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CNN Live At Daybreak

Missing in Aruba; Michael Jackson Not Guilty; What's Next?

Aired June 14, 2005 - 05:30   ET

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

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


CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you, welcome to the second half-hour of DAYBREAK.
Coming up in the next 30 minutes, after nine days in jail, two security guards wake up free men this morning. We'll head live to Aruba in just a few moments.

And Michael Jackson acquitted on all counts, so where does he go from here? We'll take a look.

But first, "Now in the News."

Just about three hours ago in Iraq, a suicide bomber killed at least 19 people and wounded nearly 90 more. The victims were outside a bank in Kirkuk. Another bombing in Baquba killed five people and wounded four others.

President Bush attends a fund raising dinner tonight in Washington for Republican House and Senate candidates. More than 5,000 tickets have been sold. The dinner is expected to raise more than $14 million. And a postscript to this, among those planning to attend, porn star and former California gubernatorial candidate Mary Carey.

Questions being raised about the Agricultural Department's testing standards for Mad Cow disease. The U.S.D.A.'s inspector general is expected to explain today why new tests were done on tissue from a cow previously determined to be free of Mad Cow disease.

To the Forecast Center and -- Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Hot one for you, Carol.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: We'll do. Thank you -- Chad.

MYERS: All right.

COSTELLO: We have new developments for you this morning in the case of Natalee Holloway. The two hotel security guards, who were arrested nine days ago, have now been released. The focus of the case now seems to be squarely on three others who were arrested last week.

For the latest on this story, we turn to CNN's John Zarrella. He's in Aruba this morning. Bring us up to date.

JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Morning, Carol.

We had expected that today there would be a hearing here on the island for those two security guards, a hearing that would determine whether they would be released, but it wasn't necessary. Authorities late last night went ahead and released the two security guards who, since the very beginning, since their arrest on June 5, have maintained their innocence, saying they did not know Natalee Holloway, had never seen Natalee Holloway. Well now they are both free. Both say they are vindicated.

They had originally been fingered by two Sornamese (ph) youths and a Dutch boy. Those three are the three who are currently still now in custody being questioned in the disappearance.

Now nobody has been charged yet in the case at all. Now the Sornamese boys, at least one of them, did apparently tell one of the security guards, while they were in the same jail, that he was sorry for what happened, that he had lied. But that he, the Sornamese boy, had nothing to do with the disappearance of Natalee Holloway and that he and his brother had left her off near a Marriott Hotel with the Dutch boy.

Now again, those three are still in jail here and no idea at this point what will happen as far as charges. Again, though, good news for the two security guards here, they have now been released.

As far as the search for Natalee Holloway goes, still no good news there. Family members continue to carry out searches on the island yesterday and say and maintain that they will continue doing that for the foreseeable future. But again, nothing to indicate that Natalee Holloway, or anything that belonged to her, has been found, at least not yesterday by that particular search group -- Carol.

COSTELLO: So, John, it seems like the story is changing again. In light of what you've said, things are not looking good for the Dutch boy.

ZARRELLA: Well I mean we could certainly draw or try to leap to that conclusion, but that is what the Sornamese boys are saying. But at this point there have been so many stories and so many changes it's pretty hard to say where the truth lies in all of this. But the bottom line is that there is still no Natalee Holloway and no idea what happened to her -- Carol.

COSTELLO: John Zarrella live in Aruba this morning.

Some of them cried, some of them laughed, some of them screamed, but they all cheered. Just some reaction from scores of Michael Jackson fans after a jury found the pop star not guilty on all charges in his child molestation trial. Jackson is back at his Neverland Ranch in Los Olivos, California this morning.

CNN's Kareen Wynter is also there.

Good morning.

KAREEN WYNTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

One week and more than 32 hours, that's how long it took the jury to deliberate in this case. Now we did hear from one juror yesterday who said that before they recessed last Friday, they all decided they would clear their heads for the week and come back and start fresh on Monday. But that they had no idea they would reach a decision as quickly as they did.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WYNTER (voice-over): High drama inside a California courthouse as the moment of truth arrived for the entertainer on trial charged with molesting a young boy. Michael Jackson, flanked by bodyguards and family members, walked into court to learn his fate after 14 weeks of testimony in the case.

