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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

Republicans Revolt Against Trump; Aiming for Gold; Kansas Waterslide Death. Aired 4-4:30a ET

Aired August 09, 2016 - 04:00   ET

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

[04:00:13] ALISON KOSIK, CNN ANCHOR: Republicans revolting against Trump. Major party members pledging not to vote for their candidate, as he takes another dip in the polls.

RYAN NOBLES, CNN ANCHOR: Team USA on fire at the Olympics. We have all the moments that you have to see.

KOSIK: Tragedy in Kansas. The investigation into the death of the 10-year-old boy who died at a water park. What we know.

Good morning and welcome to EARLY START. I'm Alison Kosik.

NOBLES: And I'm Ryan Nobles. Thank you for joining us this morning. It is Tuesday, August 9th. And it is 4:00 a.m. in the East.

Donald Trump trying to elevate the tone of his campaign to get back on track after a couple of rough weeks and plummeting poll numbers like this. A new Monmouth poll showing Hillary Clinton breaking out to a 13-point lead, compared that the two-point lead she held just a month ago. Trump filled in details and tweaking others. Trump says he wants to reduce tax rates for most Americans and simplify the tax code. Protesters disrupted Trump's speech 14 times.

In the meantime, dozens of leading Republicans stepped on his economic message, announcing their strong opposition to Trump's candidacy.

Senator Susan Collins of Maine, a lifelong Republican, says she cannot vote for the party's nominee, citing Trump's constant stream of cruel comments and his lack of self restraint. This as 50 prominent Republican policy and national security experts denounce Trump's campaign and pledge not to vote for him. Their open letter warns that Trump is too erratic and dangerous to be president. The letter declares, quote, "We are convinced in the Oval Office, he would be the most reckless president in American history."

The Trump campaign lashing back, of course.

CNN's Jim Acosta has more from Washington.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JIM ACOSTA, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Alison and Ryan. On the same day Donald Trump was trying to show message discipline, he is in another fight with members of his own party. And Trump is punching right back at those 50 former national security officials. Many from the George W. Bush administration who wrote that scathing letter, saying the GOP nominee fails the test of being commander in chief.

The Trump campaign put out a statement from the candidate and here's a portion of it. We'll put it up on screen. It says, quote, "The names on the letter are the ones the American people should look to for answers on why the world is such a mess and we thank them for coming forward so everyone in the country knows who deserves the blame for making the world such a dangerous place. They are nothing more than the failed Washington elite, looking to hold on to their power, and it's time that they are held accountable for their actions.

I also talked to a senior Trump advisor who continued making that case saying that many of the former officials from the George W. Bush administration, they were the ones who took the country into the war in Iraq, even though Donald Trump suggesting himself he was in favor of that war. He continues to hold up the Iraq war as being responsible for much of the violence in the Middle East. As this Trump advisor put it to me, they're on the wrong side of history -- Alison and Ryan.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KOSIK: All right. Jim, thanks for that.

And the cornerstones of Donald Trump's new tax plan, lower rates and simpler tax code. Here is what he would do if he gets elected. There will be three tax brackets, depending on your income. Twelve percent, 25 percent and 33 percent. There are currently seven brackets. The highest of which is 39.6 percent.

Trump initially proposed dropping that top rate to 25 percent. A move nonpartisan groups said would add trillions to the national debt. Trump also said the poorest Americans would not pay any taxes. The plan is similar to one House Speaker Paul Ryan had proposed last month. Trump did not give specifics on income levels for those brackets.

Businesses would also see a big tax cut. The current top rate is 35 percent. That's among the highest among any developed nation. Trump would cut back down to 15 percent, as the campaign puts it from everyone from freelancers to Fortune 500 companies.

NOBLES: Hillary Clinton is taking direct aim at Trump's economic plan. The Democratic nominee calling Trump's proposals, quote, "repackaged trickle-down economics".

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HILLARY CLINTON (D), PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE: You know, that old saying, "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me"? You know, trickle-down economics does not help our economy grow. It does not help the vast majority of Americans, but it does really well for people already at the top. Well, we're going to turn that upside down. We're going to make the wealthy pay their fair share in taxes for a change.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NOBLES: Clinton also laying into Trump's business record and temperament, as she campaigned in a key swing state.

CNN's Jeff Zeleny is traveling with the Clinton campaign and he has the latest from Florida.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

[04:05:04] JEFF ZELENY, CNN SENIOR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT (voice- over): Ryan and Alison, the back and forth between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton my continue today as Hillary Clinton campaigns in Florida, for a second straight day in this key battleground state. Twenty-nine electoral votes are at hand in the state. It's ground zero for every presidential campaign, but this one in particular.

The Clinton campaign believes that Donald Trump's negative ratings among Hispanic voters will destroy him here in the state. That's why she is coming back to the state again and again to campaign. She made a plea directly last night in Kissimmee, Florida, about the help she needs.

