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Tens of Thousands of Mourners Pay Their Respects to Ronald Reagan

Aired June 10, 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: We'll get started. Good morning from CNN headquarters in Atlanta. I'm Daryn Kagan.
Our top stories at this hour begin in Iraq. That is where Najaf's fragile truce came under fire. A battle has flared between Iraqi police and the militia of Shiite cleric Muqtada al Sadr. Two police officers were killed. A senior officer said U.S. forces held back but agreed to re-supply the police with ammunition.

South African President Thabo Mbeki is among the world leaders expected to arrive this hour at the G8 Economic Summit Sea Island, Georgia. Last night in Washington, he said that U.S. assistance to Africa is too focused on individual countries, and should be redirected on the continent as a whole. President Mbeki will also travel to Washington to attend tomorrow's state funeral for former President Reagan.

Flash flood warnings are blanketing much of north and central Texas, where storms have dumped more than 10 inches of rain this week. Folks living along Eagle Mountain Lake and Lake Worth are piling sandbags or emptying their homes as the floodwaters rise. Dozens of roads are flooded near Fort Worth.

Martha Stewart's defense attorneys want her convictions thrown out after a government witness, who testified against her, is charged with lying on the stand. Federal prosecutors yesterday filed two counts of perjury against Larry Stewart, no relation to Martha. He was a Secret Service ink expert. Stewart's lawyers maintained that prosecutors should have known he was not telling the truth, before a jury convicted her of obstructing justice and lying to investigators about a stock sale.

Live this hour, a live picture from Washington, D.C., a look at the Capitol Rotunda, where tens of thousands of mourners have already paid their respects to Ronald Reagan. And that is today and those visits go on. With prayers and salutes, Americans are saying their final good-byes to the nation's 40-president.

Our Elaine Quijano is outside the Capitol where Ronald Reagan's body lies in state.

Good morning, Elaine.

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. This is a much different scene outside the west front entrance to the Capitol from just 24 hours ago. It was a slow trickle, really, yesterday, this time. But now we are seeing a very steady stream of visitors here as they make their way to the Capitol Rotunda. The lines certainly have been long. But moving fairly quickly throughout the morning. Over the evening hours, though, we are told at some points, the wait was about five hours.

It has been a group that really is a diverse group. We have seen Boy Scouts from New York. Boy Scout troops visiting here. Also seen Native Americans coming through. Just a variety of people from all walks of life. And they have waited out here for their moment. And really, it is a moment. Once they get inside the actual rotunda itself, they are being encouraged to file through in a very expeditious way. It's been an emotional time, though, for some of the folks who have come in and paid their last respects to President Reagan, wanting to be here to do that in person. A poignant moment. This happened this morning, today. There you see, as someone there paying their last respects to President Reagan.

But folks have been traveling from all over the country. And joining me now, a couple of those people, who say they were very much affected by President Reagan.

Bob and Cindy Robbins. You've come here from northwestern Pennsylvania.

BOB ROBBINS, REAGAN MOURNER: Yes.

QUIJANO: And Bob, I understand you are a Vietnam veteran.

B. ROBBINS: Yes.

QUIJANO: And turned state senator. And you say that Ronald Reagan really had an influence on you.

B. ROBBINS: Oh, he absolutely did. During the '70s, when we really had a downturn in, I think, the human spirit of the United States, he came in and reinstated the optimism and the belief in this great country. And individual rights, that any individual -- if we get the government out of the way, can do great things. And I just think he's a great man who came at the right time.

He ended the Cold War with his strength through peace. And it was absolutely necessary. And he made the same -- the hard choices. And he wasn't worried about which way the political wind was blowing.

QUIJANO: Cindy, let me ask you, what is it about President Reagan that so deeply affected you. I know you've got his picture there and the button on your lapel. What was it about President Reagan?

CINDY ROBBINS, REAGAN MOURNER: I think morning anything, with his integrity, his honesty. He restored America's faith in itself. And I think that is -- that was so critical at that time.

QUIJANO: Bob and Cindy Robbins coming here from Pennsylvania. Thanks so much for joining us. B. ROBBINS: Thank you.

