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White House Pleased with Rice's Testimony; Capitol Hill Reaction: Testimony Did What Was Expected; Insurgents Kidnap Japanese Civilians; Father of 9/11 Victim Not Satisfied with Rice's Testimony

Aired April 08, 2004 - 13:00   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.


(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR: ... that could have prevented the 9/11 attacks. In hindsight, if anything might have helped stop 9/11, it would have been better information about threats inside the United States, something made very difficult by structural and legal impediments that prevented the collection and sharing of information by our law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KYRA PHILLIPS, ANCHOR: So how long -- or how is this playing out with the Bush administration? White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux, traveling with the president who's staying at his ranch in Texas.

Suzanne, what's the reaction?

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, we know that President Bush was actually watching Dr. Rice's testimony at his Crawford ranch. We're waiting to see whether or not the president is actually going to say something publicly about her performance.

But Bush aides are very pleased that she laid out the administration's case. As we have just heard before, that there was no silver bullet that could have prevented 9/11.

The big question here that she tried to answer was whether or not there was some sort of warning that came to the White House that the White House did not respond to.

This came up time and time again and really centers around this August 6 presidential daily brief, this PDB. It's regarding Osama bin Laden. Rice make the case that it lays out the history of Osama bin Laden's desire to go after the United States, but it did not pose some sort of threat, an imminent threat when the president received it.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RICE: There was nothing in this memo that suggested that an attack was coming on New York or Washington, D.C. There was nothing in this memo as to time, place, how or where. This was not a threat report to the president, or a threat report to...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We agree, there are no specifics. (END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Now, also, a rather contentious time. This was when she was talking about -- that the administration had a robust strategy to eliminate al Qaeda and that the president said he was tired of swatting flies.

Well, one of the commissioners took issue with that. Because he challenged her that the administration didn't go after the attack after the USS Cole.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BOB KERREY, 9/11 COMMISSION MEMBER: You said the president was tired of swatting flies. Can you tell me one example where the president swatted a fly when it came to al Qaeda, prior to 9/11?

RICE: I think what the president was speaking to...

KERREY: No, no, what fly had he swatted?

RICE: Well, the disruptions abroad was what he was really focusing on. When the CIA would go after...

KERREY: No, no, he hadn't swatted...

RICE: ... this guy and that is what was meant...

KERREY: Dr. Rice, we didn't -- We only swatted a fly once, on the 20th of August 1998. We didn't swat any flies afterwards. How the hell could he be tired?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Now, Dr. Rice said that there were essentially a lot problems here, that there were structural problem, legal problems, in terms of the FBI and the CIA talking to one another prior to September 11 but that this is a problem that occurred for years in administrations.

She also referred to the FBI and warned -- the warnings coming in the summer that summer of 2001, saying that they were not specific enough for the administration to react -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Suzanne Malveaux, thank you.

Now let's go from Texas to Washington, over to Capitol Hill. Congressional correspondent Joe Johns standing by live with reaction -- Joe.

JOE JOHNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, the reactions are still coming in. But frankly, both Democrat and Republicans are indicating to us their view that this was just about what they expected.

The vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia, spoke to us on CNN about it just a little while ago.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JAY ROCKEFELLER (D), WEST VIRGINIA: She fundamentally did not disagree with anything that Dick Clarke had said. That was meant to be one of the pressure points of the day. And that she did not dispute the fact they were distracted by a lot of other things, which prevented them from paying enough attention to the war on al Qaeda or the war on terrorism.

And, in fact, that they did get involved with Iraq rather early, which has led to disastrous consequences for the war on terrorism.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHNS (voice-over): Activist groups continue to question the credibility of the administration on September 11. Meanwhile, Republicans here on Capitol Hill are calling for unity. Among them, a number who spoke to reporters on camera over the past 20 minutes or so.

Meanwhile, Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the No. 2 Republican in the United States Senate, went to the floor while Dr. Rice was speaking to the commission. He leveled some charges at the commission itself.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL (R), KENTUCKY: Hopefully, the commission will identify additional methods to improve U.S. security, but forgive me for not being terribly optimistic. I figure the commission has lost sight of this goal and has become a political casualty of the electoral hunting season.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

JOHNS: Now, in some ways, both sides got just about what they say they wanted during this testimony of Dr. Rice. Democrats can say to some extent they put her on the defensive simply by bringing her before the commission. Republicans, on the other side, can say they don't believe anybody even laid a glove on her during the questioning -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Joe, when you talk to various leaders there on the Hill, what do they tell you with regard to feeling safer, now, versus pre-9/11?

JOHNS: Well, obviously that is a question, really, a political question here on Capitol Hill. Republicans will say, certainly, the United States is safer after 9/11, considering all the different measures that have been taken -- have taken place. A lot of Democrats, of course, dispute that.

That's one of those issues that will be debated straight through the election, Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Joe Johns, from Capitol Hill, thank you.

Now to Iraq.

Trouble continues to erupt in numerous hot spots. Here are some of the latest events.

Fighting persist in the Sunni stronghold of Fallujah, while in southern cities of Kut and Najaf, it's the Mehdi Army, the militia of Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. The Mehdi Army is also entrenched in the Baghdad neighborhood of Sadr City.

And the top U.S. general in Iraq, Rick Sanchez, vows that criminals and thugs will not control the destiny of Iraq. He says the military has launched Operation Resolute Sword, targeting al-Sadr's militia now that the group has taken such a violent anti-coalition stand.

Meanwhile, another insurgent tactic emerges. Seven South Korean citizens and three Japanese civilians abducted in separate incidents. CNN has now confirmed the South Koreans have been released.

But a statement from a previously unknown group calling today the Mujahideen Squadron says that it wants Japan to pull its troops from Iraq or it will burn the three alive.

Britain also says it's searching for a missing national last seen in Nasiriyah.

Now, we caution you about some dramatic and disturbing footage captured yesterday in Fallujah. We're about to show the reality of the conflict while also being sensitive, especially for those with families and friends with the Marine's 1st Expeditionary Force.

Two reporters were with the unit when one tank was hit by an RPG. One of the Marines radioed his commander, saying, "We just went too far into town, sir." While some of the injuries appear serious, all the injured Marines were walking wounded and were evacuated safely from the scene to a nearby military medical facility.

Now more on the apparent outbreak of civilian kidnappings at the hands of various Iraqi insurgent groups. We join our Jim Clancy in Baghdad with the latest -- Jim.

JIM CLANCY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, as if U.S. military officials didn't already have enough to worry about, now they have hostage taking on the list of concerns they have to deal with.

As you have told our audience now, there were three Japanese citizens who were taken hostage: two men and a woman. Two of them are journalists; one is an aid worker. The threats against them very serious.

This isn't the worst videotape. There was other videotape released showing knives being held to their throats, those hostages being terrorized amid demands that Japan withdraw from the coalition and pull its troops out of Iraq, even though those troops are only here for humanitarian and reconstruction purposes. They are not playing any military role.

Another potential real trouble spot, and that is two Israeli Arabs have been taken hostage by an unknown group. The Israeli Arabs were shown on videotape. One of them holds a U.S. driver's license from the state of Georgia. His name is Nabil Razzuq. Some of their identification cards were shown.

Perhaps there is some light in all of this today. There were seven South Korean missionaries, members of a Christian group that had come here to help in the reconstruction, the rebuilding of Iraq. They were taken and held for seven hours.

But they've had a joyous reunion with people here at the Palestine Hotel in Baghdad as they arrived safely. They were released.

This is not the first time that the Mehdi Army of Moqtada al-Sadr has briefly held foreigners. Journalists in the last few days have been held for a matter of hours before they convinced their captives that they were here just to cover the story. Then they were released.

Of course, Moqtada al-Sadr has been demanding that his top aide and other Arabs that are being held by the coalition be handed over, be released. The coalition is holding firm.

