Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Saturday

Military Report Shows Iraqi Insurgency Is Growing; Japan Rocked By 3 Strong Earthquakes

Aired October 23, 2004 - 12:00   ET

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

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


FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: It is 12:00 p.m. on the East coast, 9:00 a.m. in the West. I'm Fredricka Whitfield at CNN's global headquarters in Atlanta. Ahead this hour:
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MICHAEL O'HANLON, BROOKINGS INSTITUTION: We are not winning the war right now.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: A U.S. military report says the insurgency is growing in Iraq. The Pentagon believes it knows how the attacks are being funded.

Measuring the third party impact in the race for the White House: How one presidential candidate, behind in the polls, could help influence who occupies the oval office. Plus this:

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ALEXIS STEWART, MARTHA STEWART'S DAUGHTER: I went with her. To leave her there was just miserable, very upsetting.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: A "Larry King" exclusive. Martha Stewart's daughter talks about her mother's first day in prison. But, first a top look at the top stories now in the news.

President Bush is barnstorming across Florida today. He's holding rallies in four republican areas of that state -- Fort Myers, Lakeland, Melbourne, and Jacksonville, Florida. You're looking at a live picture right now. The majority of all four locals voted for him in 2000. This is the president's third visit to Florida in just over a week.

John Kerry is trying to win the traditionally republican state of Colorado. In this live picture, you're seeing he's campaigning there with state attorney general, Ken Salazar hoping to attract the Hispanic vote. In a radio address, Kerry accuses the president of ignoring pressures on working women.

Strong aftershocks continue rattling Japan after three powerful earthquakes struck the northwest region of that country earlier today. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) reports say four people were killed and more than 300 injured. The quakes were so powerful that skyscrapers swayed in downtown Tokyo, more than 150 miles away.

In Afghanistan, a suicide attack in Kabul has injured at least a half dozen people including two international peacekeepers. The attacker blew himself up near a NATO vehicle. It's still not clear who was behind that bombing.

At least ten Iraqi policemen have been killed in a car bombing near a police station in western Iraq. Several others were injured. There are no U.S. casualties. It happened as dozens of Iraqis were lined up to surrender their weapons or to join the police force.

And, several hours later a suicide bomber set off a car bomb at a checkpoint south of Samarra. That blast killed two Iraqi guardsmen and wounded another. Samarra is about 75 miles north of Baghdad.

And in Fallujah, U.S. and Iraqi forces arrested a senior member of al-Zarqawi terrorist network. Five other suspected terrorists were taken into custody during the raid on a so-called "safe house." The U.S. has offered $25 million calling for the capture or death of al- Zarqawi.

The latest update from the Pentagon concludes the insurgency in Iraq is growing and being funded with a substantial amount of Saudi money, that's according to a U.S. defense intelligent official authorized by the Pentagon to speak on the matter. More from CNN's senior Pentagon correspondent, Jamie McIntyre.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN SENIOR PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A new internal Pentagon analysis offers a sobering assessment of what the U.S. is up against in Iraq: an insurgency that is growing fueled by an almost unlimited pool of money funneled through Syria.

A U.S. intelligence official tells CNN the insurgency, thought to number between 5,000 and 7,000 months ago, is now estimated to include 12,000 fighters from 50 different cells. The result has been a sharp increase in attacks, as many as 90 a day at times, and more high- profile kidnappings, such as the director of CARE International's Iraq office.

MICHAEL O'HANLON, BROOKINGS INSTITUTION: We are not winning the war right now. We may turn things around. We may be preparing the Iraqi security forces thoroughly so they can take up the war effort and allow us to gradually withdraw in a year or two, but, right now, we're not winning.

MCINTYRE: The Pentagon continues to insist the increase in violence is to be expected as Iraqi elections draw near and rejects any suggestion Iraq is becoming a quagmire.

DONALD RUMSFELD, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: And there's some very bad people who want to take that country back to a dark place, and I don't call that a quagmire.

MCINTYRE: The Pentagon has said the insurgents were getting money from both Syria and Iran, but a new DIA report estimates that roughly half of the $1 billion Saddam Hussein stashed in Syrian banks before the war, some $500 million, is a prime funding source for the militants, and it believes millions more coming from wealthy Saudis and Islamic charities, who also funnel money through Syria, a charge the Saudi government called "irresponsible and factually incorrect," insisting it has tightened financial controls to ensure no money goes to terrorism.

There's also evidence that insurgents have had some success infiltrating the new Iraqi security forces. For example, Tuesday's mortar attack on an Iraqi National Guard base, north of Baghdad, seemed to be based on inside information about when the troops would be gathering for a ceremony.

(on camera): As little as six months ago, officials here were downplaying some of their own intelligence, suggesting the insurgents enjoyed wider support than the Pentagon acknowledged. These days, no one is disputing that the insurgency has turned out to be bigger and better funded than anyone expected.

Jamie McIntyre, CNN, the Pentagon.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Here in the states, just ten days to go in a very tight presidential race. President George W. Bush and Senator John Kerry locked in a virtual dead heat. They're both on the campaign trail today in states that could decide the election. Right now, Kerry's focus is Colorado, a state that usually goes republican. CNN's Ed Henry is with the Kerry campaign in Pueblo -- Ed.

ED HENRY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good Afternoon, Fredricka. That's right, John Kerry is speaking behind me outside the historic Union Depot. That's the spot where Woodrow Wilson spoke in 1919 and unfortunately for Wilson, he collapsed and later had a stroke. John Kerry obviously hoping he as a much better day, today. And I can tell you, very large crowd in Pueblo. This is, in part, all about trying to rally in these 12 states, about 12 battlegrounds that are still up for grabs in these final ten days. John Kerry, in particular here, trying to rally the Hispanic vote, this is the largest Hispanic concentration in the state of Colorado. Kerry urging voters to go out, there's early voting in Colorado, already. He's urging them to go to the polls. Kerry, also here, is pointing out he wants these nine electoral votes that, as you mentioned, went to George W. Bush in 2000. He wants them this time, in 2004. He's charging, in this speech behind me, that President Bush has been on the attack, has been negative. John Kerry says he's focusing on being optimistic.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We need a president, my friends, who asks you to join together in voting not for your fears, but voting for your hopes for this country. That's what this is about.

(END VIDEO CLIP) HENRY: The bottom line is, John Kerry, after this, is going to then head to Las Cruces, New Mexico, also trying for some Hispanic outreach in New Mexico, a state that went narrowly for Al Gore in 2000 by just 366. And then he overnights in Florida where he'll have a series of events in Florida, of course, the mother of all battlegrounds -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: And Ed, both candidates seem to be spending a lot of time in the battleground states, not just Florida, but Ohio and Pennsylvania, as well. Does Kerry have a plan to make a repeat trip to Ohio or Pennsylvania after Florida?

HENRY: Absolutely. Those 12 states that I mentioned, you're going to see both President Bush and Senator Kerry crisscrossing the country and going to those same dozen states over and over. In addition to the ones we've mentioned, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, as well. You're going to see the same two candidates going to the same states -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: All right. And barely missing one another, amazingly.

HENRY: That's right.

WHITFIELD: And Henry, thanks very much, in Pueblo, Colorado

Well, President Bush is focusing on the state that sent him to the oval office the last time around, Florida. He's got four stops there today. It's the fifth time he's been to Florida this month. And at every stop today, including this one that's happening right now in Lakeland, Bush will be rallying his base. Before this stop in Lakeland, Bush met cheering supporters at a rally in Fort Myers where he blasted on a major issue, the war on terror.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: That would be -- my opponent has a September the 10th point of view. At his convention, at his convention, he declared that his strategy will be to respond to attacks after America is hit.

(BOOS)

BUSH: That would be too late. In our debates, he said, with a straight face, we can defend America only if we pass a global test.

(BOOS)

BUSH: I'm not making that up. I heard him. He was standing right there when he said it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Also on today's schedule for Bush, rallies in Melbourne and Jacksonville, then he heads to his ranch in Crawford, Texas. Well, while the Bush-Kerry battle grabs the headlines, there's another factor that neither man can afford to overlook: Independent candidate Ralph Nader has the potential to play the spoiler in the neck-and-neck race. Our senior political analyst, Bill Schneider, takes a closer look at the Nader factor and what it could mean on Election Day.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SR. POLITICAL ANALYST (voice-over): In 2000, Ralph Nader got more than 97,000 votes in Florida. Bush carried this state by 537.

How worried should democrats be this year with Nader averaging less than two percent in the polls? Not all of Nader's votes come at the democrats' expense. If forced to choose between John Kerry and Bush, about half of Nader's current supporters say they would vote for Kerry. A quarter would vote for Bush, the rest wouldn't vote for either one. Nader's running mate says Kerry and Bush are nearly one in the same.

PETER CAMEJO (I), VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Kerry gave George Bush 18 standing ovations in January, that's hard to do with somebody you don't like.

SCHNEIDER: Nader's running mate in 1996 and 2000 doesn't agree. She recently endorsed Kerry, saying, "He is a rational alternative to the most destructive administration in recent memory."

Right now, Nader is on the ballot in 34 states and the District of Columbia. How many states look like potential Floridas? Those are states where Nader is on the ballot, Kerry is not leading in the post- debate polls, and Bush's lead is smaller than Nader's vote. Those conditions hold in four states right now, Arkansas, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Florida.

