Return to Transcripts main page
Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin
Democratic Debate Showdown; Trump Ramps Up Attacks Against RNC; Kobe Bryant's Epic Finale; Warriors Break NBA Record; Russian Jets Buzz U.S. Navy Destroyer. Aired 4:30-5a ET
Aired April 14, 2016 - 04:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[04:32:02] JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: It has arrived. Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton face-to-face on the CNN debate stage tonight, just days before the critical New York primary.
LYNDA KINKADE, CNN ANCHOR: Ted Cruz blasting Donald Trump on the CNN town hall stage saying his campaign encourages violence. Trump's manager is cleared of accusations he assaulted a reporter.
BERMAN: Breaking overnight. A record shattered. The Golden State Warriors, they make history. The biggest, most wins in a season ever.
Welcome back to EARLY START, everyone. I'm John Berman.
KINKADE: Hello. I'm Lynda Kinkade, in for Christine Romans. It is 32 minutes past the hour.
And we are counting down the final hours to the battle in Brooklyn. Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton preparing to face-off tonight in a critical debate that you can see live here on CNN.
And the stakes could not be higher. The New York primary is now five days away. And if Sanders can pull off an upset, the Democrats could be facing a contested convention.
The latest Quinnipiac poll suggests that Sanders has a state uphill climb, trailing Clinton by 13 points. But the Vermont senator says he is up for the challenge.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHRIS CUOMO, CNN ANCHOR: It's a big debate. There's been a lot of hot talk. What do you expect on that stage tomorrow night? What's going to be different?
SEN. BERNIE SANDERS (I-VT), DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I think there will be a good debate in which Secretary Clinton and I discuss the very strong differences of opinion that we have about how we go forward in this country. And if that takes place, I will be very happy and I'm confident that the vision I am bringing forth is a vision that will be supported by the vast majority of the people in New York.
CUOMO: It will be different from what we've been hearing in the last few days?
SANDERS: Well, I'll tell you about it tomorrow.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: Senator Sanders there speaking to our Chris Cuomo.
And in less than 17 hours, the candidates take the debate stage.
We get more from CNN senior Washington correspondent Jeff Zeleny.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEFF ZELENY, CNN SENIOR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT: John and Lynda, the Democratic presidential campaign sounding more like a rock concert. I'm here in Washington Square Park Wednesday night. Bernie Sanders supporters rallying by the thousands.
Now, Hillary Clinton supporters are also gathering in the Bronx. But they are all building up to that debate tonight in Brooklyn. It will be the first time the candidates are coming face-to-face in five weeks, coming at a critical moment in this campaign.
Now, Bernie Sanders believes a win in New York could elevate him forward and really change the course of this race. The Clinton campaign believes the math is on their side. But no question when they come face-to-face tonight at that debate, it is one moment, one opportunity for Bernie Sanders to raise some of those questions in person he has been raising behind the scenes.
Now, Hillary Clinton will be making the argument that Bernie Sanders is untested. Bernie Sanders will raise questions about Secretary Clinton's judgment. That's why tonight in Brooklyn, so important this final debate before next week's New York primary -- John and Lynda.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BERMAN: All right. Jeff Zeleny in Washington Square Park.
Bernie Sanders ready to take what could be one of the biggest risks to this presidential campaign.
[04:35:02] After the debate tonight in Brooklyn, Bernie Sanders will leave the campaign trail. He's going to leave the country. He's attending an academic conference at the Vatican devoted to economic and social justice.
Still, Sanders on the campaign trail for now hammering Clinton for her ties to Wall Street in his New York rallies. He's not the only one who says he believes the delegate system is unfair. This is his wife Jane taking on the Democratic establishment.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) JANE SANDERS, WIFE OF SENATOR BERNIE SANDERS: You have to admit, the way that they're doing things in terms of super delegates and in terms of how delegates are put out there. It doesn't make a lot of sense to the average person. We're saying it's wrong. We're saying it's not a democratic way to carry out an election.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BERMAN: The Clinton team responds to that, saying the are 2 million votes ahead if you count the votes in the contest. Just hours from now, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, they are on the debate stage. The CNN presidential debate in Brooklyn tonight, 9:00 p.m., right here on CNN.
KINKADE: Now to the Republicans. Donald Trump's top target these days is turning out to be his own party. He is still ripping into the RNC for allegedly rigging the delegate system against him.
There is a positive development though for Team Trump. Prosecutors have decided not to press charges against his campaign manager Corey Lewandowski.
