Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Today

On the Trail; Battleground: Florida

Aired October 18, 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.


RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: Well, you know we're close to Election Day because today Floridians begin their trek to polling stations to cast some early votes.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Will turmoil again cloud the vote in the Sunshine State? An expert on Florida politics joins us next.

SANCHEZ: Also, with the holidays around the corner, isn't it time that you took the family on a little vacation? We've got some tips for your excursions coming up.

The second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins right now.

And we begin with this, what's happening right "Now in the News."

Britain is considering a request by the United States to redeploy some of their troops in Iraq. According to several reports, the troops would fill in for U.S. forces expected to launch a major offensive around Falluja. British officials say no decisions have yet been made.

Iraqi's interim prime minister confirmed today that the country is extending a weapons handover in Sadr City. And Ayad Allawi says that the program will be expanded nationwide. Yesterday, Allawi -- President Allawi went to a stadium in Sadr City, where surrendered weapons are being stored. Aides say that he is the first Iraqi leader to visit the Shiite slum in Baghdad.

The shortage of flu vaccine in the U.S. is not a health crisis. That's the word from the secretary of Health and Human Services. Tommy Thompson says his department is reallocating vaccines to make sure those most at risk can get their shots. We're going to have more on this flu shot frenzy in our "Daily Dose." It's coming up later in this hour.

And the Supreme Court gives Texas Democrats a victory in the battle over the state's congressional map. The fight triggered two walkouts by Democrats in the state legislature. The justices ordered a lower court to reconsider the map that could give Republicans six more seats in Congress. The ruling will not affect, though, not affect the November elections.

It is 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 8:00 a.m. on the West. From the CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Rick Sanchez.

NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen, in today for Daryn Kagan. It is campaign crunch time. Up first on CNN, presidential politics. With the election just 15 days away, President Bush gives a speech on the war on terror during a campaign stop in New Jersey today. Now, from there, it is back to Florida.

Senator Kerry spends the day zigzagging across the Sunshine State and promoting his plan to avert another flu vaccine shortage. Kerry appears to have lost grounded to President Bush in the days after their final debate. A new CNN-"USA Today"-Gallup poll shows Bush leading Kerry 52 to 44 percent among likely voters. Now, the lead is smaller among registered voters, 49 percent for Bush, compared 46 percent for Kerry, making that race a statistical dead heat.

And for most people, Election Day is still more than two weeks away. But voters in some states can cast their ballots beginning today. Early voting begins in the crucial battleground state of Florida. Polling places in Texas, Colorado, Arkansas and North Dakota also allow early voting starting today.

All right. Whether voters go to the polls today, or two weeks from tomorrow, both candidates are battling for every last vote. And we want to get a preview of what is ahead today. And for that, CNN's Kelly Wallace is covering the Kerry campaign in West Palm Beach, Florida. Suzanne Malveaux is at the White House with the latest from the Bush campaign. And we begin with Kelly.

Good morning, Kelly.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Betty.

Well, Senator John Kerry had a very direct message to Floridians gathered here in West Palm Beach. He said, "Go out and vote early today so we don't have to stay up late on November 2."

The senator just a short time ago greeting some elderly and middle-aged people living in this area of suburban West Palm Beach as they were getting in these vans which would be taking them to polling stations to go out and cast the vote. Florida starting early voting after all the problems of 2000, hoping that this early voting would allow more people to get to the polls and prevent any problems on Election Day.

Now, according to the polls, we are seeing Senator Kerry still trailing President Bush on issues such as Iraq and who could better handle the war on terrorism. So with that in mind, the senator seizing on a report today in "The Washington Post" in which General Ricardo Sanchez, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, reportedly complained to the Pentagon last winter, saying he just didn't have the supplies in Iraq and was threatening the fight against the insurgency.

Well, here's what Senator Kerry had to say about that a short time ago.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: In today's newspapers, we read that the top commander in Iraq pleaded with the Pentagon for critical supplies in order to counter the growing insurgency in Iraq. Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez argued that without increased supplies -- and I'm going to quote him -- I'm quoting him -- he said, "I cannot continue to support sustained combat operations."

