Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Today

Spain Holding Three-Day Mourning Period for Blast Victims; Carlie Brucia's Suspected Killer to be Arraigned

Aired March 12, 2004 - 10:00   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.


DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning from CNN headquarters in Atlanta. I'm Daryn Kagan. Let's start by checking this hour's headlines.
It is a somber day in Spain, as a three-day mourning period gets underway for the victims of yesterday's terror attack. Nearly 200 people were killed and hundreds more were injured in attacks on Madrid commuter train network. Four trains at three different stations were bombed. Spanish authorities are trying to determine who carried out the attacks.

Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge says that a sustained international effort is necessary to defeat terrorist attacks, like the one in Madrid. Ridge is visiting Thailand and Ridge says that with the help of U.S. allies, al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden will be caught.

In Sarasota, Florida, Joseph Smith, the suspect abused of kidnapping and killing 11-year-old Carlie Brucia was scheduled to be arraigned a short time ago. Smith waived his right to appear in court. The girl was abducted and killed last month. At the time, Smith was on probation for cocaine possession.

We're going to begin this hour in Spain, where images of a stunned and grieving nation are being compared to the anguish of post- 9/11 America. Tearful Spaniards lighting candles in a make shift memorial, outside the first Madrid train station that was targeted by the bombers. At least 198 people died in those attacks. The government has called for nationwide rallies tonight, as Spain begins three days of mourning.

Our chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour is in Madrid with the latest, including the intensifying search for the terrorist behind this attack -- Christiane.

CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Daryn, a steady rain has been falling and no one knows how that might affect the called rallies for tonight. You know, the prime minister has -- and the rest of the government have asked on radio, television and in big newspaper sections, for all the Spaniards to come out and show defiance, to confront these killings and to show solidarity with the victims. Not only were 198 people killed, but 1,463 people at last count were injured. And some of those so severely that they may even succumb to their injuries. And that death toll may rise. In the meantime, forensic experts continue to pick over the wreckage of those trains, particularly the one in the station just behind me, Madrid's main Atocha station, which claimed the most victims and the most casualties. There are conflicting clues and conflicting lines of inquiry, competing lines of inquiry in the investigation. Because Spanish authorities immediately blamed ETA, the terrorist group that it has been waging a 35-year armed struggle for independence here. They've said that circumstantial evidence, as well as some forensic evidence, as well as having arrested several ETA suspects, with trucks full of explosives in the last several weeks, points to an ETA campaign.

But because of this van that was discovered last night, near the commuter route that these trains took, that contained detonator, that contained tape with Quranic verses in Arabic, they're are all now opening a line of investigation into whether it could have been al Qaeda or another Islamist group. So far, they insist the Spanish authorities that ETA remains their prime suspect. But many people are questioning now, could this have been payback for Spain's joining the war on Iraq, its staunch supporter of the war against al Qaeda. And they're wondering whether this -- whether indeed this may have been their 9/11, if you like.

Back to you, Daryn.

KAGAN: And, Christiane, I would imagine with a hit on so many parts of the train system, that even as people try to get going with their lives, it's affected that.

AMANPOUR: Well, it has. At this station particularly, according to the officials, there was at least a 30 percent drop off in the commuter traffic this morning. And as you can imagine, some of the lines on some of the platforms remain closed because of what happened yesterday. But some of the local lines are open and people did come to work today. But there's already been, you know, shows of solidarity, sympathy and mourning. Twelve o'clock local time, noontime here, people came out of their work places, out of their houses, cars stopped in the streets in 15 minutes of silent remembrance.

And people are, you know, getting about their lives. But everywhere you can see that this is not a normal day. Balconies are festooned with Spanish flags that are draped in black -- in black ribbon. Flags are at half-mast. This is a nation in mourning. It's the worst thing that's ever happened to this country, in terms of a terrorist attack in anybody's memory.

KAGAN: Something that Americans here in the U.S can certainly understand, is sometime before America being able to get back after 9/11. And it's never quite been the same.

