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Awaiting Hurricane Jeanne; Allawi Meets Rumsfeld; Iran and the U.N.: Growing Interest Over Nukes; Bush Speaks in Wisconsin
Aired September 24, 2004 - 13:59 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.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Well, here we go again. Floridians are boarding up and packing up as they gear up for another big hurricane. Hurricane Jeanne is barreling toward Florida's east coast.
The latest projections have the Category 2 storm coming ashore in Florida on Sunday. Governor Jeb Bush talked about the seemingly never-ending hurricane cycle earlier today.
Let's go straight to CNN's Orelon Sidney and get the latest on Jeanne's whereabouts and it's projected path -- Orelon.
ORELON SIDNEY, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Thanks a lot.
Jeanne right now is about 200 miles away from Great Abaco Island off to the northeast. This is a visible satellite image we're looking at, the Viper, and showing you a pretty well-developed circulation, with an eye again showing up.
Earlier today, the eye wasn't very well organized and wasn't quite visible, but now very visible eye, very distinct banding features. So, this storm is certainly -- looks to me as if it's holding together, maybe actually strengthening over the next 36 hours.
Here's the latest: 100-mile-an-hour winds gusting up to 120. Currently a Category 2 storm moving to the west at nine miles an hour. And of course, there's the very famous looping track that it took over the past few days.
Here's what we think will be happening over the next few days. Category 2 by 8:00 p.m. tonight. Somewhere across the northern Bahamas as we go on into Saturday morning.
It is possible that the storm could strengthen as it moves through the Bahamas. As it makes its approach to Florida, it could be a strong 2, borderline 3 by 8:00 a.m. Sunday, looking at winds at 110 miles an hour. At 111, you've got a Category 3. So, that shows you how strong it has the potential to become.
As we go on then through the rest of Sunday and into Monday, here comes the turn up to the north through Jacksonville, close to Savannah. Of course, depending on how far it is on shore, the eye being on shore would make it diminish in strength quite a bit. If the center stayed off shore, it would take a long time for it to diminish in strength. So, got a busy weekend coming ahead.
From Florida City up to St. Augustine, hurricane watches in effect. Hurricane warning, of course, for the northern portion of the Bahamas.
You're going to start to see some thunderstorms perhaps across the Florida coast later this afternoon. But the real impacts, of course, will come later Saturday and early Sunday -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: All right, Orelon. Thanks.
Well, Floridians, already beaten and battered by hurricanes Charley, Frances and Ivan, are dreading Jeanne's arrival. Amanda Ober from CNN affiliate WESH, WESH, as we call it, takes a look at what family stands to lose this time around.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Now the roof was all off. You know, the carport and all that. And the back shed.
AMANDA OBER, REPORTER, WESH: Mary Neezer (ph) just moved it Barefoot Bay from Michigan. She says evacuating for Hurricane Frances took such a toll on her ill health, if Jeanne comes, she's staying put.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I mean, I can take a lot because I've been through a lot.
OBER (on camera): But this has pushed you over the edge?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This has -- this has really pushed me. I'm not going to evacuate. If they say come and you have to go, take me into jail then. Go ahead and take me to jail because I can't take another trip.
OBER (voice-over): Adding to Mary's stress, her daughter, son- in-law and three grandkids are now living in her mobile home. Frances left them homeless.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And we just weren't prepared. Not even close. And that kills me.
OBER (on camera): Mary's daughter and grandkids lived in this house, but it was condemned after Hurricane Frances. Not only had they had to bunk in with their mother, but a note on the door begs for a visit from an insurance adjuster.
(voice-over): The stress Hurricane Frances and now Jeanne have put on this one family is tremendous. And the fact that grandma is refusing to evacuate is another worry.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She makes her own decisions. I mean, I stand by them.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: If my heart doesn't get me, evacuating again, the hurricane will get me. So be it.
OBER: Hopefully the rest of Barefoot Bay won't feel that way if Jeanne threatens a visit. (END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Well, Floridians are hoping Jeanne's impact on Haiti isn't an indication of what is to come. Chaos has erupted in Haiti's hardest-hit city of Gonaives. Aid workers are trying to hand out food were mobbed by hungry people, some of whom haven't eaten in five days.
A majority of the 1,100 people killed in that storm lived in Gonaives. Another 300,000 people there are now homeless.
Switching gears a bit, Porter Goss takes the reins at the CIA with President Bush watch on. The former congressman from Florida took the oath of office at the White House today. And just yesterday, Goss was confirmed by the Senate over complaints from a number of Democrats that he's too politically partisan to head the CIA.
Now, President Bush and Senator Kerry are campaigning today in important swing states. At this hour, Bush is in Janesville, Wisconsin. Live pictures right now, as he has stepped in front of the crowd. And at last listen, he was addressing domestic matters, including healthcare, unemployment and education.
We're listening in. If the president makes any big news we'll let you know.
And this morning in Pennsylvania, Kerry detailed a seven-point plan to crush international terrorists like the ones behind 9/11. And he charged President Bush was slighting the war on terror by going into Iraq.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: The invasion of Iraq was a profound diversion from the battle against our greatest enemy, al Qaeda, which killed more than 3,000 people on 9/11, and which still plots our destruction today. And there's just no question about it. The president's misjudgment, miscalculation and mismanagement of the war in Iraq all make the war on terror harder to win.
Iraq is now what it was not before the war, a haven for terrorists. George Bush made Saddam Hussein the priority. I would have made Osama bin Laden the priority.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Kerry and Bush are to spar over foreign policy face to face in their scheduled debate next Thursday.
Well, Iraq's interim prime minister, Ayad Allawi, met one of the chief architects of the war in Iraq today. The U.S.-appointed leader went to the Pentagon to meet Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.
