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The Candidates Have Spoken; Battleground Focus

Aired November 02, 2004 - 14:00   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.


KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: The candidates have spoken and spoken and spoken and spoken. And today it's the voters' turn. And though the evidence at this hour is mostly anecdotal, well, it appears voters are speaking in large. In some places, record numbers.
We're also hearing a fair number of complaints over alleged irregularities, largely over challengers or other types of activists at polling places. More about that in just a moment.

But first, Election Day is one more travel day for John Kerry and George W. Bush. Kerry woke up in Wisconsin and flew to Boston to cast his ballot. George W. Bush voted in Texas, then made his way back to Washington by way of Columbus, Ohio.

MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: The incumbent is due back on the south lawn any second now. He may speak to reporters. In the meantime, CNN's Elaine Quijano keeping tabs from the west wing -- Elaine.

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello to you, Miles.

Just a few minutes ago, President Bush deplaned, got off Air Force One at Andrews Air Force base in nearby Maryland. The president, we saw him, along with first lady Laura Bush, joined by daughters Jenna and Barbara as well.

Now, the president was coming fresh off a visit to the battleground state of Ohio. And it was in Ohio where the president appeared to be in a playful mood. He even at one point worked the phone banks at Bush-Cheney headquarters in Columbus, Ohio.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: How are you? I promise you it's me.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

QUIJANO: And in a playful mood there, as I said, visiting workers. Also wanting to give a "thank you" to the campaign staffers who have worked for him in that battleground ground state of Ohio. A crucial one, as all we all know. Twenty electoral votes up for grabs there.

Earlier in the day, the president actually cast his ballot in Crawford, Texas. But the president wanting to make sure that he touched base with the folks here in Ohio, expressing his gratitude for their efforts.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: I am going to run this race out to its fullest. I will be able to -- both of us will be able to say that we campaigned as hard as we possibly could.

I have made the differences as clear as possible about -- about why I think I am the best leader for the country for the next four years. And, you know, we'll find out tonight what the American people think. And I'm looking forward to it.

Thank you all.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

QUIJANO: So Miles, at this hour, we are expecting the president to arrive on the south lawn any minute now. He is on his way from Andrews Air Force Base. A White House spokesman says that the president plans to watch the election results coming in from the residence here at the White House, and they say that he will be joined by family members, as well as senior staff members -- Miles.

O'BRIEN: Long night at the White House. Elaine Quijano, thank you very much -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: The challenger is savoring his prospects today over an oyster luncheon in Beantown. CNN's Frank Buckley serves up his usual pearls of wisdom.

Still want to know if you had that cup of chowder, Frank?

FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I'm waiting for the folks at the Union Oyster House to bring over a vat of this stuff because we're giving them so much free publicity today. And Jim Mullen (ph) actually telling me -- he's the general manager there -- telling me that the senator actually has little neck clams on this Election Day, instead of oysters. That's his tradition, and he also has that cup of chowder.

So that tradition under way right now at the Oyster House. Earlier here in Boston, Senator Kerry went over to the state house to cast his ballot today on Election Day. The senator joined by his daughters, who also voted there. Mrs. Teresa Heinz Kerry was also with the senator.

After casting his ballot, Senator Kerry made brief remarks and took a couple of questions. Here's part of what he had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Whatever the outcome tonight, I know one thing that is already an outcome. Our country will be stronger, our country will be united, and we will move forward, no matter what, because that's who we are as Americans and that's what we need to do. And I want to thank each and every one of you for taking part in this journey. It's really been a great experience, and I appreciate your sharing it with us.

Thank you.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BUCKLEY: But it's still not over. Senator Kerry saying there also that he never leaves any stone unturned in an election, and saying he's going to keep working until 8:00 tonight.

The senator started his workday in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. Wisconsin, a state where voters can register and vote on the same day. Wisconsin, a state that's gone Democrat in five of the last seven presidential elections, including 2000. But it's a very tight race there this year.

Kerry's wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, who we just showed you, was with Senator Kerry as he voted here in Boston. Actually voted earlier today in another battleground state, in Pennsylvania. She has a farm in the Pittsburgh area. So that's where she votes.

The rest of the day, Senator Kerry, again, continuing to work. He's still having lunch right now, but after that he's going to come over to the Westin Copley Plaza and we're told he'll be sitting in the chair, as they put it, sitting in a chair and looking into a camera like I am, talking to a number of local television stations in key battleground states.

So the work continues right up through Election Day -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right. Frank Buckley, thank you -- Miles.

O'BRIEN: The running mates hooking up with senior partners, what they hope will be many happy returns. For John Edwards, though, there's still time to shake a few hands in Florida before a rush-hour flight back to Boston.

Dick Cheney voted this morning in his native Wyoming, and then winged his way to Waukesha, Wisconsin, en route to Washington.

PHILLIPS: Waukesha.

O'BRIEN: Oh, Waukesha. My apologies. Of course it's Waukesha.

I was trying to get the Wisconsin, Washington and Waukesha all at once. Assuming the "W" schedule...

PHILLIPS: Say it six times.

O'BRIEN: ... we assume that "W" schedule is coincidental. Maybe it's just one of those superstition things.

PHILLIPS: It's only because I lived in Green Bay.

O'BRIEN: Good for you.

PHILLIPS: Otherwise, it would probably be very hard to say Waukesha.

O'BRIEN: Thank you. Thank you for letting me know.

PHILLIPS: So how is the voting going in several battleground states? For one thing, long lines have been reported at many polling places. Jason Carroll is in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania; Adaora Udoji is standing by in Canton, Ohio; and Miguel Marquez is in Henderson, Nevada.

We begin with you, Jason.

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Lehigh County is a little easier to say. Tell Miles that one, Kyra.

