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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

The President to Address the Nation Tonight; Kerry Arrives in Baghdad; NYPD Fighting Rise of Global Terror; Goodell on Ray Rice Scandal; Russian Troops Pull Back from Ukraine

Aired September 10, 2014 - 05:00   ET

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

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: President Obama ready to take on ISIS. A big primetime speech tonight. He will reveal his plans to fight the terrorists in Iraq and Syria. This as Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Baghdad just moments. The administration strategy expected to include diplomacy and force. But is this too little too late as ISIS fighters continue to gain ground?

We have live team coverage starting right now.

Good morning, everyone. Welcome to EARLY START. I'm John Berman.

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN ANCHOR: I'm Christine Romans. It is Wednesday, September 10th. It is 5:00 a.m. in the East.

All eyes on President Obama today. He's getting set to address the nation on his strategy to eliminate ISIS.

And this morning, we're getting some insight into what the president will say. An administration official tells CNN the president will focus on three angles, framing the threat posed by ISIS, discussing actions already taken against the terrorists, and announcing a series of new proposals to ultimately destroy ISIS. We're also being told the president feels he has the authority to take action so he won't need to ask Congress to vote ahead of the midterm elections.

Now, the president met with top congressional leaders at the White House Tuesday ahead of this address.

But House Speaker John Boehner says questions need to be answered.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. JOHN BOEHNER (R-OH), SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Until we know what the strategy is, we don't know what's going to be involved. And so, it's critically important that we take these in some organized steps. And the first step is, what's the plan?

JOSH EARNEST, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: He'll talk about the risk that the United States faces. And he'll talk about the strategy that he's put together to confront those risks, to mitigate them, and ultimately to degrade and destroy ISIL.

(END VIDEO CLIP) ROMANS: The president's address comes at a pivotal point in the fight against ISIS. The terror group is engaged in multiple conflicts on the ground in Iraq, as it tries to take more territory.

Our Anna Coren is in Erbil with the very latest.

Good morning, Anna.

ANNA COREN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Christine.

As you say, we are all waiting to hear what President Obama's strategy is against ISIS. And certainly here in Iraq, people are very keen to learn. They're hoping that the president gives a firm commitment, that the United States is here, for the long haul. That does not mean boots on the ground. The president has made it perfectly clear that that will not be the case. There will not be U.S. soldiers physically fighting against ISIS.

In saying that, there are more than 1,000 troops here in Iraq, protecting the consulate, protecting the embassy, protecting U.S. personnel. But they're also here in a role to advise and to assist. That is critical.

The United States needs to take leadership, you know, with this operation. The reason being is that the Kurds and Iraqis have been fighting very independently, acting as two entities, tackling their own fights against ISIS. Well, there needs to be that cooperation and that coordination.

So, as far as the people here are concerned, they have the troops willing to take the fight to ISIS, but they need the arms, they need the training. They need the intelligence-gathering and that is, of course, what the United States can provide.

Many people here also saying, senior Kurdish officials that we're speaking to that obviously, that fight also needs to be taken to Syria. And, obviously, we're waiting to hear President Obama authorize U.S. airstrikes in Syria. This is ISIS' safe haven. This is where they have a lot of their economic infrastructure which is funding their operations, not just in Syria, but also here in Iraq.

ROMANS: So much work to do even as Secretary of State John Kerry lands there. Thank you so much, Anna.

BERMAN: As Anna just said, there's a diplomatic component to this, Secretary of State John Kerry just arrived in Baghdad a short time ago. It's part of a swing in the Middle East to try to build from nations there in the fight against ISIS. The hope is the new, more inclusive government against Baghdad will help bolster efforts to defeat the terror group. The secretary will attend talks in Saudi Arabia with foreign ministers from Iraq, Egypt, Jordan and six Gulf Arab states. We're also hearing that the United States and Iran discussed the ISIS threat last week, despite repeated insistence that they're not working together.

Our Elise Labott is traveling with the secretary of state, joins us now by phone from Baghdad.

And, Elise, this diplomatic mission a key component to what the president will be laying out tonight?

ELISE LABOTT, CNN GLOBAL AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT (via telephone): That's right, John. The Obama administration views the new Iraqi government as really the centerpiece of its strategy in fighting ISIS. As you know, we've been talking how Iraqi Sunnis felt very marginalized under the previous government of Nouri al-Maliki, and in some cases have supported the ISIS offensive against the government.