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WALLACE: And the senator went on to say that he just does not think the president is doing the job in Iraq and doesn't have a plan to keep the peace. Well, no surprise Bush campaign advisers reacting quickly.

They say John Kerry has "zero credibility on this issue." They say he was the one who voted against the $87 billion measure that would provide ammunition and supplies to the troops in Iraq. They also say any time John Kerry wants to talk about this issue, they are very, very happy.

Now, from here in West Palm Beach, Senator Kerry heads on to Tampa, where he's expected to talk about health care and also the shortage of the flu vaccine, as we've been talking about throughout the day. National polling, it appears that Senator Kerry losing a little bit of ground to President Bush. But Senator Kerry's advisers say they are not concerned because they say the trends in the battleground states, the all-important battleground states, continue to move in the senator's direction -- Betty.

NGUYEN: CNN's Kelly Wallace in West Palm Beach, Florida, today. Thank you.

And we will go back to Florida in about 10 minutes, as we take a closer look at key battleground states. And we'll talk more about early voting and the close race in Florida with Tom Fiedler. He is executive editor of "The Miami Herald" and author of the "Almanac of Florida Politics."

SANCHEZ: Homeland security and the war on terror are going to be the themes for President Bush today. He's going to focus on those issues during a speech in southern New Jersey, an interesting venue. Suzanne Malveaux joins us from the White House with more on what we can expect from the president.

Good morning again, Suzanne.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Rick.

Bush aides say that, quite frankly, this is not going to be a speech that is going to have any kind of new policy initiatives. It's going to have new language.

What this is essentially is kind of the greatest hits of what you've been hearing President Bush criticizing Kerry, contrasting what he says is his approach in fighting the war on terror as opposed to Kerry's. We are told he's going to talk about what they say are Kerry's nuances, the language comparing terrorism to a nuisance, the global test, his record, that type of thing. This is going to be something that they are going to highlight in the weeks to come and really hit very hard.

Now, of course, the war on terror is being a central theme, but also homeland security. It was earlier this morning at the White House in the Oval Office President Bush signed the Homeland Security Appropriations Act that allot some $33 billion for that department to help with securing the borders, first responders and transportation. It's one of those issues you may recall that Kerry has really been hitting hard on the president, arguing that he is not doing enough in that area.

I should also let you know as well, before the president heads back on the campaign trail this morning, a brief moment, congratulatory moment with the U.S. Olympians and Paralympians on the south lawn. President Bush then traveling to southern New Jersey.

Now, Bush campaign aides are very excited about what you're seeing, those latest poll numbers that do suggest that perhaps Kerry's lead, that post-debate lead, has been wiped out. They believe that they are going to be strong in hitting those battleground states.

And very interesting. New Jersey an unusual pick for the Bush campaign. You know, this is Democratic stronghold, this is where Gore won by 16 percentage points. But Karl Rove, the president's chief political adviser, says they're there for a number of reasons.

They believe that many New Jersey residents were directly impacted by the September 11th attacks, and that is the number one issue in fighting the war on terror. Also, this event is expected to hit a very important neighboring media market, that is Philadelphia. The state of Pennsylvania still very much in play. And the bottom line here, Rick, is they are certainly hoping -- they may not win New Jersey, but they are certainly hoping to make those Democrats at least fight for it -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: I wonder if they'd be going to New Jersey if it hadn't been for the McGreevey scandal? Do you think that plays into it at all? Have you checked with some of your sources there, Suzanne?

MALVEAUX: Well, they certainly believe that that makes the Democrats vulnerable in the state of New Jersey. And yes, I mean, that certainly is related. The local as well as political -- the national politics that are related, the two, they believe they can make inroads.

They believe that people in northern New Jersey very much tied to the September 11 attacks. They saw those attacks from their windows, just across the way.

In southern New Jersey today, that is Democratic country. But they believe they can make some inroads with some undecided voters. They still think that the state is very much in play. The polls show that Kerry is still in the lead. They're not putting out money or ads in that state, but they want to make those Democrats at least fight for it.