An audio feed broadcast the verdict on each count.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We the jury in the above entitled case find the defendant not guilty.

(CHEERS)

WYNTER: Not guilty on all 10 felony counts of committing or attempting lewd acts with a child, using alcohol to facilitate the molestation and conspiracy.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We drove from -- we were here and we fought for him and we believed him.

WYNTER: The pop star and his family left court in silence, leaving it to the jurors themselves to explain their verdict.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We all came in with our personal beliefs, and some of those did differ, but we spent a lot of time really seriously studying the evidence and looking at the testimony and the jury instructions and obviously came to an agreement.

WYNTER: Lead prosecutor Tom Sneddon said that despite the verdict, he has no regrets about pursuing the case.

TOM SNEDDON, LEAD PROSECUTOR: We work every day in a system of justice. We believe in the system of justice. And I've been a prosecutor for 37 years. And in 37 years, I've never quarreled with a jury's verdict, and I'm not going to start today.

WYNTER: Instead of heading to Jail, Jackson returned with his family to his Neverland Ranch as a free man.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

And we have yet to hear from Michael Jackson himself, but his brothers, Tito and Jermaine, did speak out yesterday. They say that Jackson was of course relieved upon hearing the verdict, but that he's also looking forward to some much need rest before getting back to work -- Carol. COSTELLO: Kareen Wynter live in California at the Neverland Ranch this morning.

After all the testimony, arguments and legal twists and turns, Michael Jackson's fate came down to eight women and four men.

We take you "Beyond the Soundbite" this morning with the Jackson jury. Let's listen as they tell us about their deliberations.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We actually challenged one another in the deliberation room. I mean it wasn't -- I don't want to give the impression that this was a really slam dunk deal where you just go in to a room and 12 people agree. I don't think 12 people can agree on anything except that the sun might come up tomorrow morning. And beyond that, you've got to talk about it.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What mother in her right mind would allow that to happen or you know just freely volunteer your child, you know, to sleep with someone; and not just so much Michael Jackson, but any person for that matter.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I disliked it intensely when she snapped her fingers at us. That's when I thought don't snap your fingers at me, lady.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I felt that there was enough reasonable doubt there.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We expected probably better evidence, you know something that was a little more convincing, and it just wasn't there.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think I got acquainted with Rolaids, Pepto- Bismol, you name it. I think it's...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Every day routine that's going to be a little different, but it's worth it.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I am so proud to live here, because in leaving here on Friday, I knew whatever the answer was it was going to be the right decision. But these people here are all good people.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Jury foreman Paul Rodriguez tells CNN jurors were very troubled that Jackson had sleepovers with children in his bed. But he says jurors went by the facts of the case and the judge's meticulous instructions, not their personal beliefs.

We'd like to show you some pictures now of the strange doings outside of the courthouse when the verdicts were read. You can see that this woman released a white dove for each of the 10 not guilty counts on Michael Jackson. And you can see others simply cheering. This is Andre White (ph). He's reacting as he hears the verdict. Just want to take you through some of these pictures, Chad, while we solicit more e-mail. We're getting a lot from viewers today. We're asking you what you think about this trial. We tried to think of a specific question to ask you, but, frankly, there were so many.

MYERS: Right.

COSTELLO: So we just want your thoughts this morning, was it a colossal waste of time, think of the money? Is a child molester free? I mean doesn't it really come down to that?

MYERS: Well Caitlin (ph) from Skokie, Illinois says that I'm worried that maybe a child molester just got released, but I'm glad that the jury did their job and acquitted a weak case instead of convicting him just because of a prior bad act and the testimony.

So we're getting a lot of them, all one after another, and so on and so on. We want to get your opinion as well. Still have time to mail in DAYBREAK@CNN.com.

