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Kerry and Bush Battle for Votes in Iowa; Pat Robertson says He Warned Bush About Iraq War

Aired October 20, 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.


RICK SANCHEZ, CNN CO-ANCHOR: Lots to talk about today, including that slapping incident.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN CO-ANCHOR: The slap -- oh, Alex Rodriguez.

SANCHEZ: Slapped the ball.

KAGAN: Is it football? Is it baseball? What's the deal?

SANCHEZ: Is it cheating?

KAGAN: Absolutely, it is cheating. It was the right call.

SANCHEZ: Glad you said that.

KAGAN: Yes.

SANCHEZ: There is...

KAGAN: Let's get that out of the way.

SANCHEZ: ... a lot happening on this day in the news.

KAGAN: Yes.

SANCHEZ: From night into day, U.S. warplanes continued to pound suspected terrorists' targets in Fallujah. Medical sources tell CNN that air strikes there killed six people; four of the victims were children and one was a pregnant woman.

Emergency crews have been searching the woods surrounding this crash site in Kirksville, Missouri. At least eight people are confirmed dead and five others are missing. Two people aboard the commuter plane survived with broken bones. The plane would serve the American Airlines affiliate Corporate Airlines, crashed a few miles short of the runway.

California's first major storm of the season charged to shore and lashed the state from north to south, and from beaches to mountains as well. Three hundred thousand homes and businesses lost power across the state. And the fear of mudslides prompted the evacuation of about 200 people in the Sierra Nevada area.

Well, as we said, tonight the Boston Red Sox are hoping to reverse the curse. The team has long blamed its post-season failures on its 1918 trade of Babe Ruth to the Yankees. Now it is making its own history. The Sox were the first to overcome a three-game deficit to force a Game 7 in the American League Championship Series.

The winner of tonight's game goes to the World Series. There's even people, who are Yankees fans, who are kind of secretly hoping that Boston will win because no one has ever done this before.

KAGAN: Winner takes all.

SANCHEZ: And here we go. I'm Rick Sanchez.

KAGAN: And I'm Daryn Kagan. You know, we can't forget our friends in St. Louis and Houston. They have Game 6 tonight in the NLCS.

SANCHEZ: Houston is up 3-2.

KAGAN: Absolutely. Teach you all about sports, aren't I?

(LAUGHTER)

KAGAN: We'll talk more about that in a little bit.

Right now, the Upper Midwest is ground zero today in the presidential campaign. Senator John Kerry returning to a familiar theme in a speech in Iowa next hour.

Our Kelly Wallace is covering the senator and joins us from Waterloo. Kelly, good morning.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. And we begin with a little news when it comes to getting out the vote. You know no one turns out the Democratic Party faithful like the former President Bill Clinton. And a senior Kerry advisor telling CNN that the details are still being finalized, and so there's some caution here. But it is likely the former president will be in Philadelphia next week, and that Senator Kerry will be there campaigning with him.

You will recall it was just a short time after the former president spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Boston, that we learned he would be having heart bypass surgery. He has been recovering. There have been lots of questions about whether he would actually be able to get out on the stump before the election. And right Now, the word is that it is very possible for next week.

As for Senator Kerry, he seems to be thoroughly enjoying himself last night in Dayton, Ohio, as he was on a baseball field beaming about his beloved Red Sox, even before they ended up winning Game 6 against the New York Yankees.

Today though, on to very serious business. A speech that aides are saying is as much about trying to neutralizer attacks coming from the president, as it is about winning over undecided voters who still haven't decided which candidate can keep the United States safer. The senator will say he can win wars in Iraq and against terrorism by bringing U.S. allies onboard. And according excerpts from his campaign, this is a -- what he is expected to say in his speech a short time from now, he's expected to say, quote, "This president likes to say he's a leader. Mr. President, look behind you. There's no one there. It's not leadership if no one follows."

Now, Iowa is symbolically important for Senator Kerry. Of course, this is where he turned his campaign around during the primaries and caucuses. And this is a state that right now the polls say remains neck and neck. And just think about what happened in 2000, Daryn; on Election Day, George W. Bush was ahead. But after absentee ballots were counted, Al Gore won the state, but by just a little more than 4,000 votes. So very close.