There were reports earlier in the day, coming right from Moqtada al-Sadr's spokesman, that he was try to negotiate with the U.S. He says, though, he was expecting a response today. Instead, the U.S. military came in and destroyed al-Sadr's office in Sadr City.

Back to you.

PHILLIPS: Jim Clancy, live from Baghdad, thank you.

And the latest Pentagon statistics report that at least 637 U.S. troops have died since the beginning of the war in Iraq. Reporter Becky Freemal from our affiliate in Green Bay, Wisconsin, WBAY, reminds us that behind each number on that casualty list is a name, a story and a terrible loss.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KEN JERABEK, FATHER: We have everything he sent us. We kept everything that he -- all his letters.

BECKY FREEMAL, WBAY CORRESPONDENT (VOICE-OVER): a scrapbook full of pictures and letters is now a lasting treasure Ken Jerabek has of his son's last few months of life as a Marine.

JERABEK: He had such a love for this country. It was unbelievable. And that's why he joined the United States Marine Corps. He wanted to make a change in the world. And he thought he could do it.

FREEMAL: News of Private 1st Class Marine Ryan Jerabek's death arrived at his family's doorstep several hours after he was killed in Iraq.

JERABEK: At 8:30 in the evening, two United States Marine Corps officers came here and informed us that my son had delivered the ultimate for his country.

FREEMAL: As Ken grieves his son's death, he was quick to remind he's not alone, that at this moment, several other families are dealing with the same loss.

JERABEK: He went in with another boy from Pulaski, and the buddy system in the Marine Corps, and I pray to God that he doesn't have to go over there.

FREEMAL: Ever since the news a constant stream of friend and family stop by. Not far off, the family's flag flies at half-staff.

JERABEK: He was a wonderful boy. It's going to be a deep, deep hole for a long, long, long, long time.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PHILLIPS: We'd like to thank reporter Becky Freemal from our affiliate, WBAY in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Straight ahead, images of war you don't see in America. Millions of viewers, a very different view. How are Arab TV networks covering the war?

The 9/11 panel and politics. Did Condoleezza Rice help or hurt her boss's changes of helping his job?

And a new use for the little blue friend. A dose of Viagra in our health headlines. Straight ahead on LIVE FROM.

ANNOUNCER: You're watching LIVE FROM on CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WEATHER REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, before Condoleezza Rice decided to testify, several families of 9/11 victims were critical of the national security advisor.

Matt Sellitto was among those who wanted Rice to testify publicly. His son was killed in the attack on the World Trade Center.

Mr. Sellitto, we're glad you're with us today. Thank you.

MATT SELLITTO, FATHER OF 9/11 VICTIM: Thank you very much.

PHILLIPS: Well, first, why don't you talk to us about your son?

SELLITTO: Well my son was a unique individual. He graduated from the University of Vermont and went to work in December of 2000 and went to work for Cantor Fitzgerald in February of 2001. It was his goal to go there and get involved in the financial world and climb up the ladder of success.

PHILLIPS: Now you've been involved in this fight for justice for you and for your son.

As you sat back and listened to Condoleezza Rice today, sir, tell me about your impressions. What did you like? What did you not like?

SELLITTO: Well, first of all, I was very pleased that she did come in front of the commission.

But I think the American people must know something about the commission. And that is that the commission was started really because of the 9/11 families that demanded that the -- that what had happened that day be looked into.

We first met with Tom Kean -- I belong to a group called Family Members to Prevent Terrorism (ph) and we met with Tom Kean before the committee meetings. And he explained to us that he had a budget of $3 million.

Well, you know that is ridiculous in this time and age to have the most horrific disaster on our land looked into with a $3 million budget. Through family members' fight, the budget was raised to $12 million.

And then the committee was supposed to end in May. Through families' insistence it has prolonged two more months.

Condoleezza Rice was not supposed to sit in front of the committee. But, again, through family pressure. The president said himself he would not sit in front of the commission. Then said that he would give an hour of his time to the commission. And now has said that he will give whatever time is needed.

The point of this is it gives a bad impression to the American people when it's like pulling teeth to find out from the administration things that they have knowledge of. It leads people to think they are hiding thing.

Now, Condoleezza Rice said today that there's no silver bullet. Well, no, there may not be a silver bullet, but we did know at the time before 9/11 that there were two terrorists in our country. We knew at that time that there were Saudi Arabians here with unfulfilled passports that were taking classes on flights. We knew this prior to 9/11.

PHILLIPS: So do you believe that there are a number of cover-ups going on? Even though these hearings are taking places, do you still believe that the truth is still not being told?

SELLITTO: Well, what should I believe? When someone tells me, "I want this commission to find out what went wrong, how it went wrong, and what we can do to prevent this from ever happening again, but I won't give you certain information," how are you supposed to view that?

PHILLIPS: Sir, do you feel any peace, any justice at all?

SELLITTO: I absolutely do, that it's still in the forefront. I believe that, through people like Tom Kean, the -- who's running the commission, that his doggedness is helping find out the truth.

But, again, I'll go back to the administration holding out evidence, or calling it confidential. Well, why do they release certain part of the confidentiality, parts that will let the administration and Dr. Rice look like they did the right things, but refuse to let other pieces of information out?

PHILLIPS: Matt Sellitto, thank you for your time today.

SELLITTO: You're quite welcome.

PHILLIPS: Other news across the world now.

In Afghanistan, a bumper crop of poppies destined for destruction. The Afghan government, the U.S. and Great Britain among the countries joining forces trying to destroy thousands of acres of the illegal opiate. U.S. intelligence has linked profit from Afghanistan' poppy exports to terrorist groups.

In the Vatican City, the pope leads a mass of the faithful amid tight security at St. Peter's basilica. Pope John Paul II reminded priests their behavior must always be exemplary. The Catholic Church is still reeling from sex scandals, tarnishing its image in western countries, including the U.S.

And near Hong Kong, China, a crusty crocodile escapes again. The renegade reptile has eluded capture for five months now. It was spotted sunbathing on traps set for its capture. But a boatload of press photographers scared it away. Experts believe the crocodile was once a pet or escaped from an exotic animal farm.

Looking now at health news: High blood pressure and high cholesterol can be a prescription for heart disease.

A small study published in the "New England Journal of Medicine" suggests a new drug called torcetrapib may help prevent heart attacks by boosting the level of HDL, the good cholesterol. It also reduced LBL, the bad cholesterol.

The study was partially paid for by Pfizer, the drug's maker.

New medical research shows Viagra can do more than just pump up the sex drives of men who take it. A study shows the tiny blue pill also benefits people with pulmonary hypertension, a condition in which pressure build-up in the lungs' circulation can ultimate cause heart failure.

Last year's food poisoning linked to Chi-Chi's restaurants in four states was jut a handful of the thousands of cases reported in the U.S. each year. Doctors usually decide the classic symptoms of the illness are nothing to get excited about, but the federal government is launching a new educational campaign to get health care workers looking more closely at possible case of food poisoning.

Fierce fighting in Iraq. Coalition forces stamping out insurgents. You're minutes away from a round up of the latest developments in a very violent day in Iraq.

Deadly shark attack. A surfer off the coast of island paradise. We've got details later on LIVE FROM.

JOSIE BURKE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Josie Burke in Augusta, Georgia, where the 68th Masters is under way. Will Tiger Woods break his major drought? Will Phil Mickelson finally break through? We'll get some answers to those questions from a golf insider, coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK REPORT)

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PHILLIPS: Chaos and kidnappings in Iraq. After a bloody battle in Fallujah, Shiite Muslim militants hold partial control over three southern Iraqi cities.

Meanwhile, seven South Korean missionaries kidnapped in Iraq have been released. Militants are now kidnapping internationals to put pressure on U.S. allies in Iraq.

