Return to Transcripts main page
Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin
Biden Launches, Rivals Attack; Measles Quarantine Ordered At L.A. Universities; Second Fire This Week At Pennsylvania Church. Aired 5-5:30a ET
Aired April 26, 2019 - 05:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[05:00:00] DAVE BRIGGS, CNN ANCHOR: Renewed challenges from past and present, for Joe Biden, his 2020 launch, a stark reminder why he poses a threat to Donald Trump and perhaps himself.
MICHELLE KOSINSKI, CNN ANCHOR: Hundreds of faculty and staff quarantined at two California universities. They have to stay away unless they can prove they've been vaccinated from the measles.
BRIGGS: Police ruling nothing out after a Pennsylvania church catches fire for the second time this week. The first, was ruled arson.
KOSINSKI: And is the next generation of the NFL, who went where and which player almost toppled the commissioner at the NFL draft.
Good morning, welcome to EARLY START. I'm Michelle Kosinski.
BRIGGS: I'm Dave Briggs. Good morning, happy Friday everybody.
KOSINSKI: Good morning, good morning.
BRIGGS: It's April 26th. That is 5:00 a.m. in the east. A great show, by the way, was put on in Nashville, Tennessee last night at that NFL draft. We start in politics in 2020. Joe Biden is in and already under attack from all sides. The former vice president running for the White House, it took -- no one took faster notice than the current occupant. Biden is the Democrat. The President has long worried he might face in the general election. So President Trump went right after him.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I think that, you know, when you look at Joe, I've known Joe over the years, he's not the brightest light bulb in the group. But he's a pretty sleepy guy. He's not going to be able to deal with President Xi. I will tell you. That's a different level of energy and, frankly, intelligence.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KOSINSKI: Biden's announcement was largely free of biography and policy. Instead he went straight out at one of President Trump's most shocking comments.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) JOE BIDEN (D-DEL), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Very fine people on both sides, those words the President of the United States assigned a moral equivalence between those spreading hate and those with the courage to stand against it. And in that moment, I knew the threat to this nation was unlike any I had ever seen in my lifetime.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BRIGGS: Biden already faces challenges from his present and his past. Anita Hill says she's not satisfied after a conversation with Biden. The former V.P. shared his regret for what she endured during the 1991 Supreme Court hearings with Clarence Thomas. That's the point he also made recently in public.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BIDEN: When Anita Hill came to testify, she faced a committee that didn't fully understand what the hell is all about.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KOSINSKI: It was Biden himself of course who oversaw those Thomas hearings. But Anita Hill declined to call their conversation an apology telling "The New York Times" I cannot be satisfied by simply saying, I'm sorry for what happened to you. I will be satisfied when I know there is real change and real accountability and real purpose."
BRIGGS: Biden is also taking fire from Democrats to his left, Senator Elizabeth Warren questioning Biden's ties to Wall Street.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. ELIZABETH WARREN (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: At a time when the biggest financial institutions in this country were tried to put the squeeze on millions of hard working families, they just didn't have any. And Joe Biden is on the side of credit card companies.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BRIGGS: Bernie Sanders campaign sent fundraising e-mails with Biden's name in the subject line attacking Biden for launching his run "With a fundraiser in the home of a corporate lobbyist."
KOSINSKI: Biden was in Philadelphia last night for his first big donor event. He lamented the idea that the way to gain power is to divide the nation, calling it quote, the same old tactic that snake oil salesmen have done. Today Biden will be on the view. Over the next few weeks, he'll campaign in California, Nevada, Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, his big 2020 kick off rally is set for Philadelphia on May 18th.
BRIGGS: OK. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee threatening jail time for White House officials who defy congressional inquiries or subpoenas. So far, three officials have refused to comply with requests to testify about the census, immigration policy, and security clearances, all part of a wider effort to stonewall with the President's blessing. And House Democrats like Virginia's Gerry Connolly not putting up with it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. GERRY CONNOLLY (D-VA): If a subpoena is issued and you're told you must testify, we will back that up. And we will use any and all power in our command to make sure it's backed up, whether it's fines, whether it's possible incarceration. We will go to the max to enforce the constitutional role of the legislative branch of government.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BRIGGS: The White House argues the House subpoenas and calls for testimonies are overreach, not oversight.