And of course, President Bush expected to be in those state today as well -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Yes. And a little bit more on President Bush in just a minute. But first, keeping priorities straight. Do you look at the neck and neck election? Or does John Kerry cancel campaign events to watch Game 7 of the ALCS tonight? What's on the docket?

(LAUGHTER)

WALLACE: Well, a great question, indeed, Daryn. One reporter on his plane asked him and said, "Hey, Mr. Senator, how about making a big detour and heading to New York City for Game 7." He says, "Uh-uh. They have their job, I have my job." So he'll remain here. But you can bet he will be trying to keep tabs on that game throughout his campaign day.

KAGAN: Kelly Wallace in Iowa, thank you for that.

Now, John Kerry's running mate is focusing on domestic issues. He is in a roundtable discussion with workers in Canton, Ohio. The vice-presidential candidate has two other appearances in Ohio this afternoon and attends a rally in Iowa tonight. In New Hampshire yesterday, Edwards accused the Republican ticket of playing on fears, not focusing on facts.

SANCHEZ: A lot of the Kerry handlers are saying that the Bush people are using scare tactics. Well, plenty of the Bush handlers are also saying the same thing about Kerry people on this morning.

CNN's Suzanne Malveaux is at the White House now. She is joining us with the very latest on that part of the story.

Good morning, Suzanne.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Rick. Well, the president's strategy is really twofold. It is to play both offense and defense to continue to hit Kerry on what he is calling those inconsistencies in Iraq. The weaknesses on terror. But at the same time, to answer some of those charges from Kerry on the issues that seem to be resonating with voters. We are talking about yesterday, we heard from the president in the all-important state of Florida, addressing the issue, the debate over who is responsible for the shortages of the flu vaccine. The president saying his administration would do everything it could to get to the neediest citizens. Also, the president addressing another issue important to seniors, an important voting bloc. That is the future of Social Security, as well as an issue that's important to the young voters, that is the worry of a wartime draft.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH (R), PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We will keep the promise of Social Security for our seniors and there will be no draft as long as I'm the president.

(CHEERING)

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: On November 2, the people of America will reject the politics of fear and vote for an agenda of hope, and opportunity, and security.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: So the Bush campaign obviously worried to some extent that perhaps some of those charges may be sticking. That perhaps these are issues that are resonating with those particularly important voting blocs, the young voters as well as the seniors.

Now, President Bush today is traveling to the Upper Midwest. That is where he is hitting the key battleground states of Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. All of these states he narrowly lost to Gore back in 2000, really by just several thousand votes. His first stop is going to be Mason City, Iowa; it is his 20-trip to Iowa State. He lost by just 4,000 votes the last time around.

His second stop is going to be Rochester, Minnesota. That is where he is going to be focusing on the economy. And his third and final stop of the day in Eau Claire, Wisconsin; that is where specifically he is going to be talking about his economic plan, and how he believes his policies will benefit those in rural areas -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: Suzanne, I wonder if you could stand by real quick and react to this story that we also have. It's about Vice President Dick Cheney questioning in fact John Kerry's ability to fight the war on terror. He said yesterday, "The biggest threat we face now is biological, nuclear or chemical agent." And then he went on to imply that Kerry would lead you to believe that he is the same type of president that President Bush is. Then he said, "I don't believe it. I don't believe there's any evidence to support it."

Those are bold words. Do we expect the president today to in any way echo the vice president's charge? MALVEAUX: Well, what is typical here and Cheney's remarks should let you know in the bigger context aren't really new. He has been saying that. But it really does represent kind of this escalation in the war of words, the type of rhetoric that we have heard from Cheney and President Bush and also as well as the Kerry camp.

We expect the president again is going to hit Kerry hard on what he says are the inconsistencies on Iraq. And he has been making that case, that argument that believes a Kerry administration would be dangerous to the country. He believes that he is not qualified, that he is not fit in leading as commander and chief. So expect to hear very strong language from the president in these next several days.

SANCHEZ: And interestingly enough we expect to hear strong language from Senator Kerry as well during his 11:00 speech on that very thing.

Suzanne Malveaux thanks so much for that report.

MALVEAUX: Sure.

KAGAN: I don't know if you've heard. But ardent Bush supporter, Pat Robertson said he warned the president of a potential disaster in Iraq. but was shocked when the president dismissed the fear of casualties. Robertson is the founder of the Christian Coalition and a one-time presidential candidate. He says he met with Mr. Bush before the U.S. invasion about a year and a half ago.

