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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

George W. Bush Campaigns for Jeb Bush; Northern Syria Airstrikes, Last Night's Grammy Winners. Aired 5:30-6a ET

Aired February 16, 2016 - 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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[05:31:13] ALISON KOSIK, CNN ANCHOR: Republicans running for president, pulling out all the stops as they fight for votes in South Carolina. Jeb Bush bringing his brother on the campaign trail as his competitors launch new attacks.

MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN ANCHOR: And a showdown over the Supreme Court vacancy. The president to address the controversy in just hours as more Republicans vow to block anyone Obama nominates.

KOSIK: The year's best music honored at the 2016 Grammys. The big winners and the big moments coming up.

Welcome back to EARLY START. I'm Alison Kosik.

MARQUEZ: And, I am Miguel Marquez. It is 31 minutes past the hour. This morning, the fights in the Republican party escalating to all-out war. None of the leading candidates holding back. Marco Rubio attacking Ted Cruz and vice versa. Cruz also targeting Donald Trump. Trump lashing out at everyone -- Cruz, Rubio, and Jeb Bush, as well as a non-candidate, George W. Bush. The former president on the trail in South Carolina ahead of the primary there in support of younger brother, Jeb.

Chief political correspondent Dana Bash has the latest.

DANA BASH, CNN CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: Miguel and Alison, George W. Bush was back in the political spotlight. He drew a huge crowd for his brother. It also drew some pretty sharp distinctions between his brother, Jeb Bush, and Donald Trump. Now, he never said Trump's name, but he never had to. He described the person and the persona that we have come to see from Donald Trump. The kind of character that has drawn so many supporters to him. But, the point that George W. Bush was trying to make is that Americans shouldn't go for somebody who preys on the fears and frustrations of Americans. Instead, they should go for somebody who is a strong and steady hand. Somebody who isn't necessarily the loudest person in the room, clearly describing his brother, Jeb Bush.

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GEORGE W. BUSH, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The presidency is a serious job that requires sound judgment and good ideas. And there's no doubt in my mind that Jeb Bush has the experience and the character to be a great president.

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BASH: But, what was even as interesting as George W. Bush's performance was his brother's. The fact that Jeb Bush seemed to, kind of, come out of his shell. He was much more passionate, much more engaged with the audience. Had more presence than he has in the eight months since he announced for president.

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JEB BUSH (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: If you're tired of the politics of division, if you want someone with a proven record, a solid conservative who acted on his conservative beliefs each and every day as governor, someone with 32 years of private sector experience, then you're looking at the nominee for the Republican nomination. And, I can beat Hillary Clinton. I can promise you that.

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BASH: So, the question now is whether or not that is going to be enough to give him momentum to come from behind in South Carolina in order to start to build his comeback that he keeps saying he's going to have. Miguel and Alison.

MARQUEZ: OK, Dana Bash. Thank you for that.

Helping break all this down, we're going to put our CNN politics managing editor, Zach Wolf, in the EARLY START hot seat this morning. Zach, the former president -- blast from the past. George W. Bush, coming out for his brother saying this, in a not so thinly-veiled take on Donald Trump.

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G. BUSH: Strength is not empty rhetoric. It is not bluster. It is not theatrics. Real strength. Strength of purpose comes from integrity and character. And, in my experience, the strongest person usually isn't the loudest one in the room.

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MARQUEZ: Pretty tough stuff. That's a comeback from, obviously, the debate the other night where Donald Trump took on George W. Bush, 911, and the Iraq war, saying they were all mistakes, basically. Is it smart politics on Trump's part to take on George W. Bush in South Carolina?

[05:36:29] ZACH WOLF, CNN POLITICS MANAGING EDITOR: You know, honestly, I'm not sure anybody's qualified to tell Donald Trump what's smart politics or not. The guy has proven that he knows what's going to resonate in a way that a lot of other people don't. At every turn he does the unexpected, and it seems to work out for him so far. So, we'll see what happens.

Now, this is kind of an interesting thing because George W. Bush is a two-term Republican president. Taking him on and taking on his legacy in South Carolina, in particular, where the military vote is very strong -- it's a gamble. So, we'll have to see what happens. But on the other hand, George W. Bush, when he left office at least, he was extremely unpopular. And he was unpopular among Republicans. Now, he has regained some of that ground in recent years, so it's not like Donald Trump is going after somebody who's unpopular now among Republicans, but he has been in the past.

KOSIK: All right. The Supreme Court vacancy, obviously the heated issue that the candidates are talking about. Today, President Obama is going to be having a news conference on the issue. Meantime, though, you're seeing politics really play out. You're seeing Hillary Clinton saying -- demanding that the Senate should consider the nomination. Rubio saying no way. And then you're seeing the politics in the background. You're seeing Mitch McConnell, who supported election year nominations back in 2008, but you're seeing the Democrats saying he needs to consider a nomination. Yet, when George W. Bush was president back in 2007, Democrat Charles Schumer said this. Listen to this.

