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CNN Live Today

Medal of Freedom Ceremony

Aired December 14, 2004 - 11:29   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: It looks like Paul Bremer coming in the room and we saw Colin Powell. There you go. A little nod there from Tommy Franks to Colin Powell, who's sitting next to Donald Rumsfeld. And then finally, George Tenet, the former head of the CIA.
Suzanne, you mentioned that these, all three of these men -- well, let's listen in. Here's the vice president and the president. Let's listen in to the ceremony.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Good morning and welcome to the White House. Laura and I are proud to have you all here today, especially our three honorees and their families and their friends.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is our nation's highest civil award given to men and women of exceptional merit, integrity and achievement.

Today, this honor goes to three men who have played pivotal roles in great events and whose efforts have made our country more secure and advanced the cause of human liberty.

George Tenet learned the value of hard work as a busboy in the 20th Century Diner, the family restaurant in Queens, New York. Between work and school and athletics, George always kept up with current events and world affairs, and that enthusiasm led him into public service.

In Washington, George immersed himself in the field of intelligence work. After a long career in the legislative and executive branches of government, George was tapped by President Bill Clinton to run the agency he loved.

His challenges at the CIA were many. George acted quickly and aggressively to rebuild the agency's capabilities. He made the recruitment of new talent a top priority. Applications to join the agency have now soared to more than 138,000 per year.

BUSH: Under George's leadership, the number of yearly graduates from the clandestine service training program have increased nearly six-fold. And just about every CIA officer can tell you a story about Director Tenet's hands-on style of management.

He was often seen in the hallways chewing on an unlit cigar or showing up at their cafeteria table and talking shop. George and his wife, Stephanie, came to know the people of the CIA, and the people of the CIA came to know them as decent, caring people who love their country, who love their family, especially their son, John Michael.

Early in his tenure as DCI, George Tenet was one of the first to recognize and address the growing threat to America from radical terrorist networks.

Immediately after the attacks of September the 11th, George was ready with a plan to strike back at Al Qaeda and to topple the Taliban. CIA officers were on the ground in Afghanistan within days. Seasoned American intelligence officers, armed with laptop computers, Afghan clothes and a visionary plan, rode horseback with the fighters of the Northern Alliance, identified key targets for our military and helped to free a nation.

BUSH: Since those weeks, CIA officers have remained on the hunt for Al Qaeda killers. More than three-quarters of Al Qaeda key members and associates had been killed or detained and the majority were stopped as a result of CIA efforts. CIA officers were also among the first to enter the battle in Iraq, alongside their colleagues in uniform.

In these years of challenge for our country, the men and women of the CIA have been on the front lines of an urgent cause and the whole nation owes them our gratitude.

George is rightly proud of the people of the agency and I have been proud to work with George. George has carried great authority without putting on airs because he remembers his roots.

There's still a lot of Queens in George Tenet.

(LAUGHTER)

A colleague once said that George has the intellect of a scholar and the demeanor of a longshoreman.

(LAUGHTER)

His tireless efforts have brought justice to America's enemies and greater security to the American people. And today we honor a fine public servant and patriot in George John Tenet.

(APPLAUSE)

General Tommy Franks was raised in Midland, Texas. Nothing wrong with that.

(LAUGHTER)

I didn't know him then, but Laura and he went to the same high school.

In those days, some people in Midland wondered about Tommy's future.

BUSH: Sounds familiar.

(LAUGHTER)

At a recent high school reunion, Tommy's old principal told the general, "You weren't the brightest bulb in the socket."

(LAUGHTER)

To which the general replied, "Ain't this a great country?"

(LAUGHTER)

America rewards talent, intelligence and hard work, and the career of Tommy Franks is living proof.

Tommy dropped out of college after two years to enlist in the Army. He quickly rose to become an officer, graduating from officer candidate school with honors and beginning his ascent through the ranks. He went on to finish his degree and earn one more.

