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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

New Push to End Ukraine Fighting; Jordan Strikes Back At ISIS; President Obama Pushing Middle Class Initiatives; Black Boxes: Trouble in Both Engines

Aired February 06, 2015 - 04:00   ET

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

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN ANCHOR: It is 4:00 a.m. in the East.

The Obama administration with a carrot and stick this morning, trying to stop the escalating battle for Eastern Ukraine between the government and pro-Russian separatist. Secretary of State John Kerry brought the stick to Kiev Thursday, meeting with Ukrainian officials about possible U.S. defensive weapons aid. Kerry also backed the Ukrainian prime minister's claim that Russia -- Russia is directly supporting the rebels with tanks and troops.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN KERRY, SECRETARY OF STATE: I would ask him very simply, Mr. Prime Minister, is it true that as the Kremlin just said today, there are no Russians on the ground in --

ARSENIY YATSENYUK, PRIME MINISTER OF UKRAINE: It seems to me the only country who strongly denied clear military Russian boots on the ground is Russian Federation and personally President Putin. If they need, I can give them my goggles.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROMANS: The leaders of France and Germany provided the carrot, trying to hammer out a new peace agreement, meeting yesterday with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. And today with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Vice President Joe Biden also joining the diplomatic push, meeting this morning in Brussels with European Union leaders to discuss aid for Ukraine.

For the latest developments, I want to bring in CNN's Erin McLaughlin live from Moscow -- Erin.

ERIN MCLAUGHLIN, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Christine.

The aim of the diplomatic efforts soon to be underway here in Moscow is clear, to deescalate the tensions, the crisis in Eastern Ukraine. We heard from French President Francois Hollande yesterday say that this German and French proposal is meant to develop a German and French negotiations document, rather, alongside Ukraine and Russia based on maintaining Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Now, we have heard from a spokesman from the Russian president say that they are welcoming today's visit. They view it as a positive step forward. Yesterday, there was a meeting with the French president, the German chancellor, as well as the Ukrainian president. Out of that meeting, the Ukrainian foreign minister tweeting things went well.

So, the Ukrainians seeming to be pleased with the process so far. But as for the Russians, according to the state media, the Kremlin says that they still have yet to go through the details of this plan. They hope it is constructive. That meeting -- the meeting is expected to get underway later today here in Moscow around 5:00 p.m.

As for U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, he's noticeably absent from today's talks. He is expected to hold meetings in Munich over the weekend with the German chancellor, as well as the Russian foreign minister -- Christine.

ROMANS: All right. Erin McLaughlin for us this morning -- thank you, Erin, in Moscow.

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: Jordan is striking back at ISIS. The kingdom launched as many as 30 fighter jets targeting ISIS training centers and arm depots in Syria, also in Iraq. Officials claim the targets were completely destroyed and Jordan's foreign minister tells CNN that the country's military is just getting started.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NASSER JUDEH, JORDANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: It's actually the beginning of our retaliation over this horrific and brutal murder of our brave young pilot. But it's not the beginning of our fight against terrorism and extremism. We have been in this current effort for a good few weeks now, actually at the forefront of it, and we've been fighting terrorism and extremism for a number of years.

So, yes, we are helping and going after them wherever they are, with everything that we have. But it's not the beginning and it's certainly not the end.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: Jordan named the operation Muath the Martyr after its pilot, Muath al Kaseasbeh, who was born alive by ISIS, seen in the video released last week. Jordanian state television released exclusive footage of the bombing run and footage of air force personnel, including a uniform woman writing taunts aimed at ISIS on the bombs.

Now, King Abdullah visited the Kaseasbeh family. While he was visiting them, he noted a flyover of the Jordanian air force jets returning from the bombing run.

Standing by with the latest from Amman in Jordan, CNN's Becky Anderson.

Good morning, Becky.

BECKY ANDERSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, John.

This was a lethal show of force with a very, very clear message to assuage any doubt that king and country are absolutely determined here in Jordan to, as the foreign minister pointed out to CNN in the past couple of hours, eradicate ISIS.

