Return to Transcripts main page
CNN Live Today
RNC Officially Begins; Demonstrators Continue Protests Outside RNC; Home Tips for Fall
Aired August 30, 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.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning to you, everyone. From the CNN Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Fredricka Whitfield in for Daryn Kagan.
The Republican National Convention opens this hour in New York's Madison Square Garden. Republicans will reinforce their vision of President Bush as a strong leader in dangerous times. And organizers hope to win over Independent voters in moderate Democrats. A number of convention speakers are less conservative on social issues than some of the delegates.
Tens of thousands of people in South Carolina are still without power after Gaston blew through. Gaston hit the coast as a tropical storm and was later downgraded to a tropical depression. Heavy rains flooded roads and winds knocked down trees. One serious injury was reported.
Attorneys and the judge in the Kobe Bryant case will begin questioning potential jurors in closed session today. Three hundred potential jurors have already filled out questionnaires, and at least another 100 more are expected to complete them. The felony sexual assault trial is scheduled to begin September 7.
A military pretrial hearing resumed this morning at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, for Private First Class Lynndie England. The Article 32 hearing will determine whether England will face a court-martial on charges of abusing detainees at Abu Ghraib prison. England's attorneys plan to question witnesses today.
And live this hour, the gavel comes down and the balloons go up, as Republicans call to order their party's national convention. And it is indeed, a grand old party for the GOP, the first to be held in New York City, the costliest celebration of its kind, and the most heavily fortified. President Bush awaits his party's formal nomination in the shadow of 9/11, both literally and symbolically.
The convention opens right now with polls showing a statistical tie between George Bush and Democrat John Kerry. So, clearly, much is riding on the primetime packaging of the president and his reelection.
CNN national correspondent Bob Franken is at Madison Square Garden for the convention's opening scene -- Bob.
BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: (INAUDIBLE) Fredricka, the gavel did just come down. We're now at the stage where the Pledge of Allegiance was just led. The preliminaries, in other words, they have sort of the busywork to take care of this morning before primetime. They have to deal with the party platform. It may seem like a small thing, but it's routine. It's obviously going to be adopted.
Then the nominations begin. Vice President Cheney, George W. Bush will be re-nominated. There will be some roll call votes, but of course not all of them. That's going to be saved for primetime on Wednesday, when the nominations will become official. And of course, the president speaks on Thursday.
Tonight some pretty heavy acts, too. The acts include: Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, and also John McCain. John McCain, who has not always been known as a George W. Bush cheerleader, but now he is.
John McCain is saying that -- has said in interviews he acknowledges that there have been differences between the two, but that he is more philosophically in touch than he is with George W. Bush than anybody else. So, he's glad to be campaigning for him and giving this speech for him.
Now you see a representative of the New York Police Department being presented. Of course, September 11 is such a burning memory in this city. It's going to be one that is going to be cited repeatedly, as the Republican National Convention, Fredricka, has got underway.
WHITFIELD: And Bob, we know the Republicans have said this was a very symbolic opening of this convention, paying tribute to the tragedy of 9/11. They're doing just that with beginning the ceremonies. At the same time, they've received a lot of criticism about doing just that.
FRANKEN: Well, they have received criticism, but they deflected by saying hey, it is part of the national fabric. It is something that can't be forgotten. President Bush's record, they say, in the wake of that and his performance around September 11, is something that they believe he should be proud of.
Of course, it's going to be a political issue about the events that led up to September 11, and of course, the day itself. And what has happened subsequent to that. So, yes, you're going to hear a lot about it now and in the future of the campaign.
WHITFIELD: All right. Bob Franken, thanks very much, with the start of the Republican National Convention right there at Madison Square Garden.
Well, another of the party's best known moderates former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani says there are elements of the platform that he doesn't agree with. But for now, we're going to listen to the "National Anthem."
THE GATLIN BROTHERS, SINGERS: ... what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, o'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
(CHEERING)
(APPLAUSE)
WHITFIELD: To help start the ceremony here at Madison Square Garden, the Gatlin Brothers from Texas.
Well, traditionally challengers keep a low profile during their rivals' convention. Not this time. Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate John Edwards is expected to accuse President Bush of creating a mess in Iraq during a speech today in Wilmington, North Carolina. And on Wednesday Democratic presidential candidate, John Kerry will address the American Legion in Nantucket, Massachusetts.
The conventions provide not only the national stage for the political parties, but their impassioned opponents, as well. Tens of thousands of protesters massed outside of Madison Square Garden yesterday, and convention leaders say unprecedented levels of security will await more demonstrations.