And he made the best decision of his life when he asked a young lady named Cathy Carly (ph) to marry him.

Tommy Franks served in Germany and Korea, at the Pentagon and at the Army War College. He served in the Persian Gulf War. He served in Vietnam, where he was wounded twice.

Yet his greatest challenges and his greatest service came after the attacks on September the 11th.

As the commander of CENTCOM, Tommy Franks held responsibility for defending American interests in some of the most remote and difficult terrain in the world.

It's a job that requires the toughness of a general, the foresight of a strategist, the tact of a diplomat and the skill of a good manager.

BUSH: Tommy Franks led the forces that fought and won two wars in the defense of the world's security and helped liberate more than 50 million people from two of the worst tyrannies in the world.

In Afghanistan, America and our allies, with a historically small force and a brilliant strategy, defeated the Taliban in just a few short weeks.

The general likes to say that no plan ever survived the first contact with the enemy. But in Iraq, Tommy Franks' plan did. A force half the size of the force that won the Gulf War defeated Saddam Hussein's regime and reached Baghdad in less than a month: the fastest, longest-armored advance in the history of American warfare.

Today, the people of Iraq and Afghanistan are building a secure and permanent democratic future.

One of the highest distinctions of history is to be called a liberator and Tommy Franks will always carry that title. General, the American people thank you for your courage, your leadership and your lifetime of service in the cause of freedom and security.

To the list of medals and honors and awards you have already earned, I am proud to add the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: Jerry Bremer is a diplomat, a philanthropist, a businessman and a fashion pioneer.

(LAUGHTER)

Everyone knows the Bremer look: coat, dress shirt and tie, and desert combat boots.

Beyond the fashion statement, Jerry will be remembered for his superb work in laying the foundations of a new democracy in the Middle East.

Jerry Bremer's life of service began in 1966 when he joined the Foreign Service. He was a special assistant to the six different secretaries of state and rose to become America's ambassador to the Netherlands.

In 1986, President Ronald Reagan appointed Jerry ambassador-at- large for counterterrorism.

Eventually, Speaker Hastert named him chairman of the National Commission on Terrorism. And I chose him to serve on my Homeland Security Advisory Council.

When America and our coalition needed a seasoned diplomat and a manager to help the people of Iraq emerge from decades of oppression, I knew where to turn.

For 14 months, Jerry Bremer worked day and night in difficult and dangerous conditions to stabilize the country, to help its people rebuild and to establish a political process that would lead to justice and liberty.

The job was demanding, requiring personal courage, calmness under fire and hundreds of decisions every day.

Yet Jerry not only rose to the challenge, he found time nearly every day to study the Arabic language.

Jerry Bremer earned the respect and admiration of Iraqis and helped to assemble an exceptional group of Iraqi leaders for the governing council.

BUSH: With his help, these leaders drafted the Transitional Administrative Law, which charted the country's political future and established a bill of rights. In the final days of hammering out consensus on this landmark law, Jerry sat through day-long meetings, sometimes without ever speaking. His silence was essential to reassure Iraqis that the new law was entirely their own. Yet his presence was essential to reassure Iraqis of our coalition's steadfast commitment to their future and their success.

Every political benchmark that the Iraqis set for themselves and that Jerry helped them meet was achieved on time or ahead of schedule, including the transfer of sovereignty that ended his tenure.

Sometimes Iraqi officials would express doubts that the day would ever come. Jerry would pick up a photo of his granddaughter and say, "This is your guarantee I'm leaving."

(LAUGHTER)

Jerry, I know your wife, Francine, and your children, Paul and Leila (ph), and your granddaughter, Sophia, are really glad to have you back.

When Jerry Bremer greeted visitors at his office in Baghdad, he always began, "Welcome to free Iraq."

Jerry, Iraq is free today, and you helped make it so. And a free Iraq will help make generations of Americans more secure.