To find out what was on the agenda, let's bring in our Barbara Starr -- Barbara. BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, after the interim prime minister met with Donald Rumsfeld, Donald Rumsfeld met with reporters and talked again today about the theme that Iraq is a very tough place right now. There is increased violence, he said, but elections in January will take place.
Now, the secretary has warned it may not be possible to have voting everywhere across the country in Iraq if the violence continues. The hope is, of course, Iraqi forces will have it under control by January. But again, it's always possible, he added, that more international troops might be needed.
But what about the ultimate end game? What needs to happen before U.S. troops can come home from Iraq?
Well, the secretary today said, don't count on waiting around for Iraq to be a completely peaceful place. That, he said, may be a tall order. Here's a bit more of what he had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD RUMSFELD, DEFENSE SECRETARY: Any implication that that place has to be peaceful and perfect before we can reduce coalition and U.S. forces, I think, would obviously be wrong. Because it's never been peaceful and perfect. And it isn't likely to be. It's a tough part of the world.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STARR: The secretary also warning again today that that Sunni stronghold in Fallujah, west of Baghdad, which has been a sanctuary for terrorists, according to the U.S., that sanctuary will not be allowed to stand, that the military will move against those insurgents -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: All right. Barbara Starr live from the Pentagon. Thank you.
Well, the visit by Iraq's interim prime minister to the United States has fueled an already fiery debate. At issue, his statement that democracy is taking hold in Iraq despite relentless violence.
Here's CNN's Andrea Koppel.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANDREA KOPPEL, CNN STATE DEPT. CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Addressing skeptics head on, Prime Minister Allawi said the vast majority of Iraq could hold elections as soon as tomorrow.
AYAD ALLAWI, INTERIM IRAQI PRIME MINISTER: The Iraqi elections may not be perfect. They may not be the best elections that Iraq will ever hold. But they will take place. And they will be free and fair.
KOPPEL: But with only four months left before Election Day, privately U.S. and U.N. officials fear Iraq has neither the security nor the logistics in place for elections to go forward. President Bush says it's up to the United Nations to make sure Iraq is ready.
GEORGE W. BUSH (R), PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Prime Minister Allawi and I have urged the U.N. to send sufficient personnel to help ensure the success of Iraqi elections.
KOPPEL: Fewer than 10 U.N. election advisers are now in Baghdad. And Secretary-General Kofi Annan has told Mr. Bush he won't send any more until the security situation is stabilized and additional protection for U.N. staff is provided. So far, only the former Russian Republic of Georgia has offered to contribute to a U.N. protection force.
But even if security improves, experts say, Iraq still has a lot to do to prepare a credible framework for elections. Establish a list of eligible voters among Iraq's 27 million people, set up an estimated 30,000 polling sites, train about 130,000 election workers and educate voters. Another complicating factor, ensuring broad-based participation among Iraq's feuding ethnic and religious groups.
LES CAMPBELL, NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE: If Iraqis, Sunni, Kurd, Shia, Christian and otherwise are to feel that they are fully invested in a new Iraq, a democratic Iraq, they are going to have to have the opportunity to walk into a polling place and cast their vote for their leadership.
KOPPEL (on camera): Despite the positive words from Bush and Allawi, some U.S. officials behind the scenes acknowledge more pessimism that in reality it may be difficult to go ahead with elections as early as January. And if they did, worry whether Iraqis would accept the results as legitimate.
Andrea Koppel, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Blurring the line between fact and fiction. A filmmaker chooses the battlefields of Afghanistan to bring his artistic vision to life. Find out how real life forced its way into his drama.
Also up next, how the issue of security is influencing the so- called soccer moms. Their views may not be so different from your own.
Hitting the college gridiron with kids 20 years his junior? We're going to tell you about one man's inspirational story when we return.
PHILLIPS: Well, today at the U.N., increasing interest over the issue of Iran's nuclear capabilities. But Iran's foreign minister took to the podium and says his country, like every other, has the right to advance its own technology.
CNN U.N. correspondent Richard Roth has more on today's developments and an ongoing controversy. RICHARD ROTH, CNN UNITED NATIONS CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Kyra, It was Iran's turn and the rostrum of the General Assembly. And the foreign minister of Iran really didn't shed new light on that issue of whether Iran indeed is going for nuclear weapons and not just energy and peaceful purposes. Iran's foreign minister, Kamal Kharrazi.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KAMAL KHARRAZI, Iranian FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER (through translator): Access to technology for peaceful purposes is the only true incentive for the universality of these instruments. At the same time, the legitimate disarmament and nonproliferation concerns of the international community must be addressed through transparency and vigorous application of monitoring mechanisms.
Iran has always been prepared to contribute actively to this global effort. While we insist on our right to technology for peaceful purposes, we have left and will leave no stone unturned in order to provide assurances of our peaceful intentions.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ROTH: However, the U.S. says Iran does not have peaceful intentions and wants the nuclear Iran issue referred to the Security Council in November, which may lead to sanctions eventually if passed towards Iran -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Richard, what about letting the IAEA in there to inspect?
ROTH: Well, they've been there to certain places. They are going to present a report in November to the board of governors. And it will be up to the board to decide whether Iran is cooperating enough or whether it's time for the Security Council to step in.
PHILLIPS: Richard Roth live from the U.N. Thank you.
Well, they used to be called soccer moms. But the war on terror has changed all of that.
Suburban mothers increasingly concerned about the terrorism threat are now becoming security moms. And as Maria Hinojosa reports, they're a key demographic in an upcoming election.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MARIA HINOJOSA, CNN URBAN AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: Morning coffee at Johnny's Bagels can be a little chaotic.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It looks like a turtle.
HINOJOSA: But these mothers love the safety and tranquility of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm happy to be in a smaller place, but I don't think that makes it any safer in the broader sense. HINOJOSA: Now concern about terrorism and the safety of their young families has turned these soccer moms into security moms, women whose votes are very much in play in this battleground state.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We go out and get some girls' night out, and we do talk about politics.
