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Live From...

Keeping Cool in Hostage Situations; Up and Coming Political Names; CMT Video Awards; New "Housewife" Joins the Cast; Airlines Score Well Despite Cutbacks

Aired April 12, 2005 - 14:30   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.


MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: In a hostage situation, knowing what to say is, of course, critical. That's why police have specially trained negotiators. For them, the art of the deal can mean the difference between life and death. Take the case of the stand-off in New Jersey yesterday. Our Deborah Feyerick takes us inside those negotiations.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Watching the hostage drama on TV, experts say was a textbook case played out perfectly.

ROBERT STRANG, CEO, INVESTIGATIVE MANAGEMENT GROUP: I think that they did a great job.

FEYERICK: Robert Strang is a seasoned investigator, but this kind of case is particularly sensitive.

STRANG: They're dealing with a weapon, with a vehicle, with a hostage situation. They have to be very, very careful about what next steps they take. They go very slowly, very cautiously. They are very careful. They don't know what is going to set him off. It could be the slightest thing that they say. They kind of let him do the talking first, you know, feel him out. Talk to us. What do you need? What do you want? How do we get out of this situation? Why are you here? How can we help you?

FEYERICK: These are the details police did have. That Almutah Saunders allegedly kidnapped his ex-girlfriend Erica Turner and their 4-month-old baby, after allegedly shooting the baby's grandfather in the leg. Saunders then drove to a housing complex, cornering himself in an area with lots of dead ends and cul-de-sacs.

Police set up a perimeter just close enough so that the suspect would not panic. Step-by-step, the negotiators create a sense of trust, so much so that at one point, a negotiator, shielded by a SWAT team officer, drops something at the driver's door.

What does that tell you about the relationship that developed?

STRANG: That's the trust we're talking about. That's -- he's been having a conversation with that person. He was actually able to trust him enough to come that close.

FEYERICK (voice-over): Police say there were three hostage negotiators. One of them a female police officer, who the suspect had asked for by name. Whatever she says, works. Shortly after she gets there, the car door opens. Mom and baby walk out unharmed by the gunman.

STRANG: It's very difficult for that person to let that go. Because they know that's their last hope. That's their only leverage that they have.

FEYERICK: Police then flew Saunders' sister in by helicopter to talk to him. Saunders surrendered a short time later, 13 hours after the ordeal began.

Deborah Feyerick, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Well, you think you only hear negative news about airlines? Complaints, of course, about how crowded they are and no leg room. Well, it turns out, Americans are happier than you think.

O'BRIEN: I'd like to hear about that one. That's a reason to stay tuned, Kyra.

And a new neighbor is moving in to Wisteria Lane. Which celeb is joining the cast of "Desperate Housewives"? I know you're desperate to know.

PHILLIPS: We just gave it away.

O'BRIEN: We did?

PHILLIPS: Yes, we showed the video.

O'BRIEN: Oh, well, I don't know who it is, so it doesn't matter to me. Taking a break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: So who might be the next Karl Rove, wielding awesome power behind the scenes in Washington? CNN political analyst Carlos Watson joins us now from Mountain View, California with his view of who's up and coming in politics. Good to see you, Carlos.

CARLOS WATSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Kyra Phillips, always good to join you.

PHILLIPS: Always a pleasure. All right, so, you know, Barack Obama, we keep coming back to that, we saw what happened. Now, you're actually taking it to sort a different course here, with advisers and sort of behind-the-scenes folks. Let's start with your buddy A.J.

WATSON: We got to start with Aranthan Jones. Kyra, as you know, everyone from LBJ to Hillary Clinton to Dick Cheney started off as a political aide before becoming a politician themselves. And Aranthan Jones, who's a young man in his early 30s, an aide to Congresswoman Donna Christiansen, may be one of the people we hear more about. He's a healthcare policy expert. He actually came to this field in part because of a struggles his sister had with a brain injury and kind of help they got for the medical system. So don't be surprised to see him running one day in Maryland and impacting not only healthcare issues, but international policy issues, as well.

PHILLIPS: From humble beginnings. All right, Matt Zabel. South Dakota, long history of sort of political staffers becoming politicians, right?

WATSON: You bet. In fact, both of their current senators, both Tim Johnson and John Thune at one time served as policy or political analysts. And now Matt Zabel, who's chief of staff, 35 years old, a lawyer by training, once worked in the Justice Department, might be the kind of guy you ultimately see running very soon, as in, you know, in the next several years, either for a seat in Congress or for a statewide office there in South Dakota, kind of the prodigal son returns. The son of a rancher, still loves to go ice fishing, do a little pheasant hunting. I bet you he'll be a name we'll hear a lot about.