A warlord carries out war in Afghanistan. The militant forces of warlord Abdul-Rashid Dostum overtook a remote northern province today. That warlord opposes Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Back in 2001, Dostum was a key factor in the U.S.-led defeat of the Taliban.

In Wisconsin, it's all about the cheese. That's dollars, not dairy. Presidential candidate John Kerry in Wisconsin touting his economic plan. He's promising to cut the federal deficit in half in four years.

Kerry is holding a town meeting in Milwaukee this hour.

Fighting continues in Fallujah at the heart of the Sunni Triangle. Top U.S. General Rick Sanchez says that the Marines and Iraqi Civil Defense Corps have made tremendous progress in restoring legitimate authority to Fallujah and describes the fighting there today as moderate.

Nonetheless, some of the battles are intense. Twelve Marines killed Tuesday in nearby Ramadi. When asked if he sees shadows of Vietnam in recent fighting, Sanchez rejected that comparison, calling them two totally different battlefields.

Live to Oceanside, California, now at Camp Pendleton, the home -- one of the biggest bases for Marines. News conference now with regard to those 12 Marines that were killed in Ramadi.

MJR. GEN. KEITH STALDER, 1ST MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE: Well, good morning, everybody.

As most of you know, the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force has experienced a number of casualties, both killed and wounded, in the last few days. And I want to offer my condolences to all the families and friends of those Marines who were killed and wounded.

It's a tragedy every time we lose a loved one and that precious national asset, our United States Marines and sailors.

While many of the nation's eyes are tuned to our current efforts in Iraq to complete the security and stabilization operations that we need there, there is another part of that team that is back here at Camp Pendleton.

They are the Marines, civilians, sailors and families at Camp Pendleton, Miramar, Twentynine Palms, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Reserve sites all over the United States.

They are committed to the full support of our Marines and sailors serving in Iraq today. The Marine Corps ethos has always been to take care of our own. And we want you to know today that we're also committed to supporting those who remain behind here, those who are providing the support and those who have sent their loved ones into this cause.

We support each other by ensuring that everyone knows our mission and why it's important to the country. We ensure personnel and support teams are prepared to succeed in their various missions. And we also continue to ensure that family members have what they need, to include information about their deployed Marines and sailors.

This process started long before our forces left California.

Before our personnel deploy, they are trained and equipped to be the most capable organization possible for the mission ahead of them, regardless of the destination. And at the same time, the families of our military personnel come together and organize themselves to learn about their loved one's deployment and to prepare for the separation.

This preparation includes focusing on legal, spiritual, medical and practical matters. Those preparations have various effects. Our Marines and sailors are prepared for whatever mission their country may need them for. They are able to focus on the mission ahead, knowing that their loved ones understand the importance of the sacrifices they are about to make. They know their families are not alone, and that there are fellow Marines, sailors, spouses and organizations that will help their families while they are away.

When we ask about the sacrifices Marine families make, they do so in partnership with their military spouses. They understand the importance of the cause that we fight for, and that knowledge gives them the strength they need to endure separation, loneliness, fear and sometimes even loss. STALDER: Finally, the various support structures in place, including commands, spouses, family readiness, key volunteers and various community support, allow us to help and encourage families and provide assistance wherever needed and to help them with military matters whenever they come up. No one is alone in this mission.

We would like to thank those who have expressed their prayers and support to the families and friends of our recent losses in battle. The continued support means a lot to us.

Still, I want to assure everyone we are taking excellent care of those military members and their families whenever they are engaged in the Marine Corps mission.

That will continue throughout the remainder of this deployment and wherever our nation needs the Marine Corps in the future.

Before I ask for questions, I'll tell you that I won't discuss casualties out of respect for grieving families. And in some cases, the notifications of next of kin are continuing.

I also can't discuss tactical details of combat operations. And with that, I'll take questions.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

STALDER: We've had no discussions about extending the stay of those Marines currently in Iraq.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

STALDER: The total length of the deployment will be about seven months. There are a few Marines and sailors who will stay a bit longer than that.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

STALDER: Most of the Marines that are currently in Iraq fought in the active combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom that began last March. We returned to the United States in October, and then redeployed beginning in February. And of course, operations continue there today.

QUESTION: Are all the casualties (OFF-MIKE) recently deployed, like, February or March?

STALDER: I can't get into that.

STALDER: I'm sorry.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

STALDER: Certainly, there's concern that the families see the news. They understand that there have been casualties in Iraq. They, of course, anticipate that some of that may affect them. Our support structures and our family readiness programs help assure them that everything that can be done is being done and to notify the friends and families of any of the casualties as quickly as possible.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

STALDER: We went fully prepared to engage and kill the enemy wherever they chose to fight. And we're doing that right now. We're winning every firefight we engage in there.

QUESTION: Has there been a difference in how the redeployment is waging the battle versus the first time around? Are you seeing (OFF- MIKE)

STALDER: We were in the south central portion of Iraq in our previous deployment there, and we are currently deployed in the western portion of Iraq. It's a different enemy and a different terrain, but it's the same mission.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

STALDER: I'm sorry, ma'am. I can't hear you.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

STALDER: Well, we went prepared to deal with any situation that we found in terms of our capability to conduct effective combat operations and take care of the Marines and sailors.

So preparations really began long before our Marines and sailors left Camp Pendleton and other bases throughout the country.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

STALDER: We always look at contingency plans and contingency operations. And the commanders on the ground do that continuously, as they are right now.

PHILLIPS: Major General Keith Salder, deputy commander general for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, holding a news conference there at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. It's one of the biggest Marine bases there.

As the report of 12 Marines killed in a battle in the city of Ramadi comes in, the major general talking about at least eight of the Marines based at Camp Pendleton were killed this week in that firefight.

Major General Keith Salder making the point, though, that still, quote, "We are winning every firefight that we engage in."

Another live event that we are monitoring for you, John Kerry, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A town hall meeting with Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle. He's talking about his plans for jobs and the economy. We're going to get to that in just a few minutes. He is being introduced. We'll dip into that live when he come up to the microphone.

Political pressure in part, but Condoleezza Rice on the hot seat before the 9/11 commission. The White House caved to pressure after initially refusing to let Rice testify, citing executive privilege.

So what effect could Rice's testimony have on the election? CNN political analyst Carlos Watson joins me now live from Miami.

Hi, Carlos.

CARLOS WATSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Hey.

PHILLIPS: All right. Let's first talk about, from the perspective of a number of the families and Democrats, the talk of a cover-up that took place today.

WATSON: I think, Kyra -- I mean, over the couple of hours worth of testimony, you clearly heard a number of topics covered. But ultimately, I think you're going to find a number of Republicans who previously supported the president feeling good about it.

But I think you'll find a number of Democrats, and as you saw earlier on your own show, a number of families feeling that, in all honesty, this was a fairly ineffectual two- to three-hour session. That not a lot of new information came up.

And I think that one of the potential ramifications of this feeling that I'm sure they're going to continue to express publicly, I think people will start looking at the commission itself and start asking questions about who is on the commission and why didn't they push harder on some of the issues that the family thinks should be explored.

PHILLIPS: Condoleezza Rice, was she well coached, was she riveting? What did you make of what she had to say and how she carried herself and the tone?

WATSON: Strong performance. She didn't stumble; she didn't stutter. She commanded a lot of information, both historical and otherwise.

But you heard a pretty serious exchange with Senator Bob Kerrey, where he accused her of filibustering, meaning that, knowing that most of the questioners only had ten minutes, that she gave particularly long answers.

Now from her perspective, she would say, "These are complicated and controversial issues, so I had to air my perspective. And don't ask me a simple -- an important question and not expect a full answer."

