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Tropical Storm Bonnie, Hurricane Charley Prepare to Deliver Double Slam on Florida; Members of Iraq's Interim Government Talk About Situation in Najaf

Aired August 12, 2004 - 10:30   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: Let's bring in our senior political analyst, Bill Schneider, who's listening in and watching this as it develops.
Two distinct different ways of combating terror, Bill.

WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SR. POLITICAL ANALYST: Well, yes. What John Kerry is saying is that he would do it with more sensitivity to our allies, to the members of the coalition, with less arrogance. He's putting sensitivity as the opposite of arrogance, and accusing the Bush administration of arrogance. Could be called a poor choice of words. What the senator actually said to the Unity Minority Journalist Conference last week was, I believe I can fight a more effective, more thoughtful, more strategic, more proactive, more sensitive war on terror that reaches out to other nations and brings them to our side. Probably a poor choice of words, "sensitive," because the Bush campaign just seized on that and said, how can we fight a war on terror led by a sensitive New Age kind of guy.

KAGAN: Meanwhile, on the Bush campaign making some adjustments of its own, President Bush dropping a key line from a campaign speech he's been given recently, the line where he talks about turning the corner, that we're turning the corner on the economy.

SCHNEIDER: Turning the corner on economy, turning the corner on Iraq, and the Democrats immediately seized on that as a misstatement and compared it to "mission accomplished," as crowing about achievements that haven't yet been achieved.

The thing that killed that line, and the reason the Bush administration -- the Bush campaign is dropping it, is the jobs report that came out last week, a disappointing number, only 32,000 jobs created in July. People had expected over 200,000. It looks like there will not be all the -- the jobs lost will not be regained by the time of the election. No one is aware of what corner is being turned. The news is not good. That news of the jobs report really made that line seem totally out of sync with the way the electorate feels, and the Bush campaign has adjusted its campaign accordingly.

KAGAN: Bill Schneider in Washington.

Bill, thank you.

SCHNEIDER: Sure. KAGAN: This note from the world of politics, President Bush and first lady Laura Bush appear in an exclusive joint interview tonight with Larry King. That's LARRY KING LIVE, 9:00 p.m. Eastern, right here on CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: They are boarding up and tying down as Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane Charley prepare to deliver a double slam on Florida. The Keys and the Panhandle are bracing for a beating.

Doug Lindsay, from our affiliate WAWS joins us from Apalachicola, Florida.

Hello there.

DOUG LINDSAY, WAWS REPORTER: Hello. How are you?

KAGAN: I'm doing better. And I think you're almost as dry as it is here in the studio in Atlanta, Georgia.

LINDSAY: Well, we're dry at the moment. But you know, of course Bonnie is knocking on our doorstep here. It's only about 30 or 40 miles offshore.

And just within the last several hours, we've had several feeder bands from Bonnie coming through here, and each time we get one of those feeder bands, we get into some really heavy rain and some very gusty winds.

But right now, we're in between feeder bands. But you probably notice way off in the distance there how dark the sky is. So one of those feeder bands is heading our way.

But even between the feeder bands, we're finding that the winds are staying up now. We've got sustained winds here of at least 25 to 30 miles an hour, and we're seeing gusts up to as high as 40 miles an hour.

In fact, if you could look over to the right side here, you'll see some reeds. It'll give you a better idea of just how windy it is out here right now. And we're probably only about 15 minutes or so away from that next feeder band of heavy downpours coming in. Of course, you know, We're bracing now for the big hit which should come in the next hour or so, as Bonnie makes its way onshore. So it's going to be a very interesting next couple of hours here.

KAGAN: Right, so, Doug, you're showing us the wind. But really it is the rain that is the big concern and potential flooding?

LINDSAY: Well, that's right, and the potential for flooding, of course.

And the wind could play a role as well, because we've had so much rain out here over the last couple of months, that, you know, the ground is saturated, and the trees, you know, we get a lot of wind. A lot of these trees around here are going to come down. And when they do, we're talking about power lines coming down, possibly trees on homes, or maybe damaging some cars as well, so even though the wind isn't a major player, because of the saturated ground, the wind may end up bringing a lot of trees down, which could cause a lot of trouble.

KAGAN: So are folks evacuating in that area, or are they staying put?

