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Clinton Portraits First by African-American; Justices Vote 8-0 to Keep 'Under God' in Pledge; Family Prays for Kidnapped Father; Car Bomb Targets Electrical Workers; Army Lieutenant Retires after Excessive Force Accusations; Witnesses Cast Doubt on Scott Peterson's Alibi

Aired June 14, 2004 - 11:00   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've been listening in to a very interesting event at the White House, as the official portraits of former President Clinton and former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton were unveiled. A lot of effusive, warm praise from President Bush.
Let's bring in our senior political analyst Bill Schneider, who's been listening in as well.

Bill, some of the terms that were used, President Bush describing former President Clinton, incredible energy, great personal appeal. Talking about Hillary Rodham Clinton, a woman greatly admired in our country.

I got to tell you, had I not been listening myself, I don't know if I would have believed the transcript when I read it, but there was a lot of warm feelings flowing in that room today.

BILL SCHNEIDER, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: A lot of warm feelings, very personal feelings. Bush said about President Clinton, "He filled this house with energy and joy."

I think it would be very hard to find anyone who would disagree with that. And while obviously these two men disagree on a great deal politically, they both have a lot of youth, energy.

Look, they are different faces of the Baby Boom generation that's come to power in the United States. Clinton, the Democrats, the left Bush on the right, more conservatives.

And Bill Clinton made an interesting remark recently. He said, "If you want to predict how a person feels, where he is -- he or she is in politics today, ask them how they felt about the '60s. If you thought the '60s did more good than harm, you're probably a Democrat." And those were Clinton supporters.

If you think the '60s did more harm than good, you're probably a Republican. And those are Bush supporters.

That's exactly right. Bush, and with Clinton, you see the two faces of that generation.

DARYN KAGAN, ANCHOR: And it was two faces that were beaming today, enjoying the event. And as Mrs. Bush said, they are convening to lunch now.

Bill Schneider, thank you for your comments.

SCHNEIDER: Sure.

KAGAN: Interesting part of that story, and Bill Clinton brought this up. The man who actually painted the portraits, man named Simmie Knox, a self-taught man born in 1935 in Aliceville, Alabama, to a family of sharecroppers.

He grows up to live the American dream and to paint the official portraits of the Clintons that will hang in the White House. The first African-American artist to have that honor.

Simmie Knox will be a guest tonight on "PAULA ZAHN," talking about painting that portrait. That's 8 p.m. Eastern, 5 p.m. Pacific.

And we're at the top of the hour. Let's check the latest developments that we're following at this hour.

A car bomb attack in the heart of the Iraqi capital. The bomb exploded in central Baghdad during the morning rush hour today. Authorities say at least 13 people were killed. General Electric says five of the dead were employees or security contractors with one of its companies.

The president of Afghanistan is in Washington to discuss the future of his country and relations with the U.S. Hamid Karzai says that Afghanistan is on track to hold elections this fall. Karzai visits the Pentagon today and meets with President Bush at the White House tomorrow.

A soggy scene in Texas. Slow-moving storms dumping heavy rain in the Houston area, flooding streets and highways. The stormy weather knocked out power to about 7,000 customers, and several flights at Bush Intercontinental Airport were delayed or canceled yesterday because of a record rainfall there.

Drivers are experiencing just a little less pain at the pump. The average price of gas has dropped more than six cents a gallon over the past three weeks. That's according to an industry survey. A gallon of self-serve regular still costs just about $2 on average.

Because of the event at the White House, we're just a couple minutes past the top of the hour getting started here. So just two minutes past 11 a.m. on the East Coast, and just a couple minutes past 8 a.m. on the West.

Good morning, everyone. From CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Daryn Kagan.

And with that, let's go on to the Supreme Court. A ruling -- actually a dismissal of a case that a lot of people are watching concerning the Pledge of Allegiance.

With more on that, let's check in with our Bob Franken, who is standing by at the Supreme Court -- Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

And of course, the ruling, the ultimate effect of the ruling is that children will still be saying the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Now this is dripping with symbolism and irony. It is Flag Day. Anybody who believes the Supreme Court justices are not above a little bit of irony, could look at today's ruling on the Pledge of Allegiance.

It has to do with the 50-year-old insertion of the words "under God." But they didn't rule on the constitutionality. At least, the majority of them did not.

