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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

Category EF4 Tornado Hits Garland; Iraqi Officials Predict Mosul Liberation Next; Trump-Clinton Feud Escalates. Aired 5:30-6a ET

Aired December 28, 2015 - 05:30   ET

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

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MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN GUEST ANCHOR: Welcome back to EARLY START. I'm Miguel Marquez.

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN ANCHOR: I'm Christine Romans. It's 30 minutes past the hour. Let's begin with this brutal, deadly Christmas weather killing at least 43 people across the country. The state of Texas hit the hardest.

Thousands of people in Texas picking up the pieces this morning. Their lives shattered by devastating tornadoes. Hundreds of people huddled in shelters right now in the suburbs of Dallas.

Homes, churches, and businesses flattened by at least 11 reported tornadoes. One of them classified as a rare EF-4. Packing winds up to 180 miles an hour. Eleven people, including an infant, killed. The damage still being calculated.

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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The grace of God how he works. I'm grateful. My wife works not that far from here. If I didn't call her, she would be here right now and so would my kids. A lot of things.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I actually looked at the twister.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Describe it for me.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It was a dark funnel and it scared me. I don't scare that easy. I was scared.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROMANS: The number of tornadoes that touched down and the death toll could climb. Many communities hit so hard Saturday night, authorities still have not reached everyone. We get more this morning from CNN's Nick Valencia. He is in Garland, Texas for us.

NICK VALENCIA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Miguel and Christine, the damage in these areas affected by the tornadoes that ripped through these suburbs of Dallas has been extraordinary. This is the closest we have been allowed to get to the damage just about a quarter mile away.

Road closures, police blocking roads has made it impassable to get some of the hardest hit areas affected by this EF-4 tornado that ripped through here on Saturday.

The force of which was so strong that it ripped off the roofs of some of these apartment homes behind me. Storage facilities with cars flipped over. More than 600 structures have been affected as a result of these storms.

When you consider the force of that EF-4 tornado, up to 200 miles per hour coming through here, it is amazing that there weren't more lives lost.

At least 11 people killed as a result of the storm system that swept through here. Texas GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT declaring a state of emergency in several counties.

We understand local authorities are still going door-to-door to make sure everyone is accounted for -- Miguel, Christine.

MARQUEZ: Thank you, Nick. The governor of Missouri declaring a state of emergency. Storms packing torrential rains, pummeling the state triggering flash floods, road closures, and evacuations.

Authorities reporting over 100 water rescues since Sunday morning alone and with rivers expected to rise rapidly between now and New Year's, residents are being warned not to leave their homes.

Just take a look at the water levels in Springfield, Missouri. The Ford dealership and all of its cars submerged. Highways and roads throughout Missouri impassable right now.

Interstate 70 shutdown through the heart of Saint Charles County. Transportation officials say it is not expected to reopen in time for this morning's rush hour.

ROMANS: Blowing snow causing big problems this weekend in Oklahoma. Take a look at the roads here in Oklahoma City. Ice and snow triggering spinouts all over that state, 60-mile-an-hour winds causing 2-foot snow drifts in some places. At least 11 Oklahoma counties forced to shut roads and bridges because of flooding.

MARQUEZ: And another place that is not used to severe weather like. This massive winter storm slamming Southeastern New Mexico. My home state. At least one person killed from exposure to the cold. Up to 20 inches of snow reported in some communities.

Snow drifts up to 10 feet high. The National Guard called in to rescue stranded drivers. The governor declaring a state of emergency. Interstate 40 is shutdown indefinitely. Shocking. Not used to this in New Mexico especially that part.

ROMANS: Half of the country is under severe weather today. This is still going on today. For the latest on the severe weather threat, let's bring in CNN meteorologist, Pedram Javaheri.

(WEATHER REPORT)

[05:35:48] ROMANS: Thank you, Pedram. To this story now, police in Vienna issues warnings to authorities in several European cities about possible terror attacks. They are not saying which cities are the target, but they could happen between now and New Year's Eve.

We bring in CNN's Robyn Kriel with the latest. It is a generic warning, but we know that these governments have been sharing a lot of information in the recent weeks.

ROBYN KRIEL, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, both European governments and Interpol as well as with the United States. The United States always sharing its information with other countries facing similar terror threat from organizations from al Qaeda and ISIS.

