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Secret Pentagon Unit Revealed; U.S., Iraqis Capture Insurgents; Three Firefighters Killed in NYC; Boston Digging out from Blizzard
Aired January 24, 2005 - 15:00 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.
JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: ... the demarcation comes of what you read between the lines. What was first reported by "The Washington Post," yesterday and CNN has confirmed this, that there is -- has been a plan implemented over the past two years to beef up the Defense Intelligence Agency's so-called human intelligence unit, now renamed the strategic support branch.
The idea is for the Pentagon to have its own spies who can operate alongside U.S. commandos such as Delta Force or Navy SEALs in clandestine operations.
But the Pentagon denies that it's in a turf battle with the CIA or bending the rules, hiding any of this from Congress. In fact, over the weekend, in response to "The Washington Post" story, a Pentagon spokesman, Larry Di Rita, issued a statement in which he said, quote, "There is no unit that is directly reportable to the secretary of defense for clandestine operations."
He also insisted that the actions are being taken within existing statutory authorities and that the Pentagon is remaining in regular consultation with relevant committees in Congress and other agencies, including the CIA.
But many members of Congress were taken by surprise by this and expressed concern about what they see as a potential expanded role for the Pentagon, not just to operate in countries where the U.S. is at war, such as Afghanistan and Iraq, but in also so-called friendly countries where the U.S. may be trying to gather intelligence as they try to hunt down members of terrorist organizations.
They're calling for some hearings, and no doubt there will be more questions asked about this as the Pentagon continues to insist that it's not doing anything it's not supposed to and is not trying to hide anything from members of Congress -- Tony.
TONY HARRIS, CO-HOST: Jamie, if you look at this from the prism of post-9/11, you might be asking yourself, it sounds like a good idea. What would be the problem? Is there any illegality in setting up an organization like this?
MCINTYRE: Well, you know, in this kind of situation it's always in how it's actually applied and what the details are.
HARRIS: Yes.
MCINTYRE: For instance, there's some suggestion that, you know, that for instance that the Pentagon is going to deploy a military force, it needs to inform Congress. But if it's going to deploy just some clandestine operatives to gather intelligence, something that the CIA normally would do, they could notify the Congress after the fact.
That's the kind of thing that Congress is concerned about. The devil is always in the details. And while the Pentagon can insist all it wants that it's not intruding on the CIA's territory, that's something that's also in the eyes of the beholder.
HARRIS: Yes. Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre. Jamie, thank you.
Also today, a published report says the trail has gone cold in the hunt for Osama bin Laden. "TIME" magazine says the notorious terrorist leader has not left a trace in nearly two years, but he's still believed by U.S. officials to be entrenched in the rugged mountains along the Afghan/Pakistan border.
Congress has passed a measure that would double the bounty placed on bin Laden to $50 million. And "TIME" said President Bush is expected to give his approval next month.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CO-HOST: Iraqi officials say they've caught the mastermind of dozens of suicide attacks. The word came hours after a car drove up and blew up.
CNN chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour brings up-to-date on the situation from Baghdad.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: In the run up to Sunday's elections here, the predicted violence does continue.
Today early this morning there was a big suicide car bomb attack in an area close to the political headquarters of the interim prime minister, Ayad Allawi. There was nobody killed in that attack, but 12 people were injured, according to Baghdad police, among them 10 policemen.
Afterwards, Abu Musab Zarqawi, the most wanted terrorist connected to al Qaeda, we're told, has, in fact, posted a statement claiming responsibility. And this follows a very virulent audiotape that he released, calling on people not to go to the elections, saying that they were the elections of the infidel and warning people not to participate.
It's clear that people here in Iraq are afraid, and to that end the U.S. and Iraqi forces are trying to crack down on these insurgents. In an increased crackdown leading up to the elections we're told by U.S. commanders that hundreds of suspected insurgents have been rounded up and dozens of weapons caches have been discovered.
In the meantime, they also say that one key insurgent with links to Zarqawi has been arrested, a key bomb maker, we're told, by the Iraqi government.
Christian Amanpour, CNN, Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HARRIS: It's the worst day the New York City Fire Department has seen since 9/11: three veteran fire fighters killed in the line of duty in two separate fires.
In the tight-knight FDNY community any loss is deeply felt. But CNN's Mary Snow says these deaths have hit especially hard.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MARY SNOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): As if battling a three-alarm blaze wasn't enough, 35 units of the New York City Fire Department also had to battle the elements. Temperatures were below freezing. There was more than a future foot of snow.