C. ROBBINS: Thank you.

QUIJANO: So Daryn, an emotional time for folks here, as they remember, they share their memories with each other. And I have to tell you, interesting to note, a much more somber tone that we have noticed out here today in comparison to yesterday. Before the public was actually allowed in, we saw strangers meeting up, acting as if they were old friends, sharing their memories of Ronald Reagan. Today much of the same, the tone though, definitely more serious now that President Reagan's casket has arrived here and they are preparing to view it -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Elaine, what kind of time are people having to commit to go pay their last respects? From the time you get in line to the time you actually get inside.

QUIJANO: Well, that varies greatly. As I said, over the evening hours, the wait was anywhere from two hours to five hours. We are told from this particular point, where we are standing right now, we interviewed the U.S. Capitol Police Chief Terrance Gainer. He said this is about an hour and 40 minutes to get in, mind you. There is still quite a distance for these folks to travel once they get to this point. Twelve magnetometers have been set up. But the hope, according to the police chief, was that they could get 5,000 people through an hour. And his expectation is that when all is said and done, there will be some 150,000 people who have made their way through the Capitol Rotunda -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Elaine Quijano on Capitol Hill. Elaine, thank you for that.

The man who was Ronald Reagan's vice president, then succeeded him as commander in chief, remembers Mr. Reagan, as powerful around world but friendly with ordinary people. George H. W. Bush and his wife Barbara appeared on CNN's "LARRY KING LIVE" last night. The Bushes expressed relief that Reagan's long struggle with Alzheimer's disease was over.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE H.W. BUSH, FMR. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The battle is over. The victory won. I mean he fought this thing, and without a lot of cognizance. But I think everybody said, look it's been a long, long time. It's been a terrible burden on loyal, wonderful Nancy. But life goes on. And at 93, he's got so much that -- his life meant so much to so many people that I think it's now a celebration rather than a sadness.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Let's look at the schedule that remains. Tomorrow is the National Day of Mourning for Ronald Reagan. Here are the major events in Eastern Time: the funeral at the National Cathedral, 11:30 a.m.; a ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base, 2:15 p.m.; the former president's body will be flown back to California at 2:45. The body arrives at the Reagan Library at 8:15. A private funeral service will begin at 9:15. Again, those times are all Eastern.

President and Mrs. Bush will travel to the Capitol later today to pay their respects to Ronald Reagan. But before that, the president is attending the G8 Summit.

Our senior White House correspondent John King is covering that for us from Savannah, Georgia.

And John, as you begin your report, we're getting word we should be showing videotape within the next couple of minutes that shows President Bush and French President Jacques Chirac. So, if I interrupt you, it's because we're going to tape. Meanwhile, what do you have? Good morning.

JOHN KING, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: I'll stand by for the interruption. Daryn, we of course want to see that meeting, because President Bush and President Chirac sparred for months over the war in Iraq. Both leaders trying to say they have moved past the pre-war and the war bitterness. Trying to cooperate not only in Iraq, and on other issues. So we'll see that in just a moment.

This is the final day of the summit. The leaders took a leisurely walk on the Beach of Sea Island last night. It is quite a relaxed setting. We should note, also under heavy security. Today's focus is on reviewing past initiatives to combat AIDS, and famine and poverty in Africa. Several African leaders brought in for the summit to help get their advice on how the major, industrialized economy can help them fight those scourges in Africa.

The highlight of the president during this summit, by all accounts, was his meeting last night with Ghazi al Yawar -- oh, we're going to stop now for the tape, I think now -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Yes. Let's go ahead and listen in. We'll be back with you in a minute.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: And again, I want to thank you for your hospitality. The food was superb. The hospitality warm. And our discussions were meaningful.

We continued our discussions about world poverty and world peace. Of course, we talked about Iraq. We had our differences in the past. But we're friends and friends are able to discuss the future. And our hope is for peace and freedom around the world.

We consulted on some NATO -- partners in NATO. We talked about a lot of issues. And one of the issues that we talked about was NATO, and whether or not there's a continued role in Iraq for NATO. I assured the president we would continue to consult closely. The point is was that we understand that the Iraqi people need help to defend themselves, to rebuild their country, and most importantly, to hold elections. And I appreciate the chance to visit with Jacques about these important issues.

JACQUES CHIRAC, PRESIDENT OF FRANCE (through translator): Can I first of all say, as I said yesterday? Tell President Bush our gratitude and feelings of gratitude, and our feeling of the gratitude of the French people as a whole, in the context of the D-Day celebrations. D-Day was something that was terribly important for all the French people. And once again, I'd like to thank the president for having made the trip and having heard himself, the French people speak their words of thanks and gratitude and friendship.