In 2000, New Hampshire and Florida were the two states where Nader got enough votes to put Bush over the top. In a race this close, even a demised Nader could cost the Democrats victory, again.

Nader's response? "If the race is that close, it's not my fault."

RALPH NADER (I), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: The Democrats should be landsliding George W. Bush. He stands for everything that represents greed, power, domination and autocracy by giant corporations.

SCHNEIDER: A historian once said, third parties are like bees, they sting and then they die. Ralph Nader is haunting this race like the undead.

Bill Schneider, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Well, Florida's voting system got a black eye following the presidential election four years ago. This time around, it's not the only state with voting-related issues. Find out why the nation could face an even larger legal hangover the day after the election.

Plus, will alcohol be flowing in the bars around Fenway Park tonight for the first game of the World Series? We'll tell you about the Boston mayor's plans to help curtail rowdy baseball fans.

And, the flu vaccine shortage sparks long lines across the country. I'll talk with a doctor about what's at issue and how it might impact the flu season now and later. That's straight ahead on CNN LIVE SATURDAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: In the past week, the mood in Boston has swung from sullen dejection to euphoric revelry, and now, sobering disbelief. It follows the death of a college student who had been the Red Sox's historic celebrating the victory over the Yankees. Twenty-one-year- old Victoria Snelgrove was killed by a supposedly non-lethal pepper spray filled projectile fired by police to disperse the crowd. Well, Boston's police commissioner has since apologized and said officers showed great restraint trying to control unruly people, some of whom set small fires and threw bottles at police.

Boston's mayor says more police will be posted around bars in the Fenway Park area during the World Series. He initially threatened to ban alcohol sales in the vicinity, but has now withdrawn that idea.

Well, speaking of the World Series, game one gets underway in about seven hours. CNN's sports reporter, Larry Smith has a preview.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LARRY SMITH, CNN SPORTS REPORTER: In the 100th renewal of the World Series, few would be shocked if we saw that many runs scored before a champion is crowned. The Cardinals having come in put up more than five runs per game in these playoffs. While the Red Sox, baseball's most prolific offense, during the regular season, have scored nearly seven runs per game and are riding a momentum of a 3-0 come back over the Yankees.

WOODY WILLIAMS, CARDINAL'S PITCHER: There's no doubt I have to make sure I focus every hitter and I got to keep the top of the lineup off the bases, because the big boys can definitely make that a three or four run inning real quick.

JOHNNY DAMON, RED SOX OUTFIELDER: Hopefully the bats come out swinging in game one, but you know what? We know we that can rely on anybody on this team. If someone doesn't come through one game, we know they can step up in another. So, there's not going to be any panic on our team.

LARRY WALKER, CARDINAL'S OUTFIELDER: It seems like a fairly evenly matched teams. I saw what was written in one paper, I guess, just matching up position by position and the numbers are very similar. So, you know, it could come down to pitching and bullpens.

SMITH: Saint Louis manager, Tony Larussa, can make history and join Sparky Anderson as the only managers to win World Series titles in both leagues.

While it's the same old story for the Red Sox, their fifth World Series appearance since the infamous trade of Babe Ruth back in 1920, the last four trips all ended in game seven losses.

Larry Smith, CNN, Boston.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Well, listen up. Cell phone users are at the center of many of life's little annoyances, but what can you do about someone else's chatter? We'll ask the ethics guy about proper public behavior. See if you agree.

Plus, the daughter of an imprisoned domestic diva talks about her family's ordeal. Hear from Alexis Stewart in her first interview since her mother went to jail. Next on CNN LIVE SATURDAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: This week, doctors in Colorado conducted the first transplant operation in the U.S. where the donor and recipient connected through an Internet Web site. The process has some people wondering about the ethics of it all. Let's turn to an expert on ethics, Bruce Weinstein, the "Ethics Guy," for his take.

Bruce, good to see you.

BRUCE WEINSTEIN, THE "ETHICS GUY": Hey Fredricka. How are you?

WHITFIELD: All right. All of this taking place while thousands of people are on waiting lists for doesn't, but at the same time what's the matter with having another option out there?

WEINSTEIN: There's no problem with this, Fredricka. The website is matchingdonors.com and potential recipients pay $281 a month to place a wanted ad on the Web site. If the Web site accepted only people who are able to pay for an advertisement, there would be a problem, because it would create a gap between those who have money and are able to get an organ and those who don't have the money to pay for an advertisement, but the Web site does allow people who aren't able to pay the $281 a month to place an ad, so, there really is no problem with what they're doing from an ethical perspective, and in fact, they've done attention to the problem. This week alone, since the story broke, the number of potential donors has quadrupled. That's a good thing.

WHITFIELD: That is a good thing. All right, so then, perhaps it's good news all the way around and may ultimately help a lot more people than at first glance seemed to be hurting.

WEINSTEIN: Good point. WHITFIELD: All right, let's move on to cell phone etiquette. It seems these days everyone has a cell phone, they use it no matter what, on the phone while they're walking on the street, etcetera.

WEINSTEIN: Right.

WHITFIELD: However it is presenting a problem for some folk, particularly Lorene of Roseville, Minnesota who writes: "A friend of mine had her 9-year-old son with her shopping recently and a nearby shopper was talking animatedly and loudly with somebody, only the shopper that was using words a 9-year-old shouldn't hear and the details of the phone conversation were intimate details no one would want to listen to. Is it ethical to ask cell phone users to tone down their conversations when they are invading public space or is it incumbent upon the unintentional listener to just move away?"

WEINSTEIN: Well, Lorene points out cell that correctly that although much of cell phone chatter is merely obnoxious, in this case the chatter is not just rude, it's wrong because it can hurt, it can harm, it can be offensive to children and to others who understandably don't wish to be around foul language in public.

So, you know, one of the reoccurring themes that we've looked at in this segment over the past weeks is the idea that when we observe other people engaging in wrong doing, it is incumbent upon us to intervene because as Edmond Burke once said, and I've quoted this before, it bears repeating. "All that is necessary for evil to flourish is for good people to do nothing." So, when we observe someone using offensive language on their cell phone in public, or revealing confidential information, for example, about a medical problem that a friend might be having and mentioning the person by name, we ought to say something and the best way to do that is to use what I call a praise sandwich, we begin by saying something complimentary, but sincere to the person. Maybe complementing them on what they're wearing or just simply say hello in a warm and friendly way...

WHITFIELD: While you're interrupting their conversation? Some people might be a little bit belligerent about -- you know, a stranger coming up to them and saying something and then leading into "would you kindly get off the phone, you're disputing me?"

WEINSTEIN: Well, instead of using "you" language, like "you have some nerve to use foul language in public," if we use "I" language, if we say "you may not aware of this, but I overheard some really strong language and it bothered me and I wonder if it might bother other people, so..." and we end on a positive not. We let the other person know that we have faith in them that they will continue -- or that they will do the right thing in the future. Praise, criticism, praise done in the right way it can resolve these kinds of sticky ethical problems.

WHITFIELD: And I have a feeling that we're going to be talking about this subject again one day, because while there is some policing as to how -- you know, many folks can use a phone in their car, for example, it seems like a long shot before there's any policing of using your cell phone in public spaces.

WEINSTEIN: We ought to get involved and it really takes very little to do so in a positive way.

WHITFIELD: All right, Bruce Weinstein thanks so much -- the "Ethics Guy," good to see you this Saturday, as always.

WEINSTEIN: Thanks, Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: Well, if you have a question you would like to see the "Ethicses Guy" tackle, e-mail it to us at ethics@cnn.com and Bruce Weinstein might be able to give you an answer in an upcoming show.

Well it's been two weeks since Martha Stewart began serving out her five month sentence at a federal prison camp in West Virginia. So, how are things going? Larry King asked Stewart's daughter, Alexis, about it last night. She says her mom is doing great, spending her days exercising in the prison gym, and watching documentaries. But Alexis said her mom thinks the prison food is terrible.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LARRY KING, "LARRY KING LIVE": Has she made friends?

STEWART: Yeah, lots of friends. The inmates are wonderful, really lovely women.

KING: Is she popular among them, do you gather? (UNINTELLIGIBLE)

STEWART: I think so. I think so. Yeah.

KING: What was it like when she went that morning?

STEWART: It was horrible. It was really upsetting.

KING: Did you go with her?

STEWART: Yes, I went with her. And to leave her there was just miserable. Very upsetting. I got to go see her, luckily, that afternoon and just to tell you who's holding up better, as usual, one of the inmates, or maybe it was a visitor, another visitor said, asked who was the younger sister. So, she withstood it much better than I did.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Well, after Martha Stewart is released from prison, she'll spend five months under house arrest. Her lawyers are still appealing her conviction.

Coming up, trouble at the battle box: While the legal hassles of 2000 could look like child's play following this year's presidential race, say some.

And still to come, rattled in Japan: Incredible moments and damage from strong earthquakes captured on video.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: A look atd the news now. President Bush and Senator John Kerry are slugging it out again today with the election just ten day away. Right now President Bush is at a rally in Lakeland, Florida, you're looking at live pictures right now. In all, he's making four stops today in the Sunshine State.

The Kerry campaign is targeting two states and a crucial voting block, today. Even Colorado and New Mexico where Latino voters could help swing the election. Later today the Democratic candidate heads to Florida as well.