Reporter Michelle Fields who claimed Lewandowski assaulted her, expressing her disappointment with that decision. She tweeted, "The prosecutor's office told me they would inform me of a decision tomorrow. If reports are true, guess they decided to leak to reports first. Ugly."
Here's more now from CNN's Sara Murray.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SARA MURRAY, CNN POLITICS REPORTER: Good morning, Lynda and John.
Yesterday was a big day for the Trump campaign. They were going to battle with RNC, adding new political operatives and they got one piece of good news. Their campaign manager Corey Lewandowski will not be prosecuted for battery in this incident with former Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields.
Sources tell CNN that the Florida prosecutor will not move forward with charges in the incident. Remember, this is when Fields said she was grabbed by Corey Lewandowski and pulled back and he left bruises behind.
Now, what this does is it removes another distraction for the Trump campaign. They are trying to bring in new, more seasoned political operatives. They're trying to do a little bit more D.C. outreach, which is expected to start today.
But so far, none of this extends to a friendlier tone when dealing with the RNC. Last night in Pittsburgh, Trump still said the process was rigged.
DONALD TRUMP (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: In Colorado right now, they are picketing and going wild because the bosses and establishment and the people that shouldn't have this power took all of the power away from the voters. So, think of it. You beat somebody badly with the people because it's a rigged system, folks. The Republican system is a rigged system.
MURRAY: And now, we're seeing RNC chair Reince Priebus hit back harder on this notion, essentially defending the Republican nominating process.
REINCE PRIEBUS, CHAIRMAN, REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE: The rules are there. I know people get frustrated and they're disappointed when things don't exactly the right way.
I think when people are frustrated and upset, they say things that they regret. But certainly, one thing that's true is that the rules are not being changed in order to injure or benefit anybody. They are what they are. They're in writing. They're available to anyone that wants to participate. And actually, state by state, they're not all that complicated.
MURRAY: A senior Republican strategist told me this is because he feels like Trump just went too far in calling the party corrupt. Priebus has tried to run a transparent process and he does not want to see the party come out of this damaged. And at the end of the day, you guys, they're all going to have to work together if Donald Trump is the nominee. So, we'll see if he shifts his tone at all. He holds two campaign events today in New York.
Back to you, guys.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KINKADE: Our thanks to Sara for that report.
Well, tensions were running very high at a Trump rally last night. Take a listen.
Donald Trump supporters were chanting "USA, USA" as hundreds of anti- Trump protesters converged on the convention center. Police had to separate the two sides. There were several shoving matches. Police used pepper spray at one point, making at least one arrest.
BERMAN: Ted Cruz did a CNN town hall in the building overnight. He tried to paint Donald Trump as a mafia-like character akin to "The Godfather." Ted Cruz said that Trump and henchmen are acting like thugs. He was citing recent threats against the Republican chairman in Colorado was proof that the Trump team is encouraging violence.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLP)
SEN. TED CRUZ (R-TX), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: They are acting like union boss thugs. In Colorado, I spoke yesterday to the chairman of the Republican Party in Colorado. Trump supporters put out his home address, put out his phone number. He got thousands of phone calls. He got death threats. Trump supporters were telling the supporters, go to his house and bring their guns.
Look, violence doesn't belong in democracy and the Trump campaign encourages it over and over.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
[04:40:01] BERMAN: The chairman of the Colorado's Republican Party Steve House says he is outraged that people who do not like the outcome of the election feeling that it is appropriate to blame or even threaten the messenger.
Cruz is defending the RNC delegate rules. He insists they are not rigged in his favor.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CRUZ: I think anyone who knows anything about Washington knows the establishment is not rooting for me. That they have been battling me every day I have been in the Senate. The rules are simple. The way you get elected is you win a majority of the delegates in elections.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BERMAN: Now, Cruz, Donald Trump, Ohio Governor John Kasich, they all attend events in New York today. Tuesday is the New York primary. John Kasich just received an endorsement this morning. He was endorsed by "The New York Daily News".
Joining us now for an early start on your money, Alison Kosik.
Good morning, Alison.
ALISON KOSIK, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Good morning.
Looking like a mixed start for markets around the world. Asian markets ended higher, but red arrows for European markets at the moment. It looks likes U.S. futures there are going to be following their lead.
But it was a great day for Wall Street yesterday. The Dow and NASDAQ and S&P 500 all closed at the highest levels for the year. We saw the Dow jump more than 1 percent, gaining 187 points. We're going to see if the rally is able to carry through to today.
