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CNN Live Today
Republicans Fail To Pass 2 Bush Plans; Israel Pledges to Help Provide Smooth Palestinian Election; Iraq Sets Election Date
Aired November 22, 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 ANCHOR: We're going to be talking about a lot of things. We're going to talk a little bit about the basketball event.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: A lot about the basketball. Yes, everybody is talking about that today.
SANCHEZ: Yes. And we're also going to get into some of the things that happened on Capitol Hill this weekend, some rather bizarre things as a matter of fact.
NGUYEN: So let's get started. Here's what's happening now in the news.
Iran appears to have calmed some of the international tensions over its nuclear program. State-run media says there is reporting that that Tehran has suspended uranium enrichment. Now, the chief nuclear watchdog for the United Nations, which had threatened sanctions, says the processing appears to have been stopped.
Less than three hours ago, a private jet crashed near Houston's Hobby Airport. A fire department official said all three people aboard were killed but there are no reports of casualties on the ground. The crash forced the closure of a portion of Houston's busy Beltway Highway. The flight originated at Dallas' Love Field and the Gulf Stream is registered to Jet Place Incorporated of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Well, Lady Luck is not smiling on Donald Trump and his casino empire this morning. The group has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection; it's not unexpected. Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts spent months negotiating with bondholders over some $1.3 billion in debt.
And just about two hours from now, the sentencing phase of the Scott Peterson murder trial is to get under way. Jurors are deciding whether Peterson should die or spend his life in prison for the murder of his wife Laci and their unborn son. Peterson's defense attorney is requesting a different jury.
Well, good morning, everybody. I'm Betty Nguyen in today for Daryn Kagan.
SANCHEZ: And I'm Rick Sanchez. We're going to begin right where we said, Capitol Hill. Lawmakers have left Washington without passing an intelligence reform bill. That has triggered reaction to both Republicans and Democrats.
Our Ed Henry is on Capitol Hill this morning. He's following the story.
What's interesting about this, Ed, is that the president had said he wanted it passed. And it was some Republicans who've turned it down, right?
ED HENRY, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: That's right. This is a blow to Republican congressional leaders, like speaker Dennis Hastert who thought he had a deal on Saturday, got personally involved. Also a bit embarrassing for the president of the United States, as well as the Vice President Dick Cheney. They were both making phone calls in the last couple of days trying to convince fellow Republicans to sign on to this deal. And there's a lot of frustration here on Capitol Hill.
There's frustration among 9/11 Commissioners who have been working on this obviously for over a year. They filed their report. A bipartisan report back in July. They've been expecting Congress to act. There also were some 9/11 families who are frustrated. And lawmakers like Senate Intelligence Chairman Pat Roberts say it's time to act.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. PAT ROBERTS (R-KS), CHMN., INTELLIGENCE CMTE.: I feel like somebody who ran 500 yards on a football field but didn't score a touchdown. I think it's most unfortunate that the Congress could not come together and pass bipartisan intelligence reform. Sorely needed.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HENRY: There were two key sticking points. The first is that Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter is very protective of the Pentagon. He did not want to see the Defense Department give up control of about 80 percent of the nation's purse strings over the intelligence budget to this new National Intelligence Director.
Now, Vice President Cheney, as I mentioned, he called Duncan Hunter, tried to get him to back down, but Hunter would not budge despite that call. Hunter's concern is that perhaps some intelligence will not get down to the troops in the field. That is rejected by other lawmakers who say it's nonsense. That, in fact, they've put protections in the bill that would take care of it.
The second sticking point, immigration provisions. A conservative Republican Congressman James Sensenbrenner had a provision in that would have banned states for giving driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. Sensenbrenner points out that among the 19 9/11 hijackers, they were able to get between them about 63 valid driver's licenses. He says it's time to stop that. But President Bush called Sensenbrenner Friday night, tried to get him to back down. But conservatives, again, refused to budge on that saying that immigration reform is key to this effort. Now, a lot of people are skeptical there can be a deal. But this morning, Mitch McConnell, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, said he's hopeful that Congress is coming back on December 6 and 7, and he's optimistic there can be a deal then.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL (R), KENTUCKY: Yogi Berra who once said, "It ain't over till it's over." And we're coming back December 6 and 7. We didn't adjourn for the year. And the reason we didn't adjourn for the year is that we plan to come back to this. The president is on the way back from South America. He's going to lobby some more with the recalcitrant members. And I'm optimistic that we're still going to get this intelligence reform before the end of the year.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HENRY: And Rick, the key to remember here is if Congress cannot get a deal at the beginning of December, when they come back in January and new lawmakers are sworn in, they have to start from scratch. They cannot pick up the legislation where they left off. It goes back to Square 1. That's why a lot of people are concerned that it has not gotten done.
And finally, 9/11 Commissioner John Lehman was on CNN this morning saying the bottom line here is that this will be a test of presidential leadership. Whether or not President Bush can get some of his Republican colleagues on board and show that he's in charge -- Rick.
SANCHEZ: Sounds like some Pentagon officials are basically saying, look, we don't want this thing cutting in to our turf. I'm curious as to what role Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld played in all of this. What was his position? And did he sway some of the votes?