HINOJOSA: At the nearby Nazareth Diner, when the talk turns to the upcoming presidential election, it's clear these Republican women feel safer with President Bush.
(on camera): What's the central issue for you?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He's sitting on my lap. I have a 6-month old and a 6-year-old. And my 6-year-old still has nightmares about burning buildings.
HINOJOSA: But terrorism has had a different effect on Jeremy's mother, Kim Plyer (ph). She grew up in the Lehigh Valley and served in the first Gulf War.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It just puzzles me that people could go on believing that this current administration is the one that's going to protect them when it's this current administration that got them into this situation.
HINOJOSA: She was standing in front of the Pentagon on September 11.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I have voted Republican in the past. I've been an Independent. And now I'm a Democrat.
I feel that Kerry is the best one to support us. He was in Vietnam. He knows what it's like to be in a war.
HINOJOSA: But those are exactly the reasons that have attracted these Republicans.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I feel more secure because President Bush has taken what happened to us on September 11 to their ground and has kept it away from our country.
HINOJOSA: Caroline Clifford (ph) has chosen John Kerry because she wants her toddler, Analyce (ph), to feel safe at home.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Just recently with the ban on assault weapons being lifted, I mean, right there I thought, "Why aren't we hearing more about this? How can Bush stand by and let this happen?"
HINOJOSA: Marissa Severez (ph) is speaking out because she's upset about the war.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We have not been told the truth. We were not told the truth about the invasion, the reason that we were invading Iraq. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Moms that are saying, "We're not getting the whole story," I don't know that they want to hear the whole story. And some of it needs to remain with the people that you have elected.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That's our security blanket, knowing that there's democracy...
(CROSSTALK)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I know, and in my heart I know that President Bush is looking out for these guys. I mean, in his heart he's doing what he thinks is best.
HINOJOSA: Maria Hinojosa, CNN, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Other news around the world now.
A dream come true for a Belgian mother who gave birth thanks to an ovarian tissue transplant. The 32-year-old mother had been fertile because of chemotherapy. But doctors removed ovarian tissue before the cancer treatment and froze it for use later.
Japan's crown princess made a rare public appearance today. After months of seclusion, the 40-year-old princess arrived at a train station north of Tokyo, along with Crown Prince Naruhito and their 2- year-old. Well, the princess has been suffering from a stress-induced disorder.
Yusuf Islam wants to know why he was denied entry into the United States. The singer formerly known as Cat Stevens says he wants to clear his name and make sure nothing similar happens again. Authorities say he was involved in activities potentially linked to terrorism.
"Promises, Promises." John Kerry and President Bush offering voters a lot when it comes to fixing the healthcare system. It's a complicated issue that many voters are scratching their heads about. Still to come, we're going to break down the details of each politician's plan.
And he's one of Hollywood's most famous action stars. But that doesn't stop Chuck Norris from listening to his mom. Find out why. I have a live interview with him coming up.
RHONDA SCHAFFLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Rhonda Schaffler live from the New York Stock Exchange. Desperate times call for desperate measures. U.S. Airways could be on the verge of forcing its workers to take a hefty pay cut. I'll tell you about the carrier's extreme move right after the break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: "News Across America" now. A missing South Carolina executive has been found dead. The body of 71-year-old James Cockman was found frozen in a rented storage unit. Police have arrested a Tennessee couple in connection with that death. They believe it resulted from a bungled carjacking.
Here comes the sun. The first solar win samples recovered from the crashed Genesis space capsule will be examined by researchers in California. The spacecraft slammed into the Utah desert earlier this month. Scientists say they may have recovered as much as 80 percent of that data.
A 39-year-old walk-on receiver nicknamed Pops has been given the green light to play college ball. Tim Frisby, a father of six, believes age is just an attitude.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TIM FRISBY, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA RECEIVER: Yes, I'm not out here just to stay in shape. You know, I give it 100 percent out there on the practice field and hopefully it pays off on the game field out here.
LOU HOLTZ, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA COACH: I mean, it's really incredible that a guy's desire -- and never once has he asked for any leniency or cut corners, or "I can't be here, I can't do that." Never once.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Hurricane Jeanne menaces Florida as many residents struggle to recover from three previous storms that slammed the state. Jeanne now appears to be on a collision course with the Sunshine State, where entire communities of families displaced by previous storms have sprung up.
CNN's John Zarrella reports.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): These are the children of Charley. This is their playground. They ride their bikes in a cul-de-sac at what up until the hurricane had been the Vizcaya Lakes Retirement Community in Port Charlotte.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh god. I messed up.
ZARRELLA: Now, on the still undeveloped parcels of land, sit 175 FEMA travel trailers. They are home to the children and families, to young and old, to people who lost everything.
Six-year-old Ashley Taylor is the first to greet her mom. Marnie is just coming home after her shift at Charlotte Regional Hospital. Since the 1st of September, a FEMA trailer has been home to Marnie, her husband, Richard, their three children, their Beagle, Lady, and her five pups. MARNIE TAYLOR, HURRICANE CHARLEY VICTIM: Everything was stripped from us in a matter of a couple of hours. We were lost. We had like no clue of what to do. You know, being homeless in a matter of hours, it's like devastating.
ZARRELLA: When they showed up here, the Taylors say they had $11 to their name. Their trailer home and everything in it had been flattened. They had slept in a tent with relatives and in hotels. FEMA's assistance, they say, saved them.
RICHARD TAYLOR, HURRICANE CHARLEY VICTIM: Come on, big boy. This is Mini-Me.
ZARRELLA: For up to 18 months they can live rent free. It gives them and the others here time to get back on their feet, and it gives their children time to forget about hurricanes.
R. TAYLOR: The thunder cloud is up, she's in -- she's right by somebody hanging on to them. She's really scared of them.
ZARRELLA: FEMA officials say they have 1,300 travel trailers and mobile homes ready for uninsured hurricane victims. Families are in 660 of them. Here, well over 100 of the 175 trailers are occupied.