LINDSAY: It's amazing how many people are staying put. It's a small town. It's a very quiet, peaceful town of about 5,000 people, and the people have been here for generations. And they've seen so many of these storms, hardly anybody is leaving. Only a few people have boarded up their windows. They're just real casual and blase about it. Not too concerned about Bonnie, but what they are concerned about, though, is the potential that maybe Charley may come this way, is a much stronger storm.

KAGAN: It is a beautiful part of the country. We wish you well. And we'll check back in with you.

Doug Lindsay from our WAWS in Apalachicola, Florida. Thank you.

You can keep an eye on Bonnie and Charley and follow their progress online, CNN.com/weather.

We are following a number of stories right now, including standing by for a news conference coming out of Baghdad, members of Iraq's interim government, holding a news conference, talking about the situation in Najaf. The standoff between Iraqi forces and U.S. forces as well, and those in the Mehdi Army representing Muqtada Al- Sadr. That news conference is straight ahead.

Also, straight talk this morning from some of golf's biggest stars. It's called Whistling Straits. That's where they're teeing off this morning for the PGA Championship. The talk is just how hard this course could be. We'll take you there live.

And later, for anyone who's ever been stuck on a bad blind date, we've got a solution, a little bit later on CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: We go live now to Baghdad. These are members of Iraq's interim government talking about the situation in Najaf.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Therefore, our government calls upon all the armed groups to drop their weapons and to return to the society. The political process is opened for all, and everyone is invited to take part in it.

We also hope -- we also call upon all the armed men to evacuate the holy shrine and not to violate its holiness, which has been violated by these armed groups. Thank you very much.

The minister of interior will give his statement.

FALAH AL-NAKIB, IRAQI INTERIOR MINISTER (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Thank you very much, and welcome.

I will talk about the last two days regarding the activities of the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Iraqi national guard and also Iraqi armed forces.

There have been certain breaches in the province of Al-Basra, and before that in Al-Najaf province also.

In Najaf, the Iraqi national guard and Iraqi police, who were supported by the air force of the multinational forces, they have scanned the cemetery and have confiscated large amounts of weapons and have captured about 1,200 individuals. Some of them are of non-Iraqi nationalities.

This operation lasted until today, and the Iraq national guard and the Iraqi police were able to reach the perimeters of the holy shrine.

AL-NAKIB (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): In spite of what some media reports have said, that the coalition forces or the multinational forces have crossed the red line and have started approaching the holy shrine, we say this to the Iraqi people and to anyone who is keen and has the holiness of this shrine in his interest: We say that the multinational forces right now are located in the 1920 Revolution Square.

The operations are still continuing in this city and will continue to take place until these militias evacuate the holy shrine, either by force or by surrendering to the Iraqi authorities and to take benefit of the amnesty period issued by the prime minister.

Regarding to the province of Diwaniyah, two days ago, some al- Sadr-related groups have come from Nasiriyah. They were about 200 in number and they settled down in Diwaniyah and started launching attacks the next day, the morning, and tried to enter some of the government's buildings. But they were repelled by the Iraqi police, Iraqi national guard. In cooperation with the multinational forces, they were able to repel their attacks and captured 47 of them, and 10 of them were injured. These injured are right now at the hospital. And also among these people were those who do not speak Arabic.

This situation also occurred in the province of Kut, where, with high level of bravery and efficiency, the Iraqi police and the Iraqi national guard, in cooperation with the multinational forces, were able to defeat 400 of the insurgents.

AL-NAKIB (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Some of them were killed, captured or wounded. Some of them also came from abroad.

This operation started yesterday at 8 a.m. and came to an end at 12 midnight. And the Iraq security forces were able to search all the areas in the province except for the district of Al Hai (ph), which was scanned and searched today, and those individuals making operations there were arrested.

There also were some demonstrations that took place. Some of them were peaceful, others were violent. These violent protests were faced and controlled by the Iraqi security forces. In Alamara, some reports were expecting the fall of this province, but our brave security forces took full control of this city, and again were capable of killing or arresting some of the insurgents.

As for Baghdad, the activities of the Iraqi national guard and Iraqi police, these activities were located at Sadr City. This city was isolated by blocking all bridges and roads to it. And also we were able to defuse 300 explosive devices. And we were also capable of repelling all attacks of al-Sadr groups and other groups related to them.