SANCHEZ: It's kind of like a chess match, isn't it? Interesting. Suzanne Malveaux, bringing us the latest there from the White House. Thanks again, Suzanne.

And we're going to bring you live coverage of both candidates' speeches today. President Bush's speech on homeland security is set to begin, oh, in about two hours. It's at 1:15 p.m. Eastern, 10:15 a.m. Pacific.

And Senator Kerry's speech is going to be on health care, we understand. That's going to begin at 1:45 p.m. Eastern. That would be 10:45 Pacific.

NGUYEN: Now to the headlines from Iraq today. The military announced today that a bomb-filled car exploded on a bridge in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul Sunday. Five Iraqis were killed, 15 others wounded. The suicide car bomber collided with another vehicle, setting off a huge fire.

Iraq's government is extending the weapons handover program for Baghdad's Sadr City neighborhood. Its plans -- or it plans to offer the amnesty deal to insurgents nationwide soon. Fighters are turning in guns, mortars and ammunition for coupons that can be redeemed for cash.

And the Army is investigating several soldiers who refused to make a fuel run in Iraq out of fear for their safety. The 18 men and women are members of the 13th Corps Support Command or COSCOM. They routinely deliver fuel, food, water and medical supplies to troops.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRIG. GEN. JAMES E. CHAMBERS, U.S. ARMY: Findings indicate that the soldiers involved expressed concerns regarding maintenance and safety. As a result, I have directed that the 343rd conduct a maintenance and safety stand-down during which time vehicles will be thoroughly inspected and the unit will retrain and certify for their mission. We will also assess armor protection for each of their vehicles and make an assessment to provide additional steel plating if it's required.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: The military investigation will determine whether the Uniform Code of Military Justice was violated. It will also determine what punishment, if any, is appropriate.

SANCHEZ: Here is what is making news overseas in this morning's "World Wrap."

Russian President Vladimir Putin says that a Bush defeat in November's election could lead to the spread of terrorism. Putin says that insurgent attacks in Iraq are designed to scare voters away from the president.

Afghanistan's interim leader, Hamid Karzai, is on a course to win the presidency without a runoff. With 13 percent of the ballots counted, officials say that Karzai has two-thirds of the vote thus far. That's three times the votes of his closest competitor out of a field of some 18 candidates.

Speaking of chess just a little while ago, chess aficionado Bobby Fischer may challenge his detention in Japan in U.S. federal court. He's been held on a passport violation since his arrest in Tokyo in July. Fischer is wanted in the U.S. for violating economic sanctions against the former Yugoslavia in 1992. He won $3 million in a chess match back then.

NGUYEN: Well, in the political chess game starting today, Floridians, well, they can cast their vote. Up next, as early voting begins, there are already concerns that history will repeat itself. We're talking Sunshine State turmoil with someone who knows all about it.

SANCHEZ: Scott Peterson's team finally takes center stage in court. Get ready for this one. Their side of the story begins today.

NGUYEN: And later, 24 hours in Iraq. We're taking a rare look at life on the streets with U.S. and Iraqi troops trying to keep the peace.

CNN LIVE TODAY is coming right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SANCHEZ: Election Day is two weeks away. But voters are already at polling stations in four states today, including Florida, for early voting. Some groups are urging Floridians to vote before November 2 so that they can cast a paper ballot. There have been problems with the state's touch-screen voting machines that were in place after the disputed election of 2000, or at least that has been the perception, we should say.

All this week, we're focusing on the all-important battleground states, with both candidates on the stump in Florida today. We will begin there.

Tom Fiedler is the executive editor of "The Miami Herald" and the author of "The Almanac of Florida Politics." He is joining us from Miami, where he is, as I said, the boss of the paper that I grew up with, I'm proud to say.

TOM FIEDLER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR, "THE MIAMI HERALD": Good morning, Rick.

SANCHEZ: Hey, Tom. How are you doing? FIEDLER: I'm glad to be here. Good to see you.

SANCHEZ: Let me break this down this way, all right? The state of Florida, in the south, the Cuban and the condo vote cancels each other out. In the Panhandle, Bush wins big. So it all comes down to that I-4 corridor.