Five justices ruled on the fact that Michael Newdow had been determined not to be the custodial parent. So in the words of Justice John Paul Stevens, quote, "He lacks credential (ph) standing." Going on to say that the California cases simply do not stand for the proposition that Newdow has a right to dictate to others what he may or may not say to his child -- what they may or may not say to his child respecting religion.

Three other justices decided that they wanted this ruling to be about the constitutional question, having to do with the First Amendment and the use of the words "under God."

Justices Rehnquist and O'Connor talk about our national culture, saying that it does not allow public recognition -- it does allow public recognition of our nature's religious character in history.

They talked about Newdow and his Hector's veto (ph), which they said is unwarranted extension of the establishment clause. The First Amendment, of course, prohibits the establishment of religion by the government.

The practical effect, 8-0, against Newdow for the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. Justice Scalia did not participate. He had recused himself because he had made remarks in a speech critical of Newdow's case in the first place -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Bob Franken at the Supreme Court, where there's potential for other big rulings to come out today. When that happens, we'll go back to you live. Thank you, Bob.

Meanwhile, four minutes past the hour. A missing American, an apparent abduction and a family's anguish.

Relatives are waiting for word on the fate of American contractor, Paul Johnson. He was apparently abducted by Islamist militants in Saudi Arabia.

Our Alina Cho is in New Jersey, where Johnson's family members are gathering -- Alina. ALINA CHO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, though he worked in Saudi Arabia for more than a decade, Paul Johnson was born and raised in New Jersey. His mother, brother and sister live here. His son is currently on his way here from Florida and will arrive later today.

Now Johnson was abducted on Saturday in Riyadh, the same week that two Americans were killed there. A group claiming to have links to al Qaeda posted on a web site a passport-sized photo of Johnson, a driver's license, even a business card.

Johnson was an Apache helicopter specialist with Lockheed Martin. His son, speaking from his home in Florida earlier today, said he hasn't slept in two days.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PAUL JOHNSON III, SON: I would trade in a heartbeat with my father. He doesn't deserve this. And I plead with you all to please let my father go. He don't deserve it. We all -- we all got to do jobs, you know, and he just does not deserve what -- what has happened.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHO: Johnson's son also thanked the media for keeping his father's name fresh, as he called it.

We also spoke a moment ago to a family friend who came to visit Johnson's brother.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MARGE HOLTS, FAMILY FRIEND: He's a good guy. He loved the job he's doing. Like I said, he's an all-American boy, you know. And this is sad.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHO: Saudi officials are leading the investigation into the search for Johnson, but, of course, they are in very close contact with U.S. officials.

A moment ago, Lockheed Martin also released a statement saying that they, too, are in close contact with government officials and they, of course, are also in close contact with the family -- Daryn.

KAGAN: We'll be monitoring the situation. Alina, thank you for that.

A former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia says the apparent kidnapping is an attempt to spread fear and undermine the Saudi government. Ambassador Robert Jordan says the terrorists have shifted from large-scale attacks to specific targets.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) ROBERT JORDAN, FORMER U.S. AMBASSADOR TO SAUDI ARABIA: The first target of the terrorist, I think, is to bring down the house of al- Saud, the royal family. The second target is Westerners. They want to rid the kingdom and, in fact, the entire Arabian Peninsula, of all Westerners.

But it's very much an attack on the Saudi royal family. I think it's also intended to embarrass the royal family and suggest that they are incapable of protecting Westerners in their kingdom.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Jordan says that Saudi Arabia needs to hire more security officers and step up intelligence gathering to combat the terrorists.

A car bomb exploded in central Baghdad today, just 16 days before the handover of power in Iraq. Bush administration officials have warned of increasing violence as the June 30 transfer date approaches.

Authorities say that Western electrical contractors were the target of today's suicide bombing, and General Electric says that five of those killed were employees or security contractors with one of its subsidiaries.

Our Guy Ross has more now from Baghdad.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GUY ROSS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Baghdad's landscape now characterized by chaos. A morning rush hour car bomb this time, the 17th car bomb in Iraq this month.

Westerners were targeted, Iraqis part of the terrorists' collateral damage. Charred bodies were pulled from the rubble of this three-story building. Burning vehicles smoldered in the middle of the road.

Condemnations from all corners, still those behind the attacks seem more determined than ever.

AYAD ALLAWI, INTERIM IRAQI PRIME MINISTER: We deplore this terrorist act and vow to get the criminals to justice.

ROSS: An angry crowd gathered around the bomb site. "America is the enemy of God," they chanted, confused Iraqis passing along conspiracy theories blaming America and Jews.