Christiane Amanpour in Madrid, thank you for that.

Millions of Americans also rely on the rails to whisk them to busy urban centers and back home again. So the question you have to ask yourself, could the U.S. see a similar attacks, similar to the carnage in Spain?

Our homeland security correspondent Jeanne Meserve takes a look.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MESERVE, HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Would this happen here?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, certainly it could.

MESSERVE: The signs at the Amtrak counter say, I.D.'s are required to buy a ticket, but no one checked mine just hours after the attack in Spain. As for my bag there was no screening of any type. In many places, there is easy access to rail tracks and often to railcars, which then travel past major population centers and critical infrastructure.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There really is no American train security.

MESSERVE: The rail industry says the sheer numbers make screening of passengers and baggage impractical.

WILLIAM MILLAR, PRES., AMERICAN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ASSN.: To put it in perspective, every day, 2 million Americans use the airline system, and 32 million times a day, Americans use our public transit systems. So 16 times more.

MESERVE: Since 9/11 rail systems have deployed more bomb- sniffing dogs. There are more cameras, more police. The industry also has a 24-hour Information Sharing and Analysis Center or ISAC, which receives and shares information on terror terrorist threats.

DEAN WILSON, SURFACE TRANSPORTATION, ISAC: And then it's a sift and sort process, to try to determine what of that information is out there about the incidents taken place would be valuable?

MESERVE: The federal government says one of its accomplishments is sharing timely, threat information with the rail industry. But the ISAC analyst found out about the Madrid train bombing from local news radio.

(on camera): The industry faults government for not making rail security a priority. Since 9/11, rail systems around the country have received grant money worth about $100 million. Aviation in contrast, has received $11.8 billion.

Jeanne Meserve, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: And speaking of money -- speaking of money and government, the Senate has passed a $2.36 billion budget that trims President Bush's tax cuts and spending plans. We're watching live pictures now. The approval came early on a mostly party line vote. House is considering a plan with smaller tax cuts and a faster reduction of federal deficits. President Bush's re-election campaign today begins airing new television and radio ads, targeting John Kerry by name on the issues of taxes and defense. This marks the end of a whirlwind week for the presumptive challenger.

Bob Franken has been following the Kerry campaign and joins us with more.

Bob, good morning.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning. And characteristically, the Kerry campaign is coming up with ads of its own to counter the Bush ads. I think it's fair to say that the Kerry campaign could be saying let the games begin.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN (voice-over): John Kerry is taking a break today, now that he's clinched his nomination, and now that he's managed to energize not only his fellow Democrats, but Republicans, too.

REP. TOM DELAY (R-TX), MAJORITY LEADER: To call people liars and crooks, particularly thinking that you were off mike, just shows you who the person is, not the person that is set up and coiffed for a town meeting or a speech. But the real person. And I think America got a little glimpse of the real John Kerry.

FRANKEN: The real John Kerry was cruising from one happy meeting of unifying Democrats to another, while Republicans demanded an apology.

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I have no intention whatsoever of apologizing for my remarks. I think the Republicans need to start talking about the real issues before the country.

FRANKEN: In fact, the many Democrats, who believe their politicians have so often rolled over and played dead in the face of attacks, are delighted at all this.

MICHAEL MEEHAN, SR. ADVISER, KERRY CAMPAIGN: We're going to fight back, absolutely. We're going to spend the next eight months fighting back on that.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: So you might be wondering how it is that Kerry is going to continue to criticize the president, but called the Republican criticisms attacks. He says, "Well, I haven't said anything" -- this is quoting Kerry. "I haven't said anything that's incorrect about them. But they've said a lot of things not correct about us.

So that is what you would call spin, Daryn.

KAGAN: That would be the Democratic scorecard. I'll -- all against them, none against the Democrats. (LAUGHTER)

KAGAN: Bob Franken, thank you for that.

For all the latest political news, including extensive of the election, you can turn to our Web site. The address is cnn.com/allpolitics.