(in English): It was very moving for us.

(through translator): And I also wanted to congratulate him for the way in which the G8 was organized and conducted. It is a success.

We had an opportunity during the summit to discuss a number of issues. We reviewed some with our colleagues from the Middle East yesterday. We'll be doing so with or colleagues from Africa today. And this gave us an opportunity to review the major areas of concern for today's world. And also, to improve our efforts for peace and development and human rights.

And as I said, I would like to thank the president once again for the hospitality here. The president was kind enough to mention French cuisine. But I can tell you that over the last few days, this cuisine here in America, was certainly on a par with the French cuisine. And I ask the president to convey my thanks to the chef.

BUSH: He particularly liked the cheeseburger he had yesterday.

(LAUGHTER)

CHIRAC: Which was excellent. Excellent.

BUSH: Thank you all. Thanks, Jacques. Appreciate it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Listening in to some video just saw a few minutes ago. Sea Island, Georgia as the G8 Summit wraps up there. Some very warm feelings between two leaders that have not had the warmest relations in the past. But as President Bush was saying French President Jacques Chirac, he said they have had their differences in the past. But he considers them friends, and he says, "Friends discuss the future."

Let's discuss talk about the future with our senior White House correspondent John King.

You heard, John, the president talked about NATO and the NATO Summit that's coming up within the month. A big topic will be there as it was here. Should NATO troops be in Iraq?

KING: That's right, Daryn. Months ago, the administration envisioned NATO troops on the ground, a significant number. Perhaps now the administration has a much more modest idea. Could NATO forces go into Iraq or in the country surrounding Iraq and help train the new Iraqi army, new Iraqi security forces, new Iraqi police forces?

Mr. Bush thinks that's a good idea. No. 1, he thinks it would show the new international presence after, this vote in the Security Council the other day. No. 2, it might allow him, in this election year, to start bringing at least a modest number of U.S. troops home. Mr. Bush floated that idea yesterday. A slightly expanded NATO role during a meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair; of course, his closest partner in the war in Iraq. President Chirac quickly said I don't think so. He said he does not envision a larger NATO role.

So, these two men, as you just noted, the president said friends can disagree. They are friends. But there is no question these two leaders have, I would say, detente at the moment, not necessarily peace. And the administration expects a bit of tug of war between Washington and Paris, in the few weeks leading up to that NATO Summit. It will be quite interesting to see which president gets his way, when that summit convenes in a couple of weeks in Istanbul.

KAGAN: Well, when you hear a French president complimenting American cuisine, especially the hamburgers, at least that's a start at warmer relations. John King in Savannah, thank you for that.

The G8 Summit is wrapping up, and President Bush will do that by meeting with reporters this afternoon, 4:00 Eastern, 1:00 Pacific. CNN does plan live coverage of that news conference.

New descriptions of blame for Iraqi prisoner abuse. In a lawsuit against U.S. civilian contractors at the Abu Ghraib prison, a group of lawyers for alleged victims accused contractors of racketeering, in the conspiracy to abuse the prisoners. Among the accounts: interrogators pulling out toenails; and in one case, forcing one prisoner to watch the torture death of another. The contractors are denying the claims. One calling the lawsuit, "frivolous."

Meanwhile, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq is asking that he be removed from reviewing the results of the investigation into the prisoner abuses. Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez has requested to be recused comes as the initial report is being wrapped up.

Our Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr joins us with more on that.

Barbara, good morning.

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you Daryn. Well, indeed. General Ricardo Sanchez, head of U.S. forces in Iraq, has asked to be removed from anything having to do with the investigation of the abuse of detainees in Iraq.

Now, all of this has been set in motion because the investigators will, as expected, question General Sanchez about what he may know. A number of questions expected to go to him about policies, procedures, how intelligence was gathered from detainees, interrogation practices, that sort of thing. And the problem would be that he would be questioned as a potential subject of the investigation, as a fairly routine matter. But then that report, the findings of the investigation would go to him for final review, as the head of U.S. forces in Iraq. So that would be a considerable, potential conflict of interest. Now, the Pentagon is working to identify another general that could basically take all of that over.

