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Interview with Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Granddaughters

Aired March 21, 2006 - 14:30   ET

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

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: From exile to chief executive, our next guest has quite a resume. Harvard-educated economist, seasoned politician, jailed for speaking out against military rule in her country, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is now president of that country, Liberia, and the first elected female head of state in all of Africa.
Among her challenges, restoring peace after years of anything but, and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. She's been in the United States for a week or so, looking for support from the United Nations, and just a couple of hours ago, from the president of the United States.

President Johnson-Sirleaf joins us from the South Lawn of the White House.

Madam President, what an honor to have you with us

PRES. ELLEN JOHNSON-SIRLEAF, LIBERIA: Thank you very much.

We are very honored to be here.

PHILLIPS: Well, what was it like to meet with the president? Did it go well?

JOHNSON-SIRLEAF: It went exceptionally well.

The president was very gracious. He was very responsive to the many issues we raised. He accepted our thanks on behalf of the Liberian people. We talked about the future. And he promised to give us support as we move about trying to renew our nation.

PHILLIPS: Madam President, I would love to tackle some specific questions in just a moment, but if you don't mind, we've had the pleasure of getting to know your granddaughters. They are just terrific.

And we've talked about your background a little bit through their eyes, but could you take me back to Liberia and just tell me what has been the most amazing thing for you right now as compared to your childhood just how far Liberia has come with regard to women and politics?

JOHNSON-SIRLEAF: Well, I tell you, our women have always been very strong, never, though, having reached in the higher levels of decision-making throughout the society.

And today, I mean, you might say the glass cage has been broken. We have women who are vying for leadership at all levels -- in the churches, in business, in organizations, in the legislature and now, of course, with my own election, the highest level.

We think this is going to send a wave all over African countries as we can see right now more and more women vying for leadership.

The opportunities for women have come a long way. Before, we didn't have so many women -- the girl child going to school. Today, educational opportunities are open for women. Women organizations are very strong. They're protecting the rights of women, and we in our laws and constitutions are also doing just that.

So I think it's a new day for women in Liberia, a new day you might say for women in Africa, even in the world.

PHILLIPS: So back in the day when you were a little girl growing up, who was it in your life that said, don't even think that you cannot become president one day? Who was that silent or maybe very boisterous influence in your life?

JOHNSON-SIRLEAF: Oh, I guess, you know, classmates in high school when I was doing things like playing ball with boys on the field and doing volleyball, and certainly not interested in politics. Nobody thought, you know, that I would ever make a shift from being a tomboy to being able to pursue a political career.

And so I'm -- you know, the evolution may have surprised me. I certainly surprised them.

PHILLIPS: So you were always an iron lady?

JOHNSON-SIRLEAF: Yes, I think I've always -- I've always been one of those wanting to measure up in things perhaps girls should not have done like climbing trees and playing football.

PHILLIPS: And beating up the bad guys, I hope, the bullies.

JOHNSON-SIRLEAF: I tried that, too, sometimes with not so much success.

PHILLIPS: Madam President, let's talk about this country of Liberia, founded by freed slaves in 1847. It was a very prosperous country, and now so much poverty, so many people living in relief camps.

Where do you begin? Do you begin with jobs? Do you begin with a former corrupt government? I mean, how do you start -- obviously, it's little by little that you will be able to make massive change.

JOHNSON-SIRLEAF: We really have to begin on several fronts.

In the first instance, the thousands and thousands of war- affected youth need to be given an opportunity for schooling, for skills training, thereby reducing their vulnerabilities.

We have also to put our own economic and financial house in order. And that means attacking corruption, bringing efficiency and effectiveness to our own bureaucracy by the selection of the right people with the competence and integrity.

We also have to respond to the needs of women and the communities to make sure that these women can operate in their marketplace, they are able to send their children to school.

And that can only be done if we attack some of the rehabilitation of our infrastructure, the roads, you know, the electrical systems, the water systems, the things that improve the quality of life.

There's so many things -- if you ask me what are the priorities? There's so many. But we're started, and we try to rank them as best we can.

