Return to Transcripts main page

Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

Trump Lashes Back at Slain Soldier's Family; Trump Wants New Debate Dates; Jimmy Walker Wins PGA Championship. Aired 5-5:30a ET

Aired August 01, 2016 - 05:00   ET

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

[05:00:00] JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: The general election campaign this morning with Donald Trump facing an unprecedented controversy. Faced -- locked in a face-off with the parents of a Muslim-American soldier killed fighting for the U.S. overseas.

Khizr Khan and his wife were behind one of the most dramatic moments at the Democratic convention last week, really challenging Donald Trump's American values. And Trump's response this weekend shocked many even within his own party. Overnight, his running mate stepped in to try to calm the storm.

CNN's Kristen Holmes has the very latest from Washington.

KRISTEN HOLMES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: John and Christine, Donald Trump is taking heat from all sides after lashing out at the parents of fallen American soldier. Gold Star father Khizr Khan, who while honoring his son on stage at the Democratic National Convention, said Trump has sacrificed nothing. Over the weekend, Trump responded.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP (R), PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE: I've made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard. I've created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs. When I can employ thousands and thousands of people, take care of their education, take care of so many things --

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOLMES: Khan hit back during an interview on CNN's "STATE OF THE UNION" telling Jim Acosta he hoped Trump's family would teach him some empathy. Here is more of what he had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KHIZR KHAN, FATHER OF DECEASED MUSLIM U.S. SOLDIER: This person is totally incapable of empathy. I want his family to counsel him, teach him some empathy. He will be a better person if he could become, but he is a black soul, and this is totally unfit for the leadership of this beautiful country.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOLMES: Trump also suggested that Khan's wife, Ghazala Khan, who stood next to her husband during the speech but did not take the mic, wasn't allowed to speak. In an emotional Op-Ed published by "The Washington Post" the Gold Star mother fired back saying, "Walking on to the convention stage with a huge picture of my son behind me, I could hardly control myself. What mother could? Donald Trump has children who he loves. Does he really need to wonder why I did not speak?"

Now Republican Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, one of many Republicans distancing themselves from Trump's comments, issuing a statement praising Captain Khan, calling him a true American hero, adding that the agreed with the Gold Star family that a travel ban on, quote, "all members of a religion," is simply contrary to American values -- John and Christine.

BERMAN: All right, Kristen. Thanks so much.

Trump's running mate, Mike Pence, who has a son in the Marines, he weighed in on the controversy overnight. He issued a statement calling Captain Khan a hero. He added, though, ""By suspending immigration from countries that have been compromised by terrorism, rebuilding our military, defeating ISIS at its source, and projecting strength on the global stage, we will reduce the likelihood that other American families will face the enduring heartbreak of the Khan family."

ROMANS: New controversy from Donald Trump this morning on another front. This fall's presidential debates. Trump now claims he wants two out of the three debates rescheduled. The complaint is that the debates fall on the same nights as nationally televised NFL games. Trump tweeted that Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party are trying to, quote, "rig" the debates by minimizing their audience. The Clinton campaign called Trump's complaints malarkey. In fact, the debates were scheduled without the input of either campaign or party.

In a statement the bipartisan commission which organizes the debates said this. "The Commission on Presidential Debates started working more than 18 months ago to identify religious and federal holidays, baseball league playoff games, NFL games, and other events in order to select the best night for the 2016 debates. It is impossible to avoid all sporting events. And there have been nights on which debates and games occurred in most election cycles. A debate has never been rescheduled as a result."

BERMAN: Let's talk about all the action in this campaign. There's a whole lot of it right now. Let's bring in CNN political reporter Eugene Scott. He is in Washington.

ROMANS: Good morning.

BERMAN: Eugene, I want to start with what is dominating the headlines this morning and it's the battle that Donald Trump finds himself in with the parents of this soldier killed in Iraq. Muslim American parents. The Khan family. They spoke at the convention last week. They electrified the convention. Part of what has caused to reignite it, this controversy. This now four-day controversy is how Trump first responded. He had an interview with Maureen Dowd when he first questioned why the wife didn't speak during the convention. And then with George Stephanopoulos and excerpts that were released Saturday Trump said this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: His wife, if you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably -- maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say. You tell me but plenty of people have written that. She was extremely quiet. And it looked like she had nothing to say. A lot of people have said that.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: Donald Trump questioning the silence of a Gold Star mother. A mother who lost her son on the battlefield of Iraq 12 years ago. And a lot of people, again Democrats, Republicans, veterans they were shocked to hear that.

[05:05:07] EUGENE SCOTT, CNN POLITICS CORRESPONDENT: Yes, very much so. It is not really easy to offend veteran families and to come off as misogynistic and Islamophobic all in one comment. But Trump's critics say that's exactly what he did when he alluded to the mother of this fallen soldier not being able to share her heart, when the reality is that most people understand that it's difficult to speak publicly, period. If you are not a public speaker, much less to speak publicly about something so intimate as losing one's child.