Our nation will always be grateful to Ambassador Jerry Bremer and his good work.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: These three men symbolize the nobility of public service, the good character of our country and the good influence of America on the world.

Now it is my honor to present the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and I ask the military aide to read the citations.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: L. Paul Bremer III. L. Paul Bremer III has distinguished himself as one of our country's great statesmen. As presidential envoy to Iraq and administrator of the Coalition Provisional Authority, he was a tireless dedicated leader under difficult and dangerous circumstances. He oversaw the transfer of sovereignty of Iraqi territory to the interim government so that the Iraqi people would control their own destiny after decades of dictatorship. He helped provide vital humanitarian aid to the people of Iraq. The United States honors Paul Bremer for his extraordinary service to our nation and for his lasting contributions to the cause of peace and freedom.

(APPLAUSE)

General Tommy R. Franks. General Tommy Franks is a great patriot and a soldier of the highest distinction. Throughout his career in the United States Army, General Franks has shown great bravery, exemplary skill and a gift for leadership.

As commander in chief of the United States Central Command, General Franks led coalition armies of liberation in Afghanistan and Iraq, ending oppressive regimes and freeing some 50 million men, women and children from tyranny. The United States honors General Tommy Franks for his superb performance as an Army officer and for his lifetime of service to our country.

(APPLAUSE)

George J. Tenet. As director of Central Intelligence, George Tenet was on the front lines of the war on terror. Throughout his tenure, he was a strong and able leader who worked diligently to protect Americans from the enemies of freedom. His professionalism, high personal character and deep convictions won him great admiration both inside the intelligence community and beyond. The United States honors George Tenet for his principle leadership of the Central Intelligence Agency and for his distinguished service to America.

(APPLAUSE)

SANCHEZ: Important ceremony from the three men who helped the president with his Iraq policy, brought to you right here on CNN.

KAGAN: You might be wondering how do you get a Medal of Freedom? Turns out you don't have to be in the government, or even a U.S. citizen, to receive the presidential medal Of Freedom. It was established, we were hearing Suzanne Malveaux.

Let's listen in to President Bush.

BUSH: Congratulations.

KAGAN: Well, just one more thank you from the president. Getting back to what I was saying, the president -- it was President Truman back in 1945 who came up with the Presidential Medal of Freedom as distinguished service in war, then President Kennedy brought it back in '63, reintroducing the honor as a civilian award. Recipients must make a contribution to either the security of the U.S., world peace or make an impact on the nation's culture or private industry. And since its inception, approximately 400 medals have been awarded. Among the most recent recipients, besides today, Doris Day, Rita Moreno, Estee Lauder and Pope John Paul II. The president and first lady traveled to the Vatican in June to present the pontiff with that honor.

We should mention that Hank Aaron and Roberto Clemente got the award as well, for those of you who happen to be baseball fans out there, like myself.

We're going to bring you your "Daily dose." And we'll have a lot of other things for you involving Christmas. What about it? Stick around, we'll explain.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) SANCHEZ: Now let's go ahead and bring you your "Daily Dose" of health news. Christmas Day may be one of the most anticipated days of the year. Well, now, a new study says it's the deadliest day of the year as well. A study finds 12.4 percent more deaths than normal on Christmas Day, with more Americans dying of heart attacks and other natural causes. Researchers say one reason may be that people are feeling too busy or festive to go to the hospital for needed care, not to mention the stress.

KAGAN: To get your daily dose of health news online, just log on to our Web site. You'll find the latest medical news. There's a health library there, also information on diet and fitness. The address is CNN.com/health.

SANCHEZ: The increasing popularity of the Internet opens up new ways to see what Americans want to know. Find out who were this year's most searched-for stars in the World Wide Web. We'll have it for you as soon as we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SANCHEZ: All right, here we go. Welcome back, Rick Sanchez here with CNN LIVE TODAY.

