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Bush Tries to Mend Fences with Canada; 9/11 Commission Co- Chairs, 9/11 Families Argue for Passing Intel Reform; Tom Ridge Expected to Resign as Homeland Security Secretary
Aired November 30, 2004 - 13:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CO-HOST: A mission to make friends and mend fences. President Bush heads north of the border to try to fix a relationship that's headed south.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BEVERLY ECKERT, 9/11 WIDOW: We're here today in Washington as private but angry citizens.
(END VIDEO CLIP
TONY HARRIS, CO-HOST: Public outrage. Will it push Congress into action to reform U.S. intelligence in response to 9/11?
RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Rusty Dornin in Redwood City, California, where another closed-door meeting has many wondering what will happen next in the penalty phase of the Scott Peterson trial? More coming up.
PHILLIPS: Cable television, satellite television. For millions of Americans, the cost of turning on the tube is going up.
From the CNN Center in Atlanta, hello, everyone. I'm Kyra Phillips.
HARRIS: And I'm Tony Harris, in for Miles O'Brien. CNN's LIVE FROM starts right now.
PHILLIPS: A November thaw in Ottawa? We may find out in an hour or so when President Bush and Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin face reporters covering Mr. Bush's first official trip north of the border.
Relations between the two giant neighbors and trading partners have been, shall we say, frosty, for years now over such matters as timber, cattle, and especially the war in Iraq. A two-day visit won't break all the ice, though.
But our Suzanne Malveaux does see signs of a warming trend -- Suzanne.
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, that's absolutely right. Both the leaders certainly hoping that it warms up that chill between the countries.
Personally, these two however, respect each other. They like each other. But at the same time of course, President Bush and U.S. policies certainly not popular here in Canada.
It was about 10:30 this morning Air Force One touched down. The president and the first lady greeted by Paul Martin and his wife, Sheila. They are at this moment attending a working lunch. And of course, we'll get more details about some of their discussions.
But what is critical for both of these leaders, of course, they are looking for something from the other. They are trying to warm those relationships, the United States looking for more of an aggressive effort from the Canadian government in terms of fighting terror in Afghanistan and Iraq.
And of course, Canada looking at some of those critical trade issues, when it comes to lifting the ban on imported beef, Canadian beef, as well as lifting those tariffs on its soft wood products.
It is fair, however, to say, Kyra, that the top issue among here the two leaders, of course, is security. Now, despite the fact that none of the 9/11 terrorists actually crossed the Canadian border into the United States, there is a sense of concern here that if that border becomes too porous, if it's not watched carefully, perhaps it will become a launching pad for terrorists.
As far as the Canadians are concerned, it is very much in their interest to prove that yes this is a border that can have a free flow of commerce as well as people because of the trade, because of business. At the same time, to assure that it is secure, that this is something that both of the countries are working on to maintain -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: And Suzanne, there's been a lot of talk about those prescription drugs going to and from the U.S. and Canada.
MALVEAUX: Absolutely, that's another issue, as well. And then, of course, tomorrow is when the president is going to be traveling to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
And that is where you had thousands, tens of thousands of Americans who were actually stranded right after the September 11 attacks. They were there in that area.
The Canadians looking really for an acknowledgement of that moment, a moment that brought both of the countries together. It is expected that President Bush is going to be thanking those volunteers tomorrow, to do just that -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Suzanne Malveaux, thanks so much -- Tony.
HARRIS: And back in Washington, the burning question of intel reform boils down to sooner or later.
With legislation inspired and strongly supported by the 9/11 Commission basically stonewalled by a few House Republicans, some other lawmakers and several 9/11 family members are turning up the heat.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ECKERT: We're here today in Washington as private, but angry citizens, to remind the president of why he was elected. It is his job to protect the people, not the status quo. And remind Speaker Hastert that this is a democracy and to deny Congress the opportunity to vote is tantamount to tyranny.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HARRIS: The two main sticking points are driver's licenses for illegal immigrants and the handling of intel for the Pentagon.
And time is very much a factor. If something isn't passed before Christmas, a whole new Congress will have to start all over again.
CNN's Joe Johns is waiting and watching on Capitol Hill.
Hi, Joe.
JOE JOHNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Tony.
The pressure continuing to build on this issue, members of the September 11 Commission speaking with reporters this morning, calling for a vote on that stalled legislation, making the case that in their view, objections to the bill should not be used to keep it from being voted on by the Congress.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LEE HAMILTON, CO-CHAIR, 9/11 COMMISSION: It is war time. We would not support a bill that undercuts support to our troops. The commander in chief supports this bill. The military gets, and should get, priority.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
JOHNS: But there are, of course, critics of the 9/11 intelligence bill. Among them, some 9/11 families who were on Capitol Hill today. They, of course, have some real concerns. They say there needs to be tougher immigration provisions inside the bill that the Congress is now considering.
Among the speakers here on Capitol Hill today, the mother of one victim, who says the government's failure to act actually cost her her son and now she says she fears for other members of her family.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOAN MOLINARO, MOTHER OF 9/11 VICTIM: On September 11th, 2001, this was the price I paid for your negligence, for my government's failing me. This is the price I am not willing to pay because you continue to fail in your duties.
No bill should pass the Senate, the House, anywhere, unless it contains immigration reform, you secure our borders, you keep my girls alive. You allowed the murder of my son. I will not allow you to kill my daughters.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
JOHNS: Members of the September 11 Commission are expected to meet with Vice President Cheney to talk about the bill. The Congress due back in session next week.
One other note: two top senators who were involved in those negotiations put out a statement just a little while ago, saying a majority of Congress supports the legislation that the conference leaders have compromised on and agreed to, and we're convinced that if the speaker brings the bill to the house floor that it would pass.
Tony, back to you.