Today the Iraqi national guard in Haifa Street (ph) carried out an attack on some safe houses taken by former Baathists and other terrorists, and they were able to arrest the leader of a dangerous group. He has been wanted for one year. And also other groups were also arrested. This operation lasted until 5 p.m. today. And the Iraqi national guard and the Iraqi police were capable of taking full control of the area.

The Sharala (ph) district in Baghdad also, there were some police stations there that were exposed to attacks by al-Sadr militia.

AL-NAKIB (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): But these attacks were repelled. And Iraqi national guards have supported these operations. And they were able to arrest some of these criminals.

This is with regard to the operations throughout Iraq.

KAGAN: We've been listening in to a news conference from Baghdad. These are members of the Iraqi interim government talking about the difficult situation taking place in Najaf, in the southern part of the country, with the standoff with the Mehdi Army representing and fighting for the cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr.

You heard members of the government calling on people there to respect and withdraw the holy Shiite shrine of the Shrine of the Imam Ali, where many of the fighters are holed up there, and taking advantage of many of the caves and parts of the cemetery in order to fight U.S. and Iraqi forces.

Also calling on the opposition to lay down their arms and join the political process. Muqtada Al-Sadr, for one, has made it clear he does not intend to do that, that he intends to fight until he is killed, until he wins, or until he is arrested, which would basically make him a martyr.

Meanwhile, while we were listening to the news conference, word coming out of the United Nations, the Security Council today unanimously voting to approve a resolution that would extend the U.S. mission in Iraq for at least another year. How significant a role the U.N. would play, though, in Iraq is unclear at this time.

Clearly a lot of news coming out of Iraq, right here in the U.S. as well today. We're going to get to more of that, as well as the latest on the weather systems that are headed toward Florida. We'll do that after this break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: We escape to the world of sports, if just for a moment. Play has started at the Whistling Straits golf course. That is the PGA's fourth and final major of the year. But even before this morning's opening shot, some golfers are already predicting wind might cause dismal scores on the longest course in major championship history.

Our Patrick Snell is in Haven, Wisconsin, with the lay of the land, hopefully about to answer the question, is this the PGA Championship, or the British Open with the way this course looks?

PATRICK SNELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Thanks, Daryn.

Yes, many players getting here and remarking that this course, which I think will be a huge factor this week, does look very much like a course, link style course out in Scotland, or northern Ireland. Davis Love III certainly quite prominent in that field.

Many, many players have started well, though. More on their exploits in a moment.

But I think as this tournament unfolds, we are going to see a very determined and sustained challenge from the likes of the big four -- Els, Mickelson, Vijay Singh and of course, Tiger Woods.

They, though, like everyone else will find it tough battling against the elements.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PHIL MICKELSON, 2004 MASTERS CHAMPION: The biggest factor in the scores will be the wind, because it comes from different directions at different strengths, and it makes the golf course play totally different, as far as what holes you can make birdies on and what holes you're fighting for par.

TIGER WOODS, 8 MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS: There's not one hole out here where, you know, you can't make -- there's a possibility to make a double, with a marginal shot. I mean, not a bad golf shot, just a marginal shot. And you get a bad bounce, and all of a sudden you're down over one of those cliffs, and you get into a rut on the far side of the bunker, and you have absolutely not golf shot.

SERGIO GARCIA, 2 PGA TOUR WINS IN 2004: It's going to be a long week, so we know that. That's where patience is going to come into play, and the more patient you can be, the easier it's going to make the week.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SNELL: Sergio Garcia, of course, still looking for his first major.

Now what about the early move. It was a quite sensational start from K.J. Choi of Korea. He was five under par through seven holes, along with Northern Ireland's Darren Clark.

But what about one man who has been struggling of late when it comes to majors, Tiger Woods. I can tell you, he has not had the best of the beginnings here on the shores of Lake Michigan. He was three over par early on in his round -- Daryn.

KAGAN: All right. We will check in on Tiger, and we'll be back with you, Patrick. Thank you. Much more golf to come in the next hour from Wisconsin.

Also we are focusing on Florida, the double threat there, something this state has not seen in 98 years. We'll take you live to the National Hurricane Center for an update and Tropical Storm Bonnie.

