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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

Will Ukraine Ceasefire Hold?; FBI Investigating Muslim Students' Murders; "American Sniper" Murder Trial

Aired February 13, 2015 - 04:00   ET

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

POPPY HARLOW, CNN ANCHOR: The cease-fire in Ukraine set to begin this weekend. But the big question, will it last? Why many are concerned the new truce could fall apart before it begins.

The FBI looking into the murders of three Muslim students in North Carolina, as thousands of people attend their funeral and say good- bye, as well as demand justice.

From selfie sticks to air basketball. President Obama's video promoting health care has certainly gone viral, but is it just all in good fun or is it not great for his image?

Good morning, everyone. Welcome to EARLY START. I'm Poppy Harlow, in today for John Berman and Christine Romans who have the morning off. It is Friday, February 13th, 4:00 a.m. here in the East.

And up first, before the Ukraine cease-fire takes effect on Sunday, there are concerns about whether or not the agreement will hold. The Obama administration is skeptical saying more work needs to be done. The deal was reached after marathon talks in Minsk yesterday between France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine. French and German leaders are warning that Russia could face more European Union sanctions if the cease-fire is not respected.

So, what is Russia's take on the prospect for lasting peace in Ukraine?

Let's go straight to Matthew Chance. He joins us live from Moscow.

Matthew, I think all of us were surprised to see sort of the about- face we heard at one hour yesterday morning from Ukraine's president that they were far from a deal. The next hour, they had a deal. What is Russia saying?

MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, I think those comments reflected the reality of the negotiations because Russia's President Vladimir Putin was the first of the leaders to come out and meet the press and talk about, although it was a difficult night, he jokes to the media, he was very happy with the result in the morning that achieved he said the main issues, the cease-fire first and foremost, of course, as well a withdrawal of heavy weapons from the line of contact, the front line in the conflict zone. So, this was that something that he was very satisfied about. The Ukrainian side less satisfied. You got the sense of the result --

the prime minister saying it was a choice between bad and worse. But you know, the Russians at the moment, appear to think they had most, but not all, it has to say, but most of their key points accepted.

HARLOW: So, this brings up the big question which is whether Ukraine is going to keep pushing for the United States in particular, possibly Europe as well, to help arm with defensive weapons? I know you spoke with Ukraine's prime minister. What is he saying about that?

MATTHEWS: Yes. I mean, look, I think one of the offshoots of the deal is it will take pressure off the administration in the United States to commit to supplying weapons to the Ukrainian government side in this conflict. It was always controversial conversation that was being had. Some in Washington, particularly the new defense secretary, had -- said they were inclined towards that change in policy.

But there was always suspicion on the part of President Obama that it would be problematic, also the Europeans, of course, led by Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, pretty much opposed to the idea of arming the Ukrainian side. The logic being that if you put more weapons into this very volatile conflict situation, that war could just escalate and it might not make it better.

So, yes, at the moment I think, the prospect of that -- the prospect of more sanctions as well seems to have receded for Russia.

HARLOW: Let's hope the cease-fire takes place as intended on Sunday and it is lasting unlike the agreement back in September.

Matthew Chance live for us in Moscow -- thank you, Matthew.

ISIS launching new attacks across Iraq, hitting Kurdish and Iraqi forces both in the north and west. They have now seized control of parts of the town near an airbase where U.S. Marines are currently training Iraqi forces. Also, according to the U.S. officials, ISIS has now spread into Libya, Yemen, Egypt, and Pakistan. Consider that, that is huge. They say some members of the Taliban are now rebranding themselves as ISIS, hoping to attract new terrorist recruits.

And the Obama administration is pushing back claims of not doing enough to save American hostages. Specifically, Kayla Mueller, who we learned, of course, this week was killed by ISIS. On CNN Thursday, Texas Congressman Michael McCaul, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee addressed reports that the White House had intelligence on U.S. citizens being held by ISIS, but delayed acting on that.

Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. MICHAEL MCCAUL (R), TEXAS: I'm concerned they are not doing enough to save the hostages, but to win this war. All we're seeing is a policy of containment. This policy of containment is not a winning strategy. We need a policy to defeat and destroy ISIS once and for all.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARLOW: National security spokesperson says U.S. forces carry out operations as soon as the president and his team are confident they can be successful.

Breaking overnight, two al Jazeera journalists are free this morning after spending more than 400 days in prison in Egypt. Mohamed Fahmy and also producer Baher Mohamed will release on bail. They are waiting another trial.

Our Ian Lee joins us now from Cairo. This is definitely a positive development. Their families had been fighting for this for a long time.

What is the latest and why did this release happen all of a sudden?

IAN LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Poppy, it was a shocking surprise for the family. They'd been expecting them to be released so soon. They were expecting it to be later this week after the procedures were taken place. But authorities wanted to get them out of jail right away. They were released early this morning, at different police stations around the city. They are at home now.

Mohamed Fahmy's brother tweeted out that he's now going to take a bit of a break. He has been with his brother for this journey and now, he's looking forward to relaxing. Baher Mohamed posted a picture on Facebook holding his two children with his wife with them and their third child, that was born while he was in prison. Mohamed Fahmy did have to post a $33,000 bail for -- as a condition for his release, although Baher Mohamed did not have to because he is Egyptian.

Now, they're going to spend quality time with families. I talked to some of them. They are saying that they are looking forward to catching up and just relaxing. It has been a very stressful time for them, but it is not over yet. They will be back in court on February 23rd, Poppy.

HARLOW: And, of course, they are arguing the Egyptian government's argument they are supporting the Muslim Brotherhood is without merit. But on those charges, they spend 400 days in jail and, as you said, they still have to face another trial. We'll be watching very closely.

Ian Lee, thank you very much.

The FBI has opened an investigation into the fatal shooting of three Muslim students in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Thousands of people attended the funeral service on Thursday on the North Carolina state campus and police say the three were shot by a neighbor, allegedly, in a dispute over a parking space at their condominium complex. Now, investigators are digging deeper, trying to determine if the suspects was motivated by religious hate.

Our Jason Carroll has more. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Poppy, the FBI opened that preliminary inquiry into the case to try to insure that no federal laws were violated. This will be a parallel investigation, in addition to the local investigation being conducted with the Chapel Hill Police Department and other local and law enforcement officials as well.

Word of the FBI getting involved coming on the same day that the victims were buried. The three victims, Deah Barakat, 23, Yusor Mohamed 21, and Razan, 19. Thousands of people showing up for the memorial service for them. It was an incredible sight to see there.

Also here at NC State University, many came here to pay respects for the victims as well. Those coming together here. Many believing, Poppy, as you know, this was not a case of dispute over parking spot. Many people here believing this was, in fact, a hate crime. Once again, the FBI involved in this investigation as well -- Poppy.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARLOW: We'll be watching very closely. It is a tragedy. Jason Carroll, thank you for that.

The American Civil Liberties Union calling it a great day for the state of Alabama. The federal judge who struck down the state's ban on gay marriage has now ordered a Mobile County probate court to start issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, in defiance of an order from Alabama chief justice Roy Moore. Most Alabama counties, though, are still complying with Moore's wishes and refusing to issue those licenses.

Very sad news to tell you about, breaking overnight, another blow to the world of journalism. "New York Times" media columnist David Carr has died. "Times" executive editor says Carr collapsed suddenly in the newsroom on Thursday night. Carr's former "Times" colleague Bill Carter tweeted his tribute, saying "David Carr was brilliant, funny and generous. My heart breaks for his family and his legion of friends. And he is proud he said to be one of those friends."

David Carr, a magnificent journalist, was 58 years old.

More alleged exaggeration coming to light as NBC News investigates now suspended "Nightly News" anchor Brian Williams. There are new questions about Williams' claims of flying into Baghdad with SEAL Team Six, and about war memorabilia that he claims to have received as gifts. Among them, a Navy SEALs knife and a piece of the helicopter from the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.

Sources within the CNN -- within the SEAL community rather tell us here at CNN it would be impossible for Williams to have traveled with SEAL Team Six.