A lot more questions, Christine, than answers regarding the story. Such as why would the Vienna Austrian authorities who put out the terror threat and a number of names that went with the terror threat that came from a friendly intelligence service.

Who were the names? What were the nationalities? They have investigated this without concrete results. The timeline is generic between Christmas and New Year. That is busy time for countries across the continent as well as what kind of individuals are we looking at here.

ROMANS: Robyn, are authorities maybe being extra vigilant because of the Paris attacks issuing alerts like this? Perhaps in years past, they would be alert, but not tell the public.

KRIEL: Exactly. They would not have told the public in years past, but given the horror of the November 13th attacks in Paris and the fact that if one country for example does not issue this public alert and release it to the public, they could be left holding the bag if that threat comes to their country. Obviously this is one of the major concerns of the various countries who have come forward on this threat.

ROMANS: Robyn Kriel for us this morning with that story from London. Thank you for that.

It's 38 minutes past the hour. Time for an EARLY START on your money. U.S. stock futures pointing lower. Wall Street coming back from the holiday break. Stocks climbed early before closing early on Thursday for the week.

It is still a tough December. No Santa Claus rally. It has been a flat year overall. Analysts polled expect bigger gains next year, but no double dip rally. Betting stocks will tumble in the New Year.

First off, GameStop, the shorted stock on the market because customers download games and skip the store. Sanderson Farms is down. Wall Street betting on more outbreaks and bans.

And finally, Lumber Liquidators is down after the flooring has unsafe levels of formaldehyde, down 73 percent. Investors don't expect a turn around on that one next year.

MARQUEZ: Not very exciting.

ROMANS: I think it is very exciting.

MARQUEZ: Of course. A big blow dealt to ISIS coming up next. Iraqi military forces on the brink of taking back a key city. We are live coming right up.

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[05:42:11]

MARQUEZ: Iraqi forces recapturing a key government facility from ISIS in Ramadi fighting reportedly fierce in the region for several days now. Iraqi officials insisting they have control of the city. They are predicting liberation of Mosul next month.

Let's go live to Abu Dhabi and bring in CNN's Becky Anderson for the very latest. Ramadi, Becky, obviously a very strategically important city in the west part of Iraq. Even if the Iraqis can take the city, can they hold it?

BECKY ANDERSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right. That's the big question. We have been awaiting a statement from the Iraqi army which we just got. Let me read that to you. It says Monday Iraqi troops took over the city of Ramadi including the government compound in Central Ramadi.

This was a highly touted offensive, Miguel, that began on Tuesday last week. The Iraqi army seems confident enough with the progress that the government had been planning to have a flag raising ceremony later today.

Yet to be seen it actually happen. They have been predicting the complete retaking of Ramadi in the coming days. It sounds from the statement they have the government compound which is where the ISIS pockets were based.

The caveat here, they say there are still pockets of ISIS resistance. Security forces advancing slowly clearing explosives that were left by ISIS as a makeshift mine field on the streets, if you like.

Retaking the city is Iraqi army's single biggest victory after it was captured back in May of this year, Ramadi. Defense secretary ash carter questioned the Iraq army's will to fight as he called it.

There are two points to consider. First, in providing the Iraqi army on the ground with U.S. air support and military advisors, rather than putting boots on the ground.

I think victory in Ramadi will provide a boost for President Obama's strategy for fighting ISIS. Secondly, the added support from Sunni tribes there. We are told there are 6,000 to 9,000 tribal fighters supporting the efforts on the ground. This is opposed to the Iran backed Shi'ite militia who have been used in other operations. Again, a solid achievement in itself according to the Iraqi government. You asked me if they can hold Ramadi. That is the big question.

If they can, the next target in the government's sights is Mosul. That is, of course, is the biggest population center under ISIS control either in Iraq or Syria.

[05:45:07]I think it is important to point out that could prove a much tougher proposition. Certainly in the last hour, the Iraqi government spokesperson saying they now hold the government compound in the center of Ramadi which is a clear victory so far as the Iraqi security forces are concerned -- Miguel.

MARQUEZ: It feels like deja vu all over again with the U.S. taking so many of these cities years ago and now the Iraqis reasserting authority there. They have a lot to prove. It is interesting to watch. Becky Anderson, thank you.