We've heard from a few people here in Lehigh who actually came out and tried to vote but were turned away for various reasons. But the point is, Kyra, they came out.

And election workers say that they are seeing record numbers of people who are heading to the polls throughout the state here in Lehigh County. We saw people lining up early this morning, coming in to try to cast their vote.

We can only assume that once some of them start to head home and the networks start to head on with their live coverage, they're going to be watching. Well, the networks are going to be calling the race in a much different way this time than they did in 2000.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CARROLL (voice-over): It was an historic night.

JUDY WOODRUFF, HOST, "INSIDE POLITICS": CNN announces that we call Florida in the Al Gore column.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: George W. Bush is the winner in Florida and, thus, it appears the winner of the presidency.

CARROLL: And it was confusing.

DAN RATHER, CBS NEWS: Bulletin: Florida pulled back into the undecided column.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Our earlier declaration of Florida back to the too close to call column.

CARROLL: All because the networks got it wrong.

TOM BROKAW, NBC NEWS: We don't just have egg in our faces, we've got omelet all over our suits.

CARROLL: There were so many flip-flops election night 2000. When network heads were questioned about it during hearings, one congressman called it...

REP. JOHN DINGELL (R), MICHIGAN: A monumental screw-up. CARROLL: Lesson learned. This time, networks are playing it safe.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: If it's close, we're not going to report a winner in Florida or Ohio or Pennsylvania or anyplace else.

CARROLL: CNN's Analysis Center will sift through data coming in before calling a winner. At ABC, a new rule for projecting winners.

DAN MERKLE, DECISION DESK CHIEF, ABC NEWS: We will not make the projection if the margin between the candidates in the vote count is less than a percentage point.

CARROLL: CBS moved their decision desk within earshot of the anchor desk for better communication between those calling the race and reporting it.

KATHY FRANKOVIC, SURVEY UNIT DIR., CBS NEWS: What we do is oh so much better than it would have been had 2000 not happened.

CARROLL (on camera): In 2000, all of the networks relied on exit poll results, which turned out to be inaccurate, from an organization called Voter News Service. It has since folded.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We'll be monitoring each of the five networks.

CARROLL (voice-over): This time, networks will rely on Edison Media Research and Mitofsky International for exit polls.

JOE LENSKI, CO-FOUNDER, EDISON MEDIA RESEARCH: Everyone in this business has learned a lot of lessons since 2000 about the reliability of data and how to be cautious and wait until all the votes are counted in the really, really close races.

CARROLL: All the networks held rehearsals, striving not necessarily to be the first to call the race, but to be as accurate as possible.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

O'BRIEN: The comings and goings of the candidates well documented today here on CNN. The president of the United States, about 15 minutes after having landed at Andrews Air Force Base, arrives on the south lawn of the White House aboard Marine One.

It will take a little while for them to cool down the engines, open the door, at which time we should see the president, the first lady and his two daughters, as they make their way into the White House. Ultimately to the residence to watch the returns come. If he says anything to reporters, we will bring it to you as it happens.

Let's go to Ohio, shall we, where some voters are being scrutinized by challengers from both parties. Adaora Udoji joins us now from Canton, Ohio, with the latest on the turnout situation there and the potential skirmishes -- Adaora. ADAORA UDOJI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Absolutely, Miles. Good afternoon.

It's been a pretty steady flow of voters here in Canton at the polling station right across the way here. And, in fact, county officials tell us they've seen heavy turnout throughout the entire area, which is clearly going toward some of those predictions of record turnout here in Ohio. Clearly a very important state.

And as you mentioned, those controversial challengers are indeed inside polling places not only here in Stark County, but throughout the state. Just not confirmed how many of the 88 counties.

Now, when we're talking about challengers, we're essentially talking about a Ohio law that's been bitterly contested the last couple of weeks, and particularly the last 12 hours. The Democrats had argued that the Republicans were basically trying to intimidate voters. Republicans denied that. They said they were concerned about voter fraud.

A federal court ruled in favor of the Democrats. Then on appeal went to the Republicans, and finally the Democrats had to go to the U.S. Supreme Court, who in those justices refused to step in. So therefore, there are challengers inside those polling places today here in Ohio.

But here's a very interesting thing, Miles. Despite all the predictions -- and I almost hesitate to say this, since we're only halfway through the day -- but so far no reports of no problems. In fact, the secretary of state says they haven't even heard of challenges yet. But again, it's still early.

Miles, we're here watching.

O'BRIEN: Early it is, Adaora. Hopefully you didn't hex it.

Let's go back to the south lawn. Live pictures. Thank you, Adaora.

As we see the first family, ah, the first pooch. Is that Barney? That's Barney, right?

PHILLIPS: I was checking out the daughters. They're looking pretty cute.

O'BRIEN: Anyway, you see a huge group there, obviously administration staffers, White House staffers. Assorted friends of the first family, the FOFF I guess you can call them, as the Bush family makes its way...

PHILLIPS: Not a normal reception.

O'BRIEN: No, no, no. It's definitely a big crowd there.

PHILLIPS: This is definitely...

O'BRIEN: There's a big turnout there. This is the end of the road.

PHILLIPS: Yes.

O'BRIEN: I mean, this is -- this is it. After all the thousands and thousands of miles and hundreds and hundreds of speeches, it's time now to just sit back and watch the returns.

Of course, that -- by saying that, it kind of implies they're relaxing. I doubt there's much -- there are some butterflies in the stomachs at this point.

PHILLIPS: They all want to keep their jobs.

O'BRIEN: But nevertheless -- well, of course. That's human nature, isn't it?

But nevertheless, they can look back on it and say we certainly fought the good fight. And I think both candidates can say that it was a long, hard slog, and they're probably quite relieved they're returning to the White House. And at this point, eating little necks at the Union Oyster House.

