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Deep Throat Surfaces?; Talking Politics; Operation Lightning

Aired May 31, 2005 - 14:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RICHARD M. NIXON, FMR. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I must put the interest of America first. Therefore, I shall resign the presidency effective at noon tomorrow.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: The scandal that brought down President Nixon. The anonymous source known as Deep Throat has apparently come forward. We're live on the story.

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, new details this hour on when he will be going on trial for war crimes.

PHILLIPS: And striptease gone too far? A mother's steamy sweet 16 gift for her son gets her into a little bit of legal hot water.

From the CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Kyra Phillips.

HARRIS: And I'm Tony Harris, in for Miles O'Brien. This hour of CNN's LIVE FROM starts right now.

PHILLIPS: Deep Throat surfaces after all these years at 91? Meet W. Mark Felt, long-retired number two official at the FBI supposedly fessing up to "Vanity Fair" magazine. Specifically to a lawyer friend who authored a sensational expose some three years after Felt reportedly broke his decades of silence.

Immortalized in the movie "All the President's Men," Deep Throat was the phantom-like source who helped "The Washington Post" expose Watergate. Revelation after revelation about dirty tricks and cover- ups ultimately forced the one and only presidential resignation in U.S. history. But two of the only three people who can confirm Deep Throat's identity still are not talking.

Bob Woodward, still with "The Post," says this: "I have seen the reports, and I'll tell you, as I have said in the past, over the past 30 years, neither Carl Bernstein nor Ben Bradlee nor I are going to say anything at all regarding the identity of Deep Throat. We've gone down this road for 30 years, and for 30 years we have not said anything. That won't change today because of the report in 'Vanity Fair.'"

Says Carl Bernstein, "As in the past, we're not going to say anything about this. There have been many books, articles and speculation about the identity of the person known as 'Deep Throat.' We've said all along that when that person dies we will disclose his identity and describe in context and great detail our dealings with him."

"With all our confidential sources, we agreed not to identify them until their death. Nothing has changed that. No one has released us from any pledge. It's our intention not to identify Deep Throat until his death."

Felt himself isn't talking to the media, but in the past half- hour we have heard from his son, Mark Felt Jr.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MARK FELT, JR.: And we believe our father, William Mark Felt Sr., was an American hero. He went well above and beyond the call of duty at risk to himself to save his country from a horrible injustice, and we just hope that at some point the rest of the nation can see it that way as well.

We feel, having talked to our father, that dad is pleased with the attention this whole thing has drawn to his 32 years of service to his country, but he believes in his heart that the men and women of the FBI who have put their lives at risk for more than 50 years really deserve recognition far more than he does.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Well, after all these years, Watergate is still the standard by which all other scandals are measured. And Deep Throat is even in the dictionary: an informant who divulges damaging information under cover of anonymity.

Well, National Correspondent Bruce Morton is with us again from Washington.

Bruce, take us back to that time. Tell us where you were, what you remember, and then bring us up to today and what you think of the latest news.

BRUCE MORTON, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, one of the funny things about Watergate is it was a story that absolutely refused to die. Deep Throat got "The Washington Post" off to a terrific start. "Follow the money," he said, and they followed the actual money that was in one of the burglar's pockets, traced it back to the campaign to reelect the president, Mr. Nixon's reelection campaign. That was a big breakthrough.

James McCord, one of the burglars, an ex-CIA man, wrote a letter to Judge John Sirica, who was in charge of that trial, saying there's a cover-up here, if we go down every tree in the forest will fall.

And then most dramatic of all, I suppose, was the day in the Senate Watergate Committee, when we're all looking at each other saying, "Who's this Butterfield guy? Who's this Butterfield guy?" And Alexander Butterfield takes the oath and in a bit says, well, yes, there was a tape-recording system in the White House. And, that, of course, was ultimately the blow I think that did end the Nixon presidency.

PHILLIPS: So when all this came forward today, and the talk of this interview in "Vanity Fair" and so forth, and Felt admitting that he, indeed, is Deep Throat, Barry Sussman, who was "The Washington Post" editor in charge of the Watergate coverage, had written an article, Bruce, that over the years that Deep Throat was a bit player, a minor contributor, but he's become a giant because of "All the President's Men" and this hype that sort of circulated this story.