Verizon CEO is calling out Bernie Sanders. He says the Vermont senator is, quote, "disconnected from reality." Sanders spoke at a rally of striking Verizon workers yesterday. He said Verizon is shipping jobs overseas and hasn't paid its fair share.
Of course, Verizon disagrees. In fact, the CEO took to LinkedIn, wrote this really long post, saying the company has paid billions in taxes in just the last two years. And that wireless has overtaken landlines and to stay competitive in the industry, the CEO says it had to shift call centers abroad.
Just last week, General Electric CEO criticized Sanders for being out of touch, and that's after Sanders did an interview pretty much saying that General Electric is destroying the moral fabric of America, pointing to one example of corporate greed. BERMAN: You know who loves this criticism? Bernie Sanders.
KOSIK: Yes, he does, getting all the attention he needs.
BERMAN: It sets up the juxtaposition he wants.
Alison, thanks so much.
KOSIK: You got it.
KINKADE: Still to come, new details about the moments leading up to the shooting death of former NFL star Will Smith. What prosecutors are now revealing about that case. That's coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[04:46:33] BERMAN: New details this morning on the death of former New Orleans Saints star Will Smith. The lawyers are now sparring over a loaded gun found in Smith's SUV, as the attorney for the alleged shooter questions why it took police days to find additional weapons.
CNN's Jean Casarez with the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEAN CASAREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: John and Lynda, the Orleans Parish coroner released their report, saying that Will Smith actually was shot eight times. Seven of the shots were into his back and the other was into his left side.
The family attorney for Will Smith also spoke yesterday for their first time saying that Racquel, his wife, had actually been shot two times. Once in the right leg which broke her femur and the other in the left leg that went through her thigh.
The family attorney also wanted to talk about and agree with the police saying inside the vehicle of Will Smith, there was found a .9 millimeter handgun. It was fully loaded. None of the shots had been fired in that gun at all.
The family attorney also said that they wanted to clear up what they call lies and distortions perpetrated by the defense counsel for Cardell Hayes. They said first of all that Will Smith did not have the gun in his hand or brandishing a firearm at all when he was shot those eight times and secondly, in that initial encounter, what the defense is calling a hit-and-run, that no one in the car of Will Smith believed their Mercedes SUV touched in any way the Hummer in front of them.
So when they left that scene, they were not fleeing a scene of an accident because there was no accident.
Finally, Racquel Smith is still in the hospital at this point. The attorney says that they believe her physical wounds eventually will heal, but the emotional trauma may last a lifetime -- John and Lynda.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KINKADE: Thanks to Jean Casarez for that report.
A task force appointed by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is accusing the police department there of institutional racism. The report claimed Chicago police have no regard for the sanctity of life when it comes to people of color and has alienated blacks and Hispanics with the use of systematic force.
It went on to describe the department's accountability system as broken. The report makes over 100 recommendations for change, but the mayor has not publicly commented on those findings.
BERMAN: The governor of Louisiana has taken executive action to protect the rights of the LGBT community. Governor John Bel Edwards signed an order barring discrimination against state workers and transgender citizens, based on gender identity or sexual orientation. The action rescinds an order from former Governor Bobby Jindal that made an exception for religious organizations. Critics accuse Governor Edwards of trying to silence people of faith.
Other news, the Golden State Warriors, they did it. Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Bogut from Australia. They kept up a stunning season for the record shattering 73rd win last night, 125-104 decision over the Memphis Grizzlies. The win knocks the '95-'96 Michael Jordan-led Bulls out of the record books. They are not out of it completely. They're just kind of a half step down.
More now from CNN's Dan Simon in Oakland.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DAN SIMON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: John and Lynda, it was an incredible night for sports. It was an amazing night here at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.
[04:50:01] Even if you are not a sports fan, you have to appreciate what the Golden State Warriors have done, getting the 73rd victory, they are now the undisputed record holders for the most wins in an NBA season.
On top of that, they have bested the team that has widely been regarded as the greatest team in NBA history, the 1995-'96 Chicago Bulls. Now, the Warriors have a chance to claim that mantle if they go on and win the championship for a second straight year.
STEVE KERR, COACH, GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: It's a great way to finish, finish off what was an amazing regular season. I just told our guys I never in a million years would have guessed that record would ever be broken.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There's no words for it. It's been an unbelievable run. It was an unbelievable night. It has been -- every game has been so much fun.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Great venue. Great team. Great atmosphere. I mean, it doesn't get any better than this. It really doesn't. So, hey, go Warriors!
