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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

Trump Warns of Riots If He Doesn't Win; Obama's SCOTUS Nomination: Dead on Arrival?; Deadly Flooding Swamps the South; 1st Round of NCAA Tournament Tips Off Today. Aired 5-5:30a ET

Aired March 17, 2016 - 05:00   ET

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

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN ANCHOR: Trump told CNN's "NEW DAY" he thinks there could be riots at the Republican convention in Cleveland if somehow he is blocked from getting the nomination.

[05:00:02] Late last night, Trump's closest competitor Ted Cruz, condemned Trump for suggesting there might be violence. Now, Trump supporter Ben Carson, he agrees with Trump about potential unrest.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. TED CRUZ (R-TX), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: No one should be surprised that Donald Trump is trying to stir up riots. I wish we had a presidential candidate that was bringing us together, instead of encouraging such things.

DR. BEN CARSON (R), FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: There's no question there would be a lot of turmoil if the establishment tries to thwart the will of the people, recognizing that millions of new voters have come into the Republican fold, largely as a result of Donald Trump. And it's very unlikely those people would maintain their enthusiasm if, in fact, some shenanigans resulted in someone else being the nominee.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROMANS: Cruz mocked Trump for choosing not to attend the debate next week. That debate has now been cancelled.

CNN's Sunlen Serfaty has the very latest.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUNLEN SERFATY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, John and Christine.

Well, Donald Trump is making it very clear that he is looking ahead, that he really wants this GOP nominating process to come to a close. Trump says that he will not show up for the scheduled next week's debate in Salt Lake City, Utah. Instead, he says he'll be giving up a policy speech in Washington, D.C. to the pro-Israel organization AIPAC instead. Now, after that, John Kasich says, "If Trump is not debating, I'm not going to either." And all of this forced FOX News, the host of that debate next week, to

cancel it outright.

Now, the Cruz campaign is hoping to capitalize a bit on all of this, coming out with a statement saying, quote, "Donald Trump is scared to debate Ted Cruz next week. Mr. Trump, if you won't debate in Utah, we'll bring the debate to you."

CRUZ: I guess he doesn't like when anyone challenges him. You know, he was saying just a week ago that he was eager to get one-on-one with me. Well, this debate, the field is narrowed even more and he could have had a direct debate with me and yet, Donald apparently is ducking. He's afraid of being challenged.

SERFATY: And the Cruz campaign says that Ted Cruz campaign will appear at the same speech on Monday where Donald Trump is speaking. He intends to draw clear contrast at that speech with Donald Trump -- John and Christine.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: All right, Sunlen.

New developments this morning in the controversy surrounding President Obama's nominee to be the next Supreme Court Justice Merrick Garland. Why the respected federal judge visits Capitol Hill today. He will meet with two Democratic senators, a handful of Republicans will meet with Garland eventually, but none are on his schedule today.

Let's get more from CNN White House correspondent Michelle Kosinski.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MICHELLE KOSINSKI, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Hi, John and Christine.

Right, so you have the perfect springtime day in the Rose Garden, unexpectedly emotional, but you knew just outside, this perfect political storm was only getting bigger. And right away, we heard from Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and others, even some Republicans who supported Merrick Garland back when he was confirmed to the federal bench here in D.C. years ago, saying this should not happen now.

McConnell is saying it's not about the person. It's about the principle. That president shouldn't be putting forward a nominee in this environment, somebody who is going to shift the balance of the court right before a presidential nomination, saying, let the people decide.

The White House wants to present Garland as the kind of perfect consensus nominee, somebody so moderate with such stellar credentials that Republicans would look as bad as possible, even if indeed they're not even going to consider him. The White House wants to apply pressure, even coming from the outside, coming from the public, to try to convince Senate Republicans to at the very least give him a chance. And if they won't, then, of course, the White House would love to see maximum political damage coming out of this.