There are a couple of things going on, of course. The continuing criminal investigation. But what this all really focuses on is an investigation by a man named Major General George Fay. He is looking into what is described as questionable intelligence practices. And that's why he wants to talk to General Sanchez. And that's why General Sanchez thinks it's a good idea to be taken out of the review process. Pentagon officials saying that all of this simply underscores their effort to make sure it's a full and fair investigation, that they question everybody right to the top.

Now, earlier today, the Pentagon also put out a statement saying it will tighten up its procedures when someone in detention dies, how that investigation is handled. Now, if someone in detention dies, immediately criminal investigators will be informed, as will the secretary of defense. All of that to tighten up the procedures, and make sure they really have a handle on what is going on -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Barbara Starr, who always knows what's going on at Pentagon. Thank you, Barbara.

We are at 18 minutes past the hour. Seeking a new trial, Martha Stewart said she did nothing wrong. Her lawyer heads back to court to prove that. Will the "good-thing guru" be able to avoid jail? You'll find out.

And legendary Hollywood publicist Warren Cowan joins me for a look at Ronald Reagan's Hollywood years. You might be surprised at some of the things he shared.

And later, he is gasping for airtime. Comedian Jay Mohr shares behind the scene stories for his days on "Saturday Night Live."

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Defense attorneys for Martha Stewart will ask a judge today to throw out her conviction of obstructing justice and lying to investigators, about a well-timed stock sale. They say the case was tainted by a Secret Service ink expert, charged with lying on the stand as a prosecution witness.

Our Financial News correspondent Allan Chernoff is outside the federal courthouse in New York City.

Allan, Good morning.

ALLAN CHERNOFF, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn. And the attorneys for Martha Stewart and her former stockbroker Peter Bacanovic, this afternoon do plan to file a new motion requesting a new trial. This will be the second time they'll be asking for a new trial, since Stewart and Bacanovic were convicted of obstruction of justice, conspiracy and lying to federal agents about Martha Stewart's sale of ImClone stock.

Now, lawyers are going to argue that the trial was not fair, because one of the government's witnesses, an ink expert, Larry Stewart, not related to Martha, lied on the stand. And the lawyers are going to say his lying prejudiced the jury in this case. Now, federal prosecutors, in fact, have charged Larry Stewart with perjury. That happened about two and a half weeks ago. And only yesterday, a grand jury handed up an indictment against Mr. Stewart. The allegation here is that Larry Stewart exaggerated his role in examining a work sheet of Martha Stewart's holdings. Her stock holdings.

Judge Miriam Cederbaum, overseeing this case, delayed sentencing for Martha Stewart and Peter Bacanovic by three weeks, until July 8, so that she might consider this new request for a new trial. But legal analysts give it very little chance of success. And in fact, Judge Cederbaum had denied the prior request, which had been based upon charges that one of the jurors lied in order to get on the panel. But the judge said there was no evidence whatsoever that influenced the ultimate outcome of the trial -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Allan, the last time Martha Stewart was in the news, a week or two ago, she was undergoing some creative sentencing efforts. Shall we say? Anything else new on that?

CHERNOFF: Not just yet, because her attorneys are going to wait to hear what happens in response to this request, before they focus on the very sentencing issue. So we actually haven't had confirmation from her attorneys that they're going to be making that request. But the request reported was that she would be asking to do community service here in Manhattan, in lieu of doing jail time. And again, legal analysts not giving very much chance of success in that request either -- Daryn.

KAGAN: E for effort on trying to re-write your future like that. And you're right, if you can get the thing thrown out in the first place, then you don't need to worry about the creating sentencing on the back side of this. Allan Chernoff in New York, thank you. Thank you, Allan.

Other cases on the docket today in our look at legal briefs; jury deliberations continue in the sentencing of Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols. Jurors spent about five and a half hours yesterday debating whether Nichols should spend life in prison, or be put to death for his role in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. Nichols was convicted last month of 161 counts of first-degree murder in that attack.

To Redwood City, California, testimony in the Laci Peterson murder trial. Expect it to resume in about two hours. Yesterday a witness cast new doubt on the whereabouts of Scott Peterson the day his pregnant wife disappeared. Harvey Kemple testified that Peterson told him he was out playing golf. Peterson told police that he had gone fishing. Twenty-five minutes past the hour. A rush of floods. Parts of the central U.S. can't seem to shake off the rain. A complete forecast straight ahead.