And this is how he described that conversation on CNN's "PAULA ZAHN NOW."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PAT ROBERTSON, FOUNDER, CHRISTIAN COALITION: He was the most self-assured man I ever met in my life. Remember Mark Twain said he looks like a contended Christian with four aces. I mean he was sitting there like I'm on top of the world.

And I warned him about this war. I had deep misgivings about this war. Deep misgivings. And I was trying to say, Mr. President, you better prepare the American people for casualties. Oh, no, we're not going to have any casualties. Well, I said, you know, it's the way it's going to be.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Robertson says he still remains unwavering in his support of the president. And he says, quote, "The president he believes has the blessing of heaven."

SANCHEZ: The 9/11 attacks, what happened before, right after and what could happen in the future? All making news in Washington today. First, a U.S. intelligence official denies the CIA's withholding an internal report on pre-9/11 mistakes because it could embarrass the president. The official tells CNN the report is still under review. A "Los Angeles Times" columnist quoted another unnamed intelligence official of saying the report makes the Bush administration appear uninterested in terrorism before 9/11, and unwilling to determine accountability after the attacks.

KAGAN: Meanwhile, congressional negotiators today begin public meetings to reach a compromise on intelligence reform legislation.

Our Ed Henry has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ED HENRY, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): On 9/11 Beverly Eckert lost her husband. She now fears other families will feel the same pain, because Congress has been slow to fix the intelligence community.

BEVERLY ECKERT, 9/11 WIDOW: As Election Day come excess there's no bill on the president's desk, you better believe there will be at least one group who will be celebrating. And the name of that group is al Qaeda.

HENRY: The House and Senate passed vastly different bills last month. 9/11 Commission Chair Tom Kean says there's only a 50/50 chance of a final product getting to the president by the election.

ABRAHAM SCOTT, 9/11 WIDOWER: And it's just totally unacceptable. We need reform now.

HENRY: The Senate bill has a more powerful version of a National Intelligence Director. And it would disclose the nation's intelligence budget, which critics say, would give America's enemies an advantage. The House bill has strong surveillance and deportation powers that civil Libertarians find objectionable. Kean is urging the president to push Congress to compromise. The president says he wants a deal but has not endorsed either bill.

BUSH: These reforms are necessary to stay ahead of the threats. I urge Congress to act quickly so I can sign them into law.

HENRY: But the president stopped short of setting a deadline and some 9/11 families charge they've gotten mixed signals from the White House.

This comes as Senator John Kerry charges the country is less safe on the president's watch. That's a theme his campaign pounds home with a new ad featuring former Bush supporter Kristen Breitwiser, whose husband was killed on 9/11.

(BEGIN KERRY-EDWARDS AD CLIP)

KRISTEN BREITWISER, 9/11 WIDOW: And during the commission hearings we learned the truth. We are no safer today.

(END KERRY-EDWARDS AD CLIP) HENRY: Other 9/11 families are coming forward to back the president. They say the extra provisions in the House bill are critical to keeping the nation secure.

HAMILTON PETERSON, LOST PARENTS ON 9/11: Political sizing this issue and trying to create a deadline of 14 days, I believe is doing America a disservice.

HENRY (on camera): With lawmakers meeting Wednesday to start hammering out the differences, Democrats say the president will have to push harder to get a deal. As one aide put it, "This is a puff of air and what you need is a gust of wind."

Ed Henry, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SANCHEZ: The story we're working on out of Iraq, it's not just a matter of being liked or being accepted there. It's really a matter of being trusted. And we're going to show you the ways Iraqi troops might help Americans do that.

KAGAN: Plus, a look at why officials in Ohio worry about disaster on Election Day.

SANCHEZ: Also leaving your job but worried about what will happen to your 401(k). No need to be concerned. Gerri Willis is here. She's going to look at when and how to roll your money over.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SANCHEZ: Welcome back to CNN. I'm Rick Sanchez.

We're being told today there is going to be some mid season reinforcement in the flu battle. The Bush administration has announced some additional 2.6 million doses of flu vaccine. They say they're going to be ready in January. Even with the extra doses though, there's still going to be about 30 million fewer vaccines available than there were last year. Federal officials say they are optimistic.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. JULIE GERBERDING, DIRECTOR, CDC: We have some good news right now. We actually have less flu activity this time of year than typical. In fact, we only identified five flu isolates in the United States so far this year. So we're getting off to a bit of a slow start. And that gives us a little more time to get the doses out there.