COSTELLO: I thought we were reading more this time around, but we're not, we're just soliciting. So we want your e-mails, DAYBREAK@CNN.com.

Still to come, the Justice Department uncovers some flaws in the country's terror suspect database. Some names are missing and some names are simply incorrect. We'll have details ahead.

But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Tuesday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It's 5:44 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

Michael Jackson's family says they now want the entertainer to rest up at his Neverland Ranch from the ordeal of his trial. Jurors in the case say that the prosecution just did not prove its case.

Take a look, new video has been released of ousted Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein. It shows him being questioned by investigators with the Iraqi Special Tribunal that will eventually try him. The video was shot on Sunday.

In money news, the top man at Morgan Stanley is retiring. CEO Philip Purcell plans to leave the Wall Street investment bank by early next year. Purcell's management style recently has come under criticism.

In culture, actress Alicia Silverstone is now officially unavailable. Her publicist says the 28-year-old star of "Clueless" married her longtime boyfriend Christopher Jarecki at Lake Tahoe on Saturday.

In sports, Tiger Woods is number one again. He's replaced Vijay Singh as the world's top ranked golfer. Woods goes into his 10th major championship at the U.S. Open beginning on Thursday.

So, see, marriage did not ruin him -- Chad.

MYERS: Only briefly, then he got focused. He got his focus back.

Good morning, everybody.

(WEATHER REPORT)

Carol, back to you.

COSTELLO: Nothing like 95 degrees in the city, Chad, some hot concrete.

MYERS: Yes, that's a wonderful smell, Carol, isn't it?

COSTELLO: I know.

MYERS: Man, I can smell 95. I love the smell of 95 in the morning.

COSTELLO: I wasn't going to mention that part of it, but thanks.

MYERS: OK.

COSTELLO: In our "Security Watch" this morning, some names are missing from the government's centralized database for terror suspects. That's the finding of an audit by the Justice Department's inspector general. He says even one missing name increases the risk that a terrorist could be operating in the United States. The report also says some names were mistakenly included in the database.

An analyst at the Defense Department faces charges of disclosing classified information. Lawrence Franklin was arrested last month. In court documents, Franklin was accused of divulging information about a Middle Eastern country's activities in Iraq to a diplomat from another country.

The nation's new intelligence director is coming under criticism from a former member of the 9/11 Commission. Former Navy Secretary John Lehman says John Negroponte has not torn down the barriers dividing the nation's spy agencies. There is no response to the criticism from Negroponte's office.

Stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

Still to come on DAYBREAK, what would it take for Michael Jackson to make a career comeback? A miracle you say. Well music mogul L.A. Reid says he has a plan.

And a reminder, our e-mail question this morning, what are your thoughts on the Jackson trial and verdicts? Drop us a line at DAYBREAK@CNN.com.

We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: All right, what is next for Michael Jackson, is it conceivable that he can make a comeback on the music scene and be more than just an oddity?

CNN pop culture correspondent Toure takes a look.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TOURE, CNN POP CULTURE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): His album "Thriller" is still the planet's best selling record ever, even though it's more than 20 years old. He was the first black artist played on MTV. Can Michael Jackson get back to being a mega icon or has he left his career behind on the courthouse steps?

Some in the record business believe M.J. can be reinvented, among them, the chairman of Island Def Jam Music, L.A. Reid.

L.A. REID, ISLAND DEF JAM RECORDS: I believe Michael can absolutely come back. He can absolutely come back and be phenomenal.

TOURE: Reid crafted Mariah Carey's recent comeback, and last year he helped Outkast and Usher reach new career highs. Reid gave us the strategy he'd employ if Jackson was his artist.

REID: There's been some damage done. That's the reality of it, you know. I hated saying that. That was painful, but I had to say it.

TOURE: So where to begin? Some say he should leave the country. How about that?

REID: Sound like he's running and doesn't have to. You are Michael Jackson. But understand what that means. That means that you're a superstar, you're a legend. So I would honestly start with him touring and getting out and performing for people and really reminding people that he's one of the greats.

TOURE (on camera): Big arenas or more intimate venues?