PHILLIPS: OK, Laura Capps. You're saying a future Bobby Kennedy.

WATSON: You bet. You know, Bobby Kennedy was one, who for a number of years, worked on behalf of his family members who were running for office, namely, his older brother, but ultimately, ran himself. Laura Capps is someone who's loved politic all of her life, grew up in California, in beautiful Santa Barbara, encouraged her dad to run for office, which he did and in 1996, he became the first Democrat to win a congressional seat in Santa Barbara in half a century. Her dad, unfortunately, passed away less than a year later, but her mom, a retired nurse, ran for the office with Laura's help and ultimately won.

And over the years, Laura's been an informal adviser to her mom, but also has been a speech writer in the White House. Now is communications director to Ted Kennedy. And I wouldn't be surprised, a lot like Bobby Kennedy, if we see her go from helping family members to running herself.

PHILLIPS: That's interesting. See, usually when your parents influence you, here she is, influencing her parents.

WATSON: Without a doubt. In fact, you know, she'll tell you, I mean, going back to her elementary school years, that she certainly is one who loved politics. Her dad, who was a college professor, wasn't as intimately involved in it, but certainly, she brought them to the table in some ways.

PHILLIPS: Randal Hernandez, Long Beach, California, an area I know well. This is someone you are calling the mayor.

WATSON: Or da mayor, as we would say in Chicago. He grew up an hour north of Chicago in Illinois, but was always California dreamin' and moved out to California about 25 years ago. Went to Long Beach State as an undergrad and later got his masters degree there. Became chief of staff to the mayor of Long Beach. And Long Beach, by the way, is one of 50 largest cities in the country.

Later, Arnold Schwarzenegger tapped him to be a senior cabinet minister -- member, rather, as the appointments secretary in charge of all the personnel. And now, Randal Hernandez, who is a big-time vice president, Bank of America, may run for mayor of Long Beach. So an interesting guy to watch. Not a Washingtonian, but instead, a Californian.

PHILLIPS: All right, Carlos, look forward to the follow-up. We've got the names in the bank now and we'll be following their progress.

WATSON: The next Dick Cheneys. We've got four good ones to watch.

PHILLIPS: All right, there you go. We'll do it. Carlos Watson, thanks so much.

WATSON: Kyra Phillips, always fun to see you.

O'BRIEN: All right, folks in the Seattle area, listen up. If you're in Seattle, don't take five, that's interstate five. There's the scene. Overturned tanker there on interstate five. A main north- south artery through the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area. That has closed down the interstate; should be closed down for four to six hours, which should put it smartly, right in the middle of the evening rush hour. Expect a big mess there. Seek alternate routes, as they say, maybe try to head home now. Of course, you better check with the boss on that. In any case, we don't know what the situation here is or what, if any, injuries were caused by this overturned tanker. Obviously, fire crews on the scene and we thank our affiliate WK -- or excuse me, KING, for that.

All right, "Desperate Housewives" time, the moment Kyra's been waiting for. Just who are the new faces we'll soon see on Wisteria Lane?

Some country music artists are riding high as well.

PHILLIPS: That's what I want to hear about.

O'BRIEN: Oh, is that it? You don't care about Wisteria...

PHILLIPS: That's it. I've never seen "Desperate Housewives," sorry.

O'BRIEN: Sibila Vargas has all the scoop for us. Hello, Sibila.

SIBILA VARGAS, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: Hey, guys.

That's right, it's all about heart and singing last night in Nashville last night as music's finest crooners got their props at the Country Music Television Awards. (voice-over): Keith Urban scored big at the awards show: the sexy singer received a statue for video of the year for his hit, "Days Go By." And, what would a party be without singing sensation Gretchen Wilson. Wilson won the breakthrough video and female video categories. But, the night belonged to Miss Loretta Lynn who received CMT's prestigious Johnny Cash Visionary Award.

REBA MCINTYRE, RECORDING ARTIST: Three generations of women who have been inspired, we've been inspired by your music. Martina, myself and Gretchen, and we love you very much.

VARGAS: Gotta love her. Other winners were Kenny Chesney for male video, and Toby Keith for hottest video.