We can't tell when the season is going to peak. And of course, we want to move as quickly as we can. But we are very glad to have these extra doses. And we'll make good use of them.

(END VIDEO CLIP) SANCHEZ: Well, here's some interesting news. No flu vaccine shortage on Capitol Hill. Today's "Washington Post" said that vaccine is available and free to members of Congress and their staff. And the capitol physician is urging all lawmakers to get vaccinated.

There you go.

KAGAN: They are getting closer and closer to breaking the curse. We're going to have more on those wily Red Sox and their winning ways. And talk about a Red Sox, Curt Schilling took Red Sox to a new level.

SANCHEZ: Isn't that amazing.

KAGAN: Yes.

SANCHEZ: See that blood coming off of his ankle?

KAGAN: Ugh.

SANCHEZ: Also, for those of you who are not betting on the Red Sox, and interested in the safer way to finance your future, Gerri Willis has some tips for you.

GERRI WILLIS, CNNFN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: Roll over your 401(k) the wrong way; you'll owe Uncle Sam a ton of dough. And we'll show you how to do it right when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SANCHEZ: Up yesterday, down today. How about changing jobs and rolling over that 401(k) if you are a little down today. You need to know the rules.

Here to breakdown the ABC's of the 401(k) is our Gerri Willis. She's live in New York.

Hi, Gerri. I guess the first part is just that, right? Know what is going on with the rules.

WILLIS: That's right, Rick. You bet. You need to understand when you are eligible to roll over a 401(k). It's only when you are leaving the company you are presently working for, whether you have been fired or you're getting a new job. It doesn't matter. But you can't just roll over the 401(k) because you don't like your company's options for investing.

SANCHEZ: If you make a mistake, I imagine the taxman can really hurt you on this thing?

WILLIS: Yes. This is the critical point here, Rick. Absolutely. You want to pay a ton of attention to this. The phrase you are looking for "trustee-to-trustee roll over." The worst thing you can do is take that money yourself out of your 401(k) when you are moving it. Because if you do, you are going to owe a ton of taxes; 20 percent in withholding and a 10 percent penalty on top of that.

So whatever you do, find another place to put it. Don't touch the money or Uncle Sam comes knocking at your door.

SANCHEZ: And you can roll it into another IRA, correct?

WILLIS: Well, you can take it from the 401(k) to a new company's 401(k). Or you can put it into an IRA. IRA is great because it will offer you a ton of investment options. But you also should know, you might be able to get access to some of that money if you put it into an IRA. Remember, you can borrow for first-time home buying up to $10,000. Now, you have to pay taxes on it, but there will be no penalties.

SANCHEZ: And once you put it there, you never have to look at it or anything, right? Just leave it alone?

WILLIS: Well, I wish it would that easy, Rick. But it's not, unfortunately. You've got to manage the money. The bad news here is that if you are putting it into an IRA, you're going to make all of the choices and you'll have thousands of them. So think first about the fees that the funds you like are charging. It's really important to understand that the people lose a ton of dough by paying high fees.

Average core stock fee, check it out, less than 1 percent. If you are buying a bond fund, it should be less than 0.75 percent. It's all in the details, Rick, if you are trying to make a successful investment.

SANCHEZ: Now, you also tell us that if you leave it you risk it. What do you mean by that?

WILLIS: Well, if you have -- let's say you work for a company for a short period of time. Maybe you have $5,000 or less in that 401(k). The key here is to take it with you. Don't forget about it and leave it there. Because they can just decide they don't want the trouble of managing it and just send it to you a check in the mail, triggering all of those taxes that we just talked about. Which you don't want to pay, frankly. So don't forget these 401(k). It all adds up a little bit helps when you are trying to retire.

SANCHEZ: Gerri Willis, live from New York. Thanks so much for the great advice.

WILLIS: You're welcome, Rick.

SANCHEZ: Appreciate it.

KAGAN: More troops are going to Iraq, and they are going to train Iraqi troops. Why the change in tactics? And why now and so many. The unit's commanding officer will join us to explain.