Do you agree with that?

MORTON: Oh, not really. "Follow the money" was the first big clue. There were lots of other clues, as I say. And the thing that really did end the Nixon presidency was the tapes, there's no doubt about that.

Once they had discovered the taping system, I think if the president had had a bonfire that evening and burned them all he might have walked away. But not otherwise.

PHILLIPS: And, Bruce, finally -- sorry, I had a little piece of sound there in my ear. I didn't hear the last part of what you said. But I wanted to ask as you responded to that, the greater importance of Deep Throat, do you think that sort of lessened the achievement of Woodward and Bernstein? And why do you think that they are not coming forward and saying anything about this latest news?

MORTON: No, Kyra, I don't think it lessened their achievement. Reporters use sources when they have to, they use anonymous sources. And Woodward and Bernstein used theirs very well.

I think they're not coming forward because they have said throughout they weren't going to. I mean, what you say to a source who asks anonymity is, OK, you're anonymous, I am not going to give your name.

And they have said that's going to remain true until whoever it was dies. There is no way to confirm that it's Mr. Felt. It might be, it might now be. But the three people who know aside from Throat himself are not talking, and I'm sure won't.

PHILLIPS: Bruce Morton, thanks for your thoughts today -- Tony.

HARRIS: Well, the politics of today were on the agenda as President Bush chose to go on the record with reporters this morning. He touched on everything from his battles with Congress to the war in Iraq.

Our National Correspondent Bob Franken had a front row seat.

Good afternoon, Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good afternoon, Tony.

Yes, our source at the White House was the president himself, talking at his news conference that he holds them once a month. And he actually was able to make it into May, the last day of month.

His news conference covered the relations with Congress, as you pointed out, pushing the members of Congress to pass the energy bill, touting what he considers to be some economic achievements of late, saying that there has to be -- a budget cut request has to get through Congress, going on with the Central American Dominican Republic and Free Trade Agreement, talking about Social Security.

In other words, talking about the types of things that he has spoken of before. Also saying that he believes that even though the insurgency is sometimes effective in Iraq, that he ultimately expects the government to prevail, reacting to an Amnesty International report saying that the claim that the United States has a gulag of prisons for the various detainees is "absurd," to use the president's word.

Now, all of this comes as his poll numbers are slipping. All of this comes as he's had some setbacks in Congress, leading to the question about whether his momentum is being slowed down.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Things don't happen instantly in Washington, D.C. I know that part of your job is to follow the process and follow the politics and who's up and who's down. But I've been around here long enough to tell you and tell the people listening things just don't happen overnight. It takes a while.

And one thing is for certain, it takes a president willing to push people to do hard things. Just keep in mind, we haven't had an energy strategy in this country for over a decade. And the Social Security issue hasn't been on the table since 1983. I mean, seriously on the table. And so I'm asking Congress to do some difficult things.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: And he's campaigning for Social Security this week in his 28th state, trying to go directly to the people to put pressure on Congress. Thus far, at least if the polls are any indication, Tony, it hasn't worked yet.

HARRIS: OK. National Correspondent Bob Franken. Bob, thank you.

PHILLIPS: Well, now for the latest on the conflict in Iraq, the country's president says that deposed dictator Saddam Hussein could go on trial for alleged war crimes within two months. Jalal Talabani spoke from Iraq today on a satellite feed to CNN's World Report Conference here in Atlanta.

Talabani also said that he's sure terrorist leader Abu Musab al- Zarqawi is injured. A recorded statement attributed to al-Zarqawi says that he suffered only a minor wound in combat. A U.S. intelligence official says the voice is likely al-Zarqawi's. That message ais dressed to Osama bin Laden.

The main U.S. military complex near Baghdad International Airport has come under mortar attack. An military official there says that a mortar round wounded eight U.S. soldiers, two American contract employees and one Iraqi citizen this evening.