HARRIS: Strong passions on both sides, all sides of this debate. Joe Johns on Capitol Hill. Joe, thank you.
The same jury that convicted Scott Peterson of double murder is back in court, anticipating evidence that could take, or spare, Peterson's life.
CNN's Rusty Dornin back in Redwood City with the latest.
Hi, Rusty.
DORNIN: Kyra, the fact that it's the same jury is significant, because yesterday, the Supreme Court rejected defense attorney Mark Geragos' bid to change jurors and change the location.
Things were supposed to get started about an hour ago, but they have been behind closed doors, both sides. And in the past, certainly, defense attorney Mark Geragos has thrown some curveballs. So of course, there's a lot of speculation in the courtroom about what will happen next.
But if things do go as planned, we will be hearing some very raw testimony from both sides. In fact, my most vivid memory about this case over the last two years was Sharon Rocha, Laci Peterson's mother, giving a very emotional speech the day that Scott Peterson was arrested.
It was -- even the seasoned reporters and law enforcement officers in the room were brought to tears by that testimony. We can expect it to be excruciating from both sides -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Who else do we expect to hear from?
DORNIN: Last week, there were two of her friends in court and her father, Dennis Rocha. I think that if things had gone forward last week they would have testified.
Those two friends are back in court today, but absent is Dennis Rocha. All present -- we are expecting, of course, to hear from Sharon Rocha, her brother, her sister, and of course, from the defense side, his mother and father. And also some of what they call mitigation experts, to talk about the reasons why he shouldn't be given the death penalty and why they should spare his life.
PHILLIPS: Rusty Dornin, live from Redwood City, thanks so much -- Tony.
HARRIS: A Minnesota truck driver charged with killing six Wisconsin hunters went before a judge today in a Wisconsin jail.
Chai Vang faces six counts of first-degree murder, though he claims he was fired on first. His lawyers say they are exploring potential mental health defenses. Wisconsin does not have the death penalty.
As you saw here live about an hour ago, the leader credited with turning around the NAACP is moving on. Kweisi Mfume gave up leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus to head the nation's largest and oldest civil rights group in 1996.
At the time, it was reeling under a financial crisis and a sexual harassment scandal. But Mfume brought stability and focus. Later this hour, we'll peer into the organization and Mfume's future with commentator and writer Julianne Malveaux.
ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.
PHILLIPS: And we just have confirmed here at CNN that we are expecting director -- Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge to resign today.
As you know, there have been a number of secretaries within President Bush's cabinet that have stepped down over the past couple of weeks. Now we are getting word that the head of homeland security, Tom Ridge, a new position that was developed after 9/11, the man who heads this department is expected to step down.
Our Jeanne Meserve is working this story through her sources. She joins us now live out of Washington.
Jeanne, this is someone you got to know well and covered him and the beginning of this department. Tell us what we know now.
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, we're led to believe by DHS officials that at 2:45 this afternoon Eastern, Secretary Ridge will announce his resignation. He was, of course, the first secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
He met with the president this morning. We're also told by senior officials that he notified his senior staff this morning, had an emotional announcement with his senior leadership team, and that an e-mail was sent out to all of the 180,000 employees of the Department of Homeland Security.
People close to Ridge say he is not yet made any decisions about what he is going to do next. He has been, of course, absorbed in doing his job. Those discussions probably will begin shortly. Some sources have told us he's expected to stay for a time, at least, until a successor can be confirmed. The question now becomes, of course, who that successor might be.
PHILLIPS: So, Jeanne, let's talk about the relationship between President Bush and Tom Ridge. This obviously was a brand-new department, a new role. A lot of these secretaries have stepped down.
It's a demanding job to be in a cabinet -- to hold a secretary position. Let's talk about the -- sort of the challenges that he's faced, the relationship between him and the president.
Also, he's had quite a number of success stories, heading up this department, a brand-new department since 9/11.
MESERVE: Almost everybody will tell you, Kyra, that he was handed an incredibly difficult job. Twenty-two different agencies of government melded together, 180,000 employees.
Some people feel he didn't do quite as much as could or should have been done in that regard. They're hoping that in the next -- the next secretary, will bring some more management expertise to the job.
But generally, he gets very high marks for the public face that he put on the department. He's a very affable man. He's regarded as quite credible by the American public. The feeling was that in times of crisis, he communicated quite well.
The only downside on that was perhaps his color-coded threat warning system, which I'm sure we're all very familiar with at this point in time. There were real questions about how effective that was, and it became fodder for comedians and cartoonists all over the country, of course.
As for his relationship with the president, they were at one time regarded as very close. However, there are some people who feel that over time, Ridge lost a number of important battles here in Washington.
Again, something they're hoping for in the next secretary, these from outside analysts, people outside the department, somebody perhaps with sharper elbows than Tom Ridge, somebody who can come in and really duke it out with some of the other powerful entities here in Washington, and get the turf and get the money that the department requires.
PHILLIPS: Well, definitely, as a former governor, he's known how to head up -- especially when it came to economic issues in his state.
But let's talk about, as he moves on, who would replace him? Who are the names out there? What are you hearing about possible replacements?
MESERVE: There are a lot of names. First of all, and as far as we know, no announcements are pending today. But top of the list, if there is an inside appointment, would be Asa Hutchison. He has been the under secretary under Bush, under secretary for border and transportation security. He alone oversees 110,000 employees. He coordinates issues relating to borders, transportation and immigration.
He has held a fairly high profile within this administration, done a lot of the public communications part of the message.
However, there have been some questions about his management. There have been questions, particularly, about immigration and customs enforcement and budget issues there. That's one of the many entities which falls under his purview.
Another one of the names that's been mentioned very prominently is Frances Townsman -- Townsend, rather. She is currently the president's White House homeland security adviser. She came to the White House from the Coast Guard and prior to that the Justice Department.