PHILLIPS: John Kerry. I wonder what the president will eat. But that's a whole other story.

O'BRIEN: Yes.

PHILLIPS: All right. Nevada is the fastest growing state in terms of population. It's also a political battleground state in this year's election. Some analysts say that Nevada, with its five electoral votes, could help decide who wins the White House. Our Miguel Marquez is in Henderson right now.

Hi, Miguel.

MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: How are you there, Kyra?

The Nevada secretary of state told us yesterday that Nevada in 2000 cast the votes that put Bush over the top of the electoral college. And they feel that because the polls have been close lately, that Nevada may be just as important this time. And that's why election officials are doing everything to make sure the election is good.

This is one of the electronic voting boths. Nevada is unique because they have electronic voting booths statewide. They also record their votes. These machines record their votes on the back, and if you -- they do everything for you.

If you can't see very well, they even give you this little magnifying glass in here, in addition, of course, to all the friendly poll workers who are here. Voters, as we've been discovering today, have turned out and are turning out in big numbers for both candidates.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I voted for President Bush, and so I know that our country has to be free and we have to stand up for what's right.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I voted for Kerry.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, why?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, I just feel that he's going to do a good job.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MARQUEZ: I also want to show you these newer machines, these new voting machines that they have. The thing that's interesting about these is that they have a printer here off to the side that once you cast your vote it actually shows you who you voted for, sort of like a receipt at your grocery store.

It's under glass, though. You can't take it with you. But that way, if there is a concern with the election, they can recount the entire thing by hand if necessary.

Polls close here at 7:00 p.m. A vast number of early votes and absentee votes have been cast. They believe that once the lines go down they can release all those numbers, and they believe once those numbers are released, probably between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. tonight, we'll know which way Nevada goes.

Back to you.

PHILLIPS: All right, Miguel. Thank you.

And complaints about representatives from MoveOn.org in Iowa. The auditor, an election commissioner for Linn County, says that she called police in several precincts to ask them to get MoveOn members to leave.

Voters claim they were approached by MoveOn representatives as they entered precinct doors. The executive director of MoveOn says volunteers and staffers were told of the rules to follow and says the organization is now investigating this incident.

Well, Wolf Blitzer and CNN's full election team -- oh, OK -- kickoff prime-time coverage at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Were you supposed to read this? Because I saw my name.

O'BRIEN: I'm not sure. But does it really matter at this point?

PHILLIPS: I guess it really doesn't matter. Hey.

O'BRIEN: Yes. Let's do it together.

PHILLIPS: It's all about Wolf. Go ahead.

O'BRIEN: They won't stop until the election is decided. That's all you need to know. Wolf Blitzer is a man on a mission tonight. So stay with him and the team, and you won't miss a thing, we promise.

You know, more than the White House is up for grabs. Several key congressional races also swing in the balance of power. We'll check out some post-election scenarios coming up.

Plus, former President Clinton going to the polls. He's been a cheerleader-in-chief, if you will, for John Kerry. We'll hear from both the Bush and the Kerry campaigns after we take a break.

Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: No mystery here. Former President Bill Clinton, Senator Hillary Clinton and their daughter, Chelsea, cast their ballots for president earlier today in Chappaqua, New York. You can pretty much guess who they voted for. But they were having a discussion earlier on before they went in there to vote. But anyway, Bill Clinton has been campaigning hard for John Kerry, as you know.

And we just got videotape in. Just moments ago, Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver, obviously voting there in California.

Now, we're going to see Maria Shriver in a minute. Maybe we're not going to see Maria Shriver in this video. But I have to tell you something about her foot. Are we going to see her in this video? Where is she?

O'BRIEN: That's definitely not her there.

PHILLIPS: OK. She's coming up. No, that's Arnold working the crowd, "Hi, how are you doing? Guess who I voted for?"

In just a second here, OK, here it is. Maria Shriver, now, notice the crutches. Well, why the crutches you ask?

The curse of the bambino wasn't the only thing that was shattered during the Boston Red Sox championship run. Her foot was also shattered. She got so excited, we are told, during the game when the Red Sox -- the were -- actually, they had been down three games. They went on to win the next four and advanced to the World Series.

She jumped off the couch, landed on her kid's shoe...

O'BRIEN: You know, those shoes are always lying around.

PHILLIPS: And you know what?

O'BRIEN: I hate that.

PHILLIPS: My husband constantly tells me to pick up my shoes. So, you know what? From now on I'm going to pick up my shoes.

O'BRIEN: So you're really akin to a 10-year-old child is what you're saying. PHILLIPS: Oh.

O'BRIEN: I was going to say, is Connie O'Brien (ph) over at the Shriver house, the Schwarzenegger house? Because that's what she does, and we trip.

All right. Like everyone else, investors are focusing on the election today, of course. Which industries will benefit if Kerry wins? Who gets a boost if Bush is victorious? All that gaming, which is what they do on Wall Street, after all. Rhonda Schaffler is watching it all for us.

Hello, Rhonda.

RHONDA SCHAFFLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello there, Miles.

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Live pictures now from the Nasdaq tower in Times Square. The Nasdaq MarketSite will be the site of CNN's election headquarters. Not every voter is interested in the same races. So if you'd like to personalize your political coverage, you can just log on to cnn.com/americavotes, you can select up to 20 races from across the country and get customized election results.

O'BRIEN: Two years of campaigning, funnels down to today. Voters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia braving harsh elements in some cases, now casting ballots for president. Wonder which lever our "CROSSFIRE" hosts pulled. Probably not.

To New York City we go. Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson, co-hosts of CNN's "CROSSFIRE."

Gentlemen, good to have you both with us.

PAUL BEGALA, CO-HOST, "CROSSFIRE": Miles.

