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CNN Live Today
Rice Confirmation Clears Committee; Bush Discusses Plans for Second Term, Reflects on First Term; Grandmother Joins New York Revolution; Internet Site Releases Cartoon Parodying Bush's Second Term Plans
Aired January 19, 2005 - 11:30 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, CO-HOST: There you have it: 16 yays and two nays. The 16 yays is referring to how many people voted for the confirmation of Condoleezza Rice. Two nays, and we did happen to catch those two who voted against. It was Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts and Senator Barbara Boxer of California. Both, interestingly enough, who had been quite strong in their comments when talking to Condoleezza Rice during the actual hearing.
Let's go back to Ed Henry. He's been following this throughout the day. Where are we now, Ed? Where does this go?
ED HENRY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The bottom line is this now heads to the full Senate. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's staff has said in recent days they want to get this nomination to the floor as soon as possible. They want President Bush as soon as he's inaugurated for a second term tomorrow here on Capitol Hill, they want him to hit the ground running with a new cabinet. Obviously, a lot of new faces in that cabinet.
We're being told, as well, Margaret Spellings, the pick who is already -- for education secretary has already gone through her confirmation hearings. That's another nomination that is expected to go to the Senate floor as early as tomorrow, as well, with Condoleezza Rice.
There are several other nominees that could also come up. But at the very least those two, for education and also here for the State Department. Secretary of state designate Condoleezza Rice. Those nominations coming up tomorrow.
The Senate and House coming into session tomorrow at 10 a.m. just to take care of some housekeeping. The Senate, in particular, since it deals with nominations, will bring up Condoleezza Rice's nomination, is expected to sail through, despite the reservations, as you mentioned, only two no votes here on the committee level. We expect a few no votes, as well, in the full Senate but an overwhelming majority in favor of Condoleezza Rice expected tomorrow, Rick.
DARYN KAGAN, CO-HOST: Actually, Ed, it's Daryn. I'm going to pop in here, too...
HENRY: Yes.
KAGAN: ... because I have my Ed Henry question of the day. HENRY: All right.
KAGAN: Explain to us, those of us outside Washington, why things work in a certain way. For instance, with Senator Biden, we heard him say reservation after reservation, asked a lot of questions and a lot of concerns, but then he votes for the nomination. Why don't people vote how they believe in Washington?
HENRY: Well, I think what Senator Biden would say would be similar to what Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut said. Which is that Chris Dodd said, "I have a lot of reservations about some of the things that you have said, Condoleezza Rice. I have concerns about this nomination. I have concerns about the Iraq policy, but I want the second term for this president to get off to a good start. I don't want to start on a bad note."
A lot of Democrats don't want to look like they're just grumbling, that they're obstructing, they're blocking the president's agenda and his nominees. A lot of talk in the last election about Democrats up here just being grumpy and trying to block everything the president brings up.
Some of these Democrats want to voice their objections, but they want to say that overall they still Condoleezza Rice is more than qualified, that she's a good person and that they wish her well. So they want to try to give this second term, give it a little bit of a bipartisan push, even though there are some people, obviously, giving it quite a partisan push this morning like Barbara Boxer, like Senator John Kerry. Some very tough words for Condoleezza Rice.
But overall a lot of them want to start this second term off with at least a little bit of bipartisanship, Daryn.
KAGAN: All right. Ed Henry on Capitol Hill. Thank you so much.
We also have Carlos Watson. I think we're talking to him in Chicago today. He's watching the inauguration get ready and these confirmation hearings.
Carlos, good morning.
CARLOS WATSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Good morning. How are you doing?
KAGAN: I'm doing great. It looks like things are going very well for President Bush -- well, for President Bush and Condoleezza Rice, as well.
Let's look forward to the inauguration and the second term for President Bush and the goals and challenge that he does face.
WATSON: Could be the president's second term, if he's successful not only getting through Social Security but immigration reform, changes to the tax code, if there's success in terms of Mideast peace, particularly in Iraq with the upcoming elections and the ongoing nation building, we could look back and say this was the most impactful four-year presidential term since LBJ's full term in 1964 to 1968 in terms of the number of new things and fundamental shifts in policy that occur.