Pandemonium in parliament. An unprecedented impeachment vote in South Korea leads to this. It's a contact sport. We'll tell you why the tensions are running so high there.

Also, it's a problem that has some homeowners taking drastic measures. Our Gerri Willis takes a look at the growing problem of household mold.

And fasten your seat belts for the ride of your life. Mr. Moviefone previews the upcoming "NASCAR Experience" at the Imax Theater near you.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Gay marriage in the Golden State gets put on hold. The latest on the issue making headlines from coast to coast when CNN LIVE TODAY returns.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: The state of California now faces a lawsuit filed by the city of San Francisco over the same-sex marriage issue. The state's Supreme Court ordered a halt yesterday to gay marriages that have taken place at San Francisco's City Hall over the last month. After the last ceremony was performed couples hoping to tie the knot were turned away. The High Court ordered the city to stop issuing marriage licenses to gay couples until the legal wrangling over the issue is resolved. Mayor Gavin Newsom, who ordered the city to issue the licenses, says that he welcomes the opportunity to take the issue to court.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MAYOR GAVIN NEWSOM (D), SAN FRANCISCO: No certificates -- or rather, no marriage certificates, no license licenses have been invalidated. This is an interim stay, pending a determination, pending a decision from U.S. Supreme Court. And let me say this. I'm pleased at the process and it's working as well as it's working. We had hoped to get to the Supreme Court. We're now going to be making oral arguments, making our case in front of the Supreme Court.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: And that California Supreme Court plans to hold a hearing on the issue in May or June.

Well, after a raucous debate, lawmakers in Massachusetts have moved closer to giving their stamp of approval to a constitutional amendment banning same-second marriage.

Our Gary Tuchman is keeping track of the story in Boston.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The joint session will come to order.

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Two hundred Massachusetts state representatives and senators considering whether to amend their state Constitution to ban same-sex marriages.

REP. SHIRLEY OWENS, MASS. STATE HOUSE: I believe in the bible and I also believe in the American Heritage Dictionary. And each of these books defines marriage as a union between a man and woman.

TUCHMAN: That is not the view of the state's highest court, which ruled in November that same-sex marriages in Massachusetts can occur as early as may 17. That decision proved to be the impetus for this constitutional convention, which gay marriage supporters did not want to see happen.

REP. THEODORE SPELIOTIS, MASS. STATE HOUSE: I worked too hard to get this job and to stay in this job to vote in a fashion that tells an entire segment of my population that they are different and not accepted.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The land of the free...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The land of the free...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The land of the free...

TUCHMAN: Thousands of demonstrators on both sides of the issue gathered inside.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One man, one woman, let the people vote!

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: One man, one woman, let the people vote!

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One man, one woman, let the people vote!

TUCHMAN: And outside the state capitol. The demonstrators included school students on field trips.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They know that they need a mom and dad at home. Not a dad and a dad.

TUCHMAN: Families also turned out.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There wouldn't be a vote to take away any other kind of civil right. And there shouldn't be a vote to take away gay and lesbian rights.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One man, one woman. Let the people vote it out!

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I love women just like you do!

TUCHMAN: After 9 1/2 hours of debate...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: On this matter, 127 members having voted in the affirmative, 77 in the negative, the proposal is ordered to a third reading.

TUCHMAN: Legislators gave preliminary approval to a measure to ban gay marriage but allow civil unions. But the final vote won't come until the end of the month. Under Massachusetts law, if it passes, it still has to be approved by the legislature again next year, and then would have to come up for a statewide referendum in November 2006.

(on camera): Which means no matter what happens at the state capitol, unless something unforeseen occurs, same-sex couples will start getting married in Massachusetts in just under ten weeks.

Gary Tuchman, CNN, Boston.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Well, you want to talk about some passionate legislating? Take look at this video from South Korea. Things got a little carried away. Why are these people in South Korea so upset? We'll tell you just ahead.

Also, Gerri Willis is here to talk to us about the exciting topic of mold.