Officials say there was a report of people trapped, which led six firemen to the top floor of a burning apartment building with no way out.
ANTHONY ORTEZ, WITNESS: I heard a lot of screaming. Then I saw them breaking, like the windows. The glass was shattering. Then I saw people on the roof, the fire fighters. Then at that point, the smoke was getting real dark.
SNOW: The fire department says the fire started by an overloaded extension cord that ignited a mattress. Flames raced to the fourth floor of the Bronx building, leaving the firemen 50 feet above the ground.
MAYOR MICHAEL BLOOMBERG, NEW YORK CITY: They had to make a choice. They were going to be burned to death or jump. It was a terrible choice.
SNOW: Two veteran fire fighters were killed. Four others were critically hurt.
While the fire department says the bad weather did not play a part, fire fighters say it certainly didn't help. A fire hydrant at the scene was reported frozen, and the department is looking into a temporary loss of water.
CHIEF PETER HEYDEN, NYFD: A temporary loss of water at the time of the fire, and during that period of time during the loss of water the conditions deteriorated rapidly.
SNOW: Hours later, a veteran fire fighter was killed in a separate blaze in Brooklyn. And for a department that lost 343 of its members on September 11, its union said it's another painful reminder of the sacrifices of New York's bravest.
NICHOLAS SCOPPETTA, NYC FIRE COMMISSIONER: Just another really terrible example, a powerful example, of what fire fighters do every day: put their lives on the line.
SNOW: Mary Snow, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HARRIS: Well, if you're watching us trying to get out of Boston's Logan International Airport, we can give you a bit of an update. Some, some of the runways are open again.
Now the bad news, the power's out in the terminal, throwing yet another monkey wrench at stranded travelers. Residents of Cape Cod can certainly relate; 3,400 customers still without electricity this afternoon. And is there more to come later this week?
CNN's Chris Huntington is knee deep in blizzard information.
Well, what's the latest, Chris?
CHRIS HUNTINGTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Tony, I can tell you more about snow here in New England than you probably ever care to hear.
The latest forecast is that there's another four to six inches expected to hit the Boston area on Wednesday. They've had a breather today. The weather cleared up. It's been relatively calm. It's still very, very cold. But they've had a chance, with a bit of a skeleton crew of city officials on hand, to concentrate on snow removal.
The word from the mayor was please, if you do not have to come to work today please stay home, please stay off the streets. He asked that only essential city officials, and I guess essential really means those that can truly help manage the snow process here.
A two-day moratorium on going to school. That's great news for the kids. They'll will be out sledding. But the really issue is to try and clear safe passage along sidewalks and curbs that so when they do go back to school, they'll have a safe place to stand.
You mentioned the situation at Logan Airport. The latest news we have is that the power is back on. But boy, that was just, as you put it, a monkey wrench they didn't need to deal with, jamming up elevators, jet way ramps and escalators, further delaying passengers.
There's the takeoffs and landings have been intermittent. We can see Logan from where we stand. And in fact, I'm seeing a jet take off right now. So obviously, things are beginning to get back to normal there. But the delays are substantial and we've heard lots of stories about people simply giving up after being told their flights were so delayed.
The situation here as far as the storm's concerned, not a record breaker, but still, definitely one of the five worst storms ever to hit this region. The final snow tally in Boston center, in Boston Commons, 26 inches, about an inch and a half shy of the all-time record. But you go up to Salem, about 15 miles north of here, 38 inches on the ground and many, many -- much higher in terms of the drifts that were whipped up by truly hurricane force winds. In fact, the Coast Guard had a warning in effect up and down the coast here from as far south as Buzzards Bay up to the Gulf of Maine for hurricane force winds.
Nantucket absolutely got nailed last night. Power knocked out completely on that island there. It is mostly restored. But as you mentioned, many residents along cape Cod still without electricity.
Of course, that was not appreciated last night because the Patriots were playing the Steelers, and that was pretty much the biggest story in Boston this morning. It was the lead story in the "Globe." So that puts in perspective, if you will, how the folks here have handled this snowstorm.
Overall, a state of emergency still in effect, but that's really just a precaution. They pretty much have the situation under control here. Of course, they're bracing for Wednesday -- Tony.