But ultimately, I don't think that she probably convinced a number of those family members, and a number of people who currently see this as a misguided effort that, in fact, all due care was put into the process. PHILLIPS: Let's talk about the politics of the commission. You and I were talking about this early on. Diversity. Interesting point you made.

WATSON: You know, if you look at the commission, it looks a lot of ways like a 1950s country club. You've got 10 members. Nine of the 10 are men. All 10 are white. There are no members of color.

And certainly, when people step back from this, and particularly the families who probably felt a number of times like penetrating questions weren't really being asked, I think a lot of people are going to step back and say, how did this commission get put together and who, indeed, ended up on it? Why weren't there more women? Why weren't there, perhaps, some members of the families involved?

So I think some questions. I think you'll start to see some articles about who were the commission members and how did this come together?

PHILLIPS: Carlos Watson. Hold on, we're going to talk some more. John Kerry coming up, too, in Wisconsin. Thanks so much.

WATSON: Good to see you.

PHILLIPS: All right.

Well, the most prestigious golf tournament in the world tees off today. The weather is a big factor and may help bring down scores. A live report after a break.

Also, a deadly shark in Hawaii: where it happened and what's being done to warn surfers and swimmers.

Later, what forced part of the busiest airport in America to shut down for hours?

ANNOUNCER: You're watching LIVE FROM on CNN, the most trusted name in news.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, a check of news across America now.

Off the picturesque shoreline of the Hawaiian island of Maui, a deadly short attack. A 57-year-old surfer was fatally attacked about 300 yards off the beach. Police say it's the first confirmed deadly shark incident in Hawaii in nearly 12 years.

Here in Atlanta, a flammable device sparks a federal probe. The FBI is investigating the discovery of an incendiary device in a bathroom at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. A small area of the airport was evacuated. Sources say the device was found in the men's bathroom, taped to a cell phone.

Down in the Delta, a federal probe is also under way into this week's deadly Amtrak derailment in Mississippi. The National Transportation Safety Board plans to interview the train's crew today. CN Railway, which owns the track, says the rails were inspected on Sunday. A 68-year-old passenger was killed, and nearly 60 others were hurt in Tuesday's derailment.

Let's take you live to Milwaukee, Wisconsin right now. Presidential hopeful John Kerry in a town hall meeting with Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle.

Let's listen in.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: ... the images that have not been as present as they might be to Americans, but the images of a tank being hit by a rocket, RPG, the images of the wounded, our soldiers, our young men scrambling out of the tank, bloody.

And I think no American can see those images and then the images that followed of a father right here in Wisconsin, Mr. Jerabek (ph), whose son Ryan Jerabek (ph) -- if I'm pronouncing it correctly, I hope -- if I'm not, I ask forgiveness -- but he lives in Hobart.

And I saw in the captions underneath that he is a Vietnam veteran who did not really want his son to go in the Marines, but his son did what he believed was right and now he has made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, as have, I think, 15 soldiers in Wisconsin alone.

That is the price of serving your country. And we honor it every single one of us here today. We come here today, first and foremost, to say to our troops how proud we are of them, how grateful we are for their service to country, and how much we support them even as they carry out a difficult task and a difficult policy. No matter what our feelings about the war, we support the troops.

(APPLAUSE)

But leadership also requires that we ask the right questions and that we put forward the right policies for our country.

Last September, at the Brookings Institute, I made a speech where I laid out precisely what I thought we ought to do in Iraq and with Iraq and about Iraq.

Again in December of last year, at the Council on Foreign Relations, I repeated the steps we ought to take precisely in order to deal with Iraq.

I believe it is the role of the president of the United States to maximize the ability to be successful and to minimize the cost to the American people, both financially and in lives.

KERRY: That's common sense. And here, today, once again we are asking the question: Why is the United States of America almost alone in carrying this burden and the risks which the world has a stake in? There's no Arab country that is advanced by a failed Iraq. No European country is made safer by a failed Iraq. And yet those countries are distinctly absent from the risk-bearing of this effort.

Why? I think Americans have a right to ask why. And the answer to that question lies in both those speeches I made and in the steps which are staring us in the face. This is essentially -- essentially, not exclusively, but essentially -- an American occupation.

If you were to ask any student in college, first year of foreign policy, do you think it's a good idea for the United States of America almost alone to occupy a Middle Eastern nation, what do you think the answer would be?

AUDIENCE: No.

KERRY: But that's precisely what we're doing. So once again, I say that we ought to be engaged in a bold, clear, startlingly honest appeal to the world to see the interest. And we should be engaged in the diplomacy that is prepared to share, with all of those other countries that we need to come to the table, the decision-making and the responsibility, and that is how we will resolve this issue.

(APPLAUSE)

KERRY: So it is my hope that in the days ahead and let me make it clear: We must be successful. No one's security is advanced by a failed Iraq. But we deserve an effort that maximizes the opportunity for success and minimizes the spending of American dollars and lives in the effort to achieve what is, after all, in the interests of people all across this planet.

So I hope that in the days ahead common sense and humility will begin to emerge in the approach of our nation and our policy so that we do not see month after month of these images and difficulties. And the president needs to explain to the American people: Who are we turning power over to on the 30th of June? What will we be protecting on the 30th of June?

(APPLAUSE)

Now, I came here today to talk about how we make America strong here at home. And I think all of you understand that we are in a special new moment in American politics. We are now engaged in the general election race, and it's different.

I notice President Bush is taking some days off down at Crawford, Texas, and I'm told that when he takes days off, you know, he totally relaxes. He doesn't watch television, he doesn't read the newspapers, he doesn't make long-term plans, he doesn't worry about the economy. I thought about that for a moment and I said, "Sounds to me like it's just like life in Washington, doesn't it?"

(LAUGHTER)

(APPLAUSE) Let me say to you seriously -- try and slip my coat off here; it's warm in here -- we are now marching down that incredible road that Americans get to go on where you choose not just who the next president of the United States, but you choose who is the next leader of the free world.

KERRY: And these choices will have a profound effect on your lives, the way Jim was just describing: What kinds of schools you're going to have; whether we're going to go forwards or backwards in clean air or clean water; what we're going to do with respect to our responsibility to our children?

Sherwin (ph), who told us a dramatic story about cuts that are going to have an impact; the kids that he works with are going to be hurt, not advanced, in these next days. And adults are knowingly going to stand by and watch while those children are hurt, even as we make a choice -- we -- "we" with quotation marks -- the Congress and the Republicans, to give the wealthiest people in the country another tax cut, while children's lives may be damaged.

Now, these are the choices of this campaign. Yesterday, I laid out the most fundamental part of this choice: our economy and how we put America back to work.

I am determined to put America back to work, and harness the creative energy of this country.

(APPLAUSE)

George Bush has promised, after September 11th, after the recession, that we would create 5.1 million jobs with his great big tax cuts. The result is we've lost about 2.8 million total, 1.8 million manufacturing jobs. Actually, it's about 2.5 million (ph) manufacturing. But it's net loss of about 1.8 million job.

But you know what? That's a difference; 5.1 million plus, down to 1.8 million negative, is a swing. The president is only 7 million jobs below his promise.

This is the first president, since the Great Depression and Herbert Hoover, to have a loss of jobs during his four years of the presidency.

KERRY: Now, it's not enough. You know, I'm not just going to stand here and say, "We lost the jobs," because that's not the whole story.

When people have lost their work, you don't just stand idly by and watch it breeze by while people can't afford to buy health insurance, while children get hurt, while people are unable to get the training they need to move to a new job.

This president this year is running around talking about job training, ladies and gentlemen. He put $120 million into job training. Guess what? He doesn't come back and tell you that over the last three and a half years he cut $1 billion -- $1 billion -- from job training...

PHILLIPS: Presidential hopeful John Kerry, holding a town meeting there in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, talking the war in Iraq. Also talking the economy. We'll continue to monitor what he has to say there. That coming to us via our affiliate, WTMJ.