PHILLIPS: And I know it's very much a give and take. After decades of corruption and loss of funds and misdirection in many ways, I know that you are forging this relationship with the president and with the United States. I know the U.S. can help you financially.

Tell me as an American what I can look forward to with regard to a relationship with Liberia? I know you have many incredible resources. So many people talk about the diamonds and the resources in that regard, but tell me what you have to offer to the rest of the world.

JOHNSON-SIRLEAF: Well, let me say that Liberia has been richly endowed and blessed by God.

We have natural resources, mineral resources, diamond, gold, iron ore, other types. We have vast forestry reserves, making us one of the world's most important biodiversity area in the world. We have fishery sources, agricultural potential. And we even have part of the Gulf of Guinea, where studies show we may even have some oil.

And we also have a small population, a little over 3 million, and so we say that we have the means to be able to support our own development effort.

In the short run, the friendship which we enjoy with the United States and other partners is very important. It gave us that jump start.

And we're just pleased at the partnership that we forged with the U.S. government, you know, with President Bush, the administration, with Congress that will enable us to get this jump start, help us set the country on track, begin to manage our own resources properly.

And I told him that, you know, once we take off, I think we'll make it on our own and we're going to break away from any dependence, because we've been blessed. And if we get the right leadership, which I think we now have, and we put the right team together we think Liberia can become a success story.

PHILLIPS: Well, before we take a break and bring in two special guests that are going to join you, I've got to ask you about Charles Taylor, the former president -- allegations of corruption, ties to al Qaeda. How are you going to keep him away from you, away from your new government and away from infiltrating in any way what you're trying to do?

JOHNSON-SIRLEAF: Well, I tell you, 3 million people want a new life and want to put one person behind them, and that's what we're pursuing. We've asked the African leadership to consult among themselves, to come up with the right decision to give Mr. Taylor the day in court which he has asked for, to do it in an atmosphere that's free and fair to him, with him having the right of self-defense.

And we think that's the right way to go. Liberia deserves a new day. Liberia wants to move forward on its development agenda. And we believe that the African leadership and our external partners will support the Liberian people in this endeavor.

PHILLIPS: Madam President, please stay with me.

There is another side to President Johnson-Sirleaf. She's also a mother and a grandmother. Two of her granddaughters are with her in Washington. They're old friends of LIVE FROM. We're going to chat with all three right after a quick break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: To most of the world Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is Madam President, but to six young people, she is grandma. We first met Janelle and Berylene Sirleaf a couple of weeks after they traveled to Liberia for their grandmother's inauguration. Now all three are in Washington, taking in the sites are spending some quality time together. Great to see you Janelle and Berylene.

When I asked you here on the set in Atlanta where you are living now, what it would be like to be with your grandmother in Washington, Janelle, did you get the big entourage you were thinking was going to be so cool?

JANELLE SIRLEAF, LIBERIAN PRES. IS 'GRANDMA': Sort of. Just stayed around the family most of the time but, yes, there are a lot of people.

PHILLIPS: Is it a little overwhelming?

J. SIRLEAF: At times.

PHILLIPS: Berylene, did you get to meet the president?

BERYLENE SIRLEAF, LIBERIAN PRES. IS 'GRANDMA': Yes, I did. It was really exciting. I was really nervous at first but he came up to me and was really polite and nice.

PHILLIPS: What did you say to him?

B. SIRLEAF: Well, I just shook his hand and then I went to go shake Laura Bush's hand and we didn't say much, but --

PHILLIPS: So you didn't give him any political advice?

B. SIRLEAF: Not really.

PHILLIPS: Madam President, aka grandmother, did you have to tell the girls be on your best behavior and don't get into politics?

JOHNSON-SIRLEAF: For now, but I expect one or the other will follow my footsteps.

PHILLIPS: That's what I wanted to hear because I talked to the girls about that, asked if they were interested in politics. What do you want to see for your granddaughters, would you like to see one of them or both of them follow your footsteps?