FEMA officials say they are sure that before long all the travel trailers here will be full. They are sure because even now, more than a month after Hurricane Charley, people are still coming in who have no place else to live.
John Zarrella, CNN, Port Charlotte, Florida.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Live to Janesville, Wisconsin. President Bush talking war on terror. Let's listen in.
(BEGIN LIVE NEWS EVENT -- JOINED IN PROGRESS)
BUSH: ... the inspectors. I have a choice to make at this point. Do I take his word as a madman, do I forget the lessons of September the 11th, or take action to defend our country? Given that choice, I will defend America every time.
(APPLAUSE)
Thank you all. Thank you all. A couple of other things -- thanks. Thank you all.
AUDIENCE MEMBER: We love you, George!
BUSH: Thanks.
(LAUGHTER)
Thank you -- hold on for a minute.
(LAUGHTER)
I've got something else to tell you. A couple of other points before people start dropping out because of the heat.
(LAUGHTER)
The lesson is, is that when you put our troops in harm's way, you give them all the support they need.
(APPLAUSE)
That's why I went to Congress last September, a year ago, and said, we need $87 billion to support our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. It's important funding, really important funding. It provided for fuel and ammunition, spare parts, body armor, hazard pay, health benefits. That's important.
Fortunately, most members of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives knew how important it was. As a matter of fact, so -- the funding was so important, only 12 senators voted against it -- that's 12 out of 100 -- two of whom are my opponent and his running mate.
When you're out rounding the vote -- when you're out asking for the vote, remind people of this fact, this fact, that only four United States senators voted to authorize the use of force, and then didn't -- didn't fund -- did not vote "yes" to fund our troops. Four voted to authorize force, and then voted "no" when it came to the supplemental funding, two of those four were my opponent and his running mate.
So, they asked him. They said, why? And he said, well, I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it.
(LAUGHTER)
Then they went on and pressed him. He said, he's proud of his vote. And finally, he said, it's just a complicated matter.
(LAUGHTER)
There's nothing complicated about supporting our troops in combat.
(APPLAUSE)
We've got hard work to do in Iraq. The enemy in Iraq cannot beat our military, cannot defeat our military. The main tool they've got is the ability to shake our conscience, to affect our will. You know, we weep when we see a person be beheaded on our TV screens, and we weep for his families. That's what we do, because we've got a conscience in America.
We care deeply about every human life. We value human dignity in our society, and the enemy knows that. They know that they can shake our will and break our confidence in the mission. That's why it's very important for us to not send mixed signals to the world, not embolden these people, but remind them that when America gives it's word, America will keep it's word, that we will stand with the people of Iraq.
(APPLAUSE)
I met with the Prime Minister of Iraq yesterday. He's willing to do the hard work, too. He came to our country...
(APPLAUSE)
... he came to our country to thank the American people. He came to our country to thank the moms and dads and husbands and wives of those who have sacrificed for his freedom and America's security. That's what he came to do. He gave a strong speech. He's a strong man. The fellow -- he woke up one night in London, England -- he'd been in exile. And there was two people by his bed with axes sent by Saddam Hussein -- seriously -- to chop him up. And he survived. And now he's the Prime Minister of that country. He is -- he is going to lead this country...
(APPLAUSE)
... no matter how hard it gets, he will lead this country to a better day. He believes in the people of Iraq.
(APPLAUSE)
He spoke to the Congress. He gave a great speech to the Congress. He talked about his strategy of defeating the insurgents, of holding the elections in January. This country is going to have elections in January. Afghanistan is going to have them in October, and they'll be held in January.
And my opponent chose to criticize the Prime Minister of Iraq. This great man came to our country to talk about how he's risking his life for a free Iraq, which helps America, and Senator Kerry held a press conference and questioned Prime Minister Allawi's credibility.
You can't lead this country if your ally in Iraq feels like you question his credibility. The message ought to be to the Iraqi people, we support you. The message ought to be loud and clear: We'll stand with you if you do the hard work.
(APPLAUSE)
Earlier this week -- earlier this week, my opponent said he would prefer the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein to the situation in Iraq today. You know, I just strongly disagree. It's tough work, no question about it. We've done tough work before. But if Saddam Hussein were in power, our security would be threatened.
If Saddam Hussein -- in power, there'd still would be mass graves and torture chambers in Iraq. If Saddam Hussein were in power, the world would be better off, not -- the world would be worse off, not better off. And so I strongly disagree with the assessment of my opponent. I believe in liberty and I believe in freedom, and I believe liberty can change lives.
(APPLAUSE)
Two other points I want to make now that you got me going.
(LAUGHTER)
We've got great alliances. I talked to Prime Minister Tony Blair this morning, had a great talk with him. He's a good, strong leader. He sees what's happening around the world. He knows, like I know, that Iraq is a central front in the war on terror. We must whip the terrorists in Iraq so we don't have to face them here at home. That's exactly what we're seeing.
(APPLAUSE)
Prime Minister Allawi says that, Tony Blair says that, I say that because I understand the stakes for America. And Tony understands the stakes for Great Britain and the free world. We're challenged -- being challenged now, and we will rise to the challenge. I will continue to work with allies and friends.
You know, I, again, disagree with my opponent who called our alliance the alliance of the coerced and the bribed. You can't build alliances if you criticize the efforts of those who are working side- by-side with you. So we'll build alliances. But I assure you, I will never turn over America's national security decision to leaders of other countries.
(APPLAUSE)
OK, one more -- a couple more points. First, I want to thank all the veterans who are here. I see we've got some great vets. I want to thank the VFW. Thank you all for your service.
(APPLAUSE)
Thanks for setting a great example.
PHILLIPS: President George W. Bush rallying up support there in Janesville, Wisconsin, talking education, talking Iraq, also talking unemployment.