SANCHEZ: And then later, it's one of the important states in this year's election, but new voters and confusion over rules have Ohio officials afraid they will never know who won.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired October 20, 2004 - 10:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN CO-ANCHOR: Lots to talk about today, including that slapping incident.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN CO-ANCHOR: The slap -- oh, Alex Rodriguez.

SANCHEZ: Slapped the ball.

KAGAN: Is it football? Is it baseball? What's the deal?

SANCHEZ: Is it cheating?

KAGAN: Absolutely, it is cheating. It was the right call.

SANCHEZ: Glad you said that.

KAGAN: Yes.

SANCHEZ: There is...

KAGAN: Let's get that out of the way.

SANCHEZ: ... a lot happening on this day in the news.

KAGAN: Yes.

SANCHEZ: From night into day, U.S. warplanes continued to pound suspected terrorists' targets in Fallujah. Medical sources tell CNN that air strikes there killed six people; four of the victims were children and one was a pregnant woman.

Emergency crews have been searching the woods surrounding this crash site in Kirksville, Missouri. At least eight people are confirmed dead and five others are missing. Two people aboard the commuter plane survived with broken bones. The plane would serve the American Airlines affiliate Corporate Airlines, crashed a few miles short of the runway.

California's first major storm of the season charged to shore and lashed the state from north to south, and from beaches to mountains as well. Three hundred thousand homes and businesses lost power across the state. And the fear of mudslides prompted the evacuation of about 200 people in the Sierra Nevada area.

Well, as we said, tonight the Boston Red Sox are hoping to reverse the curse. The team has long blamed its post-season failures on its 1918 trade of Babe Ruth to the Yankees. Now it is making its own history. The Sox were the first to overcome a three-game deficit to force a Game 7 in the American League Championship Series.

The winner of tonight's game goes to the World Series. There's even people, who are Yankees fans, who are kind of secretly hoping that Boston will win because no one has ever done this before.

KAGAN: Winner takes all.

SANCHEZ: And here we go. I'm Rick Sanchez.

KAGAN: And I'm Daryn Kagan. You know, we can't forget our friends in St. Louis and Houston. They have Game 6 tonight in the NLCS.

SANCHEZ: Houston is up 3-2.

KAGAN: Absolutely. Teach you all about sports, aren't I?

(LAUGHTER)

KAGAN: We'll talk more about that in a little bit.

Right now, the Upper Midwest is ground zero today in the presidential campaign. Senator John Kerry returning to a familiar theme in a speech in Iowa next hour.

Our Kelly Wallace is covering the senator and joins us from Waterloo. Kelly, good morning.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. And we begin with a little news when it comes to getting out the vote. You know no one turns out the Democratic Party faithful like the former President Bill Clinton. And a senior Kerry advisor telling CNN that the details are still being finalized, and so there's some caution here. But it is likely the former president will be in Philadelphia next week, and that Senator Kerry will be there campaigning with him.

You will recall it was just a short time after the former president spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Boston, that we learned he would be having heart bypass surgery. He has been recovering. There have been lots of questions about whether he would actually be able to get out on the stump before the election. And right Now, the word is that it is very possible for next week.

As for Senator Kerry, he seems to be thoroughly enjoying himself last night in Dayton, Ohio, as he was on a baseball field beaming about his beloved Red Sox, even before they ended up winning Game 6 against the New York Yankees.

Today though, on to very serious business. A speech that aides are saying is as much about trying to neutralizer attacks coming from the president, as it is about winning over undecided voters who still haven't decided which candidate can keep the United States safer. The senator will say he can win wars in Iraq and against terrorism by bringing U.S. allies onboard. And according excerpts from his campaign, this is a -- what he is expected to say in his speech a short time from now, he's expected to say, quote, "This president likes to say he's a leader. Mr. President, look behind you. There's no one there. It's not leadership if no one follows."

Now, Iowa is symbolically important for Senator Kerry. Of course, this is where he turned his campaign around during the primaries and caucuses. And this is a state that right now the polls say remains neck and neck. And just think about what happened in 2000, Daryn; on Election Day, George W. Bush was ahead. But after absentee ballots were counted, Al Gore won the state, but by just a little more than 4,000 votes. So very close.

And of course, President Bush expected to be in those state today as well -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Yes. And a little bit more on President Bush in just a minute. But first, keeping priorities straight. Do you look at the neck and neck election? Or does John Kerry cancel campaign events to watch Game 7 of the ALCS tonight? What's on the docket?