TUCKER CARLSON, CO-HOST, "CROSSFIRE": Thanks, Miles.

O'BRIEN: Now, I am a uniter not a divider. And given all of the talk that has preceded this segment today, I'd like you to join hands and sing "Kumbaya." Would you do that? Would you do that for us?

(LAUGHTER)

CARLSON: I can't remember the words. After all these years on "CROSSFIRE," I don't even know the tune anymore.

BEGALA: That will be the new -- we'll just cancel "CROSSFIRE" and do "Kumbaya." Have a show where we all just -- just get along.

CARLSON: I like that.

O'BRIEN: I think that's high concept. No, in all honesty, what's on your mind today? Because the truth is everything has been said in spades. And, you know, it's kind of like, you just sort of wait and watch it happen. But in a way, as a political operative, that can be very tense, can't it?

BEGALA: Oh, yes. You know, I, of course, was a political operative for most of my career. And I really feel for these men and women today.

I have a lot of friends in the Kerry campaign, I have probably even more friends in the Bush campaign, being from Texas and knowing these guys for years. And let me tell you, they're nervous now, things are out of their hands.

They're relying on their -- they've all got traditions and superstitions. Some people go to movies, some people go to cheap motels, some people go to bars.

A lot of people are calling me and we're just swapping rumors, gossip. And it becomes circular. You start to hear back the same thing that you said two hours ago.

O'BRIEN: What you started a moment ago about who's in the cheap motel or something like that.

BEGALA: Well, that's true.

CARLSON: And that's the only true rumor you ever hear. Those rumors are always correct. I'm struck by -- I never worked in politics, but I covered every election until this one, the one I'm here talking about it.

O'BRIEN: You're not a politico. You just work on TV, right?

CARLSON: Right. But I am always struck by how people who work for each campaign, no matter -- I mean, this is essentially a tied race going in. But even in the races that are not, the '96 presidential race, Dole-Clinton, it was very obvious to everybody a month out that Clinton was going to win pretty significantly, convincingly.

And yet it was not obvious to the Dole people. And the point is it never is obvious.

The campaigns are their own self-contained worlds. And they don't have a lot of feedback from the rest of us in the outside world. And they're just -- it's a shock. Whoever loses tonight will be shocked, completely shocked. And you've got to have, you know, a lot of sympathy for the person.

BEGALA: Well, because they actually believe this stuff.

O'BRIEN: Yes. I mean -- but is it an echo chamber, or is it because you've got to be a true believer to go through this incredible ordeal?

BEGALA: Well, a little of both.

CARLSON: Yes.

BEGALA: You know, these people, they believe in what they're doing. And one of the things I frankly don't like about a lot of political coverage is that it's cynical. It presumes it's all just a joke, it's a fraud, it's plastic, it's phony.

There's that element of it, obviously, as there is in every industry. But these are people who really are, you know, putting a lot on the line. Most of them don't make very much money, and they're doing it because they really, truly deeply believe in their candidate and what they stand for.

And I like that. That's admirable. And what I also like is that voters are now engaged in it in a very, very heavy way today. Apparently turnout is way, way up.

O'BRIEN: Yes. Well -- and, you know, all that stuff, when you start thinking about it, it is great.

I mean, I got up at 5:00 this morning, went to the polls. Huge, long line it. I've got to tell you, you know, it made me very proud to be a part of this country and a part of the whole process. It's easy to get kind of schmaltzy as you start talking about this, but the fact is, despite all of this talk that we've had in this terribly poisonous atmosphere, it is a wonderful system.

Tucker, what do you think, though, tonight? Are we going to have an answer by the time we wake up in the morning tomorrow?

CARLSON: I think we're going to have an answer by the time we go to bed tonight.

O'BRIEN: Really?

CARLSON: I mean, I -- yes. I mean, look, what do I know? But that's my...

O'BRIEN: Well, you're supposed to know something.

CARLSON: Well, I mean, you know, one can guess, and I will. And that's my strong feeling, is that turnout is so high that we're going to -- and, you know, traditionally, people need to remember that the last election, 2000, was an anomaly, basically.

There is always a swing at the end toward one candidate or other. Usually the challenger in a race like this. Who knows.

But I do think that we will know tonight. And if there's one good thing to come out of this, even if John Kerry wins, something I'm not rooting for, obviously, you know, you could have a definitive victory. And that in itself, it's just -- it's good for America to have a president with a mandate.

O'BRIEN: Well, amen to that. But do you think that Kerry has some momentum here? It's sort of reading the tea leaves, what I hear from you.

CARLSON: Well, look, if people are standing outside for three hours to vote, as they were earlier this week in Florida, early voters and other states, you've got to ask yourself, are those really Republicans? You know, I totally believe you, maybe they are.

BEGALA: I talked not 30 minutes ago to my buddy, Chad Clanton, who's one of the spokesman for Senator Kerry, who was my student at the University of Texas about 100 years ago when I was teaching there. And he said, "Do you really think anybody is going to stand in the rain for three hours to vote for more of the same?"

The truth is, we are more motivated by what we're opposed to than what we love in politics. And I think that opposition to Bush seems to be what's driving this turnout.

CARLSON: Hatred moves voters.

O'BRIEN: All right.

BEGALA: I love it.

O'BRIEN: We're going to leave it there. We don't want to go too much further down that road, in as much as people are still making their decisions as we speak. But gentlemen, it is always a pleasure. Enjoyed talking with you all throughout the campaign season. And let's hope we're not talking about this election until spring or something.

Have a good evening. And get rest when you can.

BEGALA: Thanks, Miles.

O'BRIEN: Eat well, drink plenty of fluids.

CARLSON: We're going to eat well.

O'BRIEN: Paul Begala, Tucker Carlson, thanks.

CARLSON: Thanks, Miles.