Now, until that video of the brutal murder of the young pilot was released, I have to point out that this was a country divided in its support for Jordan's mission within this coalition. Many people asking why it was that Jordan was involved when there are so many other issues that citizens here deal with. But it has to be said, this is -- there is clear and united support now for this mission. And the foreign minister pointing out that this is only the beginning.

Not just a military fight, of course, John, this is an ideological fight. You talk to anybody here and anybody around the region who is countering this message of radical Islam, the sort of messages that ISIS fight in the name of. They say it is as important to counter that ideology as it is to get the planes in the air and these foot soldiers on the ground.

This is now a clear, clear push by Jordan to appeal to other regional members to get involved and to Washington to make sure that the superior force that Washington can provide for not just the air strikes from countries like Jordan, but for the foot soldiers on the ground. These are the tribes in Iraq and in Syria who need this support, munitions and hardware to really get on the front foot of what is a very difficult fight against this militant organization -- John.

BERMAN: All right. Becky Anderson for us in Amman -- a lot going on there over the next few days -- thanks so much, Becky.

ROMANS: All right. Now to the politics of paying for the war on terror. Democrats challenging the Republicans to fund the Department of Homeland Security with no strings attached. DHS money runs dry in weeks. Democrats are demanding a clean funding bill that is not tied to stopping the president's executive action on immigration. Republican leaders don't want to be blamed for DHS shutdown, but it's not clear how they plan to respond.

BERMAN: The Obama administration is set to release a new national security strategy today. White House officials tell CNN it would signal U.S. resolve and readiness to deter and defeat American adversaries moving forward, and will include strategies for combating ISIS in Syria and Iraq, as well as Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

ROMANS: The White House confirms it is close to sending its official request to Congress authorizing the use of force against ISIS. The president is required by law to get congressional approval for any prolonged military action. But he could in for a fierce political fight. House Speaker John Boehner promising a rigorous set of hearings and discussions on the subject. BERMAN: John Kerry will take up the issue of the Iran's nuclear

program on Saturday. A senior State Department official says the secretary will meet with Iranian foreign minister Javad Sharif in Munich, this part of a year's long to make sure that Iran is not developing nuclear weapons. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, just for energy.

ROMANS: The U.S. is pressing Cuba to allow the opening of an American embassy in Havana by April. "Reuters" reports that Washington wants diplomatic ties restored before a general summit in Panama when President Obama will meet Cuban leader Raul Castro for the first time in two years. But Cuba is demanding removal from the list of state sponsor of terrorism first. U.S. officials say the review of Cuba's status is being rushed, but could take until June.

BERMAN: President's national tour to push middle class initiatives, including his tuition-free community college plan takes him to Indianapolis today. He will participate in a town hall at Ivy Tech Community College this afternoon. His free two-year college plan may be a tough sell in Indiana, as well as Washington. A proposal in the Indiana general assembly is going nowhere. It has received also a chilly reception among some Republicans.

ROMANS: All right. Time for an early start on your money. Stocks are up now for the year finally. U.S. stock futures pointing a bit higher this morning.

Yesterday was good day. The Dow up 211 points. So far, February has been a great month. So great that stocks have recovered all of the losses from very ugly January, thank goodness. Rising oil prices are giving the market a boost.

Oil rose above 50 bucks again yesterday, of about 4 percent, still climbing right now. It has been so wild in the oil markets lately. Remember, prices have been slashed in half since last summer. It's great for drivers, but typically a bad sign for the health of the global economy.

Of course, one very important measure of the U.S. economy comes later this morning. That's the first jobs report of the year. I will be interested to see if the jobs momentum from last year continued into this year.

BERMAN: All right. Measles cases surging across the country. Five infants in one day care center now sick with measles. Health officials warning there could be more cases to come. New developments, just ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: The measles epidemic is widening, now hitting a day care center in Illinois. Two infants have tested positive at the Palatine kinder care center. Three others have been diagnosed based on symptoms. As many as 10 or more children may have been exposed. Parents are being urged to watch their children for fever or rashes. Unvaccinated children will be asked to stay home for two more weeks. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. KIRAN JOSHI, COOK COUNTY SR. MEDICAL OFFICER: We do expect there will be more cases associated with this day care. Public health nurses have already begun reached out to the exposed individuals to provide guidance to each family. The Cook County Department of Public Health will facilitate identification and notification of individuals who may have been exposed to measles cases.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: One hundred and two cases of measles in 14 states have now been confirmed this year. Most of those are in California where updated numbers are expected today.