JOHNSON-SIRLEAF: You know, hey, what can I say? I think I've placed a path for them, for all over young girls in Liberia, in Africa, and we want to see them all seize the opportunity for leadership in so many ways. Maybe the head of state. Maybe a company executive, maybe the head of a church, whatever it is, just seize the moment and go get it. Go after your potential.

PHILLIPS: Carpe diem. Janelle, I think that sounds pretty good. Do any of those positions that Grandma is talking about seem of interest to you?

J. SIRLEAF: The head of state or possibly a business. I think that sounds good.

PHILLIPS: What about you, Berylene.

B. SIRLEAF: As I get more in to seeing how my grandmother works, it interests me more in politics and I get -- I'm just determined to be head of something, I hope.

PHILLIPS: You cannot beat that. Madam President, what do you think? Maybe you should visit the girls' school because they're pretty popular and famous the last time I talked to them, they're the coolest girls in school right now.

JOHSON-SIRLEAF: The one thing I'm glad about, they know that first things come first and that's doing well in school and I'm glad they're A students and Janelle will be graduating in just another month and getting ready for college and all I want them to do is do well in school then the career can come later.

PHILLIPS: Janelle, no pressure, right?

J. SIRLEAF: No, none at all.

PHILLIPS: Berylene, you're not feeling pressure?

B. SIRLEAF: No. Not at all.

PHILLIPS: Grandma just expects perfection. That's for sure. Madam president, I want to ask you this also, do you think that now you're able to do something for your granddaughters, for the younger members of your family, that maybe you weren't able to do for these young ladies, for their father and for your children years ago in a different environment in Liberia?

JOHNSON-SIRLEAF: Well, there's no question about it. The equal opportunity that exists, the ability to reach their potential in an environment that's just conducive, in which there are no constraints. A challenge to us, of course, is to build the facilities at home, the educational facilities, institutional facilities.

They're lucky because right now they're in the United States but we hope when they have pursued their career, they too will come home and home will have a better place where they can practice their profession and their career, whatever that is. That's my challenge and being where I am today enables me to meet that challenge much more quickly and more effectively.

PHILLIPS: Let me ask you both, Janelle, I'll start with you. As you look at your grandmother standing on the White House lawn, what's the most beautiful thing you see right now?

J. SIRLEAF: Right now?

PHILLIPS: Yes.

J. SIRLEAF: My grandmother. Yes. She looks really pretty. I don't know. It's just really exciting where I am right now being in Washington, D.C.

B. SIRLEAF: Meeting the president.

PHILLIPS: And do you sit, Berylene and think, wow, I have one incredible grandmother?

B. SIRLEAF: Yes. My grandmother is amazing. She -- she's caring. She cares about the people of Liberia and she's going to help them whether morally or any other way.

PHILLIPS: Well, she's definitely done that for both of you and as we thank you and move on to break, we found this beautiful picture, Madam President and Jenelle and Berylene of Samira's baptism. That must have been a joy for you.

JOHNSON-SIRLEAF: A real joy just to hold her in my arms and see her, you know, enter into the beginning of her spiritual life and to be with her mother and her father, my son, another grandchild, what can I say? Another potential leader.

PHILLIPS: President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. What an honor. You're an amazing woman. Janelle and Berylene, thanks for joining us again. You three are just incredible.

JOHNSON-SIRLEAF: Before I go, a big thank you again. I want to say thank you to the American people, to the U.S. Congress. I want to thank the Congressional Black Caucus for standing by Liberia. I want to thank President Bush and Mrs. Bush and Secretary Rice and all those wonderful people who have helped us. The Liberian people are very grateful.

PHILLIPS: They're responding to one thing and that's your incredible leadership and incredible sense of character. Thank you for your time.

Straight ahead, entertainment news with Sibila Vargas. Sibila, what's on tap?

SIBILA VARGAS, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: Well, an A-list celebrity and an anti-war activist raises money for their cause, but could the two be heading to a theater near you. We'll have that story and more when LIVE FROM continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Is an anti-war activist in talks to play an anti-war activist? We're taking advantage of Oscar buzz. And a mini show just in time for 3121, the new album from Prince.