HENRY: Well you're right. A lot of people are pointing to that. Now, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld's aides say that he was not personally lobbying against the president's own position here. Because you're right, it's an odd situation. You have the commander in chief saying that he thinks this is a good deal. And that in fact, the Pentagon will be taken care of. And that this new National Intelligence Director will not hurt the war on terror. But you have his own defense secretary maybe privately raising questions.
You also have the Joint Chiefs Chairman General Myers, has very much -- very clearly written a letter to the conferees on this deal, saying this is no good; we can't do this. And a lot of lawmakers in both parties are privately saying why are some of the president's own men appearing to contradict the commander in chief on a key sticking point in this legislation?
But again, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld's people say he's not undermining the president. He's on board with what the president wants to do. But since there's no deal, a lot of people are raising their eyebrows -- Rick. SANCHEZ: Yes, they are. Ed Henry following that story. Thanks for bringing it to us. We'll be checking back with you.
Betty over to you.
NGUYEN: Two members of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission say President Bush must get more involved to ensure intelligence reform gets past. Now, as mentioned, Timothy Roemer and John Lehman spoke to CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)
TIMOTHY ROEMER, MEMBER, 9/11 COMMISSION: This is not new. Many commissions have made these same recommendations for years, a decade. It's been three years since we've been attacked. We've lost more people in America in the war on terror, 3,000, than we have our brave soldiers in Iraq, where we've lost 1,200 people. It is time for the White House and the Congress to protect the American people and update their security systems before we're hit again.
JOHN F. LEHMAN, MEMBER, 9/11 COMMISSION: This is the classic confrontation you see in Washington that they can sell tickets for. Because the president now has been challenged directly by the leadership of the Congress, and by the lobbyists, and by the bureaucracy. Now he's got to show who's in charge. And this -- there's no doubt he can pass this. He can get it passed if he chooses to use his political capital and to hold accountable any members that obstruct this passage.
(END VIDEO CLIPS)
SANCHEZ: In the Middle East where secretary of state Colin Powell is visiting today, Israel made a pledge about upcoming Palestinian elections. And we take you now to Jerusalem, that's where CNN's Guy Raz has more on the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GUY RAZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Colin Powell's first visit to the region in 18 months is likely to be his last as secretary of state. But the significance of this visit will not pass unnoticed. Mr. Powell's visit is designed to signal American re-engagement in the Palestinian/Israeli peace process, in the wake of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's death.
Now earlier today, Mr. Powell met with Israeli officials, and later on with Palestinian officials in the West Bank town of Jericho.
Mr. Powell urging Israeli officials to ease conditions in Palestinian territories ahead of expected Palestinian presidential elections set to take place on January 9. Now, Palestinian officials say in order for those elections to take place without a hitch, Israel has to withdraw soldiers from populated, Palestinian population centers. And at the same time, remove roadblocks and checkpoints from within the Palestinian territories. Also, Palestinians living in East Jerusalem must take part in that vote say Palestinian officials. The Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has signaled he will allow Palestinians living in East Jerusalem; part of the city is occupied since 1967, to indeed take part in those elections.
Now Mr. Powell is also hoping that this visit will help re-ignite cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian officials. Particularly ahead of Israel's plan to withdraw or disengage from the Gaza Strip by the end of next year. All of this diplomatic activity comes ahead of a flurry of other activity. The British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw plans to make a visit to the region in the coming week, as is Miguel Martinos, the Spanish foreign minister, and the Russian foreign minister. Mr. Powell hoping that this trip will pave the way for his successor Condoleezza Rice to re-engage the United States in the Middle East peace process.
Guy Raz, CNN, Jerusalem.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: Checking the top stories in Iraq now. U.S. military officials say they have found the house where British hostage Kenneth Bigley was held last month. An Iraqi insurgent led Iraqi forces to that house in central Falluja.
Gunmen killed a tribal and spiritual leader in the northern city of Mosul. The sheikh Faidh al Faidhi was shot as he left his house.
And the two-day international conference on helping Iraq is under way in Egypt. Delegates are discussing debt relief and anti-terrorism efforts.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi says he is confident the U.S.- led military operation in Falluja has set the stage for secure elections nationwide in January.
CNN's Karl Penhaul sat down with Mr. allow just a couple of hours ago. And he joins us now from Baghdad with the latest.
Hi there, Karl.
KARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Betty. Now as we know, over the weekend the Iraqi Electoral Commission set January 30 as the date for elections here in Iraq. But one of the obstacles that was lying on the road to celebrating those elections was obviously the situation in Falluja. That rebel stronghold. So it was necessary for that offensive that we saw a couple of weeks ago -- starting a couple of weeks ago to get under way.
When that started, of course, we saw violence, spiking in other parts of the country, again raising fears would it be possible to hold elections on time? But talking to Mr. Allawi, he was very optimistic about the way that the assault on Falluja had gone.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) AYAD ALLAWI, PRIME MINISTER, IRAQ: The process of Falluja was overdue. I think it's brought back of the insurgency, as well as terrorists. We have found evidence of a lot of murders that have been happening, sites, lot of caches of arms, explosives. So really this was a very next step. I think this would pave the way significantly, as we are proceeding in our political process to the elections.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PENHAUL: Now, talking to election officials, they've told us more than 200 parties have now already registered to take part in the vote on January 30. And so that is some kind of indication of an excitement as to how political life is beginning to flourish again. Because obviously under Saddam Hussein, no chance for free elections there. In fact, this will be the first free election in more than 50 years that Iraqis have had a chance to go and cast their vote.