And meet Private Hammer. This little feline gets his rank in Iraq. The private and his owner joining us live.

The second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins after this break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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


Aired August 12, 2004 - 10:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Let's bring in our senior political analyst, Bill Schneider, who's listening in and watching this as it develops.
Two distinct different ways of combating terror, Bill.

WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SR. POLITICAL ANALYST: Well, yes. What John Kerry is saying is that he would do it with more sensitivity to our allies, to the members of the coalition, with less arrogance. He's putting sensitivity as the opposite of arrogance, and accusing the Bush administration of arrogance. Could be called a poor choice of words. What the senator actually said to the Unity Minority Journalist Conference last week was, I believe I can fight a more effective, more thoughtful, more strategic, more proactive, more sensitive war on terror that reaches out to other nations and brings them to our side. Probably a poor choice of words, "sensitive," because the Bush campaign just seized on that and said, how can we fight a war on terror led by a sensitive New Age kind of guy.

KAGAN: Meanwhile, on the Bush campaign making some adjustments of its own, President Bush dropping a key line from a campaign speech he's been given recently, the line where he talks about turning the corner, that we're turning the corner on the economy.

SCHNEIDER: Turning the corner on economy, turning the corner on Iraq, and the Democrats immediately seized on that as a misstatement and compared it to "mission accomplished," as crowing about achievements that haven't yet been achieved.

The thing that killed that line, and the reason the Bush administration -- the Bush campaign is dropping it, is the jobs report that came out last week, a disappointing number, only 32,000 jobs created in July. People had expected over 200,000. It looks like there will not be all the -- the jobs lost will not be regained by the time of the election. No one is aware of what corner is being turned. The news is not good. That news of the jobs report really made that line seem totally out of sync with the way the electorate feels, and the Bush campaign has adjusted its campaign accordingly.

KAGAN: Bill Schneider in Washington.

Bill, thank you.

SCHNEIDER: Sure. KAGAN: This note from the world of politics, President Bush and first lady Laura Bush appear in an exclusive joint interview tonight with Larry King. That's LARRY KING LIVE, 9:00 p.m. Eastern, right here on CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: They are boarding up and tying down as Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane Charley prepare to deliver a double slam on Florida. The Keys and the Panhandle are bracing for a beating.

Doug Lindsay, from our affiliate WAWS joins us from Apalachicola, Florida.

Hello there.

DOUG LINDSAY, WAWS REPORTER: Hello. How are you?

KAGAN: I'm doing better. And I think you're almost as dry as it is here in the studio in Atlanta, Georgia.

LINDSAY: Well, we're dry at the moment. But you know, of course Bonnie is knocking on our doorstep here. It's only about 30 or 40 miles offshore.

And just within the last several hours, we've had several feeder bands from Bonnie coming through here, and each time we get one of those feeder bands, we get into some really heavy rain and some very gusty winds.

But right now, we're in between feeder bands. But you probably notice way off in the distance there how dark the sky is. So one of those feeder bands is heading our way.

But even between the feeder bands, we're finding that the winds are staying up now. We've got sustained winds here of at least 25 to 30 miles an hour, and we're seeing gusts up to as high as 40 miles an hour.

In fact, if you could look over to the right side here, you'll see some reeds. It'll give you a better idea of just how windy it is out here right now. And we're probably only about 15 minutes or so away from that next feeder band of heavy downpours coming in. Of course, you know, We're bracing now for the big hit which should come in the next hour or so, as Bonnie makes its way onshore. So it's going to be a very interesting next couple of hours here.

KAGAN: Right, so, Doug, you're showing us the wind. But really it is the rain that is the big concern and potential flooding?

LINDSAY: Well, that's right, and the potential for flooding, of course.

And the wind could play a role as well, because we've had so much rain out here over the last couple of months, that, you know, the ground is saturated, and the trees, you know, we get a lot of wind. A lot of these trees around here are going to come down. And when they do, we're talking about power lines coming down, possibly trees on homes, or maybe damaging some cars as well, so even though the wind isn't a major player, because of the saturated ground, the wind may end up bringing a lot of trees down, which could cause a lot of trouble.

KAGAN: So are folks evacuating in that area, or are they staying put?