CNN's Jason Carroll is covering this angle of the convention -- Jason.
JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: And good morning to you, Fredricka. The demonstrations aren't over, not yet. I'm standing above the area where the demonstrations will be held for the rest of the week, it's called the Protest Zone.
If you take a look over my shoulder there, you can see some demonstrators have already started to gather. They're from a veterans group. They're speaking out for health care issues. But there's no way that pen, or any pen for that matter, could have held the vast number of people who showed up here yesterday.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALES: This is what democracy looks like!
CARROLL (voice-over): Democracy in action on the streets of New York Sunday -- taking the form of a massive protest, stretching several city blocks.
UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTERS: No more Bush!
CARROLL: Demonstrators carried banners, shouted and chanted anti-Bush slogans as they marched past Madison Square Garden, site of the Republican National Convention, which begins Monday. The organizers, United for Peace and Justice, are anti-war, but they also represent other groups. Some are pro-labor, pro-environment, all wanting Republicans and the world to hear their message.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We stand for peace and democracy. That's what we came out here for. The Bush administration does not stand for that. And we want people to know across this country, there are millions of people here, millions of people abroad that will not put up with an administration that does not promote democracy, both locally, nationally and abroad.
CARROLL: Democracy in action here, too, inside the Garden, where Republicans will deliver their message in the coming days, when they say won't be drowned out by the shouts of dissenters outside.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's what this country is going to war against terror about, the right to freely associate. These folks coming to the convention are enthusiastic to be here, to hear the president, and how he's going to lead us into the future. I don't think they're intimidated at all. I think they're excited.
CARROLL: But for hours, angry marchers came their way by the tens of thousands.
FERNANDO SUAREZ DEL SOLARS, SON DIED IN IRAQ: I pay with my son life for coming here today and saying, Bush lie and who die? My son! And beautiful 972 American boys and girls.
CARROLL: At one point confronted by a small group pro-Bush demonstrators.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!
CARROLL: Thousands of New York City police on the watch, ready in the event of trouble.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CARROLL: And in terms of trouble, police arrested 250 people yesterday, mostly for disorderly conduct. Despite that, New York City's police commissioner described the event as peaceful and orderly. Again, several demonstrations penned for later today, but nothing on tap for as big as what we saw yesterday -- Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: And group organizers say that the protests yesterday brought out -- or they expected, rather, 250,000. But they say their numbers were more like 500,000. Are there official numbers of how many people were involved in yesterday's march?
CARROLL: Well, as you say, the organizers from yesterday, United for Peace and Justice, are now estimating that the numbers were anywhere between 400,000 and 500,000 people. The New York City Police Department does not give out crowd estimates.
But yesterday, we were on top of a building looking down and I can tell you that people were standing shoulder-to-shoulder, two miles down Seventh Avenue. So, conservative estimates, tens of thousands of people were out here yesterday -- Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: All right. Jason Carroll, thanks so much. Well, the convention will play out, not only to a national audience, but also before the attentive eyes of tens of thousands of law enforcement personnel. And some of those men and women on the street will be providing an electronic eye as well.
CNN Homeland Security correspondent Jeanne Meserve explains.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Some officers on the streets of New York this week will have extra eyes built into their helmets.
ERIC JOHNSON, FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SVC.: You have the camera in the front is the transmitter in the back. And it's all battery. It runs off battery.
MESERVE: And all transmitted wirelessly back to the Federal Protective Service command center.
RON LIBBY, FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SVC.: So, if someone says this demonstration is getting out of hand and I hear those report, I can switch to a helmet cam and see if projectiles are being thrown, or if people are chanting. I can see if officers are being shoved or pushed around, or if it's just jostling by the crowd.
MESERVE: Helmet cams are among hundreds of cameras providing real-time information to the 24/7 Multi-Agency Command Center at police headquarters.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In here, we have over 66 different agencies represented.
MESERVE: The big dog in this federal/state, local security effort is the New York City Police Department. Though the Secret Service is in charge, it has just over 3,000 agents nationwide. Compared to the NYPD's 37,000 officers. The department is almost as big as the entire U.S. Coast Guard.
Officials describe the security on land, air, water, even underground as unprecedented, massive. But in Washington, the Department of Homeland Security is trying to monitor the bigger national picture.
BOB STEPHAN, HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT: We don't know when and where exactly they guys might strike, if they do in fact plan a strike against us.
MESERVE (on camera): But with the president and so many other governmental officials coming here, the convention is a prime target. It's estimated the city alone is spending $60 million to $70 million on extra security.