(LAUGHTER)

WALLACE: Well, a great question, indeed, Daryn. One reporter on his plane asked him and said, "Hey, Mr. Senator, how about making a big detour and heading to New York City for Game 7." He says, "Uh-uh. They have their job, I have my job." So he'll remain here. But you can bet he will be trying to keep tabs on that game throughout his campaign day.

KAGAN: Kelly Wallace in Iowa, thank you for that.

Now, John Kerry's running mate is focusing on domestic issues. He is in a roundtable discussion with workers in Canton, Ohio. The vice-presidential candidate has two other appearances in Ohio this afternoon and attends a rally in Iowa tonight. In New Hampshire yesterday, Edwards accused the Republican ticket of playing on fears, not focusing on facts.

SANCHEZ: A lot of the Kerry handlers are saying that the Bush people are using scare tactics. Well, plenty of the Bush handlers are also saying the same thing about Kerry people on this morning.

CNN's Suzanne Malveaux is at the White House now. She is joining us with the very latest on that part of the story.

Good morning, Suzanne.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Rick. Well, the president's strategy is really twofold. It is to play both offense and defense to continue to hit Kerry on what he is calling those inconsistencies in Iraq. The weaknesses on terror. But at the same time, to answer some of those charges from Kerry on the issues that seem to be resonating with voters. We are talking about yesterday, we heard from the president in the all-important state of Florida, addressing the issue, the debate over who is responsible for the shortages of the flu vaccine. The president saying his administration would do everything it could to get to the neediest citizens. Also, the president addressing another issue important to seniors, an important voting bloc. That is the future of Social Security, as well as an issue that's important to the young voters, that is the worry of a wartime draft.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH (R), PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We will keep the promise of Social Security for our seniors and there will be no draft as long as I'm the president.

(CHEERING)

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: On November 2, the people of America will reject the politics of fear and vote for an agenda of hope, and opportunity, and security.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: So the Bush campaign obviously worried to some extent that perhaps some of those charges may be sticking. That perhaps these are issues that are resonating with those particularly important voting blocs, the young voters as well as the seniors.

Now, President Bush today is traveling to the Upper Midwest. That is where he is hitting the key battleground states of Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. All of these states he narrowly lost to Gore back in 2000, really by just several thousand votes. His first stop is going to be Mason City, Iowa; it is his 20-trip to Iowa State. He lost by just 4,000 votes the last time around.

His second stop is going to be Rochester, Minnesota. That is where he is going to be focusing on the economy. And his third and final stop of the day in Eau Claire, Wisconsin; that is where specifically he is going to be talking about his economic plan, and how he believes his policies will benefit those in rural areas -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: Suzanne, I wonder if you could stand by real quick and react to this story that we also have. It's about Vice President Dick Cheney questioning in fact John Kerry's ability to fight the war on terror. He said yesterday, "The biggest threat we face now is biological, nuclear or chemical agent." And then he went on to imply that Kerry would lead you to believe that he is the same type of president that President Bush is. Then he said, "I don't believe it. I don't believe there's any evidence to support it."

Those are bold words. Do we expect the president today to in any way echo the vice president's charge? MALVEAUX: Well, what is typical here and Cheney's remarks should let you know in the bigger context aren't really new. He has been saying that. But it really does represent kind of this escalation in the war of words, the type of rhetoric that we have heard from Cheney and President Bush and also as well as the Kerry camp.

We expect the president again is going to hit Kerry hard on what he says are the inconsistencies on Iraq. And he has been making that case, that argument that believes a Kerry administration would be dangerous to the country. He believes that he is not qualified, that he is not fit in leading as commander and chief. So expect to hear very strong language from the president in these next several days.

SANCHEZ: And interestingly enough we expect to hear strong language from Senator Kerry as well during his 11:00 speech on that very thing.

Suzanne Malveaux thanks so much for that report.

MALVEAUX: Sure.

KAGAN: I don't know if you've heard. But ardent Bush supporter, Pat Robertson said he warned the president of a potential disaster in Iraq. but was shocked when the president dismissed the fear of casualties. Robertson is the founder of the Christian Coalition and a one-time presidential candidate. He says he met with Mr. Bush before the U.S. invasion about a year and a half ago.