REID: No, intimate, keep it small.

TOURE (voice-over): After Jackson finishes his "Reach Out to the People" tour, Reid advises he change his address.

REID: Absolutely move out of Neverland and move to New York City, you know, and start to really feel some of the concrete, feel some of the grind, you know. And I'm not saying become regular, because it's impossible. And it's a pipe dream to ever see Michael Jackson just walking up and down the street. But feel it, go out to the restaurants, go out and hang, you know, go to the club and listen to some music. That's what Michael is bordering on normal, you know.

TOURE (on camera): That has to be the headline, oh my God, he's so normal.

REID: He's normal.

TOURE (voice-over): And if Jackson makes a comeback album, this image maker wants it to be very personal.

REID: I would go emotional. I would not go dancy, dancy, try to be too cool, try to be too young, try to be too hip. I would go emotional and try to touch the heart with music.

TOURE: And if Jackson likes Reid's plan, he's free to take him up on it.

(on camera): He sees this piece and calls you, let's do a deal. Would you sign him?

REID: I would absolutely sign Michael. Every great artist is one song, one great song away from being back.

TOURE (voice-over): Toure, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: You believe it, one song, one great song would put Michael Jackson back on top and return goodwill to his life from the public?

MYERS: Maybe, maybe, if it's that good. I do think he should get rid of Neverland, though.

COSTELLO: One million dollars a month to maintain that place.

MYERS: Yes, yes, that needs to be one big subdivision I'm afraid. He could be a land developer. He could make money if he just changed careers.

COSTELLO: Yes.

MYERS: Lots of e-mails, Carol.

Here's one from, I don't know, from Binary Creek (ph), wherever that might be. Sneddon overcharged Jackson hoping that slinging enough mud would actually get one conviction to stick before he retires next year. It is clear that the jury though could see through the tricks. Why hasn't the mother been charged with endangering a minor? She was happy to let both her sons sleep with Jackson even knowing about the 1993 situation. Isn't that called child abuse? Shouldn't she be charged accordingly?

The saddest aspect of Michael Jackson's verdict is the ridiculous amount of airtime wasted on this highly inconsequential matter. That was from Nick (ph), and he goes on and on and on.

But you know I really did get quite a few of those, let's move on.

I'm fed up with California juries, says Michael (ph).

Let's move on now, justice has prevailed no matter anyone's opinion. The jurors left their personal opinions at the door. They did their jobs. The prosecution failed to prove the case. Move on. That was from Jay (ph) in Knoxville.

While I'm worried that some of this -- the child molester may have got released here. I'm sure glad that the jury did their job, listened to all the testimony and came up with the right decision, their decision.

COSTELLO: Thank you for your comments this morning, we appreciate them, as always.

DAYBREAK will be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: In "Entertainment Headlines" for you this morning, attention all Harry Potter fans, the audio book of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" will go on sale July 16. That's the same day as the hard cover release. The audio book will run 19 hours and fills 18 CDs or 12 cassettes, if you're still living back, you know, 34 years ago.

Actress Katie Holmes says she's converting to Scientology and embracing the new age faith of her boyfriend actor Tom Cruise. Holmes was a former Catholic, grew up with a poster of Cruise on her bedroom wall. Holmes says she used to dream about marrying him.

Paris Hilton plans to give up public life for family life in two years. The 24-year-old hotel heiress and star of the "Simple Life" reality series tells "Newsweek" magazine that in two years she plans to have a baby with her fiance Paris.

You can get more entertainment news every night on "ShowBiz Tonight." That's at 7:00 p.m. Eastern on Headline News.

And the next hour of DAYBREAK starts right now.

It is Tuesday, June 14.

Michael Jackson cleared of all charges. After months of testimony, celebrity witnesses and all kinds of twists and turns, Michael Jackson walks off the legal stage a free man.

Also, do you want to live in this neighborhood? You have to do a lot more than just keep your lawn green.