Is that where you think this election is going to be decided?

FIEDLER: It usually is. It's the linchpin on which the state really turns.

And there are a few other counties in there that are -- that are swing counties in this swing state. Miami-Dade is one of those, although, as you say, the condominiums tend to go to balance off the Cuban-American vote here. But yes, central Florida and I think particularly around the Orlando area, the counties there, because they have undergone tremendous changes in the last five, six years. And that's...

SANCHEZ: How smart -- how smart was it for President Bush to take one of his cabinet members, put him in the race in Florida, trying to take Bob Graham's seat, and to try and consolidate that I-4 corridor vote? Talking, of course, about Mel Martinez running for Senate.

FIEDLER: Mel Martinez, yes. You know, I don't know if they went into that with that strategic purpose in mind. If so, they were smart.

Mel Martinez is the former chief executive, the equivalent of the mayor of Orange County, which is Orlando there. So he certainly has a great deal of voter recognition.

He did well. He's got deep support there. So to the extent that that pulls votes into the Republican column, that you can have a reverse coattail effect, that's certainly smart. He also, as you would expect, I think will do quite well in the Cuban-American community in Miami-Dade County as the first Cuban-American to run.

SANCHEZ: You know, the I-4 corridor is not Cuban. We're talking mostly Central American, Mexican, Puerto Rican.

FIEDLER: Absolutely.

SANCHEZ: Are they going to go Republican just because there's a guy with an Hispanic last name on the ballot?

FIEDLER: You know, I think there is some affinity for that because it's -- he certainly understands the Hispanic culture. He speaks Spanish. I think that is a plus there.

But in many cases, as you know, the fastest growing segment of the population in central Florida is non-Cuban-Hispanic. It's primarily Puerto Rican, and they have a long-time connection to the Democratic Party. And that is really in 2000 why those counties when the for Al Gore.

SANCHEZ: Tom, before we let you go, you've got to bring us up to date on this touch-screen controversy, if we can call it that. I understand that there are some initiatives now to make sure that people can get some kind of receipt or some kind of paper trail after they vote.

FIEDLER: Right.

SANCHEZ: What's the status? What's going on with this right now?

FIEDLER: There's not going to be any paper receipt in this election. I think the best that the advocates for that can hope for will be 2006.

The -- right now, Congressman Bob Wexler, from the Palm Beach area, has been in court. He lost in the first round to try to get paper ballots. But -- and he's trying on appeal. I think for practical purposes that's not going to happen. We may just have to hold our breaths and hope that the touch-screens work to people's satisfaction.

SANCHEZ: Tom Fiedler, one of the good ones. Thanks, my friend, for being on with us.

FIEDLER: Appreciate it.

SANCHEZ: Certainly appreciate it.

FIEDLER: Good to see you, Rick.

SANCHEZ: All right -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Let's stay with this Florida theme for just a second now. Somebody apparently had a hot hand during a Florida casino cruise, a really hot hand. Take a look at this. The story behind this fire on the water next.

SANCHEZ: The good news is no one was hurt.

NGUYEN: Yes.

SANCHEZ: Later, in Iraq, 24 hours can feel like 24 days. A day in the life of U.S. troops and Iraqi troops on the ground trying, trying to keep the peace.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: An investigation is under way to find the cause of this fire aboard a Florida casino boat. Check it out.

An off-duty Coast Guard swimmer rescued three crew members on board. One of them was taken to the hospital, treated for smoke inhalation. The 75-foot boat belonged to the Sun Cruise Casino based in Newport Richey. SANCHEZ: Yes. A real hot situation there. But as we look at the situation around the country weather-wise...

NGUYEN: Not too hot in many places at all -- Jill.

SANCHEZ: Except maybe the tips down, like Texas, Florida, maybe?

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: Well, last week, it was an unexpected delay.

SANCHEZ: Yes. But now, finally, it's Scott Peterson's turn to make his case, or at least that's what his attorneys will do. There is a chance they may call him to the stand. We'll talk about that live next.

