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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin
Claim: Trump Gave Most Other Candidates Money; Claim: Kasich Led Ohio Into Surplus, Many Jobs; Explosive Start To First GOP Presidential Debate; Third State Cuts Funding For Planned Parenthood; Best And Worst Of "Happy Hour" Debate; Jon Stewart Signs Off From "Daily Show"; Aired 5:30-6a ET
Aired August 07, 2015 - 05:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CHRIS CUOMO, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome back to the special edition of NEW DAY. Moments and mendacity, that's what John Berman tells me that the debate is about and he explained that mendacity means when people aren't telling the truth and certainly there are a lot of claims last night.
So what did you see? Donald Trump got the most talk time, but in fairness, a lot of people were saying his name triggering his need to respond. But how did he do on the old "truth-o-meter?"
JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: So he did make a lot of claims including the first one, which is about money and the other candidates, his money. Let's look at the claim right here. This is what he said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: You know, most of the people on this stage I've given to, just so you understand, a lot of money.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Not me. Not me.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: But you're welcome to give me a check, Donald, if you like.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BERMAN: So what is the claim? The claim from Donald Trump is most of the people on stage I've donated money to. What are the facts? Let's look at it. He gave money to these three candidates right here directly, Scott Walker, Jeb Bush and Ted Cruz.
He gave to each of their individual campaigns and indirectly, he gave to Huck PAC right here, Mike Huckabee's PAC. He also gave to the Republican Governors Association reportedly at the personal request of Chris Christie, $250,000.
So the Trump claim that he gave to a majority of candidates on stage, we are going to rate that as true. We're giving him a true on that.
CUOMO: Interestingly, he said that about Rand Paul.
BERMAN: Not true about Rand Paul.
CUOMO: That was one of the times Rand Paul didn't go after someone. Governor Kasich, he was a homer last night. This was in Ohio. He was heavy on his record. He was compelling in terms of the amount of detail. How truthful was he?
BERMAN: This is what Kasich said about his record as governor of Ohio.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
[05:35:05] JOHN KASICH (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Medicaid is growing at one of the lowest rates in the country. We went from $8 billion in the hole to $2 billion in the black. We've cut $5 billion in taxes and we have grown 350,000 jobs.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CUOMO: A lot of numbers, JB.
BERMAN: A lot of numbers right there. Let's take a look. The basic out of the claim, $8 billion deficit, $2 billion surplus, cut taxes and grew jobs. So what does he do? Let's look at it.
Well, he did in fact have an $8 billion deficit when he got there, ended up with a $2 billion surplus. That is in fact true. As far as taxes, he did cut taxes, that is true and he grew jobs as well.
Whether a governor actually creates jobs or not, well, it's up for debate, but there were jobs created in Ohio while he was there. The verdict that we will give Kasich on his claim is true, but misleading.
Here is why it's misleading because analysts and experts look at the time in Ohio and say what were his actions as governor, was it those actions that created the jobs, they say, well, maybe not so much. The overall compound GDP in the United States at that time period is 2 percent and in Ohio, 1.9 percent.
CUOMO: All right, that was good context for that. Carly Fiorina, she certainly distinguishes herself by everybody's estimate in the undercard, whether that is fair or not, but she basically came out with a few strong statements. What did you make of those?
BERMAN: This was all the beginning. Carly Fiorina in the undercard debate came out talking about Donald Trump hard said this about Donald Trump.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CARLY FIORINA (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Since he has changed his mind on amnesty and health care and abortion, I would ask what are the principles by which he will govern?
(END VIDEO CLIP) BERMAN: So the claim from Carly Fiorina right there. Trump changed his mind on amnesty and health care and abortion. Let's look at it. On the pathway to citizenship, Trump did flip flop. In 2011, he said that illegal immigrants could stay in America on a case by case basis. He told Dana Bash in July that he would deport all immigrants and let some good ones return so a flip flop.
CUOMO: He said something about a nice big door.
BERMAN: And change of position. On health care, he did support a single payer plan in 2000. Now Trump is against socialized medicine so did flip flop on that.
On abortion, well, in 1999, he said he was pro-choice, but as described last night, he says he is now pro-life because a friend decided against having an abortion and the child end up, his quote "a superstar." So we are rating Carly Fiorina's claim on Trump's flip flops absolutely true.
CUOMO: Absolutely true. You will get a call from the Hillary campaign about what she said about her last night, about lying about e-mail and lying about Benghazi. We will save that for the next one, very well done. Thank you, JB. Brooke, over to you.
BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN ANCHOR: All right, Gentlemen, thank you so much. Before the ten leading Republicans took the stage in Cleveland last night, the seven lower tier candidates took part in this happy hour debate. We will look at that and the highlights and lowlights from the first debate coming up next on NEW DAY.
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[05:41:55]
CUOMO: The first debate of the season did not disappoint. Donald Trump, the focus early on, right from the first question. Refusing to rule out a third party run and taking a shot at the moderator suggesting her questions were unfair.
Carly Fiorina also getting rave reviews for her performance in the earlier debate. She will join us live in the 7:00 hour and we'll talk about what worked for her.
BERMAN: New York Senator Chuck Schumer announces he will reject or vote to reject President Obama's nuclear deal with Iran. The influential Jewish Democrat almost certainly the next Democratic leader in the Senate said he came to the decision after considerable soul searching.
Several former White House aides have taken Schumer to task on Twitter while two of Schumer's Democratic colleagues, fellow New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, they say they will back the deal.
BALDWIN: Alabama now the third state to cut state funding for Planned Parenthood. This comes in the wake of undercover videos by anti- abortion groups targeting the organization. Governor Robert Bentley of Alabama tweeted that he respects human life. He doesn't want his state associated with an organization that he says doesn't. Earlier this week, Louisiana and New Hampshire also stopped funding Planned Parenthood.
BERMAN: We have more special coverage of the Republican debate ahead including a closer look at the so-called happy hour battle. Exactly who was it happy for, the best and worst moments from that event next.
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[05:47:33]
BERMAN: What were you doing yesterday at 5:00 p.m.? Were you working? Were you playing with your kids? Were you having a real life happy hour at a real life bar? Did you miss the happy hour debate? If you did, the seven candidates who did not make the main debate, they faced off. Here are the biggest moments.
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MODERATOR: Now to the elephant that is not in the room tonight, Donald Trump.
FIORINA: I didn't get a phone call from Bill Clinton before I jumped in the race. Did any of you get a phone call from Bill Clinton? I didn't. Maybe it is because I hadn't given money to the foundation or donated to his wife's Senate campaign.
RICK SANTORUM (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: A country of laws. Not of do whatever you want to do. We have a president who wants to do whatever he wants to do to take his phone and pen and tell everybody what he thinks is best.
RICK PERRY (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I've had my issues with Donald Trump. I talked to Donald Trump from the standpoint of being an individual, who is using his celebrity rather than conservatism.
BOBBY JINDAL (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We've got a president instead who says we are going to change of hearts and minds. Well, you know what? Sometimes you win a war by killing murderous evil terrorists.
LINDSEY GRAHAM (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Do we all agree that ISIL is not the JV team?
PERRY: That Iran negotiation is going to be torn up on day one. I'll take a bottle of whiteout with me to get started on the executive orders that Mr. Obama has put his name to.
FIORINA: Hillary Clinton lies about Benghazi. She lies about e- mails. She is still defending Planned Parenthood and she is still her party's frontrunner.
GRAHAM: You want to see a war on women. Come to with me to Iraq and Afghanistan. I have been there 35 times. I'll show what they do to women.
SANTORUM: There is nobody looking out for the American worker. I'm the only one on this stage who has a plan to reduce immigration.
JINDAL: I think our country is tired of the politicians who simply read the polls and fail to lead. Both Democrats and Republicans have gotten us in the mess we're in.
PERRY: I would have Carly Fiorina over there doing our negotiation over there than John Kerry. Maybe we would have gotten a deal where we didn't give everything away.
GEORGE PATAKI (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Politicians are always posturing and issuing sound bites but never solving problems.
MODERATOR: What two words were you use to describe the Democratic frontrunner?
PERRY: Let's go with three, good at e-mail.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BERMAN: You're nervous when Rick Perry does anything in threes. In the 7:00 hour, we will speak to Carly Fiorina.
[05:50:02] CUOMO: All right, so another big event last night, politicsesque. Jon Stewart saying goodbye to "Daily Show" fans with the help of old friends. Correspondents past and present popped up so say goodbye including even Steve Carell there. That's not Steve Carell. We'll show you all of the great moments when we come back.
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BALDWIN: No surprise, comedian, Jon Stewart's final "Daily Show" is full of big laughs, but the host also shed a few tears. Stewart took viewers on a trip down memory lane with correspondents fanning his 16- year run, all making surprise cameos.
I have our senior media correspondent and host of "RELIABLE SOURCES," Brian Stelter with the highlights. You were there through the evening. Saw everyone lining up.