O'BRIEN: Kyra?

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Aired November 2, 2004 - 14:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: The candidates have spoken and spoken and spoken and spoken. And today it's the voters' turn. And though the evidence at this hour is mostly anecdotal, well, it appears voters are speaking in large. In some places, record numbers.
We're also hearing a fair number of complaints over alleged irregularities, largely over challengers or other types of activists at polling places. More about that in just a moment.

But first, Election Day is one more travel day for John Kerry and George W. Bush. Kerry woke up in Wisconsin and flew to Boston to cast his ballot. George W. Bush voted in Texas, then made his way back to Washington by way of Columbus, Ohio.

MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: The incumbent is due back on the south lawn any second now. He may speak to reporters. In the meantime, CNN's Elaine Quijano keeping tabs from the west wing -- Elaine.

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello to you, Miles.

Just a few minutes ago, President Bush deplaned, got off Air Force One at Andrews Air Force base in nearby Maryland. The president, we saw him, along with first lady Laura Bush, joined by daughters Jenna and Barbara as well.

Now, the president was coming fresh off a visit to the battleground state of Ohio. And it was in Ohio where the president appeared to be in a playful mood. He even at one point worked the phone banks at Bush-Cheney headquarters in Columbus, Ohio.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: How are you? I promise you it's me.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

QUIJANO: And in a playful mood there, as I said, visiting workers. Also wanting to give a "thank you" to the campaign staffers who have worked for him in that battleground ground state of Ohio. A crucial one, as all we all know. Twenty electoral votes up for grabs there.

Earlier in the day, the president actually cast his ballot in Crawford, Texas. But the president wanting to make sure that he touched base with the folks here in Ohio, expressing his gratitude for their efforts.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: I am going to run this race out to its fullest. I will be able to -- both of us will be able to say that we campaigned as hard as we possibly could.

I have made the differences as clear as possible about -- about why I think I am the best leader for the country for the next four years. And, you know, we'll find out tonight what the American people think. And I'm looking forward to it.

Thank you all.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

QUIJANO: So Miles, at this hour, we are expecting the president to arrive on the south lawn any minute now. He is on his way from Andrews Air Force Base. A White House spokesman says that the president plans to watch the election results coming in from the residence here at the White House, and they say that he will be joined by family members, as well as senior staff members -- Miles.

O'BRIEN: Long night at the White House. Elaine Quijano, thank you very much -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: The challenger is savoring his prospects today over an oyster luncheon in Beantown. CNN's Frank Buckley serves up his usual pearls of wisdom.

Still want to know if you had that cup of chowder, Frank?

FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I'm waiting for the folks at the Union Oyster House to bring over a vat of this stuff because we're giving them so much free publicity today. And Jim Mullen (ph) actually telling me -- he's the general manager there -- telling me that the senator actually has little neck clams on this Election Day, instead of oysters. That's his tradition, and he also has that cup of chowder.

So that tradition under way right now at the Oyster House. Earlier here in Boston, Senator Kerry went over to the state house to cast his ballot today on Election Day. The senator joined by his daughters, who also voted there. Mrs. Teresa Heinz Kerry was also with the senator.

After casting his ballot, Senator Kerry made brief remarks and took a couple of questions. Here's part of what he had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Whatever the outcome tonight, I know one thing that is already an outcome. Our country will be stronger, our country will be united, and we will move forward, no matter what, because that's who we are as Americans and that's what we need to do. And I want to thank each and every one of you for taking part in this journey. It's really been a great experience, and I appreciate your sharing it with us.

Thank you.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BUCKLEY: But it's still not over. Senator Kerry saying there also that he never leaves any stone unturned in an election, and saying he's going to keep working until 8:00 tonight.

The senator started his workday in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. Wisconsin, a state where voters can register and vote on the same day. Wisconsin, a state that's gone Democrat in five of the last seven presidential elections, including 2000. But it's a very tight race there this year.

Kerry's wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, who we just showed you, was with Senator Kerry as he voted here in Boston. Actually voted earlier today in another battleground state, in Pennsylvania. She has a farm in the Pittsburgh area. So that's where she votes.

The rest of the day, Senator Kerry, again, continuing to work. He's still having lunch right now, but after that he's going to come over to the Westin Copley Plaza and we're told he'll be sitting in the chair, as they put it, sitting in a chair and looking into a camera like I am, talking to a number of local television stations in key battleground states.

So the work continues right up through Election Day -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right. Frank Buckley, thank you -- Miles.

O'BRIEN: The running mates hooking up with senior partners, what they hope will be many happy returns. For John Edwards, though, there's still time to shake a few hands in Florida before a rush-hour flight back to Boston.

Dick Cheney voted this morning in his native Wyoming, and then winged his way to Waukesha, Wisconsin, en route to Washington.

PHILLIPS: Waukesha.

O'BRIEN: Oh, Waukesha. My apologies. Of course it's Waukesha.

I was trying to get the Wisconsin, Washington and Waukesha all at once. Assuming the "W" schedule...

PHILLIPS: Say it six times.

O'BRIEN: ... we assume that "W" schedule is coincidental. Maybe it's just one of those superstition things.

PHILLIPS: It's only because I lived in Green Bay.

O'BRIEN: Good for you.

PHILLIPS: Otherwise, it would probably be very hard to say Waukesha.

O'BRIEN: Thank you. Thank you for letting me know.

PHILLIPS: So how is the voting going in several battleground states? For one thing, long lines have been reported at many polling places. Jason Carroll is in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania; Adaora Udoji is standing by in Canton, Ohio; and Miguel Marquez is in Henderson, Nevada.

We begin with you, Jason.

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Lehigh County is a little easier to say. Tell Miles that one, Kyra.