Less than one month before administrative authority is handed over to an Iraqi government, officials warned of more attacks to come. Most of them silently concede they'll be difficult to stop.

Guy Ross, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: U.S. coalition authorities in Iraq say the transition of power is moving forward, despite the continued violence. A coalition spokesman says that Iraqis are in charge of the investigation into today's car bombing.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAN SENOR, COALITION SPOKESMAN: The Iraqi police are lead in the investigation.

Prime Minister Allawi held a press conference today. He expressed his own views. He referenced Zarqawi and his al Qaeda network as one possible suspect and other terrorists that have come into the country or could have been operating here earlier.

It's a little too early to tell. We'll let the process play out. I'm sure the Iraqi authorities in the days ahead will have more information.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Senor says that more than half of the ministries in Iraq are now being run by the Iraqis.

"The Washington Post" has now published a copy of the August 2002 internal Justice Department memo making a legal case for the use of torture in the war on terror. The "Post" described that memo last week.

In it, Justice Department lawyers advised the White House that torturing captive al Qaeda terrorists during interrogation abroad may be justified.

When it comes to the question of prisoner abuse, the agonizing question is whether excessive force is justified to prevent imminent loss of life.

Our John Zarrella paid a visit to a former Army officer who says he lost his career for doing exactly that.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Al West was invited to ride along with North Miami Beach police officers who protect and serve. That's what he used to do during 22 years in the Army.

His life has been very different the past few months. Now that he's a civilian, his family gets more attention.

LT. COL. AL WEST, U.S. ARMY (RET.): I get to spend more time with them and my back doesn't hurt so much from bending over and lacing up combat boots.

ZARRELLA: A year ago, West, a lieutenant colonel, was accused of using excessive force to get information about a rumored upcoming attack from a detainee in Iraq. WEST: I took my service 9mm, I fired it up into the air and then setting his head away I fired across from it. It was kind of like in the Navy. They fire a shot across the bow. And then he fessed up to the interpreters.

ZARRELLA: West says his actions saved American lives. Critics say he should have been court-martialed.

The Army fined him $5,000 and virtually forced him to retire, though with benefits.

A career cut short, but West says he's not bitter.

WEST: For me to come back and say, I hate the Army, that would be, in turn, saying I hate myself.

ZARRELLA: Now, West spends hours each day at his new home in Plantation, Florida, answering and reading e-mails.

WEST: The vast majority of the American people support you. Appreciate you the sacrifice you made.

ZARRELLA: And those who admire him want to hear him. He has made speaking appearances before a local Republican club, at churches and to police.

WEST: Sometimes and so often we forget that you all are the true heroes every single day.

ZARRELLA: Next fall West will begin teaching high school social studies. He has, he says, hung up his sword.

John Zarrella, CNN, Plantation, Florida.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: There is more testimony in the Scott Peterson murder trial. It looks like the defense may be facing some tough new questions. We are live next from California.

Also, what do you get for the man who has everything? How about a world record like nothing you've ever seen?

And later, we'll get the lowdown from Rob Lowe. He's with us, talking about his new television mini series, "Salem's Lot." Some really bad things happen, based on a Stephen King book.

CNN LIVE TODAY is coming right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: More witnesses take the stand this morning in the Scott Peterson double murder trial. Peterson is accused of killing his wife and unborn son.

Our Rusty Dornin is outside the courtroom in Redwood City, California.

Rusty, good morning.

RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

Well, it looks like after the first two weeks of testimony the prosecutors have finished for now calling family, friends and neighbors of Scott Peterson. They're now laying out the investigation from the very beginning.

Four Modesto police officers that were first on the scene the night Laci Peterson disappeared testified on Friday about what Scott Peterson did and didn't do.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DORNIN (voice-over): Jurors found out just how quickly Modesto police became suspicious of Scott Peterson.

Sergeant Byron Duerfeldt testified he summoned a detective to investigate within two hours after he arrived the night of Laci Peterson's disappearance. Somewhat unusual, he said, for a missing persons case.

The defense said Modesto police zeroed in on Peterson too quickly and did a sloppy job. Prosecutors claim investigators were not only thorough, but left few clues undiscovered.

It was a week highlighting alleged discrepancies in Peterson's stories to family and friends. Three people testified Scott Peterson told them he went golfing the day his wife disappeared. His alibi to police, he went fishing.