We're going to take a quick break. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired April 8, 2004 - 13:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR: ... that could have prevented the 9/11 attacks. In hindsight, if anything might have helped stop 9/11, it would have been better information about threats inside the United States, something made very difficult by structural and legal impediments that prevented the collection and sharing of information by our law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KYRA PHILLIPS, ANCHOR: So how long -- or how is this playing out with the Bush administration? White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux, traveling with the president who's staying at his ranch in Texas.

Suzanne, what's the reaction?

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, we know that President Bush was actually watching Dr. Rice's testimony at his Crawford ranch. We're waiting to see whether or not the president is actually going to say something publicly about her performance.

But Bush aides are very pleased that she laid out the administration's case. As we have just heard before, that there was no silver bullet that could have prevented 9/11.

The big question here that she tried to answer was whether or not there was some sort of warning that came to the White House that the White House did not respond to.

This came up time and time again and really centers around this August 6 presidential daily brief, this PDB. It's regarding Osama bin Laden. Rice make the case that it lays out the history of Osama bin Laden's desire to go after the United States, but it did not pose some sort of threat, an imminent threat when the president received it.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RICE: There was nothing in this memo that suggested that an attack was coming on New York or Washington, D.C. There was nothing in this memo as to time, place, how or where. This was not a threat report to the president, or a threat report to...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We agree, there are no specifics. (END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Now, also, a rather contentious time. This was when she was talking about -- that the administration had a robust strategy to eliminate al Qaeda and that the president said he was tired of swatting flies.

Well, one of the commissioners took issue with that. Because he challenged her that the administration didn't go after the attack after the USS Cole.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BOB KERREY, 9/11 COMMISSION MEMBER: You said the president was tired of swatting flies. Can you tell me one example where the president swatted a fly when it came to al Qaeda, prior to 9/11?

RICE: I think what the president was speaking to...

KERREY: No, no, what fly had he swatted?

RICE: Well, the disruptions abroad was what he was really focusing on. When the CIA would go after...

KERREY: No, no, he hadn't swatted...

RICE: ... this guy and that is what was meant...

KERREY: Dr. Rice, we didn't -- We only swatted a fly once, on the 20th of August 1998. We didn't swat any flies afterwards. How the hell could he be tired?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Now, Dr. Rice said that there were essentially a lot problems here, that there were structural problem, legal problems, in terms of the FBI and the CIA talking to one another prior to September 11 but that this is a problem that occurred for years in administrations.

She also referred to the FBI and warned -- the warnings coming in the summer that summer of 2001, saying that they were not specific enough for the administration to react -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Suzanne Malveaux, thank you.

Now let's go from Texas to Washington, over to Capitol Hill. Congressional correspondent Joe Johns standing by live with reaction -- Joe.

JOE JOHNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, the reactions are still coming in. But frankly, both Democrat and Republicans are indicating to us their view that this was just about what they expected.

The vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia, spoke to us on CNN about it just a little while ago.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JAY ROCKEFELLER (D), WEST VIRGINIA: She fundamentally did not disagree with anything that Dick Clarke had said. That was meant to be one of the pressure points of the day. And that she did not dispute the fact they were distracted by a lot of other things, which prevented them from paying enough attention to the war on al Qaeda or the war on terrorism.

And, in fact, that they did get involved with Iraq rather early, which has led to disastrous consequences for the war on terrorism.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHNS (voice-over): Activist groups continue to question the credibility of the administration on September 11. Meanwhile, Republicans here on Capitol Hill are calling for unity. Among them, a number who spoke to reporters on camera over the past 20 minutes or so.

Meanwhile, Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the No. 2 Republican in the United States Senate, went to the floor while Dr. Rice was speaking to the commission. He leveled some charges at the commission itself.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL (R), KENTUCKY: Hopefully, the commission will identify additional methods to improve U.S. security, but forgive me for not being terribly optimistic. I figure the commission has lost sight of this goal and has become a political casualty of the electoral hunting season.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

JOHNS: Now, in some ways, both sides got just about what they say they wanted during this testimony of Dr. Rice. Democrats can say to some extent they put her on the defensive simply by bringing her before the commission. Republicans, on the other side, can say they don't believe anybody even laid a glove on her during the questioning -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Joe, when you talk to various leaders there on the Hill, what do they tell you with regard to feeling safer, now, versus pre-9/11?

JOHNS: Well, obviously that is a question, really, a political question here on Capitol Hill. Republicans will say, certainly, the United States is safer after 9/11, considering all the different measures that have been taken -- have taken place. A lot of Democrats, of course, dispute that.

That's one of those issues that will be debated straight through the election, Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Joe Johns, from Capitol Hill, thank you.

Now to Iraq.

Trouble continues to erupt in numerous hot spots. Here are some of the latest events.

Fighting persist in the Sunni stronghold of Fallujah, while in southern cities of Kut and Najaf, it's the Mehdi Army, the militia of Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. The Mehdi Army is also entrenched in the Baghdad neighborhood of Sadr City.

And the top U.S. general in Iraq, Rick Sanchez, vows that criminals and thugs will not control the destiny of Iraq. He says the military has launched Operation Resolute Sword, targeting al-Sadr's militia now that the group has taken such a violent anti-coalition stand.

Meanwhile, another insurgent tactic emerges. Seven South Korean citizens and three Japanese civilians abducted in separate incidents. CNN has now confirmed the South Koreans have been released.

But a statement from a previously unknown group calling today the Mujahideen Squadron says that it wants Japan to pull its troops from Iraq or it will burn the three alive.

Britain also says it's searching for a missing national last seen in Nasiriyah.

Now, we caution you about some dramatic and disturbing footage captured yesterday in Fallujah. We're about to show the reality of the conflict while also being sensitive, especially for those with families and friends with the Marine's 1st Expeditionary Force.

Two reporters were with the unit when one tank was hit by an RPG. One of the Marines radioed his commander, saying, "We just went too far into town, sir." While some of the injuries appear serious, all the injured Marines were walking wounded and were evacuated safely from the scene to a nearby military medical facility.

Now more on the apparent outbreak of civilian kidnappings at the hands of various Iraqi insurgent groups. We join our Jim Clancy in Baghdad with the latest -- Jim.

JIM CLANCY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, as if U.S. military officials didn't already have enough to worry about, now they have hostage taking on the list of concerns they have to deal with.

As you have told our audience now, there were three Japanese citizens who were taken hostage: two men and a woman. Two of them are journalists; one is an aid worker. The threats against them very serious.

This isn't the worst videotape. There was other videotape released showing knives being held to their throats, those hostages being terrorized amid demands that Japan withdraw from the coalition and pull its troops out of Iraq, even though those troops are only here for humanitarian and reconstruction purposes. They are not playing any military role.

Another potential real trouble spot, and that is two Israeli Arabs have been taken hostage by an unknown group. The Israeli Arabs were shown on videotape. One of them holds a U.S. driver's license from the state of Georgia. His name is Nabil Razzuq. Some of their identification cards were shown.

Perhaps there is some light in all of this today. There were seven South Korean missionaries, members of a Christian group that had come here to help in the reconstruction, the rebuilding of Iraq. They were taken and held for seven hours.

But they've had a joyous reunion with people here at the Palestine Hotel in Baghdad as they arrived safely. They were released.

This is not the first time that the Mehdi Army of Moqtada al-Sadr has briefly held foreigners. Journalists in the last few days have been held for a matter of hours before they convinced their captives that they were here just to cover the story. Then they were released.

Of course, Moqtada al-Sadr has been demanding that his top aide and other Arabs that are being held by the coalition be handed over, be released. The coalition is holding firm.