And a comedy career, Jay Mohr spills some behind-the-scenes gossip on stories from his days on "Saturday Night Live." You'll hear the details coming on CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired June 10, 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: We'll get started. Good morning from CNN headquarters in Atlanta. I'm Daryn Kagan.
Our top stories at this hour begin in Iraq. That is where Najaf's fragile truce came under fire. A battle has flared between Iraqi police and the militia of Shiite cleric Muqtada al Sadr. Two police officers were killed. A senior officer said U.S. forces held back but agreed to re-supply the police with ammunition.

South African President Thabo Mbeki is among the world leaders expected to arrive this hour at the G8 Economic Summit Sea Island, Georgia. Last night in Washington, he said that U.S. assistance to Africa is too focused on individual countries, and should be redirected on the continent as a whole. President Mbeki will also travel to Washington to attend tomorrow's state funeral for former President Reagan.

Flash flood warnings are blanketing much of north and central Texas, where storms have dumped more than 10 inches of rain this week. Folks living along Eagle Mountain Lake and Lake Worth are piling sandbags or emptying their homes as the floodwaters rise. Dozens of roads are flooded near Fort Worth.

Martha Stewart's defense attorneys want her convictions thrown out after a government witness, who testified against her, is charged with lying on the stand. Federal prosecutors yesterday filed two counts of perjury against Larry Stewart, no relation to Martha. He was a Secret Service ink expert. Stewart's lawyers maintained that prosecutors should have known he was not telling the truth, before a jury convicted her of obstructing justice and lying to investigators about a stock sale.

Live this hour, a live picture from Washington, D.C., a look at the Capitol Rotunda, where tens of thousands of mourners have already paid their respects to Ronald Reagan. And that is today and those visits go on. With prayers and salutes, Americans are saying their final good-byes to the nation's 40-president.

Our Elaine Quijano is outside the Capitol where Ronald Reagan's body lies in state.

Good morning, Elaine.

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. This is a much different scene outside the west front entrance to the Capitol from just 24 hours ago. It was a slow trickle, really, yesterday, this time. But now we are seeing a very steady stream of visitors here as they make their way to the Capitol Rotunda. The lines certainly have been long. But moving fairly quickly throughout the morning. Over the evening hours, though, we are told at some points, the wait was about five hours.

It has been a group that really is a diverse group. We have seen Boy Scouts from New York. Boy Scout troops visiting here. Also seen Native Americans coming through. Just a variety of people from all walks of life. And they have waited out here for their moment. And really, it is a moment. Once they get inside the actual rotunda itself, they are being encouraged to file through in a very expeditious way. It's been an emotional time, though, for some of the folks who have come in and paid their last respects to President Reagan, wanting to be here to do that in person. A poignant moment. This happened this morning, today. There you see, as someone there paying their last respects to President Reagan.

But folks have been traveling from all over the country. And joining me now, a couple of those people, who say they were very much affected by President Reagan.

Bob and Cindy Robbins. You've come here from northwestern Pennsylvania.

BOB ROBBINS, REAGAN MOURNER: Yes.

QUIJANO: And Bob, I understand you are a Vietnam veteran.

B. ROBBINS: Yes.

QUIJANO: And turned state senator. And you say that Ronald Reagan really had an influence on you.

B. ROBBINS: Oh, he absolutely did. During the '70s, when we really had a downturn in, I think, the human spirit of the United States, he came in and reinstated the optimism and the belief in this great country. And individual rights, that any individual -- if we get the government out of the way, can do great things. And I just think he's a great man who came at the right time.

He ended the Cold War with his strength through peace. And it was absolutely necessary. And he made the same -- the hard choices. And he wasn't worried about which way the political wind was blowing.

QUIJANO: Cindy, let me ask you, what is it about President Reagan that so deeply affected you. I know you've got his picture there and the button on your lapel. What was it about President Reagan?

CINDY ROBBINS, REAGAN MOURNER: I think morning anything, with his integrity, his honesty. He restored America's faith in itself. And I think that is -- that was so critical at that time.

QUIJANO: Bob and Cindy Robbins coming here from Pennsylvania. Thanks so much for joining us. B. ROBBINS: Thank you.

C. ROBBINS: Thank you.

QUIJANO: So Daryn, an emotional time for folks here, as they remember, they share their memories with each other. And I have to tell you, interesting to note, a much more somber tone that we have noticed out here today in comparison to yesterday. Before the public was actually allowed in, we saw strangers meeting up, acting as if they were old friends, sharing their memories of Ronald Reagan. Today much of the same, the tone though, definitely more serious now that President Reagan's casket has arrived here and they are preparing to view it -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Elaine, what kind of time are people having to commit to go pay their last respects? From the time you get in line to the time you actually get inside.