Well, some American beef products could soon be back in grocery stores in Japan. Nearly a year after they were banned because of a mad cow scare. Japan tentatively agreed to resume imports of beef, but only from younger cattle, whose age can be verified. Those animals are believed to carry the lowest risk of mad cow disease.

After six months abort the International Space Station an American astronaut and Russian cosmonaut are getting ready to head back to Earth. The two along with another cosmonaut who spent eight days are the station are scheduled to leave for home later on today. They're flying home in a Russian Soyuz space capsule.

Media reports out of Japan say strong earthquakes and aftershocks in the northwest part of that country have killed at least five people and left hundreds more injured. The quakes were felt in Tokyo. We have a look at the quakes as they unfolded from CNN Atika Shubert.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ATIKA SHUBERT, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Not one, but three intense earthquakes shook Japan on Saturday evening, the most powerful had a magnitude of 6.8. All three occurred in the northern area Nigata.

National broadcaster NHK was reporting live from Nigata when one tremor hit, shaking the studio. Outside, local authorities reported severe damage. Several houses collapsed. Dozens of residents were injured.

Local authorities report that the tremor ruptured water mains and caused blackouts in several towns. Transportation was also disrupted. One high-speed train on the way to Nigata was derailed. No one was injured. Roads in several areas also buckled and cracked from the tremors.

The quakes were felt as far away as Tokyo, causing skyscrapers to sway dramatically for up to a minute.

Atika Shubert, CNN, Tokyo.

(END VIDEOTAPE) WHITFIELD: Back here at home, as this roller coaster ride of a presidential race draws to a close, there is some concern that election day will be marred by a repeat of what happened in Florida the last time around. Already, voter registration problems have cropped up in some big battleground states. More now from CNN's Lisa Sylvester.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LISA SYLVESTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): It's supposed to be one person, one vote. But in Florida, at least 68,000 residents are also registered to vote in a second state, according to analysis by the "Orlando Sentinel".

And 1,600 people may have actually voted twice in the 2000 and 2002 election. Battleground states face potential problems ranging from fraud to disenfranchisement.

MILES RAPPAPORT, DEMOS: Well, my biggest hope is that we'll have a really high turn out, the election will go relatively smoothly and we'll have a president chosen on November 3rd. My fear is that none of those things will happen.

SYLVESTER: Along with Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin and Colorado also have voter registration issues. In Ohio, the number of registered voters surpasses the voting age population in seven counties. People who have left the state are still on the voting rolls.

Wisconsin has same-day registration. Milwaukee's mayor is worried there may not be enough ballots. In Colorado, the problem is duplicate registrations.

MARKE EDDY, FAIR VOTE COLORADO: We actually have a situation here where the Secretary of State Donneta Davidson (ph), is on the rolls twice because she moved between the primary election and the general election. So, she's actually on the rolls twice, at two different addresses.

SYLVESTER: There are also battles over who should be allowed to vote. In Iowa, the attorney general ruled residents can vote, even if they did not check off a box verifying they are at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen.

Also being disputed is whether votes should count if someone shows up at the wrong precinct. With all the confusion, MIT Professor Ted Selcker offers this advice to voters.

TED SELKER, CAL TECH/MIT VOTING PROJECT: Be sure to go to the right place to vote. If they can't find your name anyway and you're sure you're registered here, vote on a provisional.

SYLVESTER: Provisional ballots will be given to voters whose names do not appear on the records. The ballots will count only if, in fact, they are registered. One other bit of advice, bring identification to the polls, even if you think you don't need it. Lisa Sylvester, CNN, Washington. (END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: So, what do we make of these warning signs ahead of Election Day? Jackie Calmes, "The Wall Street Journal" Washington correspondent is joining us now.

Good to see you, Jackie.

JACKIE CALMES, "THE WALL STREET JOURNAL": Good to see you.

WHITFIELD: More people than ever are voting early prior to Tuesday's race.

CALMES: Right.

WHITFIELD: With all these problems now cropping up, might this impact the actual voter turnout come two Tuesdays from now?

CALMES: I think the turnout is going to be high. People are just too interested in this race to stay home. We'll have record turnout, which in turn will lead to problems of its own.

WHITFIELD: Do you think people are feeling like they're losing trust in whether all of these wrinkles might be worked out?

CALMES: Well, the election officials worry about that. I think, you know, on the downside, the problems we saw in Florida in 2000 weren't peculiar to Florida. They're true of any state. The problem is the result was close. Now you're going to have a number of states where the results are close. Some people think the next Florida will be Ohio. I think people will come out because they're motivated.

The problem is, you have a lot of first-time voters who don't really have experience at the polls. They may come to a place with new machines and there are not going to be enough poll workers in many states to answer their questions. Meanwhile, as your report just suggested there will be a number of lawyers for both sides that are going to be fanning out in these close states ready to pounce if there's a problem.

WHITFIELD: When you say the next Florida may be Ohio, you're talking particularly about this provisional balloting?

CALMES: Right.

WHITFIELD: What does this mean?

CALMES: Well, the provisional ballots are new everywhere. They're going to be a problem in every state. And they're a reform. States had them for 2000, but now it's a federal mandate, that if you show up at the precinct and for any reason you can't vote, you're not on the rolls, you can demand a provisional ballot.

The problem is, that's your right under federal law, but in a lot of these states, the secretaries of state have said -- in Ohio, for instance, and Michigan -- they'll only count your vote if you're in the right precinct.

The other side will argue one of the main reasons for having provisional ballots is so that a person who is confused about the precinct will be able to vote. The federal judges have stepped in Michigan and Ohio. You have these kind of problems.

Let me add, a really big thing to think about is I think there is a very good chance we won't know who is president on November 3rd. Because these provisional ballots could be upwards of 10 percent of a total vote in a state.

WHITFIELD: You think maybe days after the vote, or maybe even weeks?

CALMES: Could be, because these provisional ballots don't have to be counted. In Ohio, they're not even going to start counting 'til 10 days, while they, in the meantime, check people's qualifications. That is about 10 percent of Ohio's vote could be provisional ballots.

That could be true in a number of states, because turnout is so great and a lot of people are voting on provisionals.

WHITFIELD: Now, back to Florida, because it was such a huge concern, and pivotal, in 2000. Now you have electronic balloting. But you have an awful lot of folks who are saying I want some kind of written proof of who I voted for and what my results were.

CALMES: Right.

WHITFIELD: Just in case computers go down. Is that likely to happen with just a week and a half to go?

CALMES: Well, with machines, things do go wrong. I tend to think that -- I believed for a long time the machines aren't going to be the problem. They weren't even the biggest problem in Florida subsequent studies show. The problem is human error.

So, it is really important that people try to get information in advance about what their ballot looks like and how to vote it. And for the states and the counties to have enough poll workers on hand to help them.

If I were the parties, the Democratic and Republican parties, I would have more people out there walking the lines and making sure people know how to vote, helping in that regard rather than looking for fraud and intimidation as hard.

WHITFIELD: All right, lots of anticipation leading up to a week and a half from now some two Tuesdays from now actually, November 2nd.

Thank you so much, Jackie Calmes, Washington correspondent for "The Wall Street Journal".

Coming up at 3:00 Eastern "Next @ CNN" looks at the new voting technologies. Are they really the answers to today's troubles? More on that. Getting the flu vaccine to those who need it. Is there anything the government can do to prevent future shortages? I'll talk to a doctor from Harvard Medical School.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Right now, the slightest cough or sneeze is liable to trigger concerned looks from flu wary parents, co-workers or anyone else feeling vulnerable because of the vaccine shortage. While many people are worried about this season others see a problem in years to come. CNN Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen explains.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Will these long lines stretch all the way to next year's flu season? After regularities said it could be contaminated, nearly have the nation's supply of flu shots had to be thrown out this year. There are signs that the same manufacturer won't be able to make any shots next year.

In a conference call with investors, the CEO of Chiron, the company that made the flu shots said, "The situation remains fluid. We are determined to return to the U.S. market as a reliable supplier of flu vaccine as soon as is feasible."

If Chiron doesn't get back on track, that could leave the U.S., for the second year in a row, with just one company making the vaccine for the entire country.

DR. JERRY AVORN, AUTHOR, "POWERFUL MEDICINE": We should probably not be in a position where we are so dependent on one or two companies for a product that is literally life saving.

COHEN: The government is now on the hunt for other suppliers. A spokesman for the Centers of Disease Control said all options are open. The government is already inspecting a Canadian drug manufacturing plant to see if it's up to U.S. standards.

Over the past four years, several pharmaceutical companies have gotten out of the flu shot business.

AVORN: Companies have felt that this is not a profitable area and one by one, most of the flu or vaccine manufacturers of many kinds have dropped out to pursue more lucrative products.

COHEN: That has prompted some experts to say the government ought to take over the production of flu shots itself. Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: That report you just heard raised prospect of more government regulation over the flu vaccine industry. Good or bad idea? We pose that question to Dr. Jerry Avorn, who joins us now from Watertown, Massachusetts.

Good to see you.

He is an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and the author of the book, "Powerful Medicine". Yes, you did see him in that piece as well.

Good to see you, Doctor Avorn.

AVORN: Thanks for having me.

WHITFIELD: Do we have a better idea now? The source of the contamination of the British supply that the U.S. so greatly relies upon?