There were reports earlier in the day, coming right from Moqtada al-Sadr's spokesman, that he was try to negotiate with the U.S. He says, though, he was expecting a response today. Instead, the U.S. military came in and destroyed al-Sadr's office in Sadr City.

Back to you.

PHILLIPS: Jim Clancy, live from Baghdad, thank you.

And the latest Pentagon statistics report that at least 637 U.S. troops have died since the beginning of the war in Iraq. Reporter Becky Freemal from our affiliate in Green Bay, Wisconsin, WBAY, reminds us that behind each number on that casualty list is a name, a story and a terrible loss.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KEN JERABEK, FATHER: We have everything he sent us. We kept everything that he -- all his letters.

BECKY FREEMAL, WBAY CORRESPONDENT (VOICE-OVER): a scrapbook full of pictures and letters is now a lasting treasure Ken Jerabek has of his son's last few months of life as a Marine.

JERABEK: He had such a love for this country. It was unbelievable. And that's why he joined the United States Marine Corps. He wanted to make a change in the world. And he thought he could do it.

FREEMAL: News of Private 1st Class Marine Ryan Jerabek's death arrived at his family's doorstep several hours after he was killed in Iraq.

JERABEK: At 8:30 in the evening, two United States Marine Corps officers came here and informed us that my son had delivered the ultimate for his country.

FREEMAL: As Ken grieves his son's death, he was quick to remind he's not alone, that at this moment, several other families are dealing with the same loss.

JERABEK: He went in with another boy from Pulaski, and the buddy system in the Marine Corps, and I pray to God that he doesn't have to go over there.

FREEMAL: Ever since the news a constant stream of friend and family stop by. Not far off, the family's flag flies at half-staff.

JERABEK: He was a wonderful boy. It's going to be a deep, deep hole for a long, long, long, long time.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PHILLIPS: We'd like to thank reporter Becky Freemal from our affiliate, WBAY in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Straight ahead, images of war you don't see in America. Millions of viewers, a very different view. How are Arab TV networks covering the war?

The 9/11 panel and politics. Did Condoleezza Rice help or hurt her boss's changes of helping his job?

And a new use for the little blue friend. A dose of Viagra in our health headlines. Straight ahead on LIVE FROM.

ANNOUNCER: You're watching LIVE FROM on CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WEATHER REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, before Condoleezza Rice decided to testify, several families of 9/11 victims were critical of the national security advisor.

Matt Sellitto was among those who wanted Rice to testify publicly. His son was killed in the attack on the World Trade Center.

Mr. Sellitto, we're glad you're with us today. Thank you.

MATT SELLITTO, FATHER OF 9/11 VICTIM: Thank you very much.

PHILLIPS: Well, first, why don't you talk to us about your son?

SELLITTO: Well my son was a unique individual. He graduated from the University of Vermont and went to work in December of 2000 and went to work for Cantor Fitzgerald in February of 2001. It was his goal to go there and get involved in the financial world and climb up the ladder of success.

PHILLIPS: Now you've been involved in this fight for justice for you and for your son.

As you sat back and listened to Condoleezza Rice today, sir, tell me about your impressions. What did you like? What did you not like?

SELLITTO: Well, first of all, I was very pleased that she did come in front of the commission.

But I think the American people must know something about the commission. And that is that the commission was started really because of the 9/11 families that demanded that the -- that what had happened that day be looked into.

We first met with Tom Kean -- I belong to a group called Family Members to Prevent Terrorism (ph) and we met with Tom Kean before the committee meetings. And he explained to us that he had a budget of $3 million.

Well, you know that is ridiculous in this time and age to have the most horrific disaster on our land looked into with a $3 million budget. Through family members' fight, the budget was raised to $12 million.

And then the committee was supposed to end in May. Through families' insistence it has prolonged two more months.

Condoleezza Rice was not supposed to sit in front of the committee. But, again, through family pressure. The president said himself he would not sit in front of the commission. Then said that he would give an hour of his time to the commission. And now has said that he will give whatever time is needed.

The point of this is it gives a bad impression to the American people when it's like pulling teeth to find out from the administration things that they have knowledge of. It leads people to think they are hiding thing.

Now, Condoleezza Rice said today that there's no silver bullet. Well, no, there may not be a silver bullet, but we did know at the time before 9/11 that there were two terrorists in our country. We knew at that time that there were Saudi Arabians here with unfulfilled passports that were taking classes on flights. We knew this prior to 9/11.

PHILLIPS: So do you believe that there are a number of cover-ups going on? Even though these hearings are taking places, do you still believe that the truth is still not being told?

SELLITTO: Well, what should I believe? When someone tells me, "I want this commission to find out what went wrong, how it went wrong, and what we can do to prevent this from ever happening again, but I won't give you certain information," how are you supposed to view that?

PHILLIPS: Sir, do you feel any peace, any justice at all?

SELLITTO: I absolutely do, that it's still in the forefront. I believe that, through people like Tom Kean, the -- who's running the commission, that his doggedness is helping find out the truth.

But, again, I'll go back to the administration holding out evidence, or calling it confidential. Well, why do they release certain part of the confidentiality, parts that will let the administration and Dr. Rice look like they did the right things, but refuse to let other pieces of information out?

PHILLIPS: Matt Sellitto, thank you for your time today.

SELLITTO: You're quite welcome.

PHILLIPS: Other news across the world now.

In Afghanistan, a bumper crop of poppies destined for destruction. The Afghan government, the U.S. and Great Britain among the countries joining forces trying to destroy thousands of acres of the illegal opiate. U.S. intelligence has linked profit from Afghanistan' poppy exports to terrorist groups.

In the Vatican City, the pope leads a mass of the faithful amid tight security at St. Peter's basilica. Pope John Paul II reminded priests their behavior must always be exemplary. The Catholic Church is still reeling from sex scandals, tarnishing its image in western countries, including the U.S.

And near Hong Kong, China, a crusty crocodile escapes again. The renegade reptile has eluded capture for five months now. It was spotted sunbathing on traps set for its capture. But a boatload of press photographers scared it away. Experts believe the crocodile was once a pet or escaped from an exotic animal farm.

Looking now at health news: High blood pressure and high cholesterol can be a prescription for heart disease.

A small study published in the "New England Journal of Medicine" suggests a new drug called torcetrapib may help prevent heart attacks by boosting the level of HDL, the good cholesterol. It also reduced LBL, the bad cholesterol.

The study was partially paid for by Pfizer, the drug's maker.

New medical research shows Viagra can do more than just pump up the sex drives of men who take it. A study shows the tiny blue pill also benefits people with pulmonary hypertension, a condition in which pressure build-up in the lungs' circulation can ultimate cause heart failure.

Last year's food poisoning linked to Chi-Chi's restaurants in four states was jut a handful of the thousands of cases reported in the U.S. each year. Doctors usually decide the classic symptoms of the illness are nothing to get excited about, but the federal government is launching a new educational campaign to get health care workers looking more closely at possible case of food poisoning.

Fierce fighting in Iraq. Coalition forces stamping out insurgents. You're minutes away from a round up of the latest developments in a very violent day in Iraq.

Deadly shark attack. A surfer off the coast of island paradise. We've got details later on LIVE FROM.

JOSIE BURKE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Josie Burke in Augusta, Georgia, where the 68th Masters is under way. Will Tiger Woods break his major drought? Will Phil Mickelson finally break through? We'll get some answers to those questions from a golf insider, coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Chaos and kidnappings in Iraq. After a bloody battle in Fallujah, Shiite Muslim militants hold partial control over three southern Iraqi cities.

Meanwhile, seven South Korean missionaries kidnapped in Iraq have been released. Militants are now kidnapping internationals to put pressure on U.S. allies in Iraq.

A warlord carries out war in Afghanistan. The militant forces of warlord Abdul-Rashid Dostum overtook a remote northern province today. That warlord opposes Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Back in 2001, Dostum was a key factor in the U.S.-led defeat of the Taliban.