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SEN. CHARLES SCHUMER (D), NEW YORK: We cannot afford to see Justice Stevens replaced by another Roberts or Justice Ginsburg by another Alito. Given the track record of this president and the experience of obfuscationate hearings, with respect to the Supreme Court, at least, I will recommend to my colleagues that we should not confirm any Bush nominee to the Supreme Court, except in extraordinary circumstances.

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KOSIK: OK. So, essentially, we're seeing hypocrisy on both sides of the aisle. Does this give President Obama a leg to stand on politically?

WOLF: Well, those Schumer comments came when there was a Democratic senate and a Republican president. And now, we have a Democratic president and a Republican senate, so a lot has changed. You know, all bets are off when it comes to the Supreme Court. This is a lifetime appointment. If President Obama gets this nomination it will rebalance the Court from being a conservative court with five conservative justices to being a more liberal court with five that were appointed by Democrats.

So, Republicans are going to do everything in their power to stop this. They currently control the floor votes, so it's hard to see what changes Mitch McConnell's mind. How they force a vote on the Senate floor. But you can bet we are going to be hearing about this every single day until election day in 2016.

MARQUEZ: You are exactly right. The president's going to speak about this later this afternoon, so this will be the next step in all of this to see what the president says. He said he's not going to replace -- name that nominee quickly, but today he will come out with the next bit of this. I want to turn back to Donald Trump and his take on suing of Ted Cruz over the ads that he's been running, over the fact that Cruz is Canadian. Really tough ads by Ted Cruz, basically using Donald Trump's words against him. Isn't this just politics, and can this really work for Donald Trump?

WOLF: Well, I mean, Trump has been going after Cruz. Cruz had two ads, I think, against Donald Trump. One, using comments he had made more than a decade ago about Planned Parenthood. And then another on the equally toxic issue for conservatives of eminent domain. So, all gloves are in the South Carolina. It's the place.

We've had two contests now. Trump had been ahead in most polls there, so Cruz is trying to really make Republicans have second thoughts about Donald Trump. But, you know, things have worked for Donald Trump so far. So, he's saying that the Cruz campaign is becoming unhinged. That they're lying. Marco Rubio has accused the Cruz campaign of lying. So, it's this strange circular firing squad amongst all these different candidates there.

KOSIK: You know, it's serious business, but I have to say, I mean, it is entertaining although it is serious business.

MARQUEZ: I have seen more orderly barroom brawls. Zach Wolf, get back to your barroom brawl down there in Washington. Thank you very much.

WOLF: Thank you.

MARQUEZ: Republican candidates speak out on CNN this week in a unique two-night event, Wednesday and Thursday at 8:00 p.m. For the very first time in this campaign, all six candidates will answer questions from the voters of South Carolina in two live town halls moderated by Anderson Cooper.

[05:41:45] KOSIK: Violence escalates in Syria days before a proposed ceasefire. Dozens killed as bombs hit hospitals and schools. We are live next.

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KOSIK: A grim search for survivors in Northern Syria after airstrikes hit two hospitals and a school building Monday, killing at least 22 people. Eight others are missing and presumed dead. The group, Doctors Without Borders, claims the attacks on the field hospitals were deliberate. It comes just days after world powers agree to a cessation of hostilities in Syria that was due to take effect on Friday.

CNN's Jomana Karadsheh is monitoring developments from Amman, Jordan. You know, you hear about these attacks on hospitals and on a school, essentially hitting children and the sick. It really makes you wonder if anything is off limits in Syria.

[05:47:01] JOMANA KARADSHEH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Absolutely, Alison. Devastating attacks there in Northern Syria on Monday that have drawn a long list of international condemnation. We've also heard from human rights groups who are saying attacks on medical facilities amount to war crimes. Doctors Without Borders -- MSF -- says that one of the facilities that it supports in Idlib province was struck several times within a few minutes, killing and wounding several people. And, as you mentioned, they're saying it's a deliberate attack. This is the fifth time that MSF has been hit in Syria since the beginning of this year.

Now, no one is taking responsibility for this attack, but a lot of blame being pointed towards the Syrian regime and their Russian allies. We've not heard anything official from either country at this point, but the Syrian ambassador to Moscow coming out and saying it was the U.S.-led coalition that caused this attack, saying it was an airstrike. But coalition officials were fast to dismiss this, saying they didn't even have operations in the Idlib area at that point.