ROMANS: At the same time, the leader of ISIS trying to rally his troops in the face of military setbacks in Iraq and Syria. Audio message posted online reportedly made by al Baghdadi mocks the western military coalition.

Threatens Israel and assuring ISIS fighters they are, quote, "on the right path." The voice on the recording urges ISIS troops to be patient. If the voice on the recording is Al-Baghdadi, this is the first time since May we have heard from him.

Rare to see him and hear from him. He is obviously in hiding. Mosul is a city the Iraqi military hopes to retake that next.

MARQUEZ: He feels he needs to come out now and make a stand basically. Clearly if it is him, they are on the defensive.

Let's look at what is coming up on "NEW DAY." Michaela Pereira joins us.

MICHAELA PEREIRA, CNN ANCHOR, "NEW DAY": How did you do? Did Santa spoil you?

ROMANS: No, he got coal. He is on the naughty list again this year.

MARQUEZ: Naughty is way more fun than nice.

PEREIRA: Christine, you will join us in a while on "NEW DAY." Don Lemon will as well. The deadly weather has claimed dozens of lives across the U.S. Mother Nature unleashing furious storms and flooding over the holiday weekend.

We will look at the devastation. It is widespread. Particularly in Texas. We will get reaction from the ground near Dallas where 11 people were killed.

We are also looking at a brand new CNN poll at the top of the hour. The war on terror. Always a struggle. The numbers paint a staggering picture of discontent but with who and why. "NEW DAY" will look at that at the top of the hour.

ROMANS: We'll see you soon.

It's 47 minutes past the hour. Let's get an EARLY START on the money this Monday morning. Stocks reopen after the three-day Christmas break. So far, limping into the opening bell and to the end of the year.

Stocks climbed last week before closing early on Thursday. Dow gained 2.5 percent for the week. It has been a tough December. It has been a flat year. Oil prices are also moving lower this morning. Down more than 2 percent to $37 a barrel. That is driven by Iran's pledge to increase output.

"The Force Awakens" made $1 billion at light speed. The new "Star Wars" movie passed the $1 billion mark 12 days' time. That is a full day faster than "Jurassic World."

It led the box office this weekend bringing in $153.5 million. Its reign is just beginning. The film hasn't opened in China, the second biggest market. I tell you, 2012 when Disney bought Lucas Film for $4 billion.

MARQUEZ: I have not seen it. Say nothing. Looking forward to seeing it. I'll be part of the second billion.

Donald Trump extending his attacks on Hillary Clinton to her husband. The new insults flying in the race for the presidency.

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[05:52:08]

MARQUEZ: Welcome back. The presidential candidates get back to the business of campaigning today after a holiday week and respite. Republican frontrunner, Donald Trump, is once again in the spotlight. No surprise there.

But his feud with Hillary Clinton escalating. Trump suggesting it is open season on Bill Clinton as the former president gets ready to hit the campaign trail for his wife. We get more from CNN's Chris Frates.

CHRIS FRATES, CNN INVESTIGATIONS CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Christine and Miguel. The fight between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton is getting increasingly personal with the billionaire attacking Bill Clinton for sexism.

Trump said in his tweet Saturday night attacking Bill Clinton's, quote, "The penchant for sexism turned the tables on Hillary Clinton" because she used the same phrase to criticize Trump earlier in the week after he used the sexist vulgarity to describe Clinton's loss to Barack Obama in 2008.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) DONALD TRUMP (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE (via telephone): I think it is fair game because his presidency was really considered troubled because of all of the things she is talking to me about. She is mentioning sexism.

I actually turned her exact words, I don't know if you saw the following tweet, I turned her words against her from that standpoint. She has to be fair.

We all have to fight fairly and we have to fight for the good of the country, for the good of the people, for the good of everybody. We have to fight fairly. She's playing the woman's card. It's like give me a break.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRATES: The chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee fired back saying Trump is practicing gutter politics and the whole GOP field is following him down the sewer.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REPRESENTATIVE DEBBIE WASSERMAN-SCHULTZ, CHAIRWOMAN, DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE: It is really outrageous the depths and how low he has allowed the campaign to sink. The rest of the Republican field is going along.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRATES: Trump's slam on Bill Clinton's marital infidelity comes a week after the Democratic frontrunner announced that her husband hits the campaign for her next month. It comes as a preemptive strike on one who is regarded as one of the best campaigners.