The U.S. hopes that this new government led by Prime Minister Abadi will be more inclusive, will give Sunnis more of a say in the government, the country is going to persuade them to turn away from ISIS. And that's what Secretary Kerry will be discussing with Iraqi leaders here today. And that's when he does, he goes to Saudi Arabia, he'll be looking for the U.S. Gulf allies to help this new government combat ISIS, and lay it out with that military support, but also political and economic support, drying up the funding for ISIS.

The foreign fighters, cracking down on the flow of foreign fighters which is really the life blood of the group. And this is on the heels of the president's speech, laying out his strategy for going after the group. So, Arab Democrats are telling me they'll be looking for specifics on the strategy so they know how they can best help, John.

BERMAN: So, they know how far they might be willing to go to assist in this mission. I know Turkey has got some of its own internal issues, Saudi Arabia as well.

Do these nations seem likely to join this -- what's being called this core coalition against ISIS?

LABOTT: Well, I think every nation will do its part, some more than others. You've already seen the UAE come out and say that it will join. Certainly, Saudi Arabia will play a major role as well. I think Jordan will play a key role, but maybe a more discrete one as it's on Iraq's borders, and it's already host to thousands, hundreds of thousands refugees.

And Turkey, as you say, I think Turkey will play a key role, but also very discrete about anything they're doing, considering they have a good number of Turkish officials and soldiers and diplomats who are currently being held hostage by ISIS, John.

BERMAN: All right. Our Elise Labott traveling with Secretary of State John Kerry on a key mission to Baghdad and other Middle Eastern countries this morning -- Elise, thanks so much for being with us.

And be sure to join us tonight on CNN, at 9:00 Eastern Time. The president delivers a crucial speech about his plans, the strategy to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria, talking about new military action by the United States. So, you want to pay attention to this. We'll bring it to you live, followed by full analysis right here on CNN.

The rise of ISIS and other terror affiliates is causing concern among police departments in the United States, mainly here in New York City. The NYPD counterterror officials say that the threat has grown in complexity as the source of terror spreads both by location and ideology. And, of course, this comes as New York and the nation prepares to mark 13 years since the September 11th attacks. The NYPD says there are no specific threats link tomorrow's anniversary.

ROMANS: Seven minutes past the hour. Time for an EARLY START on your money.

European stocks lower. Asian shares ended the day lower as well. U.S. stocks future are down right now. Stocks had a really rough day yesterday. The Dow down about 100 points.

Even Apple shares fell after one of its most ambitious product launches in history. That company unveiled the iPhone 6. Did you know, they unveil --

BERMAN: I hadn't heard. I hadn't heard.

ROMANS: And the iPhone 6, did you know they're bigger?

BERMAN: I hadn't heard.

ROMANS: Faster, they have curve edges.

Apple also unveiled its first wearable device. The Apple watch -- the smartphone pairs with -- the watch, excuse me, pairs with the iPhone to display notifications, messages, weather directions, features health and fitness apps. The watch is due early next year, starts at 350 bucks. It comes with a couple of different sizes. You can get a solid gold one if you want.

Finally, an ambitious way to replace your wallet, Apple Pay. It's a mobile app that allows users to pay with the tap of their iPhones. And others have tried this.

I mean, we've been talking about the digital wallet for, I don't know, maybe 10 years. There hasn't really been consumer buy-in. But if you can get the consumer, basically young people, who have a phone all the time with them and you can get them to trust it, I think that you could be seeing the end of the traditional plastic credit card if they do this right.

BERMAN: Interesting to see. When Apple gets in the game, things tend to change.

ROMANS: Yes.

All right. Did the NFL drop the ball in the Ray Rice case? Criticized for not acting tougher sooner? Commissioner Roger Goodell on the record, and he's playing defense, as Rice's wife breaks her silence. Andy Scholes is tackling this one, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: The fallout for Ray Rice has been fast and furious. The former Ravens running back dropped by Nike. He's also no longer in the new Madden NFL video game.

The league also backpedaling under fire for how it handled the situation. The commissioner now speaking out about the ordeal, and amid calls for his resignation.

Andy Scholes joins us from the CNN Center in Atlanta with more.

Wow, this story really took a big turn yesterday.

ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, he's facing tough questions about what the league knew about the video from inside the elevator and when.

After seeing the video on TMZ on Monday, the NFL suspended Ray Rice indefinitely. People are asking, why did it take that long to seeing the video for that to happen and why did Goodell not see the video before handing down the discipline in the first place?