This is what Prime Minister Allawi had to say about that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ALLAWI: It makes me very happy to see that Iraq has for the first time, probably in their recent history, are engaged in healthy dialogue, and looking forward to an election where the Iraqi people could vote. They have been denied all these years. To exercise their very basic rights. And if this is going to succeed, and it is going to succeed, I assure you that it will spill over for the whole region and beyond.
So building this, and developing this in Iraq is going to be so important. And ultimately, it's not going to spill over and create peace. But it will also be -- be very useful tool against terrorism, and against terrorists. This is -- in democracies, usually terrorism are defeated.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PENHAUL: Now, Mr. Allawi did tell us, of course, that he will be taking part in those elections. He will be standing for a seat in the National Assembly and obviously hopefully getting re-elected to the government. But he said really that he wasn't concerned whether he ended up being prime minister again or not.
He said the important thing for Iraq was to have a leader that had a true vision, and that also continued building Democratic institutions. And so that Iraq could set an example for the rest of the Middle East -- Betty.
NGUYEN: All right. CNN's Karl Penhaul in Baghdad for us today. Thank you, Karl.
SANCHEZ: We are going to be breaking it down for you, because the punishment for the NBA brawls are handed out. And one player will likely be watching the rest of the season from the bench. There he is. Find out what he, Ron Ortiz, is saying about David Stern's justice. Also this....
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Why? I mean five people dead because somebody was trespassing on property? It makes no sense.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Wisconsin's hunting season gets off to a deadly start. We are waiting for a live press conference from Wisconsin at Rice Lake there. And when it happens we will dip in to that. That's going to happen a little bit later this hour.
SANCHEZ: Also so stay tuned to find out which university is blaming the low carb diet craze for its hike in meal fees.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SANCHEZ: And welcome back to CNN LIVE TODAY. I'm Rick Sanchez.
NBA commissioner David Stern has lowered the boom on players who lost control at Friday night's Pacers/Pistons game in Detroit. Nine have been suspended without pay for their part in really a bizarre and violent melee between players and fans. The players aren't happy about losing all that money. And their union says we're going to appeal.
CNN Sports reporter Steve Overmyer has more on the NBA's Stern justice.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
STEVE OVERMYER, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The punishments for those involved in Friday night's brawl between the Pacers, the Pistons and their fans were nearly as staggering as the scene at the Palace was stunning. Ron Artest suspended for the remainder of the season, the longest suspension in league history. Stephen Jackson, gone for 30 games. Jermaine O'Neal, 25. And Ben Wallace, 6 games. In all, three of the five longest suspensions the NBA has ever seen.
DAVID STERN, NBA COMMISSIONER: We have seen 20 and 25,000 games. This is the worst one I've ever seen in the NBA. Period.
OVERMYER: But it's not the first time we've seen a player go into the stands. In 1995, Vernon Maxwell attacked a heckler. He received an 11-game suspension. Dennis Rodman got 10 games for kicking a cameraman. Artest gets 73 games, plus any potential playoff games. The NBA Players Association will appeal the suspension.
As for Artest, he's released a statement apologizing for his actions. But says while he respects David Stern, quote, "I don't think he has been fair with me in this situation," end quote.
This is not the first time Artest has been suspended by the NBA. In 2002, he lost his temper after one game, wreaking havoc on a TV monitor and camera. In the past two years he has been suspended a total of seven times by the league.
STERN: I did not strike from my mind the fact that Ron Artest has been suspended on previous occasions for the loss of self-control. In addition, I would say that each of the players are going to have to satisfy us that they understand the gravity of what they've done, and that we have assurances that it will not be repeated by them.
OVERMYER: The ramifications of the brawl will reach further than just suspensions. A criminal investigation is ongoing, and the NBA will adopt new security measures. However, the severity of the penalties does send a clear message that the NBA is not afraid to police their players with Stern justice.
Steve Overmyer, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: All right. So will the players feel the pain? Well, take a look. Artest loses the season, along with most of his more than $6 million annual salary. Jackson out for 30 games is also out $1.7 million. And sidelined for 25 games, Jermaine O'Neal forfeits just over $4 million of his $14.8 million salary. Now, the load is not as heavy for the rest of the players, although as you can see missing even one game carves quite a chunk out of the annual gross.
Well, former NBA star Charles Barkley weighed in on the big brawl earlier on CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING." The outspoken sports commentator said he felt the penalties were heavy-handed and he is not happy with the fans either.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHARLES BARKLEY, FMR. NBA STAR: Any time a fan touches you, you have the right to beat the hell out of them. Forget -- I'm -- we were -- I'm a man; I'm not going to let anybody disrespect me. I mean I don't believe in that. They can say whatever they want to. But once they come close enough to touch you, or throw something on you, you have a right to beat the hell out of them.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: All right. Barkley says fans really crossed the line Friday night. And he says they've been crossing it for years.
And we do want you to tune in to Paula Zahn tonight at 8:00 Eastern for a one-hour special on violence in sports.
SANCHEZ: JUST to let you know once again, we're following a news conference that we're expecting at any moment now out in Wisconsin. That's where five people were killed.