Hi, Gerri.

GERRI WILLIS, CNNfn PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: That's right, Daryn. Good to see you. We're going to talk about mold, how you can prevent it. If you've got that musty odor in your kitchen or your bathroom, stay with us on CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Well, when you think of threats to your health in your home, mold might not be the first thing you think of. But in fact, mold is a serious problem for many homeowners.

Gerri Willis, our personal finance editor with CNNfn Financial News shows us just how bad it can be in this week's "Top Five Tips."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS (voice-over): Like most parents, Fred and Jennifer Mueller want the best for their three children. So last summer, they decided to add on to their house. But instead of improving their home, they say their contractor botched the job, leaving the home without a roof, as heavy rain spilled the first floor. Mold grew throughout the house, forcing them to gut the interior. And they say their children became sick as a result. FRED MUELLER, HOMEOWNER: It's pretty severe. It was all over our bed. It was in our closet. It was growing up our kitchen wall, the bathroom walls. Utility closet.

WILLIS: The Mueller's are not alone. Mold complaints grew across the country in the late 1990s. And according to the Information Insurance Institute, by 2002, losses covered by insurance were at least $3 billion. In recent years, claims have declined. But critics say the problem is simply being swept under the rug. In fact, today, mold coverage is excluded from homeowners' policies in 44 states.

ROBERT HARTWIG, INSURANCE INFORMATION: Suddenly, in some states like Texas, and California, and Florida, we saw explosive growth in mold related claims, enormous multimillion dollar lawsuits. And as a result, in order to be able to keep homeowners assurance available for the masses, this coverage wound up being excluded.

WILLIS: Consider this Exhibit A for mold claims. Melinda Ballard recently hired a camera crew to tape the deconstruction of her 10,000 square foot mansion in Dripping Springs, Texas. This is the house she and her family abandoned back in 1999, when it became infested with mold. She won a $32 million suit, but five years and several appeals later the family has yet to see one cent from their insurance company.

MELINDA BALLARD, POLICYHOLDERS OF AMERICA: They are trying their best to avoid paying any amount of money, whether it's for an auto accident or homeowners claim. It's the old adage, they just don't pay. And that's not to say all of them are like that, but many of the major ones certainly are -- behaving in that fashion.

WILLIS: In the case of the Mueller's, their insurance company paid for the trailer they now live in. But $25,000 of the estimated costs they need to fix their house will have to come from their own pocket. And it's not at all clear when the Mueller's will get back into their home.

JENNIFER MUELLER, HOMEOWNER: I think it's going to take four to six months.

F. MUELLER: And me, I don't even want to talk about it. I really don't know.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS: Of course, the Mueller's aren't alone. And if you're worried that you have mold problems, too, here's what you need to do. Here are today's five tips. No. 1, get the facts on mold. Chances are there is some sort of mold in your house somewhere. The problem comes when it grows out of control. Watch for moisture and warmth in the kitchen and bathroom areas and keep track of it.

No. 2, figure out who should do the cleanup. You can clean it up yourself, with just bleach and water if it's only ten square feet. But if it's bigger than that, you're going to have to bring in a professional.

No. 3, take control of the situation. Make sure there's ventilation in the bathroom and kitchen especially. Don't carpet your bathroom because that really makes for problems.

No. 4, become educated about the health risks. Common reactions to mold are like allergy is actually: hay fever, sneezey, runny nose. Keep an eye on that because toxic mold can be even more serious according to some sources. Memory loss and other very devastating problems.

Five, know the insurance issue. Some mold claims are paid by insurers but it's a minority very, very few. Make sure you understand your own policy. And you can always pay to have it added.

Back to you.

KAGAN: Thank you so much.

Gerri Willis, you have a great weekend.

WILLIS: You too.