She is regarded as someone who is exceedingly close to President Bush, someone who really has his ear, someone who he likes a lot. I've been told by some people that it's -- not very many people have achieved the statue with the president who weren't with him in his days in Texas. Fran Townsend has been able to do that.
However, the president likes her so much that he might be considering her for another job, perhaps director of national intelligence, if indeed, that position is created.
There are some other names that are out there. One of them is Mike Leavitt. He's the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, a former governor of Utah.
While he was governor of Utah, the Salt Lake City Olympics were held there. He had a hand in putting together the security arrangements for that, as did another person who's mentioned, and that's Mitt Romney.
Mitt Romney headed up the Olympic effort in Salt Lake City. He now, of course, is governor of Massachusetts. He's been one of the leads in the National Governors Association on homeland security issues. He sits on the Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Advisory Committee.
So those are four of the names that we've heard mentioned. There are many others, of course. And as someone warned me, this is a very dangerous game to speculate, because top contenders can fall to back of the pack and people you've never heard of will spring to the top. We'll have to see -- wait and see what the White House decides, of course.
PHILLIPS: Sure. We've seen that happen a number of times, different positions.
MESERVE: Yes. PHILLIPS: Jeanne, let's talk about -- well, first of all, I'm getting word now, 2:45 p.m. Eastern Time, we are supposed to get an official announcement from Tom Ridge. So 2:45 Eastern Time.
Now, let's talk about the timing. You mentioned the border, immigration, very good point. Interesting timing, yes, with the president in Canada, talking about the same issues?
MESERVE: Well, actually, the word had been from the White House that there might not be any announcement, because the president was out of the country and engaged in other high-profile meetings.
But apparently, that advice not being followed to the letter here. We do expect that announcement at 2:45 today.
I'd love to talk for a minute, Kyra, about some of the challenges that would be facing the person who takes over from Tom Ridge. Because there are plenty of challenges still ahead.
One of them -- one of them is that management issue that I mentioned before, that need to bring that synergy into play, to make these different departments really function as one. That's something that many people feel just hasn't happened yet.
There also are significant questions about intelligence and how that's being handled, whether or not -- not only is there information- sharing among the federal government entities, but up and down the line, to state and local entities, so they can both get information and feed information on into the system.
There's been a lot of question about grants and how those are rewarded. A lot of criticism right now that too much of the grant money is going to out of the way places that are unlikely to be attacked and some of the big places, more obvious targets are not getting the money they need.
And there are those who feel, as I mentioned before, that you need somebody who -- as someone told me this morning -- can break the eggs to make the omelet, somebody who's very strong and powerful and can get things done here in Washington, where the name of the game is, of course, turf and money.
PHILLIPS: Jeanne Meserve, thank you so much, live out of D.C. there.
If you're just tuning in now, breaking news. Head of homeland security, Tom Ridge, expected to resign today. That resignation, we are told, about 2:45 Eastern Time. We will carry that live as soon as it happens.
Once again, head of homeland security Tom Ridge, expected to resign today, 2:45 Eastern Time. We've got a lot more to cover on this story, obviously, as the day develops.
HARRIS: OK. Doesn't sound like a job any one man can do, managing 22 agencies and getting the information to all of them in a timely information, but someone will take that job shortly.
PHILLIPS: Straight ahead, a cockpit voice recorder giving investigators the evidence that they need. Well, we're going to figure out what caused a fiery plane crash in Colorado. We are live from that scene.
HARRIS: And thousands still thronging the streets of Ukraine. Will efforts to end the election crisis hit a brick wall?
PHILLIPS: Later, a little silver ring. Could it have a big impact among preventing the spread of AIDS among teenagers? Critics and kids disagree.
HARRIS: And we will hear from the former president of the NAACP, Kweisi Mfume, in just moments.
ANNOUNCER: You're watching LIVE FROM on CNN, the most trusted name in news.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: Already it seems a little strange to say this, Kyra. The former president of the NAACP, Kweisi Mfume, made the announcement today just about an hour or so ago that he was stepping down as a leader of the oldest and largest civil rights organization in this country. Kweisi Mfume joins us from NAACP headquarters in Baltimore.
Kweisi, good to see you.
KWEISI MFUME, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE NAACP: Thank you, Tony. Look, it's just a pleasure to talk with you again. It really, really is.
HARRIS: We've -- we've done this for a lot of years. It's good to see you, my friend. I've got to ask you first...
MFUME: Thank you. We...
HARRIS: Yes, go ahead. I've got to ask you first.
MFUME: No, I was just saying...
HARRIS: We'll work out our choreography.
MFUME: We've got to -- Go right ahead.
HARRIS: I was just going to say to you it's been -- it's been a lot of years we've done this dance together. But I'm surprised, and maybe a lot of people are, to hear this announcement today. Give me some of your thinking in making this decision, and the timing of it right now.
MFUME: Absolutely. Tony, nine years ago, almost to the week, I held a press conference to say that I was leaving the Congress to come to the NAACP and giving up my seat. Because for me it was important to try to help to save and restore the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization.
I also said then, as I repeat it here today that, I said to someone that I came to do a job. I really didn't come to stay. And that when my job was complete and when I felt in my heart of hearts it was time to move on, no one would have to ask me to leave, that I would do that, and I'd try to do it in a gracious and dignified way, befitting the organization.
So that time has come. It's been a great nine years. This is a wonderful organization. We've made real progress. But I leave it today more stable, more secure and I think much better balanced to face the future.
HARRIS: Kweisi, I'm going to ask you to give it to me straight. There is a lot of speculation that the reason that you're leaving right now is because of issues, personal problems, directional problems, with the chairman of the NAACP, Julian Bond. Address that for us, please.