And the president was pretty clear in the Rose Garden, saying that if Republicans go down this road of obstruction, it would reduce confidence in the Supreme Court and judicial system as a whole that democracy in America would suffer from this fight. And as the White House press secretary put it, we're just looking for a bit of fairness -- John and Christine.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ROMANS: All right. Michelle Kosinski, thanks for that.

Let's talk a little bit about all these political gamesmanship, everything happened on the trail. Managing editor of CNN politics digital, Zachary Wolf, joins us this morning.

Nice to see you this morning, Zach.

Let's talk with -- about Donald Trump. You know, he says he is convinced he is the nominee. He has swept through the states with such widespread support.

He told Chris Cuomo something yesterday that is getting a lot of attention. He said, look, if we get to the convention and I don't walk away with the nomination, I don't have the nomination, you've got an awful lot of people who pin their hopes on me, who come out, you know, from not being voters because they want change from me. It could get ugly. Listen to what he said.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE (via telephone): I think we'll win before getting to the convention. I can tell you, if we didn't and we're 20 votes short or if we're, you know, 100 short, and we're at 1,100 and somebody else at 500 or 400, because we're way ahead of everybody, I don't think you can say we don't get it automatically.

[05:05:08] I think it would be -- I think you'd have riots.

(END VDIEO CLIP)

ROMANS: Of course, his opponents overnight, Ted Cruz, in particular, saying, you know, why is he predicting a warning of riots? That doesn't help the tone. What do you make of all this?

ZACHARY WOLF, CNN POLITICS, MANAGING EDITOR: Well, first of all, let's hope there are no riots, surrounding this.

You know, I think for Donald Trump, it is almost going to be difficult for him to reach that number of 1,237. He will have to improve his percentage of victory in a lot of states. A couple of winner take all states. He could pad his delegate count there. It may be difficult to reach that 1,237.

So, we will -- you know, unless something changes, there is a good chance we reach Cleveland with a contested convention. The question then is how to deal with it? If Trump has the most delegates by far, if Republicans try to stand in his way, they will certainly be seen by their base and by the new people who come in and vote for Trump as taking away the will of the Republican base. That will be hard to stomach.

BERMAN: Make no mistake, Zach, you say it is difficult for Donald Trump to amass the majority needed for a first ballot victory. It is mathematically impossible for John Kasich to get the delegates he needs for a first ballot victory. And near impossible or at least very difficult for Ted Cruz. They say they still have a path.

So, you have campaigns now who are absolutely planning and plotting for this to come down to the convention. I mean, what's going on behind-the-scene behind-the-scenes?

WOLF: You know, I think if you are a campaign, you won a state, one state, his home state, and John Kasich's a case, and a couple of state's in Ted Cruz's cases, you just want to get to the convention. You want to make sure Donald Trump doesn't get that magic 1,237 that goes to multiple votes that Marco Rubio and Jeb, you know, other people who have got even delegates start to release them after second or third votes and you are the last guy standing. Staying in the game is their main goal at this point.

ROMANS: Let's talk about the Supreme Court nominee. That dropped yesterday. On this day we're talking about all the races, the White House announcing the Supreme Court nominee. Let's listen to what he said yesterday. Emotional, emotional speech. Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MERRICK GARLAND, SUPREME COURT NOMINEE: Thank you, Mr. President. This is the greatest honor of my life, other than Lynn agreeing to marry me 28 years ago. As my parents taught me by both words and deeds, life of public service is as much a gift to the person who serves as it is to those he is serving.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROMANS: You can go easily back to the time capsule and find Orrin Hatch and Chuck Grassley praising this very guy, that will be not be the case here. You think he's got the case of becoming the nominee at all?

WOLF: Well, I think it is a did thing for him the honor of his life is nominated because it's hard to imagine how he gets on the Supreme Court. At least before the presidential election simply because Republicans on Capitol Hill, a lot have said they won't meet with him, much less schedule a hearing. And far be it from a vote.