And VHS, Wal-Mart says that's so yesterday. In the meantime, how about a Big Mac and a movie? McDonald's offers some one-stop shopping.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired June 14, 2005 - 05:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you, welcome to the second half-hour of DAYBREAK.
Coming up in the next 30 minutes, after nine days in jail, two security guards wake up free men this morning. We'll head live to Aruba in just a few moments.

And Michael Jackson acquitted on all counts, so where does he go from here? We'll take a look.

But first, "Now in the News."

Just about three hours ago in Iraq, a suicide bomber killed at least 19 people and wounded nearly 90 more. The victims were outside a bank in Kirkuk. Another bombing in Baquba killed five people and wounded four others.

President Bush attends a fund raising dinner tonight in Washington for Republican House and Senate candidates. More than 5,000 tickets have been sold. The dinner is expected to raise more than $14 million. And a postscript to this, among those planning to attend, porn star and former California gubernatorial candidate Mary Carey.

Questions being raised about the Agricultural Department's testing standards for Mad Cow disease. The U.S.D.A.'s inspector general is expected to explain today why new tests were done on tissue from a cow previously determined to be free of Mad Cow disease.

To the Forecast Center and -- Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Hot one for you, Carol.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: We'll do. Thank you -- Chad.

MYERS: All right.

COSTELLO: We have new developments for you this morning in the case of Natalee Holloway. The two hotel security guards, who were arrested nine days ago, have now been released. The focus of the case now seems to be squarely on three others who were arrested last week.

For the latest on this story, we turn to CNN's John Zarrella. He's in Aruba this morning. Bring us up to date.

JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Morning, Carol.

We had expected that today there would be a hearing here on the island for those two security guards, a hearing that would determine whether they would be released, but it wasn't necessary. Authorities late last night went ahead and released the two security guards who, since the very beginning, since their arrest on June 5, have maintained their innocence, saying they did not know Natalee Holloway, had never seen Natalee Holloway. Well now they are both free. Both say they are vindicated.

They had originally been fingered by two Sornamese (ph) youths and a Dutch boy. Those three are the three who are currently still now in custody being questioned in the disappearance.

Now nobody has been charged yet in the case at all. Now the Sornamese boys, at least one of them, did apparently tell one of the security guards, while they were in the same jail, that he was sorry for what happened, that he had lied. But that he, the Sornamese boy, had nothing to do with the disappearance of Natalee Holloway and that he and his brother had left her off near a Marriott Hotel with the Dutch boy.

Now again, those three are still in jail here and no idea at this point what will happen as far as charges. Again, though, good news for the two security guards here, they have now been released.

As far as the search for Natalee Holloway goes, still no good news there. Family members continue to carry out searches on the island yesterday and say and maintain that they will continue doing that for the foreseeable future. But again, nothing to indicate that Natalee Holloway, or anything that belonged to her, has been found, at least not yesterday by that particular search group -- Carol.

COSTELLO: So, John, it seems like the story is changing again. In light of what you've said, things are not looking good for the Dutch boy.

ZARRELLA: Well I mean we could certainly draw or try to leap to that conclusion, but that is what the Sornamese boys are saying. But at this point there have been so many stories and so many changes it's pretty hard to say where the truth lies in all of this. But the bottom line is that there is still no Natalee Holloway and no idea what happened to her -- Carol.

COSTELLO: John Zarrella live in Aruba this morning.

Some of them cried, some of them laughed, some of them screamed, but they all cheered. Just some reaction from scores of Michael Jackson fans after a jury found the pop star not guilty on all charges in his child molestation trial. Jackson is back at his Neverland Ranch in Los Olivos, California this morning.

CNN's Kareen Wynter is also there.

Good morning.

KAREEN WYNTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

One week and more than 32 hours, that's how long it took the jury to deliberate in this case. Now we did hear from one juror yesterday who said that before they recessed last Friday, they all decided they would clear their heads for the week and come back and start fresh on Monday. But that they had no idea they would reach a decision as quickly as they did.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WYNTER (voice-over): High drama inside a California courthouse as the moment of truth arrived for the entertainer on trial charged with molesting a young boy. Michael Jackson, flanked by bodyguards and family members, walked into court to learn his fate after 14 weeks of testimony in the case.