We're going to take a quick break, more LIVE FROM right after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Aired September 24, 2004 - 13:59 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Well, here we go again. Floridians are boarding up and packing up as they gear up for another big hurricane. Hurricane Jeanne is barreling toward Florida's east coast.
The latest projections have the Category 2 storm coming ashore in Florida on Sunday. Governor Jeb Bush talked about the seemingly never-ending hurricane cycle earlier today.
Let's go straight to CNN's Orelon Sidney and get the latest on Jeanne's whereabouts and it's projected path -- Orelon.
ORELON SIDNEY, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Thanks a lot.
Jeanne right now is about 200 miles away from Great Abaco Island off to the northeast. This is a visible satellite image we're looking at, the Viper, and showing you a pretty well-developed circulation, with an eye again showing up.
Earlier today, the eye wasn't very well organized and wasn't quite visible, but now very visible eye, very distinct banding features. So, this storm is certainly -- looks to me as if it's holding together, maybe actually strengthening over the next 36 hours.
Here's the latest: 100-mile-an-hour winds gusting up to 120. Currently a Category 2 storm moving to the west at nine miles an hour. And of course, there's the very famous looping track that it took over the past few days.
Here's what we think will be happening over the next few days. Category 2 by 8:00 p.m. tonight. Somewhere across the northern Bahamas as we go on into Saturday morning.
It is possible that the storm could strengthen as it moves through the Bahamas. As it makes its approach to Florida, it could be a strong 2, borderline 3 by 8:00 a.m. Sunday, looking at winds at 110 miles an hour. At 111, you've got a Category 3. So, that shows you how strong it has the potential to become.
As we go on then through the rest of Sunday and into Monday, here comes the turn up to the north through Jacksonville, close to Savannah. Of course, depending on how far it is on shore, the eye being on shore would make it diminish in strength quite a bit. If the center stayed off shore, it would take a long time for it to diminish in strength. So, got a busy weekend coming ahead.
From Florida City up to St. Augustine, hurricane watches in effect. Hurricane warning, of course, for the northern portion of the Bahamas.
You're going to start to see some thunderstorms perhaps across the Florida coast later this afternoon. But the real impacts, of course, will come later Saturday and early Sunday -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: All right, Orelon. Thanks.
Well, Floridians, already beaten and battered by hurricanes Charley, Frances and Ivan, are dreading Jeanne's arrival. Amanda Ober from CNN affiliate WESH, WESH, as we call it, takes a look at what family stands to lose this time around.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Now the roof was all off. You know, the carport and all that. And the back shed.
AMANDA OBER, REPORTER, WESH: Mary Neezer (ph) just moved it Barefoot Bay from Michigan. She says evacuating for Hurricane Frances took such a toll on her ill health, if Jeanne comes, she's staying put.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I mean, I can take a lot because I've been through a lot.
OBER (on camera): But this has pushed you over the edge?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This has -- this has really pushed me. I'm not going to evacuate. If they say come and you have to go, take me into jail then. Go ahead and take me to jail because I can't take another trip.
OBER (voice-over): Adding to Mary's stress, her daughter, son- in-law and three grandkids are now living in her mobile home. Frances left them homeless.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And we just weren't prepared. Not even close. And that kills me.
OBER (on camera): Mary's daughter and grandkids lived in this house, but it was condemned after Hurricane Frances. Not only had they had to bunk in with their mother, but a note on the door begs for a visit from an insurance adjuster.
(voice-over): The stress Hurricane Frances and now Jeanne have put on this one family is tremendous. And the fact that grandma is refusing to evacuate is another worry.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She makes her own decisions. I mean, I stand by them.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: If my heart doesn't get me, evacuating again, the hurricane will get me. So be it.
OBER: Hopefully the rest of Barefoot Bay won't feel that way if Jeanne threatens a visit. (END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Well, Floridians are hoping Jeanne's impact on Haiti isn't an indication of what is to come. Chaos has erupted in Haiti's hardest-hit city of Gonaives. Aid workers are trying to hand out food were mobbed by hungry people, some of whom haven't eaten in five days.
A majority of the 1,100 people killed in that storm lived in Gonaives. Another 300,000 people there are now homeless.
Switching gears a bit, Porter Goss takes the reins at the CIA with President Bush watch on. The former congressman from Florida took the oath of office at the White House today. And just yesterday, Goss was confirmed by the Senate over complaints from a number of Democrats that he's too politically partisan to head the CIA.
Now, President Bush and Senator Kerry are campaigning today in important swing states. At this hour, Bush is in Janesville, Wisconsin. Live pictures right now, as he has stepped in front of the crowd. And at last listen, he was addressing domestic matters, including healthcare, unemployment and education.
We're listening in. If the president makes any big news we'll let you know.
And this morning in Pennsylvania, Kerry detailed a seven-point plan to crush international terrorists like the ones behind 9/11. And he charged President Bush was slighting the war on terror by going into Iraq.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: The invasion of Iraq was a profound diversion from the battle against our greatest enemy, al Qaeda, which killed more than 3,000 people on 9/11, and which still plots our destruction today. And there's just no question about it. The president's misjudgment, miscalculation and mismanagement of the war in Iraq all make the war on terror harder to win.
Iraq is now what it was not before the war, a haven for terrorists. George Bush made Saddam Hussein the priority. I would have made Osama bin Laden the priority.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Kerry and Bush are to spar over foreign policy face to face in their scheduled debate next Thursday.
Well, Iraq's interim prime minister, Ayad Allawi, met one of the chief architects of the war in Iraq today. The U.S.-appointed leader went to the Pentagon to meet Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.
To find out what was on the agenda, let's bring in our Barbara Starr -- Barbara. BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, after the interim prime minister met with Donald Rumsfeld, Donald Rumsfeld met with reporters and talked again today about the theme that Iraq is a very tough place right now. There is increased violence, he said, but elections in January will take place.