HARRIS: Chris, when you say under control, I mean, you're on the ground there, and for folks living in Boston it's not only the sidewalks, getting those passable but. What about some of those secondary streets. How are they doing in getting those streets passable?
HUNTINGTON: Well, I'm sure you're familiar with Boston and there are parts of it that are a real rabbit warren of old windy streets and those typically are streets that don't get cleared for many, many days after a dumping like this.
The main streets are clear. The main highways are clear. Route 128, which is of course, the circular artery around the city, a vital commuter route, is pretty clear. Route 95 is clear going to the south and north if you're -- that's crucial.
Boston, of course, has been hampered by its Big Dig over the last 10 years or so. That's the huge reconstruction of the central artery through town. Well, they've got stuck with another big dig here. They'll be dealing with this one for many, many days to come.
HARRIS: It sounds like it. Chris Huntington in Boston for us. Chris, thank you -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: The sons of two prominent Democrats are charged with vandalism following incidents this past election day. That story just ahead on LIVE FROM.
Also, sometimes you're just not safe sitting on your own couch. A driver redefines the term, drive-through window.
And...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) RAY ROMANO, COMEDIAN: There are people that are very good out there, but, you know, I don't think anyone will ever be as good as him.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: That is true. Remembering Johnny Carson. A look back at the late night king with some of those who were honored to know him.
ANNOUNCER: You're watching LIVE FROM on CNN, the most trusted name in news.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(WEATHER REPORT)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Five Democratic activists are facing charges in a case of election day vandalism in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Last November tires on 25 vehicles rented by the state Republican Party were slashed. One of the suspects charged today is the son of Wisconsin Congresswoman Gwen Moore. Another is the son of former Milwaukee acting Mayor Marvin Pratt.
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin says the five were paid employees of the John Kerry campaign but insist they were not acting on behalf of that campaign or party.
Other news across America now, a convicted sex offender who allegedly kidnapped a Florida boy will soon be back in Florida. Frederick Fretz waived his right to fight extradition during a court hearing in Georgia today. He was arrested yesterday just north of Atlanta. The boy he's accused of kidnapping was found unhurt Friday and reunited with his mother.
Here's something you don't see too often. A driver lost control of his car, slammed into an apartment last night in New Mexico. And the man inside the apartment was able to full his kids out of the way just in time. One boy went to the hospital with minor injuries. That driver was charged with careless driving.
Together again. The last of the four surviving quintuplets born to an Illinois couple headed home today. Take a load of that. The babies were born in October shortly after their father was wounded while serving in Iraq. One baby died shortly after birth.
HARRIS: Demand for heating oil is on the rise, thanks to a cold snap hitting much of the eastern United States. That's helping lift crude oil prices again.
Susan Lisovicz joins us from the New York Stock Exchange with that story -- Susan.
(STOCK REPORT)
HARRIS: Susan, thank you.
He was the last voice millions of people heard at night. Coming up, a farewell to a late night legend.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHNNY CARSON, FORMER HOST, "THE TONIGHT SHOW": Let's get on with this. Mount Saint Helens, Three-Mile Island and the Love Canal.
Where can you still buy a house for less than 100 grand?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Back when there was just a handful of channels and little to watch but test patterns after the late news, millions of Americans stayed up to see what Johnny Carson would say tonight.
HARRIS: A day after his death, his "Tonight Show" successor, Jay Leno, says Carson did more to change television than any other individual. Carson was called the king of late night TV, and you can see why for yourself.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ED MCMAHON, FORMER ANNOUNCER, "THE TONIGHT SHOW": And now, here's Johnny!
ROMANO: He had the ability to be funny, to be poignant, to be serious, to talk about any subject. We're going to miss him.
CARSON: No, no, no. No, I didn't...
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He was a giant. He had that cackle laugh, you know.
MCMAHON: I'm going to be out of town tomorrow, so...
CARSON: What do you mean, you're going to be out of town?
MCMAHON: I'm going to be...
CARSON: Tomorrow is Friday.
MCMAHON: I know that. But I can take a day off once in awhile. You certainly invented it.
CARSON: Want a few grapes?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He was game for anything, whether it was getting in the pool, or having the elephant lift him up in her trunk, or if I offered to bring him in, he would do just about anything.
DON RICKLES, COMEDIAN: I say, very honestly, he was so special, because Midwest guy -- and I'm a Jewish kid from New York. When I showed affection, it was hard for him to show that. But when I did, I knew he loved me. And he's in heaven now. And I know he loves me and my family, and I love him. And may God be good to this man. He was the best.