Meanwhile, one actress that is no longer desperate for a new address is Alfre Woodard. The "Beauty Shop" star has found a new home on Wisteria Lane. According to "Daily Variety," Woodard has inked a deal to become a cast regular on the megahit "Desperate Housewives." Network executives are being tight-lipped on the details, but insiders had hinted that an African-American family would be moving into the neighborhood. Now, Woodard will appear as a guest on the show's season finale before being added as a regular to the drama this fall.

And, talk about new roles, here's one that will change a woman's life forever.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The new Miss USA, Miss North Carolina!

First, the college basketball championship, now this. North Carolina is having a great year: 21-year-old Chelsea Cooley has traded in her Miss North Carolina sash for one that reads Miss USA. Cooley will compete for the Miss Universe title in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 30. And a close runner-up was our very own Miss California, Brittany Hogan. And you know, Miles, if Chelsea is unable to perform her duties for any reason, Brittany will be right there to pick up the slack.

Back to you, but before I do, I must say, I'm digging the pink. Kyra, were you up to that?

PHILLIPS: Oh, wow, Miles, she's digging the pink.

VARGAS: I'm digging the pink. You had to have something to do with that, Kyra, because I know you've been wanting to do that.

PHILLIPS: I couldn't take the blue shirts any longer! You know the history behind the blue shirts, right, Sibila?

VARGAS: No, what's the history?

PHILLIPS: Our former boss said one time to Miles one time, love the blue shirts. And, if you notice, probably ever since you started working here -- this is a first.

O'BRIEN: That was six bosses ago. I don't change with the times very well. VARGAS: Miles, you look marvelous, darling.

O'BRIEN: Thank you, Sibila, and you, as always.

VARGAS: Thank you.

PHILLIPS: Thanks, Sibila.

O'BRIEN: Have you done your taxes?

PHILLIPS: This year, it was the new me. They were done two months ago. Can you believe that? Oh, yes, I'm a new person, I'm telling you.

O'BRIEN: You are really getting me upset now. Well, of course, mine aren't done, and of course I'm not alone.

PHILLIPS: You haven't changed.

O'BRIEN: No, no, I haven't changed.

PHILLIPS: A new poll actually asked with you rather prepare your own taxes or go to the dentist? Well, think about that.

O'BRIEN: Dentist. Anyway, and then there's this. Flying the "happy skies"? What's happy about it? What can you do to make your flights more comfortable?

PHILLIPS: And a LIVE FROM... friend of the show, that's right, we probably give this guy more publicity than anybody else. We're going to catch up with the alligator wrangler, Todd Hardwick. You may remember, we watched him capture a wayward gator live on our show not too long ago.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: Surveying the friendly skies, what's the biggest headache for air travelers? Are they satisfied with the service, and are airlines getting good or bad marks with frequent flyers? Gallup editor-in-chief Frank Newport sorts through the lost luggage, so to speak, to find out what Americans are saying.

FRANK NEWPORT, GALLUP EDITOR IN CHIEF: Hello, Miles.

Our overall takeaway is flyers, as a group, are actually fairly positive about the airline experience, relatively speaking. Just to set things straight, here's how many flights Americans have taken. About half in the survey found they have not flown in the last 12 months, so our flyers we're talking about are about half of Americans -- here's the hardcore road warriors -- about nine percent have taken five or more.

Now, what I'm about to show you now looks at all flights and then also looks at frequent flyers who have flown three or more times. Satisfaction levels, Miles, like I said, are pretty high: 75 percent of all fliers say they are satisfied with the job the airlines are doing. Even when they break it down to people who fly more often, it's also 75 percent. The bottom line is, pretty good marks in general.

O'BRIEN: That's interesting. You know, you would expect the frequent flyers to be a little more disgruntled. Of course, the frequent flyers are the ones who get the perks, get to sit up front and so forth. So, maybe that compensates for that. All right, where are the areas that people see the need for improvement, Frank?

NEWPORT: Well, let's dive into that. I'll show you. By the way, we did ask this question, which simply said, "given the prices are lowered, you think there's anything else airlines could do to improve performance," and only 29 percent said yes. Key to that question was the prices. I think a lot of Americans have adjusted to this low price carrier model where they get no food, no peanuts even, so they get a cheaper fare. That may be why they're satisfied.

Now, on to your question, Miles. This was the percent of these fliers who told us that there was either a major or minor problem with all these things. A lot of this was minor -- very few, relatively speaking, major problems -- but It's the lines, I agree with that, especially down in Atlanta, won't get into that. 61 percent say those are the No. 1 thing they worry about.

Others, carry-on bags where people bring, what, Steinway pianos on their backs and try to put them up in the luggage, that's the next problem.