MFUME: Yes. No, I'm not leaving for any of those reasons. Interesting thing was that someone also said, "Well, you're leaving to run for the Senate. We know it. We know it."
Actually, I'm just leaving to take a break. I want to make sure that I work with the organization and help it. I'm going to stay on as a consultant for a few months.
But I am really, really leaving because, in my heart of hearts, I know it's time, and I get another chance to make another choice to try to do something to make a difference somewhere. That's what really gets me going.
I mean, that's why it was so easy in one sense for me to walk away from a secure congressional seat and do this, because I just thought it was an opportunity to give back.
So whenever I find another opportunity, in media or politics or even business, you won't have to call me, I'll be knocking at the door to do it.
HARRIS: I'm going to ask this as best I can. I know your style to be that when you criticize, you criticize in a way where you can also gain something.
Do you feel that the criticism from Chairman Bond of the Bush administration, over the summer, left you in a difficult position to gain anything from the administration?
MFUME: Well, I think, even if we extract that from the campaign, it was such a polarizing campaign on both sides that not a lot was going to take place.
I met at the beginning of the summer with Ed Gillespie, the chair of the Republican committee at that time, and with Terry McAuliffe, the head of the Democratic committee, to try to lay the framework and the groundwork for a -- an election process that would not get more polarized. But we all knew that that's just the nature of campaigns.
The key is, though, when it's all over, to be able to find a way to build bridges. Which is why, as I said earlier today, I really appreciated having spoken to Karl Rove at the White House a couple of hours ago, who really wanted to extend to me the president's best wishes on my future. I have a great deal of respect for Karl.
I called and wish the president well, in fact, myself, the day after the election, because I want him to succeed. He's everybody's president. And we live in a great society where we can have Democrats, Republican and independents, and still find a way to govern.
So there are real differences on different issues. For more -- anything else, to me though, I think you have to have the ability to get beyond them.
So this will be an opportunity for the NAACP, as I've expressed to the White House, to start having dialogue, to recognize that this administration and our great organization cannot be at odds forever. There's got to be dialogue, because we've got to find a way to help people.
HARRIS: You know, I'm going to ask you the relevancy question again of the organization. You've heard it a zillion times. But let me try to frame it this way.
What are the big challenges? What -- what are the big issues of the NAACP needs to address that you would like to see the NAACP continue to address?
We've received a devastating report last week about HIV and AIDS and the black community. We know that there's a widening -- widening gap in poverty in this country. What are some of the issues that you would like to see the NAACP address very aggressively, moving forward?
MFUME: It's a good question. I spoke to some of that a moment ago in the free-flying press conference that we held here.
You're absolutely right. It's not just HIV and AIDS. It's cancer. It's cardiovascular disease. It's kidney disease. It's hypertension. It's all the things that, in the aggregate, bring about disease and ultimately drive down life expectancy in black communities, in Latino communities, and in poor white communities across this nation.
It is a -- a very special calling to stand up now and to have a real war against poverty. Poverty continues to grow in our country. And we don't have to drive very far to see evidence of that.
Our school systems need more attention. It doesn't necessarily mean that the government's going to fix everything. But working with the government, citizens have got to get involved again.
I believe that economic development and some semblance of a restructured criminal justice system that's more fair are some of the things that we have to do going forward.
What I said earlier, also, is that it's important for organizations like this and other organizations to understand the environment that we're in, to look around at the political and social fabric and then to adjust to that so that we're able to use the realities of our day to make change and not be consumed by the battlefield that we're on.
HARRIS: Kweisi, good to see you. Best to you and your future.
MFUME: Thank you, Tony. Thank you. Thank you.
HARRIS: And make those PTA meetings and make those basketball games with your younger son, all right? And then when you're down in Atlanta, come see us. All right?
MFUME: Yes. He just made the basketball team, so we're looking forward to the first game.
HARRIS: Good to see you. Be well, my friend. Happy holidays -- Kyra.
MFUME: Thank you, take care.
PHILLIPS: Federal investigators hope to have more answers today as to cause a fatal plane crash involving NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol. Those answer could come from the plane's cockpit voice recorder, which is undergoing testing right now in Washington.
CNN's Chris Lawrence is following developments in Montrose, Colorado -- Chris.
CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Kyra, we've now learned that the airplane's cockpit voice recorder has arrived in Washington, where it's now being transported to the headquarters of the National Transportation Safety Board, where officials will be listening for any kind of clues as to what happened to that plane.
Now this should give you a better illustration of what some of the witnesses here at the crash site described. They saw the plane skidding sideways through a fence and brush before finally colliding on a roadway.
The collision literally ripped the cockpit and fuselage apart. It also ejected and killed a flight attendant and the pilot.
Now, the head of NBC Sports, Dick Ebersol, had just dropped off his wife, actress Susan St. James, at their vacation home here in Colorado. Ebersol and their two sons were flying on to drop off one of them at college when their plane crashed on takeoff.
Ebersol's oldest son safely pulled him from the wreckage, but his 14-year-old son was killed.
Investigators say weather may have been a factor, but at this point, they are looking at everything. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ELLEN ENGLEMAN-CONNERS, NTSB CHAIRWOMAN: We'll look at the past performance, the aspect of the structural integrity of the aircraft, the engines. Once again this is where NTSB isn't quite "CSI." We don't get it done in 28 minute. It's a little more Sherlock Holmes. We'll determine a thorough investigation, and it will take us about a year.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LAWRENCE: Now, we will get some new information from the NTSB in about five or six hours from now. But we've already learned that this same type of aircraft, this Canada Airjet, has crashed six times since 1980, killing 10 people.
Now, it was frigid and snowing on that Sunday during takeoff, and these are hard winged aircraft, meaning they're very susceptible to buildup of debris, frost and ice. And the pilot's handbook indicates that you must have a clear wing when taking off under those conditions.