Could I do it a couple of minutes?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No.
CARSON: No, no.
RICKLES: Give me a break; I'm so lonely!
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He was important to all of our lives. Older people, who remember staying up late at night to listen to him and going to bed feeling pleased and delighted and enjoying him. He's made late night television something of importance to people today, to young people as well, because of the shows that followed him.
CARSON: If I could magically somehow, that tape you just saw, make it run backwards, I'd like to do the whole thing all over again.
BETTE MIDLER, ENTERTAINER (singing): Make it one for my baby and one more for the road.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: You can watch more clips of Johnny Carson and see reaction from around the world on our web site. There's also a photo gallery of highlights from Carson's career and his personal life. You can pick up some interesting trivia. For instance, did you know Johnny Carson started out as a magician? All that and more.
Did you know?
HARRIS: I did not know that.
PHILLIPS: CNN.com. Hey, there's even more little tidbits.
He was with Johnny Carson since the beginning, and now Carson's sidekick, Ed McMahon, shares his memories in an exclusive primetime interview with CNN's Larry King. That's at 9 Eastern tonight.
HARRIS: Boy, will he be missed by these two up here.
PHILLIPS: That's right. We shared our stories. You never missed it. Well, you know, you always had to go to bed during the week, right?
HARRIS: Yes.
PHILLIPS: But Friday night you never missed it.
HARRIS: Right. I would have been a better student but for Carson.
PHILLIPS: I know. As we used to sneak up and watch, right?
HARRIS: I really did. Yes.
Well, that wraps up this Monday edition of LIVE FROM.
HARRIS: Now to take us through the next hour of political headlines, "JUDY WOODRUFF'S INSIDE POLITICS."
I know Judy watched Johnny Carson.
JUDY WOODRUFF, HOST, "INSIDE POLITICS": I feel I grew up with the man. So I'm really going to miss him.
Tony, Kyra, thank you very much.
Well, 32 years after Roe v. Wade, anti-abortion activists marched to the Supreme Court. Is the possibility of a court vacancy prompting all this renewed focus?
And John Ashcroft bids adieu. We are awaiting the attorney general's farewell address at the Justice Department. We'll bring it to you live when it happens.
"INSIDE POLITICS" begins in just a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired January 24, 2005 - 15:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: ... the demarcation comes of what you read between the lines. What was first reported by "The Washington Post," yesterday and CNN has confirmed this, that there is -- has been a plan implemented over the past two years to beef up the Defense Intelligence Agency's so-called human intelligence unit, now renamed the strategic support branch.
The idea is for the Pentagon to have its own spies who can operate alongside U.S. commandos such as Delta Force or Navy SEALs in clandestine operations.
But the Pentagon denies that it's in a turf battle with the CIA or bending the rules, hiding any of this from Congress. In fact, over the weekend, in response to "The Washington Post" story, a Pentagon spokesman, Larry Di Rita, issued a statement in which he said, quote, "There is no unit that is directly reportable to the secretary of defense for clandestine operations."
He also insisted that the actions are being taken within existing statutory authorities and that the Pentagon is remaining in regular consultation with relevant committees in Congress and other agencies, including the CIA.
But many members of Congress were taken by surprise by this and expressed concern about what they see as a potential expanded role for the Pentagon, not just to operate in countries where the U.S. is at war, such as Afghanistan and Iraq, but in also so-called friendly countries where the U.S. may be trying to gather intelligence as they try to hunt down members of terrorist organizations.
They're calling for some hearings, and no doubt there will be more questions asked about this as the Pentagon continues to insist that it's not doing anything it's not supposed to and is not trying to hide anything from members of Congress -- Tony.
TONY HARRIS, CO-HOST: Jamie, if you look at this from the prism of post-9/11, you might be asking yourself, it sounds like a good idea. What would be the problem? Is there any illegality in setting up an organization like this?
MCINTYRE: Well, you know, in this kind of situation it's always in how it's actually applied and what the details are.
HARRIS: Yes.
MCINTYRE: For instance, there's some suggestion that, you know, that for instance that the Pentagon is going to deploy a military force, it needs to inform Congress. But if it's going to deploy just some clandestine operatives to gather intelligence, something that the CIA normally would do, they could notify the Congress after the fact.
That's the kind of thing that Congress is concerned about. The devil is always in the details. And while the Pentagon can insist all it wants that it's not intruding on the CIA's territory, that's something that's also in the eyes of the beholder.