Brittany, Usher and Harry Potter all have one thing in common. They may be stars in different fields, but they top the list of celebrities who were hot on the Internet in 2004.

Regina Lewis joining us now from Dulles, Virginia with more on who was hot and who was not and the whole buzz there.

OK, get us started -- Gina.

REGINA LEWIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it just might be the ultimate popularity contest. On AOL, there are more than 700 million searches every month. When you look back, it's a pretty interesting indication of what was on American minds in 2004.

So here's a look at who people were looking for most.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LEWIS (voice-over): Hot on the web in 2004, Britney Spears. Two marriages, a couple of singles and no shortage of controversy helped her claim the crowd. Paris Hilton, a hit TV show and no shortage of photos was a close second. And in the third slot, show stopper Janet Jackson. Rising star, Hilary Duff, she's No. 1 with the under-21 crowd.

And sibling rivalry was alive and well in 2004. The Simpsons, Jessica and Ashley, outpaced another Ashley, Ashley Olson, and twin sister Mary-Kate.

"American Idol" had big online ratings. The reality show won the contest for the most searched TV show, beating out "Survivor" and "The Apprentice." The No. 1 movie, "Harry Potter," hands down.

And yes, Usher not only sings the No. 1 song, but was one of 2004's biggest gainers.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LEWIS: Now, Usher will face some competition if he wants to stay in that top slot in 2005, particularly from country and Christian musicians who are coming on strong online. And when Martha Stewart gets out of jail and starts that new reality TV show with Mike Burnett, it could be the online comeback of comebacks.

SANCHEZ: Great stuff, Regina Lewis thanks so much more bringing it to us.

LEWIS: Sure.

SANCHEZ: Appreciate it.

KAGAN: And it is the end of the show. That's going to do it for us, but we're coming back tomorrow for more.

SANCHEZ: Because we are out of time.

KAGAN: We are, but we'll be back. Wolf Blitzer coming up from Washington D.C. after a quick break.

SANCHEZ: See you tomorrow.

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


Aired December 14, 2004 - 11:29   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: It looks like Paul Bremer coming in the room and we saw Colin Powell. There you go. A little nod there from Tommy Franks to Colin Powell, who's sitting next to Donald Rumsfeld. And then finally, George Tenet, the former head of the CIA.
Suzanne, you mentioned that these, all three of these men -- well, let's listen in. Here's the vice president and the president. Let's listen in to the ceremony.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Good morning and welcome to the White House. Laura and I are proud to have you all here today, especially our three honorees and their families and their friends.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is our nation's highest civil award given to men and women of exceptional merit, integrity and achievement.

Today, this honor goes to three men who have played pivotal roles in great events and whose efforts have made our country more secure and advanced the cause of human liberty.

George Tenet learned the value of hard work as a busboy in the 20th Century Diner, the family restaurant in Queens, New York. Between work and school and athletics, George always kept up with current events and world affairs, and that enthusiasm led him into public service.

In Washington, George immersed himself in the field of intelligence work. After a long career in the legislative and executive branches of government, George was tapped by President Bill Clinton to run the agency he loved.

His challenges at the CIA were many. George acted quickly and aggressively to rebuild the agency's capabilities. He made the recruitment of new talent a top priority. Applications to join the agency have now soared to more than 138,000 per year.

BUSH: Under George's leadership, the number of yearly graduates from the clandestine service training program have increased nearly six-fold. And just about every CIA officer can tell you a story about Director Tenet's hands-on style of management.

He was often seen in the hallways chewing on an unlit cigar or showing up at their cafeteria table and talking shop. George and his wife, Stephanie, came to know the people of the CIA, and the people of the CIA came to know them as decent, caring people who love their country, who love their family, especially their son, John Michael.

Early in his tenure as DCI, George Tenet was one of the first to recognize and address the growing threat to America from radical terrorist networks.