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Aired November 30, 2004 - 13:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CO-HOST: A mission to make friends and mend fences. President Bush heads north of the border to try to fix a relationship that's headed south.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BEVERLY ECKERT, 9/11 WIDOW: We're here today in Washington as private but angry citizens.
(END VIDEO CLIP
TONY HARRIS, CO-HOST: Public outrage. Will it push Congress into action to reform U.S. intelligence in response to 9/11?
RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Rusty Dornin in Redwood City, California, where another closed-door meeting has many wondering what will happen next in the penalty phase of the Scott Peterson trial? More coming up.
PHILLIPS: Cable television, satellite television. For millions of Americans, the cost of turning on the tube is going up.
From the CNN Center in Atlanta, hello, everyone. I'm Kyra Phillips.
HARRIS: And I'm Tony Harris, in for Miles O'Brien. CNN's LIVE FROM starts right now.
PHILLIPS: A November thaw in Ottawa? We may find out in an hour or so when President Bush and Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin face reporters covering Mr. Bush's first official trip north of the border.
Relations between the two giant neighbors and trading partners have been, shall we say, frosty, for years now over such matters as timber, cattle, and especially the war in Iraq. A two-day visit won't break all the ice, though.
But our Suzanne Malveaux does see signs of a warming trend -- Suzanne.
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, that's absolutely right. Both the leaders certainly hoping that it warms up that chill between the countries.
Personally, these two however, respect each other. They like each other. But at the same time of course, President Bush and U.S. policies certainly not popular here in Canada.
It was about 10:30 this morning Air Force One touched down. The president and the first lady greeted by Paul Martin and his wife, Sheila. They are at this moment attending a working lunch. And of course, we'll get more details about some of their discussions.
But what is critical for both of these leaders, of course, they are looking for something from the other. They are trying to warm those relationships, the United States looking for more of an aggressive effort from the Canadian government in terms of fighting terror in Afghanistan and Iraq.
And of course, Canada looking at some of those critical trade issues, when it comes to lifting the ban on imported beef, Canadian beef, as well as lifting those tariffs on its soft wood products.
It is fair, however, to say, Kyra, that the top issue among here the two leaders, of course, is security. Now, despite the fact that none of the 9/11 terrorists actually crossed the Canadian border into the United States, there is a sense of concern here that if that border becomes too porous, if it's not watched carefully, perhaps it will become a launching pad for terrorists.
As far as the Canadians are concerned, it is very much in their interest to prove that yes this is a border that can have a free flow of commerce as well as people because of the trade, because of business. At the same time, to assure that it is secure, that this is something that both of the countries are working on to maintain -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: And Suzanne, there's been a lot of talk about those prescription drugs going to and from the U.S. and Canada.
MALVEAUX: Absolutely, that's another issue, as well. And then, of course, tomorrow is when the president is going to be traveling to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
And that is where you had thousands, tens of thousands of Americans who were actually stranded right after the September 11 attacks. They were there in that area.
The Canadians looking really for an acknowledgement of that moment, a moment that brought both of the countries together. It is expected that President Bush is going to be thanking those volunteers tomorrow, to do just that -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Suzanne Malveaux, thanks so much -- Tony.
HARRIS: And back in Washington, the burning question of intel reform boils down to sooner or later.
With legislation inspired and strongly supported by the 9/11 Commission basically stonewalled by a few House Republicans, some other lawmakers and several 9/11 family members are turning up the heat.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ECKERT: We're here today in Washington as private, but angry citizens, to remind the president of why he was elected. It is his job to protect the people, not the status quo. And remind Speaker Hastert that this is a democracy and to deny Congress the opportunity to vote is tantamount to tyranny.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HARRIS: The two main sticking points are driver's licenses for illegal immigrants and the handling of intel for the Pentagon.
And time is very much a factor. If something isn't passed before Christmas, a whole new Congress will have to start all over again.
CNN's Joe Johns is waiting and watching on Capitol Hill.
Hi, Joe.
JOE JOHNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Tony.
The pressure continuing to build on this issue, members of the September 11 Commission speaking with reporters this morning, calling for a vote on that stalled legislation, making the case that in their view, objections to the bill should not be used to keep it from being voted on by the Congress.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LEE HAMILTON, CO-CHAIR, 9/11 COMMISSION: It is war time. We would not support a bill that undercuts support to our troops. The commander in chief supports this bill. The military gets, and should get, priority.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
JOHNS: But there are, of course, critics of the 9/11 intelligence bill. Among them, some 9/11 families who were on Capitol Hill today. They, of course, have some real concerns. They say there needs to be tougher immigration provisions inside the bill that the Congress is now considering.
Among the speakers here on Capitol Hill today, the mother of one victim, who says the government's failure to act actually cost her her son and now she says she fears for other members of her family.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOAN MOLINARO, MOTHER OF 9/11 VICTIM: On September 11th, 2001, this was the price I paid for your negligence, for my government's failing me. This is the price I am not willing to pay because you continue to fail in your duties.
No bill should pass the Senate, the House, anywhere, unless it contains immigration reform, you secure our borders, you keep my girls alive. You allowed the murder of my son. I will not allow you to kill my daughters.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
JOHNS: Members of the September 11 Commission are expected to meet with Vice President Cheney to talk about the bill. The Congress due back in session next week.
One other note: two top senators who were involved in those negotiations put out a statement just a little while ago, saying a majority of Congress supports the legislation that the conference leaders have compromised on and agreed to, and we're convinced that if the speaker brings the bill to the house floor that it would pass.
Tony, back to you.
HARRIS: Strong passions on both sides, all sides of this debate. Joe Johns on Capitol Hill. Joe, thank you.
