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House Debates Stem Cell Bill; Jay Leno Testifies in Michael Jackson Trial; Arborist Rescues Pregnant Cat from 150-Foot Tree; Woman Hopes to Claim Indy 500 Title
Aired May 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.
MILES O'BRIEN, CO-HOST: A harrowing day in the water in Irwindale, California, here, seen here live on CNN. Rescue crews rushed to the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area after a woman and her dog were trapped by a rock and some strong river rapids. They pulled her to safety, however.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CO-HOST: To the imperfect storm of passion and politics and promise over embryonic stem cells comes the snowflakes.
Well, if you were with us last hour you saw President Bush defending his ban on federally funded embryonic stem cell research, and he wasn't alone. Those children in the White House East Room were adopted as frozen embryos left over from in vitro procedures at fertility clinics. Their advocates call them "snow flakes."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Today the House of Representatives is considering a bill that violates the clear standard I set four years ago. This bill would take us across a critical ethical line by creating new incentives for the ongoing destruction of emerging human life. Crossing this line would be a great mistake.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Such excess embryos, otherwise destined for destruction, are seen by many in Congress and beyond as a potential source of miraculous cures for some of life's cruelest afflictions.
More now on the controversy in Congress from CNN's Kimberly Osias -- Kimberly.
KIMBERLY OSIAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, of course, this has been a very, very emotional debate, and this is the first time in his first five years in office that President Bush has threatened to kill any legislation.
But despite those very strong warnings from the Oval Office, the debate continues on the House floor this afternoon regarding the ethics and the merits of stem cell research.
Two bills, two vastly different approaches. One proposal would use donated frozen embryos for research. And of course this is a very hot-button issue that resonates personally for many, including wheelchair-bound Congressman James Langevin. He's a pro-life Democrat who voiced his support earlier.
And opponents say the bill is immoral. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay says there are other less divisive alternatives like another bill in the House. It proposes using blood from umbilical cords for stem cell research.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. TOM DELAY (R-TX), MAJORITY LEADER: Progress, even progress that pushes the envelope of medical knowledge, needn't be controversial. It needn't divide us or force people of goodwill to devalue human life.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
OSIAS: Some scientists say the umbilical cord blood option has promise in advancing treatment of certain blood disorders but is more limited in application to other diseases, like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
Debate continues in the House, and a vote is expected on both bills, or actually on one bill, later this afternoon. If the bill using human embryos passes, what will be critical to really look for will be the numbers. Two hundred and ninety representatives, if they vote yes, that would be enough to override a presidential veto -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Well of course, in a controversy that's divided Republicans, as well.
OSIAS: That's exactly right. In fact, I mean, this is a very private story that has a public face. In fact, former first lady Nancy Reagan has been very vocal about her support of stem cell research, in fact, you know, saying of course that it could have helped, perhaps, her late husband.
PHILLIPS: Kimberly Osias, live from Washington, D.C., thank you so much.
And a new CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll weighs in on the stem cell debate. Should be there be fewer restrictions on government funding of stem cell research? Fifty-three percent say yes; 43 percent say no.
O'BRIEN: An 11th hour deal breaks the Senate's filibuster fight and sets the stage for some votes, some votes, on some of the president's judicial nominees.
Last hour, senators voted to end the delaying tactic that has blocked one of those nominations for four years now. Priscilla Owen is a Supreme Court justice in the president's home state of Texas. He nominated her to a federal post early in his first term. A vote to confirm Owen could come before the day is done now.
Congress also considers renewing the Patriot Act and expanding it. A new provision would allow the FBI to seize private records in certain circumstances without a judicial review. The Senate Intelligence Committee is scheduled to meet behind closed doors Thursday to discuss this.
The Patriot Act took effect shortly after the 9/11 attacks but expires at end of this year unless Congress renews it.
PHILLIPS: A pilot says lightning played a role in Washington's second airspace security breach in the last two weeks. A small plane flew into restricted space over the capital yesterday evening.
After an Air Force jet dropped a flare, the plane left and proceeded in its destination, Gaithersburg, Maryland (ph). And the pilot told the FAA that lightning had hit his plane and messed up his radio.
The pilot who strayed into restricted Washington airspace nearly two weeks is grounded. The FAA has revoked his license for at least a year. Unlike yesterday's brief incident, the May 11 breach sparked a panicked evacuation for the Capitol and the White House.
The Department of Homeland Security may seek its own authority to shoot down planes violating restricted Washington airspace. Currently only Defense Department fighters can do that, but CNN has confirmed that federal officials are considering whether to give DHS helicopter crews shoot-down authority. Most capital air space breaches happen by mistake.
CNN is committed to providing the most reliable coverage of news that affects your security. Stay tuned to CNN for the latest information, day and night.
