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CNN Live Today

Former First Lady Nancy Reagan Will Accompany Late Husband to Washington to Lie in State at Capitol

Aired June 09, 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: And we'll get started from CNN headquarters here in Atlanta. I'm Daryn Kagan. We begin with the headlines.
President Bush is calling on NATO to take a greater role in helping with security in Iraq. Mr. Bush's comments came before the officials start of the Sea Island summit in Georgia this morning.

A suspected mastermind of the Madrid train bombings may have been plotting an attack on NATO headquarters or the European Parliament. An Italian newspaper quotes investigators who say that Rabei Osman Sayed Ahmed had planned to travel to Belgium, possibly to take part in an attack on a symbolic target. And in a phone conversation that was tapped by police, Ahmed allegedly said the attack in Madrid was, "a project of mine and those who died were my most dear friends." Ahmed was arrested in Milan on Tuesday.

Today, the Pentagon. Tomorrow, the Ronald Reagan National Defense Building? Senator majority leader Bill Frist has introduced an amendment to rename the Pentagon after the former president. The amendment is one of more than 200 placed on the defense authorization bill. Only a fraction of those amendments are expected to actually be voted on.

A report today reveals previous ties between the new Iraqi prime minister and the CIA. "The New York Times" says that Iyad Allawi work with the agency in efforts to topple Saddam Hussein. Allawi's exile group reportedly sent operatives into Baghdad in the early '90s, to plant bombs and sabotage government sites. Former intelligence officials tell "The Times," the operation never threatened Saddam's rule.

Three Italians who were held hostage in Iraq for nearly two months are back home today. The three, along with a Polish hostage, were rescued yesterday in a coalition military operation. Four Italians were initially taken hostage. One was executed. U.S. military officials say that some people believed to be involved in the abductions have been detained.

Live pictures from Washington, D.C. Mourning in America. Actually, these are pictures -- live pictures from California. Daybreak in California, the scene shifts from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library to the nation's capital. Next hour, former First Lady Nancy Reagan will accompany her late husband's body, as the flag- draped coffin is flown back to Washington to lie in state at the Capitol.

We have correspondents at both points today. CNN's congressional correspondent Ed Henry is on Capitol Hill. And national correspondent Frank Buckley is at Point Magoo Naval Base, that is just south of the presidential library. It's the first stop in Ronald Reagan's final trip back to Washington. And that's where we're going to start wit Frank.

FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT:

FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Daryn, we are standing in front of the aircraft that will transport President Reagan's remains, along with Nancy Reagan and other members of the family to the Washington area later this morning. It is one of the aircraft used by President George W. Bush as Air Force 1. When he is aboard it's called Air Force 1. When he is not, it is not referred to as Air Force 1.

And in just a few minutes, the careful choreography of ceremonies and motorcades that will take us through the day are about to begin. In just a few moments, Nancy Reagan will be departing her Bel Air home by motorcade, bound for Simi Valley for the Reagan Library.

At the library, the president was lying in repose until approximately 11:00 p.m. local time last night. The last 90 minutes of the viewing period there reserved for members of the law enforcement community. Up until that point, however, the public was permitted to walk by the president's casket. The library telling us that more than 100,000 people were able to participate in the viewing period.

This morning here at our location, there will be a ceremony as the motorcade arrives with the casket and Mrs. Reagan and other members of the family. after the motorcade, there will be a departure ceremony that takes place here that will last approximately 15 minutes. The Reagan family will board the aircraft after the casket is aboard. And then the long journey 4 1/2 hours, to the Washington area, will begin -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Frank Buckley at Point Magoo, thank you.

Let's then continue the journey where it will go next to Capitol Hill. And that is where our Ed Henry is standing by with that part of the story.

Ed, good morning.

ED HENRY, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. We have new pictures this morning of final preparations kicking into high gear for this momentous event.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HENRY (voice-over): Military planes roar over the nation's capital to get ready for the 21-jet flyover. The real thing will feature the Missing Man Maneuver. One jet shoots straight up and leaves the others behind. Precision is key to such an historic occasion. Just the tenth state funeral for an American president in history. Before the drama plays out before millions of people around the world, military personnel practice the somber duty of loading the casket on to a horse-drawn caisson.