In Wisconsin, it's all about the cheese. That's dollars, not dairy. Presidential candidate John Kerry in Wisconsin touting his economic plan. He's promising to cut the federal deficit in half in four years.

Kerry is holding a town meeting in Milwaukee this hour.

Fighting continues in Fallujah at the heart of the Sunni Triangle. Top U.S. General Rick Sanchez says that the Marines and Iraqi Civil Defense Corps have made tremendous progress in restoring legitimate authority to Fallujah and describes the fighting there today as moderate.

Nonetheless, some of the battles are intense. Twelve Marines killed Tuesday in nearby Ramadi. When asked if he sees shadows of Vietnam in recent fighting, Sanchez rejected that comparison, calling them two totally different battlefields.

Live to Oceanside, California, now at Camp Pendleton, the home -- one of the biggest bases for Marines. News conference now with regard to those 12 Marines that were killed in Ramadi.

MJR. GEN. KEITH STALDER, 1ST MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE: Well, good morning, everybody.

As most of you know, the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force has experienced a number of casualties, both killed and wounded, in the last few days. And I want to offer my condolences to all the families and friends of those Marines who were killed and wounded.

It's a tragedy every time we lose a loved one and that precious national asset, our United States Marines and sailors.

While many of the nation's eyes are tuned to our current efforts in Iraq to complete the security and stabilization operations that we need there, there is another part of that team that is back here at Camp Pendleton.

They are the Marines, civilians, sailors and families at Camp Pendleton, Miramar, Twentynine Palms, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Reserve sites all over the United States.

They are committed to the full support of our Marines and sailors serving in Iraq today. The Marine Corps ethos has always been to take care of our own. And we want you to know today that we're also committed to supporting those who remain behind here, those who are providing the support and those who have sent their loved ones into this cause.

We support each other by ensuring that everyone knows our mission and why it's important to the country. We ensure personnel and support teams are prepared to succeed in their various missions. And we also continue to ensure that family members have what they need, to include information about their deployed Marines and sailors.

This process started long before our forces left California.

Before our personnel deploy, they are trained and equipped to be the most capable organization possible for the mission ahead of them, regardless of the destination. And at the same time, the families of our military personnel come together and organize themselves to learn about their loved one's deployment and to prepare for the separation.

This preparation includes focusing on legal, spiritual, medical and practical matters. Those preparations have various effects. Our Marines and sailors are prepared for whatever mission their country may need them for. They are able to focus on the mission ahead, knowing that their loved ones understand the importance of the sacrifices they are about to make. They know their families are not alone, and that there are fellow Marines, sailors, spouses and organizations that will help their families while they are away.

When we ask about the sacrifices Marine families make, they do so in partnership with their military spouses. They understand the importance of the cause that we fight for, and that knowledge gives them the strength they need to endure separation, loneliness, fear and sometimes even loss. STALDER: Finally, the various support structures in place, including commands, spouses, family readiness, key volunteers and various community support, allow us to help and encourage families and provide assistance wherever needed and to help them with military matters whenever they come up. No one is alone in this mission.

We would like to thank those who have expressed their prayers and support to the families and friends of our recent losses in battle. The continued support means a lot to us.

Still, I want to assure everyone we are taking excellent care of those military members and their families whenever they are engaged in the Marine Corps mission.

That will continue throughout the remainder of this deployment and wherever our nation needs the Marine Corps in the future.

Before I ask for questions, I'll tell you that I won't discuss casualties out of respect for grieving families. And in some cases, the notifications of next of kin are continuing.

I also can't discuss tactical details of combat operations. And with that, I'll take questions.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

STALDER: We've had no discussions about extending the stay of those Marines currently in Iraq.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

STALDER: The total length of the deployment will be about seven months. There are a few Marines and sailors who will stay a bit longer than that.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

STALDER: Most of the Marines that are currently in Iraq fought in the active combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom that began last March. We returned to the United States in October, and then redeployed beginning in February. And of course, operations continue there today.

QUESTION: Are all the casualties (OFF-MIKE) recently deployed, like, February or March?

STALDER: I can't get into that.

STALDER: I'm sorry.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

STALDER: Certainly, there's concern that the families see the news. They understand that there have been casualties in Iraq. They, of course, anticipate that some of that may affect them. Our support structures and our family readiness programs help assure them that everything that can be done is being done and to notify the friends and families of any of the casualties as quickly as possible.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

STALDER: We went fully prepared to engage and kill the enemy wherever they chose to fight. And we're doing that right now. We're winning every firefight we engage in there.

QUESTION: Has there been a difference in how the redeployment is waging the battle versus the first time around? Are you seeing (OFF- MIKE)

STALDER: We were in the south central portion of Iraq in our previous deployment there, and we are currently deployed in the western portion of Iraq. It's a different enemy and a different terrain, but it's the same mission.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

STALDER: I'm sorry, ma'am. I can't hear you.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

STALDER: Well, we went prepared to deal with any situation that we found in terms of our capability to conduct effective combat operations and take care of the Marines and sailors.

So preparations really began long before our Marines and sailors left Camp Pendleton and other bases throughout the country.

QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE)

STALDER: We always look at contingency plans and contingency operations. And the commanders on the ground do that continuously, as they are right now.

PHILLIPS: Major General Keith Salder, deputy commander general for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, holding a news conference there at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. It's one of the biggest Marine bases there.

As the report of 12 Marines killed in a battle in the city of Ramadi comes in, the major general talking about at least eight of the Marines based at Camp Pendleton were killed this week in that firefight.

Major General Keith Salder making the point, though, that still, quote, "We are winning every firefight that we engage in."

Another live event that we are monitoring for you, John Kerry, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A town hall meeting with Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle. He's talking about his plans for jobs and the economy. We're going to get to that in just a few minutes. He is being introduced. We'll dip into that live when he come up to the microphone.

Political pressure in part, but Condoleezza Rice on the hot seat before the 9/11 commission. The White House caved to pressure after initially refusing to let Rice testify, citing executive privilege.

So what effect could Rice's testimony have on the election? CNN political analyst Carlos Watson joins me now live from Miami.

Hi, Carlos.

CARLOS WATSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Hey.

PHILLIPS: All right. Let's first talk about, from the perspective of a number of the families and Democrats, the talk of a cover-up that took place today.

WATSON: I think, Kyra -- I mean, over the couple of hours worth of testimony, you clearly heard a number of topics covered. But ultimately, I think you're going to find a number of Republicans who previously supported the president feeling good about it.

But I think you'll find a number of Democrats, and as you saw earlier on your own show, a number of families feeling that, in all honesty, this was a fairly ineffectual two- to three-hour session. That not a lot of new information came up.

And I think that one of the potential ramifications of this feeling that I'm sure they're going to continue to express publicly, I think people will start looking at the commission itself and start asking questions about who is on the commission and why didn't they push harder on some of the issues that the family thinks should be explored.

PHILLIPS: Condoleezza Rice, was she well coached, was she riveting? What did you make of what she had to say and how she carried herself and the tone?

WATSON: Strong performance. She didn't stumble; she didn't stutter. She commanded a lot of information, both historical and otherwise.

But you heard a pretty serious exchange with Senator Bob Kerrey, where he accused her of filibustering, meaning that, knowing that most of the questioners only had ten minutes, that she gave particularly long answers.

Now from her perspective, she would say, "These are complicated and controversial issues, so I had to air my perspective. And don't ask me a simple -- an important question and not expect a full answer."

But ultimately, I don't think that she probably convinced a number of those family members, and a number of people who currently see this as a misguided effort that, in fact, all due care was put into the process. PHILLIPS: Let's talk about the politics of the commission. You and I were talking about this early on. Diversity. Interesting point you made.