Uncomfortable seats, and then baggage claim delays. Security measures, not quite as worrisome. I think a lot of fliers realize that's necessary in this new era we're in since 9/11.

O'BRIEN: All right. As long as there's just an upright piano, it's OK, you can put it up in the overhead, right?

All right, Frank Newport, thanks a lot. Appreciate that. Some surprising numbers there, you know? Because I don't fly happy these days, do you?

PHILLIPS: I'm always hungry. That's my biggest problem.

O'BRIEN: Just in general.

PHILLIPS: Just in general, I'm always eating.

O'BRIEN: Access to food is a big issue for me. And that can be a problem.

PHILLIPS: I get a little grumpy. Anyway.

O'BRIEN: All right. So what would you rather do, fill out your tax returns or eat? Kyra, that's a stupid question. Of course we know that. The real question is, would you rather go to the dentist and have a root canal?

PHILLIPS: You know what, they're both painful. (STOCK MARKET REPORT)

O'BRIEN: Next, planning terror attacks on purpose? Don't worry, it's a legit program, designed to increase your security. We'll show you how.

PHILLIPS: But first, keeping the gators at bay. Meet one of the bravest guys in South Florida, one of our good buddies straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: Spring, of course, is a time for romance for Florida's alligator population and that means lots of work for one man, who makes his living chasing down gators who overstep their bounds. Our John Zarrella has a look at one tough line of work.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Todd Hardwick is one of the most familiar faces in south Florida. He's always on local television doing something most clear-thinking individuals wouldn't dare attempt.

Leave it to expert Todd Hardwick to make it look easy.

TODD HARDWICK, ALLIGATOR TRAPPER: Nice and steady, I'm just going to sit down on him.

ZARRELLA: Hardwick has been an alligator trapper for 17 years. Making it look easy, doing fun things like hanging over a guardrail to pull a 12-foot, 400-pound gator out of the Miami River. Or lassoing one on a street.

HARDWICK: That alligator's eating something recently. Look at that belly. That's probably a dog in there.

ZARRELLA: He's never been bitten until last week. Hardwick was on his 27th capture in seven days. He was just about on top of the animal when a grappling hook used to secure a line came loose and buried itself in his left wrist.

HARDWICK: At that moment the alligator went into what we call a death roll. As he death rolled, the line jerked tighter, sinking the hook deeper and deeper.

ZARRELLA: As people watched and home video cameras rolled, Hardwick fought for his life. Hardwick, with his right arm, put the eight and a half foot, 250-pound creature in a head lock and struggled to keep it from taking him under.

HARDWICK: I probably would have drowned or had to let go and gotten bit. It was going bad very, very quickly.

ZARRELLA: A neighborhood resident pulled Hardwick to shore, the hook still in his wrist. He never went to the hospital and the gator was captured. Just three weeks ago, during another capture, Hardwick was live on CNN's "LIVE FROM..."

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How long is that? That gator, roughly?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He's definitely in the nine and a half, 11- foot range.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And he looks pretty angry.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He hasn't missed many meals. He has good weight on him. He's a good-looking alligator

ZARRELLA: In Florida, this is gator mating season, and Todd Hardwick's busiest time. The gators are frisky and seem to be everywhere, in neighborhood lakes, on back porches, even under cars.

When they get too close to humans they become nuisance gators. That's when Hardwick gets the call. This time Hardwick was almost on the losing end.

HARDWICK: You know, I kind of admire that alligator because of all the alligators I've ever caught, this is the first one that almost bested me.

ZARRELLA: 99 percent of all nuisance gators caught are destroyed. But Hardwick says this one deserves to live and will spend the rest of its life in a captive sanctuary, never becoming an alligator handbag.

John Zarrella, CNN, Miami.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

O'BRIEN: Checking stories "Now in the News."

They sell your personal information and now LexisNexis reveals a recent security breach much worse than first disclosed. Hundreds of thousands of Americans may be affected by the effect of everything from names to addresses to Social Security numbers. We're in-depth on the story in a few moments.

Paying up for failing to report safety defects. The makers of the Bowflex fitness machines have agreed to pay a $950,000 fine levied by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Regulators say the manufacturer, Nautilus Incorporated, did not quickly report a number of injuries linked to faulty equipment. Nautilus recalled about 800,000 Bowflex power pro systems and ultimate fitness machines last year.

The stepfather of Michael Jackson's accuser is testifying today at the pop star's child molestation trial. He told jurors a Jackson associate pressured the family to make a videotape praising Jackson. He says the associate, Frank Tyson, even offered to buy the family a house and pay for the children's college educations.