Immediately after the attacks of September the 11th, George was ready with a plan to strike back at Al Qaeda and to topple the Taliban. CIA officers were on the ground in Afghanistan within days. Seasoned American intelligence officers, armed with laptop computers, Afghan clothes and a visionary plan, rode horseback with the fighters of the Northern Alliance, identified key targets for our military and helped to free a nation.

BUSH: Since those weeks, CIA officers have remained on the hunt for Al Qaeda killers. More than three-quarters of Al Qaeda key members and associates had been killed or detained and the majority were stopped as a result of CIA efforts. CIA officers were also among the first to enter the battle in Iraq, alongside their colleagues in uniform.

In these years of challenge for our country, the men and women of the CIA have been on the front lines of an urgent cause and the whole nation owes them our gratitude.

George is rightly proud of the people of the agency and I have been proud to work with George. George has carried great authority without putting on airs because he remembers his roots.

There's still a lot of Queens in George Tenet.

(LAUGHTER)

A colleague once said that George has the intellect of a scholar and the demeanor of a longshoreman.

(LAUGHTER)

His tireless efforts have brought justice to America's enemies and greater security to the American people. And today we honor a fine public servant and patriot in George John Tenet.

(APPLAUSE)

General Tommy Franks was raised in Midland, Texas. Nothing wrong with that.

(LAUGHTER)

I didn't know him then, but Laura and he went to the same high school.

In those days, some people in Midland wondered about Tommy's future.

BUSH: Sounds familiar.

(LAUGHTER)

At a recent high school reunion, Tommy's old principal told the general, "You weren't the brightest bulb in the socket."

(LAUGHTER)

To which the general replied, "Ain't this a great country?"

(LAUGHTER)

America rewards talent, intelligence and hard work, and the career of Tommy Franks is living proof.

Tommy dropped out of college after two years to enlist in the Army. He quickly rose to become an officer, graduating from officer candidate school with honors and beginning his ascent through the ranks. He went on to finish his degree and earn one more.

And he made the best decision of his life when he asked a young lady named Cathy Carly (ph) to marry him.

Tommy Franks served in Germany and Korea, at the Pentagon and at the Army War College. He served in the Persian Gulf War. He served in Vietnam, where he was wounded twice.

Yet his greatest challenges and his greatest service came after the attacks on September the 11th.

As the commander of CENTCOM, Tommy Franks held responsibility for defending American interests in some of the most remote and difficult terrain in the world.

It's a job that requires the toughness of a general, the foresight of a strategist, the tact of a diplomat and the skill of a good manager.

BUSH: Tommy Franks led the forces that fought and won two wars in the defense of the world's security and helped liberate more than 50 million people from two of the worst tyrannies in the world.

In Afghanistan, America and our allies, with a historically small force and a brilliant strategy, defeated the Taliban in just a few short weeks.

The general likes to say that no plan ever survived the first contact with the enemy. But in Iraq, Tommy Franks' plan did. A force half the size of the force that won the Gulf War defeated Saddam Hussein's regime and reached Baghdad in less than a month: the fastest, longest-armored advance in the history of American warfare.

Today, the people of Iraq and Afghanistan are building a secure and permanent democratic future.

One of the highest distinctions of history is to be called a liberator and Tommy Franks will always carry that title. General, the American people thank you for your courage, your leadership and your lifetime of service in the cause of freedom and security.

To the list of medals and honors and awards you have already earned, I am proud to add the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: Jerry Bremer is a diplomat, a philanthropist, a businessman and a fashion pioneer.

(LAUGHTER)

Everyone knows the Bremer look: coat, dress shirt and tie, and desert combat boots.

Beyond the fashion statement, Jerry will be remembered for his superb work in laying the foundations of a new democracy in the Middle East.

Jerry Bremer's life of service began in 1966 when he joined the Foreign Service. He was a special assistant to the six different secretaries of state and rose to become America's ambassador to the Netherlands.