The coalition is investigating two fatal aircraft crashes. An Iraqi plane went down Monday in Diyala province, killing four Americans and one Iraq. Then an Italian helicopter crashed today in an apparent accident near Nasiriyah in southeastern Iraq. All four Italian soldiers aboard died.

HARRIS: An encouraging start, that's how those in command view the massive crackdown on insurgents now under way in and around Baghdad. Our senior Baghdad Correspondent Jane Arraf in on the front lines of Operation Lightning.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JANE ARRAF, CNN SR. BAGHDAD CORRESPONDENT: Increased checkpoints have sprung up across Baghdad as Operation Lightning gets under way. The chief U.S. military official in charge of that operation, Major General William Webster, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, says that this operation, preceded by one launched by U.S. forces, is aimed particularly at cracking down on car bombs, car bomb factories, and those cells that are putting them together.

He tells us that his forces and Iraqi forces have captured 600 suspected insurgents in the last two weeks. Among those, he says, are 40 foreign fighters. All of this aimed at what has been a spike in attacks, particularly car bombs.

MAJ. GEN. WILLIAM WEBSTER, COMMANDER, 3RD INFANTRY DIVISION: We wish we could have done it sooner, but this is when we're able to get it accomplished, and we're going after it.

ARRAF: Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari has said part of the expected outcome of this, as well as cracking down on insurgents and limiting attacks in Baghdad, will be that insurgents may move outside Baghdad into other areas. Iraqi officials say other similar operations are expected in other cities in the coming weeks.

Jane Arraf, CNN, reporting from Camp Liberty in Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: And several states are expecting Pentagon data today on proposed military base closings. Lawmakers want to know how dozens of installations around the country made the list. Some are major bases employing large numbers of people. Congress would have to approve the closings.

The submarine base in Groton, Connecticut, is among those facing shutdown under the plans. State lawmakers recently approved $10 million for a campaign to keep the base open. It provides 8,600 jobs.

PHILLIPS: Well, the so-called runaway bride is apparently making a run to the bank.

HARRIS: Yes. Ahead on LIVE FROM, Jennifer Wilbanks' attorney makes a special delivery on her behalf.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I was trying to give him a 16th that he wouldn't forget, you know. I mean, sweet 16 only comes once.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Oh, he won't forget it. A birthday stripper strips to her birthday suit. Now a lot of people are in big trouble, including mom.

HARRIS: And also ahead, spiritual author Deepak Chopra joins us to talk about the possibilities of peace.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, celebrating a milestone here at CNN, 25 years on the air. In the past quarter of a century we've talked to newsmakers from all over the world, including former Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev. Now he's giving us a little pat on the back.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MIKHAIL GORBACHEV, FMR. RUSSIAN PRESIDENT (through translator): Can I give one answer to all of the questions? CNN is a wonderful invention. I remember when the idea of CNN was conceived. My friend Ted Turner traveled around the world and to Russia. And very soon those (INAUDIBLE) were connected to each other all around the planet.

CNN is the greatest invention of humanity, the invention which helps humanity to be aware of what's happening in our common home, the planet of Earth. And I do appreciate my connection which dates years and years back, this tradition of CNN, of which I'm grateful. In fact, I very often appear on CNN air, and I'm grateful to this television channel, CNN, which pays attention and is interested in my points of view.

Thank you.

I'd like to congratulate Ted Turner with the 25th anniversary of CNN and say, people like him should not be forgotten.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Twenty-five years and counting. We're celebrating with a special look back at the stories that changed history. "Defining Moments: 25 Stories That Touched our Lives," it begins tomorrow night, 8:00 p.m. Eastern, 5:00 Pacific.

(WEATHER REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, hurricane season officially starts tomorrow. And another key forecaster warns that it could be much like last year's mean season.

In 2004, the Atlantic Basin saw nine hurricanes. Four caused major destruction here in the U.S., three of them crossing Florida.

Colorado State University's Gray forecast predicts another above- normal year. The Gray forecast is close to what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts.

All right. We want to take you live now to Santa Rosa, California. This is actually the grandson of Mark Felt.

Mark Felt, of course, is the man coming forward claiming that he is Deep Throat. It's an article that just came out in "Vanity Fair." Let's hear what the grandson has to say.