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 April 12, 2005 - 14:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: In a hostage situation, knowing what to say is, of course, critical. That's why police have specially trained negotiators. For them, the art of the deal can mean the difference between life and death. Take the case of the stand-off in New Jersey yesterday. Our Deborah Feyerick takes us inside those negotiations.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Watching the hostage drama on TV, experts say was a textbook case played out perfectly.

ROBERT STRANG, CEO, INVESTIGATIVE MANAGEMENT GROUP: I think that they did a great job.

FEYERICK: Robert Strang is a seasoned investigator, but this kind of case is particularly sensitive.

STRANG: They're dealing with a weapon, with a vehicle, with a hostage situation. They have to be very, very careful about what next steps they take. They go very slowly, very cautiously. They are very careful. They don't know what is going to set him off. It could be the slightest thing that they say. They kind of let him do the talking first, you know, feel him out. Talk to us. What do you need? What do you want? How do we get out of this situation? Why are you here? How can we help you?

FEYERICK: These are the details police did have. That Almutah Saunders allegedly kidnapped his ex-girlfriend Erica Turner and their 4-month-old baby, after allegedly shooting the baby's grandfather in the leg. Saunders then drove to a housing complex, cornering himself in an area with lots of dead ends and cul-de-sacs.

Police set up a perimeter just close enough so that the suspect would not panic. Step-by-step, the negotiators create a sense of trust, so much so that at one point, a negotiator, shielded by a SWAT team officer, drops something at the driver's door.

What does that tell you about the relationship that developed?

STRANG: That's the trust we're talking about. That's -- he's been having a conversation with that person. He was actually able to trust him enough to come that close.

FEYERICK (voice-over): Police say there were three hostage negotiators. One of them a female police officer, who the suspect had asked for by name. Whatever she says, works. Shortly after she gets there, the car door opens. Mom and baby walk out unharmed by the gunman.

STRANG: It's very difficult for that person to let that go. Because they know that's their last hope. That's their only leverage that they have.

FEYERICK: Police then flew Saunders' sister in by helicopter to talk to him. Saunders surrendered a short time later, 13 hours after the ordeal began.

Deborah Feyerick, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Well, you think you only hear negative news about airlines? Complaints, of course, about how crowded they are and no leg room. Well, it turns out, Americans are happier than you think.

O'BRIEN: I'd like to hear about that one. That's a reason to stay tuned, Kyra.

And a new neighbor is moving in to Wisteria Lane. Which celeb is joining the cast of "Desperate Housewives"? I know you're desperate to know.

PHILLIPS: We just gave it away.

O'BRIEN: We did?

PHILLIPS: Yes, we showed the video.

O'BRIEN: Oh, well, I don't know who it is, so it doesn't matter to me. Taking a break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: So who might be the next Karl Rove, wielding awesome power behind the scenes in Washington? CNN political analyst Carlos Watson joins us now from Mountain View, California with his view of who's up and coming in politics. Good to see you, Carlos.

CARLOS WATSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Kyra Phillips, always good to join you.

PHILLIPS: Always a pleasure. All right, so, you know, Barack Obama, we keep coming back to that, we saw what happened. Now, you're actually taking it to sort a different course here, with advisers and sort of behind-the-scenes folks. Let's start with your buddy A.J.

WATSON: We got to start with Aranthan Jones. Kyra, as you know, everyone from LBJ to Hillary Clinton to Dick Cheney started off as a political aide before becoming a politician themselves. And Aranthan Jones, who's a young man in his early 30s, an aide to Congresswoman Donna Christiansen, may be one of the people we hear more about. He's a healthcare policy expert. He actually came to this field in part because of a struggles his sister had with a brain injury and kind of help they got for the medical system. So don't be surprised to see him running one day in Maryland and impacting not only healthcare issues, but international policy issues, as well.

PHILLIPS: From humble beginnings. All right, Matt Zabel. South Dakota, long history of sort of political staffers becoming politicians, right?

WATSON: You bet. In fact, both of their current senators, both Tim Johnson and John Thune at one time served as policy or political analysts. And now Matt Zabel, who's chief of staff, 35 years old, a lawyer by training, once worked in the Justice Department, might be the kind of guy you ultimately see running very soon, as in, you know, in the next several years, either for a seat in Congress or for a statewide office there in South Dakota, kind of the prodigal son returns. The son of a rancher, still loves to go ice fishing, do a little pheasant hunting. I bet you he'll be a name we'll hear a lot about.