QUIJANO: Well, that varies greatly. As I said, over the evening hours, the wait was anywhere from two hours to five hours. We are told from this particular point, where we are standing right now, we interviewed the U.S. Capitol Police Chief Terrance Gainer. He said this is about an hour and 40 minutes to get in, mind you. There is still quite a distance for these folks to travel once they get to this point. Twelve magnetometers have been set up. But the hope, according to the police chief, was that they could get 5,000 people through an hour. And his expectation is that when all is said and done, there will be some 150,000 people who have made their way through the Capitol Rotunda -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Elaine Quijano on Capitol Hill. Elaine, thank you for that.

The man who was Ronald Reagan's vice president, then succeeded him as commander in chief, remembers Mr. Reagan, as powerful around world but friendly with ordinary people. George H. W. Bush and his wife Barbara appeared on CNN's "LARRY KING LIVE" last night. The Bushes expressed relief that Reagan's long struggle with Alzheimer's disease was over.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE H.W. BUSH, FMR. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The battle is over. The victory won. I mean he fought this thing, and without a lot of cognizance. But I think everybody said, look it's been a long, long time. It's been a terrible burden on loyal, wonderful Nancy. But life goes on. And at 93, he's got so much that -- his life meant so much to so many people that I think it's now a celebration rather than a sadness.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Let's look at the schedule that remains. Tomorrow is the National Day of Mourning for Ronald Reagan. Here are the major events in Eastern Time: the funeral at the National Cathedral, 11:30 a.m.; a ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base, 2:15 p.m.; the former president's body will be flown back to California at 2:45. The body arrives at the Reagan Library at 8:15. A private funeral service will begin at 9:15. Again, those times are all Eastern.

President and Mrs. Bush will travel to the Capitol later today to pay their respects to Ronald Reagan. But before that, the president is attending the G8 Summit.

Our senior White House correspondent John King is covering that for us from Savannah, Georgia.

And John, as you begin your report, we're getting word we should be showing videotape within the next couple of minutes that shows President Bush and French President Jacques Chirac. So, if I interrupt you, it's because we're going to tape. Meanwhile, what do you have? Good morning.

JOHN KING, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: I'll stand by for the interruption. Daryn, we of course want to see that meeting, because President Bush and President Chirac sparred for months over the war in Iraq. Both leaders trying to say they have moved past the pre-war and the war bitterness. Trying to cooperate not only in Iraq, and on other issues. So we'll see that in just a moment.

This is the final day of the summit. The leaders took a leisurely walk on the Beach of Sea Island last night. It is quite a relaxed setting. We should note, also under heavy security. Today's focus is on reviewing past initiatives to combat AIDS, and famine and poverty in Africa. Several African leaders brought in for the summit to help get their advice on how the major, industrialized economy can help them fight those scourges in Africa.

The highlight of the president during this summit, by all accounts, was his meeting last night with Ghazi al Yawar -- oh, we're going to stop now for the tape, I think now -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Yes. Let's go ahead and listen in. We'll be back with you in a minute.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: And again, I want to thank you for your hospitality. The food was superb. The hospitality warm. And our discussions were meaningful.

We continued our discussions about world poverty and world peace. Of course, we talked about Iraq. We had our differences in the past. But we're friends and friends are able to discuss the future. And our hope is for peace and freedom around the world.

We consulted on some NATO -- partners in NATO. We talked about a lot of issues. And one of the issues that we talked about was NATO, and whether or not there's a continued role in Iraq for NATO. I assured the president we would continue to consult closely. The point is was that we understand that the Iraqi people need help to defend themselves, to rebuild their country, and most importantly, to hold elections. And I appreciate the chance to visit with Jacques about these important issues.

JACQUES CHIRAC, PRESIDENT OF FRANCE (through translator): Can I first of all say, as I said yesterday? Tell President Bush our gratitude and feelings of gratitude, and our feeling of the gratitude of the French people as a whole, in the context of the D-Day celebrations. D-Day was something that was terribly important for all the French people. And once again, I'd like to thank the president for having made the trip and having heard himself, the French people speak their words of thanks and gratitude and friendship.