NICK JONES, W. MARK FELT'S GRANDSON: I have a statement prepared, so here it is.

The family believes my grandfather, Mark Felt Sr., is a great American hero who went well and above the call of duty at much risk to himself to save his country from a horrible injustice. We all sincerely hope the country will see him this way as well.

My grandfather is pleased that he is being honored for his role as Deep Throat with his friend Bob Woodward. He is also pleased by the attention this has drawn to his career in his 32 years of service to his country. But he believes in his heart that the men and women of the FBI who have put their -- who have put their lives at risk for more than 50 years to keep this country safe deserve recognition more than he.

Mark had expressed reservations in the past about revealing his identity and about whether his actions were appropriate for an FBI man. But as he recently told my mother, "I guess people used to think Deep Throat was a criminal. But now they think he's a hero."

Our family believes older people are our national treasure and should be honored and respected in the declining years of their lives. My grandfather is one of those special people. And on behalf of the Felt family, we hope you see him worthy of honor and respect as we do.

The Felt family does ask, however, that in view of his age and health, you respect his zone of privacy as he enjoys his moment with us.

Thank you.

QUESTION: How is his health?

JONES: I'm sorry, I'm not going to answer any questions right now. But go get lunch.

PHILLIPS: All right. You just heard from the grandson there. Obviously probably one of his first news conferences, live out of Santa Rosa, California, I believe. That may be his sister's or possibly mother's home.

And we're talking about Mark Felt, the man that has come forward in this "Vanity Fair" magazine, and saying that he, indeed, is Deep Throat. But the family asking that, since the story came out, obviously a lot of phone calls are coming through, everybody is talking about it including us, but the family is just asking in Mark Felt's elder years -- he's 91 years old now -- that people just respect him and leave the family alone, respect their privacy at this point. And that the grandson is saying his grandfather is actually very happy with the coverage, the fact that this has come out. He's very happy that he's being honored in this way, as one of these unique individuals that was a part of this historic moment, obviously, during the Watergate scandal.

Now, interesting point, too, he doesn't want all the attention drawn to him, but that he would like everyone to recognize the entire staff within the FBI at that time in the '70s, not just him, and that they were all a very important part about uncovering what happened within the Nixon White House and that Watergate scandal.

Once again, the grandson, Nick Jones, of Mark Felt coming forward and speaking outside the family home there in California -- Santa Rosa, California.

HARRIS: In other news "Across America" now, authorities in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, are hoping new photos will help them find two children missing since May 16. Dylan and Shasta Groene vanished the day their brother, mother and the mother's boyfriend were found beaten to death.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I enjoyed every bit of it. But now that -- when the police showed up the first night and took my mom to jail, I get kind of upset.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I was trying to give him a 16th that he wouldn't forget, you know. I mean, sweet 16 only comes once.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Well, a mother in Nashville, Tennessee, is facing criminal charges for hiring a stripper for her son's 16th birthday party. Police have charged Annette Farris (ph) and four others with involving a minor in obscene acts.

A second crane climber is up on charges in Atlanta. Did you hear this?

Police say Thomas Robinson scaled a crane last night but was lured back down with doughnuts and cigarettes. It happened in the same part of town where Carl Roland stood off police on a crane for 56 hours last week.

Roland appeared in court in Atlanta today to fight extradition. He is accused of strangling his ex-girlfriend to death in Florida.

PHILLIPS: Well, straight ahead, he is known for teaching the world about peace, but what does spiritual author Deepak Chopra have to say to a world at war? He joins me for the LIVE FROM interview just ahead.

And the man who interrogated a top Nazi tells CNN his war stories about digging up dirt on the Third Reich.

SUSAN LISOVICZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Susan Lisovicz at the New York Stock Exchange. Up next, there's a new trade war brewing between Washington and Europe, and it could wind up as the most expensive battle ever. That's next on LIVE FROM.

Stay tuned.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Well, a dispute between Washington and the European Union could turn into a full-blown trade war?

PHILLIPS: Susan Lisovicz -- I don't know, that's a pretty big statement -- has the latest now from the New York Stock Exchange.