O'BRIEN: Comedian Jay Leno today took the stand today in the Michael Jackson trial telling jurors about telephone conversations he had with the pop star's accuser. We get details from CNN's Ted Rowlands.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Comedian Jay Leno spent about a half an hour on the stand. He is expected to be one of the last defense witnesses. He was supposed to, according to the defense, come up and say that he was the victim of a shakedown from this accuser and the accuser's family.
However, on cross-examination, he said he was never asked directly for any money. He did say that he received a number of phone messages from the accuser, and he thought that it was odd, the tone of those messages. And he said they were quote, "scripted," but he said they never actually asked for money.
It is expected that comedian Chris Tucker will be the defense's final witness. And Tucker is here in Santa Maria. We are told that he could take the stand today and that the defense could rest its case as early as today.
Ted Rowlands, CNN, Santa Maria, California. (END VIDEOTAPE)
O'BRIEN: It's quite a scene out there, isn't it?
PHILLIPS: Continues to be.
O'BRIEN: All right.
PHILLIPS: We've been talking about this a lot. One of the easiest ways for someone to steal your identity is by just going through your garbage and personal documents.
O'BRIEN: Do you have a shredder? Do you have a shredder yet?
PHILLIPS: Actually, we did just a couple weeks ago.
O'BRIEN: It's great.
PHILLIPS: For that exact reason.
O'BRIEN: Kids are loving it. They're missing a few digits, but hey, it's all right. It's all for the greater good of security.
PHILLIPS: A shred-a-thon.
O'BRIEN: There's a shred of thought actually being planned to help some people keep their personal info out of the wrong hands, and Susan Lisovicz has the story from the New York Stock Exchange.
**** (STOCK REPORT)
O'BRIEN: Well, she's a rookie racer and she's trying to make race driving history. Could Danica Patrick be the first woman to win the Indy 500? Didn't Janet Guthrie win? She was the first to race there, is that right?
PHILLIPS: Yes, there's four, and Danica is the fourth woman. And actually two of those three...
O'BRIEN: So Janet Guthrie didn't win. She just raced.
PHILLIPS: No.
O'BRIEN: She raced.
PHILLIPS: She raced, yes.
O'BRIEN: So, she's actually favored, which is cool.
PHILLIPS: That's right. She could win this.
O'BRIEN: Wow.
PHILLIPS: She's already made history coming as far as she has.
O'BRIEN: Yes. Let me ask you this. Would she stop and ask for directions, just out of curiosity?
PHILLIPS: You know what, I doubt it.
O'BRIEN: Never stop for directions.
PHILLIPS: And you know what I bet?
O'BRIEN: Yes.
PHILLIPS: I bet that she always drives.
O'BRIEN: Yes, she does.
All right. Now, speaking of races, try catching this cat. She climbed a 150-foot tree. And how she's gotten down? Well, that's what we call a tease on television, folks. If you want to know how she got down, you have to stay tuned. So please do so.
ANNOUNCER: You're watching LIVE FROM on CNN, the most trusted name in news.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
THURL RAVENSCROFT, VOICE OF TONY THE TIGER: They're great!
Frosted flakes are great.
They're great!
Frosted flakes are great!
They're great.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
O'BRIEN: OK. Got the idea. Got the idea! We've heard, it OK?
When you grew up with the Technicolor -- all right, all right. Whether you grew up with the Technicolor tiger or the black or white version -- it's like a record's stuck. Stop, stop.
Tony the Tiger was great, all right? And you didn't have to eat Frosted Flakes to know that, which is why -- please, stop. Please! This is sad because the guy has passed away.
We are offering a posthumous LIVE FROM shout-out to the late, great voice of Tony, Thurl Ravenscroft, who also sang the classic, "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." You'll suddenly make that click in your head.
He passed away Sunday at age of 91. Thanks for some wonderful memories, Mr. Ravenscroft.
All right. Well, whether it's a bear in a pool, an elephant in a restaurant or a cat up a tree, you know we are all over it here on this program. You might call it the LIVE FROM Center of Zoological Excellence at CNN. Or animal desk, may I help you?
And today we call on reporter Alexis del Cid from our Portland affiliate, KOIN. She's got this one in the bag.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ALEXIS DEL CID, KOIN REPORTER (voice-over): Angry birds dive- bomb the fat cat perched, in all her pregnant glory, at the top of a 150-foot redwood cedar. The cat's name is Thunder. And six days ago, her owner, Debra Mitchell, says thunder escaped, climbed to the top of this tree and has been living in a crow's nest ever since.
DEBRA MITCHELL, CAT OWNER: I'm very anxious, very, very anxious.
DEL CID: Leaving everyone else on the ground with their binoculars...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Here, Kitty, Kitty. Come on.
DEL CID: ... wondering what to do next.
Debra says she called the fire department but firefighters said they couldn't help. So she called in the big dogs.
JOSE VILLASENOR, ARBORIST: I know how to climb trees, so I like to do it.
DEL CID: Portland arborist Jose Villasenor and his posse have arrived.