KOSINSKI: A quarantine ordered at two public universities in Los Angeles, trying to stop the spread of a measles outbreak. Students and staff at UCLA and Cal State L.A. exposed to a confirmed case of the highly contagious disease have been ordered to stay home and avoid contact with others. The order affects hundreds of students and employees who cannot prove they have been vaccinated.
[05:05:05] BRIGGS: Now a fourth case has been confirmed at Los Angeles International Airport and back east, Rockland County, New York, has renewed a state of emergency. Measles cases in the U.S. this week set a new record for the highest number since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. That's 695 cases in 22 states. Health officials say anti-vaccine myths have played a key role in the current outbreak.
KOSINSKI: And those numbers rising daily.
BRIGGS: Yes.
KOSINSKI: A second fire breaking out at a Pennsylvania church already damaged by arson. Firefighters were called to the Pentecostal Church of Bethlehem Thursday to put out a fire in the chapel area. An arsonist torched the same church two days earlier.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NITZA COLON, PASTOR'S DAUGHTER: It was heartbreaking and really sad that this would happen for the second time. And I said, who would do such a thing. I mean, what else can they burn in the building.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KOSINSKI: Authorities at this point are not saying whether this latest fire is also arson but say they're not ruling anything out.
BRIGGS: Federal obstruction charges against a Massachusetts judge and former court officer. They're accused of helping a twice deported undocumented immigrant slip out a back door. The court house to allude ICE. Newton district judge, Shelley Joseph and former court officer, Wesley MacGregor, both pleaded not guilty. Court papers identify the immigrant as A.S.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDREW LELLING, U.S. ATTORNEY FOR MASSACHUSETTS: A.S.'s defense attorney told Judge Joseph that if A.S. was released ICE would pick him up. Judge Joseph replied quote, ICE is going to get him, unquote. And seconds later, ordered the recording equipment turned off. The judge and defense attorney then conspired to have A.S. released out the back door of the court house to avoid the ICE officer.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BRIGGS: Joseph and MacGregor released without bond. MacGregor also charged with perjury. And Judge Joseph is accused of making falls and misleading statements to judges looking into the matter. Her lawyer calls the prosecution, totally political.
KOSINSKI: Now, this video, a deadly chain reaction crash near Denver shutdown I-70 in both directions overnight. According to the Lakewood Police Department, multiple people were killed in this pile up that you're seeing right now and the fire that followed. It started with a semitrailer traveling at high speed colliding with several other vehicles, then setting off a series of crashes involving 12 passenger cars and three semis. Police are warning the interstate may remain closed through this morning's rush hour.
BRIGGS: USC is making big changes to its admission process because of the recent scandal. The university plans to emphasize more over sight and review of student athlete applications. The school president says, every student athlete candidate will now be reviewed on three levels by the head coach, the senior sports administrator overseeing the team and the USC Office of Athletics Compliance. Then it will be sent to the Admissions Department.
KOSINSKI: I think we're going to be seeing a lot more of the schools affected.
BRIGGS: More so.
KOSINSKI: Yes. Current students caught up in the admission scandal, have been notified their cases are being reviewed. That includes Olivia Giannulli known on social media as Olivia Jade. Her parents, actress Lori Loughlin and designer Mossimo Giannulli have pleaded not guilty to criminal charges. Their daughter could have her admission revoked.
BRIGGS: First report card of the year for the American economy. First quarter GDP is due today. And there are questions about how the government shutdown and Boeing 737 max crisis affected the economy.
Economists estimate GDP grew 2.1 percent for the first quarter. The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta is estimating even higher growth at 2.8 percent. The Trump administration continues to believe the economy will grow at 3 percent despite warnings of slowing growth. And there are several factors to remember here.