CLINTON: I need your help. And I'm not -- you know, I'm not beating around the bush. I need you. I need you -- I need you to be sure that we get everybody registered to vote who is eligible to vote. I invite you to be part of this campaign.

ZELENY: The Clinton campaign is registering voters across the state, but nowhere more intensely than the I-4 corridor that stretches from St. Petersburg to the ocean across Central Florida in Orlando. That is where some many Puerto Rican voters, of Puerto Rican descent live. The Clinton campaign reaching out to them aggressively, believing that young ones in particular can help deliver a victory for her to the White House.

But the Clinton campaign is already out-working the Trump campaign in terms of offices. They had 12 offices on the ground, two more opening this week for a total of 14. The Trump campaign only has one central office in Florida. It has other Republican offices helping them out.

But there's no question that the road to the White House for Donald Trump runs through Florida. Republicans believe that he cannot win it without winning the state of Florida. That's why the Clinton campaign is trying to fight to a draw here, coming back to Florida again and again. She'll be campaigning later today in Miami -- Ryan and Alison.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KOSIK: All right. Thanks to Jeff Zeleny for that.

The parents of two Americans killed in the Benghazi attacks have filed a lawsuit against Hillary Clinton. Patricia Smith and Charles Woods are seeking damages for wrongful death, defamation and emotional distress. The suit filed by an activist with the conservative group judicial watch. A Clinton campaign spokesman responding, saying multiple investigations of the secretary of state's handling of the Benghazi incident have found no wrongdoing.

NOBLES: Donald Trump is trying to link Hillary Clinton to the execution of an Iranian nuclear scientist accused of spying for the U.S. Trump taking to Twitter after the hanging of Shahram Amiri, pointing out the scientist was mentioned in hacked emails released last year by the State Department. The Clinton campaign firing back, calling Trump's attack desperate rhetoric.

KOSIK: Conservative Republicans have recruited a former CIA staffer to challenge Donald Trump. Evan McMullin, a policy director for House Republicans, announcing on his website, "It's never too late to do the right thing." McMullin says he decided to run because something needed to be done. He calls Trump inhuman and believes the GOP nominee has already lost the general election. McMullin will us live on "NEW DAY" in 8:00 a.m. hour.

NOBLES: Can Michael Phelps win his 20th gold medal?

KOSIK: Why not?

NOBLES: Why not?

Everything you have to see coming up from the Olympics, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[04:12:37] KOSIK: American swimmers poised to win more gold on day four of the Rio Summer Olympics with Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky back in the pool. Plus, the women's gymnastics team, uh-huh, it looks to do something the U.S. has never done before, win back-to-back gold medals.

Monday was another big night for the U.S. at the swimming venue. Six medals, including two golds.

CNN's Christina Macfarlane following all the actions. She's live in Rio.

Christina, it looks like the U.S. team is doing pretty well.

CHRISTINA MACFARLANE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Absolutely, Alison.

Yes, two golds in the pool on Monday night. But I tell you, the most anticipated of the two was the showdown between Lilly King of the United States and Russia's Yulia Efimova. And that's because there's been a very public spat played out between these two swimmers over the last few days. Lilly King not hiding her disapproval of the fact that Efimova has a checkered past when it comes to doping, and the fact that she didn't think she should be allowed to compete in these Olympic Games. And Efimova came out for her heat on Sunday. She won it. And after

the race, she just wagged her finger at Lilly King suggesting she was number one. Watching that behind the scenes and coming out for her heat. She took exception to that and wagged her finger back. It is led to tension in the pool we saw played out on Monday night.

The two going head-to-head, neck and neck, almost to the very last second of the race where Lilly King managed to win gold by just under half a second. Efimova in tears after which, saying however she was happy to walk away with silver.

Elsewhere, we had Ryan Murphy winning his first Olympic gold in an Olympic record. It was in fact the USA's sixth straight win or seventh straight win, I should say, in this event, dating back to 1996 in the men's 100 meter backstroke. Just complete dominance from Team USA in this event. It was an exceptional win and I'll tell you what, it gave Murphy almost everything he wished for as a child.

Look at this picture on social media, on Twitter. It was actually drawn by Murphy himself as a child. In it, he said, "I hope my swimming life continues and I become an Olympian when I grow up. I hope I break world records. I want to be the best swimmer in the world. The end."

[04:15:02] I'll tell you what, Ryan, he almost did it. He missed out on the world record last night by just .03 (ph) seconds, so close.

Away from the pool, Alison, we saw the men's basketball team in action against Venezuela. They got off to a bit of a shaky start. They were held by Venezuela in the opening first quarter, neck and neck. Then the favorites here with the men's basketball team pulled away after that. Kevin Durant with 16 points, we have Paul George taking 20 points. USA ending up eventually, 113-69. They will be back in action against Australia on Wednesday.

But looking ahead to today's action. You mentioned Michael Phelps back in the pool going for his 20th gold medal. It's going to be a tough one. He is up against his nemesis Chad le Clos. Now, you may remember back in 2012, that le Clos beat Phelps in shocking fashion to win the men's butterfly, 200 butterfly.