MITCHELL: He's truly a special person that would climb this 150- foot tree.
DEL CID: He saddles up for the task...
VILLASENOR: I'll be all right.
DEL CID: ... with a belt, some spikes, rope and a burlap sack.
MITCHELL: See, he got what he need.
DEL CID: Jose begins his ascent.
MITCHELL: Check the nest for babies. I think she might have had those babies.
DEL CID: Step by step...
MITCHELL: He's making progress. Like walking through the jungle.
DEL CID: ... as he nears Thunder the air and the branches get thinner. Her fat little face peers down at him from above.
MITCHELL: She can't go much higher, because he's at the top.
DEL CID: Jose begins to motion to Thunder.
MITCHELL: That tree is rocking, ain't it?
DEL CID: Finally...
MITCHELL: The cat's in the bag! All right!
DEL CID: ... the scared bundle of burlap on its way down.
MITCHELL: Don't drop her after all of that. He's pretty brave.
DEL CID: And Thunder is still pretty pregnant.
VILLASENOR: There you go. That's a nice cat. Was really friendly.
MITCHELL: Was she friendly?
VILLASENOR: Nice kitty.
MITCHELL: Thunder. You lost some pounds. Can I give you a hug?
VILLASENOR: Sure.
MITCHELL: Thank you.
VILLASENOR: You're welcome.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Straight ahead...
O'BRIEN: That was Alexis Del Cid with that story, by the way.
PHILLIPS: Yes, it was.
O'BRIEN: And a nice happy ending for us, the cat in the bag, of course, which is of course why we saw that.
PHILLIPS: All right, we're getting onto the interview of the day, all right?
O'BRIEN: If you were to ask for directions, I would say turn left.
PHILLIPS: Yes.
O'BRIEN: Just keep turning left.
PHILLIPS: You know what? She never asks for directions. Danica Patrick leaving every guy she knows in the dust. That's right. She's going to do it this weekend at the Indy 500, right, Danica? Give me a thumbs-up. There you go.
We're going to talk to her, coming up right after the break. Isn't she a cutie?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: Well, when Indy driver Danica Patrick gets behind the wheel, she makes history. When she talks with her boss, racing team co-owner David Letterman, she makes people laugh.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAVID LETTERMAN, HOST, "LATE NIGHT WITH DAVID LETTERMAN": Is it possible that in, like, three, four years the race will be all women?
DANICA PATRICK, RACE CAR DRIVER: You never know. I mean if I go win, they just might come out of the woodwork.
LETTERMAN: And what about all of these guys, and I'm watching them qualify...
PATRICK: Would you want to watch if it was all girls?
LETTERMAN: Oh, yes!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Well, Patrick will start this Sunday's Indy 500 in the fourth position, the best start for a woman in the race's history. She's put on the brakes long enough to join me live from the Indy Motor Speedway.
Great to see you, Danica.
PATRICK: Thanks, how are you?
PHILLIPS: So I think your boss likes you.
PATRICK: I hope so. I hope I have a job here for a while.
PHILLIPS: Yes. I think after that interview and how well you've been doing you don't have any issues.
Well, take us back. I understand you were -- understand you were quite the go-cart racer, and Mom and Dad being strong role models, especially Dad, as you started realizing that you had a gift.
PATRICK: It was -- it was 10 years old when I started racing go- carts, and I guess within the first year I kind of was -- well, I was hooked. I was winning races, and I almost won the championship. But I wasn't sure how to -- I wasn't sure how to handle a go-cart that was blocking me, which means going down the inside, when that's where you pass. So I finished second in the last race and second in the championship.
But after that, I won many things and moved onwards.
PHILLIPS: Do you still have that old go-cart?
PATRICK: I don't know. It's probably around somewhere. I know I have my first suit and first helmet, though.
PHILLIPS: Very good. Well, I'm sure that's going to be going into a hall of fame very soon.
PATRICK: It's purple and lime green.
PHILLIPS: Purple and lime -- hey, those are hip colors now. You ought to bring that back.
PATRICK: Sure. Faded and everything.
PHILLIPS: All right. Now tell me about Bev and T.J., your parents. They actually met at a race. Is that right?
PATRICK: Yes, they met at a blind date at a race. My dad raced snowmobiles, and my mom was -- I think my mom she either ranching or there watching one of her girlfriends race snowmobiles. And that was it. Twenty-five years they've been married now April 26. So...
PHILLIPS: Wow, you were destined to do this.
PATRICK: Pretty pleased for them.
PHILLIPS: And they're pleased with you, I'm sure.
PATRICK: Yes, my dad is proud. And my mom's proud, too.
PHILLIPS: Well, I can just imagine. In addition, another one of your role models, Lynn St. James. An incredible role model for you, and she also had an awesome career racing. Tell us about Lynn.
PATRICK: Lynn is -- Lynn is a very, great lady. She introduced me to so many people when I was young, around the age of 14. And she introduced me to the people who brought me over to England. I think that in England is where I really proved to people how serious I was about this. So yes, she's fantastic.