Jeanne Meserve, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE) WHITFIELD: And CNN will bring you extensive coverage of the convention throughout the week. CNN's Anderson Cooper kicks off our primetime coverage tonight at 7:00 Eastern. Wolf Blitzer follows at 8:00 Eastern, 5:00 Pacific. Then, "LARRY KING LIVE" from Madison Square Garden.
Turning now to the war on terror. President Bush says he expects it will be a long drawn-out battle that probably can't be won. However, the president told NBC's "Today Show" the war makes it less acceptable for groups to use terrorism as a tool.
Now our situation report from Iraq. France's foreign minister has issued an appeal today for the release of two French journalists abducted in Baghdad. France has denied kidnappers' demands that it revoke a law banning Muslim head scarves in public schools. Militants have issued a deadline later today for the French government to take action.
Meanwhile, Iraq's interim prime minister tells CNN that insurgent strikes have virtually shutdown oil exports from his country. In an exclusive interview earlier today, Ayad Allawi told CNN that repairs will take about a week.
Insurgents struck at least five pipelines in southern Iraq, which exports about 90 percent of the nation's oil. Ayad Allawi says the lost revenue will hamper Iraq's reconstruction and over all economy.
Gaston's wind and rain leave a mark on South Carolina's coast. And forecasters warn of two other storms brewing out at sea.
Also, jury selection continues in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case. We're live from Eagle with a look at some of the questions potential jurors will be asked.
And later, MTV celebrates its own and gets political. We'll tell you which artist walked away with the most Moon Men.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Well, it's the start of the Republican National Convention in New York. Madison Square Garden is filled with a whole lot of excitement. Our political analyst is among them.
Carlos Watson, he joins us now from the floor.
Look at there, smiling and ready to go.
CARLOS WATSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Hey, Fredricka. Good morning.
WHITFIELD: How are you?
WATSON: Good. Really good.
WHITFIELD: All right. Well, it's a full house there. Before we get to the convention's message, because of course, they do have one. Let's talk about the message of the protesters. About 800 groups are expected to protest throughout the week.
We saw a huge one yesterday. And their message is very clear, that Bush has not been truthful and has not been a uniter. This kind of outpouring, has this caught the Republicans by surprise?
WATSON: It hasn't. Republicans have known for well over a year that there would be significant protests related to the convention. And particularly related to the convention being in New York, a very Democratic state, and New York City being a very Democratic city.
With that said though, I think, Fredricka, the protesters could potentially still have an impact in two ways. Number one, if they're able to change the conversation that's taking place right now in the campaign. Meaning that there's more conversation about Iraq and the economy.
You know, the last several weeks we've talked about the swift boat controversy. And they were able to help John Kerry move that conversation to ground that they deemed more fertile for John Kerry. That would make a difference.
And then number two, to the extent that they are able to reenergize the Democratic side. That could also make a difference. The last several weeks you've seen a decline and enthusiasm for John Kerry. And certainly if John Kerry is to succeed in November, he needs high turnout beyond just high support.
WHITFIELD: Well, there's going to be a lot of talk about President Bush's leadership post-9/11 particularly. And we saw the convention today beginning with a attribute to the victims of 9/11.
However, there's also been some criticism -- particularly large from the Democrats, saying that the Republicans are exploiting New York City. Given that it is mostly a Democratic city. And that they're using 9/11 as an avenue in which to convey their political message.
WATSON: It's probably fair to say that they were going to be criticized no matter what on this issue. But politically speaking, it is strategic for the president to talk about terrorism.
Arguably this will be the first national security, not just foreign policy, but the first national security election in some 40 years here in the United States. So, to the extent that 9/11 is the cornerstone of that, it's not surprising that Republicans and the president will talk about it.
Secondly, we also know that the president's strongest numbers are not on Iraq and not on education, and not on health care. But instead are on the war on terror. And to the extent that he has an opportunity to underscore that here in New York several days before the anniversary of September 11, we're not surprised.
WHITFIELD: Well, let's talk about how the Republicans' message is going to be conveyed. Meaning some of the people there are using moderate conservatives. John McCain kicks it off this evening. Rudy Giuliani a little bit later. Even Ed Koch is going to be making an appearance. How significant are their appearances?
WATSON: Significant. You know that just as Democrats needed to reach back into the center, as they campaigned for a four-year term beginning in 2004, Republicans feel the need to do the same. Particularly since this president, whether it's been on tax cuts, whether it's been on energy policy, whether it's been on foreign policy, has governed much more from the right.