(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 October 18, 2004 - 11:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: Well, you know we're close to Election Day because today Floridians begin their trek to polling stations to cast some early votes.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Will turmoil again cloud the vote in the Sunshine State? An expert on Florida politics joins us next.

SANCHEZ: Also, with the holidays around the corner, isn't it time that you took the family on a little vacation? We've got some tips for your excursions coming up.

The second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins right now.

And we begin with this, what's happening right "Now in the News."

Britain is considering a request by the United States to redeploy some of their troops in Iraq. According to several reports, the troops would fill in for U.S. forces expected to launch a major offensive around Falluja. British officials say no decisions have yet been made.

Iraqi's interim prime minister confirmed today that the country is extending a weapons handover in Sadr City. And Ayad Allawi says that the program will be expanded nationwide. Yesterday, Allawi -- President Allawi went to a stadium in Sadr City, where surrendered weapons are being stored. Aides say that he is the first Iraqi leader to visit the Shiite slum in Baghdad.

The shortage of flu vaccine in the U.S. is not a health crisis. That's the word from the secretary of Health and Human Services. Tommy Thompson says his department is reallocating vaccines to make sure those most at risk can get their shots. We're going to have more on this flu shot frenzy in our "Daily Dose." It's coming up later in this hour.

And the Supreme Court gives Texas Democrats a victory in the battle over the state's congressional map. The fight triggered two walkouts by Democrats in the state legislature. The justices ordered a lower court to reconsider the map that could give Republicans six more seats in Congress. The ruling will not affect, though, not affect the November elections.

It is 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 8:00 a.m. on the West. From the CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Rick Sanchez.

NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen, in today for Daryn Kagan. It is campaign crunch time. Up first on CNN, presidential politics. With the election just 15 days away, President Bush gives a speech on the war on terror during a campaign stop in New Jersey today. Now, from there, it is back to Florida.

Senator Kerry spends the day zigzagging across the Sunshine State and promoting his plan to avert another flu vaccine shortage. Kerry appears to have lost grounded to President Bush in the days after their final debate. A new CNN-"USA Today"-Gallup poll shows Bush leading Kerry 52 to 44 percent among likely voters. Now, the lead is smaller among registered voters, 49 percent for Bush, compared 46 percent for Kerry, making that race a statistical dead heat.

And for most people, Election Day is still more than two weeks away. But voters in some states can cast their ballots beginning today. Early voting begins in the crucial battleground state of Florida. Polling places in Texas, Colorado, Arkansas and North Dakota also allow early voting starting today.

All right. Whether voters go to the polls today, or two weeks from tomorrow, both candidates are battling for every last vote. And we want to get a preview of what is ahead today. And for that, CNN's Kelly Wallace is covering the Kerry campaign in West Palm Beach, Florida. Suzanne Malveaux is at the White House with the latest from the Bush campaign. And we begin with Kelly.

Good morning, Kelly.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Betty.

Well, Senator John Kerry had a very direct message to Floridians gathered here in West Palm Beach. He said, "Go out and vote early today so we don't have to stay up late on November 2."

The senator just a short time ago greeting some elderly and middle-aged people living in this area of suburban West Palm Beach as they were getting in these vans which would be taking them to polling stations to go out and cast the vote. Florida starting early voting after all the problems of 2000, hoping that this early voting would allow more people to get to the polls and prevent any problems on Election Day.

Now, according to the polls, we are seeing Senator Kerry still trailing President Bush on issues such as Iraq and who could better handle the war on terrorism. So with that in mind, the senator seizing on a report today in "The Washington Post" in which General Ricardo Sanchez, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, reportedly complained to the Pentagon last winter, saying he just didn't have the supplies in Iraq and was threatening the fight against the insurgency.

Well, here's what Senator Kerry had to say about that a short time ago.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: In today's newspapers, we read that the top commander in Iraq pleaded with the Pentagon for critical supplies in order to counter the growing insurgency in Iraq. Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez argued that without increased supplies -- and I'm going to quote him -- I'm quoting him -- he said, "I cannot continue to support sustained combat operations."