PHILLIPS: Now, is this more of a personal satisfaction for you or professional satisfaction when you look at it?
PATRICK: Right now it's professional. But in the grand scheme of things I guess it can be personal, because it's been a dream for so very long. And -- and I'm just fortunate to have such a great opportunity. Maybe the best of females had with driving for Ray Hall Letterman and such a great team and to have such strong teammates that it can work together and always make the cars go fast.
PHILLIPS: Danica, how do all the other men react to you, honestly?
PATRICK: That's a good question for them. I know how they -- I know how they act from the outside, and I'm pretty sure it's the way they are from the inside. And they're really nice. They're very supportive. And they appreciate all of the things that I do for the series. And they see me as a fair competitor out there and nothing else. PHILLIPS: Are you OK with being called "the female driver"? I bet you'd rather be called the champion driver?
PATRICK: I'd love to be the champion driver slash -- I mean, you know, but the bottom line is to be called -- I can't be mad to be called a female driver because I am.
PHILLIPS: And you're making history here. I mean, it's good to point out that -- what was it two, three decades ago, women weren't even allowed in the pits?
PATRICK: Thirty-one years ago. Right, correct.
PHILLIPS: So you are making inways. Do you think that we're going to see more women driving, whether it's NASCAR or Indy or Formula One? I mean, do you think you're paving the way for other young women?
PATRICK: I'm not sure. I don't know how many more are out there. I think it seems like more than ever. But then again I'm in the middle of it all.
So I just hope that, you know, if I do anything, it's that I prove to teams, that -- to teams' owner, mechanics, everybody, that females are no different than guys. We just need great equipment, and we need some confidence from everyone. And a car doesn't know whether or not it's Tony Kinnon (ph) or Danica Patrick driving the car.
PHILLIPS: I'm glad you said Tony Kinnon (ph). You know I'm a big fan of his.
PATRICK: Yes.
PHILLIPS: He's such a great, great guy. And I know he's been very supportive of you.
PATRICK: He's a really great guy. So nice guy. He's so nice.
PHILLIPS: What was it like to meet Colin Powell? He was out there, wasn't he?
PATRICK: Yes, he was in Times Square when we were taking our photo with all of the drivers in our grid positions. And he was super nice. You know, he just came up and introduced himself to everybody and gave us his time, which is huge.
So, yes, we appreciate that very much, and I look forward to following close behind him in the pace lap. He says he drives the pace car.
PHILLIPS: All right. Danica, at age 12 I read you had three goals. No. 1, to race at the Indy 500. You're going to do that this weekend. No. 2, meet Leonardo DiCaprio? Have you done that yet?
PATRICK: No. That's OK. I'm getting engaged now. That's no problem. I don't need to meet Leonardo DeCaprio. PHILLIPS: So, we'll push Leo out.
PATRICK: OK.
PHILLIPS: All right. Just real quickly, I want to ask you about Paul, your physical therapist. I know you're getting married. Just shows us that 4 1/2 carat ring, would you please? Oh, my goodness! You're going to blind...
PATRICK: He did a very good job.
PHILLIPS: Yes, he did. He is a lucky man.
And are you still driving that Mercedes Benz, and if so, I want to know how fast you really go on the free way.
PATRICK: I'm not. No, I'm not driving that any more. I have a Honda MDX, and I have a little BMW. So...
PHILLIPS: There you go.
PATRICK: I don't drive fast on the road at all.
PHILLIPS: You never get any tickets.
PATRICK: No! Nothing written out.
PHILLIPS: Wink, wink. There you go. Danica Patrick, we're going to be cheering you on, 23 years old. Absolutely amazing? Good luck.
PATRICK: Thank you very much.
PHILLIPS: You've paid your dues and you deserve to be there. We're proud of you.
PATRICK: Thank you. I'll tell Tony you said hi.
PHILLIPS: You tell him. Thanks, Danica.
PATRICK: Thanks.
O'BRIEN: Do you think she's fibbing a little there about the speed limit thing?
PHILLIPS: I saw the little wink, wink. She's probably had a few in her time. It's OK. It's one to be proud of.
O'BRIEN: We wish her well, and we wish her safety on the big race this weekend.
PHILLIPS: Absolutely.
O'BRIEN: And that wraps up in Tuesday edition of LIVE FROM.
PHILLIPS: Now to take us through "INSIDE POLITICS," Judy Woodruff.
Hi, Judy.
JUDY WOODRUFF, HOST, "INSIDE POLITICS": Hi, Kyra, thanks to you and Miles.
President Bush says it is about time the Senate reached a deal, moving his judicial nominations forward. We'll go live to Capitol Hill for a look at who brokered the deal and the political fallout it may cause.
Plus, he has made waves recently over his comments about House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. I'll sit down for a rare interview with the outspoken chairman of the DNC, Howard Dean.