Sibila Vargas has all the details from Hollywood, and look ahead to Headline Prime's "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT."

Hey, Sibila.

VARGAS: Hey, Kyra.

Well, celebrities Michael Stipe, Susan Sarandon and Moby, along with anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan, were among the supporters who marked the third anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq with a special benefit concert last night in New York.

The organized event, titled "Bring 'Em Home Now," sold around 3,000 tickets to benefit anti-war groups. Sheehan, whose son was killed in Iraq, gained international attention last summer with her month-long protest outside President Bush's Texas ranch. A movie about her life is already in the works, with Sarandon in negotiations to play the role of Sheehan.

Well, from the East Coast to the West Coast, another concert event took place last night, but this one was a surprise.

(MUSIC)

Music icon Prince held a surprise mini concert last night for CD buyers at the Tower Records store in Hollywood. Word of the secret show spread pretty fast, as hundreds of fans flocked to the store for the free midnight performance, which included songs from his new disc, "3121," which went on sale today. "3121" is already being hailed a critical favorite.

Well, another favorite among critics, "Brokeback Mountain," may not have won the best picture Academy Award, but that it isn't not stopping them this film from trying to cash in on the Oscar buzz. The gay cowboy romance is being rushed to DVD, despite the fact that it's still being played in hundreds of theaters. Afraid of losing momentum, Universal Studio said they'll release the film on home video just two weeks from today. Many expected "Brokeback" to take home the Oscar for best picture, but in a surprising upset, that honor went to "Crash." Look for "Brokeback Mountain" on those DVD shelves on April 4th.

And here's a question for you, Kyra. Do you hate other people's kids? Do you just wish they would go away? Well, tonight on "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT," the hot new book that dares to say out loud what so many people think. The controversy and the author, live. That's on "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" at 7:00 and 11:00 Eastern on Headline Prime.

Kyra, I think I know the answer to that question. You are not in that group. You love children.

PHILLIPS: Actually, I do. I was sitting here thinking, OK, who is a friend that has a real brat? Nope. I can't name one. They all have cool kids.

VARGAS: I can't either! I can't! Kids are cool.

PHILLIPS: Sibila, thanks.

VARGAS: We're going to talk to that guy tonight. It'll be interesting.

PHILLIPS: Yes, it will be good. Thanks.

A blueprint for restoring New Orleans to its pre-hurricane glory. The mayor's unveiled his plan for a new and improved city, but will the people return? First, though, Miles O'Brien with our daily series "Welcome to the Future."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know, I went into the field of cardiology to make patients better. I didn't go into cardiology to collect data.

Right now, a good deal of our time during the day is spent monitoring our patients. It would be great if we could monitor our patients in a more effective manner, if we could come up with a more automated process that, with the press of a button, somebody could get all of the data that you need without having to hook people up to EKG leads, so the time isn't spent collecting data, but the time is talking about the data and making our patients better.

MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: When they happen, heart attacks seem so sudden. But usually an ailing heart is sending out warning signs. You may not be aware of them or you may be ignoring them.

So is there a better way to watch for trouble?

(voice-over): This is Georgia Tech professor Dr. Sundaresan Jayaraman. And this is a piece of clothing that could save your life.

DR. SUNDARESAN JAYARAMAN, GEORGIA TECH: The smart shirt has the ability to monitor vital signs such as your heart rate, your body temperature, your pulse ultimately. O'BRIEN: These electronic textiles have sensors embedded within the fabric, wired to this PDA-like device which, in turn, transmits it to a doctor's office, all in real time.

The next step? To create an interactive system that not only monitors a person, but also plays doctor, as well, giving shots and medication when needed. And in the future, your gadgets and your clothes may become interwoven. You might one day be wearing your iPod.

JAYARAMAN: You can put any kind of sensor, if you want, on it. For instance, you can plug in an MP3 player or mobile phones. It will become an integral part of everybody's life.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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