Harvey Kemple, a relative of Laci Peterson, says he became so suspicious because of that remark, he followed Peterson around town twice. Family and friends testified Peterson seemed unemotional to them following his wife's disappearance.

But then Susan Medina, a neighbor, told the court that Peterson came to her house one day and broke down and cried. Medina's house was burglarized in the two days that followed Laci Peterson's disappearance.

She also testified transients often came through the neighborhood, something the defense is likely to capitalize on later with their theory that Laci Peterson was abducted while walking her dog.

Two weeks of testimony and no bombshells, no evidence yet presented by prosecutors that directly links Peterson to the crime.

(END VIDEOTAPE) DORNIN: There could be some fireworks in the courtroom this week. The defense has claimed that two of the lead detectives outright lied in the case. So we can expect the cross-examinations there to -- to be rather fiery.

Also, one detective, they claim, left his car keys in Scott Peterson's truck and then left his case notebook in the boat, showing how sloppy their investigative techniques were.

Still no word on when the star witness for the prosecution, Amber Frey, will testify, of course Scott Peterson's former witness -- mistress will testify. No word yet. We're expecting it any time within the next two months -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And that would be about the time the prosecution would wrap up and the defense would get their turn?

DORNIN: Well, it looks like things are going a little more quickly than we expected. This was supposed to be a five- or six- month trial. Things seem to be moving along a little bit more quickly. I think some of the folks here are getting a sense it could be four or five months instead of six.

KAGAN: All right. Rusty Dornin, Redwood City, California. Thank you for that.

Crocodile wrestler Steve Irwin is in hot water again, this time for allegedly cavorting with whales and penguins. Irwin sparked outrage in January for hand feeding a crocodile while holding his infant baby.

Now Irwin says he's being investigated by Australian authorities for allegedly swimming with whales and getting too close to penguins while filming a documentary in Antarctica. He calls the whole thing a big storm in a teacup. All right, then.

Well, one of the most popular stories on CNN.com, Richard Branson set a world speed record in a car that becomes a speed boat in the water. He drove across the English Channel in less than two hours. The Virgin Group chairman slashed nearly 4 1/2 hours off the previous amphibious vehicle record.

Who even knew there was such a record out there? Congratulations, Richard Branson, I guess.

Nature's fury has been caught on camera. Wait until you see these pictures. There may be more pictures like this to come today. A look at the weather, especially in the Midwest, is coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: We're getting word that Attorney General John Ashcroft plans to hold a news conference about seven minutes from right now.

Our Kelli Arena has an advance word about what the attorney general will be talking about. And Kelli is here with more on that -- Kelli.

KELLI ARENA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Daryn.

We are told the attorney general will be announcing -- will be announcing a four count indictment against a Somali citizen named Nuradin Abdi for providing material support to terrorists. It's a charge that we've heard before.

Apparently, Mr. Abdi was allegedly planning to bomb a shopping mall in Columbus, Ohio. He was taken into custody around Thanksgiving of last year. And I guess that he's confessed to a number of things. And we'll be hearing from the attorney general very shortly.

I'm also told by a law enforcement source that he had a relationship with Iyman Faris. That's a name that you might remember. He's an Ohio truck driver who also pled guilty, was sentenced to 20 years in prison -- there he is -- for scouting out locations for al Qaeda.

Mr. Faris, if you remember, had tried to -- after pleading guilty had tried to go back to the judge and say that he'd only said these things because he was trying to write a book. But the judge said, "Sorry, there's no language problem here. There's no issue of mental competency. You're serving your term."

So apparently an associate of Mr. Iyman Faris. Again, his name, Mr. -- I just lost it Daryn. It's all very new. This is just coming in. Nuradin Abdi will be indicted for providing material support to a terrorist organization.

We're expecting that press conference in just about five minutes, Daryn.

KAGAN: Right. I wanted us to get to the Justice Department. We'll be showing it live right here on CNN.

Kelli, thank you for that update.

ARENA: You, too.

KAGAN: You check that.

Meanwhile, while we wait for the attorney general, let's get some weather in here.

A state of disaster has been declared for 12 Kansas counties. Look at these pictures, folks. Devastated by a string of tornadoes on Saturday just like this one. It churned through the town of Mulvane. It destroyed homes, toppled radio towers and, not surprisingly, knocked out power.

What can they expect today. And what about those pictures that we witnessed that destruction? Here is Jacqui Jeras -- Jacqui.

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: Jacqui, thank you for that.