LINDSAY: It's amazing how many people are staying put. It's a small town. It's a very quiet, peaceful town of about 5,000 people, and the people have been here for generations. And they've seen so many of these storms, hardly anybody is leaving. Only a few people have boarded up their windows. They're just real casual and blase about it. Not too concerned about Bonnie, but what they are concerned about, though, is the potential that maybe Charley may come this way, is a much stronger storm.

KAGAN: It is a beautiful part of the country. We wish you well. And we'll check back in with you.

Doug Lindsay from our WAWS in Apalachicola, Florida. Thank you.

You can keep an eye on Bonnie and Charley and follow their progress online, CNN.com/weather.

We are following a number of stories right now, including standing by for a news conference coming out of Baghdad, members of Iraq's interim government, holding a news conference, talking about the situation in Najaf. The standoff between Iraqi forces and U.S. forces as well, and those in the Mehdi Army representing Muqtada Al- Sadr. That news conference is straight ahead.

Also, straight talk this morning from some of golf's biggest stars. It's called Whistling Straits. That's where they're teeing off this morning for the PGA Championship. The talk is just how hard this course could be. We'll take you there live.

And later, for anyone who's ever been stuck on a bad blind date, we've got a solution, a little bit later on CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: We go live now to Baghdad. These are members of Iraq's interim government talking about the situation in Najaf.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Therefore, our government calls upon all the armed groups to drop their weapons and to return to the society. The political process is opened for all, and everyone is invited to take part in it.

We also hope -- we also call upon all the armed men to evacuate the holy shrine and not to violate its holiness, which has been violated by these armed groups. Thank you very much.

The minister of interior will give his statement.

FALAH AL-NAKIB, IRAQI INTERIOR MINISTER (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Thank you very much, and welcome.

I will talk about the last two days regarding the activities of the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Iraqi national guard and also Iraqi armed forces.

There have been certain breaches in the province of Al-Basra, and before that in Al-Najaf province also.

In Najaf, the Iraqi national guard and Iraqi police, who were supported by the air force of the multinational forces, they have scanned the cemetery and have confiscated large amounts of weapons and have captured about 1,200 individuals. Some of them are of non-Iraqi nationalities.

This operation lasted until today, and the Iraq national guard and the Iraqi police were able to reach the perimeters of the holy shrine.

AL-NAKIB (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): In spite of what some media reports have said, that the coalition forces or the multinational forces have crossed the red line and have started approaching the holy shrine, we say this to the Iraqi people and to anyone who is keen and has the holiness of this shrine in his interest: We say that the multinational forces right now are located in the 1920 Revolution Square.

The operations are still continuing in this city and will continue to take place until these militias evacuate the holy shrine, either by force or by surrendering to the Iraqi authorities and to take benefit of the amnesty period issued by the prime minister.

Regarding to the province of Diwaniyah, two days ago, some al- Sadr-related groups have come from Nasiriyah. They were about 200 in number and they settled down in Diwaniyah and started launching attacks the next day, the morning, and tried to enter some of the government's buildings. But they were repelled by the Iraqi police, Iraqi national guard. In cooperation with the multinational forces, they were able to repel their attacks and captured 47 of them, and 10 of them were injured. These injured are right now at the hospital. And also among these people were those who do not speak Arabic.

This situation also occurred in the province of Kut, where, with high level of bravery and efficiency, the Iraqi police and the Iraqi national guard, in cooperation with the multinational forces, were able to defeat 400 of the insurgents.

AL-NAKIB (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Some of them were killed, captured or wounded. Some of them also came from abroad.

This operation started yesterday at 8 a.m. and came to an end at 12 midnight. And the Iraq security forces were able to search all the areas in the province except for the district of Al Hai (ph), which was scanned and searched today, and those individuals making operations there were arrested.

There also were some demonstrations that took place. Some of them were peaceful, others were violent. These violent protests were faced and controlled by the Iraqi security forces. In Alamara, some reports were expecting the fall of this province, but our brave security forces took full control of this city, and again were capable of killing or arresting some of the insurgents.

As for Baghdad, the activities of the Iraqi national guard and Iraqi police, these activities were located at Sadr City. This city was isolated by blocking all bridges and roads to it. And also we were able to defuse 300 explosive devices. And we were also capable of repelling all attacks of al-Sadr groups and other groups related to them.