ROMANS: A field trip for the jury in the Aaron Hernandez murder trial. Jurors will take a bus tour of key trial locations, including the crime scene, the house of the victim Odin Lloyd and the house of the defendant. Meantime, in court Thursday, lawyers for the former NFL star grilled the police witness. The defense claims the crime scene was tainted by law enforcement.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JAMES SULTAN, HERNANDEZ DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Have you been trained in the collection of evidence at the crime scene, Captain DiRenzo?

CAPTAIN DIRENZO: No.

SULTAN: You said that at some point a decision was made to pick up pieces of evidence, right?

DIRENZO: Yes.

SULTAN: OK. And that was before anyone from state police crime scene services arrived, right?

DIRENZO: Yes, yes.

SULTAN: Nobody measured it?

DIRENZO: Nobody measured it. No.

SULTAN: You eyeballed it. Is that what you are telling us?

DIRENZO: That's exactly what I'm telling you, yes.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROMANS: Aaron Hernandez is charged with killing Odin Lloyd in 2013.

BERMAN: Thomas Gilbert Jr. has pleaded not guilty in the murder death of his father, hedge fund founder Thomas Gilbert, Sr. Authorities say the 30-year-old son was angry that his monthly allowance was cut by a few hundred dollars. They alleged he went to the family home and shot his father and then tried to make it look like suicide. The younger Gilbert is being held without bail. His attorney claims the case is circumstantial.

ROMANS: Investigators getting a clearer picture this morning of what happened when a New York commuter train crashed into an SUV, stopped on the tracks at the grade crossing. The SUV driver and five passengers on the train were killed.

Officials say all signals and warning systems, they were working properly. The train was traveling just below the speed limit and the engineer applied the emergency brake. They say it was 39 seconds when the crossing lights went on until the crash. A man behind the SUV said the crossing gate came down on the back of the car. Instead of backing up, the driver Ellen Brody drove forward and into the oncoming train.

BERMAN: The family of Bobbi Kristina Brown is denying reports that the 21-year-old is brain dead and that everyone was coming to the hospital, quote, "to say goodbye". Family members have been gathering around Bobbi Kristina, the daughter of the late Whitney Houston, after she want found unconscious at a bathtub at her home in Georgia. In a statement, they say she is still fighting for her life.

ROMANS: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie facing new scrutiny from the feds that could affect his presidential plans. Authorities have launched a criminal investigation involving Christie and members of his administration. A former New Jersey state prosecutor claims his firing was politically motivated. He says he was dismissed when he complained about Christie officials dropping indictments against political allies of the governor. Officials have previously shrugged off these accusations as conspiratorial nonsense. The Christie administration was also investigated for the bridge-gate scandal.

BERMAN: In a pretty important move. House Speaker John Boehner says that House Republicans will accept the Supreme Court decision on same- sex marriage, the imminent decision. The court is expected to hand down a ruling later this year. They're expected to hear arguments first. The speaker's statement comes as a bit of a surprise since House Republicans filed a pretty expensive and expansive lawsuit, defending the Defense of Marriage Act two years ago after the Obama administration said it would no longer defend the legislation.

ROMANS: All right. Another snowstorm on track to hit the Midwest and the Northeast.

BERMAN: No.

ROMANS: Just telling you the facts.

Meteorologist Derek Van Dam tracking the storm.

DEREK VAN DAM, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, John and Christine. Happy weekend to you.

If you are into dry weather, then today, you'll want to take advantage of that across the New England coast. But, usually this time of year, we have to substitute some other winter factor, and that will be the excessive wind-chill values from New York state, all the way through Maine. Take a look at the wind gusts through the course of the afternoon, over 25 miles per hour for New York City and stretching into Boston. That's going to allow our wind-chill values to plummet below freezing heading out the door this morning for the Big Apple, and a few other locations as well.