So, it's hard to see his path. Maybe something happens if Hillary Clinton wins. They take this up in a lame duck session. Who knows? People are not talking about that. It is a long way off. So, you know, it's hard to imagine. BERMAN: A lot of people saw this as an unusual pick, because Merrick

Garland is 63 years old, which is a little bit older than you normally see for nominees now, because it would shorten the time he would serve in the Supreme Court if he were confirmed. But the White House seems to say this is the guy who is the least possible controversial pick there is. If you reject even Merrick Garland, this proves your playing politics.

But the Republicans, for their part, Mitch McConnell and other Republicans see no political risk in this fight. They see this as something that is crucial to their base. Isn't that so, Zach?

WOLF: Absolutely. I think if Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, if he allowed a vote on Merrick Garland's nomination, he would be seen as betraying the Republican base in a lot of ways. Why would -- I mean, I just don't understand why they would allow that if they have the power not to.

ROMANS: All right. Zach Wolf, nice to see you this morning. Thank you. Talk to you again very, very soon.

BERMAN: All right. Flooding hitting the south and it's not over yet. We will give you the forecast. That's coming up next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: Flooding is a major problem in Louisiana and Texas. More rain is on the way. Record high flood waters left neighborhoods submerged. Check out this family in Orange, Texas, surrounded by water. They're setting up camp on the roof. They look comfortable, I have to say actually.

Torrential rain turned Interstate 10 into a river. It was closed at the Texas/Louisiana border. The governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, declared it a disaster. He is seeking federal aid. And after a helicopter tour of areas inundated by flooding, warned people that the danger is far from over.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. GREG ABBOTT (R), TEXAS: It's important that I emphasize that listen that the rising waters are not over yet. People need to remember about the possibility that the water could continue to rise for another day or two.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROMANS: Unbelievable. More rain ahead for Texas and Louisiana later today. Let's bring in meteorologist Derek Van Dam for the very latest.

DEREK VAN DAM, AMS METEOROLOGIST: That's right, John and Christine.

Unfortunately, more rain forecast for an already extremely saturated environment, especially across northern Louisiana and to Arkansas and border of Texas. [05:15:07] That's where we have the potential for some stronger storms

developing later today. But keep in mind that this area is almost like an extremely saturated sponge. It just has no more water capacity to it and that means the water will eventually start to sink its own level. We have several tributaries, rivers, streams, all feeding into one another. The Sabine River, for example, near the border of Louisiana and Texas currently are shattering records that have stood for over a century in terms of flood stages.

Now, along the East Coast, we have a nice day today. Look at the temperature trend into New York, as well as the nation's capital, really starting to go downhill. In fact, some of our computer models picking up on the potential of a nor'easter, believe it or not.

Look at the forecast snowfall totals into next week. Perhaps four to eight inches in the Big Apple? Winter not done yet. Back to you.

ROMANS: I guess not. That's a real shocker. Thanks for that, Derek.

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder will be on a congressional hot seat this morning when he testifies before the House Oversight Committee on the water crisis in Flint. Snyder is expected to blame the poisoning of the Flint water supply on a failure of government at every level, local, state and federal. Hillary Clinton and others have called on Governor Snyder to resign over his handling of the lead contamination crisis. EPA Chief Gina McCarthy is also scheduled to testify.

BERMAN: Schools in Newark, New Jersey, will begin testing some 17,000 students for lead poisoning. Officials are responding to a state environment report being released publicly today that found water samples from nearly half of the city schools, half of the schools, contained elevated lead levels for years. They've already shut off faucets and drinking fountains of 30 of the 65 Newark school.

ROMANS: All right. Time for an early start on your money. Dow future pointing high right now. Oil up after a big gain yesterday. Stock markets in Europe rising. Asian shares also climbing overnight.

The Federal Reserve has the concerns of the strength of the global economy and how that may affect the U.S. Fed Chief Janet Yellen and company keeping interest rates unchanged. That was expected, but the Fed is dimming its economic outgrowth here in the U.S. A forecast now, GDP will rise 2.2 percent this year.