KAGAN: Claims that al Qaeda had a hand in Spain's deadly bombings have raised more questions in Madrid. Coming up, the latest on the situation in Spain and some thoughts on who might be responsible.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com




Carlie Brucia's Suspected Killer to be Arraigned>


Aired March 12, 2004 - 10:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning from CNN headquarters in Atlanta. I'm Daryn Kagan. Let's start by checking this hour's headlines.
It is a somber day in Spain, as a three-day mourning period gets underway for the victims of yesterday's terror attack. Nearly 200 people were killed and hundreds more were injured in attacks on Madrid commuter train network. Four trains at three different stations were bombed. Spanish authorities are trying to determine who carried out the attacks.

Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge says that a sustained international effort is necessary to defeat terrorist attacks, like the one in Madrid. Ridge is visiting Thailand and Ridge says that with the help of U.S. allies, al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden will be caught.

In Sarasota, Florida, Joseph Smith, the suspect abused of kidnapping and killing 11-year-old Carlie Brucia was scheduled to be arraigned a short time ago. Smith waived his right to appear in court. The girl was abducted and killed last month. At the time, Smith was on probation for cocaine possession.

We're going to begin this hour in Spain, where images of a stunned and grieving nation are being compared to the anguish of post- 9/11 America. Tearful Spaniards lighting candles in a make shift memorial, outside the first Madrid train station that was targeted by the bombers. At least 198 people died in those attacks. The government has called for nationwide rallies tonight, as Spain begins three days of mourning.

Our chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour is in Madrid with the latest, including the intensifying search for the terrorist behind this attack -- Christiane.

CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Daryn, a steady rain has been falling and no one knows how that might affect the called rallies for tonight. You know, the prime minister has -- and the rest of the government have asked on radio, television and in big newspaper sections, for all the Spaniards to come out and show defiance, to confront these killings and to show solidarity with the victims. Not only were 198 people killed, but 1,463 people at last count were injured. And some of those so severely that they may even succumb to their injuries. And that death toll may rise. In the meantime, forensic experts continue to pick over the wreckage of those trains, particularly the one in the station just behind me, Madrid's main Atocha station, which claimed the most victims and the most casualties. There are conflicting clues and conflicting lines of inquiry, competing lines of inquiry in the investigation. Because Spanish authorities immediately blamed ETA, the terrorist group that it has been waging a 35-year armed struggle for independence here. They've said that circumstantial evidence, as well as some forensic evidence, as well as having arrested several ETA suspects, with trucks full of explosives in the last several weeks, points to an ETA campaign.

But because of this van that was discovered last night, near the commuter route that these trains took, that contained detonator, that contained tape with Quranic verses in Arabic, they're are all now opening a line of investigation into whether it could have been al Qaeda or another Islamist group. So far, they insist the Spanish authorities that ETA remains their prime suspect. But many people are questioning now, could this have been payback for Spain's joining the war on Iraq, its staunch supporter of the war against al Qaeda. And they're wondering whether this -- whether indeed this may have been their 9/11, if you like.

Back to you, Daryn.

KAGAN: And, Christiane, I would imagine with a hit on so many parts of the train system, that even as people try to get going with their lives, it's affected that.

AMANPOUR: Well, it has. At this station particularly, according to the officials, there was at least a 30 percent drop off in the commuter traffic this morning. And as you can imagine, some of the lines on some of the platforms remain closed because of what happened yesterday. But some of the local lines are open and people did come to work today. But there's already been, you know, shows of solidarity, sympathy and mourning. Twelve o'clock local time, noontime here, people came out of their work places, out of their houses, cars stopped in the streets in 15 minutes of silent remembrance.

And people are, you know, getting about their lives. But everywhere you can see that this is not a normal day. Balconies are festooned with Spanish flags that are draped in black -- in black ribbon. Flags are at half-mast. This is a nation in mourning. It's the worst thing that's ever happened to this country, in terms of a terrorist attack in anybody's memory.

KAGAN: Something that Americans here in the U.S can certainly understand, is sometime before America being able to get back after 9/11. And it's never quite been the same.

Christiane Amanpour in Madrid, thank you for that.