Now, the secretary has warned it may not be possible to have voting everywhere across the country in Iraq if the violence continues. The hope is, of course, Iraqi forces will have it under control by January. But again, it's always possible, he added, that more international troops might be needed.
But what about the ultimate end game? What needs to happen before U.S. troops can come home from Iraq?
Well, the secretary today said, don't count on waiting around for Iraq to be a completely peaceful place. That, he said, may be a tall order. Here's a bit more of what he had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD RUMSFELD, DEFENSE SECRETARY: Any implication that that place has to be peaceful and perfect before we can reduce coalition and U.S. forces, I think, would obviously be wrong. Because it's never been peaceful and perfect. And it isn't likely to be. It's a tough part of the world.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STARR: The secretary also warning again today that that Sunni stronghold in Fallujah, west of Baghdad, which has been a sanctuary for terrorists, according to the U.S., that sanctuary will not be allowed to stand, that the military will move against those insurgents -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: All right. Barbara Starr live from the Pentagon. Thank you.
Well, the visit by Iraq's interim prime minister to the United States has fueled an already fiery debate. At issue, his statement that democracy is taking hold in Iraq despite relentless violence.
Here's CNN's Andrea Koppel.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANDREA KOPPEL, CNN STATE DEPT. CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Addressing skeptics head on, Prime Minister Allawi said the vast majority of Iraq could hold elections as soon as tomorrow.
AYAD ALLAWI, INTERIM IRAQI PRIME MINISTER: The Iraqi elections may not be perfect. They may not be the best elections that Iraq will ever hold. But they will take place. And they will be free and fair.
KOPPEL: But with only four months left before Election Day, privately U.S. and U.N. officials fear Iraq has neither the security nor the logistics in place for elections to go forward. President Bush says it's up to the United Nations to make sure Iraq is ready.
GEORGE W. BUSH (R), PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Prime Minister Allawi and I have urged the U.N. to send sufficient personnel to help ensure the success of Iraqi elections.
KOPPEL: Fewer than 10 U.N. election advisers are now in Baghdad. And Secretary-General Kofi Annan has told Mr. Bush he won't send any more until the security situation is stabilized and additional protection for U.N. staff is provided. So far, only the former Russian Republic of Georgia has offered to contribute to a U.N. protection force.
But even if security improves, experts say, Iraq still has a lot to do to prepare a credible framework for elections. Establish a list of eligible voters among Iraq's 27 million people, set up an estimated 30,000 polling sites, train about 130,000 election workers and educate voters. Another complicating factor, ensuring broad-based participation among Iraq's feuding ethnic and religious groups.
LES CAMPBELL, NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE: If Iraqis, Sunni, Kurd, Shia, Christian and otherwise are to feel that they are fully invested in a new Iraq, a democratic Iraq, they are going to have to have the opportunity to walk into a polling place and cast their vote for their leadership.
KOPPEL (on camera): Despite the positive words from Bush and Allawi, some U.S. officials behind the scenes acknowledge more pessimism that in reality it may be difficult to go ahead with elections as early as January. And if they did, worry whether Iraqis would accept the results as legitimate.
Andrea Koppel, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Blurring the line between fact and fiction. A filmmaker chooses the battlefields of Afghanistan to bring his artistic vision to life. Find out how real life forced its way into his drama.
Also up next, how the issue of security is influencing the so- called soccer moms. Their views may not be so different from your own.
Hitting the college gridiron with kids 20 years his junior? We're going to tell you about one man's inspirational story when we return.
PHILLIPS: Well, today at the U.N., increasing interest over the issue of Iran's nuclear capabilities. But Iran's foreign minister took to the podium and says his country, like every other, has the right to advance its own technology.
CNN U.N. correspondent Richard Roth has more on today's developments and an ongoing controversy. RICHARD ROTH, CNN UNITED NATIONS CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Kyra, It was Iran's turn and the rostrum of the General Assembly. And the foreign minister of Iran really didn't shed new light on that issue of whether Iran indeed is going for nuclear weapons and not just energy and peaceful purposes. Iran's foreign minister, Kamal Kharrazi.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KAMAL KHARRAZI, Iranian FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER (through translator): Access to technology for peaceful purposes is the only true incentive for the universality of these instruments. At the same time, the legitimate disarmament and nonproliferation concerns of the international community must be addressed through transparency and vigorous application of monitoring mechanisms.
Iran has always been prepared to contribute actively to this global effort. While we insist on our right to technology for peaceful purposes, we have left and will leave no stone unturned in order to provide assurances of our peaceful intentions.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ROTH: However, the U.S. says Iran does not have peaceful intentions and wants the nuclear Iran issue referred to the Security Council in November, which may lead to sanctions eventually if passed towards Iran -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Richard, what about letting the IAEA in there to inspect?
ROTH: Well, they've been there to certain places. They are going to present a report in November to the board of governors. And it will be up to the board to decide whether Iran is cooperating enough or whether it's time for the Security Council to step in.
PHILLIPS: Richard Roth live from the U.N. Thank you.
Well, they used to be called soccer moms. But the war on terror has changed all of that.
Suburban mothers increasingly concerned about the terrorism threat are now becoming security moms. And as Maria Hinojosa reports, they're a key demographic in an upcoming election.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MARIA HINOJOSA, CNN URBAN AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: Morning coffee at Johnny's Bagels can be a little chaotic.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It looks like a turtle.
HINOJOSA: But these mothers love the safety and tranquility of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm happy to be in a smaller place, but I don't think that makes it any safer in the broader sense. HINOJOSA: Now concern about terrorism and the safety of their young families has turned these soccer moms into security moms, women whose votes are very much in play in this battleground state.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We go out and get some girls' night out, and we do talk about politics.
HINOJOSA: At the nearby Nazareth Diner, when the talk turns to the upcoming presidential election, it's clear these Republican women feel safer with President Bush.