NGUYEN: Three injured.
SANCHEZ: Three people were injured in a situation where someone was told to get off of land. Apparently he didn't want to. We're going to be following that. As soon as it happens we'll bring it to you.
NGUYEN: And what Americans are doing this holiday season that hasn't been done since 9/11.
GERRI WILLIS, CNN-FN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: And are you wondering whether your yard is going to become a winter wonderland? We'll help you pick out the best snow blower when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SANCHEZ: By the way, the first day of winter still about a month away. But some areas of the U.S. have already seen their first snowfall of the season. Southern California's mountains are digging out from up to two feet of snow. Look at this. The storm followed an unusual path, charging in from Nevada, rather than its usual route or route depending on where you're from, from the Pacific Ocean.
NGUYEN: We know what you mean.
Well, if you live in the Snow Belt those images may usher in chilling thoughts of backbreaking shoveling. So what about a snow blower?
Joining us with her "Top Five Tips" on how to buy the best one for your needs is CNN/FN personal finance editor Gerri Willis.
Hey, Gerri. I have to tell you though, growing up in Texas didn't need a snow blower too much.
WILLIS: Not so much with the snow blower?
NGUYEN: No, not at all. But those folks, hey, they may need one. And those things can be pretty pricey can't they?
WILLIS: Oh, my goodness, they can be so expensive. And the first thing you need to understand is that there's all different kinds, depending on your snow profile. Do you live in a place with a lot of snow or a little? We're going to tell you exactly how to choose one of these things. The two-stage gas powered snow blower, that's the heavy duty one. That means that you can clear a big driveway, a hilly driveway that gets a lot of snow.
(VIDEO GAP)
SANCHEZ: Well, I guess there was a lot of snow there.
NGUYEN: Technical problems.
(LAUGHTER)
NGUYEN: She may need to invest in a snow blower herself. We'll try to get a little more information on that. And hopefully have some time to give it to you. And in fact, we have... SANCHEZ: She's back. There she is.
NGUYEN: Gerri.
SANCHEZ: Gerri probably didn't even know she was ever gone.
NGUYEN: Was that a snow out there, Gerri?
WILLIS: It's me or the bars. Take your pick. You know?
(LAUGHTER)
NGUYEN: So they're pretty pricey, a lot to choose from, the gas ones aren't too bad, though?
WILLIS: Exactly right. Two-stage gas are the heavy duty ones. You can also get a single stage gas powered snow blower. That's a little more lightweight, easier to maneuver, a little cheaper. Instead of paying $2100, you'll pay $900 top end. Single stage electric, that's the lightest weight one. That's if you live in an area that gets very little snow but you want to make sure you've got it cleared out, and much cheaper too.
NGUYEN: All right. But can you take these things on a test drive? Because they can be heavy and they can be hard to handle I understand.
WILLIS: Well, you can play with them a little on the show room floor. Let me say that. You can maneuver them. See if they're easy for you to maneuver. Are they too tall for you? Too low for you? You need to understand how it works well for you.
And think about chute control. Does it allow you to maneuver the way the snow is blown away from the machine? So check that out. And also, of course, weight all-important here.
NGUYEN: Oh, they won't let you take it home and just try it out for a few days?
WILLIS: Probably not so much.
NGUYEN: Yes, OK.
(LAUGHTER)
NGUYEN: Let's talk about safety precautions.
WILLIS: All right. This is very important because these machines can be really, really dangerous. You need to take care of a few things first. Make sure you've got earplugs. Secondly, make sure you don't remove a plug with your hands or your feet. That's always a disaster. And make sure you start them up outside, because otherwise you can get carbon monoxide poisoning.
NGUYEN: Yes. You don't want a snow blower in the house, at least running. WILLIS: Or even the garage.
NGUYEN: Very true. OK. Well, let's talk about the fact, do they or don't they require a lot of maintenance? I mean is there a lot of upkeep with these things?
WILLIS: Yes. You've really got to pay attention to them because they can be problematic. Make sure you change the filter. And if you're using one of the gas powered, you've got to mix both the gas and the oil in the right combination, to keep the engine working well. So make sure you read that thick booklet that everything comes with these days to make sure you're doing it right.
NGUYEN: Read it from front to back.
OK, Gerri. And lastly you're always in the know on these things. So which is the best? What are the best ones on the market?
WILLIS: Great question. You know, "Consumer Reports" did a fabulous story on this. They actually tested these things and they gave us a list of their quick picks. The best picks out there for the snow blowers. Three of them here: Toro Power Max, Troy Bilt Storm and Honda Harmony. Check those out. Those are the quick picks. And you just saw the best buys, as well.
NGUYEN: All right. Gerri Willis with her "Top Five Tips." Thank you, Gerri.
WILLIS: Thank you.
SANCHEZ: There is a disturbing deer hunting story that we're following. It's still unfolding in Wisconsin. We're hoping to bring you a live news brief that should be coming our way any moment now. And when it does we'll let you see and hear some of it live. But the long and the short of it is that five people are dead, reportedly killed by a man who's accused of being told originally to get off the land.
NGUYEN: Get out of the deer stand. Yes. We'll have an update on that.