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired May 31, 2005 - 14:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RICHARD M. NIXON, FMR. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I must put the interest of America first. Therefore, I shall resign the presidency effective at noon tomorrow.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: The scandal that brought down President Nixon. The anonymous source known as Deep Throat has apparently come forward. We're live on the story.

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, new details this hour on when he will be going on trial for war crimes.

PHILLIPS: And striptease gone too far? A mother's steamy sweet 16 gift for her son gets her into a little bit of legal hot water.

From the CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Kyra Phillips.

HARRIS: And I'm Tony Harris, in for Miles O'Brien. This hour of CNN's LIVE FROM starts right now.

PHILLIPS: Deep Throat surfaces after all these years at 91? Meet W. Mark Felt, long-retired number two official at the FBI supposedly fessing up to "Vanity Fair" magazine. Specifically to a lawyer friend who authored a sensational expose some three years after Felt reportedly broke his decades of silence.

Immortalized in the movie "All the President's Men," Deep Throat was the phantom-like source who helped "The Washington Post" expose Watergate. Revelation after revelation about dirty tricks and cover- ups ultimately forced the one and only presidential resignation in U.S. history. But two of the only three people who can confirm Deep Throat's identity still are not talking.

Bob Woodward, still with "The Post," says this: "I have seen the reports, and I'll tell you, as I have said in the past, over the past 30 years, neither Carl Bernstein nor Ben Bradlee nor I are going to say anything at all regarding the identity of Deep Throat. We've gone down this road for 30 years, and for 30 years we have not said anything. That won't change today because of the report in 'Vanity Fair.'"

Says Carl Bernstein, "As in the past, we're not going to say anything about this. There have been many books, articles and speculation about the identity of the person known as 'Deep Throat.' We've said all along that when that person dies we will disclose his identity and describe in context and great detail our dealings with him."

"With all our confidential sources, we agreed not to identify them until their death. Nothing has changed that. No one has released us from any pledge. It's our intention not to identify Deep Throat until his death."

Felt himself isn't talking to the media, but in the past half- hour we have heard from his son, Mark Felt Jr.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MARK FELT, JR.: And we believe our father, William Mark Felt Sr., was an American hero. He went well above and beyond the call of duty at risk to himself to save his country from a horrible injustice, and we just hope that at some point the rest of the nation can see it that way as well.

We feel, having talked to our father, that dad is pleased with the attention this whole thing has drawn to his 32 years of service to his country, but he believes in his heart that the men and women of the FBI who have put their lives at risk for more than 50 years really deserve recognition far more than he does.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Well, after all these years, Watergate is still the standard by which all other scandals are measured. And Deep Throat is even in the dictionary: an informant who divulges damaging information under cover of anonymity.

Well, National Correspondent Bruce Morton is with us again from Washington.

Bruce, take us back to that time. Tell us where you were, what you remember, and then bring us up to today and what you think of the latest news.

BRUCE MORTON, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, one of the funny things about Watergate is it was a story that absolutely refused to die. Deep Throat got "The Washington Post" off to a terrific start. "Follow the money," he said, and they followed the actual money that was in one of the burglar's pockets, traced it back to the campaign to reelect the president, Mr. Nixon's reelection campaign. That was a big breakthrough.

James McCord, one of the burglars, an ex-CIA man, wrote a letter to Judge John Sirica, who was in charge of that trial, saying there's a cover-up here, if we go down every tree in the forest will fall.

And then most dramatic of all, I suppose, was the day in the Senate Watergate Committee, when we're all looking at each other saying, "Who's this Butterfield guy? Who's this Butterfield guy?" And Alexander Butterfield takes the oath and in a bit says, well, yes, there was a tape-recording system in the White House. And, that, of course, was ultimately the blow I think that did end the Nixon presidency.

PHILLIPS: So when all this came forward today, and the talk of this interview in "Vanity Fair" and so forth, and Felt admitting that he, indeed, is Deep Throat, Barry Sussman, who was "The Washington Post" editor in charge of the Watergate coverage, had written an article, Bruce, that over the years that Deep Throat was a bit player, a minor contributor, but he's become a giant because of "All the President's Men" and this hype that sort of circulated this story.