The same jury that convicted Scott Peterson of double murder is back in court, anticipating evidence that could take, or spare, Peterson's life.
CNN's Rusty Dornin back in Redwood City with the latest.
Hi, Rusty.
DORNIN: Kyra, the fact that it's the same jury is significant, because yesterday, the Supreme Court rejected defense attorney Mark Geragos' bid to change jurors and change the location.
Things were supposed to get started about an hour ago, but they have been behind closed doors, both sides. And in the past, certainly, defense attorney Mark Geragos has thrown some curveballs. So of course, there's a lot of speculation in the courtroom about what will happen next.
But if things do go as planned, we will be hearing some very raw testimony from both sides. In fact, my most vivid memory about this case over the last two years was Sharon Rocha, Laci Peterson's mother, giving a very emotional speech the day that Scott Peterson was arrested.
It was -- even the seasoned reporters and law enforcement officers in the room were brought to tears by that testimony. We can expect it to be excruciating from both sides -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Who else do we expect to hear from?
DORNIN: Last week, there were two of her friends in court and her father, Dennis Rocha. I think that if things had gone forward last week they would have testified.
Those two friends are back in court today, but absent is Dennis Rocha. All present -- we are expecting, of course, to hear from Sharon Rocha, her brother, her sister, and of course, from the defense side, his mother and father. And also some of what they call mitigation experts, to talk about the reasons why he shouldn't be given the death penalty and why they should spare his life.
PHILLIPS: Rusty Dornin, live from Redwood City, thanks so much -- Tony.
HARRIS: A Minnesota truck driver charged with killing six Wisconsin hunters went before a judge today in a Wisconsin jail.
Chai Vang faces six counts of first-degree murder, though he claims he was fired on first. His lawyers say they are exploring potential mental health defenses. Wisconsin does not have the death penalty.
As you saw here live about an hour ago, the leader credited with turning around the NAACP is moving on. Kweisi Mfume gave up leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus to head the nation's largest and oldest civil rights group in 1996.
At the time, it was reeling under a financial crisis and a sexual harassment scandal. But Mfume brought stability and focus. Later this hour, we'll peer into the organization and Mfume's future with commentator and writer Julianne Malveaux.
ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.
PHILLIPS: And we just have confirmed here at CNN that we are expecting director -- Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge to resign today.
As you know, there have been a number of secretaries within President Bush's cabinet that have stepped down over the past couple of weeks. Now we are getting word that the head of homeland security, Tom Ridge, a new position that was developed after 9/11, the man who heads this department is expected to step down.
Our Jeanne Meserve is working this story through her sources. She joins us now live out of Washington.
Jeanne, this is someone you got to know well and covered him and the beginning of this department. Tell us what we know now.
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, we're led to believe by DHS officials that at 2:45 this afternoon Eastern, Secretary Ridge will announce his resignation. He was, of course, the first secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
He met with the president this morning. We're also told by senior officials that he notified his senior staff this morning, had an emotional announcement with his senior leadership team, and that an e-mail was sent out to all of the 180,000 employees of the Department of Homeland Security.
People close to Ridge say he is not yet made any decisions about what he is going to do next. He has been, of course, absorbed in doing his job. Those discussions probably will begin shortly. Some sources have told us he's expected to stay for a time, at least, until a successor can be confirmed. The question now becomes, of course, who that successor might be.
PHILLIPS: So, Jeanne, let's talk about the relationship between President Bush and Tom Ridge. This obviously was a brand-new department, a new role. A lot of these secretaries have stepped down.
It's a demanding job to be in a cabinet -- to hold a secretary position. Let's talk about the -- sort of the challenges that he's faced, the relationship between him and the president.
Also, he's had quite a number of success stories, heading up this department, a brand-new department since 9/11.
MESERVE: Almost everybody will tell you, Kyra, that he was handed an incredibly difficult job. Twenty-two different agencies of government melded together, 180,000 employees.
Some people feel he didn't do quite as much as could or should have been done in that regard. They're hoping that in the next -- the next secretary, will bring some more management expertise to the job.
But generally, he gets very high marks for the public face that he put on the department. He's a very affable man. He's regarded as quite credible by the American public. The feeling was that in times of crisis, he communicated quite well.
The only downside on that was perhaps his color-coded threat warning system, which I'm sure we're all very familiar with at this point in time. There were real questions about how effective that was, and it became fodder for comedians and cartoonists all over the country, of course.
As for his relationship with the president, they were at one time regarded as very close. However, there are some people who feel that over time, Ridge lost a number of important battles here in Washington.
Again, something they're hoping for in the next secretary, these from outside analysts, people outside the department, somebody perhaps with sharper elbows than Tom Ridge, somebody who can come in and really duke it out with some of the other powerful entities here in Washington, and get the turf and get the money that the department requires.
PHILLIPS: Well, definitely, as a former governor, he's known how to head up -- especially when it came to economic issues in his state.
But let's talk about, as he moves on, who would replace him? Who are the names out there? What are you hearing about possible replacements?
MESERVE: There are a lot of names. First of all, and as far as we know, no announcements are pending today. But top of the list, if there is an inside appointment, would be Asa Hutchison. He has been the under secretary under Bush, under secretary for border and transportation security. He alone oversees 110,000 employees. He coordinates issues relating to borders, transportation and immigration.
He has held a fairly high profile within this administration, done a lot of the public communications part of the message.
However, there have been some questions about his management. There have been questions, particularly, about immigration and customs enforcement and budget issues there. That's one of the many entities which falls under his purview.
Another one of the names that's been mentioned very prominently is Frances Townsman -- Townsend, rather. She is currently the president's White House homeland security adviser. She came to the White House from the Coast Guard and prior to that the Justice Department.