AVORN: You mean do we have a better idea of what the cause of that contamination was?

WHITFIELD: Yes.

AVORN: No, not that I'm aware of. I don't think anyone is.

Making vaccine is a very tricky business. It's much tougher than making pills that you might take for cholesterol or blood pressure. It turns out there appears to have been some bacterial contamination in the product coming out of Liverpool.

WHITFIELD: How unusual is it that the U.S. relies most greatly on two particular manufacturers, and now with one being out of commission to supply a good amount of vaccine to the U.S., we're dealing now with this great shortage.

AVORN: As your piece just now indicated it is a problem that's been developing over many years. And it gets a little worse every year. More and more of the manufacturers have said we don't want to make vaccine. We can make more money making drugs fro heart burn or allergies and we're just leaving the field. The problem is that if they choose to do so there is no push back or alternative. The government just watches them leave and now we only have one company left.

WHITFIELD: Does the FDA have any jurisdiction to inspect these plants?

AVORN: Yes, the FDA does have jurisdiction and it is a little embarrassing it was the British authorities that found there was a problem of contamination in this American plant, that happened to be in England, rather than our own FDA, which seem to be caught short and didn't know about it until it was too late.

WHITFIELD: What needs to be the incentive to try to encourage more U.S. plants to get involved so we're not in a position like this again?

AVORN: There's a number of opportunities that have been suggested. One would be for the government to promise to buy back whatever vaccine is left at the end of the season. So that companies wouldn't be left holding the bag. WHITFIELD: Doesn't that also mean that sometimes that vaccine would be obsolete during the next season because the flu strain changes so frequently?

AVORN: That's exactly right. The vaccine couldn't be used the next year, but the idea is that least the companies wouldn't be caught in an economic bind and they would at least be able to feel better about going into the business.

Another option is to say this is a public health trust and is so important that like defense or roadways, we ought to have the government doing this, just like we have the government doing defense and building roads and running schools.

WHITFIELD: Why should Americans feel assured that the vaccine that is being made available to a very small segment of the population, the most vulnerable, that that vaccines supply is safe?

AVORN: Normally, when the FDA is doing its job correctly, as it does most of the time, although most isn't quite good enough. They're quite good at making sure the plants are producing sterile and effective product. We can expect that is the case for any product they release.

WHITFIELD: Are you concerned about how the U.S. might prepare now for averting a repeat like this for next season?

AVORN: I'm even more concerned about this season. I don't know if we know going in whether we'll have a real problem for the current flu season. We'll have half as much as we need. Next season, we better do more than say the marketplace will take care of it and let free enterprise do its thing. That's how we got into this bind in the first place.

WHITFIELD: Then you hear from critics who say this really does underscores the potential vulnerability the U.S. has for any other infections, or epidemics or bioterrorism attack.

AVORN: It's a little scary that if the current administration can't even guarantee us a stable flu shot supply, I don't know how they'll protect us from bio terrorism if that happens.

WHITFIELD: All right, Dr. Jerry Avorn of Harvard Medical School. Thanks for joining us.

AVORN: Thanks for having me.

The word is, stay East. If you want to enjoy some amazing skiing, that is. Still ahead, why the West isn't your only option to hit the slopes.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: It's not even Halloween yet and already enough snow has fallen to help kick off the season earlier than usual. Where should you go if you're planning a ski vacation? Keith Bellows is the editor-in-chief for "National Geographic Traveler" he joins us now to talk about the best places to perhaps hit the slopes.

Good to see you, Keith?

KEITH BELLOWS, EDITOR IN CHIEF, "NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER": Hi, there.

WHITFIELD: A lot of early snow way out West. Is there where we need to be making our initial plans then?

BELLOWS: I really think so. You have some deals out there. If you go to a place like Grand Targi (ph), which not many people know about, it gets 500 inches of powder a year, it is right on the Wyoming/Idaho border. You can get incredible deals there.

WHITFIELD: Deals with your lift tickets as well as your air fare, or what kind of packages?

BELLOWS: If you sign up now, you can lock in your lift ticket price for the rest of the year.

WHITFIELD: Really?

BELLOWS: Yes. You'll fly into Jackson Hole, which is a very cool town. You have a really great ski area there. And it has everything for the entire family.

WHITFIELD: Are a lot of ski resorts doing that? You can call in and lock in your ski lift tickets? That's news to me.

BELLOWS: I wouldn't say a lot of them are doing it. Some of them are doing it and a lot of them are doing it via the web. If you go on their websites, you have a much better chance of getting a cheaper package deal going to the websites than if you go through more conventional means.

WHITFIELD: And some resorts are more family friendly, others are for the solo adventurer. How do you sort it out?

BELLOWS: You have to do a little research. If you're a hardcore skier and you don't want the snowboarders, you just want to ski, Taos is your place. If you want a family vacation, a really great all around getaway, you want to stay on the East Coast, Stowe would be a better place.

WHITFIELD: Hold on, we're going to take a short break and on the other side of the break we'll continue our conversation on some of the best places to ski this winter. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Ready to plan your ski vacation? It is not too early. Keith Bellows of "National Geographic Traveler" is with us and says now is the best time to lock in those ski rates.

We talked about the skiing destinations out West. On the East Coast, a lot of folks complain sometimes it's a little too icy. That's why they prefer going out West, but you say open your eyes a little bit. There are some great places in the East.

BELLOWS: There really are. There is no question that the Eastern skiing is icier, it can be a little colder, but most of the big resorts, Killington, Stowe, in Canada, Mont Tran Blanc (ph), the they've got really good snow blowing equipment now. It takes the edge off what used to be a pretty hardcore skiing experience.

WHITFIELD: You think there's pretty good deals if you try to start planning early for those destination as well?

BELLOWS: There are. In fact, even if you don't plan early, if you go to a place like Mont Tran Blanc, which is about 60 miles north of Montreal, so you can get the benefit of going to a great very European city. You can be skiing on world-class ski slopes for less than $50 a day because of the U.S./Canadian exchange rate.

WHITFIELD: These world-class ski slopes are pretty intimidating for the beginner. However, a lot of times, they offer great packages for inexperienced skiers at these tremendous places. What are you noticing about the lesson packages for the inexperienced?

BELLOWS: The lifeblood of skiing is to keep getting the kids involved and the newbies, if you will. Stowe has a terrific package, very low price. It includes the lift tickets and lessons, but also the equipment rental. Especially a place like Stowe where it caters to kids and beginners with the bunny slopes that you should look to if you have a youngster you want to get started in skiing.

WHITFIELD: Of course, if you don't like the lessons there's always the chalet and some hot cocoa.

BELLOWS: Indeed.

WHITFIELD: all that good stuff. Always a lot of fun.

Keith Bellows, "National Geographic Traveler", thanks so much.

Ready to strap on our boots and get the skies on and take to the slopes.

BELLOWS: Have fun.

WHITFIELD: coming up, no boyfriend? No problem. Jeanne Moos has found the perfect snuggle replacement that comes without snoring and won't even steal the covers.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Sometimes a girl just really wants to be held. But what is a single gal to do when she doesn't have an arm to cling to? A Japanese company thinks it has come up with just the answer. But is it more comforting or creepy? Jeanne Moos snuggles up to the Boyfriend's Arm.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): OK, put your head down.

MOOS (voice over): This pillow requires instructions.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Am I supposed to cuddle like I would with a guy?

MOOS: That is the whole point of what is called the Boyfriend's Arm Pillow.

Unlike a real arm, this one never gets numb. Unlike a real boyfriend, it is always there and doesn't snore. It was dreamed up by a Japanese company, whose president says his grandmother used to say there is no more comfortable pillow than the human pillow.

But will this stand in for a boyfriend pass muster with New York women?

(on camera): He looks better with the pajamas, don't you think?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, definitely.

MOOS (voice over): We shelled out 70 bucks for a Boyfriend's Arm pillow and had it shipped from Japan to New York.

(on camera): They put a hold on this thing in customs. They wanted more information on what it was.

(voice over): For his first, and only, night out, we took the Boyfriend's Arm to a night spot called Hi-Line (ph), where they change sheets not just table clothes. He immediately caused trouble, spilling a drink, and worse.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He's feeling me up!

(LAUGHTER)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It is very comfortable. It is a little, it is a little disconcerting though to have like a hand.

MOOS (voice over): For guys, it was a role reversal.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I usually have a head on my arm, when I'm sleeping.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't know. It feels like my mom is holding me or something.

MOOS: Oh really!

(voice over): This woman says it makes her feel lonelier.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I would just rather get a real boyfriend for free.

MOOS: Some had suggestions for improving the pillow.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, it needs a head.

MOOS: Forget a head, this guy wants a bust.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (speaking Japanese)

MOOS: We're told a female version already exists for $83. And they are working on designing a lap with a skirt. Or some more muscular Boyfriend's Arm.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I would like something longer, because I like to put my leg over something. I want the whole man.

MOOS: That is sure to cost an arm and a leg. Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And why does the women's version cost more?

Still much more ahead on CNN SATURDAY.

In a few moments, "In The Money". At 2:00 Eastern, CNN LIVE SATURDAY takes a closer look at voter irregularities and what measures are being taken to avoid a repeat of the 2000 elections.