PHILLIPS: OK, Laura Capps. You're saying a future Bobby Kennedy.

WATSON: You bet. You know, Bobby Kennedy was one, who for a number of years, worked on behalf of his family members who were running for office, namely, his older brother, but ultimately, ran himself. Laura Capps is someone who's loved politic all of her life, grew up in California, in beautiful Santa Barbara, encouraged her dad to run for office, which he did and in 1996, he became the first Democrat to win a congressional seat in Santa Barbara in half a century. Her dad, unfortunately, passed away less than a year later, but her mom, a retired nurse, ran for the office with Laura's help and ultimately won.

And over the years, Laura's been an informal adviser to her mom, but also has been a speech writer in the White House. Now is communications director to Ted Kennedy. And I wouldn't be surprised, a lot like Bobby Kennedy, if we see her go from helping family members to running herself.

PHILLIPS: That's interesting. See, usually when your parents influence you, here she is, influencing her parents.

WATSON: Without a doubt. In fact, you know, she'll tell you, I mean, going back to her elementary school years, that she certainly is one who loved politics. Her dad, who was a college professor, wasn't as intimately involved in it, but certainly, she brought them to the table in some ways.

PHILLIPS: Randal Hernandez, Long Beach, California, an area I know well. This is someone you are calling the mayor.

WATSON: Or da mayor, as we would say in Chicago. He grew up an hour north of Chicago in Illinois, but was always California dreamin' and moved out to California about 25 years ago. Went to Long Beach State as an undergrad and later got his masters degree there. Became chief of staff to the mayor of Long Beach. And Long Beach, by the way, is one of 50 largest cities in the country.

Later, Arnold Schwarzenegger tapped him to be a senior cabinet minister -- member, rather, as the appointments secretary in charge of all the personnel. And now, Randal Hernandez, who is a big-time vice president, Bank of America, may run for mayor of Long Beach. So an interesting guy to watch. Not a Washingtonian, but instead, a Californian.

PHILLIPS: All right, Carlos, look forward to the follow-up. We've got the names in the bank now and we'll be following their progress.

WATSON: The next Dick Cheneys. We've got four good ones to watch.

PHILLIPS: All right, there you go. We'll do it. Carlos Watson, thanks so much.

WATSON: Kyra Phillips, always fun to see you.

O'BRIEN: All right, folks in the Seattle area, listen up. If you're in Seattle, don't take five, that's interstate five. There's the scene. Overturned tanker there on interstate five. A main north- south artery through the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area. That has closed down the interstate; should be closed down for four to six hours, which should put it smartly, right in the middle of the evening rush hour. Expect a big mess there. Seek alternate routes, as they say, maybe try to head home now. Of course, you better check with the boss on that. In any case, we don't know what the situation here is or what, if any, injuries were caused by this overturned tanker. Obviously, fire crews on the scene and we thank our affiliate WK -- or excuse me, KING, for that.

All right, "Desperate Housewives" time, the moment Kyra's been waiting for. Just who are the new faces we'll soon see on Wisteria Lane?

Some country music artists are riding high as well.

PHILLIPS: That's what I want to hear about.

O'BRIEN: Oh, is that it? You don't care about Wisteria...

PHILLIPS: That's it. I've never seen "Desperate Housewives," sorry.

O'BRIEN: Sibila Vargas has all the scoop for us. Hello, Sibila.

SIBILA VARGAS, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: Hey, guys.

That's right, it's all about heart and singing last night in Nashville last night as music's finest crooners got their props at the Country Music Television Awards. (voice-over): Keith Urban scored big at the awards show: the sexy singer received a statue for video of the year for his hit, "Days Go By." And, what would a party be without singing sensation Gretchen Wilson. Wilson won the breakthrough video and female video categories. But, the night belonged to Miss Loretta Lynn who received CMT's prestigious Johnny Cash Visionary Award.

REBA MCINTYRE, RECORDING ARTIST: Three generations of women who have been inspired, we've been inspired by your music. Martina, myself and Gretchen, and we love you very much.

VARGAS: Gotta love her. Other winners were Kenny Chesney for male video, and Toby Keith for hottest video.

Meanwhile, one actress that is no longer desperate for a new address is Alfre Woodard. The "Beauty Shop" star has found a new home on Wisteria Lane. According to "Daily Variety," Woodard has inked a deal to become a cast regular on the megahit "Desperate Housewives." Network executives are being tight-lipped on the details, but insiders had hinted that an African-American family would be moving into the neighborhood. Now, Woodard will appear as a guest on the show's season finale before being added as a regular to the drama this fall.