Millions of Americans also rely on the rails to whisk them to busy urban centers and back home again. So the question you have to ask yourself, could the U.S. see a similar attacks, similar to the carnage in Spain?

Our homeland security correspondent Jeanne Meserve takes a look.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MESERVE, HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Would this happen here?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, certainly it could.

MESSERVE: The signs at the Amtrak counter say, I.D.'s are required to buy a ticket, but no one checked mine just hours after the attack in Spain. As for my bag there was no screening of any type. In many places, there is easy access to rail tracks and often to railcars, which then travel past major population centers and critical infrastructure.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There really is no American train security.

MESSERVE: The rail industry says the sheer numbers make screening of passengers and baggage impractical.

WILLIAM MILLAR, PRES., AMERICAN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ASSN.: To put it in perspective, every day, 2 million Americans use the airline system, and 32 million times a day, Americans use our public transit systems. So 16 times more.

MESERVE: Since 9/11 rail systems have deployed more bomb- sniffing dogs. There are more cameras, more police. The industry also has a 24-hour Information Sharing and Analysis Center or ISAC, which receives and shares information on terror terrorist threats.

DEAN WILSON, SURFACE TRANSPORTATION, ISAC: And then it's a sift and sort process, to try to determine what of that information is out there about the incidents taken place would be valuable?

MESERVE: The federal government says one of its accomplishments is sharing timely, threat information with the rail industry. But the ISAC analyst found out about the Madrid train bombing from local news radio.

(on camera): The industry faults government for not making rail security a priority. Since 9/11, rail systems around the country have received grant money worth about $100 million. Aviation in contrast, has received $11.8 billion.

Jeanne Meserve, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: And speaking of money -- speaking of money and government, the Senate has passed a $2.36 billion budget that trims President Bush's tax cuts and spending plans. We're watching live pictures now. The approval came early on a mostly party line vote. House is considering a plan with smaller tax cuts and a faster reduction of federal deficits. President Bush's re-election campaign today begins airing new television and radio ads, targeting John Kerry by name on the issues of taxes and defense. This marks the end of a whirlwind week for the presumptive challenger.

Bob Franken has been following the Kerry campaign and joins us with more.

Bob, good morning.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning. And characteristically, the Kerry campaign is coming up with ads of its own to counter the Bush ads. I think it's fair to say that the Kerry campaign could be saying let the games begin.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN (voice-over): John Kerry is taking a break today, now that he's clinched his nomination, and now that he's managed to energize not only his fellow Democrats, but Republicans, too.

REP. TOM DELAY (R-TX), MAJORITY LEADER: To call people liars and crooks, particularly thinking that you were off mike, just shows you who the person is, not the person that is set up and coiffed for a town meeting or a speech. But the real person. And I think America got a little glimpse of the real John Kerry.

FRANKEN: The real John Kerry was cruising from one happy meeting of unifying Democrats to another, while Republicans demanded an apology.

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I have no intention whatsoever of apologizing for my remarks. I think the Republicans need to start talking about the real issues before the country.

FRANKEN: In fact, the many Democrats, who believe their politicians have so often rolled over and played dead in the face of attacks, are delighted at all this.

MICHAEL MEEHAN, SR. ADVISER, KERRY CAMPAIGN: We're going to fight back, absolutely. We're going to spend the next eight months fighting back on that.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: So you might be wondering how it is that Kerry is going to continue to criticize the president, but called the Republican criticisms attacks. He says, "Well, I haven't said anything" -- this is quoting Kerry. "I haven't said anything that's incorrect about them. But they've said a lot of things not correct about us.

So that is what you would call spin, Daryn.

KAGAN: That would be the Democratic scorecard. I'll -- all against them, none against the Democrats. (LAUGHTER)

KAGAN: Bob Franken, thank you for that.

For all the latest political news, including extensive of the election, you can turn to our Web site. The address is cnn.com/allpolitics.