We've heard from a few people here in Lehigh who actually came out and tried to vote but were turned away for various reasons. But the point is, Kyra, they came out.

And election workers say that they are seeing record numbers of people who are heading to the polls throughout the state here in Lehigh County. We saw people lining up early this morning, coming in to try to cast their vote.

We can only assume that once some of them start to head home and the networks start to head on with their live coverage, they're going to be watching. Well, the networks are going to be calling the race in a much different way this time than they did in 2000.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CARROLL (voice-over): It was an historic night.

JUDY WOODRUFF, HOST, "INSIDE POLITICS": CNN announces that we call Florida in the Al Gore column.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: George W. Bush is the winner in Florida and, thus, it appears the winner of the presidency.

CARROLL: And it was confusing.

DAN RATHER, CBS NEWS: Bulletin: Florida pulled back into the undecided column.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Our earlier declaration of Florida back to the too close to call column.

CARROLL: All because the networks got it wrong.

TOM BROKAW, NBC NEWS: We don't just have egg in our faces, we've got omelet all over our suits.

CARROLL: There were so many flip-flops election night 2000. When network heads were questioned about it during hearings, one congressman called it...

REP. JOHN DINGELL (R), MICHIGAN: A monumental screw-up. CARROLL: Lesson learned. This time, networks are playing it safe.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: If it's close, we're not going to report a winner in Florida or Ohio or Pennsylvania or anyplace else.

CARROLL: CNN's Analysis Center will sift through data coming in before calling a winner. At ABC, a new rule for projecting winners.

DAN MERKLE, DECISION DESK CHIEF, ABC NEWS: We will not make the projection if the margin between the candidates in the vote count is less than a percentage point.

CARROLL: CBS moved their decision desk within earshot of the anchor desk for better communication between those calling the race and reporting it.

KATHY FRANKOVIC, SURVEY UNIT DIR., CBS NEWS: What we do is oh so much better than it would have been had 2000 not happened.

CARROLL (on camera): In 2000, all of the networks relied on exit poll results, which turned out to be inaccurate, from an organization called Voter News Service. It has since folded.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We'll be monitoring each of the five networks.

CARROLL (voice-over): This time, networks will rely on Edison Media Research and Mitofsky International for exit polls.

JOE LENSKI, CO-FOUNDER, EDISON MEDIA RESEARCH: Everyone in this business has learned a lot of lessons since 2000 about the reliability of data and how to be cautious and wait until all the votes are counted in the really, really close races.

CARROLL: All the networks held rehearsals, striving not necessarily to be the first to call the race, but to be as accurate as possible.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

O'BRIEN: The comings and goings of the candidates well documented today here on CNN. The president of the United States, about 15 minutes after having landed at Andrews Air Force Base, arrives on the south lawn of the White House aboard Marine One.

It will take a little while for them to cool down the engines, open the door, at which time we should see the president, the first lady and his two daughters, as they make their way into the White House. Ultimately to the residence to watch the returns come. If he says anything to reporters, we will bring it to you as it happens.

Let's go to Ohio, shall we, where some voters are being scrutinized by challengers from both parties. Adaora Udoji joins us now from Canton, Ohio, with the latest on the turnout situation there and the potential skirmishes -- Adaora. ADAORA UDOJI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Absolutely, Miles. Good afternoon.

It's been a pretty steady flow of voters here in Canton at the polling station right across the way here. And, in fact, county officials tell us they've seen heavy turnout throughout the entire area, which is clearly going toward some of those predictions of record turnout here in Ohio. Clearly a very important state.

And as you mentioned, those controversial challengers are indeed inside polling places not only here in Stark County, but throughout the state. Just not confirmed how many of the 88 counties.

Now, when we're talking about challengers, we're essentially talking about a Ohio law that's been bitterly contested the last couple of weeks, and particularly the last 12 hours. The Democrats had argued that the Republicans were basically trying to intimidate voters. Republicans denied that. They said they were concerned about voter fraud.

A federal court ruled in favor of the Democrats. Then on appeal went to the Republicans, and finally the Democrats had to go to the U.S. Supreme Court, who in those justices refused to step in. So therefore, there are challengers inside those polling places today here in Ohio.

But here's a very interesting thing, Miles. Despite all the predictions -- and I almost hesitate to say this, since we're only halfway through the day -- but so far no reports of no problems. In fact, the secretary of state says they haven't even heard of challenges yet. But again, it's still early.

Miles, we're here watching.

O'BRIEN: Early it is, Adaora. Hopefully you didn't hex it.

Let's go back to the south lawn. Live pictures. Thank you, Adaora.

As we see the first family, ah, the first pooch. Is that Barney? That's Barney, right?

PHILLIPS: I was checking out the daughters. They're looking pretty cute.

O'BRIEN: Anyway, you see a huge group there, obviously administration staffers, White House staffers. Assorted friends of the first family, the FOFF I guess you can call them, as the Bush family makes its way...

PHILLIPS: Not a normal reception.

O'BRIEN: No, no, no. It's definitely a big crowd there.

PHILLIPS: This is definitely...

O'BRIEN: There's a big turnout there. This is the end of the road.

PHILLIPS: Yes.

O'BRIEN: I mean, this is -- this is it. After all the thousands and thousands of miles and hundreds and hundreds of speeches, it's time now to just sit back and watch the returns.

Of course, that -- by saying that, it kind of implies they're relaxing. I doubt there's much -- there are some butterflies in the stomachs at this point.

PHILLIPS: They all want to keep their jobs.

O'BRIEN: But nevertheless -- well, of course. That's human nature, isn't it?

But nevertheless, they can look back on it and say we certainly fought the good fight. And I think both candidates can say that it was a long, hard slog, and they're probably quite relieved they're returning to the White House. And at this point, eating little necks at the Union Oyster House.