Plus, determining life or death for Scott Peterson. We'll talk with a former U.S. attorney about what the defense is doing to try to save Peterson's life.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired November 22, 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 ANCHOR: We're going to be talking about a lot of things. We're going to talk a little bit about the basketball event.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: A lot about the basketball. Yes, everybody is talking about that today.
SANCHEZ: Yes. And we're also going to get into some of the things that happened on Capitol Hill this weekend, some rather bizarre things as a matter of fact.
NGUYEN: So let's get started. Here's what's happening now in the news.
Iran appears to have calmed some of the international tensions over its nuclear program. State-run media says there is reporting that that Tehran has suspended uranium enrichment. Now, the chief nuclear watchdog for the United Nations, which had threatened sanctions, says the processing appears to have been stopped.
Less than three hours ago, a private jet crashed near Houston's Hobby Airport. A fire department official said all three people aboard were killed but there are no reports of casualties on the ground. The crash forced the closure of a portion of Houston's busy Beltway Highway. The flight originated at Dallas' Love Field and the Gulf Stream is registered to Jet Place Incorporated of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Well, Lady Luck is not smiling on Donald Trump and his casino empire this morning. The group has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection; it's not unexpected. Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts spent months negotiating with bondholders over some $1.3 billion in debt.
And just about two hours from now, the sentencing phase of the Scott Peterson murder trial is to get under way. Jurors are deciding whether Peterson should die or spend his life in prison for the murder of his wife Laci and their unborn son. Peterson's defense attorney is requesting a different jury.
Well, good morning, everybody. I'm Betty Nguyen in today for Daryn Kagan.
SANCHEZ: And I'm Rick Sanchez. We're going to begin right where we said, Capitol Hill. Lawmakers have left Washington without passing an intelligence reform bill. That has triggered reaction to both Republicans and Democrats.
Our Ed Henry is on Capitol Hill this morning. He's following the story.
What's interesting about this, Ed, is that the president had said he wanted it passed. And it was some Republicans who've turned it down, right?
ED HENRY, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: That's right. This is a blow to Republican congressional leaders, like speaker Dennis Hastert who thought he had a deal on Saturday, got personally involved. Also a bit embarrassing for the president of the United States, as well as the Vice President Dick Cheney. They were both making phone calls in the last couple of days trying to convince fellow Republicans to sign on to this deal. And there's a lot of frustration here on Capitol Hill.
There's frustration among 9/11 Commissioners who have been working on this obviously for over a year. They filed their report. A bipartisan report back in July. They've been expecting Congress to act. There also were some 9/11 families who are frustrated. And lawmakers like Senate Intelligence Chairman Pat Roberts say it's time to act.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. PAT ROBERTS (R-KS), CHMN., INTELLIGENCE CMTE.: I feel like somebody who ran 500 yards on a football field but didn't score a touchdown. I think it's most unfortunate that the Congress could not come together and pass bipartisan intelligence reform. Sorely needed.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HENRY: There were two key sticking points. The first is that Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter is very protective of the Pentagon. He did not want to see the Defense Department give up control of about 80 percent of the nation's purse strings over the intelligence budget to this new National Intelligence Director.
Now, Vice President Cheney, as I mentioned, he called Duncan Hunter, tried to get him to back down, but Hunter would not budge despite that call. Hunter's concern is that perhaps some intelligence will not get down to the troops in the field. That is rejected by other lawmakers who say it's nonsense. That, in fact, they've put protections in the bill that would take care of it.
The second sticking point, immigration provisions. A conservative Republican Congressman James Sensenbrenner had a provision in that would have banned states for giving driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. Sensenbrenner points out that among the 19 9/11 hijackers, they were able to get between them about 63 valid driver's licenses. He says it's time to stop that. But President Bush called Sensenbrenner Friday night, tried to get him to back down. But conservatives, again, refused to budge on that saying that immigration reform is key to this effort. Now, a lot of people are skeptical there can be a deal. But this morning, Mitch McConnell, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, said he's hopeful that Congress is coming back on December 6 and 7, and he's optimistic there can be a deal then.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL (R), KENTUCKY: Yogi Berra who once said, "It ain't over till it's over." And we're coming back December 6 and 7. We didn't adjourn for the year. And the reason we didn't adjourn for the year is that we plan to come back to this. The president is on the way back from South America. He's going to lobby some more with the recalcitrant members. And I'm optimistic that we're still going to get this intelligence reform before the end of the year.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HENRY: And Rick, the key to remember here is if Congress cannot get a deal at the beginning of December, when they come back in January and new lawmakers are sworn in, they have to start from scratch. They cannot pick up the legislation where they left off. It goes back to Square 1. That's why a lot of people are concerned that it has not gotten done.
And finally, 9/11 Commissioner John Lehman was on CNN this morning saying the bottom line here is that this will be a test of presidential leadership. Whether or not President Bush can get some of his Republican colleagues on board and show that he's in charge -- Rick.
SANCHEZ: Sounds like some Pentagon officials are basically saying, look, we don't want this thing cutting in to our turf. I'm curious as to what role Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld played in all of this. What was his position? And did he sway some of the votes?