Pandemonium in parliament. An unprecedented impeachment vote in South Korea leads to this. It's a contact sport. We'll tell you why the tensions are running so high there.

Also, it's a problem that has some homeowners taking drastic measures. Our Gerri Willis takes a look at the growing problem of household mold.

And fasten your seat belts for the ride of your life. Mr. Moviefone previews the upcoming "NASCAR Experience" at the Imax Theater near you.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Gay marriage in the Golden State gets put on hold. The latest on the issue making headlines from coast to coast when CNN LIVE TODAY returns.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: The state of California now faces a lawsuit filed by the city of San Francisco over the same-sex marriage issue. The state's Supreme Court ordered a halt yesterday to gay marriages that have taken place at San Francisco's City Hall over the last month. After the last ceremony was performed couples hoping to tie the knot were turned away. The High Court ordered the city to stop issuing marriage licenses to gay couples until the legal wrangling over the issue is resolved. Mayor Gavin Newsom, who ordered the city to issue the licenses, says that he welcomes the opportunity to take the issue to court.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MAYOR GAVIN NEWSOM (D), SAN FRANCISCO: No certificates -- or rather, no marriage certificates, no license licenses have been invalidated. This is an interim stay, pending a determination, pending a decision from U.S. Supreme Court. And let me say this. I'm pleased at the process and it's working as well as it's working. We had hoped to get to the Supreme Court. We're now going to be making oral arguments, making our case in front of the Supreme Court.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: And that California Supreme Court plans to hold a hearing on the issue in May or June.

Well, after a raucous debate, lawmakers in Massachusetts have moved closer to giving their stamp of approval to a constitutional amendment banning same-second marriage.

Our Gary Tuchman is keeping track of the story in Boston.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The joint session will come to order.

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Two hundred Massachusetts state representatives and senators considering whether to amend their state Constitution to ban same-sex marriages.

REP. SHIRLEY OWENS, MASS. STATE HOUSE: I believe in the bible and I also believe in the American Heritage Dictionary. And each of these books defines marriage as a union between a man and woman.

TUCHMAN: That is not the view of the state's highest court, which ruled in November that same-sex marriages in Massachusetts can occur as early as may 17. That decision proved to be the impetus for this constitutional convention, which gay marriage supporters did not want to see happen.

REP. THEODORE SPELIOTIS, MASS. STATE HOUSE: I worked too hard to get this job and to stay in this job to vote in a fashion that tells an entire segment of my population that they are different and not accepted.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The land of the free...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The land of the free...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The land of the free...

TUCHMAN: Thousands of demonstrators on both sides of the issue gathered inside.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One man, one woman, let the people vote!

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: One man, one woman, let the people vote!

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One man, one woman, let the people vote!

TUCHMAN: And outside the state capitol. The demonstrators included school students on field trips.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They know that they need a mom and dad at home. Not a dad and a dad.

TUCHMAN: Families also turned out.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There wouldn't be a vote to take away any other kind of civil right. And there shouldn't be a vote to take away gay and lesbian rights.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One man, one woman. Let the people vote it out!

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I love women just like you do!

TUCHMAN: After 9 1/2 hours of debate...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: On this matter, 127 members having voted in the affirmative, 77 in the negative, the proposal is ordered to a third reading.

TUCHMAN: Legislators gave preliminary approval to a measure to ban gay marriage but allow civil unions. But the final vote won't come until the end of the month. Under Massachusetts law, if it passes, it still has to be approved by the legislature again next year, and then would have to come up for a statewide referendum in November 2006.

(on camera): Which means no matter what happens at the state capitol, unless something unforeseen occurs, same-sex couples will start getting married in Massachusetts in just under ten weeks.

Gary Tuchman, CNN, Boston.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Well, you want to talk about some passionate legislating? Take look at this video from South Korea. Things got a little carried away. Why are these people in South Korea so upset? We'll tell you just ahead.

Also, Gerri Willis is here to talk to us about the exciting topic of mold.

Hi, Gerri.