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WALLACE: And the senator went on to say that he just does not think the president is doing the job in Iraq and doesn't have a plan to keep the peace. Well, no surprise Bush campaign advisers reacting quickly.

They say John Kerry has "zero credibility on this issue." They say he was the one who voted against the $87 billion measure that would provide ammunition and supplies to the troops in Iraq. They also say any time John Kerry wants to talk about this issue, they are very, very happy.

Now, from here in West Palm Beach, Senator Kerry heads on to Tampa, where he's expected to talk about health care and also the shortage of the flu vaccine, as we've been talking about throughout the day. National polling, it appears that Senator Kerry losing a little bit of ground to President Bush. But Senator Kerry's advisers say they are not concerned because they say the trends in the battleground states, the all-important battleground states, continue to move in the senator's direction -- Betty.

NGUYEN: CNN's Kelly Wallace in West Palm Beach, Florida, today. Thank you.

And we will go back to Florida in about 10 minutes, as we take a closer look at key battleground states. And we'll talk more about early voting and the close race in Florida with Tom Fiedler. He is executive editor of "The Miami Herald" and author of the "Almanac of Florida Politics."

SANCHEZ: Homeland security and the war on terror are going to be the themes for President Bush today. He's going to focus on those issues during a speech in southern New Jersey, an interesting venue. Suzanne Malveaux joins us from the White House with more on what we can expect from the president.

Good morning again, Suzanne.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Rick.

Bush aides say that, quite frankly, this is not going to be a speech that is going to have any kind of new policy initiatives. It's going to have new language.

What this is essentially is kind of the greatest hits of what you've been hearing President Bush criticizing Kerry, contrasting what he says is his approach in fighting the war on terror as opposed to Kerry's. We are told he's going to talk about what they say are Kerry's nuances, the language comparing terrorism to a nuisance, the global test, his record, that type of thing. This is going to be something that they are going to highlight in the weeks to come and really hit very hard.

Now, of course, the war on terror is being a central theme, but also homeland security. It was earlier this morning at the White House in the Oval Office President Bush signed the Homeland Security Appropriations Act that allot some $33 billion for that department to help with securing the borders, first responders and transportation. It's one of those issues you may recall that Kerry has really been hitting hard on the president, arguing that he is not doing enough in that area.

I should also let you know as well, before the president heads back on the campaign trail this morning, a brief moment, congratulatory moment with the U.S. Olympians and Paralympians on the south lawn. President Bush then traveling to southern New Jersey.

Now, Bush campaign aides are very excited about what you're seeing, those latest poll numbers that do suggest that perhaps Kerry's lead, that post-debate lead, has been wiped out. They believe that they are going to be strong in hitting those battleground states.

And very interesting. New Jersey an unusual pick for the Bush campaign. You know, this is Democratic stronghold, this is where Gore won by 16 percentage points. But Karl Rove, the president's chief political adviser, says they're there for a number of reasons.

They believe that many New Jersey residents were directly impacted by the September 11th attacks, and that is the number one issue in fighting the war on terror. Also, this event is expected to hit a very important neighboring media market, that is Philadelphia. The state of Pennsylvania still very much in play. And the bottom line here, Rick, is they are certainly hoping -- they may not win New Jersey, but they are certainly hoping to make those Democrats at least fight for it -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: I wonder if they'd be going to New Jersey if it hadn't been for the McGreevey scandal? Do you think that plays into it at all? Have you checked with some of your sources there, Suzanne?

MALVEAUX: Well, they certainly believe that that makes the Democrats vulnerable in the state of New Jersey. And yes, I mean, that certainly is related. The local as well as political -- the national politics that are related, the two, they believe they can make inroads.

They believe that people in northern New Jersey very much tied to the September 11 attacks. They saw those attacks from their windows, just across the way.

In southern New Jersey today, that is Democratic country. But they believe they can make some inroads with some undecided voters. They still think that the state is very much in play. The polls show that Kerry is still in the lead. They're not putting out money or ads in that state, but they want to make those Democrats at least fight for it.