And then, at 3 it is Next @ CNN, with a look at a controversial wildlife management plan that says it is OK to kill wolves.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired October 23, 2004 - 12:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: It is 12:00 p.m. on the East coast, 9:00 a.m. in the West. I'm Fredricka Whitfield at CNN's global headquarters in Atlanta. Ahead this hour:
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MICHAEL O'HANLON, BROOKINGS INSTITUTION: We are not winning the war right now.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: A U.S. military report says the insurgency is growing in Iraq. The Pentagon believes it knows how the attacks are being funded.

Measuring the third party impact in the race for the White House: How one presidential candidate, behind in the polls, could help influence who occupies the oval office. Plus this:

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ALEXIS STEWART, MARTHA STEWART'S DAUGHTER: I went with her. To leave her there was just miserable, very upsetting.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: A "Larry King" exclusive. Martha Stewart's daughter talks about her mother's first day in prison. But, first a top look at the top stories now in the news.

President Bush is barnstorming across Florida today. He's holding rallies in four republican areas of that state -- Fort Myers, Lakeland, Melbourne, and Jacksonville, Florida. You're looking at a live picture right now. The majority of all four locals voted for him in 2000. This is the president's third visit to Florida in just over a week.

John Kerry is trying to win the traditionally republican state of Colorado. In this live picture, you're seeing he's campaigning there with state attorney general, Ken Salazar hoping to attract the Hispanic vote. In a radio address, Kerry accuses the president of ignoring pressures on working women.

Strong aftershocks continue rattling Japan after three powerful earthquakes struck the northwest region of that country earlier today. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) reports say four people were killed and more than 300 injured. The quakes were so powerful that skyscrapers swayed in downtown Tokyo, more than 150 miles away.

In Afghanistan, a suicide attack in Kabul has injured at least a half dozen people including two international peacekeepers. The attacker blew himself up near a NATO vehicle. It's still not clear who was behind that bombing.

At least ten Iraqi policemen have been killed in a car bombing near a police station in western Iraq. Several others were injured. There are no U.S. casualties. It happened as dozens of Iraqis were lined up to surrender their weapons or to join the police force.

And, several hours later a suicide bomber set off a car bomb at a checkpoint south of Samarra. That blast killed two Iraqi guardsmen and wounded another. Samarra is about 75 miles north of Baghdad.

And in Fallujah, U.S. and Iraqi forces arrested a senior member of al-Zarqawi terrorist network. Five other suspected terrorists were taken into custody during the raid on a so-called "safe house." The U.S. has offered $25 million calling for the capture or death of al- Zarqawi.

The latest update from the Pentagon concludes the insurgency in Iraq is growing and being funded with a substantial amount of Saudi money, that's according to a U.S. defense intelligent official authorized by the Pentagon to speak on the matter. More from CNN's senior Pentagon correspondent, Jamie McIntyre.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN SENIOR PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A new internal Pentagon analysis offers a sobering assessment of what the U.S. is up against in Iraq: an insurgency that is growing fueled by an almost unlimited pool of money funneled through Syria.

A U.S. intelligence official tells CNN the insurgency, thought to number between 5,000 and 7,000 months ago, is now estimated to include 12,000 fighters from 50 different cells. The result has been a sharp increase in attacks, as many as 90 a day at times, and more high- profile kidnappings, such as the director of CARE International's Iraq office.

MICHAEL O'HANLON, BROOKINGS INSTITUTION: We are not winning the war right now. We may turn things around. We may be preparing the Iraqi security forces thoroughly so they can take up the war effort and allow us to gradually withdraw in a year or two, but, right now, we're not winning.

MCINTYRE: The Pentagon continues to insist the increase in violence is to be expected as Iraqi elections draw near and rejects any suggestion Iraq is becoming a quagmire.

DONALD RUMSFELD, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: And there's some very bad people who want to take that country back to a dark place, and I don't call that a quagmire.

MCINTYRE: The Pentagon has said the insurgents were getting money from both Syria and Iran, but a new DIA report estimates that roughly half of the $1 billion Saddam Hussein stashed in Syrian banks before the war, some $500 million, is a prime funding source for the militants, and it believes millions more coming from wealthy Saudis and Islamic charities, who also funnel money through Syria, a charge the Saudi government called "irresponsible and factually incorrect," insisting it has tightened financial controls to ensure no money goes to terrorism.

There's also evidence that insurgents have had some success infiltrating the new Iraqi security forces. For example, Tuesday's mortar attack on an Iraqi National Guard base, north of Baghdad, seemed to be based on inside information about when the troops would be gathering for a ceremony.

(on camera): As little as six months ago, officials here were downplaying some of their own intelligence, suggesting the insurgents enjoyed wider support than the Pentagon acknowledged. These days, no one is disputing that the insurgency has turned out to be bigger and better funded than anyone expected.

Jamie McIntyre, CNN, the Pentagon.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Here in the states, just ten days to go in a very tight presidential race. President George W. Bush and Senator John Kerry locked in a virtual dead heat. They're both on the campaign trail today in states that could decide the election. Right now, Kerry's focus is Colorado, a state that usually goes republican. CNN's Ed Henry is with the Kerry campaign in Pueblo -- Ed.

ED HENRY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good Afternoon, Fredricka. That's right, John Kerry is speaking behind me outside the historic Union Depot. That's the spot where Woodrow Wilson spoke in 1919 and unfortunately for Wilson, he collapsed and later had a stroke. John Kerry obviously hoping he as a much better day, today. And I can tell you, very large crowd in Pueblo. This is, in part, all about trying to rally in these 12 states, about 12 battlegrounds that are still up for grabs in these final ten days. John Kerry, in particular here, trying to rally the Hispanic vote, this is the largest Hispanic concentration in the state of Colorado. Kerry urging voters to go out, there's early voting in Colorado, already. He's urging them to go to the polls. Kerry, also here, is pointing out he wants these nine electoral votes that, as you mentioned, went to George W. Bush in 2000. He wants them this time, in 2004. He's charging, in this speech behind me, that President Bush has been on the attack, has been negative. John Kerry says he's focusing on being optimistic.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We need a president, my friends, who asks you to join together in voting not for your fears, but voting for your hopes for this country. That's what this is about.

(END VIDEO CLIP) HENRY: The bottom line is, John Kerry, after this, is going to then head to Las Cruces, New Mexico, also trying for some Hispanic outreach in New Mexico, a state that went narrowly for Al Gore in 2000 by just 366. And then he overnights in Florida where he'll have a series of events in Florida, of course, the mother of all battlegrounds -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: And Ed, both candidates seem to be spending a lot of time in the battleground states, not just Florida, but Ohio and Pennsylvania, as well. Does Kerry have a plan to make a repeat trip to Ohio or Pennsylvania after Florida?

HENRY: Absolutely. Those 12 states that I mentioned, you're going to see both President Bush and Senator Kerry crisscrossing the country and going to those same dozen states over and over. In addition to the ones we've mentioned, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, as well. You're going to see the same two candidates going to the same states -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: All right. And barely missing one another, amazingly.

HENRY: That's right.

WHITFIELD: And Henry, thanks very much, in Pueblo, Colorado

Well, President Bush is focusing on the state that sent him to the oval office the last time around, Florida. He's got four stops there today. It's the fifth time he's been to Florida this month. And at every stop today, including this one that's happening right now in Lakeland, Bush will be rallying his base. Before this stop in Lakeland, Bush met cheering supporters at a rally in Fort Myers where he blasted on a major issue, the war on terror.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: That would be -- my opponent has a September the 10th point of view. At his convention, at his convention, he declared that his strategy will be to respond to attacks after America is hit.

(BOOS)

BUSH: That would be too late. In our debates, he said, with a straight face, we can defend America only if we pass a global test.

(BOOS)

BUSH: I'm not making that up. I heard him. He was standing right there when he said it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Also on today's schedule for Bush, rallies in Melbourne and Jacksonville, then he heads to his ranch in Crawford, Texas. Well, while the Bush-Kerry battle grabs the headlines, there's another factor that neither man can afford to overlook: Independent candidate Ralph Nader has the potential to play the spoiler in the neck-and-neck race. Our senior political analyst, Bill Schneider, takes a closer look at the Nader factor and what it could mean on Election Day.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SR. POLITICAL ANALYST (voice-over): In 2000, Ralph Nader got more than 97,000 votes in Florida. Bush carried this state by 537.

How worried should democrats be this year with Nader averaging less than two percent in the polls? Not all of Nader's votes come at the democrats' expense. If forced to choose between John Kerry and Bush, about half of Nader's current supporters say they would vote for Kerry. A quarter would vote for Bush, the rest wouldn't vote for either one. Nader's running mate says Kerry and Bush are nearly one in the same.

PETER CAMEJO (I), VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Kerry gave George Bush 18 standing ovations in January, that's hard to do with somebody you don't like.

SCHNEIDER: Nader's running mate in 1996 and 2000 doesn't agree. She recently endorsed Kerry, saying, "He is a rational alternative to the most destructive administration in recent memory."

Right now, Nader is on the ballot in 34 states and the District of Columbia. How many states look like potential Floridas? Those are states where Nader is on the ballot, Kerry is not leading in the post- debate polls, and Bush's lead is smaller than Nader's vote. Those conditions hold in four states right now, Arkansas, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Florida.