In an interview with CBS News last night, Goodell reiterated that he nor anyone in his office saw the video.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ROGER GOODELL, NFL COMMISSIONER: We had not seen any videotape of what occurred in the elevator. We assumed that there was a video. We asked for video, but we were never granted that opportunity.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The question becomes, did the NFL drop the ball? Or was the NFL willfully ignorant about what was on this tape?

GOODELL: Well, we certainly didn't know what was on the tape, but we have been very open and honest. And I have also, from two weeks ago, when I acknowledged it, we didn't get this right. That's my responsibility and I'm accountable for that.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SCHOLES: So, Goodell says he not only didn't see the video, he didn't know what was on it. That's pretty incredible.

Goodell also said he wouldn't rule out Rice returning to football, but, quote, "We would have to be fully confident he is addressing this issue."

Now, yesterday, Ray Rice texted CNN's Rachel Nichols, saying, "I'm just holding strong for my wife and kids. That's all I can do right now."

Earlier in the day, Janay Rice defended his husband in an Instagram post, writing, "I woke up this morning feeling like I had a horrible nightmare, feeling like I'm mourning the death of my closest friend. But have to accept the fact that it's reality in a nightmare in itself.

No one knows the pain the media and the unwanted opinions from the public has caused my family. To make us relive a moment in our lives that we regret every day is a horrible thing. This is our life. What don't you all get? If your intentions were to hurt us, embarrass us, make us feel alone, take all happiness away, you succeeded on so many levels. Just know that we will continue to grow and show the world what real love is. Ravensnation, we love you."

Now, Baltimore Ravens meanwhile are no longer selling Ray Rice jerseys on their official Web site. In fact, they're planning to allow fans, guys, to trade in their old 27 jerseys for other Ravens gear. They play tomorrow night when they host the Steelers.

ROMANS: I feel like there's just as many questions, we hear Roger Goodell, we hear Norah O'Donnell asking him, you knew that he knocked her out. Why does seeing it make it any different than not seeing it?

I mean, there's still that big question hanging over him, isn't there?

SCHOLES: Well, the most shocking thing in that interview to me was he said he didn't know what was on the tape. We did know what was on the tape. Ray Rice said he had punched her in the face.

So, it's very confusing. Still lot of questions, as you said, Christine.

ROMANS: So interesting to hear from her, too, from Janay. You know, we've been seeing that image over and over again, to hear in her own words how she's feeling now. I'd like to actually hear more from her.

Andy Scholes, thanks.

BERMAN: We have a sad end to a disturbing story out of South Carolina, and the bodies of five kids have been recovered in Alabama after authorities were led to the site by the children's father identified as Tim Jones Jr. Law enforcement officials believe the children all between the ages of 1 and 8 were killed in South Carolina but it's unclear how long ago.

ROMANS: Protesters disrupting a city council meeting in Ferguson, Missouri. The first shooting since unarmed shooting of teenager Michael Brown. With their hands in the air, demonstrators shouted "shut it down." They later voiced their doubts about the city's planned reform. It comes ahead of the planned protest this afternoon aimed at shutting down a section of Interstate 70.

Organizers are demanding the governor appoint a special prosecutor to review the shooting. A shooting by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson.

Meantime, a Missouri family court judge has denied a request for the release of any of Michael Brown's juvenile record.

To weather now, some violent storm left a mess across parts of the country, three inches of rain fell in Omaha, up to five inches in some areas to the North. The 911 system was down in several counties, just as the evening rush is getting under way.

Strong winds toppled power lines, trees, even part of a car dealership. Ouch, look at that.

BERMAN: Oh my goodness!

All right. Business and homeowners cleaning up after intense flooding in Portsmouth, Virginia, which has been hit hard the last few days. Water was rushing into buildings, faster than owners can pump it out. Cars have been abandoned after getting stuck up to the windows in water.

ROMANS: And the National Weather Service confirms -- yes, a tornado touched down near Green Evers, North Carolina Monday. Winds up to 115 miles an hour destroyed several homes, damaged other, flipping cars along the way. Now, despite the scare, locals who survived say they feel lucky.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We are blessed. It could only have been God, because they rode through and didn't get a scratch, abrasion, a cut or break, they were blessed.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROMANS: Indra Petersons has a look at your forecast this morning.

Hi, Indra.

INDRA PETERSONS, AMS METEOROLOGIS: Good morning.

We talk about cold air settling in, right? So, I want to show you the country. Look at the clouds right now.