SANCHEZ: It's kind of like a chess match, isn't it? Interesting. Suzanne Malveaux, bringing us the latest there from the White House. Thanks again, Suzanne.

And we're going to bring you live coverage of both candidates' speeches today. President Bush's speech on homeland security is set to begin, oh, in about two hours. It's at 1:15 p.m. Eastern, 10:15 a.m. Pacific.

And Senator Kerry's speech is going to be on health care, we understand. That's going to begin at 1:45 p.m. Eastern. That would be 10:45 Pacific.

NGUYEN: Now to the headlines from Iraq today. The military announced today that a bomb-filled car exploded on a bridge in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul Sunday. Five Iraqis were killed, 15 others wounded. The suicide car bomber collided with another vehicle, setting off a huge fire.

Iraq's government is extending the weapons handover program for Baghdad's Sadr City neighborhood. Its plans -- or it plans to offer the amnesty deal to insurgents nationwide soon. Fighters are turning in guns, mortars and ammunition for coupons that can be redeemed for cash.

And the Army is investigating several soldiers who refused to make a fuel run in Iraq out of fear for their safety. The 18 men and women are members of the 13th Corps Support Command or COSCOM. They routinely deliver fuel, food, water and medical supplies to troops.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRIG. GEN. JAMES E. CHAMBERS, U.S. ARMY: Findings indicate that the soldiers involved expressed concerns regarding maintenance and safety. As a result, I have directed that the 343rd conduct a maintenance and safety stand-down during which time vehicles will be thoroughly inspected and the unit will retrain and certify for their mission. We will also assess armor protection for each of their vehicles and make an assessment to provide additional steel plating if it's required.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: The military investigation will determine whether the Uniform Code of Military Justice was violated. It will also determine what punishment, if any, is appropriate.

SANCHEZ: Here is what is making news overseas in this morning's "World Wrap."

Russian President Vladimir Putin says that a Bush defeat in November's election could lead to the spread of terrorism. Putin says that insurgent attacks in Iraq are designed to scare voters away from the president.

Afghanistan's interim leader, Hamid Karzai, is on a course to win the presidency without a runoff. With 13 percent of the ballots counted, officials say that Karzai has two-thirds of the vote thus far. That's three times the votes of his closest competitor out of a field of some 18 candidates.

Speaking of chess just a little while ago, chess aficionado Bobby Fischer may challenge his detention in Japan in U.S. federal court. He's been held on a passport violation since his arrest in Tokyo in July. Fischer is wanted in the U.S. for violating economic sanctions against the former Yugoslavia in 1992. He won $3 million in a chess match back then.

NGUYEN: Well, in the political chess game starting today, Floridians, well, they can cast their vote. Up next, as early voting begins, there are already concerns that history will repeat itself. We're talking Sunshine State turmoil with someone who knows all about it.

SANCHEZ: Scott Peterson's team finally takes center stage in court. Get ready for this one. Their side of the story begins today.

NGUYEN: And later, 24 hours in Iraq. We're taking a rare look at life on the streets with U.S. and Iraqi troops trying to keep the peace.

CNN LIVE TODAY is coming right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SANCHEZ: Election Day is two weeks away. But voters are already at polling stations in four states today, including Florida, for early voting. Some groups are urging Floridians to vote before November 2 so that they can cast a paper ballot. There have been problems with the state's touch-screen voting machines that were in place after the disputed election of 2000, or at least that has been the perception, we should say.

All this week, we're focusing on the all-important battleground states, with both candidates on the stump in Florida today. We will begin there.

Tom Fiedler is the executive editor of "The Miami Herald" and the author of "The Almanac of Florida Politics." He is joining us from Miami, where he is, as I said, the boss of the paper that I grew up with, I'm proud to say.

TOM FIEDLER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR, "THE MIAMI HERALD": Good morning, Rick.

SANCHEZ: Hey, Tom. How are you doing? FIEDLER: I'm glad to be here. Good to see you.

SANCHEZ: Let me break this down this way, all right? The state of Florida, in the south, the Cuban and the condo vote cancels each other out. In the Panhandle, Bush wins big. So it all comes down to that I-4 corridor.