"INSIDE POLITICS" begins in just a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired May 24, 2005 - 15:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MILES O'BRIEN, CO-HOST: A harrowing day in the water in Irwindale, California, here, seen here live on CNN. Rescue crews rushed to the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area after a woman and her dog were trapped by a rock and some strong river rapids. They pulled her to safety, however.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CO-HOST: To the imperfect storm of passion and politics and promise over embryonic stem cells comes the snowflakes.
Well, if you were with us last hour you saw President Bush defending his ban on federally funded embryonic stem cell research, and he wasn't alone. Those children in the White House East Room were adopted as frozen embryos left over from in vitro procedures at fertility clinics. Their advocates call them "snow flakes."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Today the House of Representatives is considering a bill that violates the clear standard I set four years ago. This bill would take us across a critical ethical line by creating new incentives for the ongoing destruction of emerging human life. Crossing this line would be a great mistake.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Such excess embryos, otherwise destined for destruction, are seen by many in Congress and beyond as a potential source of miraculous cures for some of life's cruelest afflictions.
More now on the controversy in Congress from CNN's Kimberly Osias -- Kimberly.
KIMBERLY OSIAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, of course, this has been a very, very emotional debate, and this is the first time in his first five years in office that President Bush has threatened to kill any legislation.
But despite those very strong warnings from the Oval Office, the debate continues on the House floor this afternoon regarding the ethics and the merits of stem cell research.
Two bills, two vastly different approaches. One proposal would use donated frozen embryos for research. And of course this is a very hot-button issue that resonates personally for many, including wheelchair-bound Congressman James Langevin. He's a pro-life Democrat who voiced his support earlier.
And opponents say the bill is immoral. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay says there are other less divisive alternatives like another bill in the House. It proposes using blood from umbilical cords for stem cell research.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. TOM DELAY (R-TX), MAJORITY LEADER: Progress, even progress that pushes the envelope of medical knowledge, needn't be controversial. It needn't divide us or force people of goodwill to devalue human life.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
OSIAS: Some scientists say the umbilical cord blood option has promise in advancing treatment of certain blood disorders but is more limited in application to other diseases, like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
Debate continues in the House, and a vote is expected on both bills, or actually on one bill, later this afternoon. If the bill using human embryos passes, what will be critical to really look for will be the numbers. Two hundred and ninety representatives, if they vote yes, that would be enough to override a presidential veto -- Kyra.
PHILLIPS: Well of course, in a controversy that's divided Republicans, as well.
OSIAS: That's exactly right. In fact, I mean, this is a very private story that has a public face. In fact, former first lady Nancy Reagan has been very vocal about her support of stem cell research, in fact, you know, saying of course that it could have helped, perhaps, her late husband.
PHILLIPS: Kimberly Osias, live from Washington, D.C., thank you so much.
And a new CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll weighs in on the stem cell debate. Should be there be fewer restrictions on government funding of stem cell research? Fifty-three percent say yes; 43 percent say no.
O'BRIEN: An 11th hour deal breaks the Senate's filibuster fight and sets the stage for some votes, some votes, on some of the president's judicial nominees.
Last hour, senators voted to end the delaying tactic that has blocked one of those nominations for four years now. Priscilla Owen is a Supreme Court justice in the president's home state of Texas. He nominated her to a federal post early in his first term. A vote to confirm Owen could come before the day is done now.
Congress also considers renewing the Patriot Act and expanding it. A new provision would allow the FBI to seize private records in certain circumstances without a judicial review. The Senate Intelligence Committee is scheduled to meet behind closed doors Thursday to discuss this.
The Patriot Act took effect shortly after the 9/11 attacks but expires at end of this year unless Congress renews it.
PHILLIPS: A pilot says lightning played a role in Washington's second airspace security breach in the last two weeks. A small plane flew into restricted space over the capital yesterday evening.
After an Air Force jet dropped a flare, the plane left and proceeded in its destination, Gaithersburg, Maryland (ph). And the pilot told the FAA that lightning had hit his plane and messed up his radio.
The pilot who strayed into restricted Washington airspace nearly two weeks is grounded. The FAA has revoked his license for at least a year. Unlike yesterday's brief incident, the May 11 breach sparked a panicked evacuation for the Capitol and the White House.
The Department of Homeland Security may seek its own authority to shoot down planes violating restricted Washington airspace. Currently only Defense Department fighters can do that, but CNN has confirmed that federal officials are considering whether to give DHS helicopter crews shoot-down authority. Most capital air space breaches happen by mistake.
CNN is committed to providing the most reliable coverage of news that affects your security. Stay tuned to CNN for the latest information, day and night.
O'BRIEN: Comedian Jay Leno today took the stand today in the Michael Jackson trial telling jurors about telephone conversations he had with the pop star's accuser. We get details from CNN's Ted Rowlands.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Comedian Jay Leno spent about a half an hour on the stand. He is expected to be one of the last defense witnesses. He was supposed to, according to the defense, come up and say that he was the victim of a shakedown from this accuser and the accuser's family.