In 2000, New Hampshire and Florida were the two states where Nader got enough votes to put Bush over the top. In a race this close, even a demised Nader could cost the Democrats victory, again.

Nader's response? "If the race is that close, it's not my fault."

RALPH NADER (I), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: The Democrats should be landsliding George W. Bush. He stands for everything that represents greed, power, domination and autocracy by giant corporations.

SCHNEIDER: A historian once said, third parties are like bees, they sting and then they die. Ralph Nader is haunting this race like the undead.

Bill Schneider, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Well, Florida's voting system got a black eye following the presidential election four years ago. This time around, it's not the only state with voting-related issues. Find out why the nation could face an even larger legal hangover the day after the election.

Plus, will alcohol be flowing in the bars around Fenway Park tonight for the first game of the World Series? We'll tell you about the Boston mayor's plans to help curtail rowdy baseball fans.

And, the flu vaccine shortage sparks long lines across the country. I'll talk with a doctor about what's at issue and how it might impact the flu season now and later. That's straight ahead on CNN LIVE SATURDAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: In the past week, the mood in Boston has swung from sullen dejection to euphoric revelry, and now, sobering disbelief. It follows the death of a college student who had been the Red Sox's historic celebrating the victory over the Yankees. Twenty-one-year- old Victoria Snelgrove was killed by a supposedly non-lethal pepper spray filled projectile fired by police to disperse the crowd. Well, Boston's police commissioner has since apologized and said officers showed great restraint trying to control unruly people, some of whom set small fires and threw bottles at police.

Boston's mayor says more police will be posted around bars in the Fenway Park area during the World Series. He initially threatened to ban alcohol sales in the vicinity, but has now withdrawn that idea.

Well, speaking of the World Series, game one gets underway in about seven hours. CNN's sports reporter, Larry Smith has a preview.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LARRY SMITH, CNN SPORTS REPORTER: In the 100th renewal of the World Series, few would be shocked if we saw that many runs scored before a champion is crowned. The Cardinals having come in put up more than five runs per game in these playoffs. While the Red Sox, baseball's most prolific offense, during the regular season, have scored nearly seven runs per game and are riding a momentum of a 3-0 come back over the Yankees.

WOODY WILLIAMS, CARDINAL'S PITCHER: There's no doubt I have to make sure I focus every hitter and I got to keep the top of the lineup off the bases, because the big boys can definitely make that a three or four run inning real quick.

JOHNNY DAMON, RED SOX OUTFIELDER: Hopefully the bats come out swinging in game one, but you know what? We know we that can rely on anybody on this team. If someone doesn't come through one game, we know they can step up in another. So, there's not going to be any panic on our team.

LARRY WALKER, CARDINAL'S OUTFIELDER: It seems like a fairly evenly matched teams. I saw what was written in one paper, I guess, just matching up position by position and the numbers are very similar. So, you know, it could come down to pitching and bullpens.

SMITH: Saint Louis manager, Tony Larussa, can make history and join Sparky Anderson as the only managers to win World Series titles in both leagues.

While it's the same old story for the Red Sox, their fifth World Series appearance since the infamous trade of Babe Ruth back in 1920, the last four trips all ended in game seven losses.

Larry Smith, CNN, Boston.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Well, listen up. Cell phone users are at the center of many of life's little annoyances, but what can you do about someone else's chatter? We'll ask the ethics guy about proper public behavior. See if you agree.

Plus, the daughter of an imprisoned domestic diva talks about her family's ordeal. Hear from Alexis Stewart in her first interview since her mother went to jail. Next on CNN LIVE SATURDAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: This week, doctors in Colorado conducted the first transplant operation in the U.S. where the donor and recipient connected through an Internet Web site. The process has some people wondering about the ethics of it all. Let's turn to an expert on ethics, Bruce Weinstein, the "Ethics Guy," for his take.

Bruce, good to see you.

BRUCE WEINSTEIN, THE "ETHICS GUY": Hey Fredricka. How are you?

WHITFIELD: All right. All of this taking place while thousands of people are on waiting lists for doesn't, but at the same time what's the matter with having another option out there?

WEINSTEIN: There's no problem with this, Fredricka. The website is matchingdonors.com and potential recipients pay $281 a month to place a wanted ad on the Web site. If the Web site accepted only people who are able to pay for an advertisement, there would be a problem, because it would create a gap between those who have money and are able to get an organ and those who don't have the money to pay for an advertisement, but the Web site does allow people who aren't able to pay the $281 a month to place an ad, so, there really is no problem with what they're doing from an ethical perspective, and in fact, they've done attention to the problem. This week alone, since the story broke, the number of potential donors has quadrupled. That's a good thing.

WHITFIELD: That is a good thing. All right, so then, perhaps it's good news all the way around and may ultimately help a lot more people than at first glance seemed to be hurting.

WEINSTEIN: Good point. WHITFIELD: All right, let's move on to cell phone etiquette. It seems these days everyone has a cell phone, they use it no matter what, on the phone while they're walking on the street, etcetera.

WEINSTEIN: Right.

WHITFIELD: However it is presenting a problem for some folk, particularly Lorene of Roseville, Minnesota who writes: "A friend of mine had her 9-year-old son with her shopping recently and a nearby shopper was talking animatedly and loudly with somebody, only the shopper that was using words a 9-year-old shouldn't hear and the details of the phone conversation were intimate details no one would want to listen to. Is it ethical to ask cell phone users to tone down their conversations when they are invading public space or is it incumbent upon the unintentional listener to just move away?"

WEINSTEIN: Well, Lorene points out cell that correctly that although much of cell phone chatter is merely obnoxious, in this case the chatter is not just rude, it's wrong because it can hurt, it can harm, it can be offensive to children and to others who understandably don't wish to be around foul language in public.

So, you know, one of the reoccurring themes that we've looked at in this segment over the past weeks is the idea that when we observe other people engaging in wrong doing, it is incumbent upon us to intervene because as Edmond Burke once said, and I've quoted this before, it bears repeating. "All that is necessary for evil to flourish is for good people to do nothing." So, when we observe someone using offensive language on their cell phone in public, or revealing confidential information, for example, about a medical problem that a friend might be having and mentioning the person by name, we ought to say something and the best way to do that is to use what I call a praise sandwich, we begin by saying something complimentary, but sincere to the person. Maybe complementing them on what they're wearing or just simply say hello in a warm and friendly way...

WHITFIELD: While you're interrupting their conversation? Some people might be a little bit belligerent about -- you know, a stranger coming up to them and saying something and then leading into "would you kindly get off the phone, you're disputing me?"

WEINSTEIN: Well, instead of using "you" language, like "you have some nerve to use foul language in public," if we use "I" language, if we say "you may not aware of this, but I overheard some really strong language and it bothered me and I wonder if it might bother other people, so..." and we end on a positive not. We let the other person know that we have faith in them that they will continue -- or that they will do the right thing in the future. Praise, criticism, praise done in the right way it can resolve these kinds of sticky ethical problems.

WHITFIELD: And I have a feeling that we're going to be talking about this subject again one day, because while there is some policing as to how -- you know, many folks can use a phone in their car, for example, it seems like a long shot before there's any policing of using your cell phone in public spaces.

WEINSTEIN: We ought to get involved and it really takes very little to do so in a positive way.

WHITFIELD: All right, Bruce Weinstein thanks so much -- the "Ethics Guy," good to see you this Saturday, as always.

WEINSTEIN: Thanks, Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: Well, if you have a question you would like to see the "Ethicses Guy" tackle, e-mail it to us at ethics@cnn.com and Bruce Weinstein might be able to give you an answer in an upcoming show.

Well it's been two weeks since Martha Stewart began serving out her five month sentence at a federal prison camp in West Virginia. So, how are things going? Larry King asked Stewart's daughter, Alexis, about it last night. She says her mom is doing great, spending her days exercising in the prison gym, and watching documentaries. But Alexis said her mom thinks the prison food is terrible.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LARRY KING, "LARRY KING LIVE": Has she made friends?

STEWART: Yeah, lots of friends. The inmates are wonderful, really lovely women.

KING: Is she popular among them, do you gather? (UNINTELLIGIBLE)

STEWART: I think so. I think so. Yeah.

KING: What was it like when she went that morning?

STEWART: It was horrible. It was really upsetting.

KING: Did you go with her?

STEWART: Yes, I went with her. And to leave her there was just miserable. Very upsetting. I got to go see her, luckily, that afternoon and just to tell you who's holding up better, as usual, one of the inmates, or maybe it was a visitor, another visitor said, asked who was the younger sister. So, she withstood it much better than I did.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Well, after Martha Stewart is released from prison, she'll spend five months under house arrest. Her lawyers are still appealing her conviction.

Coming up, trouble at the battle box: While the legal hassles of 2000 could look like child's play following this year's presidential race, say some.

And still to come, rattled in Japan: Incredible moments and damage from strong earthquakes captured on video.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: A look atd the news now. President Bush and Senator John Kerry are slugging it out again today with the election just ten day away. Right now President Bush is at a rally in Lakeland, Florida, you're looking at live pictures right now. In all, he's making four stops today in the Sunshine State.

The Kerry campaign is targeting two states and a crucial voting block, today. Even Colorado and New Mexico where Latino voters could help swing the election. Later today the Democratic candidate heads to Florida as well.