Do you agree with that?

MORTON: Oh, not really. "Follow the money" was the first big clue. There were lots of other clues, as I say. And the thing that really did end the Nixon presidency was the tapes, there's no doubt about that.

Once they had discovered the taping system, I think if the president had had a bonfire that evening and burned them all he might have walked away. But not otherwise.

PHILLIPS: And, Bruce, finally -- sorry, I had a little piece of sound there in my ear. I didn't hear the last part of what you said. But I wanted to ask as you responded to that, the greater importance of Deep Throat, do you think that sort of lessened the achievement of Woodward and Bernstein? And why do you think that they are not coming forward and saying anything about this latest news?

MORTON: No, Kyra, I don't think it lessened their achievement. Reporters use sources when they have to, they use anonymous sources. And Woodward and Bernstein used theirs very well.

I think they're not coming forward because they have said throughout they weren't going to. I mean, what you say to a source who asks anonymity is, OK, you're anonymous, I am not going to give your name.

And they have said that's going to remain true until whoever it was dies. There is no way to confirm that it's Mr. Felt. It might be, it might now be. But the three people who know aside from Throat himself are not talking, and I'm sure won't.

PHILLIPS: Bruce Morton, thanks for your thoughts today -- Tony.

HARRIS: Well, the politics of today were on the agenda as President Bush chose to go on the record with reporters this morning. He touched on everything from his battles with Congress to the war in Iraq.

Our National Correspondent Bob Franken had a front row seat.

Good afternoon, Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good afternoon, Tony.

Yes, our source at the White House was the president himself, talking at his news conference that he holds them once a month. And he actually was able to make it into May, the last day of month.

His news conference covered the relations with Congress, as you pointed out, pushing the members of Congress to pass the energy bill, touting what he considers to be some economic achievements of late, saying that there has to be -- a budget cut request has to get through Congress, going on with the Central American Dominican Republic and Free Trade Agreement, talking about Social Security.

In other words, talking about the types of things that he has spoken of before. Also saying that he believes that even though the insurgency is sometimes effective in Iraq, that he ultimately expects the government to prevail, reacting to an Amnesty International report saying that the claim that the United States has a gulag of prisons for the various detainees is "absurd," to use the president's word.

Now, all of this comes as his poll numbers are slipping. All of this comes as he's had some setbacks in Congress, leading to the question about whether his momentum is being slowed down.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Things don't happen instantly in Washington, D.C. I know that part of your job is to follow the process and follow the politics and who's up and who's down. But I've been around here long enough to tell you and tell the people listening things just don't happen overnight. It takes a while.

And one thing is for certain, it takes a president willing to push people to do hard things. Just keep in mind, we haven't had an energy strategy in this country for over a decade. And the Social Security issue hasn't been on the table since 1983. I mean, seriously on the table. And so I'm asking Congress to do some difficult things.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: And he's campaigning for Social Security this week in his 28th state, trying to go directly to the people to put pressure on Congress. Thus far, at least if the polls are any indication, Tony, it hasn't worked yet.

HARRIS: OK. National Correspondent Bob Franken. Bob, thank you.

PHILLIPS: Well, now for the latest on the conflict in Iraq, the country's president says that deposed dictator Saddam Hussein could go on trial for alleged war crimes within two months. Jalal Talabani spoke from Iraq today on a satellite feed to CNN's World Report Conference here in Atlanta.

Talabani also said that he's sure terrorist leader Abu Musab al- Zarqawi is injured. A recorded statement attributed to al-Zarqawi says that he suffered only a minor wound in combat. A U.S. intelligence official says the voice is likely al-Zarqawi's. That message ais dressed to Osama bin Laden.

The main U.S. military complex near Baghdad International Airport has come under mortar attack. An military official there says that a mortar round wounded eight U.S. soldiers, two American contract employees and one Iraqi citizen this evening.

The coalition is investigating two fatal aircraft crashes. An Iraqi plane went down Monday in Diyala province, killing four Americans and one Iraq. Then an Italian helicopter crashed today in an apparent accident near Nasiriyah in southeastern Iraq. All four Italian soldiers aboard died.