The procession will start at 6:00 p.m., with the caisson starting near the White House for its journey to the capital. Six horses will tug the flag-draped coffin. A seventh horse will trail the caisson, wearing an empty saddle with a pair of Reagan's own boots reversed in the stirrups. Planners say this indicates that the warrior will never ride again. The dress rehearsal also included the testing of the 21- Gun Salute.

Once the casket reaches the west front of the Capitol, it will be walked up the grand entrance, where Mr. Reagan was sworn into office. The casket will then be led up this set of stairs leading into the rotunda.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HENRY: Daryn, last evening, officials went down to the basement of the Capitol to get the catafalque, that's the massive platform that Mr. Reagan's casket will sit on. It was built for Abraham Lincoln in 1865. It was used for President Kennedy. Now it will be used for former President Reagan. What you are seeing with the new pictures this morning, it's the sewing that's being done on the black cloth that will hang over that platform, that catafalque. And we understand that the mahogany casket that will sit on the catafalque will weigh some 700 pounds -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And I want to talk about the security challenges. We saw how many people showed up in Southern California, even more expecting to show up in Washington, D.C. Not to mention the world leaders, as well as the current leaders. And the security threat that Washington was already under. This must be a daunting challenge for local official.

HENRY: Absolutely. Security is going to be intense. A federal official told CNN that some 20 heads of state -- current heads of state will be here in addition to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Mikhail Gorbechev. Obviously, also Vice President Cheney will be receiving the body as it comes through into the rotunda. Congressional leaders, other diplomats from around the world. And the bottom-line is security will be very tight and we're expecting a lot of visitors. Initial estimates were about 100,000. The police upped that yesterday to maybe 150,000. Now they're saying it could be 250,000 or more. They just don't know -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Ed Henry on Capitol Hill, more from you, as the day evolves in the nation's capital. Thank you for that.

HENRY: Thank you.

KAGAN: And also in Southern California, in the next hour -- actually want to also mention with the death of Ronald Reagan, an iconic figure of the Republican Party, he drew an outpouring from of one time political rivals. Including Democratic Senator John Kerry, the presumptive presidential nominee of his party. He paid his respects before Mr. Reagan's casket. He was among the more than 100,000 mourners to do so, as Mr. Reagan's body lay in repose at the presidential library in Southern California.

Stay with CNN we're going to begin our coverage -- live coverage of Ronald Reagan's final journey to Washington. It will begin at the top of the hour at 11:00 a.m. Eastern, 8:00 Pacific. I'll be joined by Wolf Blitzer and Candy Crowley.

The U.N. Security Council has given its unanimous backing to the new Iraqi government. The U.S. British resolution passed after several revisions and weeks of talks. Under the resolution, the interim government will serve until national elections are held no later than January 31. And the U.S.-led multi-national force will serve at the Iraqi government's request and can be asked to leave at any time.

Pakistan's ambassador to the U.N. had high praise for the resolution.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MUNIR AKRAM, PAKISTAN AMBASSADOR, U.N.: We view this resolution as the most significant step since the First Gulf War towards the full normalization of the situation in Iraq.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: The U.N. resolutions passage sets a positive tone for the G-8 Summit, now getting down to business in coastal Georgia.

Our White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux is in Savannah. Suzanne, good morning. Suzanne in Savannah, good morning.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONENT: Good morning, Daryn. Actually, this is great news for the administration. The president and many of these world leaders gathering today. You can see by the expressions on their faces, their gestures, even their mood, dramatically different than last year's G-8 Summit. After weeks of bad news coming out of Iraq, President Bush calling this U.N. Security Council resolution really a catalyst for change.

We have seen the president. He has met with a number of leaders already. But already public comments from Russia, Germany, France, Canada, many of these leaders talking about moving forward. What is the next step? It is clear it's a symbolic victory for the administration.

