, the postmaster general's ten-year plan, in which he says the Postal Service will save money. Essentially, what they're doing here is they're lengthening the time it takes to deliver first-class mail. It used to be one to three days. Now, they're saying it's going to be more like one to five days.

And experts tell me that they believe this is largely going to affect only mail that is traveling long distances because if you're talking about saving money, they are going to be relying more on ground transportation than they are on planes, that kind of thing.

Here's the good news. The Postal Service says that about 61 percent of mail will not be affected by this. And here's the bad news. As I said, Americans have been complaining about their mail service for more than a year. So it doesn't appear that it's going to get any better and, in fact, could get worse.

And I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I'm on a roll here, so this is coming right before October 3rd, which is when the U.S. Postal Service is going to be hiking their prices up, at least temporarily, on packages going into the holiday season.

SCIUTTO: And there's already worries about supply chain issues for Christmas presents and that kind of thing. So, that's a bummer, Kristen Holmes. Come with better news next time.

HOLMES: I'm sorry, guys. Sorry, guys.

HILL: For the record, Sciutto coming to really buttoned it up there at the end with the other issues. That wasn't just Kristen with the bad news this morning.

SCIUTTO: That's true. I'm not blaming it on her. Don't take impression. But we will ask for good news next time. Anyway, Kristen Holmes, thanks very much.

Still ahead, new police camera video of Gabby Petito, and this is sad, on the day of that disturbing encounter between her and her fiance, Brian Laundrie, one of a series of disturbing encounters. The latest in the investigation, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[10:50:00]

HILL: Newly released body cam video shows Gabby Petito describing her injuries after a disturbing altercation with fiance Brian Laundrie.

SCIUTTO: It's hard to watch this. Police in Moab, Utah stopped the couple after a witness called 911 reporting they'd seen a man hit a woman. Here is part of what Petito told officers in tears. This is just days before she disappeared. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's okay if you're saying you hit him and then I understand if he hit you, but we want to know the truth if he actually hit you.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I hit him first.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Where did he hit you? Don't worry, just be honest.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: On my face, like I guess. He didn't hit me in the face, like (INAUDIBLE) hit me in the face or anything.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did he slap your face or what?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, he had grabbed me like with his nail. And I guess it's why it looks -- (INAUDIBLE) would cut my cheeks like a peeler.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SCIUTTO: We're also hearing more from the 911 caller about what they say of the altercation. CNN National Correspondent Nadia Romero, she's in North Port, Florida.

Listen, it's difficult to describe these but tell us what we're listening.

NADIA ROMERO: Yes. It's so hard to hear the pain in her voice, but from that moment, August 12th, during that domestic dispute in Moab, Utah, up until September 11th, that's when Gabby Petito's family reported her missing.

In the meantime, in between time, that month between August 12th and September 11th, Brian Laundrie, he came home, right, here to Florida to his parents' house behind me. And his parents were planning on a camping trip.

[10:55:02]

They changed the reservation from just two of them to three of them.

So, all three of them reportedly went on a camping trip, and that has caused a lot of questions as to what did Brian Laundrie's parents know about Gabby Petito. Obviously she didn't come back to Florida with him after going on this excursion across the country. So, people here have been questioning if the family knew what happened to Gabby Petito and why she wasn't here.

And behind me, almost every day since last weekend, we've seen people come out who say that they're protesting against the family. They have bullhorns and they're demanding to hear more answers from Brian Laundrie's parents as to what happened to Gabby and what happened in that timeline where, Jim, we still don't have a lot of details.

SCIUTTO: Where is Brian Laundrie? Nadia Romero, thanks very much. And thanks so much to all of you for joining us today. We hope you have a great weekend. I'm Jim Sciutto.

HILL: And I'm Erica Hill.

At This Hour with Kate Bolduan starts after this quick break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[11:00:00]