WATSON: You know, if you look at the commission, it looks a lot of ways like a 1950s country club. You've got 10 members. Nine of the 10 are men. All 10 are white. There are no members of color.

And certainly, when people step back from this, and particularly the families who probably felt a number of times like penetrating questions weren't really being asked, I think a lot of people are going to step back and say, how did this commission get put together and who, indeed, ended up on it? Why weren't there more women? Why weren't there, perhaps, some members of the families involved?

So I think some questions. I think you'll start to see some articles about who were the commission members and how did this come together?

PHILLIPS: Carlos Watson. Hold on, we're going to talk some more. John Kerry coming up, too, in Wisconsin. Thanks so much.

WATSON: Good to see you.

PHILLIPS: All right.

Well, the most prestigious golf tournament in the world tees off today. The weather is a big factor and may help bring down scores. A live report after a break.

Also, a deadly shark in Hawaii: where it happened and what's being done to warn surfers and swimmers.

Later, what forced part of the busiest airport in America to shut down for hours?

ANNOUNCER: You're watching LIVE FROM on CNN, the most trusted name in news.

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PHILLIPS: Well, a check of news across America now.

Off the picturesque shoreline of the Hawaiian island of Maui, a deadly short attack. A 57-year-old surfer was fatally attacked about 300 yards off the beach. Police say it's the first confirmed deadly shark incident in Hawaii in nearly 12 years.

Here in Atlanta, a flammable device sparks a federal probe. The FBI is investigating the discovery of an incendiary device in a bathroom at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. A small area of the airport was evacuated. Sources say the device was found in the men's bathroom, taped to a cell phone.

Down in the Delta, a federal probe is also under way into this week's deadly Amtrak derailment in Mississippi. The National Transportation Safety Board plans to interview the train's crew today. CN Railway, which owns the track, says the rails were inspected on Sunday. A 68-year-old passenger was killed, and nearly 60 others were hurt in Tuesday's derailment.

Let's take you live to Milwaukee, Wisconsin right now. Presidential hopeful John Kerry in a town hall meeting with Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle.

Let's listen in.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: ... the images that have not been as present as they might be to Americans, but the images of a tank being hit by a rocket, RPG, the images of the wounded, our soldiers, our young men scrambling out of the tank, bloody.

And I think no American can see those images and then the images that followed of a father right here in Wisconsin, Mr. Jerabek (ph), whose son Ryan Jerabek (ph) -- if I'm pronouncing it correctly, I hope -- if I'm not, I ask forgiveness -- but he lives in Hobart.

And I saw in the captions underneath that he is a Vietnam veteran who did not really want his son to go in the Marines, but his son did what he believed was right and now he has made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, as have, I think, 15 soldiers in Wisconsin alone.

That is the price of serving your country. And we honor it every single one of us here today. We come here today, first and foremost, to say to our troops how proud we are of them, how grateful we are for their service to country, and how much we support them even as they carry out a difficult task and a difficult policy. No matter what our feelings about the war, we support the troops.

(APPLAUSE)

But leadership also requires that we ask the right questions and that we put forward the right policies for our country.

Last September, at the Brookings Institute, I made a speech where I laid out precisely what I thought we ought to do in Iraq and with Iraq and about Iraq.

Again in December of last year, at the Council on Foreign Relations, I repeated the steps we ought to take precisely in order to deal with Iraq.

I believe it is the role of the president of the United States to maximize the ability to be successful and to minimize the cost to the American people, both financially and in lives.

KERRY: That's common sense. And here, today, once again we are asking the question: Why is the United States of America almost alone in carrying this burden and the risks which the world has a stake in? There's no Arab country that is advanced by a failed Iraq. No European country is made safer by a failed Iraq. And yet those countries are distinctly absent from the risk-bearing of this effort.

Why? I think Americans have a right to ask why. And the answer to that question lies in both those speeches I made and in the steps which are staring us in the face. This is essentially -- essentially, not exclusively, but essentially -- an American occupation.

If you were to ask any student in college, first year of foreign policy, do you think it's a good idea for the United States of America almost alone to occupy a Middle Eastern nation, what do you think the answer would be?

AUDIENCE: No.

KERRY: But that's precisely what we're doing. So once again, I say that we ought to be engaged in a bold, clear, startlingly honest appeal to the world to see the interest. And we should be engaged in the diplomacy that is prepared to share, with all of those other countries that we need to come to the table, the decision-making and the responsibility, and that is how we will resolve this issue.

(APPLAUSE)

KERRY: So it is my hope that in the days ahead and let me make it clear: We must be successful. No one's security is advanced by a failed Iraq. But we deserve an effort that maximizes the opportunity for success and minimizes the spending of American dollars and lives in the effort to achieve what is, after all, in the interests of people all across this planet.

So I hope that in the days ahead common sense and humility will begin to emerge in the approach of our nation and our policy so that we do not see month after month of these images and difficulties. And the president needs to explain to the American people: Who are we turning power over to on the 30th of June? What will we be protecting on the 30th of June?

(APPLAUSE)

Now, I came here today to talk about how we make America strong here at home. And I think all of you understand that we are in a special new moment in American politics. We are now engaged in the general election race, and it's different.

I notice President Bush is taking some days off down at Crawford, Texas, and I'm told that when he takes days off, you know, he totally relaxes. He doesn't watch television, he doesn't read the newspapers, he doesn't make long-term plans, he doesn't worry about the economy. I thought about that for a moment and I said, "Sounds to me like it's just like life in Washington, doesn't it?"

(LAUGHTER)

(APPLAUSE) Let me say to you seriously -- try and slip my coat off here; it's warm in here -- we are now marching down that incredible road that Americans get to go on where you choose not just who the next president of the United States, but you choose who is the next leader of the free world.

KERRY: And these choices will have a profound effect on your lives, the way Jim was just describing: What kinds of schools you're going to have; whether we're going to go forwards or backwards in clean air or clean water; what we're going to do with respect to our responsibility to our children?

Sherwin (ph), who told us a dramatic story about cuts that are going to have an impact; the kids that he works with are going to be hurt, not advanced, in these next days. And adults are knowingly going to stand by and watch while those children are hurt, even as we make a choice -- we -- "we" with quotation marks -- the Congress and the Republicans, to give the wealthiest people in the country another tax cut, while children's lives may be damaged.

Now, these are the choices of this campaign. Yesterday, I laid out the most fundamental part of this choice: our economy and how we put America back to work.

I am determined to put America back to work, and harness the creative energy of this country.

(APPLAUSE)

George Bush has promised, after September 11th, after the recession, that we would create 5.1 million jobs with his great big tax cuts. The result is we've lost about 2.8 million total, 1.8 million manufacturing jobs. Actually, it's about 2.5 million (ph) manufacturing. But it's net loss of about 1.8 million job.

But you know what? That's a difference; 5.1 million plus, down to 1.8 million negative, is a swing. The president is only 7 million jobs below his promise.

This is the first president, since the Great Depression and Herbert Hoover, to have a loss of jobs during his four years of the presidency.

KERRY: Now, it's not enough. You know, I'm not just going to stand here and say, "We lost the jobs," because that's not the whole story.

When people have lost their work, you don't just stand idly by and watch it breeze by while people can't afford to buy health insurance, while children get hurt, while people are unable to get the training they need to move to a new job.

This president this year is running around talking about job training, ladies and gentlemen. He put $120 million into job training. Guess what? He doesn't come back and tell you that over the last three and a half years he cut $1 billion -- $1 billion -- from job training...

PHILLIPS: Presidential hopeful John Kerry, holding a town meeting there in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, talking the war in Iraq. Also talking the economy. We'll continue to monitor what he has to say there. That coming to us via our affiliate, WTMJ.

We're going to take a quick break. We'll be right back.

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