So, there's clearly a need to reach out to the center. Clearly that's where a number of the undecideds are.
And so, you will see issues said, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rudy Giuliani, John McCain and a number of others. With that said though, sprinkled throughout are a number of classic conservatives, if you will. And so, while they may not be featured in primetime, people like Lindsey Graham, people like Dick Cheney who will be in primetime, will also play a prominent role at this convention.
WHITFIELD: All right. Carlos Watson, thank so much. We'll be talking to you soon.
WATSON: Look forward to joining you.
WHITFIELD: Well, schools in the area hit hard hardest by Hurricane Charley reopened today. But officials aren't sure how many of the district's 18,000 students will be in class, since many families have had to move away in search of a job or a home. Some schools have scheduled double sessions to handle the overflow from other schools that were damaged.
Hundreds of potential jurors are being screened for the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case. A live report from Eagle, Colorado with some of the questions they'll be asked.
And summer heat may have made you forget that cold weather is coming. But it's time to start thinking about how to winterize your home.
Right Gerri?
GERRI WILLIS, CNNfn PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: Hey, Fredricka. Good to see you. You may be getting those kids ready for school, but you know you should also be getting your house ready for fall. Coming up next when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: I know it seems hard to believe, but fall officially begins in just a few weeks. And already, it's time to start thinking about how to prepare for the cold months.
And CNN personal finance correspondent and host of CNNfn's "OPEN HOUSE," Gerri Willis is here to start a honey-do, or I like to say just-do-it-yourself list.
WILLIS: Honey-do or may be you-do, a better way, Fredricka. WHITFIELD: That's right. It seems strange to start thinking about the cold months ahead. But you really would kind -- it could behoove you to do so, just to prepare for all the furnaces and stuff to make sure they work in your house. You say, number one, just crank up the heat just to test it out first.
WILLIS: Yes. You've to test your heating system. Best-case scenario, you bring in a heating and cooling specialist to actually take a good look at your furnace and heating system. Because if it doesn't work this fall, you'll be really upset, so check it out.
One thing you can do if you have a forced-air system is change the filters. It's a very big deal. You can get the specialist to show you how. You'll need to change it about three or four times this winter, just to make sure the air in your home is fresh. Now, if you have a gas heat system. You want to make sure the pilot light is on. Your specialist can do that. Check the burners, the chimney flues, make sure everything is OK.
But check out the system because at the end of the day, it's only maintenance that stands between you and a really cold winter.
WHITFIELD: And you say prevent trouble down below. What does that mean?
WILLIS: Well, you know, a lot of people have these underground sprinkler systems. They're real handy in the summer, but if you don't take care of them, you're going to have a problem. Make sure you blow the water out of these systems, because if the water freezes in those lines it can burst the lines, which is very expensive to fix. And quite easy to make sure you don't have a problem -- Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: And think about your rooftop, as well.
WILLIS: Right. You know, roofs generally have a 20 to 30-year life span. But you want to make sure at this time of year in particular, to get on top of that roof, look at the shingles. Are there any missing, any deteriorating, any that need to be replaced? And don't forget about the chimney.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When you're on a chimney, especially with an oil system, you can get a buildup of materials inside that chimney. If you let it go too long, you may get an obstruction in that chimney. And if the chimney does not flow properly, you can have a dangerous situation. So, have your chimney inspected and have it cleaned.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WILLIS: Make sure also that you trim any dead tree limbs that are above your roofline, so that if there's a big winter storm, you don't have that limb falling onto your House -- Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: And what's the water fight all about? WILLIS: Well, the water fight is all about mold. I know a lot of people out there really concerned about mold. Now is the time of year you want to make sure you don't have any leaks inside your home that would create a mold problem. Remember, your home insurance probably doesn't cover damage due to mold.
So, check out those crawl spaces, check out the shower in particular, places where mold might accumulate. You can see it easily enough. You can smell it. Make sure you take care of it with a little bleach and a little water will do the trick.
WHITFIELD: And don't forget the garage.
WILLIS: Yes. You know, this is a little known thing that most people aren't aware of. But in the wintertime, you're probably storing pesticides, maybe some chemicals, cleaning agents that have fumes in your garage. In the wintertime when you close the house down, the way the air circulates in the house, it can bring air into your home from the garage. That means that you're smelling those chemicals.
So, this time of year, get that stuff out of the garage. Make sure it's somewhere outside your house so you don't smell those awful smells, and you're not exposed to, you know, inhaling chemical fumes.
WHITFIELD: All right. We're all set now. Thanks a lot, Gerri.