HENRY: Well you're right. A lot of people are pointing to that. Now, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld's aides say that he was not personally lobbying against the president's own position here. Because you're right, it's an odd situation. You have the commander in chief saying that he thinks this is a good deal. And that in fact, the Pentagon will be taken care of. And that this new National Intelligence Director will not hurt the war on terror. But you have his own defense secretary maybe privately raising questions.
You also have the Joint Chiefs Chairman General Myers, has very much -- very clearly written a letter to the conferees on this deal, saying this is no good; we can't do this. And a lot of lawmakers in both parties are privately saying why are some of the president's own men appearing to contradict the commander in chief on a key sticking point in this legislation?
But again, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld's people say he's not undermining the president. He's on board with what the president wants to do. But since there's no deal, a lot of people are raising their eyebrows -- Rick. SANCHEZ: Yes, they are. Ed Henry following that story. Thanks for bringing it to us. We'll be checking back with you.
Betty over to you.
NGUYEN: Two members of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission say President Bush must get more involved to ensure intelligence reform gets past. Now, as mentioned, Timothy Roemer and John Lehman spoke to CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)
TIMOTHY ROEMER, MEMBER, 9/11 COMMISSION: This is not new. Many commissions have made these same recommendations for years, a decade. It's been three years since we've been attacked. We've lost more people in America in the war on terror, 3,000, than we have our brave soldiers in Iraq, where we've lost 1,200 people. It is time for the White House and the Congress to protect the American people and update their security systems before we're hit again.
JOHN F. LEHMAN, MEMBER, 9/11 COMMISSION: This is the classic confrontation you see in Washington that they can sell tickets for. Because the president now has been challenged directly by the leadership of the Congress, and by the lobbyists, and by the bureaucracy. Now he's got to show who's in charge. And this -- there's no doubt he can pass this. He can get it passed if he chooses to use his political capital and to hold accountable any members that obstruct this passage.
(END VIDEO CLIPS)
SANCHEZ: In the Middle East where secretary of state Colin Powell is visiting today, Israel made a pledge about upcoming Palestinian elections. And we take you now to Jerusalem, that's where CNN's Guy Raz has more on the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GUY RAZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Colin Powell's first visit to the region in 18 months is likely to be his last as secretary of state. But the significance of this visit will not pass unnoticed. Mr. Powell's visit is designed to signal American re-engagement in the Palestinian/Israeli peace process, in the wake of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's death.
Now earlier today, Mr. Powell met with Israeli officials, and later on with Palestinian officials in the West Bank town of Jericho.
Mr. Powell urging Israeli officials to ease conditions in Palestinian territories ahead of expected Palestinian presidential elections set to take place on January 9. Now, Palestinian officials say in order for those elections to take place without a hitch, Israel has to withdraw soldiers from populated, Palestinian population centers. And at the same time, remove roadblocks and checkpoints from within the Palestinian territories. Also, Palestinians living in East Jerusalem must take part in that vote say Palestinian officials. The Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has signaled he will allow Palestinians living in East Jerusalem; part of the city is occupied since 1967, to indeed take part in those elections.
Now Mr. Powell is also hoping that this visit will help re-ignite cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian officials. Particularly ahead of Israel's plan to withdraw or disengage from the Gaza Strip by the end of next year. All of this diplomatic activity comes ahead of a flurry of other activity. The British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw plans to make a visit to the region in the coming week, as is Miguel Martinos, the Spanish foreign minister, and the Russian foreign minister. Mr. Powell hoping that this trip will pave the way for his successor Condoleezza Rice to re-engage the United States in the Middle East peace process.
Guy Raz, CNN, Jerusalem.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: Checking the top stories in Iraq now. U.S. military officials say they have found the house where British hostage Kenneth Bigley was held last month. An Iraqi insurgent led Iraqi forces to that house in central Falluja.
Gunmen killed a tribal and spiritual leader in the northern city of Mosul. The sheikh Faidh al Faidhi was shot as he left his house.
And the two-day international conference on helping Iraq is under way in Egypt. Delegates are discussing debt relief and anti-terrorism efforts.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi says he is confident the U.S.- led military operation in Falluja has set the stage for secure elections nationwide in January.
CNN's Karl Penhaul sat down with Mr. allow just a couple of hours ago. And he joins us now from Baghdad with the latest.
Hi there, Karl.
KARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Betty. Now as we know, over the weekend the Iraqi Electoral Commission set January 30 as the date for elections here in Iraq. But one of the obstacles that was lying on the road to celebrating those elections was obviously the situation in Falluja. That rebel stronghold. So it was necessary for that offensive that we saw a couple of weeks ago -- starting a couple of weeks ago to get under way.
When that started, of course, we saw violence, spiking in other parts of the country, again raising fears would it be possible to hold elections on time? But talking to Mr. Allawi, he was very optimistic about the way that the assault on Falluja had gone.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) AYAD ALLAWI, PRIME MINISTER, IRAQ: The process of Falluja was overdue. I think it's brought back of the insurgency, as well as terrorists. We have found evidence of a lot of murders that have been happening, sites, lot of caches of arms, explosives. So really this was a very next step. I think this would pave the way significantly, as we are proceeding in our political process to the elections.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PENHAUL: Now, talking to election officials, they've told us more than 200 parties have now already registered to take part in the vote on January 30. And so that is some kind of indication of an excitement as to how political life is beginning to flourish again. Because obviously under Saddam Hussein, no chance for free elections there. In fact, this will be the first free election in more than 50 years that Iraqis have had a chance to go and cast their vote.