Looking at the question of who might be picked as John Kerry's running mate? Well, the field might be narrowing. A new poll shows just how the challenger is doing against Mr. Bush right now. Your political wrap up is coming up next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired June 14, 2004 - 11:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We've been listening in to a very interesting event at the White House, as the official portraits of former President Clinton and former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton were unveiled. A lot of effusive, warm praise from President Bush.
Let's bring in our senior political analyst Bill Schneider, who's been listening in as well.

Bill, some of the terms that were used, President Bush describing former President Clinton, incredible energy, great personal appeal. Talking about Hillary Rodham Clinton, a woman greatly admired in our country.

I got to tell you, had I not been listening myself, I don't know if I would have believed the transcript when I read it, but there was a lot of warm feelings flowing in that room today.

BILL SCHNEIDER, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: A lot of warm feelings, very personal feelings. Bush said about President Clinton, "He filled this house with energy and joy."

I think it would be very hard to find anyone who would disagree with that. And while obviously these two men disagree on a great deal politically, they both have a lot of youth, energy.

Look, they are different faces of the Baby Boom generation that's come to power in the United States. Clinton, the Democrats, the left Bush on the right, more conservatives.

And Bill Clinton made an interesting remark recently. He said, "If you want to predict how a person feels, where he is -- he or she is in politics today, ask them how they felt about the '60s. If you thought the '60s did more good than harm, you're probably a Democrat." And those were Clinton supporters.

If you think the '60s did more harm than good, you're probably a Republican. And those are Bush supporters.

That's exactly right. Bush, and with Clinton, you see the two faces of that generation.

DARYN KAGAN, ANCHOR: And it was two faces that were beaming today, enjoying the event. And as Mrs. Bush said, they are convening to lunch now.

Bill Schneider, thank you for your comments.

SCHNEIDER: Sure.

KAGAN: Interesting part of that story, and Bill Clinton brought this up. The man who actually painted the portraits, man named Simmie Knox, a self-taught man born in 1935 in Aliceville, Alabama, to a family of sharecroppers.

He grows up to live the American dream and to paint the official portraits of the Clintons that will hang in the White House. The first African-American artist to have that honor.

Simmie Knox will be a guest tonight on "PAULA ZAHN," talking about painting that portrait. That's 8 p.m. Eastern, 5 p.m. Pacific.

And we're at the top of the hour. Let's check the latest developments that we're following at this hour.

A car bomb attack in the heart of the Iraqi capital. The bomb exploded in central Baghdad during the morning rush hour today. Authorities say at least 13 people were killed. General Electric says five of the dead were employees or security contractors with one of its companies.

The president of Afghanistan is in Washington to discuss the future of his country and relations with the U.S. Hamid Karzai says that Afghanistan is on track to hold elections this fall. Karzai visits the Pentagon today and meets with President Bush at the White House tomorrow.

A soggy scene in Texas. Slow-moving storms dumping heavy rain in the Houston area, flooding streets and highways. The stormy weather knocked out power to about 7,000 customers, and several flights at Bush Intercontinental Airport were delayed or canceled yesterday because of a record rainfall there.

Drivers are experiencing just a little less pain at the pump. The average price of gas has dropped more than six cents a gallon over the past three weeks. That's according to an industry survey. A gallon of self-serve regular still costs just about $2 on average.

Because of the event at the White House, we're just a couple minutes past the top of the hour getting started here. So just two minutes past 11 a.m. on the East Coast, and just a couple minutes past 8 a.m. on the West.

Good morning, everyone. From CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Daryn Kagan.

And with that, let's go on to the Supreme Court. A ruling -- actually a dismissal of a case that a lot of people are watching concerning the Pledge of Allegiance.

With more on that, let's check in with our Bob Franken, who is standing by at the Supreme Court -- Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

And of course, the ruling, the ultimate effect of the ruling is that children will still be saying the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Now this is dripping with symbolism and irony. It is Flag Day. Anybody who believes the Supreme Court justices are not above a little bit of irony, could look at today's ruling on the Pledge of Allegiance.

It has to do with the 50-year-old insertion of the words "under God." But they didn't rule on the constitutionality. At least, the majority of them did not.

Five justices ruled on the fact that Michael Newdow had been determined not to be the custodial parent. So in the words of Justice John Paul Stevens, quote, "He lacks credential (ph) standing." Going on to say that the California cases simply do not stand for the proposition that Newdow has a right to dictate to others what he may or may not say to his child -- what they may or may not say to his child respecting religion.