But I think the Khan family would say that they got their message heard. The mother got her voice heard in that op-ed in the "Washington Post," which was quite lengthy and emotional, and provided context and background that perhaps she would not have been able to provide the night of her husband's speech.

ROMANS: And I think it's important to note that that op-ed in "Washington Post," she said it was such an emotional experience to see that giant picture of her -- of her son on the stage behind her. She was just trying to get through. You know? I mean, she lost her son. A Gold Star mother. I -- I got to ask you, you know, does this controversy -- how does he tamp this down? Or does he even try to tamp this down? We've seen with Donald Trump before, his MO is just to double down and triple down.

SCOTT: It depends on who he is trying to win. So at this point, we know that both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are going for independent voters. And so in going for independent voters, he is probably going to be a bit softer than he has been in attracting his base. So whether or not he responds differently to what he already has will be based on how he thinks he is doing in the polls and the push back he's received.

He's received quite a bit of push back than we saw from Republican leaders. But on my social media, I saw quite a few Trump supporters who are defending him, saying that if the Khan family did not want to get involved in a political situation like this, they should have never spoken at the convention.

BERMAN: It's so interesting you said that Trump is drawing criticism from Republicans. Let me read you some of that criticism. Jeb Bush, of course, who has said, not going to vote for the Donald Trump, he says --

SCOTT: That's right.

BERMAN: "This is so incredibly disrespectful of the family who endured the ultimate sacrifice of our country." That's Jeb Bush. He calls out Donald Trump not by name but by implication right there. Now Paul Ryan, the speaker of the House, he takes a little bit of a different tact. He says, "Many Muslim-Americans have served valiantly in our military and made the ultimate sacrifice. Captain Khan was one such brave example. His sacrifice and that of Khizr and Ghazala Khan should always be honored, period."

Now what Ryan said is interesting because Khizr Khan, the father, has challenged both Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell and all Republicans to come up and stand up against what Donald Trump said specifically. He called Donald Trump out by name.

Now Ryan doesn't quite do that here. And Mitch McConnell has similar statements. So they are going only so far here.

SCOTT: Right.

BERMAN: But it does create obviously a political conundrum for them.

SCOTT: Very much so. I mean, as Paul Ryan has communicated before, unfortunately him trying to clean up messes made by Donald Trump are the new normal for him. And he probably is very aware that this will not be his last time having to do this. And so I think the Republican Party leadership is still pretty sensitive to the base of Donald Trump supporters feeling like they are not on board with the candidate. So it seems like they're very selective and guarding in terms of when they push back and how they push back. But if calls to respond more aggressively increase, it will be interesting to see if Paul Ryan is more aggressive in his rebuke as well.

ROMANS: Donald Trump has a couple of campaign stops today. And Brian Stelter, our, you know, top media guy here, making a good point, it will be interesting to see what the tone is from Donald Trump here today. But I got to tell you, you look at GOP officials distancing themselves from Trump. Bipartisan fury over something Trump said. This has been the hallmark of the campaign, really. And the question is, is this time going to be different for Trump?

SCOTT: Right. That's definitely the question. I remember working the day that Donald Trump made this comment about Senator John McCain. And we thought back then that that would have been a significant -- had a negative significant impact on his campaign. We see that's just not the case. And as Donald Trump has let us know a few times his supporters are with him come hell or high water.

BERMAN: Look, Megan McCain, by the way, John McCain's daughter, you brought up John McCain. She said, "I would ask what kind of barbarian would attack the parents of a fallen soldier. But oh, yes, it's the same person who attacks a POW."

She's obviously talking about her father there. So it gives you a sense of sort of how Donald Trump is beginning this general election the day after the convention going forward. It will be interesting to see how he addresses it on the stump today.

ROMANS: Eugene, quickly, what about the debate schedule? Donald Trump sort of started to stir the pot, saying that, you know, hey, two of those three should be rescheduled.

SCOTT: Yes. I'm wondering if Donald Trump is thinking that working to get the debates changed will work for him ultimately.

[05:10:05] You'll recall in January when the debates did not go as he desired, he didn't attend at all. And so I'm wondering if he is threatening toward suggesting that if things don't go his way that he won't be present at all? But that will be very problematic based on polls that show that voters really do rely on these general election debates to make final decisions, as well as the fact that many people are doubting whether or not Donald Trump can hold up to Hillary Clinton in a one-on-one debate. So it would be in his best interest, it seems, to figure out a way to be present.

ROMANS: All right, Eugene, nice to see you this morning. Bright and early.

SCOTT: You, too.

ROMANS: Thank you. From our nation's capital.

SCOTT: All right.

ROMANS: All right. Time for an EARLY START on your money. Money and politics. Want to know who's to win in November? Watch the stock market starting today. The direction the S&P 500 moves during August, September and October has done a great job predicting presidential elections since World War II. If stocks rise 82 percent of the time the party that currently controls the White House wins. If stocks fall, that party loses the election 86 percent of the time.

The basic idea is that the economy is growing, the stock market is doing well, people think good times will continue. They likely do want to stick with the same presidential party. If they're fearful, stocks tend to fall and voters want new leadership.