(on camera): What's the central issue for you?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He's sitting on my lap. I have a 6-month old and a 6-year-old. And my 6-year-old still has nightmares about burning buildings.
HINOJOSA: But terrorism has had a different effect on Jeremy's mother, Kim Plyer (ph). She grew up in the Lehigh Valley and served in the first Gulf War.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It just puzzles me that people could go on believing that this current administration is the one that's going to protect them when it's this current administration that got them into this situation.
HINOJOSA: She was standing in front of the Pentagon on September 11.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I have voted Republican in the past. I've been an Independent. And now I'm a Democrat.
I feel that Kerry is the best one to support us. He was in Vietnam. He knows what it's like to be in a war.
HINOJOSA: But those are exactly the reasons that have attracted these Republicans.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I feel more secure because President Bush has taken what happened to us on September 11 to their ground and has kept it away from our country.
HINOJOSA: Caroline Clifford (ph) has chosen John Kerry because she wants her toddler, Analyce (ph), to feel safe at home.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Just recently with the ban on assault weapons being lifted, I mean, right there I thought, "Why aren't we hearing more about this? How can Bush stand by and let this happen?"
HINOJOSA: Marissa Severez (ph) is speaking out because she's upset about the war.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We have not been told the truth. We were not told the truth about the invasion, the reason that we were invading Iraq. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Moms that are saying, "We're not getting the whole story," I don't know that they want to hear the whole story. And some of it needs to remain with the people that you have elected.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That's our security blanket, knowing that there's democracy...
(CROSSTALK)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I know, and in my heart I know that President Bush is looking out for these guys. I mean, in his heart he's doing what he thinks is best.
HINOJOSA: Maria Hinojosa, CNN, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Other news around the world now.
A dream come true for a Belgian mother who gave birth thanks to an ovarian tissue transplant. The 32-year-old mother had been fertile because of chemotherapy. But doctors removed ovarian tissue before the cancer treatment and froze it for use later.
Japan's crown princess made a rare public appearance today. After months of seclusion, the 40-year-old princess arrived at a train station north of Tokyo, along with Crown Prince Naruhito and their 2- year-old. Well, the princess has been suffering from a stress-induced disorder.
Yusuf Islam wants to know why he was denied entry into the United States. The singer formerly known as Cat Stevens says he wants to clear his name and make sure nothing similar happens again. Authorities say he was involved in activities potentially linked to terrorism.
"Promises, Promises." John Kerry and President Bush offering voters a lot when it comes to fixing the healthcare system. It's a complicated issue that many voters are scratching their heads about. Still to come, we're going to break down the details of each politician's plan.
And he's one of Hollywood's most famous action stars. But that doesn't stop Chuck Norris from listening to his mom. Find out why. I have a live interview with him coming up.
RHONDA SCHAFFLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Rhonda Schaffler live from the New York Stock Exchange. Desperate times call for desperate measures. U.S. Airways could be on the verge of forcing its workers to take a hefty pay cut. I'll tell you about the carrier's extreme move right after the break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: "News Across America" now. A missing South Carolina executive has been found dead. The body of 71-year-old James Cockman was found frozen in a rented storage unit. Police have arrested a Tennessee couple in connection with that death. They believe it resulted from a bungled carjacking.
Here comes the sun. The first solar win samples recovered from the crashed Genesis space capsule will be examined by researchers in California. The spacecraft slammed into the Utah desert earlier this month. Scientists say they may have recovered as much as 80 percent of that data.
A 39-year-old walk-on receiver nicknamed Pops has been given the green light to play college ball. Tim Frisby, a father of six, believes age is just an attitude.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TIM FRISBY, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA RECEIVER: Yes, I'm not out here just to stay in shape. You know, I give it 100 percent out there on the practice field and hopefully it pays off on the game field out here.
LOU HOLTZ, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA COACH: I mean, it's really incredible that a guy's desire -- and never once has he asked for any leniency or cut corners, or "I can't be here, I can't do that." Never once.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Hurricane Jeanne menaces Florida as many residents struggle to recover from three previous storms that slammed the state. Jeanne now appears to be on a collision course with the Sunshine State, where entire communities of families displaced by previous storms have sprung up.
CNN's John Zarrella reports.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): These are the children of Charley. This is their playground. They ride their bikes in a cul-de-sac at what up until the hurricane had been the Vizcaya Lakes Retirement Community in Port Charlotte.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh god. I messed up.
ZARRELLA: Now, on the still undeveloped parcels of land, sit 175 FEMA travel trailers. They are home to the children and families, to young and old, to people who lost everything.
Six-year-old Ashley Taylor is the first to greet her mom. Marnie is just coming home after her shift at Charlotte Regional Hospital. Since the 1st of September, a FEMA trailer has been home to Marnie, her husband, Richard, their three children, their Beagle, Lady, and her five pups. MARNIE TAYLOR, HURRICANE CHARLEY VICTIM: Everything was stripped from us in a matter of a couple of hours. We were lost. We had like no clue of what to do. You know, being homeless in a matter of hours, it's like devastating.
ZARRELLA: When they showed up here, the Taylors say they had $11 to their name. Their trailer home and everything in it had been flattened. They had slept in a tent with relatives and in hotels. FEMA's assistance, they say, saved them.
RICHARD TAYLOR, HURRICANE CHARLEY VICTIM: Come on, big boy. This is Mini-Me.
ZARRELLA: For up to 18 months they can live rent free. It gives them and the others here time to get back on their feet, and it gives their children time to forget about hurricanes.
R. TAYLOR: The thunder cloud is up, she's in -- she's right by somebody hanging on to them. She's really scared of them.
ZARRELLA: FEMA officials say they have 1,300 travel trailers and mobile homes ready for uninsured hurricane victims. Families are in 660 of them. Here, well over 100 of the 175 trailers are occupied.