Three other justices decided that they wanted this ruling to be about the constitutional question, having to do with the First Amendment and the use of the words "under God."

Justices Rehnquist and O'Connor talk about our national culture, saying that it does not allow public recognition -- it does allow public recognition of our nature's religious character in history.

They talked about Newdow and his Hector's veto (ph), which they said is unwarranted extension of the establishment clause. The First Amendment, of course, prohibits the establishment of religion by the government.

The practical effect, 8-0, against Newdow for the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. Justice Scalia did not participate. He had recused himself because he had made remarks in a speech critical of Newdow's case in the first place -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Bob Franken at the Supreme Court, where there's potential for other big rulings to come out today. When that happens, we'll go back to you live. Thank you, Bob.

Meanwhile, four minutes past the hour. A missing American, an apparent abduction and a family's anguish.

Relatives are waiting for word on the fate of American contractor, Paul Johnson. He was apparently abducted by Islamist militants in Saudi Arabia.

Our Alina Cho is in New Jersey, where Johnson's family members are gathering -- Alina. ALINA CHO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, though he worked in Saudi Arabia for more than a decade, Paul Johnson was born and raised in New Jersey. His mother, brother and sister live here. His son is currently on his way here from Florida and will arrive later today.

Now Johnson was abducted on Saturday in Riyadh, the same week that two Americans were killed there. A group claiming to have links to al Qaeda posted on a web site a passport-sized photo of Johnson, a driver's license, even a business card.

Johnson was an Apache helicopter specialist with Lockheed Martin. His son, speaking from his home in Florida earlier today, said he hasn't slept in two days.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PAUL JOHNSON III, SON: I would trade in a heartbeat with my father. He doesn't deserve this. And I plead with you all to please let my father go. He don't deserve it. We all -- we all got to do jobs, you know, and he just does not deserve what -- what has happened.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHO: Johnson's son also thanked the media for keeping his father's name fresh, as he called it.

We also spoke a moment ago to a family friend who came to visit Johnson's brother.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MARGE HOLTS, FAMILY FRIEND: He's a good guy. He loved the job he's doing. Like I said, he's an all-American boy, you know. And this is sad.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHO: Saudi officials are leading the investigation into the search for Johnson, but, of course, they are in very close contact with U.S. officials.

A moment ago, Lockheed Martin also released a statement saying that they, too, are in close contact with government officials and they, of course, are also in close contact with the family -- Daryn.

KAGAN: We'll be monitoring the situation. Alina, thank you for that.

A former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia says the apparent kidnapping is an attempt to spread fear and undermine the Saudi government. Ambassador Robert Jordan says the terrorists have shifted from large-scale attacks to specific targets.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) ROBERT JORDAN, FORMER U.S. AMBASSADOR TO SAUDI ARABIA: The first target of the terrorist, I think, is to bring down the house of al- Saud, the royal family. The second target is Westerners. They want to rid the kingdom and, in fact, the entire Arabian Peninsula, of all Westerners.

But it's very much an attack on the Saudi royal family. I think it's also intended to embarrass the royal family and suggest that they are incapable of protecting Westerners in their kingdom.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Jordan says that Saudi Arabia needs to hire more security officers and step up intelligence gathering to combat the terrorists.

A car bomb exploded in central Baghdad today, just 16 days before the handover of power in Iraq. Bush administration officials have warned of increasing violence as the June 30 transfer date approaches.

Authorities say that Western electrical contractors were the target of today's suicide bombing, and General Electric says that five of those killed were employees or security contractors with one of its subsidiaries.

Our Guy Ross has more now from Baghdad.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GUY ROSS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Baghdad's landscape now characterized by chaos. A morning rush hour car bomb this time, the 17th car bomb in Iraq this month.

Westerners were targeted, Iraqis part of the terrorists' collateral damage. Charred bodies were pulled from the rubble of this three-story building. Burning vehicles smoldered in the middle of the road.

Condemnations from all corners, still those behind the attacks seem more determined than ever.

AYAD ALLAWI, INTERIM IRAQI PRIME MINISTER: We deplore this terrorist act and vow to get the criminals to justice.

ROSS: An angry crowd gathered around the bomb site. "America is the enemy of God," they chanted, confused Iraqis passing along conspiracy theories blaming America and Jews.

Less than one month before administrative authority is handed over to an Iraqi government, officials warned of more attacks to come. Most of them silently concede they'll be difficult to stop.