And the two of them were in a heat on Monday night. They were really winding each other up. Chad le Clos punches in the air at Michael Phelps. Michael Phelps trying to ignore him. So, it's going to be a real showdown between those two.

We're also going to see Katie Ledecky back in action going for her third medal already. Just day three, three medals for her already. She will be competing in the evening.

And then we also got the women's gymnastics, of course. And Simone Biles will be going for her first Olympic gold. She promises so much in these Olympic Games and she really is, you know, one of the favorite here. And she was flawless in the heats leading up to this. Women's gymnastics are favorites to win back to back Olympic gold for the second time running. KOSIK: You know, back to Ryan Murphy. That drawing he pulled up. He

is in the Olympics. Dreams, hey, do come true.

Christina Macfarlane, thanks so much.

NOBLES: The Zika virus may be spreading across a wider region of south Florida. Palm Beach County reporting the first suspected case that officials believe was contracted locally. The patient recently travelled to Miami-Dade County, but it's not clear where he acquired the virus. The total number of nontravel-related Zika patients in South Florida is now 17, with another 357 traveled related cases statewide.

KOSIK: Oh, it's going to be a rough day ahead for air passengers flying on Delta. The Atlanta-based carrier announcing 100 flight cancellations today and at least 200 flight delays. They are warning those numbers could go higher. Delta was forced to cancel over 1,000 flights on Monday because of the computer outage, stranding tens of thousands of customers.

NOBLES: Let's just take a deep breath before heading to the airport.

KOSIK: Just expect it.

NOBLES: Yes.

Heavy rains and flash flooding in the forecast this morning. Meteorologist Pedram Javaheri has the latest.

Good morning, Pedram.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PEDRAM JAVAHERI, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Good seeing you, Alison and Ryan.

This is a story that will develop quickly the next couple days and we've already seen what's transpired right over the open waters in the past several days, in fact the heavy rainfall. The estimation have brought down at least 15 inches of rainfall right offshore of the big bend of Florida. So, the concern is that the storm system responsible for this rain meanders a little far to the north, the flood concern is going to be elevated very quickly across this region.

In fact, the watches have already been issued across the area. Notice, there is the storm, it's forecasted to move back toward the west very slowly in the next couple of days. The gulf moisture begins really being pulled toward this region of the Florida panhandle. So, the models still want to bring down at least six to 10 inches in a pretty widespread area from say, work your way just east of Mobile, to Tallahassee, and certainly Pensacola, Panama City as well, even New Orleans, one of those areas that could see at least four to six inches of rainfall inside the next week.

So, your temperatures, you look as such, will go with the upper 80s around Kansas City, around 90 degrees in St. Louis. Steamy conditions down around Nashville. New York City about 87. Boston not too bad at all, around 80, guys.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KOSIK: All right. Pedram, thanks very much.

There are a lot of safety concerns this morning at a Kansas water park where this 10-year-old boy died on its tallest water slide. What police are saying, next.

(COMERCIAL BREAK)

[04:23:40] KOSIK: Police in Kansas investigating the death of the 10- year-old boy on the world's largest water slide. They say he suffered a fatal neck injury at the end of the ride. The slide has been the main attraction at the Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City since it opened two years ago. But there have been concerns about safety.

We get more now from CNN's Kyung Lah.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KYUNG LAH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Alison and Ryan, 10-year-old Caleb Schwab got on the world's tallest water slide. It is 168-foot, 7 inches tall, 17 stories high. Riders there hit up to 50 miles per hour.

Now, witnesses say it did not happen on the first big drop, but it was the second hill, a 50-footdrop where something went terribly wrong. A park guest says that a number of riders on Sunday who had ridden that particular ride said there was some sort of a problem with the harness. The park's spokeswoman said that she was not aware of the issue.

Now, this is the first death ever reported at this water park. It did open in 2014. But the opening was delayed at least three times. One of the concerns, sand bags were launching out of the raft -- Alison, Ryan.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NOBLES: Kyung, thank you.

Police in San Francisco are trying to figure out how candy laced with THC, marijuana's active ingredient, how it was distributed at a teenager's Quinceanera party over the weekend.

[04:25:07] Nineteen people sickened by edible marijuana in gummy ring candies that were in the party favored bags. Health officials say most of the victims were 6 to 18 years old. They are working with the company to determine where the candies came from.

KOSIK: FOX News host Andrea Tantaros says she was demoted and taken off the air in April after reporting former network boss Roger Ailes for sexual harassment. That contradicts senior FOX executives who say they were unaware of any claims against Ailes until former anchor Gretchen Carlson filed a lawsuit against him in July. FOX denied the allegation and claimed Tantaros was demoted because she violated company policy with the book she wrote this year.

NOBLES: Republicans calling Donald Trump a risk to national security. How the candidate is responding, next.

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