GERRI WILLIS, CNNfn PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: That's right, Daryn. Good to see you. We're going to talk about mold, how you can prevent it. If you've got that musty odor in your kitchen or your bathroom, stay with us on CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Well, when you think of threats to your health in your home, mold might not be the first thing you think of. But in fact, mold is a serious problem for many homeowners.

Gerri Willis, our personal finance editor with CNNfn Financial News shows us just how bad it can be in this week's "Top Five Tips."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS (voice-over): Like most parents, Fred and Jennifer Mueller want the best for their three children. So last summer, they decided to add on to their house. But instead of improving their home, they say their contractor botched the job, leaving the home without a roof, as heavy rain spilled the first floor. Mold grew throughout the house, forcing them to gut the interior. And they say their children became sick as a result. FRED MUELLER, HOMEOWNER: It's pretty severe. It was all over our bed. It was in our closet. It was growing up our kitchen wall, the bathroom walls. Utility closet.

WILLIS: The Mueller's are not alone. Mold complaints grew across the country in the late 1990s. And according to the Information Insurance Institute, by 2002, losses covered by insurance were at least $3 billion. In recent years, claims have declined. But critics say the problem is simply being swept under the rug. In fact, today, mold coverage is excluded from homeowners' policies in 44 states.

ROBERT HARTWIG, INSURANCE INFORMATION: Suddenly, in some states like Texas, and California, and Florida, we saw explosive growth in mold related claims, enormous multimillion dollar lawsuits. And as a result, in order to be able to keep homeowners assurance available for the masses, this coverage wound up being excluded.

WILLIS: Consider this Exhibit A for mold claims. Melinda Ballard recently hired a camera crew to tape the deconstruction of her 10,000 square foot mansion in Dripping Springs, Texas. This is the house she and her family abandoned back in 1999, when it became infested with mold. She won a $32 million suit, but five years and several appeals later the family has yet to see one cent from their insurance company.

MELINDA BALLARD, POLICYHOLDERS OF AMERICA: They are trying their best to avoid paying any amount of money, whether it's for an auto accident or homeowners claim. It's the old adage, they just don't pay. And that's not to say all of them are like that, but many of the major ones certainly are -- behaving in that fashion.

WILLIS: In the case of the Mueller's, their insurance company paid for the trailer they now live in. But $25,000 of the estimated costs they need to fix their house will have to come from their own pocket. And it's not at all clear when the Mueller's will get back into their home.

JENNIFER MUELLER, HOMEOWNER: I think it's going to take four to six months.

F. MUELLER: And me, I don't even want to talk about it. I really don't know.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS: Of course, the Mueller's aren't alone. And if you're worried that you have mold problems, too, here's what you need to do. Here are today's five tips. No. 1, get the facts on mold. Chances are there is some sort of mold in your house somewhere. The problem comes when it grows out of control. Watch for moisture and warmth in the kitchen and bathroom areas and keep track of it.

No. 2, figure out who should do the cleanup. You can clean it up yourself, with just bleach and water if it's only ten square feet. But if it's bigger than that, you're going to have to bring in a professional.

No. 3, take control of the situation. Make sure there's ventilation in the bathroom and kitchen especially. Don't carpet your bathroom because that really makes for problems.

No. 4, become educated about the health risks. Common reactions to mold are like allergy is actually: hay fever, sneezey, runny nose. Keep an eye on that because toxic mold can be even more serious according to some sources. Memory loss and other very devastating problems.

Five, know the insurance issue. Some mold claims are paid by insurers but it's a minority very, very few. Make sure you understand your own policy. And you can always pay to have it added.

Back to you.

KAGAN: Thank you so much.

Gerri Willis, you have a great weekend.

WILLIS: You too.

KAGAN: Claims that al Qaeda had a hand in Spain's deadly bombings have raised more questions in Madrid. Coming up, the latest on the situation in Spain and some thoughts on who might be responsible.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com




Carlie Brucia's Suspected Killer to be Arraigned>