What is not clear however is what it means in practical terms. So far many of these countries say they are not willing to commit additional troops. They are not willing necessarily to contribute financially or forgive Iraqi debt. President Bush however, suggesting today that it may require an additional NATO role inside of Iraq in the future, to actually bolster its security.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: We believe NATO ought to be involved. We will work with our NATO friends to at least continue the role that now exists and hope hopefully expand it somewhat. There's going to be some constraints, obviously. A lot of NATO countries are not in a position to commit any more troops. I fully understand that. But I do think NATO ought to stay involved. And I think we have a good chance of getting that done.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: The morning session with all the leaders of the G-8 is under way. It took place about a half hour ago is when it began. What is very important on the itinerary later today, Daryn, of course, is going to be that of broader Middle East initiative that the U.S. is proposing. That is for democratic reforms for many of the Arab nations.

And also a very important moment, of course, is that Iraq's new interim president is going to be arriving here. President Bush is going to be greeting him. He will also have lunch with him as well. Join the other members of the G-8 Summit. It will be interesting to see how this U.N. Security Council resolution impacts that greater Middle East initiative. There's a lot of discussions that are taking place about that and just how those two are connected -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And Suzanne, on that Mid East initiative, President Bush painting this as a big push for freedom. But apparently, one man's push for freedom is considered another person's meddling. And some of the Arab nations not appreciative of Mr. Bush's vision for their part of the world.

MALVEAUX: There are certainly two concerns here. What is obvious here is what notably is absent. The leaders from Saudi Arabia, as well as Egypt and Morocco. They feel that there is a perception here that the U.S. is putting their own brand of democracy on their countries, imposing, meddling in their affairs. The other part of this however, of course, is they want to see a greater role for the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. They want to see the U.S. really get much more involved in putting that out there, as the predominant role before they deal with their own democratic reforms. Still a lot of discussion ahead on that -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And plenty to report on. We'll look forward to more on that from you. Suzanne Malveaux in Savannah, thank you.

We're at 13 minutes past the hour. We're going to revisit the relationship between Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan. Straight ahead, Margaret Thatcher's former press secretary joins me with some inside memories.

And a woman who really knows how to protest. She's been doing it longer than some of today's leaders have even lived. Right now, she's at the G-8. Her story is coming up.

Later, she made "Bridget Jones' Diary" a must-read. Author Helen Fielding joins us to talk about her new book. Her new heroine and an overactive imagination.

This is CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: President Reagan's crusade against communism was not fought alone. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was both a close friend and philosophical soul mate. In fact, Mrs. Thatcher had recorded -- has actually recorded a tribute that will be played at Friday's state funeral, which she will also attend.

Sir Bernard Ingham is the former press secretary to the prime minister and himself a respected journalist.

Thank you for being with us, Sir. Ingham.

SIR. BERNARD INGHAM, FRM. SECRETARY, MARAGARET THATCHER: Thank you.

KAGAN: This is quite an honor for Mrs. Thatcher to be speaking in this recorded statement at the state funeral. She is only one of two non-American former leaders who will be speaking. But not a surprise, given their relationship that she has had with President Reagan.

INGHAM: No, I don't think it's any surprise at all. They -- I think they brought the Anglo/United States relationship to one of its warmest phases during the 1980s. And you could argue the most productive ever known, bearing in mind that communism fell, that America rediscovered its faith in itself, and that they revolutionized really the way in which the world conducted its economics. It was a tremendous, a tremendous decade. And I think Margaret Thatcher's eulogy sort of recognizes the partnership that existed between them.

KAGAN: You were there as this incredible relationship unfolded as the press secretary. Can you give us any insight, this relationship, this friendship that you got to witness up close?

INGHAM: Well, I think the first point I should make is that Margaret Thatcher resolved, when President Reagan came to office, that her duty would to be support the champion of the free world. And she would stand behind him. That didn't mean to say that she would do so slavishly. She would give President Reagan the best, candid advice that was at her disposal. And by Jove, sometimes it was candid when he invaded Grenada without telling her. And when he offered to give away his nuclear weapons.