This is what Prime Minister Allawi had to say about that.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ALLAWI: It makes me very happy to see that Iraq has for the first time, probably in their recent history, are engaged in healthy dialogue, and looking forward to an election where the Iraqi people could vote. They have been denied all these years. To exercise their very basic rights. And if this is going to succeed, and it is going to succeed, I assure you that it will spill over for the whole region and beyond.
So building this, and developing this in Iraq is going to be so important. And ultimately, it's not going to spill over and create peace. But it will also be -- be very useful tool against terrorism, and against terrorists. This is -- in democracies, usually terrorism are defeated.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PENHAUL: Now, Mr. Allawi did tell us, of course, that he will be taking part in those elections. He will be standing for a seat in the National Assembly and obviously hopefully getting re-elected to the government. But he said really that he wasn't concerned whether he ended up being prime minister again or not.
He said the important thing for Iraq was to have a leader that had a true vision, and that also continued building Democratic institutions. And so that Iraq could set an example for the rest of the Middle East -- Betty.
NGUYEN: All right. CNN's Karl Penhaul in Baghdad for us today. Thank you, Karl.
SANCHEZ: We are going to be breaking it down for you, because the punishment for the NBA brawls are handed out. And one player will likely be watching the rest of the season from the bench. There he is. Find out what he, Ron Ortiz, is saying about David Stern's justice. Also this....
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Why? I mean five people dead because somebody was trespassing on property? It makes no sense.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Wisconsin's hunting season gets off to a deadly start. We are waiting for a live press conference from Wisconsin at Rice Lake there. And when it happens we will dip in to that. That's going to happen a little bit later this hour.
SANCHEZ: Also so stay tuned to find out which university is blaming the low carb diet craze for its hike in meal fees.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SANCHEZ: And welcome back to CNN LIVE TODAY. I'm Rick Sanchez.
NBA commissioner David Stern has lowered the boom on players who lost control at Friday night's Pacers/Pistons game in Detroit. Nine have been suspended without pay for their part in really a bizarre and violent melee between players and fans. The players aren't happy about losing all that money. And their union says we're going to appeal.
CNN Sports reporter Steve Overmyer has more on the NBA's Stern justice.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
STEVE OVERMYER, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The punishments for those involved in Friday night's brawl between the Pacers, the Pistons and their fans were nearly as staggering as the scene at the Palace was stunning. Ron Artest suspended for the remainder of the season, the longest suspension in league history. Stephen Jackson, gone for 30 games. Jermaine O'Neal, 25. And Ben Wallace, 6 games. In all, three of the five longest suspensions the NBA has ever seen.
DAVID STERN, NBA COMMISSIONER: We have seen 20 and 25,000 games. This is the worst one I've ever seen in the NBA. Period.
OVERMYER: But it's not the first time we've seen a player go into the stands. In 1995, Vernon Maxwell attacked a heckler. He received an 11-game suspension. Dennis Rodman got 10 games for kicking a cameraman. Artest gets 73 games, plus any potential playoff games. The NBA Players Association will appeal the suspension.
As for Artest, he's released a statement apologizing for his actions. But says while he respects David Stern, quote, "I don't think he has been fair with me in this situation," end quote.
This is not the first time Artest has been suspended by the NBA. In 2002, he lost his temper after one game, wreaking havoc on a TV monitor and camera. In the past two years he has been suspended a total of seven times by the league.
STERN: I did not strike from my mind the fact that Ron Artest has been suspended on previous occasions for the loss of self-control. In addition, I would say that each of the players are going to have to satisfy us that they understand the gravity of what they've done, and that we have assurances that it will not be repeated by them.
OVERMYER: The ramifications of the brawl will reach further than just suspensions. A criminal investigation is ongoing, and the NBA will adopt new security measures. However, the severity of the penalties does send a clear message that the NBA is not afraid to police their players with Stern justice.
Steve Overmyer, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: All right. So will the players feel the pain? Well, take a look. Artest loses the season, along with most of his more than $6 million annual salary. Jackson out for 30 games is also out $1.7 million. And sidelined for 25 games, Jermaine O'Neal forfeits just over $4 million of his $14.8 million salary. Now, the load is not as heavy for the rest of the players, although as you can see missing even one game carves quite a chunk out of the annual gross.
Well, former NBA star Charles Barkley weighed in on the big brawl earlier on CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING." The outspoken sports commentator said he felt the penalties were heavy-handed and he is not happy with the fans either.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHARLES BARKLEY, FMR. NBA STAR: Any time a fan touches you, you have the right to beat the hell out of them. Forget -- I'm -- we were -- I'm a man; I'm not going to let anybody disrespect me. I mean I don't believe in that. They can say whatever they want to. But once they come close enough to touch you, or throw something on you, you have a right to beat the hell out of them.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: All right. Barkley says fans really crossed the line Friday night. And he says they've been crossing it for years.
And we do want you to tune in to Paula Zahn tonight at 8:00 Eastern for a one-hour special on violence in sports.
SANCHEZ: JUST to let you know once again, we're following a news conference that we're expecting at any moment now out in Wisconsin. That's where five people were killed.