Guy Ross, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: U.S. coalition authorities in Iraq say the transition of power is moving forward, despite the continued violence. A coalition spokesman says that Iraqis are in charge of the investigation into today's car bombing.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAN SENOR, COALITION SPOKESMAN: The Iraqi police are lead in the investigation.

Prime Minister Allawi held a press conference today. He expressed his own views. He referenced Zarqawi and his al Qaeda network as one possible suspect and other terrorists that have come into the country or could have been operating here earlier.

It's a little too early to tell. We'll let the process play out. I'm sure the Iraqi authorities in the days ahead will have more information.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Senor says that more than half of the ministries in Iraq are now being run by the Iraqis.

"The Washington Post" has now published a copy of the August 2002 internal Justice Department memo making a legal case for the use of torture in the war on terror. The "Post" described that memo last week.

In it, Justice Department lawyers advised the White House that torturing captive al Qaeda terrorists during interrogation abroad may be justified.

When it comes to the question of prisoner abuse, the agonizing question is whether excessive force is justified to prevent imminent loss of life.

Our John Zarrella paid a visit to a former Army officer who says he lost his career for doing exactly that.

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JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Al West was invited to ride along with North Miami Beach police officers who protect and serve. That's what he used to do during 22 years in the Army.

His life has been very different the past few months. Now that he's a civilian, his family gets more attention.

LT. COL. AL WEST, U.S. ARMY (RET.): I get to spend more time with them and my back doesn't hurt so much from bending over and lacing up combat boots.

ZARRELLA: A year ago, West, a lieutenant colonel, was accused of using excessive force to get information about a rumored upcoming attack from a detainee in Iraq. WEST: I took my service 9mm, I fired it up into the air and then setting his head away I fired across from it. It was kind of like in the Navy. They fire a shot across the bow. And then he fessed up to the interpreters.

ZARRELLA: West says his actions saved American lives. Critics say he should have been court-martialed.

The Army fined him $5,000 and virtually forced him to retire, though with benefits.

A career cut short, but West says he's not bitter.

WEST: For me to come back and say, I hate the Army, that would be, in turn, saying I hate myself.

ZARRELLA: Now, West spends hours each day at his new home in Plantation, Florida, answering and reading e-mails.

WEST: The vast majority of the American people support you. Appreciate you the sacrifice you made.

ZARRELLA: And those who admire him want to hear him. He has made speaking appearances before a local Republican club, at churches and to police.

WEST: Sometimes and so often we forget that you all are the true heroes every single day.

ZARRELLA: Next fall West will begin teaching high school social studies. He has, he says, hung up his sword.

John Zarrella, CNN, Plantation, Florida.

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KAGAN: There is more testimony in the Scott Peterson murder trial. It looks like the defense may be facing some tough new questions. We are live next from California.

Also, what do you get for the man who has everything? How about a world record like nothing you've ever seen?

And later, we'll get the lowdown from Rob Lowe. He's with us, talking about his new television mini series, "Salem's Lot." Some really bad things happen, based on a Stephen King book.

CNN LIVE TODAY is coming right back.

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KAGAN: More witnesses take the stand this morning in the Scott Peterson double murder trial. Peterson is accused of killing his wife and unborn son.

Our Rusty Dornin is outside the courtroom in Redwood City, California.

Rusty, good morning.

RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

Well, it looks like after the first two weeks of testimony the prosecutors have finished for now calling family, friends and neighbors of Scott Peterson. They're now laying out the investigation from the very beginning.

Four Modesto police officers that were first on the scene the night Laci Peterson disappeared testified on Friday about what Scott Peterson did and didn't do.

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DORNIN (voice-over): Jurors found out just how quickly Modesto police became suspicious of Scott Peterson.

Sergeant Byron Duerfeldt testified he summoned a detective to investigate within two hours after he arrived the night of Laci Peterson's disappearance. Somewhat unusual, he said, for a missing persons case.

The defense said Modesto police zeroed in on Peterson too quickly and did a sloppy job. Prosecutors claim investigators were not only thorough, but left few clues undiscovered.

It was a week highlighting alleged discrepancies in Peterson's stories to family and friends. Three people testified Scott Peterson told them he went golfing the day his wife disappeared. His alibi to police, he went fishing.

Harvey Kemple, a relative of Laci Peterson, says he became so suspicious because of that remark, he followed Peterson around town twice. Family and friends testified Peterson seemed unemotional to them following his wife's disappearance.