Reykjavik, that was a very serious matter for Mrs. Thatcher. And I recall we flew the Atlantic to try to persuade President Reagan otherwise. But she decided that he was the man to be supported. They were of like minds politically, but more importantly, I think they were also of like minds -- of like natures in the sense that they had tremendous iron will. And they were absolutely determined to carry out their policies.

KAGAN: As we said, her statement of what she has to say, she did decide to prerecord it. We understand that she has not been in the best of health. And yet, it was obviously very important for her to travel to be at this event.

INGHAM: Yes. I mean I don't think that we should suggest that she is ill. She has had one or two minor strokes. But she is physically in rather good condition, I think, for somebody who is 78. But unfortunately, her short-term memory is gone and that is why I think the speech has been taped.

KAGAN: And since it has been taped, do you know what's in it? And do you know are there any glimpses of what she plans to say...

INGHAM: No.

KAGAN: ... about her old friend?

INGHAM: And I wouldn't want to anticipate it. I think it will be well worth hearing for the first time.

KAGAN: It will. And that will take place on Friday.

Sir Bernard Ingham, former press Secretary to the former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Thank you for your time today and for sharing your memories.

INGHAM: Thank you.

KAGAN: Appreciate your time.

Tornadoes and floods here in the U.S. that leave one state a mess, as damages are calculated. We'll tell you where in our complete look at weather.

And little later, author Helen Fielding joins us. She's talking about her new book, her new heroine. It's very -- well, this woman is very different from Bridget Jones.

This is CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: We move on to weather. In Texas, the dollar losses are mounting. Witnesses say a tornado ripped through this neighborhood in Wharton. It destroyed homes and injured about two-dozen people with flying glass and debris. Seven counties near Fort Worth are under flash flood warnings today, after heavy rains washed over streets and pushed rivers out of their banks.

It will be a ceremony heavy in tradition. Every detail is important. Straight ahead, bringing out the Old Guard for Ronald Reagan's farewell.

Later, a woman who knows how to express her political views. How about this? Seventy years of protesting in America and still taking time to make sure her voice is heard.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired June 9, 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: And we'll get started from CNN headquarters here in Atlanta. I'm Daryn Kagan. We begin with the headlines.
President Bush is calling on NATO to take a greater role in helping with security in Iraq. Mr. Bush's comments came before the officials start of the Sea Island summit in Georgia this morning.

A suspected mastermind of the Madrid train bombings may have been plotting an attack on NATO headquarters or the European Parliament. An Italian newspaper quotes investigators who say that Rabei Osman Sayed Ahmed had planned to travel to Belgium, possibly to take part in an attack on a symbolic target. And in a phone conversation that was tapped by police, Ahmed allegedly said the attack in Madrid was, "a project of mine and those who died were my most dear friends." Ahmed was arrested in Milan on Tuesday.

Today, the Pentagon. Tomorrow, the Ronald Reagan National Defense Building? Senator majority leader Bill Frist has introduced an amendment to rename the Pentagon after the former president. The amendment is one of more than 200 placed on the defense authorization bill. Only a fraction of those amendments are expected to actually be voted on.

A report today reveals previous ties between the new Iraqi prime minister and the CIA. "The New York Times" says that Iyad Allawi work with the agency in efforts to topple Saddam Hussein. Allawi's exile group reportedly sent operatives into Baghdad in the early '90s, to plant bombs and sabotage government sites. Former intelligence officials tell "The Times," the operation never threatened Saddam's rule.

Three Italians who were held hostage in Iraq for nearly two months are back home today. The three, along with a Polish hostage, were rescued yesterday in a coalition military operation. Four Italians were initially taken hostage. One was executed. U.S. military officials say that some people believed to be involved in the abductions have been detained.

Live pictures from Washington, D.C. Mourning in America. Actually, these are pictures -- live pictures from California. Daybreak in California, the scene shifts from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library to the nation's capital. Next hour, former First Lady Nancy Reagan will accompany her late husband's body, as the flag- draped coffin is flown back to Washington to lie in state at the Capitol.