Spending was slow at the start of the first quarter, thanks in part to delayed tax refunds by the IRS and the government shutdown. Also Boeing makes an important contribution to GDP. Sales more than half of its products internationally, boosting trade. Analysts say, if Boeing were forced to halt production, it could reduce GDP. But for now, the impact is minimal because production continues.
KOSINSKI: And you have the longest shutdown in history.
BRIGGS: Definitely going to impact that number somewhat. Just how much, we'll find out in a bit.
KOSINSKI: Yes. Well, how does free one-day shipping sound. Amazon is spending $800 million to make it standard for its prime customers. The company changed the game when it introduced free two-day shipping for prime customers over a decade ago. Amazon isn't saying when the one-day option will become standard or whether prime ministers will see a rate hike as a result. Analysts say, the move could expand the types of products consumers are willing to order online.
BRIGGS: There is no limit to what we will order online.
KOSINSKI: You, well, you will order online.
BRIGGS: Daily three or four packages on my front door, and the woman who usually sits here, Christine Romans, an Amazon addict as well.
[05:10:05] KOSINSKI: Yes. And also how short is the time frame going to get eventually, are we going to see like --
BRIGGS: Same day.
KOSINSKI: -- day of delivery --
BRIGGS: Same day. Send it to me on a drone.
KOSINSKI: We're all addicted to convenience.
BRIGGS: We are. Ahead, Otto Warmbier was returned to the U.S. in a coma and died days later. So why did North Korea demand $2 million for his medical bills.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KOSINSKI: North Korea presented the United States with a $2 million hospital bill for the care of American college student, Otto Warmbier. Warmbier was held prisoner by the North Koreans and then returned to the U.S. in a coma. He died days later.
Sources tell CNN, the North Koreans insisted the United States sign a pledge to pay that bill before releasing Warmbier in 2017. Joseph Yun the former State Department special representative for North Korea signed the bill. But the Trump administration has not paid it and there's no saying whether or not they will.
[05:15:07] Sources also say that negotiator for North Korea did not bring up that issue during President Trump's summits with Kim Jong-un in Singapore and Hanoi. BRIGGS: A coast guard lieutenant accused of plotting a domestic terror attack is being released from detention. Christopher Hasson has pleaded not guilty to weapons and drug charges but does not faced terrorism or attempted murder charges. Judge Charles Day says the government has not met the legal standard for detention but says he has quote, grave concerns.
KOSINSKI: Hasson is accused of amassing an arsenal of guns and tact gear and searching online for the home addresses of two Supreme Court justices. The judge says, Hasson will have to have quote, a whole lot of supervision. Prosecutors say Hasson is a white supremacist with a hit list including prominent Democrats and several T.V. journalists.
BRIGGS: The governor of Maryland calling on Baltimore Mayor, Catherine Pugh to resign. FBI agents executed search warrants Thursday at Pugh's home and Baltimore City Hall, Pugh under investigation over a no bid contract to write healthy holly children's books for medical state system where she was on the board. She's taking a leave of absence as mayor. Governor Larry Hogan says Pugh has lost the public trust and is clearly not fit to lead. A spokesman for Pugh had no comment.
KOSINSKI: Director John Singleton is in a coma after suffering a major stroke last week. Court documents obtained by CNN reveal, he's unable to provide for his personal needs. And Singleton's mother now is seeking to be appointed temporary conservator to make medical decisions and handle his affairs.
The 51-year-old Singleton was the first black film maker to get a best director Oscar nomination for his debut film "Boyz n the Hood" in 1991.
BRIGGS: An Alabama high school teacher there for his cancer stricken daughter thanks to the kindness of his colleagues. David Green 16- month-old daughter Kinsley getting treatments for leukemia 100 miles from their home, when he used up all his sick days to be with her, his wife went on Facebook and asked fellow teachers to donate one sick day each.
They responded in a big way. David Green now has 100 additional sick days to spend with his little girl. His wife says the family is quote blown away. They cannot wait to be in a position to give back. Is that the story we all needed on his Friday?