BERMAN: Forty-three? What?

PETERSONS: Thirties and 40s. Look at the difference, 83, down to the South. That's what actually looks good right now.

But this is the cold air that will be making its way. Once you have that setup, by the cold air, by the warm air, you have the low pressure system. You got the cold front, the jet system, right, all the ingredients, they're there. What do we have? We have say threat for severe weather.

And you can actually see, look at all the lightning already making its way into the Midwest. Chicago, heads-up. Keep in mind, a lot of rain, even flooding concerns into the Midwest today, with heavy amounts of rain, about two to four inches will be expected throughout.

On top of that, of course, severe weather for Detroit, Cincinnati, even St. Louis, looking for a concern for severe weather. Even in through tomorrow, look at these major cities, guys, New York, Philadelphia, D.C., Charleston, even Charleston, so about a good 40 million people looking for that threat for severe weather.

Here's the good, kind of bad side, I don't know how you look at it, we're looking at the rain moving out by the time you get to the weekend, keep in mind, behind it, since it is a strong cold front, that it's where all the cold air makes its way through. You're going to see that temperature difference. About 16 below, notice what happens in Denver, 70s quickly go to 30 below average in a couple of days. That cold air is making its way in.

BERMAN: It's coming. All right.

ROMANS: I keep saying sweater weather, sweatshirt weather. Football weather.

BERMAN: It is football weather, it smells like football. I keep saying that. You mock me.

Intense fighting in Ukraine, despite a fragile cease-fire. This morning, Russia facing new consequences with its involvement. We're live on the ground right after the break.

ROMANS: New tips for you road warriors, before you get to the gate. We've all been hit with expected fees with air travel, they make you want to scream.

Now, the Department of Transportation proposing a new rule requiring all airline fees be laid out before you buy the ticket. Baggage, preferred seats, priority boarding, Wi-Fi access, just some of the items that can add up in the ticket price.

But the DOT proposal would require travel agents and third party Web sites to provide exact fees while you shop around for the best service. The Department of Transportation wants your input. You can submit it online through regulations.gov.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: Ukraine's president says more than half of the Russian troops believed to have been in Ukraine have pulled back across the border into Russia. This development just happening about an hour ago. This timing may be no coincidence. European diplomats are set to meet tomorrow in Brussels to discuss new sanctions against Moscow. They have been approved but have yet to be implemented as a fragile cease- fire really is teetering on the brink in Ukraine.

CNN's Reza Sayah is standing by in the eastern half of that country with the very latest.

Good morning, Reza.

REZA SAYAH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, John.

This could be a major development, and it could be another move in the high-stakes chess match. We're on the one side, you have the pro- Russian rebels in Moscow. On the other side, you have Kiev on the Russian capital and Washington.

Let's explain to you what we've learned. In the past hour, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko telling reporters that at least 70 percent of Russian troops have withdrawn from Ukrainian territory, a couple of things to keep in mind here. First off, Russia has all along deny that they had had troops in Ukrainian territory. So, it's very likely that they're either going to reject this claim or not comment at all.

Even so, Mr. Poroshenko saying that according to Ukrainian intelligence, 70 percent of Russian troops are out. The second thing to keep in mind, this conflict all along has been fraught with a lot of misinformation, inaccurate reports, either intentionally or unintentionally. So, we're going to be cautious in reporting this information, and do our best to verify, somehow, independently.

But if indeed this is true, if indeed Russian troops have pulled out, this would suggest that the pro-Russian rebels in Moscow are taking serious steps to de-escalate this conflict. And presumably Kiev and the western capitals would have the next move.

So far, they have not been sold that Moscow is de-escalating this conflict. They're considering another set of sanctions. Washington is considering unilateral sanctions as well. They have yet to enforce it. They have yet to implement it. If they do, it could be that Moscow is going to see this as provocation. They've already threatened to respond with their own economic measures.

So, a lot happening here, we're going to keep our eye on it. But the latest development here in Ukraine, the president, Mr. Poroshenko, saying that 70 percent of Russian troops are now out of Ukrainian territory, John.

BERMAN: A very big development. As you say, it turns out to be true, Reza Sayah for us on the ground in Donetsk, in Eastern Ukraine -- thanks so much, Reza.

ROMANS: All right. Happening now: Secretary of State John Kerry is in Baghdad as the president prepares to reveal his plan on how to fight ISIS. What will his strategy look like? Will it be enough? Live team coverage, ahead.

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