And this is how he described that conversation on CNN's "PAULA ZAHN NOW."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PAT ROBERTSON, FOUNDER, CHRISTIAN COALITION: He was the most self-assured man I ever met in my life. Remember Mark Twain said he looks like a contended Christian with four aces. I mean he was sitting there like I'm on top of the world.

And I warned him about this war. I had deep misgivings about this war. Deep misgivings. And I was trying to say, Mr. President, you better prepare the American people for casualties. Oh, no, we're not going to have any casualties. Well, I said, you know, it's the way it's going to be.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Robertson says he still remains unwavering in his support of the president. And he says, quote, "The president he believes has the blessing of heaven."

SANCHEZ: The 9/11 attacks, what happened before, right after and what could happen in the future? All making news in Washington today. First, a U.S. intelligence official denies the CIA's withholding an internal report on pre-9/11 mistakes because it could embarrass the president. The official tells CNN the report is still under review. A "Los Angeles Times" columnist quoted another unnamed intelligence official of saying the report makes the Bush administration appear uninterested in terrorism before 9/11, and unwilling to determine accountability after the attacks.

KAGAN: Meanwhile, congressional negotiators today begin public meetings to reach a compromise on intelligence reform legislation.

Our Ed Henry has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ED HENRY, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): On 9/11 Beverly Eckert lost her husband. She now fears other families will feel the same pain, because Congress has been slow to fix the intelligence community.

BEVERLY ECKERT, 9/11 WIDOW: As Election Day come excess there's no bill on the president's desk, you better believe there will be at least one group who will be celebrating. And the name of that group is al Qaeda.

HENRY: The House and Senate passed vastly different bills last month. 9/11 Commission Chair Tom Kean says there's only a 50/50 chance of a final product getting to the president by the election.

ABRAHAM SCOTT, 9/11 WIDOWER: And it's just totally unacceptable. We need reform now.

HENRY: The Senate bill has a more powerful version of a National Intelligence Director. And it would disclose the nation's intelligence budget, which critics say, would give America's enemies an advantage. The House bill has strong surveillance and deportation powers that civil Libertarians find objectionable. Kean is urging the president to push Congress to compromise. The president says he wants a deal but has not endorsed either bill.

BUSH: These reforms are necessary to stay ahead of the threats. I urge Congress to act quickly so I can sign them into law.

HENRY: But the president stopped short of setting a deadline and some 9/11 families charge they've gotten mixed signals from the White House.

This comes as Senator John Kerry charges the country is less safe on the president's watch. That's a theme his campaign pounds home with a new ad featuring former Bush supporter Kristen Breitwiser, whose husband was killed on 9/11.

(BEGIN KERRY-EDWARDS AD CLIP)

KRISTEN BREITWISER, 9/11 WIDOW: And during the commission hearings we learned the truth. We are no safer today.

(END KERRY-EDWARDS AD CLIP) HENRY: Other 9/11 families are coming forward to back the president. They say the extra provisions in the House bill are critical to keeping the nation secure.

HAMILTON PETERSON, LOST PARENTS ON 9/11: Political sizing this issue and trying to create a deadline of 14 days, I believe is doing America a disservice.

HENRY (on camera): With lawmakers meeting Wednesday to start hammering out the differences, Democrats say the president will have to push harder to get a deal. As one aide put it, "This is a puff of air and what you need is a gust of wind."

Ed Henry, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SANCHEZ: The story we're working on out of Iraq, it's not just a matter of being liked or being accepted there. It's really a matter of being trusted. And we're going to show you the ways Iraqi troops might help Americans do that.

KAGAN: Plus, a look at why officials in Ohio worry about disaster on Election Day.

SANCHEZ: Also leaving your job but worried about what will happen to your 401(k). No need to be concerned. Gerri Willis is here. She's going to look at when and how to roll your money over.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SANCHEZ: Welcome back to CNN. I'm Rick Sanchez.

We're being told today there is going to be some mid season reinforcement in the flu battle. The Bush administration has announced some additional 2.6 million doses of flu vaccine. They say they're going to be ready in January. Even with the extra doses though, there's still going to be about 30 million fewer vaccines available than there were last year. Federal officials say they are optimistic.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. JULIE GERBERDING, DIRECTOR, CDC: We have some good news right now. We actually have less flu activity this time of year than typical. In fact, we only identified five flu isolates in the United States so far this year. So we're getting off to a bit of a slow start. And that gives us a little more time to get the doses out there.