KOSINSKI: Yes. Faith in humanity restored.
BRIGGS: Temporarily, at least.
KOSINSKI: It just grabs you right there.
BRIGGS: Wonderful story.
Ahead, round one of the NFL draft in the books, a top pick. No huge surprise. What were some of the biggest surprises and take aways? Andy Scholes has all of that, the story in Nashville, next in the Bleacher Report. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[05:22:18] BRIGGS: Let's talk some sports. Dreams coming true for 32 young men last night in the first round of the NFL draft. Andy Scholes has the story in the Bleacher Report. Good morning, my friend.
ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: Yes. Good morning, Dave. You know, the NFL draft always one of the best weekends of the year because, you know, no matter who you're a fan of, you get to be optimistic that your team is getting better with these selections.
And check out the crowd in Nashville, Tennessee, for the draft, an estimated 150,000 people lining Broadway Street to take in this year's draft. The Arizona Cardinals were up first. And they really didn't surprise anyone with their pick, taking Oklahoma quarterback, Kyler Murray, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner making history becoming the first player ever to be drafted in the first round of both the major league baseball and NFL draft.
A Cardinals new coach, Kliff Kingsbury, recruited Murray when he was a sophomore in high school. Seven years later, he finally got him. Now, while Murray wasn't a surprise, the Giants shocking their fans, passing on Ohio State quarterback, Dwayne Haskins, and instead drafting Duke quarterback, Daniel Jones.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The New York Giants select Daniel Jones.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, no.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SCHOLES: So that was the draft party at MetLife Stadium. A good thing, the draft wasn't in New York like it used to be every year. You know, fans not happy with that 6th pick. Many believe the Giants could've gotten Jones much later. They also picked 17th. Jones was coached by David Cutcliffe at Duke. Cutcliffe also coached both Eli Manning and Peyton Manning in college.
Dwayne Haskins ended up being selected 15th overall by the Washington Redskins. And he says all the teams that passed on him, they're going to regret it.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DWAYNE HASKINS, 15TH OVERALL DRAFT PICK: I'm more motivated now than ever. It's a big chip on my shoulder, and the league is messed up.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SCHOLES: All right, the Buffalo Bills meanwhile taking Houston's Ed Oliver with the 9th pick in the draft. And Oliver's family overcome with emotion after he is being picked.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARCUS OLIVER, ED'S BROTHER: It means so much, you know, when you have a brother -- I'm sorry, when you have a brother, you know, you grow up together, you dream about it, you know, and to see it coming to manifest, you know, God is so good.
ED OLIVER SR., ED'S FATHER: I kept on him. And I always had a dream that one day I would have the son in the NFL. And my dream came true today.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SCHOLES: And finally with the 13th pick, the Miami Dolphins taking defensive tackle Christian Wilkins out of clutch (ph). And he gives Roger Goodell the signal to give the air chest bump. You see Goodell didn't go for it and kind of just laughed and stood there. And Dave, I love it because, you know, Goodell was probably like, oh, no, this guy weighs more than 300 pounds. And he wants do an air chest pump.
[05:25:03] BRIGGS: He ducked it man.
KOSINSKI: Oh, handled it. He handled that well.
BRIGGS: I would have liked to see them go chest-to-chest and just see how that goes down. But he kind of ducked it.
SCHOLES: Yes.
BRIGGS: I get that. We would too, Andy. Thank you my friend.
Michelle, what's coming up?
KOSINSKI: Yes. He handled that very well.
BRIGGS: Handled it well, but not chest to chest.
KOSINSKI: But it could have gone wrong, however.
BRIGGS: Yes.
KOSINSKI: Well, Joe Biden could be kryptonite for the President, if Biden's own history doesn't slow him down.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[05:30:00] KOSINSKI: Renewed challenges from past and present, for Joe Biden. His 2020 launch, a stark reminder why he poses a threat to Donald Trump and himself.