She is regarded as someone who is exceedingly close to President Bush, someone who really has his ear, someone who he likes a lot. I've been told by some people that it's -- not very many people have achieved the statue with the president who weren't with him in his days in Texas. Fran Townsend has been able to do that.
However, the president likes her so much that he might be considering her for another job, perhaps director of national intelligence, if indeed, that position is created.
There are some other names that are out there. One of them is Mike Leavitt. He's the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, a former governor of Utah.
While he was governor of Utah, the Salt Lake City Olympics were held there. He had a hand in putting together the security arrangements for that, as did another person who's mentioned, and that's Mitt Romney.
Mitt Romney headed up the Olympic effort in Salt Lake City. He now, of course, is governor of Massachusetts. He's been one of the leads in the National Governors Association on homeland security issues. He sits on the Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Advisory Committee.
So those are four of the names that we've heard mentioned. There are many others, of course. And as someone warned me, this is a very dangerous game to speculate, because top contenders can fall to back of the pack and people you've never heard of will spring to the top. We'll have to see -- wait and see what the White House decides, of course.
PHILLIPS: Sure. We've seen that happen a number of times, different positions.
MESERVE: Yes. PHILLIPS: Jeanne, let's talk about -- well, first of all, I'm getting word now, 2:45 p.m. Eastern Time, we are supposed to get an official announcement from Tom Ridge. So 2:45 Eastern Time.
Now, let's talk about the timing. You mentioned the border, immigration, very good point. Interesting timing, yes, with the president in Canada, talking about the same issues?
MESERVE: Well, actually, the word had been from the White House that there might not be any announcement, because the president was out of the country and engaged in other high-profile meetings.
But apparently, that advice not being followed to the letter here. We do expect that announcement at 2:45 today.
I'd love to talk for a minute, Kyra, about some of the challenges that would be facing the person who takes over from Tom Ridge. Because there are plenty of challenges still ahead.
One of them -- one of them is that management issue that I mentioned before, that need to bring that synergy into play, to make these different departments really function as one. That's something that many people feel just hasn't happened yet.
There also are significant questions about intelligence and how that's being handled, whether or not -- not only is there information- sharing among the federal government entities, but up and down the line, to state and local entities, so they can both get information and feed information on into the system.
There's been a lot of question about grants and how those are rewarded. A lot of criticism right now that too much of the grant money is going to out of the way places that are unlikely to be attacked and some of the big places, more obvious targets are not getting the money they need.
And there are those who feel, as I mentioned before, that you need somebody who -- as someone told me this morning -- can break the eggs to make the omelet, somebody who's very strong and powerful and can get things done here in Washington, where the name of the game is, of course, turf and money.
PHILLIPS: Jeanne Meserve, thank you so much, live out of D.C. there.
If you're just tuning in now, breaking news. Head of homeland security, Tom Ridge, expected to resign today. That resignation, we are told, about 2:45 Eastern Time. We will carry that live as soon as it happens.
Once again, head of homeland security Tom Ridge, expected to resign today, 2:45 Eastern Time. We've got a lot more to cover on this story, obviously, as the day develops.
HARRIS: OK. Doesn't sound like a job any one man can do, managing 22 agencies and getting the information to all of them in a timely information, but someone will take that job shortly.
PHILLIPS: Straight ahead, a cockpit voice recorder giving investigators the evidence that they need. Well, we're going to figure out what caused a fiery plane crash in Colorado. We are live from that scene.
HARRIS: And thousands still thronging the streets of Ukraine. Will efforts to end the election crisis hit a brick wall?
PHILLIPS: Later, a little silver ring. Could it have a big impact among preventing the spread of AIDS among teenagers? Critics and kids disagree.
HARRIS: And we will hear from the former president of the NAACP, Kweisi Mfume, in just moments.
ANNOUNCER: You're watching LIVE FROM on CNN, the most trusted name in news.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: Already it seems a little strange to say this, Kyra. The former president of the NAACP, Kweisi Mfume, made the announcement today just about an hour or so ago that he was stepping down as a leader of the oldest and largest civil rights organization in this country. Kweisi Mfume joins us from NAACP headquarters in Baltimore.
Kweisi, good to see you.
KWEISI MFUME, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE NAACP: Thank you, Tony. Look, it's just a pleasure to talk with you again. It really, really is.
HARRIS: We've -- we've done this for a lot of years. It's good to see you, my friend. I've got to ask you first...
MFUME: Thank you. We...
HARRIS: Yes, go ahead. I've got to ask you first.
MFUME: No, I was just saying...
HARRIS: We'll work out our choreography.
MFUME: We've got to -- Go right ahead.
HARRIS: I was just going to say to you it's been -- it's been a lot of years we've done this dance together. But I'm surprised, and maybe a lot of people are, to hear this announcement today. Give me some of your thinking in making this decision, and the timing of it right now.
MFUME: Absolutely. Tony, nine years ago, almost to the week, I held a press conference to say that I was leaving the Congress to come to the NAACP and giving up my seat. Because for me it was important to try to help to save and restore the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization.
I also said then, as I repeat it here today that, I said to someone that I came to do a job. I really didn't come to stay. And that when my job was complete and when I felt in my heart of hearts it was time to move on, no one would have to ask me to leave, that I would do that, and I'd try to do it in a gracious and dignified way, befitting the organization.
So that time has come. It's been a great nine years. This is a wonderful organization. We've made real progress. But I leave it today more stable, more secure and I think much better balanced to face the future.
HARRIS: Kweisi, I'm going to ask you to give it to me straight. There is a lot of speculation that the reason that you're leaving right now is because of issues, personal problems, directional problems, with the chairman of the NAACP, Julian Bond. Address that for us, please.
MFUME: Yes. No, I'm not leaving for any of those reasons. Interesting thing was that someone also said, "Well, you're leaving to run for the Senate. We know it. We know it."