We have correspondents at both points today. CNN's congressional correspondent Ed Henry is on Capitol Hill. And national correspondent Frank Buckley is at Point Magoo Naval Base, that is just south of the presidential library. It's the first stop in Ronald Reagan's final trip back to Washington. And that's where we're going to start wit Frank.

FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT:

FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Daryn, we are standing in front of the aircraft that will transport President Reagan's remains, along with Nancy Reagan and other members of the family to the Washington area later this morning. It is one of the aircraft used by President George W. Bush as Air Force 1. When he is aboard it's called Air Force 1. When he is not, it is not referred to as Air Force 1.

And in just a few minutes, the careful choreography of ceremonies and motorcades that will take us through the day are about to begin. In just a few moments, Nancy Reagan will be departing her Bel Air home by motorcade, bound for Simi Valley for the Reagan Library.

At the library, the president was lying in repose until approximately 11:00 p.m. local time last night. The last 90 minutes of the viewing period there reserved for members of the law enforcement community. Up until that point, however, the public was permitted to walk by the president's casket. The library telling us that more than 100,000 people were able to participate in the viewing period.

This morning here at our location, there will be a ceremony as the motorcade arrives with the casket and Mrs. Reagan and other members of the family. after the motorcade, there will be a departure ceremony that takes place here that will last approximately 15 minutes. The Reagan family will board the aircraft after the casket is aboard. And then the long journey 4 1/2 hours, to the Washington area, will begin -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Frank Buckley at Point Magoo, thank you.

Let's then continue the journey where it will go next to Capitol Hill. And that is where our Ed Henry is standing by with that part of the story.

Ed, good morning.

ED HENRY, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. We have new pictures this morning of final preparations kicking into high gear for this momentous event.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HENRY (voice-over): Military planes roar over the nation's capital to get ready for the 21-jet flyover. The real thing will feature the Missing Man Maneuver. One jet shoots straight up and leaves the others behind. Precision is key to such an historic occasion. Just the tenth state funeral for an American president in history. Before the drama plays out before millions of people around the world, military personnel practice the somber duty of loading the casket on to a horse-drawn caisson.

The procession will start at 6:00 p.m., with the caisson starting near the White House for its journey to the capital. Six horses will tug the flag-draped coffin. A seventh horse will trail the caisson, wearing an empty saddle with a pair of Reagan's own boots reversed in the stirrups. Planners say this indicates that the warrior will never ride again. The dress rehearsal also included the testing of the 21- Gun Salute.

Once the casket reaches the west front of the Capitol, it will be walked up the grand entrance, where Mr. Reagan was sworn into office. The casket will then be led up this set of stairs leading into the rotunda.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HENRY: Daryn, last evening, officials went down to the basement of the Capitol to get the catafalque, that's the massive platform that Mr. Reagan's casket will sit on. It was built for Abraham Lincoln in 1865. It was used for President Kennedy. Now it will be used for former President Reagan. What you are seeing with the new pictures this morning, it's the sewing that's being done on the black cloth that will hang over that platform, that catafalque. And we understand that the mahogany casket that will sit on the catafalque will weigh some 700 pounds -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And I want to talk about the security challenges. We saw how many people showed up in Southern California, even more expecting to show up in Washington, D.C. Not to mention the world leaders, as well as the current leaders. And the security threat that Washington was already under. This must be a daunting challenge for local official.

HENRY: Absolutely. Security is going to be intense. A federal official told CNN that some 20 heads of state -- current heads of state will be here in addition to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Mikhail Gorbechev. Obviously, also Vice President Cheney will be receiving the body as it comes through into the rotunda. Congressional leaders, other diplomats from around the world. And the bottom-line is security will be very tight and we're expecting a lot of visitors. Initial estimates were about 100,000. The police upped that yesterday to maybe 150,000. Now they're saying it could be 250,000 or more. They just don't know -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Ed Henry on Capitol Hill, more from you, as the day evolves in the nation's capital. Thank you for that.

HENRY: Thank you.