In 1986, President Ronald Reagan appointed Jerry ambassador-at- large for counterterrorism.

Eventually, Speaker Hastert named him chairman of the National Commission on Terrorism. And I chose him to serve on my Homeland Security Advisory Council.

When America and our coalition needed a seasoned diplomat and a manager to help the people of Iraq emerge from decades of oppression, I knew where to turn.

For 14 months, Jerry Bremer worked day and night in difficult and dangerous conditions to stabilize the country, to help its people rebuild and to establish a political process that would lead to justice and liberty.

The job was demanding, requiring personal courage, calmness under fire and hundreds of decisions every day.

Yet Jerry not only rose to the challenge, he found time nearly every day to study the Arabic language.

Jerry Bremer earned the respect and admiration of Iraqis and helped to assemble an exceptional group of Iraqi leaders for the governing council.

BUSH: With his help, these leaders drafted the Transitional Administrative Law, which charted the country's political future and established a bill of rights. In the final days of hammering out consensus on this landmark law, Jerry sat through day-long meetings, sometimes without ever speaking. His silence was essential to reassure Iraqis that the new law was entirely their own. Yet his presence was essential to reassure Iraqis of our coalition's steadfast commitment to their future and their success.

Every political benchmark that the Iraqis set for themselves and that Jerry helped them meet was achieved on time or ahead of schedule, including the transfer of sovereignty that ended his tenure.

Sometimes Iraqi officials would express doubts that the day would ever come. Jerry would pick up a photo of his granddaughter and say, "This is your guarantee I'm leaving."

(LAUGHTER)

Jerry, I know your wife, Francine, and your children, Paul and Leila (ph), and your granddaughter, Sophia, are really glad to have you back.

When Jerry Bremer greeted visitors at his office in Baghdad, he always began, "Welcome to free Iraq."

Jerry, Iraq is free today, and you helped make it so. And a free Iraq will help make generations of Americans more secure.

Our nation will always be grateful to Ambassador Jerry Bremer and his good work.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: These three men symbolize the nobility of public service, the good character of our country and the good influence of America on the world.

Now it is my honor to present the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and I ask the military aide to read the citations.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: L. Paul Bremer III. L. Paul Bremer III has distinguished himself as one of our country's great statesmen. As presidential envoy to Iraq and administrator of the Coalition Provisional Authority, he was a tireless dedicated leader under difficult and dangerous circumstances. He oversaw the transfer of sovereignty of Iraqi territory to the interim government so that the Iraqi people would control their own destiny after decades of dictatorship. He helped provide vital humanitarian aid to the people of Iraq. The United States honors Paul Bremer for his extraordinary service to our nation and for his lasting contributions to the cause of peace and freedom.

(APPLAUSE)

General Tommy R. Franks. General Tommy Franks is a great patriot and a soldier of the highest distinction. Throughout his career in the United States Army, General Franks has shown great bravery, exemplary skill and a gift for leadership.

As commander in chief of the United States Central Command, General Franks led coalition armies of liberation in Afghanistan and Iraq, ending oppressive regimes and freeing some 50 million men, women and children from tyranny. The United States honors General Tommy Franks for his superb performance as an Army officer and for his lifetime of service to our country.

(APPLAUSE)

George J. Tenet. As director of Central Intelligence, George Tenet was on the front lines of the war on terror. Throughout his tenure, he was a strong and able leader who worked diligently to protect Americans from the enemies of freedom. His professionalism, high personal character and deep convictions won him great admiration both inside the intelligence community and beyond. The United States honors George Tenet for his principle leadership of the Central Intelligence Agency and for his distinguished service to America.

(APPLAUSE)

SANCHEZ: Important ceremony from the three men who helped the president with his Iraq policy, brought to you right here on CNN.

KAGAN: You might be wondering how do you get a Medal of Freedom? Turns out you don't have to be in the government, or even a U.S. citizen, to receive the presidential medal Of Freedom. It was established, we were hearing Suzanne Malveaux.