Actually, I'm just leaving to take a break. I want to make sure that I work with the organization and help it. I'm going to stay on as a consultant for a few months.
But I am really, really leaving because, in my heart of hearts, I know it's time, and I get another chance to make another choice to try to do something to make a difference somewhere. That's what really gets me going.
I mean, that's why it was so easy in one sense for me to walk away from a secure congressional seat and do this, because I just thought it was an opportunity to give back.
So whenever I find another opportunity, in media or politics or even business, you won't have to call me, I'll be knocking at the door to do it.
HARRIS: I'm going to ask this as best I can. I know your style to be that when you criticize, you criticize in a way where you can also gain something.
Do you feel that the criticism from Chairman Bond of the Bush administration, over the summer, left you in a difficult position to gain anything from the administration?
MFUME: Well, I think, even if we extract that from the campaign, it was such a polarizing campaign on both sides that not a lot was going to take place.
I met at the beginning of the summer with Ed Gillespie, the chair of the Republican committee at that time, and with Terry McAuliffe, the head of the Democratic committee, to try to lay the framework and the groundwork for a -- an election process that would not get more polarized. But we all knew that that's just the nature of campaigns.
The key is, though, when it's all over, to be able to find a way to build bridges. Which is why, as I said earlier today, I really appreciated having spoken to Karl Rove at the White House a couple of hours ago, who really wanted to extend to me the president's best wishes on my future. I have a great deal of respect for Karl.
I called and wish the president well, in fact, myself, the day after the election, because I want him to succeed. He's everybody's president. And we live in a great society where we can have Democrats, Republican and independents, and still find a way to govern.
So there are real differences on different issues. For more -- anything else, to me though, I think you have to have the ability to get beyond them.
So this will be an opportunity for the NAACP, as I've expressed to the White House, to start having dialogue, to recognize that this administration and our great organization cannot be at odds forever. There's got to be dialogue, because we've got to find a way to help people.
HARRIS: You know, I'm going to ask you the relevancy question again of the organization. You've heard it a zillion times. But let me try to frame it this way.
What are the big challenges? What -- what are the big issues of the NAACP needs to address that you would like to see the NAACP continue to address?
We've received a devastating report last week about HIV and AIDS and the black community. We know that there's a widening -- widening gap in poverty in this country. What are some of the issues that you would like to see the NAACP address very aggressively, moving forward?
MFUME: It's a good question. I spoke to some of that a moment ago in the free-flying press conference that we held here.
You're absolutely right. It's not just HIV and AIDS. It's cancer. It's cardiovascular disease. It's kidney disease. It's hypertension. It's all the things that, in the aggregate, bring about disease and ultimately drive down life expectancy in black communities, in Latino communities, and in poor white communities across this nation.
It is a -- a very special calling to stand up now and to have a real war against poverty. Poverty continues to grow in our country. And we don't have to drive very far to see evidence of that.
Our school systems need more attention. It doesn't necessarily mean that the government's going to fix everything. But working with the government, citizens have got to get involved again.
I believe that economic development and some semblance of a restructured criminal justice system that's more fair are some of the things that we have to do going forward.
What I said earlier, also, is that it's important for organizations like this and other organizations to understand the environment that we're in, to look around at the political and social fabric and then to adjust to that so that we're able to use the realities of our day to make change and not be consumed by the battlefield that we're on.
HARRIS: Kweisi, good to see you. Best to you and your future.
MFUME: Thank you, Tony. Thank you. Thank you.
HARRIS: And make those PTA meetings and make those basketball games with your younger son, all right? And then when you're down in Atlanta, come see us. All right?
MFUME: Yes. He just made the basketball team, so we're looking forward to the first game.
HARRIS: Good to see you. Be well, my friend. Happy holidays -- Kyra.
MFUME: Thank you, take care.
PHILLIPS: Federal investigators hope to have more answers today as to cause a fatal plane crash involving NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol. Those answer could come from the plane's cockpit voice recorder, which is undergoing testing right now in Washington.
CNN's Chris Lawrence is following developments in Montrose, Colorado -- Chris.
CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Kyra, we've now learned that the airplane's cockpit voice recorder has arrived in Washington, where it's now being transported to the headquarters of the National Transportation Safety Board, where officials will be listening for any kind of clues as to what happened to that plane.
Now this should give you a better illustration of what some of the witnesses here at the crash site described. They saw the plane skidding sideways through a fence and brush before finally colliding on a roadway.
The collision literally ripped the cockpit and fuselage apart. It also ejected and killed a flight attendant and the pilot.
Now, the head of NBC Sports, Dick Ebersol, had just dropped off his wife, actress Susan St. James, at their vacation home here in Colorado. Ebersol and their two sons were flying on to drop off one of them at college when their plane crashed on takeoff.
Ebersol's oldest son safely pulled him from the wreckage, but his 14-year-old son was killed.
Investigators say weather may have been a factor, but at this point, they are looking at everything. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ELLEN ENGLEMAN-CONNERS, NTSB CHAIRWOMAN: We'll look at the past performance, the aspect of the structural integrity of the aircraft, the engines. Once again this is where NTSB isn't quite "CSI." We don't get it done in 28 minute. It's a little more Sherlock Holmes. We'll determine a thorough investigation, and it will take us about a year.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LAWRENCE: Now, we will get some new information from the NTSB in about five or six hours from now. But we've already learned that this same type of aircraft, this Canada Airjet, has crashed six times since 1980, killing 10 people.
Now, it was frigid and snowing on that Sunday during takeoff, and these are hard winged aircraft, meaning they're very susceptible to buildup of debris, frost and ice. And the pilot's handbook indicates that you must have a clear wing when taking off under those conditions.
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