Today the Iraqi national guard in Haifa Street (ph) carried out an attack on some safe houses taken by former Baathists and other terrorists, and they were able to arrest the leader of a dangerous group. He has been wanted for one year. And also other groups were also arrested. This operation lasted until 5 p.m. today. And the Iraqi national guard and the Iraqi police were capable of taking full control of the area.

The Sharala (ph) district in Baghdad also, there were some police stations there that were exposed to attacks by al-Sadr militia.

AL-NAKIB (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): But these attacks were repelled. And Iraqi national guards have supported these operations. And they were able to arrest some of these criminals.

This is with regard to the operations throughout Iraq.

KAGAN: We've been listening in to a news conference from Baghdad. These are members of the Iraqi interim government talking about the difficult situation taking place in Najaf, in the southern part of the country, with the standoff with the Mehdi Army representing and fighting for the cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr.

You heard members of the government calling on people there to respect and withdraw the holy Shiite shrine of the Shrine of the Imam Ali, where many of the fighters are holed up there, and taking advantage of many of the caves and parts of the cemetery in order to fight U.S. and Iraqi forces.

Also calling on the opposition to lay down their arms and join the political process. Muqtada Al-Sadr, for one, has made it clear he does not intend to do that, that he intends to fight until he is killed, until he wins, or until he is arrested, which would basically make him a martyr.

Meanwhile, while we were listening to the news conference, word coming out of the United Nations, the Security Council today unanimously voting to approve a resolution that would extend the U.S. mission in Iraq for at least another year. How significant a role the U.N. would play, though, in Iraq is unclear at this time.

Clearly a lot of news coming out of Iraq, right here in the U.S. as well today. We're going to get to more of that, as well as the latest on the weather systems that are headed toward Florida. We'll do that after this break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: We escape to the world of sports, if just for a moment. Play has started at the Whistling Straits golf course. That is the PGA's fourth and final major of the year. But even before this morning's opening shot, some golfers are already predicting wind might cause dismal scores on the longest course in major championship history.

Our Patrick Snell is in Haven, Wisconsin, with the lay of the land, hopefully about to answer the question, is this the PGA Championship, or the British Open with the way this course looks?

PATRICK SNELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Thanks, Daryn.

Yes, many players getting here and remarking that this course, which I think will be a huge factor this week, does look very much like a course, link style course out in Scotland, or northern Ireland. Davis Love III certainly quite prominent in that field.

Many, many players have started well, though. More on their exploits in a moment.

But I think as this tournament unfolds, we are going to see a very determined and sustained challenge from the likes of the big four -- Els, Mickelson, Vijay Singh and of course, Tiger Woods.

They, though, like everyone else will find it tough battling against the elements.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PHIL MICKELSON, 2004 MASTERS CHAMPION: The biggest factor in the scores will be the wind, because it comes from different directions at different strengths, and it makes the golf course play totally different, as far as what holes you can make birdies on and what holes you're fighting for par.

TIGER WOODS, 8 MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS: There's not one hole out here where, you know, you can't make -- there's a possibility to make a double, with a marginal shot. I mean, not a bad golf shot, just a marginal shot. And you get a bad bounce, and all of a sudden you're down over one of those cliffs, and you get into a rut on the far side of the bunker, and you have absolutely not golf shot.

SERGIO GARCIA, 2 PGA TOUR WINS IN 2004: It's going to be a long week, so we know that. That's where patience is going to come into play, and the more patient you can be, the easier it's going to make the week.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SNELL: Sergio Garcia, of course, still looking for his first major.

Now what about the early move. It was a quite sensational start from K.J. Choi of Korea. He was five under par through seven holes, along with Northern Ireland's Darren Clark.

But what about one man who has been struggling of late when it comes to majors, Tiger Woods. I can tell you, he has not had the best of the beginnings here on the shores of Lake Michigan. He was three over par early on in his round -- Daryn.

KAGAN: All right. We will check in on Tiger, and we'll be back with you, Patrick. Thank you. Much more golf to come in the next hour from Wisconsin.

Also we are focusing on Florida, the double threat there, something this state has not seen in 98 years. We'll take you live to the National Hurricane Center for an update and Tropical Storm Bonnie.

And meet Private Hammer. This little feline gets his rank in Iraq. The private and his owner joining us live.

The second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins after this break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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