WILLIS: You're welcome.
WHITFIELD: And we'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
Aired August 30, 2004 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning to you, everyone. From the CNN Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Fredricka Whitfield in for Daryn Kagan.
The Republican National Convention opens this hour in New York's Madison Square Garden. Republicans will reinforce their vision of President Bush as a strong leader in dangerous times. And organizers hope to win over Independent voters in moderate Democrats. A number of convention speakers are less conservative on social issues than some of the delegates.
Tens of thousands of people in South Carolina are still without power after Gaston blew through. Gaston hit the coast as a tropical storm and was later downgraded to a tropical depression. Heavy rains flooded roads and winds knocked down trees. One serious injury was reported.
Attorneys and the judge in the Kobe Bryant case will begin questioning potential jurors in closed session today. Three hundred potential jurors have already filled out questionnaires, and at least another 100 more are expected to complete them. The felony sexual assault trial is scheduled to begin September 7.
A military pretrial hearing resumed this morning at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, for Private First Class Lynndie England. The Article 32 hearing will determine whether England will face a court-martial on charges of abusing detainees at Abu Ghraib prison. England's attorneys plan to question witnesses today.
And live this hour, the gavel comes down and the balloons go up, as Republicans call to order their party's national convention. And it is indeed, a grand old party for the GOP, the first to be held in New York City, the costliest celebration of its kind, and the most heavily fortified. President Bush awaits his party's formal nomination in the shadow of 9/11, both literally and symbolically.
The convention opens right now with polls showing a statistical tie between George Bush and Democrat John Kerry. So, clearly, much is riding on the primetime packaging of the president and his reelection.
CNN national correspondent Bob Franken is at Madison Square Garden for the convention's opening scene -- Bob.
BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: (INAUDIBLE) Fredricka, the gavel did just come down. We're now at the stage where the Pledge of Allegiance was just led. The preliminaries, in other words, they have sort of the busywork to take care of this morning before primetime. They have to deal with the party platform. It may seem like a small thing, but it's routine. It's obviously going to be adopted.
Then the nominations begin. Vice President Cheney, George W. Bush will be re-nominated. There will be some roll call votes, but of course not all of them. That's going to be saved for primetime on Wednesday, when the nominations will become official. And of course, the president speaks on Thursday.
Tonight some pretty heavy acts, too. The acts include: Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, and also John McCain. John McCain, who has not always been known as a George W. Bush cheerleader, but now he is.
John McCain is saying that -- has said in interviews he acknowledges that there have been differences between the two, but that he is more philosophically in touch than he is with George W. Bush than anybody else. So, he's glad to be campaigning for him and giving this speech for him.
Now you see a representative of the New York Police Department being presented. Of course, September 11 is such a burning memory in this city. It's going to be one that is going to be cited repeatedly, as the Republican National Convention, Fredricka, has got underway.
WHITFIELD: And Bob, we know the Republicans have said this was a very symbolic opening of this convention, paying tribute to the tragedy of 9/11. They're doing just that with beginning the ceremonies. At the same time, they've received a lot of criticism about doing just that.
FRANKEN: Well, they have received criticism, but they deflected by saying hey, it is part of the national fabric. It is something that can't be forgotten. President Bush's record, they say, in the wake of that and his performance around September 11, is something that they believe he should be proud of.
Of course, it's going to be a political issue about the events that led up to September 11, and of course, the day itself. And what has happened subsequent to that. So, yes, you're going to hear a lot about it now and in the future of the campaign.
WHITFIELD: All right. Bob Franken, thanks very much, with the start of the Republican National Convention right there at Madison Square Garden.
Well, another of the party's best known moderates former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani says there are elements of the platform that he doesn't agree with. But for now, we're going to listen to the "National Anthem."
THE GATLIN BROTHERS, SINGERS: ... what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, o'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
(CHEERING)
(APPLAUSE)
WHITFIELD: To help start the ceremony here at Madison Square Garden, the Gatlin Brothers from Texas.
Well, traditionally challengers keep a low profile during their rivals' convention. Not this time. Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate John Edwards is expected to accuse President Bush of creating a mess in Iraq during a speech today in Wilmington, North Carolina. And on Wednesday Democratic presidential candidate, John Kerry will address the American Legion in Nantucket, Massachusetts.
The conventions provide not only the national stage for the political parties, but their impassioned opponents, as well. Tens of thousands of protesters massed outside of Madison Square Garden yesterday, and convention leaders say unprecedented levels of security will await more demonstrations.
CNN's Jason Carroll is covering this angle of the convention -- Jason.
JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: And good morning to you, Fredricka. The demonstrations aren't over, not yet. I'm standing above the area where the demonstrations will be held for the rest of the week, it's called the Protest Zone.
If you take a look over my shoulder there, you can see some demonstrators have already started to gather. They're from a veterans group. They're speaking out for health care issues. But there's no way that pen, or any pen for that matter, could have held the vast number of people who showed up here yesterday.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALES: This is what democracy looks like!
CARROLL (voice-over): Democracy in action on the streets of New York Sunday -- taking the form of a massive protest, stretching several city blocks.
UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTERS: No more Bush!
CARROLL: Demonstrators carried banners, shouted and chanted anti-Bush slogans as they marched past Madison Square Garden, site of the Republican National Convention, which begins Monday. The organizers, United for Peace and Justice, are anti-war, but they also represent other groups. Some are pro-labor, pro-environment, all wanting Republicans and the world to hear their message.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We stand for peace and democracy. That's what we came out here for. The Bush administration does not stand for that. And we want people to know across this country, there are millions of people here, millions of people abroad that will not put up with an administration that does not promote democracy, both locally, nationally and abroad.
CARROLL: Democracy in action here, too, inside the Garden, where Republicans will deliver their message in the coming days, when they say won't be drowned out by the shouts of dissenters outside.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's what this country is going to war against terror about, the right to freely associate. These folks coming to the convention are enthusiastic to be here, to hear the president, and how he's going to lead us into the future. I don't think they're intimidated at all. I think they're excited.
CARROLL: But for hours, angry marchers came their way by the tens of thousands.
FERNANDO SUAREZ DEL SOLARS, SON DIED IN IRAQ: I pay with my son life for coming here today and saying, Bush lie and who die? My son! And beautiful 972 American boys and girls.
CARROLL: At one point confronted by a small group pro-Bush demonstrators.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!
CARROLL: Thousands of New York City police on the watch, ready in the event of trouble.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CARROLL: And in terms of trouble, police arrested 250 people yesterday, mostly for disorderly conduct. Despite that, New York City's police commissioner described the event as peaceful and orderly. Again, several demonstrations penned for later today, but nothing on tap for as big as what we saw yesterday -- Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: And group organizers say that the protests yesterday brought out -- or they expected, rather, 250,000. But they say their numbers were more like 500,000. Are there official numbers of how many people were involved in yesterday's march?
CARROLL: Well, as you say, the organizers from yesterday, United for Peace and Justice, are now estimating that the numbers were anywhere between 400,000 and 500,000 people. The New York City Police Department does not give out crowd estimates.
But yesterday, we were on top of a building looking down and I can tell you that people were standing shoulder-to-shoulder, two miles down Seventh Avenue. So, conservative estimates, tens of thousands of people were out here yesterday -- Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: All right. Jason Carroll, thanks so much. Well, the convention will play out, not only to a national audience, but also before the attentive eyes of tens of thousands of law enforcement personnel. And some of those men and women on the street will be providing an electronic eye as well.
CNN Homeland Security correspondent Jeanne Meserve explains.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Some officers on the streets of New York this week will have extra eyes built into their helmets.
ERIC JOHNSON, FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SVC.: You have the camera in the front is the transmitter in the back. And it's all battery. It runs off battery.
MESERVE: And all transmitted wirelessly back to the Federal Protective Service command center.
RON LIBBY, FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SVC.: So, if someone says this demonstration is getting out of hand and I hear those report, I can switch to a helmet cam and see if projectiles are being thrown, or if people are chanting. I can see if officers are being shoved or pushed around, or if it's just jostling by the crowd.
MESERVE: Helmet cams are among hundreds of cameras providing real-time information to the 24/7 Multi-Agency Command Center at police headquarters.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In here, we have over 66 different agencies represented.
MESERVE: The big dog in this federal/state, local security effort is the New York City Police Department. Though the Secret Service is in charge, it has just over 3,000 agents nationwide. Compared to the NYPD's 37,000 officers. The department is almost as big as the entire U.S. Coast Guard.
Officials describe the security on land, air, water, even underground as unprecedented, massive. But in Washington, the Department of Homeland Security is trying to monitor the bigger national picture.
BOB STEPHAN, HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT: We don't know when and where exactly they guys might strike, if they do in fact plan a strike against us.
MESERVE (on camera): But with the president and so many other governmental officials coming here, the convention is a prime target. It's estimated the city alone is spending $60 million to $70 million on extra security.