So, the best adjective to describe it, frigid today across the Northeast, bundle up. We're also monitoring a big rainmaker across the Pacific Northwest and into northern California, up to 10 inches of rainfall. Warm conditions across the Plain States, we have a few degree temporary recovery by the end of the weekend for New York City. But look what's coming, a few different clipper systems by Sunday and even into Monday. We have a possibility of over a foot of snowfall for Boston and to Rochester, New York.

Back to you.

BERMAN: Oh, they're going to love that.

ROMANS: Did he just say what I thought --

BERMAN: They're going to love that.

ROMANS: Oh, man.

Nineteen minutes past the hour.

Breaking news this morning: investigators reveal new information from the black boxes of the deadly plane crash. We are live with that information, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: New information this morning on the crash of TransAsia Flight 235. Officials are releasing the first pieces information from the plane's black boxes. We now know there were problems with not just one, but both of the plane's two engines. These images are so indelible right now.

The death toll from that crash climbing to 35 overnight. Divers still searching the river in Taiwan for eight missing victims. We have begun to hear from some of the 15 people who lived to talk about this terrifying ordeal.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HUANG JIN-SUN, CRASH SURVIVOR (through translator): Shortly after takeoff, I felt something wasn't right. Something was wrong with the engine, because I always take this flight. I told the girl beside me to quickly release the seatbelt, hold on to the chair in front and cover her head with clothes. Not long after, the plane went down.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: I want to bring in David Molko tracking the developments for us from Taipei.

David, what's the latest?

DAVID MOLKO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, John. Let's start with the investigation, exactly what you mentioned. This plane, the ATR-72, this twin turbo prop is designed to fly safely on just one engine. As you mentioned, there were problems with both.

Let me walk you through a little bit of what happened during this flight. Keep in mind that the entire flight lasted less than three minutes. The pilots are clearly grappling with a lot.

The emergency started just 30 seconds after takeoff. They got some sort of alert that had do with a problem with the right engine. According to data from black boxes, what happened next, there was some sort of a conversation about the left engine and maybe shutting it down. The data does show that the second engine, the left engine, was eventually shutdown. Investigators saying at that point, there was no thrust from either engine on the plane. This is when we heard the critical call that transmission to air traffic control. Mayday, mayday, engine flameout.

John, about 30 seconds after that call, there was a discussion among crew about restarting one of the engines. At that point, though, just 30 seconds before the end of the cockpit voice recording, it appears it was too late. We have seen the pictures -- those incredible harrowing pictures of the plane turning, clipping the overpass with not only the wing, but the tail section and then ending up in the water.

John, a lot of information coming out 48 hours after the crash. Investigators being careful to specify, they're not saying exactly why it happened, but certainly revealing if there were issues not just with one engine, but both -- John.

BERMAN: It all happened fast. David Molko for us in Taipei, thanks so much, David.

ROMANS: All right. There has been a sudden and unexpected spike in Ebola cases in West Africa. Health officials identifying 124 new patients from last week to this week in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. All three nations registering increases, simultaneously for the first time. CDC officials say it's not a trend, it's just an indication of how long the road will be to zero cases.

BERMAN: Pope Francis raising some eyebrows with his comments on parents, specifically the issue of fathers spanking their children. The pope says it is OK to discipline by spanking, as long as it preserves the dignity of the child. He made the remarks during his weekly general audience at the Vatican, which focus the traits of a good father. The church position on corporal punishment has faced strong criticism from U.N. human rights officials.

The church has announced that Pope Francis will address the joint meeting of Congress on September 24th during his visit to the United States. That will be a remarkable moment. The pope in the U.S. Capitol.

ROMANS: It really will be, where they could use a spanking. Just kidding. Just kidding.

BERMAN: It is funny because it's true.

ROMANS: Twenty-six minutes past the hour. Happening now: the U.S. meeting with world leaders on how to end the war in Ukraine. Pro- Russian rebels increasing their attacks some say funded and armed by Russia. How the situation could soon escalate, ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)