PHILLIPS: John Kerry. I wonder what the president will eat. But that's a whole other story.

O'BRIEN: Yes.

PHILLIPS: All right. Nevada is the fastest growing state in terms of population. It's also a political battleground state in this year's election. Some analysts say that Nevada, with its five electoral votes, could help decide who wins the White House. Our Miguel Marquez is in Henderson right now.

Hi, Miguel.

MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: How are you there, Kyra?

The Nevada secretary of state told us yesterday that Nevada in 2000 cast the votes that put Bush over the top of the electoral college. And they feel that because the polls have been close lately, that Nevada may be just as important this time. And that's why election officials are doing everything to make sure the election is good.

This is one of the electronic voting boths. Nevada is unique because they have electronic voting booths statewide. They also record their votes. These machines record their votes on the back, and if you -- they do everything for you.

If you can't see very well, they even give you this little magnifying glass in here, in addition, of course, to all the friendly poll workers who are here. Voters, as we've been discovering today, have turned out and are turning out in big numbers for both candidates.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I voted for President Bush, and so I know that our country has to be free and we have to stand up for what's right.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I voted for Kerry.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, why?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, I just feel that he's going to do a good job.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MARQUEZ: I also want to show you these newer machines, these new voting machines that they have. The thing that's interesting about these is that they have a printer here off to the side that once you cast your vote it actually shows you who you voted for, sort of like a receipt at your grocery store.

It's under glass, though. You can't take it with you. But that way, if there is a concern with the election, they can recount the entire thing by hand if necessary.

Polls close here at 7:00 p.m. A vast number of early votes and absentee votes have been cast. They believe that once the lines go down they can release all those numbers, and they believe once those numbers are released, probably between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. tonight, we'll know which way Nevada goes.

Back to you.

PHILLIPS: All right, Miguel. Thank you.

And complaints about representatives from MoveOn.org in Iowa. The auditor, an election commissioner for Linn County, says that she called police in several precincts to ask them to get MoveOn members to leave.

Voters claim they were approached by MoveOn representatives as they entered precinct doors. The executive director of MoveOn says volunteers and staffers were told of the rules to follow and says the organization is now investigating this incident.

Well, Wolf Blitzer and CNN's full election team -- oh, OK -- kickoff prime-time coverage at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Were you supposed to read this? Because I saw my name.

O'BRIEN: I'm not sure. But does it really matter at this point?

PHILLIPS: I guess it really doesn't matter. Hey.

O'BRIEN: Yes. Let's do it together.

PHILLIPS: It's all about Wolf. Go ahead.

O'BRIEN: They won't stop until the election is decided. That's all you need to know. Wolf Blitzer is a man on a mission tonight. So stay with him and the team, and you won't miss a thing, we promise.

You know, more than the White House is up for grabs. Several key congressional races also swing in the balance of power. We'll check out some post-election scenarios coming up.

Plus, former President Clinton going to the polls. He's been a cheerleader-in-chief, if you will, for John Kerry. We'll hear from both the Bush and the Kerry campaigns after we take a break.

Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: No mystery here. Former President Bill Clinton, Senator Hillary Clinton and their daughter, Chelsea, cast their ballots for president earlier today in Chappaqua, New York. You can pretty much guess who they voted for. But they were having a discussion earlier on before they went in there to vote. But anyway, Bill Clinton has been campaigning hard for John Kerry, as you know.

And we just got videotape in. Just moments ago, Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver, obviously voting there in California.

Now, we're going to see Maria Shriver in a minute. Maybe we're not going to see Maria Shriver in this video. But I have to tell you something about her foot. Are we going to see her in this video? Where is she?

O'BRIEN: That's definitely not her there.

PHILLIPS: OK. She's coming up. No, that's Arnold working the crowd, "Hi, how are you doing? Guess who I voted for?"

In just a second here, OK, here it is. Maria Shriver, now, notice the crutches. Well, why the crutches you ask?

The curse of the bambino wasn't the only thing that was shattered during the Boston Red Sox championship run. Her foot was also shattered. She got so excited, we are told, during the game when the Red Sox -- the were -- actually, they had been down three games. They went on to win the next four and advanced to the World Series.

She jumped off the couch, landed on her kid's shoe...

O'BRIEN: You know, those shoes are always lying around.

PHILLIPS: And you know what?

O'BRIEN: I hate that.

PHILLIPS: My husband constantly tells me to pick up my shoes. So, you know what? From now on I'm going to pick up my shoes.

O'BRIEN: So you're really akin to a 10-year-old child is what you're saying. PHILLIPS: Oh.

O'BRIEN: I was going to say, is Connie O'Brien (ph) over at the Shriver house, the Schwarzenegger house? Because that's what she does, and we trip.

All right. Like everyone else, investors are focusing on the election today, of course. Which industries will benefit if Kerry wins? Who gets a boost if Bush is victorious? All that gaming, which is what they do on Wall Street, after all. Rhonda Schaffler is watching it all for us.

Hello, Rhonda.

RHONDA SCHAFFLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello there, Miles.

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Live pictures now from the Nasdaq tower in Times Square. The Nasdaq MarketSite will be the site of CNN's election headquarters. Not every voter is interested in the same races. So if you'd like to personalize your political coverage, you can just log on to cnn.com/americavotes, you can select up to 20 races from across the country and get customized election results.

O'BRIEN: Two years of campaigning, funnels down to today. Voters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia braving harsh elements in some cases, now casting ballots for president. Wonder which lever our "CROSSFIRE" hosts pulled. Probably not.

To New York City we go. Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson, co-hosts of CNN's "CROSSFIRE."

Gentlemen, good to have you both with us.

PAUL BEGALA, CO-HOST, "CROSSFIRE": Miles.

TUCKER CARLSON, CO-HOST, "CROSSFIRE": Thanks, Miles.