An audio feed broadcast the verdict on each count.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We the jury in the above entitled case find the defendant not guilty.

(CHEERS)

WYNTER: Not guilty on all 10 felony counts of committing or attempting lewd acts with a child, using alcohol to facilitate the molestation and conspiracy.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We drove from -- we were here and we fought for him and we believed him.

WYNTER: The pop star and his family left court in silence, leaving it to the jurors themselves to explain their verdict.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We all came in with our personal beliefs, and some of those did differ, but we spent a lot of time really seriously studying the evidence and looking at the testimony and the jury instructions and obviously came to an agreement.

WYNTER: Lead prosecutor Tom Sneddon said that despite the verdict, he has no regrets about pursuing the case.

TOM SNEDDON, LEAD PROSECUTOR: We work every day in a system of justice. We believe in the system of justice. And I've been a prosecutor for 37 years. And in 37 years, I've never quarreled with a jury's verdict, and I'm not going to start today.

WYNTER: Instead of heading to Jail, Jackson returned with his family to his Neverland Ranch as a free man.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

And we have yet to hear from Michael Jackson himself, but his brothers, Tito and Jermaine, did speak out yesterday. They say that Jackson was of course relieved upon hearing the verdict, but that he's also looking forward to some much need rest before getting back to work -- Carol. COSTELLO: Kareen Wynter live in California at the Neverland Ranch this morning.

After all the testimony, arguments and legal twists and turns, Michael Jackson's fate came down to eight women and four men.

We take you "Beyond the Soundbite" this morning with the Jackson jury. Let's listen as they tell us about their deliberations.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We actually challenged one another in the deliberation room. I mean it wasn't -- I don't want to give the impression that this was a really slam dunk deal where you just go in to a room and 12 people agree. I don't think 12 people can agree on anything except that the sun might come up tomorrow morning. And beyond that, you've got to talk about it.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What mother in her right mind would allow that to happen or you know just freely volunteer your child, you know, to sleep with someone; and not just so much Michael Jackson, but any person for that matter.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I disliked it intensely when she snapped her fingers at us. That's when I thought don't snap your fingers at me, lady.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I felt that there was enough reasonable doubt there.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We expected probably better evidence, you know something that was a little more convincing, and it just wasn't there.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think I got acquainted with Rolaids, Pepto- Bismol, you name it. I think it's...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Every day routine that's going to be a little different, but it's worth it.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I am so proud to live here, because in leaving here on Friday, I knew whatever the answer was it was going to be the right decision. But these people here are all good people.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Jury foreman Paul Rodriguez tells CNN jurors were very troubled that Jackson had sleepovers with children in his bed. But he says jurors went by the facts of the case and the judge's meticulous instructions, not their personal beliefs.

We'd like to show you some pictures now of the strange doings outside of the courthouse when the verdicts were read. You can see that this woman released a white dove for each of the 10 not guilty counts on Michael Jackson. And you can see others simply cheering. This is Andre White (ph). He's reacting as he hears the verdict. Just want to take you through some of these pictures, Chad, while we solicit more e-mail. We're getting a lot from viewers today. We're asking you what you think about this trial. We tried to think of a specific question to ask you, but, frankly, there were so many.

MYERS: Right.

COSTELLO: So we just want your thoughts this morning, was it a colossal waste of time, think of the money? Is a child molester free? I mean doesn't it really come down to that?

MYERS: Well Caitlin (ph) from Skokie, Illinois says that I'm worried that maybe a child molester just got released, but I'm glad that the jury did their job and acquitted a weak case instead of convicting him just because of a prior bad act and the testimony.

So we're getting a lot of them, all one after another, and so on and so on. We want to get your opinion as well. Still have time to mail in DAYBREAK@CNN.com.

COSTELLO: I thought we were reading more this time around, but we're not, we're just soliciting. So we want your e-mails, DAYBREAK@CNN.com.