Checking global markets, it looks like August will start with gains. Dow futures solidly higher. Stock markets in Europe and Asia are up. Oil is down.

You know, I love stock market predictors like that because, you know, every pattern is a pattern until it's not.

BERMAN: Well, that's --

ROMANS: And there are always people who are betting against the pattern. And you look at Brexit, for example. Markets told us no one would be crazy enough to vote for the UK to secede from, you know, the European Union. And they got it wrong.

BERMAN: Yes.

BERMAN: So it's been -- it's a little -- kind of funky year.

BERMAN: Then I saw 86 percent there. Actually that's not that high percentage model right there.

All right. Deadly flooding ripping through parts of Maryland. Incredible destruction left behind. Some of the pictures from this event horrific. We'll give you the forecast for today. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[05:16:07] ROMANS: New developments this morning in the deadly flash flooding that devastated the Baltimore suburbs this weekend. Two people died in separate incidents Saturday night when flood waters raging through Ellicott City swept away their cars. Look at this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You got it. You got it.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You have to. Come on.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You got it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROMANS: One of dozens of frantic water rescues, street after street. In one case, residents formed a human chain to pull this woman from her car before it was swept away. Half a foot of rain fell in the area in just one four-hour period.

Let's get the forecast now from CNN meteorologist Karen Maginnis.

(WEATHER REPORT)

ROMANS: All right, Karen. Thank you for that.

BERMAN: All right. The final golf major of the season brings a final, last, big, dramatic finish. So who came out on top? Well, there's a little clue. We'll tell you about it in the "Bleacher Report." That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[05:22:38] BERMAN: All right. Jimmy Walker captured his first major after a marathon day at the PGA championship.

ROMANS: Andy Scholes has more on this morning's "Bleacher Report." Hey, Andy.

ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS: Hey, good morning, guys. A stormy weather forcing the leaders to play 36 holes yesterday. It's actually the longest final day at the PGA championship in more than 60 years. And it all came down to defending champion Jason Day and Jimmy Walker. Now Day was down two strokes late. He comes through with an eagle on 18. He's really pumped up thinking he had tied it. But moments later, Walker birdies 17 and knocked in this putt for par on 18 to win the tournament. The 37-year-old Texan capped off a year where all four majors were won by first-time major winners.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JIMMY WALKER, 2016 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER: For me, it was a matter of time for me. That's what I felt about myself and winning something like this. And it sure makes me look forward to more. But I think it's -- I think it just shows how deep golf is. I really do. You know. It's deep. Anybody can win.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SCHOLES: Cubs manager Joe Maddon pulling out all the stops last night against the Mariners. The game was tied at six at 12th, when Maddon's pitcher Jon Lester to pinch hit with the runner on third, one out. And Lester lays down the suicide squeeze. And Jason Hayward slides in for the walk-off win. The Cubs all ran out there and attack Lester. They overcame a six-run deficit to get that win, 7-6.

All right. The Rio games just four days away. The athletes taking care of those last-minute details like getting a haircut. Swimming star Ryan Lochte, though, taking it to the next level. He dyed his hair. Guys, he says this is light blue. Sure looks like silver to me. And my question is, why not die your hair gold?

BERMAN: Very good question. Maybe he's preparing. Setting expectations.

SCHOLES: Yes. With Phelps in the field.

BERMAN: Andy, can I ask you a question so I can trade deadline in a few hours? Who is the most likely to go?

SCHOLES: I mean I think the Yankees trade Carlos Beltran. Right? I mean, you know, there are those rumors with Chris Sale and the White Sox. But he's under control for a couple more years. So I'm the Chicago White Sox, I do not trade Chris Sale.

BERMAN: All right. Ken Williams, you heard it right here from Andy Scholes. Thanks so much. Appreciate it.

SCHOLES: All right.

ROMANS: The trade deadline. Got it in my calendar.

BERMAN: It's true. You'll be waiting. You'll be waiting to be find out.

ROMANS: All right. New controversy swirling around Donald Trump. He's coming under fire for questioning the patriotism of a Muslim- American family. And possibly laying the ground work to pull out of a presidential debate?

[05:25:05] All of that and more in the 2016 race. Next. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: An incredible political moment in a season of incredible political moments. Donald Trump now in a feud with parents of a Muslim-American soldier killed on the battlefields of Iraq. A four- day feud with no end in sight. What will this do to the campaign season?

Welcome back to EARLY START, everyone. I'm John Berman.

ROMANS: I'm Christine Romans. It is 30 minutes past the hour. A lot to get started with this week. Donald Trump begins this week in the midst of a new political firestorm. Locked in an unusual and some say ill-advised battle with parents of a Muslim-American soldier killed in Iraq.

Khizr Khan electrified the Democratic convention last week. Challenging Trump to read the Constitution. Trump's response has drawn criticism from veterans group, from Democrats, and from some Republicans. Khan himself is now calling Trump a man with a, quote, 'black soul."