HARRIS: Yes. Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre. Jamie, thank you.
Also today, a published report says the trail has gone cold in the hunt for Osama bin Laden. "TIME" magazine says the notorious terrorist leader has not left a trace in nearly two years, but he's still believed by U.S. officials to be entrenched in the rugged mountains along the Afghan/Pakistan border.
Congress has passed a measure that would double the bounty placed on bin Laden to $50 million. And "TIME" said President Bush is expected to give his approval next month.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CO-HOST: Iraqi officials say they've caught the mastermind of dozens of suicide attacks. The word came hours after a car drove up and blew up.
CNN chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour brings up-to-date on the situation from Baghdad.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: In the run up to Sunday's elections here, the predicted violence does continue.
Today early this morning there was a big suicide car bomb attack in an area close to the political headquarters of the interim prime minister, Ayad Allawi. There was nobody killed in that attack, but 12 people were injured, according to Baghdad police, among them 10 policemen.
Afterwards, Abu Musab Zarqawi, the most wanted terrorist connected to al Qaeda, we're told, has, in fact, posted a statement claiming responsibility. And this follows a very virulent audiotape that he released, calling on people not to go to the elections, saying that they were the elections of the infidel and warning people not to participate.
It's clear that people here in Iraq are afraid, and to that end the U.S. and Iraqi forces are trying to crack down on these insurgents. In an increased crackdown leading up to the elections we're told by U.S. commanders that hundreds of suspected insurgents have been rounded up and dozens of weapons caches have been discovered.
In the meantime, they also say that one key insurgent with links to Zarqawi has been arrested, a key bomb maker, we're told, by the Iraqi government.
Christian Amanpour, CNN, Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HARRIS: It's the worst day the New York City Fire Department has seen since 9/11: three veteran fire fighters killed in the line of duty in two separate fires.
In the tight-knight FDNY community any loss is deeply felt. But CNN's Mary Snow says these deaths have hit especially hard.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MARY SNOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): As if battling a three-alarm blaze wasn't enough, 35 units of the New York City Fire Department also had to battle the elements. Temperatures were below freezing. There was more than a future foot of snow.
Officials say there was a report of people trapped, which led six firemen to the top floor of a burning apartment building with no way out.
ANTHONY ORTEZ, WITNESS: I heard a lot of screaming. Then I saw them breaking, like the windows. The glass was shattering. Then I saw people on the roof, the fire fighters. Then at that point, the smoke was getting real dark.
SNOW: The fire department says the fire started by an overloaded extension cord that ignited a mattress. Flames raced to the fourth floor of the Bronx building, leaving the firemen 50 feet above the ground.
MAYOR MICHAEL BLOOMBERG, NEW YORK CITY: They had to make a choice. They were going to be burned to death or jump. It was a terrible choice.
SNOW: Two veteran fire fighters were killed. Four others were critically hurt.
While the fire department says the bad weather did not play a part, fire fighters say it certainly didn't help. A fire hydrant at the scene was reported frozen, and the department is looking into a temporary loss of water.
CHIEF PETER HEYDEN, NYFD: A temporary loss of water at the time of the fire, and during that period of time during the loss of water the conditions deteriorated rapidly.
SNOW: Hours later, a veteran fire fighter was killed in a separate blaze in Brooklyn. And for a department that lost 343 of its members on September 11, its union said it's another painful reminder of the sacrifices of New York's bravest.
NICHOLAS SCOPPETTA, NYC FIRE COMMISSIONER: Just another really terrible example, a powerful example, of what fire fighters do every day: put their lives on the line.
SNOW: Mary Snow, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HARRIS: Well, if you're watching us trying to get out of Boston's Logan International Airport, we can give you a bit of an update. Some, some of the runways are open again.
Now the bad news, the power's out in the terminal, throwing yet another monkey wrench at stranded travelers. Residents of Cape Cod can certainly relate; 3,400 customers still without electricity this afternoon. And is there more to come later this week?
CNN's Chris Huntington is knee deep in blizzard information.
Well, what's the latest, Chris?
CHRIS HUNTINGTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Tony, I can tell you more about snow here in New England than you probably ever care to hear.
The latest forecast is that there's another four to six inches expected to hit the Boston area on Wednesday. They've had a breather today. The weather cleared up. It's been relatively calm. It's still very, very cold. But they've had a chance, with a bit of a skeleton crew of city officials on hand, to concentrate on snow removal.