KAGAN: And also in Southern California, in the next hour -- actually want to also mention with the death of Ronald Reagan, an iconic figure of the Republican Party, he drew an outpouring from of one time political rivals. Including Democratic Senator John Kerry, the presumptive presidential nominee of his party. He paid his respects before Mr. Reagan's casket. He was among the more than 100,000 mourners to do so, as Mr. Reagan's body lay in repose at the presidential library in Southern California.

Stay with CNN we're going to begin our coverage -- live coverage of Ronald Reagan's final journey to Washington. It will begin at the top of the hour at 11:00 a.m. Eastern, 8:00 Pacific. I'll be joined by Wolf Blitzer and Candy Crowley.

The U.N. Security Council has given its unanimous backing to the new Iraqi government. The U.S. British resolution passed after several revisions and weeks of talks. Under the resolution, the interim government will serve until national elections are held no later than January 31. And the U.S.-led multi-national force will serve at the Iraqi government's request and can be asked to leave at any time.

Pakistan's ambassador to the U.N. had high praise for the resolution.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MUNIR AKRAM, PAKISTAN AMBASSADOR, U.N.: We view this resolution as the most significant step since the First Gulf War towards the full normalization of the situation in Iraq.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: The U.N. resolutions passage sets a positive tone for the G-8 Summit, now getting down to business in coastal Georgia.

Our White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux is in Savannah. Suzanne, good morning. Suzanne in Savannah, good morning.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONENT: Good morning, Daryn. Actually, this is great news for the administration. The president and many of these world leaders gathering today. You can see by the expressions on their faces, their gestures, even their mood, dramatically different than last year's G-8 Summit. After weeks of bad news coming out of Iraq, President Bush calling this U.N. Security Council resolution really a catalyst for change.

We have seen the president. He has met with a number of leaders already. But already public comments from Russia, Germany, France, Canada, many of these leaders talking about moving forward. What is the next step? It is clear it's a symbolic victory for the administration.

What is not clear however is what it means in practical terms. So far many of these countries say they are not willing to commit additional troops. They are not willing necessarily to contribute financially or forgive Iraqi debt. President Bush however, suggesting today that it may require an additional NATO role inside of Iraq in the future, to actually bolster its security.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: We believe NATO ought to be involved. We will work with our NATO friends to at least continue the role that now exists and hope hopefully expand it somewhat. There's going to be some constraints, obviously. A lot of NATO countries are not in a position to commit any more troops. I fully understand that. But I do think NATO ought to stay involved. And I think we have a good chance of getting that done.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: The morning session with all the leaders of the G-8 is under way. It took place about a half hour ago is when it began. What is very important on the itinerary later today, Daryn, of course, is going to be that of broader Middle East initiative that the U.S. is proposing. That is for democratic reforms for many of the Arab nations.

And also a very important moment, of course, is that Iraq's new interim president is going to be arriving here. President Bush is going to be greeting him. He will also have lunch with him as well. Join the other members of the G-8 Summit. It will be interesting to see how this U.N. Security Council resolution impacts that greater Middle East initiative. There's a lot of discussions that are taking place about that and just how those two are connected -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And Suzanne, on that Mid East initiative, President Bush painting this as a big push for freedom. But apparently, one man's push for freedom is considered another person's meddling. And some of the Arab nations not appreciative of Mr. Bush's vision for their part of the world.

MALVEAUX: There are certainly two concerns here. What is obvious here is what notably is absent. The leaders from Saudi Arabia, as well as Egypt and Morocco. They feel that there is a perception here that the U.S. is putting their own brand of democracy on their countries, imposing, meddling in their affairs. The other part of this however, of course, is they want to see a greater role for the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. They want to see the U.S. really get much more involved in putting that out there, as the predominant role before they deal with their own democratic reforms. Still a lot of discussion ahead on that -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And plenty to report on. We'll look forward to more on that from you. Suzanne Malveaux in Savannah, thank you.

We're at 13 minutes past the hour. We're going to revisit the relationship between Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan. Straight ahead, Margaret Thatcher's former press secretary joins me with some inside memories.