HARRIS: An encouraging start, that's how those in command view the massive crackdown on insurgents now under way in and around Baghdad. Our senior Baghdad Correspondent Jane Arraf in on the front lines of Operation Lightning.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JANE ARRAF, CNN SR. BAGHDAD CORRESPONDENT: Increased checkpoints have sprung up across Baghdad as Operation Lightning gets under way. The chief U.S. military official in charge of that operation, Major General William Webster, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, says that this operation, preceded by one launched by U.S. forces, is aimed particularly at cracking down on car bombs, car bomb factories, and those cells that are putting them together.

He tells us that his forces and Iraqi forces have captured 600 suspected insurgents in the last two weeks. Among those, he says, are 40 foreign fighters. All of this aimed at what has been a spike in attacks, particularly car bombs.

MAJ. GEN. WILLIAM WEBSTER, COMMANDER, 3RD INFANTRY DIVISION: We wish we could have done it sooner, but this is when we're able to get it accomplished, and we're going after it.

ARRAF: Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari has said part of the expected outcome of this, as well as cracking down on insurgents and limiting attacks in Baghdad, will be that insurgents may move outside Baghdad into other areas. Iraqi officials say other similar operations are expected in other cities in the coming weeks.

Jane Arraf, CNN, reporting from Camp Liberty in Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: And several states are expecting Pentagon data today on proposed military base closings. Lawmakers want to know how dozens of installations around the country made the list. Some are major bases employing large numbers of people. Congress would have to approve the closings.

The submarine base in Groton, Connecticut, is among those facing shutdown under the plans. State lawmakers recently approved $10 million for a campaign to keep the base open. It provides 8,600 jobs.

PHILLIPS: Well, the so-called runaway bride is apparently making a run to the bank.

HARRIS: Yes. Ahead on LIVE FROM, Jennifer Wilbanks' attorney makes a special delivery on her behalf.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I was trying to give him a 16th that he wouldn't forget, you know. I mean, sweet 16 only comes once.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Oh, he won't forget it. A birthday stripper strips to her birthday suit. Now a lot of people are in big trouble, including mom.

HARRIS: And also ahead, spiritual author Deepak Chopra joins us to talk about the possibilities of peace.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, celebrating a milestone here at CNN, 25 years on the air. In the past quarter of a century we've talked to newsmakers from all over the world, including former Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev. Now he's giving us a little pat on the back.

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MIKHAIL GORBACHEV, FMR. RUSSIAN PRESIDENT (through translator): Can I give one answer to all of the questions? CNN is a wonderful invention. I remember when the idea of CNN was conceived. My friend Ted Turner traveled around the world and to Russia. And very soon those (INAUDIBLE) were connected to each other all around the planet.

CNN is the greatest invention of humanity, the invention which helps humanity to be aware of what's happening in our common home, the planet of Earth. And I do appreciate my connection which dates years and years back, this tradition of CNN, of which I'm grateful. In fact, I very often appear on CNN air, and I'm grateful to this television channel, CNN, which pays attention and is interested in my points of view.

Thank you.

I'd like to congratulate Ted Turner with the 25th anniversary of CNN and say, people like him should not be forgotten.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Twenty-five years and counting. We're celebrating with a special look back at the stories that changed history. "Defining Moments: 25 Stories That Touched our Lives," it begins tomorrow night, 8:00 p.m. Eastern, 5:00 Pacific.

(WEATHER REPORT)

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PHILLIPS: Well, hurricane season officially starts tomorrow. And another key forecaster warns that it could be much like last year's mean season.

In 2004, the Atlantic Basin saw nine hurricanes. Four caused major destruction here in the U.S., three of them crossing Florida.

Colorado State University's Gray forecast predicts another above- normal year. The Gray forecast is close to what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts.

All right. We want to take you live now to Santa Rosa, California. This is actually the grandson of Mark Felt.

Mark Felt, of course, is the man coming forward claiming that he is Deep Throat. It's an article that just came out in "Vanity Fair." Let's hear what the grandson has to say.