(in English): It was very moving for us.

(through translator): And I also wanted to congratulate him for the way in which the G8 was organized and conducted. It is a success.

We had an opportunity during the summit to discuss a number of issues. We reviewed some with our colleagues from the Middle East yesterday. We'll be doing so with or colleagues from Africa today. And this gave us an opportunity to review the major areas of concern for today's world. And also, to improve our efforts for peace and development and human rights.

And as I said, I would like to thank the president once again for the hospitality here. The president was kind enough to mention French cuisine. But I can tell you that over the last few days, this cuisine here in America, was certainly on a par with the French cuisine. And I ask the president to convey my thanks to the chef.

BUSH: He particularly liked the cheeseburger he had yesterday.

(LAUGHTER)

CHIRAC: Which was excellent. Excellent.

BUSH: Thank you all. Thanks, Jacques. Appreciate it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Listening in to some video just saw a few minutes ago. Sea Island, Georgia as the G8 Summit wraps up there. Some very warm feelings between two leaders that have not had the warmest relations in the past. But as President Bush was saying French President Jacques Chirac, he said they have had their differences in the past. But he considers them friends, and he says, "Friends discuss the future."

Let's discuss talk about the future with our senior White House correspondent John King.

You heard, John, the president talked about NATO and the NATO Summit that's coming up within the month. A big topic will be there as it was here. Should NATO troops be in Iraq?

KING: That's right, Daryn. Months ago, the administration envisioned NATO troops on the ground, a significant number. Perhaps now the administration has a much more modest idea. Could NATO forces go into Iraq or in the country surrounding Iraq and help train the new Iraqi army, new Iraqi security forces, new Iraqi police forces?

Mr. Bush thinks that's a good idea. No. 1, he thinks it would show the new international presence after, this vote in the Security Council the other day. No. 2, it might allow him, in this election year, to start bringing at least a modest number of U.S. troops home. Mr. Bush floated that idea yesterday. A slightly expanded NATO role during a meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair; of course, his closest partner in the war in Iraq. President Chirac quickly said I don't think so. He said he does not envision a larger NATO role.

So, these two men, as you just noted, the president said friends can disagree. They are friends. But there is no question these two leaders have, I would say, detente at the moment, not necessarily peace. And the administration expects a bit of tug of war between Washington and Paris, in the few weeks leading up to that NATO Summit. It will be quite interesting to see which president gets his way, when that summit convenes in a couple of weeks in Istanbul.

KAGAN: Well, when you hear a French president complimenting American cuisine, especially the hamburgers, at least that's a start at warmer relations. John King in Savannah, thank you for that.

The G8 Summit is wrapping up, and President Bush will do that by meeting with reporters this afternoon, 4:00 Eastern, 1:00 Pacific. CNN does plan live coverage of that news conference.

New descriptions of blame for Iraqi prisoner abuse. In a lawsuit against U.S. civilian contractors at the Abu Ghraib prison, a group of lawyers for alleged victims accused contractors of racketeering, in the conspiracy to abuse the prisoners. Among the accounts: interrogators pulling out toenails; and in one case, forcing one prisoner to watch the torture death of another. The contractors are denying the claims. One calling the lawsuit, "frivolous."

Meanwhile, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq is asking that he be removed from reviewing the results of the investigation into the prisoner abuses. Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez has requested to be recused comes as the initial report is being wrapped up.

Our Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr joins us with more on that.

Barbara, good morning.

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you Daryn. Well, indeed. General Ricardo Sanchez, head of U.S. forces in Iraq, has asked to be removed from anything having to do with the investigation of the abuse of detainees in Iraq.

Now, all of this has been set in motion because the investigators will, as expected, question General Sanchez about what he may know. A number of questions expected to go to him about policies, procedures, how intelligence was gathered from detainees, interrogation practices, that sort of thing. And the problem would be that he would be questioned as a potential subject of the investigation, as a fairly routine matter. But then that report, the findings of the investigation would go to him for final review, as the head of U.S. forces in Iraq. So that would be a considerable, potential conflict of interest. Now, the Pentagon is working to identify another general that could basically take all of that over.

There are a couple of things going on, of course. The continuing criminal investigation. But what this all really focuses on is an investigation by a man named Major General George Fay. He is looking into what is described as questionable intelligence practices. And that's why he wants to talk to General Sanchez. And that's why General Sanchez thinks it's a good idea to be taken out of the review process. Pentagon officials saying that all of this simply underscores their effort to make sure it's a full and fair investigation, that they question everybody right to the top.