Still to come, the Justice Department uncovers some flaws in the country's terror suspect database. Some names are missing and some names are simply incorrect. We'll have details ahead.

But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Tuesday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It's 5:44 Eastern. Here's what's all new this morning.

Michael Jackson's family says they now want the entertainer to rest up at his Neverland Ranch from the ordeal of his trial. Jurors in the case say that the prosecution just did not prove its case.

Take a look, new video has been released of ousted Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein. It shows him being questioned by investigators with the Iraqi Special Tribunal that will eventually try him. The video was shot on Sunday.

In money news, the top man at Morgan Stanley is retiring. CEO Philip Purcell plans to leave the Wall Street investment bank by early next year. Purcell's management style recently has come under criticism.

In culture, actress Alicia Silverstone is now officially unavailable. Her publicist says the 28-year-old star of "Clueless" married her longtime boyfriend Christopher Jarecki at Lake Tahoe on Saturday.

In sports, Tiger Woods is number one again. He's replaced Vijay Singh as the world's top ranked golfer. Woods goes into his 10th major championship at the U.S. Open beginning on Thursday.

So, see, marriage did not ruin him -- Chad.

MYERS: Only briefly, then he got focused. He got his focus back.

Good morning, everybody.

(WEATHER REPORT)

Carol, back to you.

COSTELLO: Nothing like 95 degrees in the city, Chad, some hot concrete.

MYERS: Yes, that's a wonderful smell, Carol, isn't it?

COSTELLO: I know.

MYERS: Man, I can smell 95. I love the smell of 95 in the morning.

COSTELLO: I wasn't going to mention that part of it, but thanks.

MYERS: OK.

COSTELLO: In our "Security Watch" this morning, some names are missing from the government's centralized database for terror suspects. That's the finding of an audit by the Justice Department's inspector general. He says even one missing name increases the risk that a terrorist could be operating in the United States. The report also says some names were mistakenly included in the database.

An analyst at the Defense Department faces charges of disclosing classified information. Lawrence Franklin was arrested last month. In court documents, Franklin was accused of divulging information about a Middle Eastern country's activities in Iraq to a diplomat from another country.

The nation's new intelligence director is coming under criticism from a former member of the 9/11 Commission. Former Navy Secretary John Lehman says John Negroponte has not torn down the barriers dividing the nation's spy agencies. There is no response to the criticism from Negroponte's office.

Stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

Still to come on DAYBREAK, what would it take for Michael Jackson to make a career comeback? A miracle you say. Well music mogul L.A. Reid says he has a plan.

And a reminder, our e-mail question this morning, what are your thoughts on the Jackson trial and verdicts? Drop us a line at DAYBREAK@CNN.com.

We'll be right back.

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COSTELLO: All right, what is next for Michael Jackson, is it conceivable that he can make a comeback on the music scene and be more than just an oddity?

CNN pop culture correspondent Toure takes a look.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TOURE, CNN POP CULTURE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): His album "Thriller" is still the planet's best selling record ever, even though it's more than 20 years old. He was the first black artist played on MTV. Can Michael Jackson get back to being a mega icon or has he left his career behind on the courthouse steps?

Some in the record business believe M.J. can be reinvented, among them, the chairman of Island Def Jam Music, L.A. Reid.

L.A. REID, ISLAND DEF JAM RECORDS: I believe Michael can absolutely come back. He can absolutely come back and be phenomenal.

TOURE: Reid crafted Mariah Carey's recent comeback, and last year he helped Outkast and Usher reach new career highs. Reid gave us the strategy he'd employ if Jackson was his artist.

REID: There's been some damage done. That's the reality of it, you know. I hated saying that. That was painful, but I had to say it.

TOURE: So where to begin? Some say he should leave the country. How about that?

REID: Sound like he's running and doesn't have to. You are Michael Jackson. But understand what that means. That means that you're a superstar, you're a legend. So I would honestly start with him touring and getting out and performing for people and really reminding people that he's one of the greats.

TOURE (on camera): Big arenas or more intimate venues?

REID: No, intimate, keep it small.