Policymakers expect to raise interest rates two more times this year. It will depend on the economy. The Fed says it could return rates to zero in the event of the shock to the financial system. Investors like this news, because it shows the Fed is being cautious.

BERMAN: All right. It is time for madness. The road to the final four kicks into high gear today, 16 tournament games. Coy Wire with more in the bleacher report, that's next.

ROMANS: If you are traveling to Denver soon for business or pleasure, here is a way to see sights, taste the local flavor and get in your steps all in just a couple of hours. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRYCE ZIMMERMAN, DENVER MICROBREW TOUR: Hello. My name is Bryce of Denver Microbrew Tour. I'm a tour guide. The best way to experience the city is obviously with a beer in hand.

So, Denver is known for the craft beer. It makes over 200 beers. So, no matter where you go, you are able to understand it. Denver is the Napa Valley of craft beer.

It is a walking brew tour. You can see and feel the city and really get a feel of the city as you were walking around mingling with some newcomers and learn a little bit about beer and a little bit about Denver.

With it being a walking tour, it allows you to see the outside, but gets you closer connected with the actual material that we're drinking. We're a fit city and we also love beer.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's beautiful downtown. You get to walk different blocks and explore the scenery and see the buildings. Great way to explore.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[05:23:15] BERMAN: It has arrived. The first round of the NCAA tournament starts in a mere six hours and like 56 minutes. But who's counting?

ROMANS: Coy Wire has more in this morning's bleacher report.

Good morning, Coy.

COY WIRE, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Christine and John.

The full day of March Madness, 32 teams, 16 games, over 12 hours. Time for the Cinderella team to see if the shoe fits.

And for you, if you have not filled out the bracket for your office pool yet, get it done. Because 12:00 p.m. Eastern is coming fast. Michigan and Tulsa to try to advance to the first round. Michigan down by one with 50 seconds to go. Zak Irvin puts in the go ahead three-pointer. Wolverine wins 67-62. They move on to play Notre Dame on Friday.

Holy Cross and Southern played too. John Perdue tying his shoe and gets the ball back and shot. He knocked down a three pointer and get back to knotting up. Under a minute to play, Holy Cross's Robert Champion makes the clutch deep ball. Gives the Crusaders the lead. They advance to play number one seed Oregon on Friday.

Today's action tips off at 12:15 with Duke and UNC-Wilmington. And then Butler and Texas Tech at 12:40. The Warriors extended their record home wining streak to 50 straight

with a blowout loss of the Knicks last night. Steph Curry, 34 points, eight three pointers, including this one. You can take that to the bank because it's money. A three-game road trip starting Friday. It includes a soiree with the Spurs in San Antonio. That will be a must see.

White Sox slugger Adam Laroche walked away from baseball out of nowhere with $13 million left on his contract.

[05:25:03] And get this, guys, he reportedly retired on Tuesday because the team felt like his 14-year-old son was spending too much time in the clubhouse.

Now, in the past Laroche's son Drake was always by his pop's side in the ballpark. He was given the nickname 26th man. Well, the team asked him to not bring Drake around as much. Laroche said not thanks, I'm retired. He tweeted, "Thank you, Lord, for the game of baseball and for giving me way more than I ever deserved, #familyfirst."

Now, guys, I remember playing in the NFL. You almost never had kids in the locker room except after a victory. So, I understand management's concern here, but kind of a crazy story. We will see if he does come back or leave the $13 million on the table.

BERMAN: It is hard to imagine a team and player get that between them. If your priorities are set that way, I can understand a player making that decision.

ROMANS: By the time they retire, their kids are out of high school and going college. They miss so much of their kids growing up. You can see his side of it, too.

All right. Nice to see you. Thanks, Coy.

Twenty-six minutes past the hour.

Will violence erupt if Donald Trump doesn't win the Republican nomination for president? New reaction from the frontrunner next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)