Now, in Aleppo province there in the town of Azaz near the Turkish border, another devastating attack, this time hitting a school housing displaced people and a hospital caring for mothers and babies there. Several people killed. No one claiming responsibility, again, at this point, but the Turkish prime minister blaming that on Russia, saying it was a ballistic missile fired from the Caspian Sea. We've not heard yet from Russia. Really complicated situation. It seems like it's escalating violence just days before that cessation of hostilities is supposed to take effect in that country, and it's looking very unlikely at this point it will, Alison.

KOSIK: Just when there was a glimmer of hope of some sort of improvement. All right. CNN's Jomana Karadsheh, thanks so much. Denials from all around from former New York governor Eliot Spitzer concerning an alleged assault in a Manhattan hotel room. Spitzer's attorney says the allegation is false and was made by a Russian woman with quote, emotional difficulties. He says Spitzer has known the woman for some time but she is not his girlfriend. Police say she called 911 from the hotel room Saturday, saying she had cut herself and was having a breakdown. Detectives are investigating the assault claim but still haven't questioned Spitzer.

MARQUEZ: About three months after a deli shooting rampage at a Colorado Planned Parenthood clinic, it is up and running again. The Colorado Springs facility opened its doors on Monday. Officials saying in a statement, "Clinic workers returned stronger and with more conviction than ever." Three people were killed and nine wounded during a five-hour standoff back in November that began when a gunman opened fire and then stormed inside. Fifty-seven-year-old Robert Lewis Dear faces nearly 200 felony counts, including murder, attempted murder, and assault.

KOSIK: Let's switch to something a little lighter. A night for the biggest stars in music to shine at the 58th Grammy awards.

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KOSIK: Taylor Swift putting on a nice show there of her own. She won three Grammys, including one of the top awards, album of the year, for "1989". Ed Sheeran was awarded song of the year for "Thinking Out Loud". And the record of the year going to Uptown Funk.

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(Music)

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KOSIK: Look at those pyrotechnics. And rapper Kendrick Lamar taking home the most Grammys, winning five.

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(Music)

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KOSIK: And, this probably was the most memorable performance of the night for this year's Grammys. The tributes to artists who recently died -- so many of them. That's Lady Gaga's salute to David Bowie. Just one of the artists we lost so far this year.

MARQUEZ: I miss David Bowie. Such a --

KOSIK: And, Glenn Frey. All of my childhood stars.

MARQUEZ: And, Glenn Frey. Just like one punch after another one.

KOSIK: I know.

MARQUEZ: It's just really tough.

KOSIK: I know.

MARQUEZ: Let's take a look at what's coming up on "NEW DAY" with Michaela Pereira.

MICHAELA PEREIRA, CNN ANCHOR, "NEW DAY": Don't you guys know the deal. When you talk about the Grammys you're supposed to sing all of the names of the titles?

KOSIK: We were waiting for you to do that.

MARQUEZ: (Singing) Michaela Pereira.

PEREIRA: Thank you very much.

MARQUEZ: That was more opera.

PEREIRA: All right, guys. We have a big show coming up on this Tuesday. Obviously, neither side giving ground in the battle to replace Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court. The White House calling the Republicans' bluff, believing they'll have to confirm a nominee or hurt their own chances in 2016. This morning we're going to speak with Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch. The first time we're hearing from a Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Jeb Bush getting a helping hand from his older brother, former

president George W. Bush, as the broader war within the Republican party intensifies. On "NEW DAY" we're going to speak to a spokesman for Ted Cruz's campaign about how things are shaking out days before the South Carolina primary. So, we've got a big show. The guys are on deck, here, getting ready to encaffeinated for the big show.

[05:52:17] KOSIK: I'm still waiting for you to hum a few bars of one of the winning songs.

MARQUEZ: We're going to be tuning in, and I want you wearing that number that Taylor Swift had on.

CHRIS CUOMO, CNN ANCHOR, "NEW DAY": Don't have them call you out like that. Give them something.

PEREIRA: Well, you just wait and see what happens.

CUOMO: Come on. Give them a little something.

KOSIK: See, I hear Chris saying give them a little something.

MARQUEZ: I'm wearing it tomorrow.

PEREIRA: You think he eggs me on? I don't know about that.

CUOMO: I want you to represent the show. Give them a little David Bowie.

PEREIRA: Come on, now.

KOSIK: All right. OK, OK. Millions from the Midwest to the east coast in the path of a severe snowstorm. What you need to know next.

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[05:57:33] MARQUEZ: Aw, the weather. The same large winter storm system that brought snow and freezing rain to the eastern U.S. spawned at least three reported tornadoes in Florida and Mississippi. Officials say the twister in Florida's Escambia County tore trees right out of the ground and damaged and destroyed nearly a dozen homes. Crews are conducting searches for people who may be trapped in those homes.