SIMON: It was a great night all around for the Warriors. Stephen Curry hitting another personal milestone, getting 400 three-pointers in a single season. When it was all said and done, he actually wound up with 402. Coach Steve Kerr was asked what it was liked to actually see Curry perform at that level. He said, I'm glad he's on my team.
John and Lynda, back to you.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BERMAN: They're incredible to watch. Almost as good as the '86 Celtics. Stunning.
KINKADE: Almost as good.
BERMAN: Almost as good as the '86 Celtics. Every time Steph Curry shoots, you think it is going in, no matter where he shoots from.
KINKADE: I'd say he's the best all-time shooter ever.
BERMAN: I think yes. I'm going with yes there.
All right. There were some other basketball last night. Hollywood ending for Kobe Bryant. The Laker great put -- he did a really great job finishing out his 20-year hall of fame career. He scored 60 points in his final game.
And in true Kobe Bryant fashion, he took 50 shots. That's a lot of shots. The Lakers, they won. They beat the Utah Jazz, 104-96.
He saluted the crowd. When it was all over, he told me, "I can't believe how fast 20 years went by." Great for him.
KINKADE: Incredible.
Well, at first, it was Bruce Springsteen, now it is the Beatles drummer. Why Ringo Starr is cancelling his North Carolina concert. We'll get an early start on your money, just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[04:56:10] BERMAN: Series of close encounters between Russian fighter jet and a U.S. destroyer in the Baltic Sea raising tensions now between the super powers.
I want to show you this video released by the navy. An unarmed Russian jet conducted a simulated defensive move came within feet of the USS Donald Cook Tuesday night. One U.S. military official described the drill as the most aggressive action taken by the Russians in recent memory. You look at the pictures, you just wonder what was going on there.
I want to go live to Moscow and bring in CNN's Matthew Chance with the very latest.
Matthew, what do the Russians say about this?
MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, it has been some time, John, before they gave any reaction, but within the past hour, they issued a statement, the Russian defense minister that is, saying essentially this, that all flights by planes from the Russian air force are completed in strict compliance with international law in territory over international waters.
So, they are denying any kind of wrongdoing on the part of the Russian aircraft or pilots in those aircrafts on this occasion. Even though those images clearly show that the Russian warplane SU-24 came in close proximity to the USS Donald Cook, as some report saying as close 30 feet. It left ripples on the waves in the Baltic Sea as it whooshed passed.
So, it's an extraordinary close encounter of the military kind and one that U.S. officials, of course, say, it was irresponsible and could have caused, if an incident military, it could have caused an accident of some kind and they are considering, I understand, whether or not to make a formal protest.
BERMAN: It is flat out provocative. And, of course, both the U.S. and Russian military are operating in that area. Explain why.
CHANCE: Yes, because the sea, the Baltic Sea, is essentially the stretch of water which has become the frontline between the NATO states of the Baltics, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and places like that, and Russia. And, of course, since 2014 with the conflict over Ukraine and the Russian annexation of Crimea, there's been a lot of animosity, a lot of tension again Cold War-style between the Russians and the NATO military alliance. So, this is one of the areas where the two forces come into contact.
It's actually not the first time this has happened to the "USS Donald Cook." In 2014, in another stretch of water, the Black Sea, almost exactly the same thing happened. It was buzzed by an SU-24 at very close range before. So, this kind of thing happens unfortunately quite a lot.
BERMAN: All right. Matthew Chance, as I said, taking some chances there. Safety has to be a concern for those sailors, not to mention the pilot as well.
Thank you, Matthew.
KINKADE: Well, let's get an early start on your money. Alison Kosik joins us.
Alison, what is going on in the markets?
KOSIK: Good morning to both of you.
Seeing some red arrows, seeing some green arrows. So, markets are mixed around the world. Asian markets ending higher. Red arrows for European markets and we're seeing U.S. futures following their lead.
But it was another great day for Wall Street yesterday. The Dow, NASDAQ and S&P closing at their highest levels of the year.
We saw the Dow jumped more than 1 percent. That's an addition of 187 points. Now close to 18,000. The financial sector led the rally.
JPMorgan's earnings report, that was good enough. It wasn't great. It was good enough for Wall Street, helping for those gains.
Today, we're going to be hearing from Bank of America and Wells Fargo.
First, it was the Boss, now, one of the Beatles. Ringo Starr is the latest to join the growing line of entertainers protesting the new North Carolina law many are calling anti-LGBT. It requires people to use restrooms based on their birth gender and is seen as discriminatory against transgendered people.
The former drummer for the Beatles is cancelling his June show in Cary, North Carolina. Starr said he hates to disappoint his fans but he has to stand against hatred.