Questions also surfacing about his differing accounts of a brush with Pope John Paul II as a university student. Much more on that later in the show.

All right. Let's get an early start on your money. Cristina Alesci joins me now.

We're looking at a good Friday?

CRISTINA ALESCI, CNN MONEY CORRESPONDENT: Good end of the week for stocks. Asian stocks ended the day mostly higher. And European shares are up as well, thanks to some solid GDP numbers from major economies. Germany and Europe's growth engine, no surprise there.

And U.S. stock futures are continuing to climb after the Dow gained 110 points yesterday. Poppy, you'll love this story, it's official. Last year was the worst year for recalls ever. The government says nearly 64 million vehicles were recalled. That's more than double the previous record set in 2004.

GM alone recalled 30 million vehicles including those with flawed ignition switches and also big culprit, defective air bags from Takata led to recalls by several major carmakers. This has finally got the attention of the Obama administration, you know, in the 2016 budget. He wants to increase funding to the government arm.

HARLOW: For NHTSA.

ALESCI: Exactly, that investigates the safety, almost three times more money, going from $9 million to $30 million.

HARLOW: We will see if that gets approved, but that was their big pushback. We could have been better at regulating if we had more money. You know, they were not blameless in all of this as well.

ALESCI: It is the typical under staff, under-funded government argument, right?

HARLOW: We look at the numbers and say worst year. But at least they are getting recalled. The whole problem with GM is they sat on it for ten years and it ended up with more than 40 deaths.

ALESCI: Exactly.

HARLOW: So, hopefully, if you have one of the cars recalled, you got to bring it in. A lot of people need to do that.

All right. Cristina, thank you.

HARLOW: Temperatures plunging again. Another blizzard forecast for New Englanders. Can you believe it? Boston cannot get a break.

Let's get to meteorologist Derek Van Dam for an early look at your weather.

DEREK VAN DAM, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Bundle up. It's a blustery start to the early weekend for Upstate New York, parts of Pennsylvania and stretching into Vermont. We have wind chill advisories and warnings in effect. By the way, 9/10 of an inch is all it took to put Boston at its snowiest February of all time, 42.3 inches so far and it's only the 13th of February.

Our next approaching storm system dropping south of Canada. We're going to monitor this one very closely as it deepens quickly off the New England coastline bringing the potential of blizzard conditions. Anywhere you see that neon shading of green from Bangor to Portland to Boston, all the way to Boston, that's where we have blizzard watches in effect, the possibility of one to even upwards of two feet of snow, depending on which computer model you look at. The Big Apple, only a light dustiness snowfall expected from this particular storm system.

Very cold temperatures, we're talking 20 to 30 degrees below average from the New England coast, all the way down to the Gulf Coast states.

That's all the time we have. Back to you.

HARLOW: All right, Derek. Thank you. I certainly felt the cold coming in to work this morning.

Coming up, President Obama's goofy video promoting Obamacare is already getting flak. You would expect this, right? Some fans say, hey, this is good for the president. He has a sense of humor. He is showing it. But does it send the wrong message?

Also, it turns out the Supreme Court justice is not exactly stone cold sober during the State of the Union. We're talking about one in particular. Find out which justice admitted to being, hey, a little tipsy, ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARLOW: All right. The commander-in-chief showing a little bit of his funny side. The White House wants young people -- more young people to sign up for Obamacare. And President Obama is doing his part to pitch it, in a new BuzzFeed video that has certainly gone viral.

Here is our Erin McPike.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ERIN MCPIKE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Poppy, the reason the president film the short video, the White House wants to do viral to sign up for Obamacare by Sunday's deadline. But you could be forgiven for missing the point because the video is so goofy. One of the funniest parts is when he tries to pronounce the month that we're in now, which I can't do either. So, listen to the president try.

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The deadline for signing up for health insurance is February -- February -- man.

MCPIKE: And watch as he does what he says we all do.

(MUSIC)

MCPIKE: So at least now we know he practices that big smile that's always on point in pictures. But as always, some opponents of the president did not approve. And one conservative tweeted, "Remember when the office of the president had dignity", and another wrote, quote, "This definitely is a new low for our juvenile president. Wow. I can't imagine Slick Willie doing something like this."