KOSIK: Millions of people in the path of that big winter storm today facing heavy rain, freezing rain, and snow. Let's get to meteorologist Pedram Javaheri. Good morning, Pedram.

PEDRAM JAVAHERI, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Alison and Miguel, good morning guys.

Yes, the winter storm threat very high again across parts of the northeast. Some 40 plus million people dealing with the winter weather today. And, if you broaden the perspective out you see a 1,600-mile stretch of land where we have strong thunderstorms. About 200 strikes per hour across parts of the southeast this morning. Tornado watches in effect across central Florida until 8:00 in the morning local time.

But, notice this area right here back out towards, say, western New York on into portions of eastern Ohio? That's where we have cold enough air in place to support some snow showers. For the most part, generally light snow showers. But a very narrow line of very heavy snow showers just around, say, east of Buffalo, east of Cleveland, and also just north of Pittsburgh, where we could see upwards of a foot and maybe higher amounts in that region.

And, if you're not in the snow zone, you're certainly going to be in a rain zone. That would be right here across, say, areas of the Delmarva. Work your way towards Allentown, PA on into, even, Central Park by around, say, noon to 3:00 p.m. or so, where some of heaviest rainfall begins to move in. And, look at the perspective. In a 48- hour period across New York City, minus one on Valentine's morning. Fast-forward 24 hours to Monday morning at 8:00 a.m. Temperatures warmed up to 18. Another 24 hours to this morning at 8:00 a.m. and we're talking about temps warming up to 48 degrees. An incredible ride from just a couple of days ago, guys.

KOSIK: All right, Pedram. Warmer temps, I'll take it.

Let's get an EARLY START on your money. It's looking like a strong start to the trading week for stocks. Futures are up more than one percent. Markets in Europe and Asia -- they are higher. Oil prices are, behind these gains we're seeing, up back near $30 a barrel and there's developing news on that front. Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Venezuela have reportedly agreed to freeze oil production at current levels in a bid to boost prices. Aw, but some were hoping for a cut to production, which would have actually had a larger impact on oil markets.

An outage for Comcast has angry customers complaining on the internet. Reported service interruptions from Downdetector which tracks outage complaints on social media, showed problems occurred all over the country. Most people, reportedly, lost internet connections, though some complained about spotty TV reception and total blackouts of both services. Comcast tells CNN Money that it was a transmission issue and not all customers were affected. Most of the issues have been resolved. The company has 27 million subscribers.

All right. Get a look at this. We are getting the first look at one of the biggest diamonds ever discovered. A diamond company says this rock was pulled out of a mine in Angola. It's 404 carats and about the length of a credit card. It's virtually flawless. It's colorless. It makes it one of the best quality finds ever. It's the 27th largest diamond ever found. The biggest stone was actually more than 3,000 carats. And if you're wondering, it was found in South Africa way back in 1905. I wouldn't mind a piece of that on these fingers. It's empty.

MARQUEZ: Just remember that diamonds are Miguel's best friend.

KOSIK: And, mine too.

MARQUEZ: See how I did that? KOSIK: Yes. Very good.

MARQUEZ: All right. Thank you. A showdown over how to fill the Supreme Court vacancy. "NEW DAY" starts right now.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. BERNIE SANDERS (I-VT), DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Do not obstruct. Obey the constitution.

SEN. MARCO RUBIO (R-FL), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We're not moving forward on a nominee until after the election.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What we're going to see is this be a major issue in the presidential election.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is the playbook we should follow. The Constitution of the United States.

G. BUSH: I came here for two reasons. One, because I care deeply about Jeb. And two, because I care deeply about our country.

DONALD TRUMP (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Ted Cruz is the most dishonest guy.

G. BUSH: There seems to be a lot of name calling going on.

TRUMP: I think he's an unstable person.

G. BUSH: But, I want to remind you labels are for soup cans.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A night for the biggest stars in music to shine.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Energetic performances and powerful tributes.

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ANNOUNCER: This is NEW DAY with Chris Cuomo, Alisyn Camerota, and Michaela Pereira.

CUOMO: Good morning to you, our friends. It is your NEW DAY. It's Tuesday, February 16th, 6:00 in the east. Alisyn getting the finishing touches a tattoo, so John Berman joins us this morning. Mick wrote that line. The White House is daring Republicans to reject the nominee to replace Justice Antonin Scalia, with a top Democrat calling it sabotage if they do, and suggesting it will backfire on the GOP.

PEREIRA: This collision course in Washington playing out as Republican rivals are at war with one another with everyone clamoring for the upper hand. Former president George W. Bush hitting the trail with his brother, Jeb, and firing back at Donald Trump's attacks in his campaign to few (ph). Our senior Washington correspondent, Joe Johns, has the very latest for us from Washington.

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