However, on cross-examination, he said he was never asked directly for any money. He did say that he received a number of phone messages from the accuser, and he thought that it was odd, the tone of those messages. And he said they were quote, "scripted," but he said they never actually asked for money.
It is expected that comedian Chris Tucker will be the defense's final witness. And Tucker is here in Santa Maria. We are told that he could take the stand today and that the defense could rest its case as early as today.
Ted Rowlands, CNN, Santa Maria, California. (END VIDEOTAPE)
O'BRIEN: It's quite a scene out there, isn't it?
PHILLIPS: Continues to be.
O'BRIEN: All right.
PHILLIPS: We've been talking about this a lot. One of the easiest ways for someone to steal your identity is by just going through your garbage and personal documents.
O'BRIEN: Do you have a shredder? Do you have a shredder yet?
PHILLIPS: Actually, we did just a couple weeks ago.
O'BRIEN: It's great.
PHILLIPS: For that exact reason.
O'BRIEN: Kids are loving it. They're missing a few digits, but hey, it's all right. It's all for the greater good of security.
PHILLIPS: A shred-a-thon.
O'BRIEN: There's a shred of thought actually being planned to help some people keep their personal info out of the wrong hands, and Susan Lisovicz has the story from the New York Stock Exchange.
**** (STOCK REPORT)
O'BRIEN: Well, she's a rookie racer and she's trying to make race driving history. Could Danica Patrick be the first woman to win the Indy 500? Didn't Janet Guthrie win? She was the first to race there, is that right?
PHILLIPS: Yes, there's four, and Danica is the fourth woman. And actually two of those three...
O'BRIEN: So Janet Guthrie didn't win. She just raced.
PHILLIPS: No.
O'BRIEN: She raced.
PHILLIPS: She raced, yes.
O'BRIEN: So, she's actually favored, which is cool.
PHILLIPS: That's right. She could win this.
O'BRIEN: Wow.
PHILLIPS: She's already made history coming as far as she has.
O'BRIEN: Yes. Let me ask you this. Would she stop and ask for directions, just out of curiosity?
PHILLIPS: You know what, I doubt it.
O'BRIEN: Never stop for directions.
PHILLIPS: And you know what I bet?
O'BRIEN: Yes.
PHILLIPS: I bet that she always drives.
O'BRIEN: Yes, she does.
All right. Now, speaking of races, try catching this cat. She climbed a 150-foot tree. And how she's gotten down? Well, that's what we call a tease on television, folks. If you want to know how she got down, you have to stay tuned. So please do so.
ANNOUNCER: You're watching LIVE FROM on CNN, the most trusted name in news.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
THURL RAVENSCROFT, VOICE OF TONY THE TIGER: They're great!
Frosted flakes are great.
They're great!
Frosted flakes are great!
They're great.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
O'BRIEN: OK. Got the idea. Got the idea! We've heard, it OK?
When you grew up with the Technicolor -- all right, all right. Whether you grew up with the Technicolor tiger or the black or white version -- it's like a record's stuck. Stop, stop.
Tony the Tiger was great, all right? And you didn't have to eat Frosted Flakes to know that, which is why -- please, stop. Please! This is sad because the guy has passed away.
We are offering a posthumous LIVE FROM shout-out to the late, great voice of Tony, Thurl Ravenscroft, who also sang the classic, "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." You'll suddenly make that click in your head.
He passed away Sunday at age of 91. Thanks for some wonderful memories, Mr. Ravenscroft.
All right. Well, whether it's a bear in a pool, an elephant in a restaurant or a cat up a tree, you know we are all over it here on this program. You might call it the LIVE FROM Center of Zoological Excellence at CNN. Or animal desk, may I help you?
And today we call on reporter Alexis del Cid from our Portland affiliate, KOIN. She's got this one in the bag.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ALEXIS DEL CID, KOIN REPORTER (voice-over): Angry birds dive- bomb the fat cat perched, in all her pregnant glory, at the top of a 150-foot redwood cedar. The cat's name is Thunder. And six days ago, her owner, Debra Mitchell, says thunder escaped, climbed to the top of this tree and has been living in a crow's nest ever since.
DEBRA MITCHELL, CAT OWNER: I'm very anxious, very, very anxious.
DEL CID: Leaving everyone else on the ground with their binoculars...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Here, Kitty, Kitty. Come on.
DEL CID: ... wondering what to do next.
Debra says she called the fire department but firefighters said they couldn't help. So she called in the big dogs.
JOSE VILLASENOR, ARBORIST: I know how to climb trees, so I like to do it.
DEL CID: Portland arborist Jose Villasenor and his posse have arrived.
MITCHELL: He's truly a special person that would climb this 150- foot tree.
DEL CID: He saddles up for the task...