And a woman who really knows how to protest. She's been doing it longer than some of today's leaders have even lived. Right now, she's at the G-8. Her story is coming up.

Later, she made "Bridget Jones' Diary" a must-read. Author Helen Fielding joins us to talk about her new book. Her new heroine and an overactive imagination.

This is CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: President Reagan's crusade against communism was not fought alone. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was both a close friend and philosophical soul mate. In fact, Mrs. Thatcher had recorded -- has actually recorded a tribute that will be played at Friday's state funeral, which she will also attend.

Sir Bernard Ingham is the former press secretary to the prime minister and himself a respected journalist.

Thank you for being with us, Sir. Ingham.

SIR. BERNARD INGHAM, FRM. SECRETARY, MARAGARET THATCHER: Thank you.

KAGAN: This is quite an honor for Mrs. Thatcher to be speaking in this recorded statement at the state funeral. She is only one of two non-American former leaders who will be speaking. But not a surprise, given their relationship that she has had with President Reagan.

INGHAM: No, I don't think it's any surprise at all. They -- I think they brought the Anglo/United States relationship to one of its warmest phases during the 1980s. And you could argue the most productive ever known, bearing in mind that communism fell, that America rediscovered its faith in itself, and that they revolutionized really the way in which the world conducted its economics. It was a tremendous, a tremendous decade. And I think Margaret Thatcher's eulogy sort of recognizes the partnership that existed between them.

KAGAN: You were there as this incredible relationship unfolded as the press secretary. Can you give us any insight, this relationship, this friendship that you got to witness up close?

INGHAM: Well, I think the first point I should make is that Margaret Thatcher resolved, when President Reagan came to office, that her duty would to be support the champion of the free world. And she would stand behind him. That didn't mean to say that she would do so slavishly. She would give President Reagan the best, candid advice that was at her disposal. And by Jove, sometimes it was candid when he invaded Grenada without telling her. And when he offered to give away his nuclear weapons.

Reykjavik, that was a very serious matter for Mrs. Thatcher. And I recall we flew the Atlantic to try to persuade President Reagan otherwise. But she decided that he was the man to be supported. They were of like minds politically, but more importantly, I think they were also of like minds -- of like natures in the sense that they had tremendous iron will. And they were absolutely determined to carry out their policies.

KAGAN: As we said, her statement of what she has to say, she did decide to prerecord it. We understand that she has not been in the best of health. And yet, it was obviously very important for her to travel to be at this event.

INGHAM: Yes. I mean I don't think that we should suggest that she is ill. She has had one or two minor strokes. But she is physically in rather good condition, I think, for somebody who is 78. But unfortunately, her short-term memory is gone and that is why I think the speech has been taped.

KAGAN: And since it has been taped, do you know what's in it? And do you know are there any glimpses of what she plans to say...

INGHAM: No.

KAGAN: ... about her old friend?

INGHAM: And I wouldn't want to anticipate it. I think it will be well worth hearing for the first time.

KAGAN: It will. And that will take place on Friday.

Sir Bernard Ingham, former press Secretary to the former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Thank you for your time today and for sharing your memories.

INGHAM: Thank you.

KAGAN: Appreciate your time.

Tornadoes and floods here in the U.S. that leave one state a mess, as damages are calculated. We'll tell you where in our complete look at weather.

And little later, author Helen Fielding joins us. She's talking about her new book, her new heroine. It's very -- well, this woman is very different from Bridget Jones.

This is CNN LIVE TODAY.

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KAGAN: We move on to weather. In Texas, the dollar losses are mounting. Witnesses say a tornado ripped through this neighborhood in Wharton. It destroyed homes and injured about two-dozen people with flying glass and debris. Seven counties near Fort Worth are under flash flood warnings today, after heavy rains washed over streets and pushed rivers out of their banks.

It will be a ceremony heavy in tradition. Every detail is important. Straight ahead, bringing out the Old Guard for Ronald Reagan's farewell.

Later, a woman who knows how to express her political views. How about this? Seventy years of protesting in America and still taking time to make sure her voice is heard.

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