O'BRIEN: Now, I am a uniter not a divider. And given all of the talk that has preceded this segment today, I'd like you to join hands and sing "Kumbaya." Would you do that? Would you do that for us?

(LAUGHTER)

CARLSON: I can't remember the words. After all these years on "CROSSFIRE," I don't even know the tune anymore.

BEGALA: That will be the new -- we'll just cancel "CROSSFIRE" and do "Kumbaya." Have a show where we all just -- just get along.

CARLSON: I like that.

O'BRIEN: I think that's high concept. No, in all honesty, what's on your mind today? Because the truth is everything has been said in spades. And, you know, it's kind of like, you just sort of wait and watch it happen. But in a way, as a political operative, that can be very tense, can't it?

BEGALA: Oh, yes. You know, I, of course, was a political operative for most of my career. And I really feel for these men and women today.

I have a lot of friends in the Kerry campaign, I have probably even more friends in the Bush campaign, being from Texas and knowing these guys for years. And let me tell you, they're nervous now, things are out of their hands.

They're relying on their -- they've all got traditions and superstitions. Some people go to movies, some people go to cheap motels, some people go to bars.

A lot of people are calling me and we're just swapping rumors, gossip. And it becomes circular. You start to hear back the same thing that you said two hours ago.

O'BRIEN: What you started a moment ago about who's in the cheap motel or something like that.

BEGALA: Well, that's true.

CARLSON: And that's the only true rumor you ever hear. Those rumors are always correct. I'm struck by -- I never worked in politics, but I covered every election until this one, the one I'm here talking about it.

O'BRIEN: You're not a politico. You just work on TV, right?

CARLSON: Right. But I am always struck by how people who work for each campaign, no matter -- I mean, this is essentially a tied race going in. But even in the races that are not, the '96 presidential race, Dole-Clinton, it was very obvious to everybody a month out that Clinton was going to win pretty significantly, convincingly.

And yet it was not obvious to the Dole people. And the point is it never is obvious.

The campaigns are their own self-contained worlds. And they don't have a lot of feedback from the rest of us in the outside world. And they're just -- it's a shock. Whoever loses tonight will be shocked, completely shocked. And you've got to have, you know, a lot of sympathy for the person.

BEGALA: Well, because they actually believe this stuff.

O'BRIEN: Yes. I mean -- but is it an echo chamber, or is it because you've got to be a true believer to go through this incredible ordeal?

BEGALA: Well, a little of both.

CARLSON: Yes.

BEGALA: You know, these people, they believe in what they're doing. And one of the things I frankly don't like about a lot of political coverage is that it's cynical. It presumes it's all just a joke, it's a fraud, it's plastic, it's phony.

There's that element of it, obviously, as there is in every industry. But these are people who really are, you know, putting a lot on the line. Most of them don't make very much money, and they're doing it because they really, truly deeply believe in their candidate and what they stand for.

And I like that. That's admirable. And what I also like is that voters are now engaged in it in a very, very heavy way today. Apparently turnout is way, way up.

O'BRIEN: Yes. Well -- and, you know, all that stuff, when you start thinking about it, it is great.

I mean, I got up at 5:00 this morning, went to the polls. Huge, long line it. I've got to tell you, you know, it made me very proud to be a part of this country and a part of the whole process. It's easy to get kind of schmaltzy as you start talking about this, but the fact is, despite all of this talk that we've had in this terribly poisonous atmosphere, it is a wonderful system.

Tucker, what do you think, though, tonight? Are we going to have an answer by the time we wake up in the morning tomorrow?

CARLSON: I think we're going to have an answer by the time we go to bed tonight.

O'BRIEN: Really?

CARLSON: I mean, I -- yes. I mean, look, what do I know? But that's my...

O'BRIEN: Well, you're supposed to know something.

CARLSON: Well, I mean, you know, one can guess, and I will. And that's my strong feeling, is that turnout is so high that we're going to -- and, you know, traditionally, people need to remember that the last election, 2000, was an anomaly, basically.

There is always a swing at the end toward one candidate or other. Usually the challenger in a race like this. Who knows.

But I do think that we will know tonight. And if there's one good thing to come out of this, even if John Kerry wins, something I'm not rooting for, obviously, you know, you could have a definitive victory. And that in itself, it's just -- it's good for America to have a president with a mandate.

O'BRIEN: Well, amen to that. But do you think that Kerry has some momentum here? It's sort of reading the tea leaves, what I hear from you.

CARLSON: Well, look, if people are standing outside for three hours to vote, as they were earlier this week in Florida, early voters and other states, you've got to ask yourself, are those really Republicans? You know, I totally believe you, maybe they are.

BEGALA: I talked not 30 minutes ago to my buddy, Chad Clanton, who's one of the spokesman for Senator Kerry, who was my student at the University of Texas about 100 years ago when I was teaching there. And he said, "Do you really think anybody is going to stand in the rain for three hours to vote for more of the same?"

The truth is, we are more motivated by what we're opposed to than what we love in politics. And I think that opposition to Bush seems to be what's driving this turnout.

CARLSON: Hatred moves voters.

O'BRIEN: All right.

BEGALA: I love it.

O'BRIEN: We're going to leave it there. We don't want to go too much further down that road, in as much as people are still making their decisions as we speak. But gentlemen, it is always a pleasure. Enjoyed talking with you all throughout the campaign season. And let's hope we're not talking about this election until spring or something.

Have a good evening. And get rest when you can.

BEGALA: Thanks, Miles.

O'BRIEN: Eat well, drink plenty of fluids.

CARLSON: We're going to eat well.

O'BRIEN: Paul Begala, Tucker Carlson, thanks.

CARLSON: Thanks, Miles.

O'BRIEN: Kyra?

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