VILLASENOR: I'll be all right.
DEL CID: ... with a belt, some spikes, rope and a burlap sack.
MITCHELL: See, he got what he need.
DEL CID: Jose begins his ascent.
MITCHELL: Check the nest for babies. I think she might have had those babies.
DEL CID: Step by step...
MITCHELL: He's making progress. Like walking through the jungle.
DEL CID: ... as he nears Thunder the air and the branches get thinner. Her fat little face peers down at him from above.
MITCHELL: She can't go much higher, because he's at the top.
DEL CID: Jose begins to motion to Thunder.
MITCHELL: That tree is rocking, ain't it?
DEL CID: Finally...
MITCHELL: The cat's in the bag! All right!
DEL CID: ... the scared bundle of burlap on its way down.
MITCHELL: Don't drop her after all of that. He's pretty brave.
DEL CID: And Thunder is still pretty pregnant.
VILLASENOR: There you go. That's a nice cat. Was really friendly.
MITCHELL: Was she friendly?
VILLASENOR: Nice kitty.
MITCHELL: Thunder. You lost some pounds. Can I give you a hug?
VILLASENOR: Sure.
MITCHELL: Thank you.
VILLASENOR: You're welcome.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Straight ahead...
O'BRIEN: That was Alexis Del Cid with that story, by the way.
PHILLIPS: Yes, it was.
O'BRIEN: And a nice happy ending for us, the cat in the bag, of course, which is of course why we saw that.
PHILLIPS: All right, we're getting onto the interview of the day, all right?
O'BRIEN: If you were to ask for directions, I would say turn left.
PHILLIPS: Yes.
O'BRIEN: Just keep turning left.
PHILLIPS: You know what? She never asks for directions. Danica Patrick leaving every guy she knows in the dust. That's right. She's going to do it this weekend at the Indy 500, right, Danica? Give me a thumbs-up. There you go.
We're going to talk to her, coming up right after the break. Isn't she a cutie?
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PHILLIPS: Well, when Indy driver Danica Patrick gets behind the wheel, she makes history. When she talks with her boss, racing team co-owner David Letterman, she makes people laugh.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAVID LETTERMAN, HOST, "LATE NIGHT WITH DAVID LETTERMAN": Is it possible that in, like, three, four years the race will be all women?
DANICA PATRICK, RACE CAR DRIVER: You never know. I mean if I go win, they just might come out of the woodwork.
LETTERMAN: And what about all of these guys, and I'm watching them qualify...
PATRICK: Would you want to watch if it was all girls?
LETTERMAN: Oh, yes!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: Well, Patrick will start this Sunday's Indy 500 in the fourth position, the best start for a woman in the race's history. She's put on the brakes long enough to join me live from the Indy Motor Speedway.
Great to see you, Danica.
PATRICK: Thanks, how are you?
PHILLIPS: So I think your boss likes you.
PATRICK: I hope so. I hope I have a job here for a while.
PHILLIPS: Yes. I think after that interview and how well you've been doing you don't have any issues.
Well, take us back. I understand you were -- understand you were quite the go-cart racer, and Mom and Dad being strong role models, especially Dad, as you started realizing that you had a gift.
PATRICK: It was -- it was 10 years old when I started racing go- carts, and I guess within the first year I kind of was -- well, I was hooked. I was winning races, and I almost won the championship. But I wasn't sure how to -- I wasn't sure how to handle a go-cart that was blocking me, which means going down the inside, when that's where you pass. So I finished second in the last race and second in the championship.
But after that, I won many things and moved onwards.
PHILLIPS: Do you still have that old go-cart?
PATRICK: I don't know. It's probably around somewhere. I know I have my first suit and first helmet, though.
PHILLIPS: Very good. Well, I'm sure that's going to be going into a hall of fame very soon.
PATRICK: It's purple and lime green.
PHILLIPS: Purple and lime -- hey, those are hip colors now. You ought to bring that back.
PATRICK: Sure. Faded and everything.
PHILLIPS: All right. Now tell me about Bev and T.J., your parents. They actually met at a race. Is that right?
PATRICK: Yes, they met at a blind date at a race. My dad raced snowmobiles, and my mom was -- I think my mom she either ranching or there watching one of her girlfriends race snowmobiles. And that was it. Twenty-five years they've been married now April 26. So...
PHILLIPS: Wow, you were destined to do this.
PATRICK: Pretty pleased for them.
PHILLIPS: And they're pleased with you, I'm sure.
PATRICK: Yes, my dad is proud. And my mom's proud, too.
PHILLIPS: Well, I can just imagine. In addition, another one of your role models, Lynn St. James. An incredible role model for you, and she also had an awesome career racing. Tell us about Lynn.
PATRICK: Lynn is -- Lynn is a very, great lady. She introduced me to so many people when I was young, around the age of 14. And she introduced me to the people who brought me over to England. I think that in England is where I really proved to people how serious I was about this. So yes, she's fantastic.