Jeanne Meserve, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE) WHITFIELD: And CNN will bring you extensive coverage of the convention throughout the week. CNN's Anderson Cooper kicks off our primetime coverage tonight at 7:00 Eastern. Wolf Blitzer follows at 8:00 Eastern, 5:00 Pacific. Then, "LARRY KING LIVE" from Madison Square Garden.
Turning now to the war on terror. President Bush says he expects it will be a long drawn-out battle that probably can't be won. However, the president told NBC's "Today Show" the war makes it less acceptable for groups to use terrorism as a tool.
Now our situation report from Iraq. France's foreign minister has issued an appeal today for the release of two French journalists abducted in Baghdad. France has denied kidnappers' demands that it revoke a law banning Muslim head scarves in public schools. Militants have issued a deadline later today for the French government to take action.
Meanwhile, Iraq's interim prime minister tells CNN that insurgent strikes have virtually shutdown oil exports from his country. In an exclusive interview earlier today, Ayad Allawi told CNN that repairs will take about a week.
Insurgents struck at least five pipelines in southern Iraq, which exports about 90 percent of the nation's oil. Ayad Allawi says the lost revenue will hamper Iraq's reconstruction and over all economy.
Gaston's wind and rain leave a mark on South Carolina's coast. And forecasters warn of two other storms brewing out at sea.
Also, jury selection continues in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case. We're live from Eagle with a look at some of the questions potential jurors will be asked.
And later, MTV celebrates its own and gets political. We'll tell you which artist walked away with the most Moon Men.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Well, it's the start of the Republican National Convention in New York. Madison Square Garden is filled with a whole lot of excitement. Our political analyst is among them.
Carlos Watson, he joins us now from the floor.
Look at there, smiling and ready to go.
CARLOS WATSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Hey, Fredricka. Good morning.
WHITFIELD: How are you?
WATSON: Good. Really good.
WHITFIELD: All right. Well, it's a full house there. Before we get to the convention's message, because of course, they do have one. Let's talk about the message of the protesters. About 800 groups are expected to protest throughout the week.
We saw a huge one yesterday. And their message is very clear, that Bush has not been truthful and has not been a uniter. This kind of outpouring, has this caught the Republicans by surprise?
WATSON: It hasn't. Republicans have known for well over a year that there would be significant protests related to the convention. And particularly related to the convention being in New York, a very Democratic state, and New York City being a very Democratic city.
With that said though, I think, Fredricka, the protesters could potentially still have an impact in two ways. Number one, if they're able to change the conversation that's taking place right now in the campaign. Meaning that there's more conversation about Iraq and the economy.
You know, the last several weeks we've talked about the swift boat controversy. And they were able to help John Kerry move that conversation to ground that they deemed more fertile for John Kerry. That would make a difference.
And then number two, to the extent that they are able to reenergize the Democratic side. That could also make a difference. The last several weeks you've seen a decline and enthusiasm for John Kerry. And certainly if John Kerry is to succeed in November, he needs high turnout beyond just high support.
WHITFIELD: Well, there's going to be a lot of talk about President Bush's leadership post-9/11 particularly. And we saw the convention today beginning with a attribute to the victims of 9/11.
However, there's also been some criticism -- particularly large from the Democrats, saying that the Republicans are exploiting New York City. Given that it is mostly a Democratic city. And that they're using 9/11 as an avenue in which to convey their political message.
WATSON: It's probably fair to say that they were going to be criticized no matter what on this issue. But politically speaking, it is strategic for the president to talk about terrorism.
Arguably this will be the first national security, not just foreign policy, but the first national security election in some 40 years here in the United States. So, to the extent that 9/11 is the cornerstone of that, it's not surprising that Republicans and the president will talk about it.
Secondly, we also know that the president's strongest numbers are not on Iraq and not on education, and not on health care. But instead are on the war on terror. And to the extent that he has an opportunity to underscore that here in New York several days before the anniversary of September 11, we're not surprised.
WHITFIELD: Well, let's talk about how the Republicans' message is going to be conveyed. Meaning some of the people there are using moderate conservatives. John McCain kicks it off this evening. Rudy Giuliani a little bit later. Even Ed Koch is going to be making an appearance. How significant are their appearances?
WATSON: Significant. You know that just as Democrats needed to reach back into the center, as they campaigned for a four-year term beginning in 2004, Republicans feel the need to do the same. Particularly since this president, whether it's been on tax cuts, whether it's been on energy policy, whether it's been on foreign policy, has governed much more from the right.
So, there's clearly a need to reach out to the center. Clearly that's where a number of the undecideds are.