NICK JONES, W. MARK FELT'S GRANDSON: I have a statement prepared, so here it is.

The family believes my grandfather, Mark Felt Sr., is a great American hero who went well and above the call of duty at much risk to himself to save his country from a horrible injustice. We all sincerely hope the country will see him this way as well.

My grandfather is pleased that he is being honored for his role as Deep Throat with his friend Bob Woodward. He is also pleased by the attention this has drawn to his career in his 32 years of service to his country. But he believes in his heart that the men and women of the FBI who have put their -- who have put their lives at risk for more than 50 years to keep this country safe deserve recognition more than he.

Mark had expressed reservations in the past about revealing his identity and about whether his actions were appropriate for an FBI man. But as he recently told my mother, "I guess people used to think Deep Throat was a criminal. But now they think he's a hero."

Our family believes older people are our national treasure and should be honored and respected in the declining years of their lives. My grandfather is one of those special people. And on behalf of the Felt family, we hope you see him worthy of honor and respect as we do.

The Felt family does ask, however, that in view of his age and health, you respect his zone of privacy as he enjoys his moment with us.

Thank you.

QUESTION: How is his health?

JONES: I'm sorry, I'm not going to answer any questions right now. But go get lunch.

PHILLIPS: All right. You just heard from the grandson there. Obviously probably one of his first news conferences, live out of Santa Rosa, California, I believe. That may be his sister's or possibly mother's home.

And we're talking about Mark Felt, the man that has come forward in this "Vanity Fair" magazine, and saying that he, indeed, is Deep Throat. But the family asking that, since the story came out, obviously a lot of phone calls are coming through, everybody is talking about it including us, but the family is just asking in Mark Felt's elder years -- he's 91 years old now -- that people just respect him and leave the family alone, respect their privacy at this point. And that the grandson is saying his grandfather is actually very happy with the coverage, the fact that this has come out. He's very happy that he's being honored in this way, as one of these unique individuals that was a part of this historic moment, obviously, during the Watergate scandal.

Now, interesting point, too, he doesn't want all the attention drawn to him, but that he would like everyone to recognize the entire staff within the FBI at that time in the '70s, not just him, and that they were all a very important part about uncovering what happened within the Nixon White House and that Watergate scandal.

Once again, the grandson, Nick Jones, of Mark Felt coming forward and speaking outside the family home there in California -- Santa Rosa, California.

HARRIS: In other news "Across America" now, authorities in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, are hoping new photos will help them find two children missing since May 16. Dylan and Shasta Groene vanished the day their brother, mother and the mother's boyfriend were found beaten to death.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I enjoyed every bit of it. But now that -- when the police showed up the first night and took my mom to jail, I get kind of upset.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I was trying to give him a 16th that he wouldn't forget, you know. I mean, sweet 16 only comes once.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Well, a mother in Nashville, Tennessee, is facing criminal charges for hiring a stripper for her son's 16th birthday party. Police have charged Annette Farris (ph) and four others with involving a minor in obscene acts.

A second crane climber is up on charges in Atlanta. Did you hear this?

Police say Thomas Robinson scaled a crane last night but was lured back down with doughnuts and cigarettes. It happened in the same part of town where Carl Roland stood off police on a crane for 56 hours last week.

Roland appeared in court in Atlanta today to fight extradition. He is accused of strangling his ex-girlfriend to death in Florida.

PHILLIPS: Well, straight ahead, he is known for teaching the world about peace, but what does spiritual author Deepak Chopra have to say to a world at war? He joins me for the LIVE FROM interview just ahead.

And the man who interrogated a top Nazi tells CNN his war stories about digging up dirt on the Third Reich.

SUSAN LISOVICZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Susan Lisovicz at the New York Stock Exchange. Up next, there's a new trade war brewing between Washington and Europe, and it could wind up as the most expensive battle ever. That's next on LIVE FROM.

Stay tuned.

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HARRIS: Well, a dispute between Washington and the European Union could turn into a full-blown trade war?

PHILLIPS: Susan Lisovicz -- I don't know, that's a pretty big statement -- has the latest now from the New York Stock Exchange.

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

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