FEMA officials say they are sure that before long all the travel trailers here will be full. They are sure because even now, more than a month after Hurricane Charley, people are still coming in who have no place else to live.
John Zarrella, CNN, Port Charlotte, Florida.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Live to Janesville, Wisconsin. President Bush talking war on terror. Let's listen in.
(BEGIN LIVE NEWS EVENT -- JOINED IN PROGRESS)
BUSH: ... the inspectors. I have a choice to make at this point. Do I take his word as a madman, do I forget the lessons of September the 11th, or take action to defend our country? Given that choice, I will defend America every time.
(APPLAUSE)
Thank you all. Thank you all. A couple of other things -- thanks. Thank you all.
AUDIENCE MEMBER: We love you, George!
BUSH: Thanks.
(LAUGHTER)
Thank you -- hold on for a minute.
(LAUGHTER)
I've got something else to tell you. A couple of other points before people start dropping out because of the heat.
(LAUGHTER)
The lesson is, is that when you put our troops in harm's way, you give them all the support they need.
(APPLAUSE)
That's why I went to Congress last September, a year ago, and said, we need $87 billion to support our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. It's important funding, really important funding. It provided for fuel and ammunition, spare parts, body armor, hazard pay, health benefits. That's important.
Fortunately, most members of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives knew how important it was. As a matter of fact, so -- the funding was so important, only 12 senators voted against it -- that's 12 out of 100 -- two of whom are my opponent and his running mate.
When you're out rounding the vote -- when you're out asking for the vote, remind people of this fact, this fact, that only four United States senators voted to authorize the use of force, and then didn't -- didn't fund -- did not vote "yes" to fund our troops. Four voted to authorize force, and then voted "no" when it came to the supplemental funding, two of those four were my opponent and his running mate.
So, they asked him. They said, why? And he said, well, I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it.
(LAUGHTER)
Then they went on and pressed him. He said, he's proud of his vote. And finally, he said, it's just a complicated matter.
(LAUGHTER)
There's nothing complicated about supporting our troops in combat.
(APPLAUSE)
We've got hard work to do in Iraq. The enemy in Iraq cannot beat our military, cannot defeat our military. The main tool they've got is the ability to shake our conscience, to affect our will. You know, we weep when we see a person be beheaded on our TV screens, and we weep for his families. That's what we do, because we've got a conscience in America.
We care deeply about every human life. We value human dignity in our society, and the enemy knows that. They know that they can shake our will and break our confidence in the mission. That's why it's very important for us to not send mixed signals to the world, not embolden these people, but remind them that when America gives it's word, America will keep it's word, that we will stand with the people of Iraq.
(APPLAUSE)
I met with the Prime Minister of Iraq yesterday. He's willing to do the hard work, too. He came to our country...
(APPLAUSE)
... he came to our country to thank the American people. He came to our country to thank the moms and dads and husbands and wives of those who have sacrificed for his freedom and America's security. That's what he came to do. He gave a strong speech. He's a strong man. The fellow -- he woke up one night in London, England -- he'd been in exile. And there was two people by his bed with axes sent by Saddam Hussein -- seriously -- to chop him up. And he survived. And now he's the Prime Minister of that country. He is -- he is going to lead this country...
(APPLAUSE)
... no matter how hard it gets, he will lead this country to a better day. He believes in the people of Iraq.
(APPLAUSE)
He spoke to the Congress. He gave a great speech to the Congress. He talked about his strategy of defeating the insurgents, of holding the elections in January. This country is going to have elections in January. Afghanistan is going to have them in October, and they'll be held in January.
And my opponent chose to criticize the Prime Minister of Iraq. This great man came to our country to talk about how he's risking his life for a free Iraq, which helps America, and Senator Kerry held a press conference and questioned Prime Minister Allawi's credibility.
You can't lead this country if your ally in Iraq feels like you question his credibility. The message ought to be to the Iraqi people, we support you. The message ought to be loud and clear: We'll stand with you if you do the hard work.
(APPLAUSE)
Earlier this week -- earlier this week, my opponent said he would prefer the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein to the situation in Iraq today. You know, I just strongly disagree. It's tough work, no question about it. We've done tough work before. But if Saddam Hussein were in power, our security would be threatened.
If Saddam Hussein -- in power, there'd still would be mass graves and torture chambers in Iraq. If Saddam Hussein were in power, the world would be better off, not -- the world would be worse off, not better off. And so I strongly disagree with the assessment of my opponent. I believe in liberty and I believe in freedom, and I believe liberty can change lives.
(APPLAUSE)
Two other points I want to make now that you got me going.
(LAUGHTER)
We've got great alliances. I talked to Prime Minister Tony Blair this morning, had a great talk with him. He's a good, strong leader. He sees what's happening around the world. He knows, like I know, that Iraq is a central front in the war on terror. We must whip the terrorists in Iraq so we don't have to face them here at home. That's exactly what we're seeing.
(APPLAUSE)
Prime Minister Allawi says that, Tony Blair says that, I say that because I understand the stakes for America. And Tony understands the stakes for Great Britain and the free world. We're challenged -- being challenged now, and we will rise to the challenge. I will continue to work with allies and friends.
You know, I, again, disagree with my opponent who called our alliance the alliance of the coerced and the bribed. You can't build alliances if you criticize the efforts of those who are working side- by-side with you. So we'll build alliances. But I assure you, I will never turn over America's national security decision to leaders of other countries.
(APPLAUSE)
OK, one more -- a couple more points. First, I want to thank all the veterans who are here. I see we've got some great vets. I want to thank the VFW. Thank you all for your service.
(APPLAUSE)
Thanks for setting a great example.
PHILLIPS: President George W. Bush rallying up support there in Janesville, Wisconsin, talking education, talking Iraq, also talking unemployment.
We're going to take a quick break, more LIVE FROM right after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