And, talk about new roles, here's one that will change a woman's life forever.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The new Miss USA, Miss North Carolina!

First, the college basketball championship, now this. North Carolina is having a great year: 21-year-old Chelsea Cooley has traded in her Miss North Carolina sash for one that reads Miss USA. Cooley will compete for the Miss Universe title in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 30. And a close runner-up was our very own Miss California, Brittany Hogan. And you know, Miles, if Chelsea is unable to perform her duties for any reason, Brittany will be right there to pick up the slack.

Back to you, but before I do, I must say, I'm digging the pink. Kyra, were you up to that?

PHILLIPS: Oh, wow, Miles, she's digging the pink.

VARGAS: I'm digging the pink. You had to have something to do with that, Kyra, because I know you've been wanting to do that.

PHILLIPS: I couldn't take the blue shirts any longer! You know the history behind the blue shirts, right, Sibila?

VARGAS: No, what's the history?

PHILLIPS: Our former boss said one time to Miles one time, love the blue shirts. And, if you notice, probably ever since you started working here -- this is a first.

O'BRIEN: That was six bosses ago. I don't change with the times very well. VARGAS: Miles, you look marvelous, darling.

O'BRIEN: Thank you, Sibila, and you, as always.

VARGAS: Thank you.

PHILLIPS: Thanks, Sibila.

O'BRIEN: Have you done your taxes?

PHILLIPS: This year, it was the new me. They were done two months ago. Can you believe that? Oh, yes, I'm a new person, I'm telling you.

O'BRIEN: You are really getting me upset now. Well, of course, mine aren't done, and of course I'm not alone.

PHILLIPS: You haven't changed.

O'BRIEN: No, no, I haven't changed.

PHILLIPS: A new poll actually asked with you rather prepare your own taxes or go to the dentist? Well, think about that.

O'BRIEN: Dentist. Anyway, and then there's this. Flying the "happy skies"? What's happy about it? What can you do to make your flights more comfortable?

PHILLIPS: And a LIVE FROM... friend of the show, that's right, we probably give this guy more publicity than anybody else. We're going to catch up with the alligator wrangler, Todd Hardwick. You may remember, we watched him capture a wayward gator live on our show not too long ago.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: Surveying the friendly skies, what's the biggest headache for air travelers? Are they satisfied with the service, and are airlines getting good or bad marks with frequent flyers? Gallup editor-in-chief Frank Newport sorts through the lost luggage, so to speak, to find out what Americans are saying.

FRANK NEWPORT, GALLUP EDITOR IN CHIEF: Hello, Miles.

Our overall takeaway is flyers, as a group, are actually fairly positive about the airline experience, relatively speaking. Just to set things straight, here's how many flights Americans have taken. About half in the survey found they have not flown in the last 12 months, so our flyers we're talking about are about half of Americans -- here's the hardcore road warriors -- about nine percent have taken five or more.

Now, what I'm about to show you now looks at all flights and then also looks at frequent flyers who have flown three or more times. Satisfaction levels, Miles, like I said, are pretty high: 75 percent of all fliers say they are satisfied with the job the airlines are doing. Even when they break it down to people who fly more often, it's also 75 percent. The bottom line is, pretty good marks in general.

O'BRIEN: That's interesting. You know, you would expect the frequent flyers to be a little more disgruntled. Of course, the frequent flyers are the ones who get the perks, get to sit up front and so forth. So, maybe that compensates for that. All right, where are the areas that people see the need for improvement, Frank?

NEWPORT: Well, let's dive into that. I'll show you. By the way, we did ask this question, which simply said, "given the prices are lowered, you think there's anything else airlines could do to improve performance," and only 29 percent said yes. Key to that question was the prices. I think a lot of Americans have adjusted to this low price carrier model where they get no food, no peanuts even, so they get a cheaper fare. That may be why they're satisfied.

Now, on to your question, Miles. This was the percent of these fliers who told us that there was either a major or minor problem with all these things. A lot of this was minor -- very few, relatively speaking, major problems -- but It's the lines, I agree with that, especially down in Atlanta, won't get into that. 61 percent say those are the No. 1 thing they worry about.

Others, carry-on bags where people bring, what, Steinway pianos on their backs and try to put them up in the luggage, that's the next problem.

Uncomfortable seats, and then baggage claim delays. Security measures, not quite as worrisome. I think a lot of fliers realize that's necessary in this new era we're in since 9/11.