TOURE (voice-over): After Jackson finishes his "Reach Out to the People" tour, Reid advises he change his address.

REID: Absolutely move out of Neverland and move to New York City, you know, and start to really feel some of the concrete, feel some of the grind, you know. And I'm not saying become regular, because it's impossible. And it's a pipe dream to ever see Michael Jackson just walking up and down the street. But feel it, go out to the restaurants, go out and hang, you know, go to the club and listen to some music. That's what Michael is bordering on normal, you know.

TOURE (on camera): That has to be the headline, oh my God, he's so normal.

REID: He's normal.

TOURE (voice-over): And if Jackson makes a comeback album, this image maker wants it to be very personal.

REID: I would go emotional. I would not go dancy, dancy, try to be too cool, try to be too young, try to be too hip. I would go emotional and try to touch the heart with music.

TOURE: And if Jackson likes Reid's plan, he's free to take him up on it.

(on camera): He sees this piece and calls you, let's do a deal. Would you sign him?

REID: I would absolutely sign Michael. Every great artist is one song, one great song away from being back.

TOURE (voice-over): Toure, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: You believe it, one song, one great song would put Michael Jackson back on top and return goodwill to his life from the public?

MYERS: Maybe, maybe, if it's that good. I do think he should get rid of Neverland, though.

COSTELLO: One million dollars a month to maintain that place.

MYERS: Yes, yes, that needs to be one big subdivision I'm afraid. He could be a land developer. He could make money if he just changed careers.

COSTELLO: Yes.

MYERS: Lots of e-mails, Carol.

Here's one from, I don't know, from Binary Creek (ph), wherever that might be. Sneddon overcharged Jackson hoping that slinging enough mud would actually get one conviction to stick before he retires next year. It is clear that the jury though could see through the tricks. Why hasn't the mother been charged with endangering a minor? She was happy to let both her sons sleep with Jackson even knowing about the 1993 situation. Isn't that called child abuse? Shouldn't she be charged accordingly?

The saddest aspect of Michael Jackson's verdict is the ridiculous amount of airtime wasted on this highly inconsequential matter. That was from Nick (ph), and he goes on and on and on.

But you know I really did get quite a few of those, let's move on.

I'm fed up with California juries, says Michael (ph).

Let's move on now, justice has prevailed no matter anyone's opinion. The jurors left their personal opinions at the door. They did their jobs. The prosecution failed to prove the case. Move on. That was from Jay (ph) in Knoxville.

While I'm worried that some of this -- the child molester may have got released here. I'm sure glad that the jury did their job, listened to all the testimony and came up with the right decision, their decision.

COSTELLO: Thank you for your comments this morning, we appreciate them, as always.

DAYBREAK will be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: In "Entertainment Headlines" for you this morning, attention all Harry Potter fans, the audio book of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" will go on sale July 16. That's the same day as the hard cover release. The audio book will run 19 hours and fills 18 CDs or 12 cassettes, if you're still living back, you know, 34 years ago.

Actress Katie Holmes says she's converting to Scientology and embracing the new age faith of her boyfriend actor Tom Cruise. Holmes was a former Catholic, grew up with a poster of Cruise on her bedroom wall. Holmes says she used to dream about marrying him.

Paris Hilton plans to give up public life for family life in two years. The 24-year-old hotel heiress and star of the "Simple Life" reality series tells "Newsweek" magazine that in two years she plans to have a baby with her fiance Paris.

You can get more entertainment news every night on "ShowBiz Tonight." That's at 7:00 p.m. Eastern on Headline News.

And the next hour of DAYBREAK starts right now.

It is Tuesday, June 14.

Michael Jackson cleared of all charges. After months of testimony, celebrity witnesses and all kinds of twists and turns, Michael Jackson walks off the legal stage a free man.

Also, do you want to live in this neighborhood? You have to do a lot more than just keep your lawn green.

And VHS, Wal-Mart says that's so yesterday. In the meantime, how about a Big Mac and a movie? McDonald's offers some one-stop shopping.

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