PHILLIPS: Now, is this more of a personal satisfaction for you or professional satisfaction when you look at it?
PATRICK: Right now it's professional. But in the grand scheme of things I guess it can be personal, because it's been a dream for so very long. And -- and I'm just fortunate to have such a great opportunity. Maybe the best of females had with driving for Ray Hall Letterman and such a great team and to have such strong teammates that it can work together and always make the cars go fast.
PHILLIPS: Danica, how do all the other men react to you, honestly?
PATRICK: That's a good question for them. I know how they -- I know how they act from the outside, and I'm pretty sure it's the way they are from the inside. And they're really nice. They're very supportive. And they appreciate all of the things that I do for the series. And they see me as a fair competitor out there and nothing else. PHILLIPS: Are you OK with being called "the female driver"? I bet you'd rather be called the champion driver?
PATRICK: I'd love to be the champion driver slash -- I mean, you know, but the bottom line is to be called -- I can't be mad to be called a female driver because I am.
PHILLIPS: And you're making history here. I mean, it's good to point out that -- what was it two, three decades ago, women weren't even allowed in the pits?
PATRICK: Thirty-one years ago. Right, correct.
PHILLIPS: So you are making inways. Do you think that we're going to see more women driving, whether it's NASCAR or Indy or Formula One? I mean, do you think you're paving the way for other young women?
PATRICK: I'm not sure. I don't know how many more are out there. I think it seems like more than ever. But then again I'm in the middle of it all.
So I just hope that, you know, if I do anything, it's that I prove to teams, that -- to teams' owner, mechanics, everybody, that females are no different than guys. We just need great equipment, and we need some confidence from everyone. And a car doesn't know whether or not it's Tony Kinnon (ph) or Danica Patrick driving the car.
PHILLIPS: I'm glad you said Tony Kinnon (ph). You know I'm a big fan of his.
PATRICK: Yes.
PHILLIPS: He's such a great, great guy. And I know he's been very supportive of you.
PATRICK: He's a really great guy. So nice guy. He's so nice.
PHILLIPS: What was it like to meet Colin Powell? He was out there, wasn't he?
PATRICK: Yes, he was in Times Square when we were taking our photo with all of the drivers in our grid positions. And he was super nice. You know, he just came up and introduced himself to everybody and gave us his time, which is huge.
So, yes, we appreciate that very much, and I look forward to following close behind him in the pace lap. He says he drives the pace car.
PHILLIPS: All right. Danica, at age 12 I read you had three goals. No. 1, to race at the Indy 500. You're going to do that this weekend. No. 2, meet Leonardo DiCaprio? Have you done that yet?
PATRICK: No. That's OK. I'm getting engaged now. That's no problem. I don't need to meet Leonardo DeCaprio. PHILLIPS: So, we'll push Leo out.
PATRICK: OK.
PHILLIPS: All right. Just real quickly, I want to ask you about Paul, your physical therapist. I know you're getting married. Just shows us that 4 1/2 carat ring, would you please? Oh, my goodness! You're going to blind...
PATRICK: He did a very good job.
PHILLIPS: Yes, he did. He is a lucky man.
And are you still driving that Mercedes Benz, and if so, I want to know how fast you really go on the free way.
PATRICK: I'm not. No, I'm not driving that any more. I have a Honda MDX, and I have a little BMW. So...
PHILLIPS: There you go.
PATRICK: I don't drive fast on the road at all.
PHILLIPS: You never get any tickets.
PATRICK: No! Nothing written out.
PHILLIPS: Wink, wink. There you go. Danica Patrick, we're going to be cheering you on, 23 years old. Absolutely amazing? Good luck.
PATRICK: Thank you very much.
PHILLIPS: You've paid your dues and you deserve to be there. We're proud of you.
PATRICK: Thank you. I'll tell Tony you said hi.
PHILLIPS: You tell him. Thanks, Danica.
PATRICK: Thanks.
O'BRIEN: Do you think she's fibbing a little there about the speed limit thing?
PHILLIPS: I saw the little wink, wink. She's probably had a few in her time. It's OK. It's one to be proud of.
O'BRIEN: We wish her well, and we wish her safety on the big race this weekend.
PHILLIPS: Absolutely.
O'BRIEN: And that wraps up in Tuesday edition of LIVE FROM.
PHILLIPS: Now to take us through "INSIDE POLITICS," Judy Woodruff.
Hi, Judy.
JUDY WOODRUFF, HOST, "INSIDE POLITICS": Hi, Kyra, thanks to you and Miles.
President Bush says it is about time the Senate reached a deal, moving his judicial nominations forward. We'll go live to Capitol Hill for a look at who brokered the deal and the political fallout it may cause.
Plus, he has made waves recently over his comments about House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. I'll sit down for a rare interview with the outspoken chairman of the DNC, Howard Dean.
"INSIDE POLITICS" begins in just a moment.
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