But then Susan Medina, a neighbor, told the court that Peterson came to her house one day and broke down and cried. Medina's house was burglarized in the two days that followed Laci Peterson's disappearance.

She also testified transients often came through the neighborhood, something the defense is likely to capitalize on later with their theory that Laci Peterson was abducted while walking her dog.

Two weeks of testimony and no bombshells, no evidence yet presented by prosecutors that directly links Peterson to the crime.

(END VIDEOTAPE) DORNIN: There could be some fireworks in the courtroom this week. The defense has claimed that two of the lead detectives outright lied in the case. So we can expect the cross-examinations there to -- to be rather fiery.

Also, one detective, they claim, left his car keys in Scott Peterson's truck and then left his case notebook in the boat, showing how sloppy their investigative techniques were.

Still no word on when the star witness for the prosecution, Amber Frey, will testify, of course Scott Peterson's former witness -- mistress will testify. No word yet. We're expecting it any time within the next two months -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And that would be about the time the prosecution would wrap up and the defense would get their turn?

DORNIN: Well, it looks like things are going a little more quickly than we expected. This was supposed to be a five- or six- month trial. Things seem to be moving along a little bit more quickly. I think some of the folks here are getting a sense it could be four or five months instead of six.

KAGAN: All right. Rusty Dornin, Redwood City, California. Thank you for that.

Crocodile wrestler Steve Irwin is in hot water again, this time for allegedly cavorting with whales and penguins. Irwin sparked outrage in January for hand feeding a crocodile while holding his infant baby.

Now Irwin says he's being investigated by Australian authorities for allegedly swimming with whales and getting too close to penguins while filming a documentary in Antarctica. He calls the whole thing a big storm in a teacup. All right, then.

Well, one of the most popular stories on CNN.com, Richard Branson set a world speed record in a car that becomes a speed boat in the water. He drove across the English Channel in less than two hours. The Virgin Group chairman slashed nearly 4 1/2 hours off the previous amphibious vehicle record.

Who even knew there was such a record out there? Congratulations, Richard Branson, I guess.

Nature's fury has been caught on camera. Wait until you see these pictures. There may be more pictures like this to come today. A look at the weather, especially in the Midwest, is coming up.

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KAGAN: We're getting word that Attorney General John Ashcroft plans to hold a news conference about seven minutes from right now.

Our Kelli Arena has an advance word about what the attorney general will be talking about. And Kelli is here with more on that -- Kelli.

KELLI ARENA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Daryn.

We are told the attorney general will be announcing -- will be announcing a four count indictment against a Somali citizen named Nuradin Abdi for providing material support to terrorists. It's a charge that we've heard before.

Apparently, Mr. Abdi was allegedly planning to bomb a shopping mall in Columbus, Ohio. He was taken into custody around Thanksgiving of last year. And I guess that he's confessed to a number of things. And we'll be hearing from the attorney general very shortly.

I'm also told by a law enforcement source that he had a relationship with Iyman Faris. That's a name that you might remember. He's an Ohio truck driver who also pled guilty, was sentenced to 20 years in prison -- there he is -- for scouting out locations for al Qaeda.

Mr. Faris, if you remember, had tried to -- after pleading guilty had tried to go back to the judge and say that he'd only said these things because he was trying to write a book. But the judge said, "Sorry, there's no language problem here. There's no issue of mental competency. You're serving your term."

So apparently an associate of Mr. Iyman Faris. Again, his name, Mr. -- I just lost it Daryn. It's all very new. This is just coming in. Nuradin Abdi will be indicted for providing material support to a terrorist organization.

We're expecting that press conference in just about five minutes, Daryn.

KAGAN: Right. I wanted us to get to the Justice Department. We'll be showing it live right here on CNN.

Kelli, thank you for that update.

ARENA: You, too.

KAGAN: You check that.

Meanwhile, while we wait for the attorney general, let's get some weather in here.

A state of disaster has been declared for 12 Kansas counties. Look at these pictures, folks. Devastated by a string of tornadoes on Saturday just like this one. It churned through the town of Mulvane. It destroyed homes, toppled radio towers and, not surprisingly, knocked out power.

What can they expect today. And what about those pictures that we witnessed that destruction? Here is Jacqui Jeras -- Jacqui.

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KAGAN: Jacqui, thank you for that.

Looking at the question of who might be picked as John Kerry's running mate? Well, the field might be narrowing. A new poll shows just how the challenger is doing against Mr. Bush right now. Your political wrap up is coming up next.

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