But the White House couldn't care less about that, because, Poppy, in the first seven hours the video was live, it had 13 million views.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARLOW: Wow. What's say you? Tweet @PoppyHarlowCNN. Let me know what you think of that video.

Meantime, the Pentagon's former number two, Ash Carter, will be returning to run the place. President Obama's choice for the next defense secretary was confirmed by an overwhelming margin in the Senate. Carter is replacing Chuck Hagel. Republicans say they hope he will be an independent voice and push the president on critical defense and national security issues.

The U.S. military will reportedly pay to complete Chelsea Manning's sex change. Manning is the disgraced army private who leaked tens of thousands of classified military and diplomatic documents. "USA Today" reporting this morning that commander at Fort Leavenworth Prison approved hormone therapy for Manning. Last year, Manning was allowed to wear women's clothing in the first phase of that gender transition. Manning is serving 35 years for leaking those documents.

And a candid admission from a Supreme Court justice. Ruth Bader Ginsburg sitting down for an NRP interview, along with fellow Justice Antonin Scalia as well. And CNN had the only camera there, when the subject of the State of the Union came up, Ginsburg revealed why she fell asleep just a little bit during the president's speech.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RUTH BADER GINSBURG, U.S. SUPREME COURT JUSTICE: The audience for the most part is awake because they are bobbing up and down all the time.

(LAUGHTER)

GINSBURG: And we sit there stone-faced sober judges. But we're not -- at least I wasn't 100 percent sober because before we went to the State of the Union --

(LAUGHTER)

GINSBURG: -- we had dinner together and Justice Kennedy brought --

ANTONIN SCALIA, U.S. SUPREME COURT JUSTICE: That's the first intelligent thing you've done.

(LAUGHTER)

GINSBURG: Well, there was a time you came to those dinners, especially with a very California wine and Justice Kennedy brought. And I vowed this year, just sparkling water, stay away from wine, but in the end, the dinner was so delicious, it needed wine, too, or something.

(LAUGHTER)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARLOW: That is fantastic. You rarely get a light into the sort of the personal side of our Supreme Court justices. So, a bit of levity in that one.

Also, coming up, how will dramatic dash cam video of police chasing the "American Sniper" suspect affect the trial? Prosecutors think it helps their side and the defense says it is far from a slam dunk. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARLOW: All right. Another dramatic day in the so-called "American Sniper" murder trial. Defense lawyers say Eddie Ray Routh was in a psychotic state when he shot Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, along with his friend Chad Littlefield. Now, a juror saw a video of the wild police chase as Routh fled in Kyle's pickup truck.

Our Martin Savidge was in the courtroom in Texas. And he has more for us this morning.

Good morning, Martin.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Poppy, on day two of the testimonies, the real stars in this case were two videos. The first one is a dash cam video, and it shows a high speed chase that took place as police were closing in on Eddie Routh.

He had stolen Chris Kyle's pickup truck after he murdered Kyle and his friend. And while on that chase, you see another police officer take his police cruiser and try to ram that pickup truck to try to bring it to a stop. It didn't stop but it did slow the chase.

The chase takes off once again. Eventually, though, the truck was so badly damaged, it had to stop. And that's when Routh was taken into custody.

But then, there is the second video. It is a body cam video. I can't play the audio. But what was significant are the quotes you hear by Routh before the high speech chase. And he talks in a way that most people sound extremely weird. For instance, he says, "Is this about like hell's work walking on earth right now? I don't know. I don't know. Where peace and law and order is and what it's all about."

He also says, "Is it voodoo that's upon us?" And talks about the apocalypse.

The defense would say, look, it only proves he really was insane. The prosecution will point to the chase video and say he wasn't a man talking crazy. He acted like a guilty man who wanted to get away -- Poppy.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARLOW: Martin Savidge for us this morning, thank you very much.

Coming up, the cease-fire deal in Ukraine goes into effect this weekend, but will it hold? New questions this morning about whether both sides will adhere to the truce.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)