[05:55:10] BRIAN STELTER, CNN SENIOR MEDIA CORRESPONDENT: Some of the audience members actually left sort of teary eyed. The same way Jon Stewart was. It was an hour long episode, Brooke, and after more than 2,600 episodes. Well, here is what Stewart said on the final one.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JON STEWART: This is the most beautiful place I've ever been.
STELTER (voice-over): An emotional night for the 16-year veteran of razor sharp satirical comments. Jon Stewart signing off with an all- star lineup.
STEWART: Working here meant the world to me. Tonight, I heart Huckabee.
STELTER: Turning the tables. The ones he made fun of the most.
GOVERNOR CHRIS CHRISTIE (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I will never forget you, John, but I will be trying.
HILLARY CLINTON (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Just when I'm running for president.
SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: I'm Jon Stewart. I'm dumb. I'm stupid. Nah-nah-nah. So long, jackass.
STELTER: Even our very own -- took a shot at the cable news critic.
STEWART: The best defense against bull (inaudible) is vigilance.
STELTER: Stewart not leaving without some profanity laden wisdom.
STEWART: Patriot Act because are you scared enough to let me look at all your phone records act? It doesn't sell. When something is titled freedom and fairness and health in America, take a good long sniff. Chances are it has been manufactured in a facility that contains traces of bull (inaudible).
STELTER: But it wouldn't have been a finale --
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One of us is adult size and does not have hairy toes.
STELTER: Without late night cable colleague and close friend, Stephen Colbert.
STEWART: I want to say I'm so touched that everybody could be here tonight and --
STEPHEN COLBERT: Me, too, Jon. Is there a party or anything? I brought a lot of people from CBS.
STELTER: Just when Stewart thought when they were going to commercial.
COLBERT: We are not quite done. Just a moment, Jon. You can't stop anyone because they don't work for you anymore. Huge mistake, Jon.
STEWART: Don't do this.
COLBERT: It will be quick if you sit still.
STELTER: Colbert put all jokes aside with this heartwarming speech.
COLBERT: You are infuriatingly good at your job. All of us who were lucky enough to work with you and you can edit this out later. All of us lucky enough to work with you for 16 years are better at our jobs because we got to watch you do yours.
STELTER: Stewart visibly emotional. COLBERT: It's almost over.
STEWART: All right.
COLBERT: I know you are not asking for this, but on behalf of so many people whose lives you changed over the past 16 years, thank you!
STELTER: Joining him on stage is his entire on-air team.
STEWART: Thank you so much for the privilege of being able to perform it for you and the privilege of being able to do it and so here it is, my moment of Zen.
STELTER: Bruce Springsteen closing out the hour-long "Daily Show" with his song "Land of Hope and Dreams."
BRUCE SPRINGSTEIN: Thanks for everything, Jon.
STELTER: The lyrics, you don't know where you're going now, but you know you won't be back.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
STELTER: Love him or hate him. His impact was tremendous. We were reminded of that last night, Brooke.
BALDWIN: Pour some coffee out for Jon Stewart this morning. Brian Stelter, thank you so much.
We are following a lot of news this morning. Let's get to it.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DONALD TRUMP (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I don't frankly have time for total political correctness.
BEN CARSON (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: There is no such thing as a politically correct war.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think you are on the wrong side of this.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Blowing hot air.
MIKE HUCKABEE (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I think it is time to do something even more bold.
JEB BUSH (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I have to earn this.
MARCO RUBIO (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: This election better be about the future. Not the past.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Iran gets everything they want.
TRUMP: If Iran was a stock, you folks should go out and buy it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Terminate the deal on day one. BERMAN: New York Senator Chuck Schumer announced he will vote against President Obama's nuclear deal with Iran.
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Congressional rejection of this deal leaves one option, another war in the Middle East.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CUOMO: Good morning. Welcome to your NEW DAY. It is Friday, August 7th, 6:00 in the east. On my left and right, John Berman and Brooke Baldwin. Beautiful applied equally. It was politics raw and real in the first debate. Republicans facing off in the 2016 race. The candidates leaving no stone unturned. Donald Trump taking heat from both sides.
BALDWIN: Meantime, Carly Fiorina getting strong reviews for her performance at the happy hour debate for lower ranks candidates. So who gained ground? Who lost ground in those early battles?
Let's begin our comprehensive debate coverage with CNN political reporter, Sara Murray live in Cleveland. Sara, good morning.
SARA MURRAY, CNN POLITICAL REPORTER: Good morning, Brooke. We definitely got the fireworks we were hoping for. Even though Donald Trump was at center stage, plenty of candidates managed to get their zingers in. Let's take a look at the highlights.