Let's listen in to President Bush.

BUSH: Congratulations.

KAGAN: Well, just one more thank you from the president. Getting back to what I was saying, the president -- it was President Truman back in 1945 who came up with the Presidential Medal of Freedom as distinguished service in war, then President Kennedy brought it back in '63, reintroducing the honor as a civilian award. Recipients must make a contribution to either the security of the U.S., world peace or make an impact on the nation's culture or private industry. And since its inception, approximately 400 medals have been awarded. Among the most recent recipients, besides today, Doris Day, Rita Moreno, Estee Lauder and Pope John Paul II. The president and first lady traveled to the Vatican in June to present the pontiff with that honor.

We should mention that Hank Aaron and Roberto Clemente got the award as well, for those of you who happen to be baseball fans out there, like myself.

We're going to bring you your "Daily dose." And we'll have a lot of other things for you involving Christmas. What about it? Stick around, we'll explain.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) SANCHEZ: Now let's go ahead and bring you your "Daily Dose" of health news. Christmas Day may be one of the most anticipated days of the year. Well, now, a new study says it's the deadliest day of the year as well. A study finds 12.4 percent more deaths than normal on Christmas Day, with more Americans dying of heart attacks and other natural causes. Researchers say one reason may be that people are feeling too busy or festive to go to the hospital for needed care, not to mention the stress.

KAGAN: To get your daily dose of health news online, just log on to our Web site. You'll find the latest medical news. There's a health library there, also information on diet and fitness. The address is CNN.com/health.

SANCHEZ: The increasing popularity of the Internet opens up new ways to see what Americans want to know. Find out who were this year's most searched-for stars in the World Wide Web. We'll have it for you as soon as we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SANCHEZ: All right, here we go. Welcome back, Rick Sanchez here with CNN LIVE TODAY.

Brittany, Usher and Harry Potter all have one thing in common. They may be stars in different fields, but they top the list of celebrities who were hot on the Internet in 2004.

Regina Lewis joining us now from Dulles, Virginia with more on who was hot and who was not and the whole buzz there.

OK, get us started -- Gina.

REGINA LEWIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it just might be the ultimate popularity contest. On AOL, there are more than 700 million searches every month. When you look back, it's a pretty interesting indication of what was on American minds in 2004.

So here's a look at who people were looking for most.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LEWIS (voice-over): Hot on the web in 2004, Britney Spears. Two marriages, a couple of singles and no shortage of controversy helped her claim the crowd. Paris Hilton, a hit TV show and no shortage of photos was a close second. And in the third slot, show stopper Janet Jackson. Rising star, Hilary Duff, she's No. 1 with the under-21 crowd.

And sibling rivalry was alive and well in 2004. The Simpsons, Jessica and Ashley, outpaced another Ashley, Ashley Olson, and twin sister Mary-Kate.

"American Idol" had big online ratings. The reality show won the contest for the most searched TV show, beating out "Survivor" and "The Apprentice." The No. 1 movie, "Harry Potter," hands down.

And yes, Usher not only sings the No. 1 song, but was one of 2004's biggest gainers.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LEWIS: Now, Usher will face some competition if he wants to stay in that top slot in 2005, particularly from country and Christian musicians who are coming on strong online. And when Martha Stewart gets out of jail and starts that new reality TV show with Mike Burnett, it could be the online comeback of comebacks.

SANCHEZ: Great stuff, Regina Lewis thanks so much more bringing it to us.

LEWIS: Sure.

SANCHEZ: Appreciate it.

KAGAN: And it is the end of the show. That's going to do it for us, but we're coming back tomorrow for more.

SANCHEZ: Because we are out of time.

KAGAN: We are, but we'll be back. Wolf Blitzer coming up from Washington D.C. after a quick break.

SANCHEZ: See you tomorrow.

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