Well, some American beef products could soon be back in grocery stores in Japan. Nearly a year after they were banned because of a mad cow scare. Japan tentatively agreed to resume imports of beef, but only from younger cattle, whose age can be verified. Those animals are believed to carry the lowest risk of mad cow disease.

After six months abort the International Space Station an American astronaut and Russian cosmonaut are getting ready to head back to Earth. The two along with another cosmonaut who spent eight days are the station are scheduled to leave for home later on today. They're flying home in a Russian Soyuz space capsule.

Media reports out of Japan say strong earthquakes and aftershocks in the northwest part of that country have killed at least five people and left hundreds more injured. The quakes were felt in Tokyo. We have a look at the quakes as they unfolded from CNN Atika Shubert.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ATIKA SHUBERT, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Not one, but three intense earthquakes shook Japan on Saturday evening, the most powerful had a magnitude of 6.8. All three occurred in the northern area Nigata.

National broadcaster NHK was reporting live from Nigata when one tremor hit, shaking the studio. Outside, local authorities reported severe damage. Several houses collapsed. Dozens of residents were injured.

Local authorities report that the tremor ruptured water mains and caused blackouts in several towns. Transportation was also disrupted. One high-speed train on the way to Nigata was derailed. No one was injured. Roads in several areas also buckled and cracked from the tremors.

The quakes were felt as far away as Tokyo, causing skyscrapers to sway dramatically for up to a minute.

Atika Shubert, CNN, Tokyo.

(END VIDEOTAPE) WHITFIELD: Back here at home, as this roller coaster ride of a presidential race draws to a close, there is some concern that election day will be marred by a repeat of what happened in Florida the last time around. Already, voter registration problems have cropped up in some big battleground states. More now from CNN's Lisa Sylvester.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LISA SYLVESTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): It's supposed to be one person, one vote. But in Florida, at least 68,000 residents are also registered to vote in a second state, according to analysis by the "Orlando Sentinel".

And 1,600 people may have actually voted twice in the 2000 and 2002 election. Battleground states face potential problems ranging from fraud to disenfranchisement.

MILES RAPPAPORT, DEMOS: Well, my biggest hope is that we'll have a really high turn out, the election will go relatively smoothly and we'll have a president chosen on November 3rd. My fear is that none of those things will happen.

SYLVESTER: Along with Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin and Colorado also have voter registration issues. In Ohio, the number of registered voters surpasses the voting age population in seven counties. People who have left the state are still on the voting rolls.

Wisconsin has same-day registration. Milwaukee's mayor is worried there may not be enough ballots. In Colorado, the problem is duplicate registrations.

MARKE EDDY, FAIR VOTE COLORADO: We actually have a situation here where the Secretary of State Donneta Davidson (ph), is on the rolls twice because she moved between the primary election and the general election. So, she's actually on the rolls twice, at two different addresses.

SYLVESTER: There are also battles over who should be allowed to vote. In Iowa, the attorney general ruled residents can vote, even if they did not check off a box verifying they are at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen.

Also being disputed is whether votes should count if someone shows up at the wrong precinct. With all the confusion, MIT Professor Ted Selcker offers this advice to voters.

TED SELKER, CAL TECH/MIT VOTING PROJECT: Be sure to go to the right place to vote. If they can't find your name anyway and you're sure you're registered here, vote on a provisional.

SYLVESTER: Provisional ballots will be given to voters whose names do not appear on the records. The ballots will count only if, in fact, they are registered. One other bit of advice, bring identification to the polls, even if you think you don't need it. Lisa Sylvester, CNN, Washington. (END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: So, what do we make of these warning signs ahead of Election Day? Jackie Calmes, "The Wall Street Journal" Washington correspondent is joining us now.

Good to see you, Jackie.

JACKIE CALMES, "THE WALL STREET JOURNAL": Good to see you.

WHITFIELD: More people than ever are voting early prior to Tuesday's race.

CALMES: Right.

WHITFIELD: With all these problems now cropping up, might this impact the actual voter turnout come two Tuesdays from now?

CALMES: I think the turnout is going to be high. People are just too interested in this race to stay home. We'll have record turnout, which in turn will lead to problems of its own.

WHITFIELD: Do you think people are feeling like they're losing trust in whether all of these wrinkles might be worked out?

CALMES: Well, the election officials worry about that. I think, you know, on the downside, the problems we saw in Florida in 2000 weren't peculiar to Florida. They're true of any state. The problem is the result was close. Now you're going to have a number of states where the results are close. Some people think the next Florida will be Ohio. I think people will come out because they're motivated.

The problem is, you have a lot of first-time voters who don't really have experience at the polls. They may come to a place with new machines and there are not going to be enough poll workers in many states to answer their questions. Meanwhile, as your report just suggested there will be a number of lawyers for both sides that are going to be fanning out in these close states ready to pounce if there's a problem.

WHITFIELD: When you say the next Florida may be Ohio, you're talking particularly about this provisional balloting?

CALMES: Right.

WHITFIELD: What does this mean?

CALMES: Well, the provisional ballots are new everywhere. They're going to be a problem in every state. And they're a reform. States had them for 2000, but now it's a federal mandate, that if you show up at the precinct and for any reason you can't vote, you're not on the rolls, you can demand a provisional ballot.

The problem is, that's your right under federal law, but in a lot of these states, the secretaries of state have said -- in Ohio, for instance, and Michigan -- they'll only count your vote if you're in the right precinct.

The other side will argue one of the main reasons for having provisional ballots is so that a person who is confused about the precinct will be able to vote. The federal judges have stepped in Michigan and Ohio. You have these kind of problems.

Let me add, a really big thing to think about is I think there is a very good chance we won't know who is president on November 3rd. Because these provisional ballots could be upwards of 10 percent of a total vote in a state.

WHITFIELD: You think maybe days after the vote, or maybe even weeks?

CALMES: Could be, because these provisional ballots don't have to be counted. In Ohio, they're not even going to start counting 'til 10 days, while they, in the meantime, check people's qualifications. That is about 10 percent of Ohio's vote could be provisional ballots.

That could be true in a number of states, because turnout is so great and a lot of people are voting on provisionals.

WHITFIELD: Now, back to Florida, because it was such a huge concern, and pivotal, in 2000. Now you have electronic balloting. But you have an awful lot of folks who are saying I want some kind of written proof of who I voted for and what my results were.

CALMES: Right.

WHITFIELD: Just in case computers go down. Is that likely to happen with just a week and a half to go?

CALMES: Well, with machines, things do go wrong. I tend to think that -- I believed for a long time the machines aren't going to be the problem. They weren't even the biggest problem in Florida subsequent studies show. The problem is human error.

So, it is really important that people try to get information in advance about what their ballot looks like and how to vote it. And for the states and the counties to have enough poll workers on hand to help them.

If I were the parties, the Democratic and Republican parties, I would have more people out there walking the lines and making sure people know how to vote, helping in that regard rather than looking for fraud and intimidation as hard.

WHITFIELD: All right, lots of anticipation leading up to a week and a half from now some two Tuesdays from now actually, November 2nd.

Thank you so much, Jackie Calmes, Washington correspondent for "The Wall Street Journal".

Coming up at 3:00 Eastern "Next @ CNN" looks at the new voting technologies. Are they really the answers to today's troubles? More on that. Getting the flu vaccine to those who need it. Is there anything the government can do to prevent future shortages? I'll talk to a doctor from Harvard Medical School.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Right now, the slightest cough or sneeze is liable to trigger concerned looks from flu wary parents, co-workers or anyone else feeling vulnerable because of the vaccine shortage. While many people are worried about this season others see a problem in years to come. CNN Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen explains.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Will these long lines stretch all the way to next year's flu season? After regularities said it could be contaminated, nearly have the nation's supply of flu shots had to be thrown out this year. There are signs that the same manufacturer won't be able to make any shots next year.

In a conference call with investors, the CEO of Chiron, the company that made the flu shots said, "The situation remains fluid. We are determined to return to the U.S. market as a reliable supplier of flu vaccine as soon as is feasible."

If Chiron doesn't get back on track, that could leave the U.S., for the second year in a row, with just one company making the vaccine for the entire country.

DR. JERRY AVORN, AUTHOR, "POWERFUL MEDICINE": We should probably not be in a position where we are so dependent on one or two companies for a product that is literally life saving.

COHEN: The government is now on the hunt for other suppliers. A spokesman for the Centers of Disease Control said all options are open. The government is already inspecting a Canadian drug manufacturing plant to see if it's up to U.S. standards.

Over the past four years, several pharmaceutical companies have gotten out of the flu shot business.

AVORN: Companies have felt that this is not a profitable area and one by one, most of the flu or vaccine manufacturers of many kinds have dropped out to pursue more lucrative products.

COHEN: That has prompted some experts to say the government ought to take over the production of flu shots itself. Elizabeth Cohen, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: That report you just heard raised prospect of more government regulation over the flu vaccine industry. Good or bad idea? We pose that question to Dr. Jerry Avorn, who joins us now from Watertown, Massachusetts.

Good to see you.

He is an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and the author of the book, "Powerful Medicine". Yes, you did see him in that piece as well.

Good to see you, Doctor Avorn.

AVORN: Thanks for having me.

WHITFIELD: Do we have a better idea now? The source of the contamination of the British supply that the U.S. so greatly relies upon?