The word from the mayor was please, if you do not have to come to work today please stay home, please stay off the streets. He asked that only essential city officials, and I guess essential really means those that can truly help manage the snow process here.
A two-day moratorium on going to school. That's great news for the kids. They'll will be out sledding. But the really issue is to try and clear safe passage along sidewalks and curbs that so when they do go back to school, they'll have a safe place to stand.
You mentioned the situation at Logan Airport. The latest news we have is that the power is back on. But boy, that was just, as you put it, a monkey wrench they didn't need to deal with, jamming up elevators, jet way ramps and escalators, further delaying passengers.
There's the takeoffs and landings have been intermittent. We can see Logan from where we stand. And in fact, I'm seeing a jet take off right now. So obviously, things are beginning to get back to normal there. But the delays are substantial and we've heard lots of stories about people simply giving up after being told their flights were so delayed.
The situation here as far as the storm's concerned, not a record breaker, but still, definitely one of the five worst storms ever to hit this region. The final snow tally in Boston center, in Boston Commons, 26 inches, about an inch and a half shy of the all-time record. But you go up to Salem, about 15 miles north of here, 38 inches on the ground and many, many -- much higher in terms of the drifts that were whipped up by truly hurricane force winds. In fact, the Coast Guard had a warning in effect up and down the coast here from as far south as Buzzards Bay up to the Gulf of Maine for hurricane force winds.
Nantucket absolutely got nailed last night. Power knocked out completely on that island there. It is mostly restored. But as you mentioned, many residents along cape Cod still without electricity.
Of course, that was not appreciated last night because the Patriots were playing the Steelers, and that was pretty much the biggest story in Boston this morning. It was the lead story in the "Globe." So that puts in perspective, if you will, how the folks here have handled this snowstorm.
Overall, a state of emergency still in effect, but that's really just a precaution. They pretty much have the situation under control here. Of course, they're bracing for Wednesday -- Tony.
HARRIS: Chris, when you say under control, I mean, you're on the ground there, and for folks living in Boston it's not only the sidewalks, getting those passable but. What about some of those secondary streets. How are they doing in getting those streets passable?
HUNTINGTON: Well, I'm sure you're familiar with Boston and there are parts of it that are a real rabbit warren of old windy streets and those typically are streets that don't get cleared for many, many days after a dumping like this.
The main streets are clear. The main highways are clear. Route 128, which is of course, the circular artery around the city, a vital commuter route, is pretty clear. Route 95 is clear going to the south and north if you're -- that's crucial.
Boston, of course, has been hampered by its Big Dig over the last 10 years or so. That's the huge reconstruction of the central artery through town. Well, they've got stuck with another big dig here. They'll be dealing with this one for many, many days to come.
HARRIS: It sounds like it. Chris Huntington in Boston for us. Chris, thank you -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: The sons of two prominent Democrats are charged with vandalism following incidents this past election day. That story just ahead on LIVE FROM.
Also, sometimes you're just not safe sitting on your own couch. A driver redefines the term, drive-through window.
And...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) RAY ROMANO, COMEDIAN: There are people that are very good out there, but, you know, I don't think anyone will ever be as good as him.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: That is true. Remembering Johnny Carson. A look back at the late night king with some of those who were honored to know him.
ANNOUNCER: You're watching LIVE FROM on CNN, the most trusted name in news.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(WEATHER REPORT)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Five Democratic activists are facing charges in a case of election day vandalism in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Last November tires on 25 vehicles rented by the state Republican Party were slashed. One of the suspects charged today is the son of Wisconsin Congresswoman Gwen Moore. Another is the son of former Milwaukee acting Mayor Marvin Pratt.
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin says the five were paid employees of the John Kerry campaign but insist they were not acting on behalf of that campaign or party.
Other news across America now, a convicted sex offender who allegedly kidnapped a Florida boy will soon be back in Florida. Frederick Fretz waived his right to fight extradition during a court hearing in Georgia today. He was arrested yesterday just north of Atlanta. The boy he's accused of kidnapping was found unhurt Friday and reunited with his mother.
Here's something you don't see too often. A driver lost control of his car, slammed into an apartment last night in New Mexico. And the man inside the apartment was able to full his kids out of the way just in time. One boy went to the hospital with minor injuries. That driver was charged with careless driving.