And so, you will see issues said, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rudy Giuliani, John McCain and a number of others. With that said though, sprinkled throughout are a number of classic conservatives, if you will. And so, while they may not be featured in primetime, people like Lindsey Graham, people like Dick Cheney who will be in primetime, will also play a prominent role at this convention.
WHITFIELD: All right. Carlos Watson, thank so much. We'll be talking to you soon.
WATSON: Look forward to joining you.
WHITFIELD: Well, schools in the area hit hard hardest by Hurricane Charley reopened today. But officials aren't sure how many of the district's 18,000 students will be in class, since many families have had to move away in search of a job or a home. Some schools have scheduled double sessions to handle the overflow from other schools that were damaged.
Hundreds of potential jurors are being screened for the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case. A live report from Eagle, Colorado with some of the questions they'll be asked.
And summer heat may have made you forget that cold weather is coming. But it's time to start thinking about how to winterize your home.
Right Gerri?
GERRI WILLIS, CNNfn PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: Hey, Fredricka. Good to see you. You may be getting those kids ready for school, but you know you should also be getting your house ready for fall. Coming up next when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: I know it seems hard to believe, but fall officially begins in just a few weeks. And already, it's time to start thinking about how to prepare for the cold months.
And CNN personal finance correspondent and host of CNNfn's "OPEN HOUSE," Gerri Willis is here to start a honey-do, or I like to say just-do-it-yourself list.
WILLIS: Honey-do or may be you-do, a better way, Fredricka. WHITFIELD: That's right. It seems strange to start thinking about the cold months ahead. But you really would kind -- it could behoove you to do so, just to prepare for all the furnaces and stuff to make sure they work in your house. You say, number one, just crank up the heat just to test it out first.
WILLIS: Yes. You've to test your heating system. Best-case scenario, you bring in a heating and cooling specialist to actually take a good look at your furnace and heating system. Because if it doesn't work this fall, you'll be really upset, so check it out.
One thing you can do if you have a forced-air system is change the filters. It's a very big deal. You can get the specialist to show you how. You'll need to change it about three or four times this winter, just to make sure the air in your home is fresh. Now, if you have a gas heat system. You want to make sure the pilot light is on. Your specialist can do that. Check the burners, the chimney flues, make sure everything is OK.
But check out the system because at the end of the day, it's only maintenance that stands between you and a really cold winter.
WHITFIELD: And you say prevent trouble down below. What does that mean?
WILLIS: Well, you know, a lot of people have these underground sprinkler systems. They're real handy in the summer, but if you don't take care of them, you're going to have a problem. Make sure you blow the water out of these systems, because if the water freezes in those lines it can burst the lines, which is very expensive to fix. And quite easy to make sure you don't have a problem -- Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: And think about your rooftop, as well.
WILLIS: Right. You know, roofs generally have a 20 to 30-year life span. But you want to make sure at this time of year in particular, to get on top of that roof, look at the shingles. Are there any missing, any deteriorating, any that need to be replaced? And don't forget about the chimney.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When you're on a chimney, especially with an oil system, you can get a buildup of materials inside that chimney. If you let it go too long, you may get an obstruction in that chimney. And if the chimney does not flow properly, you can have a dangerous situation. So, have your chimney inspected and have it cleaned.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WILLIS: Make sure also that you trim any dead tree limbs that are above your roofline, so that if there's a big winter storm, you don't have that limb falling onto your House -- Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: And what's the water fight all about? WILLIS: Well, the water fight is all about mold. I know a lot of people out there really concerned about mold. Now is the time of year you want to make sure you don't have any leaks inside your home that would create a mold problem. Remember, your home insurance probably doesn't cover damage due to mold.
So, check out those crawl spaces, check out the shower in particular, places where mold might accumulate. You can see it easily enough. You can smell it. Make sure you take care of it with a little bleach and a little water will do the trick.
WHITFIELD: And don't forget the garage.
WILLIS: Yes. You know, this is a little known thing that most people aren't aware of. But in the wintertime, you're probably storing pesticides, maybe some chemicals, cleaning agents that have fumes in your garage. In the wintertime when you close the house down, the way the air circulates in the house, it can bring air into your home from the garage. That means that you're smelling those chemicals.
So, this time of year, get that stuff out of the garage. Make sure it's somewhere outside your house so you don't smell those awful smells, and you're not exposed to, you know, inhaling chemical fumes.
WHITFIELD: All right. We're all set now. Thanks a lot, Gerri.
WILLIS: You're welcome.
WHITFIELD: And we'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