AVORN: You mean do we have a better idea of what the cause of that contamination was?

WHITFIELD: Yes.

AVORN: No, not that I'm aware of. I don't think anyone is.

Making vaccine is a very tricky business. It's much tougher than making pills that you might take for cholesterol or blood pressure. It turns out there appears to have been some bacterial contamination in the product coming out of Liverpool.

WHITFIELD: How unusual is it that the U.S. relies most greatly on two particular manufacturers, and now with one being out of commission to supply a good amount of vaccine to the U.S., we're dealing now with this great shortage.

AVORN: As your piece just now indicated it is a problem that's been developing over many years. And it gets a little worse every year. More and more of the manufacturers have said we don't want to make vaccine. We can make more money making drugs fro heart burn or allergies and we're just leaving the field. The problem is that if they choose to do so there is no push back or alternative. The government just watches them leave and now we only have one company left.

WHITFIELD: Does the FDA have any jurisdiction to inspect these plants?

AVORN: Yes, the FDA does have jurisdiction and it is a little embarrassing it was the British authorities that found there was a problem of contamination in this American plant, that happened to be in England, rather than our own FDA, which seem to be caught short and didn't know about it until it was too late.

WHITFIELD: What needs to be the incentive to try to encourage more U.S. plants to get involved so we're not in a position like this again?

AVORN: There's a number of opportunities that have been suggested. One would be for the government to promise to buy back whatever vaccine is left at the end of the season. So that companies wouldn't be left holding the bag. WHITFIELD: Doesn't that also mean that sometimes that vaccine would be obsolete during the next season because the flu strain changes so frequently?

AVORN: That's exactly right. The vaccine couldn't be used the next year, but the idea is that least the companies wouldn't be caught in an economic bind and they would at least be able to feel better about going into the business.

Another option is to say this is a public health trust and is so important that like defense or roadways, we ought to have the government doing this, just like we have the government doing defense and building roads and running schools.

WHITFIELD: Why should Americans feel assured that the vaccine that is being made available to a very small segment of the population, the most vulnerable, that that vaccines supply is safe?

AVORN: Normally, when the FDA is doing its job correctly, as it does most of the time, although most isn't quite good enough. They're quite good at making sure the plants are producing sterile and effective product. We can expect that is the case for any product they release.

WHITFIELD: Are you concerned about how the U.S. might prepare now for averting a repeat like this for next season?

AVORN: I'm even more concerned about this season. I don't know if we know going in whether we'll have a real problem for the current flu season. We'll have half as much as we need. Next season, we better do more than say the marketplace will take care of it and let free enterprise do its thing. That's how we got into this bind in the first place.

WHITFIELD: Then you hear from critics who say this really does underscores the potential vulnerability the U.S. has for any other infections, or epidemics or bioterrorism attack.

AVORN: It's a little scary that if the current administration can't even guarantee us a stable flu shot supply, I don't know how they'll protect us from bio terrorism if that happens.

WHITFIELD: All right, Dr. Jerry Avorn of Harvard Medical School. Thanks for joining us.

AVORN: Thanks for having me.

The word is, stay East. If you want to enjoy some amazing skiing, that is. Still ahead, why the West isn't your only option to hit the slopes.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: It's not even Halloween yet and already enough snow has fallen to help kick off the season earlier than usual. Where should you go if you're planning a ski vacation? Keith Bellows is the editor-in-chief for "National Geographic Traveler" he joins us now to talk about the best places to perhaps hit the slopes.

Good to see you, Keith?

KEITH BELLOWS, EDITOR IN CHIEF, "NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER": Hi, there.

WHITFIELD: A lot of early snow way out West. Is there where we need to be making our initial plans then?

BELLOWS: I really think so. You have some deals out there. If you go to a place like Grand Targi (ph), which not many people know about, it gets 500 inches of powder a year, it is right on the Wyoming/Idaho border. You can get incredible deals there.

WHITFIELD: Deals with your lift tickets as well as your air fare, or what kind of packages?

BELLOWS: If you sign up now, you can lock in your lift ticket price for the rest of the year.

WHITFIELD: Really?

BELLOWS: Yes. You'll fly into Jackson Hole, which is a very cool town. You have a really great ski area there. And it has everything for the entire family.

WHITFIELD: Are a lot of ski resorts doing that? You can call in and lock in your ski lift tickets? That's news to me.

BELLOWS: I wouldn't say a lot of them are doing it. Some of them are doing it and a lot of them are doing it via the web. If you go on their websites, you have a much better chance of getting a cheaper package deal going to the websites than if you go through more conventional means.

WHITFIELD: And some resorts are more family friendly, others are for the solo adventurer. How do you sort it out?

BELLOWS: You have to do a little research. If you're a hardcore skier and you don't want the snowboarders, you just want to ski, Taos is your place. If you want a family vacation, a really great all around getaway, you want to stay on the East Coast, Stowe would be a better place.

WHITFIELD: Hold on, we're going to take a short break and on the other side of the break we'll continue our conversation on some of the best places to ski this winter. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Ready to plan your ski vacation? It is not too early. Keith Bellows of "National Geographic Traveler" is with us and says now is the best time to lock in those ski rates.

We talked about the skiing destinations out West. On the East Coast, a lot of folks complain sometimes it's a little too icy. That's why they prefer going out West, but you say open your eyes a little bit. There are some great places in the East.

BELLOWS: There really are. There is no question that the Eastern skiing is icier, it can be a little colder, but most of the big resorts, Killington, Stowe, in Canada, Mont Tran Blanc (ph), the they've got really good snow blowing equipment now. It takes the edge off what used to be a pretty hardcore skiing experience.

WHITFIELD: You think there's pretty good deals if you try to start planning early for those destination as well?

BELLOWS: There are. In fact, even if you don't plan early, if you go to a place like Mont Tran Blanc, which is about 60 miles north of Montreal, so you can get the benefit of going to a great very European city. You can be skiing on world-class ski slopes for less than $50 a day because of the U.S./Canadian exchange rate.

WHITFIELD: These world-class ski slopes are pretty intimidating for the beginner. However, a lot of times, they offer great packages for inexperienced skiers at these tremendous places. What are you noticing about the lesson packages for the inexperienced?

BELLOWS: The lifeblood of skiing is to keep getting the kids involved and the newbies, if you will. Stowe has a terrific package, very low price. It includes the lift tickets and lessons, but also the equipment rental. Especially a place like Stowe where it caters to kids and beginners with the bunny slopes that you should look to if you have a youngster you want to get started in skiing.

WHITFIELD: Of course, if you don't like the lessons there's always the chalet and some hot cocoa.

BELLOWS: Indeed.

WHITFIELD: all that good stuff. Always a lot of fun.

Keith Bellows, "National Geographic Traveler", thanks so much.

Ready to strap on our boots and get the skies on and take to the slopes.

BELLOWS: Have fun.

WHITFIELD: coming up, no boyfriend? No problem. Jeanne Moos has found the perfect snuggle replacement that comes without snoring and won't even steal the covers.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Sometimes a girl just really wants to be held. But what is a single gal to do when she doesn't have an arm to cling to? A Japanese company thinks it has come up with just the answer. But is it more comforting or creepy? Jeanne Moos snuggles up to the Boyfriend's Arm.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): OK, put your head down.

MOOS (voice over): This pillow requires instructions.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Am I supposed to cuddle like I would with a guy?

MOOS: That is the whole point of what is called the Boyfriend's Arm Pillow.

Unlike a real arm, this one never gets numb. Unlike a real boyfriend, it is always there and doesn't snore. It was dreamed up by a Japanese company, whose president says his grandmother used to say there is no more comfortable pillow than the human pillow.

But will this stand in for a boyfriend pass muster with New York women?

(on camera): He looks better with the pajamas, don't you think?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, definitely.

MOOS (voice over): We shelled out 70 bucks for a Boyfriend's Arm pillow and had it shipped from Japan to New York.

(on camera): They put a hold on this thing in customs. They wanted more information on what it was.

(voice over): For his first, and only, night out, we took the Boyfriend's Arm to a night spot called Hi-Line (ph), where they change sheets not just table clothes. He immediately caused trouble, spilling a drink, and worse.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He's feeling me up!

(LAUGHTER)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It is very comfortable. It is a little, it is a little disconcerting though to have like a hand.

MOOS (voice over): For guys, it was a role reversal.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I usually have a head on my arm, when I'm sleeping.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't know. It feels like my mom is holding me or something.

MOOS: Oh really!

(voice over): This woman says it makes her feel lonelier.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I would just rather get a real boyfriend for free.

MOOS: Some had suggestions for improving the pillow.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, it needs a head.

MOOS: Forget a head, this guy wants a bust.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (speaking Japanese)

MOOS: We're told a female version already exists for $83. And they are working on designing a lap with a skirt. Or some more muscular Boyfriend's Arm.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I would like something longer, because I like to put my leg over something. I want the whole man.

MOOS: That is sure to cost an arm and a leg. Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And why does the women's version cost more?

Still much more ahead on CNN SATURDAY.

In a few moments, "In The Money". At 2:00 Eastern, CNN LIVE SATURDAY takes a closer look at voter irregularities and what measures are being taken to avoid a repeat of the 2000 elections.

And then, at 3 it is Next @ CNN, with a look at a controversial wildlife management plan that says it is OK to kill wolves.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com