O'BRIEN: All right. As long as there's just an upright piano, it's OK, you can put it up in the overhead, right?

All right, Frank Newport, thanks a lot. Appreciate that. Some surprising numbers there, you know? Because I don't fly happy these days, do you?

PHILLIPS: I'm always hungry. That's my biggest problem.

O'BRIEN: Just in general.

PHILLIPS: Just in general, I'm always eating.

O'BRIEN: Access to food is a big issue for me. And that can be a problem.

PHILLIPS: I get a little grumpy. Anyway.

O'BRIEN: All right. So what would you rather do, fill out your tax returns or eat? Kyra, that's a stupid question. Of course we know that. The real question is, would you rather go to the dentist and have a root canal?

PHILLIPS: You know what, they're both painful. (STOCK MARKET REPORT)

O'BRIEN: Next, planning terror attacks on purpose? Don't worry, it's a legit program, designed to increase your security. We'll show you how.

PHILLIPS: But first, keeping the gators at bay. Meet one of the bravest guys in South Florida, one of our good buddies straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: Spring, of course, is a time for romance for Florida's alligator population and that means lots of work for one man, who makes his living chasing down gators who overstep their bounds. Our John Zarrella has a look at one tough line of work.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Todd Hardwick is one of the most familiar faces in south Florida. He's always on local television doing something most clear-thinking individuals wouldn't dare attempt.

Leave it to expert Todd Hardwick to make it look easy.

TODD HARDWICK, ALLIGATOR TRAPPER: Nice and steady, I'm just going to sit down on him.

ZARRELLA: Hardwick has been an alligator trapper for 17 years. Making it look easy, doing fun things like hanging over a guardrail to pull a 12-foot, 400-pound gator out of the Miami River. Or lassoing one on a street.

HARDWICK: That alligator's eating something recently. Look at that belly. That's probably a dog in there.

ZARRELLA: He's never been bitten until last week. Hardwick was on his 27th capture in seven days. He was just about on top of the animal when a grappling hook used to secure a line came loose and buried itself in his left wrist.

HARDWICK: At that moment the alligator went into what we call a death roll. As he death rolled, the line jerked tighter, sinking the hook deeper and deeper.

ZARRELLA: As people watched and home video cameras rolled, Hardwick fought for his life. Hardwick, with his right arm, put the eight and a half foot, 250-pound creature in a head lock and struggled to keep it from taking him under.

HARDWICK: I probably would have drowned or had to let go and gotten bit. It was going bad very, very quickly.

ZARRELLA: A neighborhood resident pulled Hardwick to shore, the hook still in his wrist. He never went to the hospital and the gator was captured. Just three weeks ago, during another capture, Hardwick was live on CNN's "LIVE FROM..."

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How long is that? That gator, roughly?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He's definitely in the nine and a half, 11- foot range.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And he looks pretty angry.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He hasn't missed many meals. He has good weight on him. He's a good-looking alligator

ZARRELLA: In Florida, this is gator mating season, and Todd Hardwick's busiest time. The gators are frisky and seem to be everywhere, in neighborhood lakes, on back porches, even under cars.

When they get too close to humans they become nuisance gators. That's when Hardwick gets the call. This time Hardwick was almost on the losing end.

HARDWICK: You know, I kind of admire that alligator because of all the alligators I've ever caught, this is the first one that almost bested me.

ZARRELLA: 99 percent of all nuisance gators caught are destroyed. But Hardwick says this one deserves to live and will spend the rest of its life in a captive sanctuary, never becoming an alligator handbag.

John Zarrella, CNN, Miami.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

O'BRIEN: Checking stories "Now in the News."

They sell your personal information and now LexisNexis reveals a recent security breach much worse than first disclosed. Hundreds of thousands of Americans may be affected by the effect of everything from names to addresses to Social Security numbers. We're in-depth on the story in a few moments.

Paying up for failing to report safety defects. The makers of the Bowflex fitness machines have agreed to pay a $950,000 fine levied by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Regulators say the manufacturer, Nautilus Incorporated, did not quickly report a number of injuries linked to faulty equipment. Nautilus recalled about 800,000 Bowflex power pro systems and ultimate fitness machines last year.

The stepfather of Michael Jackson's accuser is testifying today at the pop star's child molestation trial. He told jurors a Jackson associate pressured the family to make a videotape praising Jackson. He says the associate, Frank Tyson, even offered to buy the family a house and pay for the children's college educations.

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