Now, earlier today, the Pentagon also put out a statement saying it will tighten up its procedures when someone in detention dies, how that investigation is handled. Now, if someone in detention dies, immediately criminal investigators will be informed, as will the secretary of defense. All of that to tighten up the procedures, and make sure they really have a handle on what is going on -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Barbara Starr, who always knows what's going on at Pentagon. Thank you, Barbara.

We are at 18 minutes past the hour. Seeking a new trial, Martha Stewart said she did nothing wrong. Her lawyer heads back to court to prove that. Will the "good-thing guru" be able to avoid jail? You'll find out.

And legendary Hollywood publicist Warren Cowan joins me for a look at Ronald Reagan's Hollywood years. You might be surprised at some of the things he shared.

And later, he is gasping for airtime. Comedian Jay Mohr shares behind the scene stories for his days on "Saturday Night Live."

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KAGAN: Defense attorneys for Martha Stewart will ask a judge today to throw out her conviction of obstructing justice and lying to investigators, about a well-timed stock sale. They say the case was tainted by a Secret Service ink expert, charged with lying on the stand as a prosecution witness.

Our Financial News correspondent Allan Chernoff is outside the federal courthouse in New York City.

Allan, Good morning.

ALLAN CHERNOFF, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn. And the attorneys for Martha Stewart and her former stockbroker Peter Bacanovic, this afternoon do plan to file a new motion requesting a new trial. This will be the second time they'll be asking for a new trial, since Stewart and Bacanovic were convicted of obstruction of justice, conspiracy and lying to federal agents about Martha Stewart's sale of ImClone stock.

Now, lawyers are going to argue that the trial was not fair, because one of the government's witnesses, an ink expert, Larry Stewart, not related to Martha, lied on the stand. And the lawyers are going to say his lying prejudiced the jury in this case. Now, federal prosecutors, in fact, have charged Larry Stewart with perjury. That happened about two and a half weeks ago. And only yesterday, a grand jury handed up an indictment against Mr. Stewart. The allegation here is that Larry Stewart exaggerated his role in examining a work sheet of Martha Stewart's holdings. Her stock holdings.

Judge Miriam Cederbaum, overseeing this case, delayed sentencing for Martha Stewart and Peter Bacanovic by three weeks, until July 8, so that she might consider this new request for a new trial. But legal analysts give it very little chance of success. And in fact, Judge Cederbaum had denied the prior request, which had been based upon charges that one of the jurors lied in order to get on the panel. But the judge said there was no evidence whatsoever that influenced the ultimate outcome of the trial -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Allan, the last time Martha Stewart was in the news, a week or two ago, she was undergoing some creative sentencing efforts. Shall we say? Anything else new on that?

CHERNOFF: Not just yet, because her attorneys are going to wait to hear what happens in response to this request, before they focus on the very sentencing issue. So we actually haven't had confirmation from her attorneys that they're going to be making that request. But the request reported was that she would be asking to do community service here in Manhattan, in lieu of doing jail time. And again, legal analysts not giving very much chance of success in that request either -- Daryn.

KAGAN: E for effort on trying to re-write your future like that. And you're right, if you can get the thing thrown out in the first place, then you don't need to worry about the creating sentencing on the back side of this. Allan Chernoff in New York, thank you. Thank you, Allan.

Other cases on the docket today in our look at legal briefs; jury deliberations continue in the sentencing of Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols. Jurors spent about five and a half hours yesterday debating whether Nichols should spend life in prison, or be put to death for his role in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. Nichols was convicted last month of 161 counts of first-degree murder in that attack.

To Redwood City, California, testimony in the Laci Peterson murder trial. Expect it to resume in about two hours. Yesterday a witness cast new doubt on the whereabouts of Scott Peterson the day his pregnant wife disappeared. Harvey Kemple testified that Peterson told him he was out playing golf. Peterson told police that he had gone fishing. Twenty-five minutes past the hour. A rush of floods. Parts of the central U.S. can't seem to shake off the rain. A complete forecast straight ahead.

And a comedy career, Jay Mohr spills some behind-the-scenes gossip on stories from his days on "Saturday Night Live." You'll hear the details coming on CNN LIVE TODAY.

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