It also suggests that Trump feels secure enough on top of the GOP field to take on the leading Democrat. Trump and Clinton are neck and neck in a hypothetical match up. It doesn't hurt that criticizing Clinton is also a very popular past time among Republican primary voters -- Christine, Miguel.

MARQUEZ: Chris Frates, thank you very much. Let's go live to Washington to CNN politics reporter, Tom LoBianco. Tom, Trump does very poorly among women. Hillary does well among women. Is this his way of taking out her legs on that part of the electorate?

TOM LOBIANCO, CNN POLITICS REPORTER: Sure. They have to fire these folks up. What is happening with Trump is he is firing up his core and he is bringing in the big dog here. She is getting ready to bring out Bill on the big stage right when she needs him in the final stretch.

[05:55:08]Trump going after him is a way to keep the attention focused on him and it is good for -- good for both of them actually. Good politics going into the fight.

Another thing they are doing is looking past the primary field. This is something that Hillary has been doing for a while. Trump has been doing it to a degree.

Kind of moving past the primary in fighting. Giving the impression that they are already the nominee. There's a ton of layers here.

MARQUEZ: Sure. Trying to protect themselves as the go-to guys and is the person who can beat Hillary essentially. These are people who swim in the same waters. Clintons and Trumps know each other well. How much is political theater and how much is real?

LOBIANCO: That's hard to pick apart when you are talking about the White House. This is the prize. That's a hard thing. It brings up the history. This is something that Trump's Republican opponents bring up frequently.

It is relevant because he has a history there. He is supporting the foundation. They attended his third wedding to Melania. It is relevant and it is coming up now at a crucial moment in the home stretch in both primaries.

MARQUEZ: We are getting down to the nitty-gritty here. Trey Gowdy, speaking of that fight, a big Republican congressman who held the hearings grilling Hillary Clinton on Benghazi. He is going for Cruz. Why does this string Trump so much?

LOBIANCO: That's a big -- him signing up with Rubio actually. It shores up his right flank in the so-called battle on the establishment side. That is debatable how much is a battle and whether that will be effective and make a difference there at the end of all this.

That's a big get any way you look at it. Trump responds when he gets stung. As his folks like to say he is a counter-puncher. I don't want to say if he is punching or counter-punching here, but he reacted. It is clear he got hurt. Gowdy has credibility with conservatives.

MARQUEZ: Trump going after Virginia. It sounds like he is still holding up the possibility of an independent run.

LOBIANCO: It does. It is. We have been talking about this for months now. We literally two weeks ago listened to him walk off the debate stage in the interview with us, CNN, afterwards, rule it out. He ruled it out on the stage. He clarified he is ruling it out.

Still, there is the specter. He is lashing out at the Virginia Republican Party because they could scare off his donors. They are angry at the party. That is where he is winning. By the Virginia Republican Party requiring them to sign up as republicans could scare off his base.

MARQUEZ: All right. Tom LoBianco, the man who will not sleep in the next year. Thank you very much.

Dozens killed in severe storms across the country. "NEW DAY" starts right now.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My gosh. It's big! It's hitting stuff.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I heard the roaring.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It had a tornado and I saw it coming.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Buildings cracking. All we could do was run to the closet and pray.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Separate weather events all across the south central United States.

MARQUEZ: Police in Vienna issuing warnings about possible terror attacks.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It will mean a legitimate task for the Iraqi government to govern for the entire country.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Why you got to shoot first and ask questions later? It's ridiculous.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Shot accidentally.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: By Chicago police.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I grieve for other mothers. Now today, I'm grieving myself.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PEREIRA: Welcome to your NEW DAY. It is Monday, December 28th, 6:00 in the east. Chris and Alisyn are off. Don Lemon and Christine Romans join me this morning.

We begin with the violent outbreak of severe weather. At least 43 people have been killed in seven states over the past week. Tornadoes devastating North Texas. At least 11 died in the Dallas area over the weekend.

Texas governor declaring a disaster in four counties, the threat is not over. A crippling blizzard is expected to follow those deadly storms.

DON LEMON, CNN ANCHOR: Really unbelievable weather. Winter storm warning stretching from Texas --