We can't tell when the season is going to peak. And of course, we want to move as quickly as we can. But we are very glad to have these extra doses. And we'll make good use of them.

(END VIDEO CLIP) SANCHEZ: Well, here's some interesting news. No flu vaccine shortage on Capitol Hill. Today's "Washington Post" said that vaccine is available and free to members of Congress and their staff. And the capitol physician is urging all lawmakers to get vaccinated.

There you go.

KAGAN: They are getting closer and closer to breaking the curse. We're going to have more on those wily Red Sox and their winning ways. And talk about a Red Sox, Curt Schilling took Red Sox to a new level.

SANCHEZ: Isn't that amazing.

KAGAN: Yes.

SANCHEZ: See that blood coming off of his ankle?

KAGAN: Ugh.

SANCHEZ: Also, for those of you who are not betting on the Red Sox, and interested in the safer way to finance your future, Gerri Willis has some tips for you.

GERRI WILLIS, CNNFN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: Roll over your 401(k) the wrong way; you'll owe Uncle Sam a ton of dough. And we'll show you how to do it right when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SANCHEZ: Up yesterday, down today. How about changing jobs and rolling over that 401(k) if you are a little down today. You need to know the rules.

Here to breakdown the ABC's of the 401(k) is our Gerri Willis. She's live in New York.

Hi, Gerri. I guess the first part is just that, right? Know what is going on with the rules.

WILLIS: That's right, Rick. You bet. You need to understand when you are eligible to roll over a 401(k). It's only when you are leaving the company you are presently working for, whether you have been fired or you're getting a new job. It doesn't matter. But you can't just roll over the 401(k) because you don't like your company's options for investing.

SANCHEZ: If you make a mistake, I imagine the taxman can really hurt you on this thing?

WILLIS: Yes. This is the critical point here, Rick. Absolutely. You want to pay a ton of attention to this. The phrase you are looking for "trustee-to-trustee roll over." The worst thing you can do is take that money yourself out of your 401(k) when you are moving it. Because if you do, you are going to owe a ton of taxes; 20 percent in withholding and a 10 percent penalty on top of that.

So whatever you do, find another place to put it. Don't touch the money or Uncle Sam comes knocking at your door.

SANCHEZ: And you can roll it into another IRA, correct?

WILLIS: Well, you can take it from the 401(k) to a new company's 401(k). Or you can put it into an IRA. IRA is great because it will offer you a ton of investment options. But you also should know, you might be able to get access to some of that money if you put it into an IRA. Remember, you can borrow for first-time home buying up to $10,000. Now, you have to pay taxes on it, but there will be no penalties.

SANCHEZ: And once you put it there, you never have to look at it or anything, right? Just leave it alone?

WILLIS: Well, I wish it would that easy, Rick. But it's not, unfortunately. You've got to manage the money. The bad news here is that if you are putting it into an IRA, you're going to make all of the choices and you'll have thousands of them. So think first about the fees that the funds you like are charging. It's really important to understand that the people lose a ton of dough by paying high fees.

Average core stock fee, check it out, less than 1 percent. If you are buying a bond fund, it should be less than 0.75 percent. It's all in the details, Rick, if you are trying to make a successful investment.

SANCHEZ: Now, you also tell us that if you leave it you risk it. What do you mean by that?

WILLIS: Well, if you have -- let's say you work for a company for a short period of time. Maybe you have $5,000 or less in that 401(k). The key here is to take it with you. Don't forget about it and leave it there. Because they can just decide they don't want the trouble of managing it and just send it to you a check in the mail, triggering all of those taxes that we just talked about. Which you don't want to pay, frankly. So don't forget these 401(k). It all adds up a little bit helps when you are trying to retire.

SANCHEZ: Gerri Willis, live from New York. Thanks so much for the great advice.

WILLIS: You're welcome, Rick.

SANCHEZ: Appreciate it.

KAGAN: More troops are going to Iraq, and they are going to train Iraqi troops. Why the change in tactics? And why now and so many. The unit's commanding officer will join us to explain.

SANCHEZ: And then later, it's one of the important states in this year's election, but new voters and confusion over rules have Ohio officials afraid they will never know who won.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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