Together again. The last of the four surviving quintuplets born to an Illinois couple headed home today. Take a load of that. The babies were born in October shortly after their father was wounded while serving in Iraq. One baby died shortly after birth.
HARRIS: Demand for heating oil is on the rise, thanks to a cold snap hitting much of the eastern United States. That's helping lift crude oil prices again.
Susan Lisovicz joins us from the New York Stock Exchange with that story -- Susan.
(STOCK REPORT)
HARRIS: Susan, thank you.
He was the last voice millions of people heard at night. Coming up, a farewell to a late night legend.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOHNNY CARSON, FORMER HOST, "THE TONIGHT SHOW": Let's get on with this. Mount Saint Helens, Three-Mile Island and the Love Canal.
Where can you still buy a house for less than 100 grand?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Back when there was just a handful of channels and little to watch but test patterns after the late news, millions of Americans stayed up to see what Johnny Carson would say tonight.
HARRIS: A day after his death, his "Tonight Show" successor, Jay Leno, says Carson did more to change television than any other individual. Carson was called the king of late night TV, and you can see why for yourself.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ED MCMAHON, FORMER ANNOUNCER, "THE TONIGHT SHOW": And now, here's Johnny!
ROMANO: He had the ability to be funny, to be poignant, to be serious, to talk about any subject. We're going to miss him.
CARSON: No, no, no. No, I didn't...
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He was a giant. He had that cackle laugh, you know.
MCMAHON: I'm going to be out of town tomorrow, so...
CARSON: What do you mean, you're going to be out of town?
MCMAHON: I'm going to be...
CARSON: Tomorrow is Friday.
MCMAHON: I know that. But I can take a day off once in awhile. You certainly invented it.
CARSON: Want a few grapes?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He was game for anything, whether it was getting in the pool, or having the elephant lift him up in her trunk, or if I offered to bring him in, he would do just about anything.
DON RICKLES, COMEDIAN: I say, very honestly, he was so special, because Midwest guy -- and I'm a Jewish kid from New York. When I showed affection, it was hard for him to show that. But when I did, I knew he loved me. And he's in heaven now. And I know he loves me and my family, and I love him. And may God be good to this man. He was the best.
Could I do it a couple of minutes?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No.
CARSON: No, no.
RICKLES: Give me a break; I'm so lonely!
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He was important to all of our lives. Older people, who remember staying up late at night to listen to him and going to bed feeling pleased and delighted and enjoying him. He's made late night television something of importance to people today, to young people as well, because of the shows that followed him.
CARSON: If I could magically somehow, that tape you just saw, make it run backwards, I'd like to do the whole thing all over again.
BETTE MIDLER, ENTERTAINER (singing): Make it one for my baby and one more for the road.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: You can watch more clips of Johnny Carson and see reaction from around the world on our web site. There's also a photo gallery of highlights from Carson's career and his personal life. You can pick up some interesting trivia. For instance, did you know Johnny Carson started out as a magician? All that and more.
Did you know?
HARRIS: I did not know that.
PHILLIPS: CNN.com. Hey, there's even more little tidbits.
He was with Johnny Carson since the beginning, and now Carson's sidekick, Ed McMahon, shares his memories in an exclusive primetime interview with CNN's Larry King. That's at 9 Eastern tonight.
HARRIS: Boy, will he be missed by these two up here.
PHILLIPS: That's right. We shared our stories. You never missed it. Well, you know, you always had to go to bed during the week, right?
HARRIS: Yes.
PHILLIPS: But Friday night you never missed it.
HARRIS: Right. I would have been a better student but for Carson.
PHILLIPS: I know. As we used to sneak up and watch, right?
HARRIS: I really did. Yes.
Well, that wraps up this Monday edition of LIVE FROM.
HARRIS: Now to take us through the next hour of political headlines, "JUDY WOODRUFF'S INSIDE POLITICS."
I know Judy watched Johnny Carson.
JUDY WOODRUFF, HOST, "INSIDE POLITICS": I feel I grew up with the man. So I'm really going to miss him.
Tony, Kyra, thank you very much.
Well, 32 years after Roe v. Wade, anti-abortion activists marched to the Supreme Court. Is the possibility of a court vacancy prompting all this renewed focus?
And John Ashcroft bids adieu. We are awaiting the attorney general's farewell address at the Justice Department. We'll bring it to you live when it happens.
"INSIDE POLITICS" begins in just a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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