Is that where you think this election is going to be decided?

FIEDLER: It usually is. It's the linchpin on which the state really turns.

And there are a few other counties in there that are -- that are swing counties in this swing state. Miami-Dade is one of those, although, as you say, the condominiums tend to go to balance off the Cuban-American vote here. But yes, central Florida and I think particularly around the Orlando area, the counties there, because they have undergone tremendous changes in the last five, six years. And that's...

SANCHEZ: How smart -- how smart was it for President Bush to take one of his cabinet members, put him in the race in Florida, trying to take Bob Graham's seat, and to try and consolidate that I-4 corridor vote? Talking, of course, about Mel Martinez running for Senate.

FIEDLER: Mel Martinez, yes. You know, I don't know if they went into that with that strategic purpose in mind. If so, they were smart.

Mel Martinez is the former chief executive, the equivalent of the mayor of Orange County, which is Orlando there. So he certainly has a great deal of voter recognition.

He did well. He's got deep support there. So to the extent that that pulls votes into the Republican column, that you can have a reverse coattail effect, that's certainly smart. He also, as you would expect, I think will do quite well in the Cuban-American community in Miami-Dade County as the first Cuban-American to run.

SANCHEZ: You know, the I-4 corridor is not Cuban. We're talking mostly Central American, Mexican, Puerto Rican.

FIEDLER: Absolutely.

SANCHEZ: Are they going to go Republican just because there's a guy with an Hispanic last name on the ballot?

FIEDLER: You know, I think there is some affinity for that because it's -- he certainly understands the Hispanic culture. He speaks Spanish. I think that is a plus there.

But in many cases, as you know, the fastest growing segment of the population in central Florida is non-Cuban-Hispanic. It's primarily Puerto Rican, and they have a long-time connection to the Democratic Party. And that is really in 2000 why those counties when the for Al Gore.

SANCHEZ: Tom, before we let you go, you've got to bring us up to date on this touch-screen controversy, if we can call it that. I understand that there are some initiatives now to make sure that people can get some kind of receipt or some kind of paper trail after they vote.

FIEDLER: Right.

SANCHEZ: What's the status? What's going on with this right now?

FIEDLER: There's not going to be any paper receipt in this election. I think the best that the advocates for that can hope for will be 2006.

The -- right now, Congressman Bob Wexler, from the Palm Beach area, has been in court. He lost in the first round to try to get paper ballots. But -- and he's trying on appeal. I think for practical purposes that's not going to happen. We may just have to hold our breaths and hope that the touch-screens work to people's satisfaction.

SANCHEZ: Tom Fiedler, one of the good ones. Thanks, my friend, for being on with us.

FIEDLER: Appreciate it.

SANCHEZ: Certainly appreciate it.

FIEDLER: Good to see you, Rick.

SANCHEZ: All right -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Let's stay with this Florida theme for just a second now. Somebody apparently had a hot hand during a Florida casino cruise, a really hot hand. Take a look at this. The story behind this fire on the water next.

SANCHEZ: The good news is no one was hurt.

NGUYEN: Yes.

SANCHEZ: Later, in Iraq, 24 hours can feel like 24 days. A day in the life of U.S. troops and Iraqi troops on the ground trying, trying to keep the peace.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: An investigation is under way to find the cause of this fire aboard a Florida casino boat. Check it out.

An off-duty Coast Guard swimmer rescued three crew members on board. One of them was taken to the hospital, treated for smoke inhalation. The 75-foot boat belonged to the Sun Cruise Casino based in Newport Richey. SANCHEZ: Yes. A real hot situation there. But as we look at the situation around the country weather-wise...

NGUYEN: Not too hot in many places at all -- Jill.

SANCHEZ: Except maybe the tips down, like Texas, Florida, maybe?

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: Well, last week, it was an unexpected delay.

SANCHEZ: Yes. But now, finally, it's Scott Peterson's turn to make his case, or at least that's what his attorneys will do. There is a chance they may call him to the stand. We'll talk about that live next.

(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