NGUYEN: Three injured.
SANCHEZ: Three people were injured in a situation where someone was told to get off of land. Apparently he didn't want to. We're going to be following that. As soon as it happens we'll bring it to you.
NGUYEN: And what Americans are doing this holiday season that hasn't been done since 9/11.
GERRI WILLIS, CNN-FN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: And are you wondering whether your yard is going to become a winter wonderland? We'll help you pick out the best snow blower when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SANCHEZ: By the way, the first day of winter still about a month away. But some areas of the U.S. have already seen their first snowfall of the season. Southern California's mountains are digging out from up to two feet of snow. Look at this. The storm followed an unusual path, charging in from Nevada, rather than its usual route or route depending on where you're from, from the Pacific Ocean.
NGUYEN: We know what you mean.
Well, if you live in the Snow Belt those images may usher in chilling thoughts of backbreaking shoveling. So what about a snow blower?
Joining us with her "Top Five Tips" on how to buy the best one for your needs is CNN/FN personal finance editor Gerri Willis.
Hey, Gerri. I have to tell you though, growing up in Texas didn't need a snow blower too much.
WILLIS: Not so much with the snow blower?
NGUYEN: No, not at all. But those folks, hey, they may need one. And those things can be pretty pricey can't they?
WILLIS: Oh, my goodness, they can be so expensive. And the first thing you need to understand is that there's all different kinds, depending on your snow profile. Do you live in a place with a lot of snow or a little? We're going to tell you exactly how to choose one of these things. The two-stage gas powered snow blower, that's the heavy duty one. That means that you can clear a big driveway, a hilly driveway that gets a lot of snow.
(VIDEO GAP)
SANCHEZ: Well, I guess there was a lot of snow there.
NGUYEN: Technical problems.
(LAUGHTER)
NGUYEN: She may need to invest in a snow blower herself. We'll try to get a little more information on that. And hopefully have some time to give it to you. And in fact, we have... SANCHEZ: She's back. There she is.
NGUYEN: Gerri.
SANCHEZ: Gerri probably didn't even know she was ever gone.
NGUYEN: Was that a snow out there, Gerri?
WILLIS: It's me or the bars. Take your pick. You know?
(LAUGHTER)
NGUYEN: So they're pretty pricey, a lot to choose from, the gas ones aren't too bad, though?
WILLIS: Exactly right. Two-stage gas are the heavy duty ones. You can also get a single stage gas powered snow blower. That's a little more lightweight, easier to maneuver, a little cheaper. Instead of paying $2100, you'll pay $900 top end. Single stage electric, that's the lightest weight one. That's if you live in an area that gets very little snow but you want to make sure you've got it cleared out, and much cheaper too.
NGUYEN: All right. But can you take these things on a test drive? Because they can be heavy and they can be hard to handle I understand.
WILLIS: Well, you can play with them a little on the show room floor. Let me say that. You can maneuver them. See if they're easy for you to maneuver. Are they too tall for you? Too low for you? You need to understand how it works well for you.
And think about chute control. Does it allow you to maneuver the way the snow is blown away from the machine? So check that out. And also, of course, weight all-important here.
NGUYEN: Oh, they won't let you take it home and just try it out for a few days?
WILLIS: Probably not so much.
NGUYEN: Yes, OK.
(LAUGHTER)
NGUYEN: Let's talk about safety precautions.
WILLIS: All right. This is very important because these machines can be really, really dangerous. You need to take care of a few things first. Make sure you've got earplugs. Secondly, make sure you don't remove a plug with your hands or your feet. That's always a disaster. And make sure you start them up outside, because otherwise you can get carbon monoxide poisoning.
NGUYEN: Yes. You don't want a snow blower in the house, at least running. WILLIS: Or even the garage.
NGUYEN: Very true. OK. Well, let's talk about the fact, do they or don't they require a lot of maintenance? I mean is there a lot of upkeep with these things?
WILLIS: Yes. You've really got to pay attention to them because they can be problematic. Make sure you change the filter. And if you're using one of the gas powered, you've got to mix both the gas and the oil in the right combination, to keep the engine working well. So make sure you read that thick booklet that everything comes with these days to make sure you're doing it right.
NGUYEN: Read it from front to back.
OK, Gerri. And lastly you're always in the know on these things. So which is the best? What are the best ones on the market?
WILLIS: Great question. You know, "Consumer Reports" did a fabulous story on this. They actually tested these things and they gave us a list of their quick picks. The best picks out there for the snow blowers. Three of them here: Toro Power Max, Troy Bilt Storm and Honda Harmony. Check those out. Those are the quick picks. And you just saw the best buys, as well.
NGUYEN: All right. Gerri Willis with her "Top Five Tips." Thank you, Gerri.
WILLIS: Thank you.
SANCHEZ: There is a disturbing deer hunting story that we're following. It's still unfolding in Wisconsin. We're hoping to bring you a live news brief that should be coming our way any moment now. And when it does we'll let you see and hear some of it live. But the long and the short of it is that five people are dead, reportedly killed by a man who's accused of being told originally to get off the land.
NGUYEN: Get out of the deer stand. Yes. We'll have an update on that.
Plus, determining life or death for Scott Peterson. We'll talk with a former U.S. attorney about what the defense is doing to try to save Peterson's life.
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