KAGAN: Except one thing that's interesting is during the campaign we heard a lot of policy proposals that were directed specifically at social conservatives, like the gay marriage constitutional amendment. Then the president gets elected and you're not hearing him really talk about those as his top priorities.
WATSON: Surprise, surprise. I think, as Humphrey Bogart said in "Casablanca," "I'm shocked. They're gambling in the casino."
No, I mean, it's not unusual in politics, as you know. There are a certain number of things that are talked about in the campaign, a certain number of things that actually get taken care of once one person or another ultimately takes office.
The other thing, Daryn, that you know is that the agenda can be very unpredictable, whether it's a tsunami, whether it's an unexpected crisis or conflict. Maybe it won't be North Korea or Iran, but maybe it will be somewhere new. You heard Condi -- you heard Condoleezza Rice mention Zimbabwe. You heard her mention Belarus. You heard her mention other places, as well, the former Burma.
So we never know what can upset a president's agenda, and certainly 9/11 did that with President Bush's first agenda. Remember, in his first inaugural speech he mentioned Social Security as something that he was going to take care of in his first term. And of course, now we're talking about it in a second term.
KAGAN: All right. Let's talk about Carlos Watson's agenda.
WATSON: Hey!
KAGAN: That is his special -- your special this weekend. Three top names you've snared yet again. Let's start with Arnold Schwarzenegger. I think we have a clip from your interview with the California governor, where you asked him, are you going to run for president or do you hope to at some point in the future? Let's listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WATSON: Your next risk, assuming that everything goes well in California. You know there's a lot of speculation about if there's a change in the Constitution, would run for president?
GOV. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER (R), CALIFORNIA: I don't even want to think about it.
WATSON: Not at all?
SCHWARZENEGGER: No. I'm just thinking of one thing and this is fixing this. Because it's like a movie. You don't have to worry about your next movie and the movie after that. Make a movie that you're doing right now perfect. Make it a 10. If it's a 10 and it goes through the roof in the box office, then everything will be laid out for you any way. So why worry about it? So the same is with this. This has to work.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: All right then. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Also Eva Longoria, one of the "Desperate Housewives" and Creplo Dollar (ph). We are going to bring you back on Friday to talk more about your special. Where are you going to be on Friday so it will be easier to track you down?
WATSON: On Friday I'll be in Nueva York. I'll be in New York on Friday, having been in Ohio. I'm going to Ohio later on today. But I'll be in New York on Friday.
KAGAN: OK. We will find you.
WATSON: Look forward to it.
KAGAN: The special is Sunday at 10 p.m. here on CNN. Thanks, Carlos.
WATSON: Take care. Good to join you.
SANCHEZ: Let's do this for you now. Let's share the process of governing with you. This is the actual vote -- voice vote that took place in Senate Foreign Relations Committee just moments ago to confirm -- at least this committee confirms her. Now she goes to the full Senate, as it happened.
Keep in mind, there are 10 -- there are, in fact, in this case 10 Republicans and eight Democrats. That's important to know as you look at the vote. Here it is.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mr. Dodd.
SEN. CHRISTOPHER DODD (D), CONNECTICUT: Aye.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mr. Kerry.
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D), MASSACHUSETTS: No.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mr. Feingold?
SEN. RUSSELL FEINGOLD (D), WISCONSIN: Aye.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mrs. Boxer?
SEN. BARBARA BOXER (D), CALIFORNIA: No.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mr. Nelson?
SEN. BILL NELSON (D), FLORIDA: Aye.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mr. Obama.
SEN. BARACK OBAMA (D), ILLINOIS: Aye.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mr. Chairman?
SEN. RICHARD G. LUGAR (R-IN), CHAIRMAN: Aye.
Would the clerk please tally the count?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Sixteen yeas, two nays.
LUGAR: Sixteen yeas, two nays. The committee votes to report the nomination to the Senate floor. I thank all senators.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SANCHEZ: There again you have it. The two nays, again, John Kerry of Massachusetts, Barbara Boxer from the state of California.
Busy inaugural eve for President Bush, as well. He's going to shuttle between private parties and big public celebrations today, leading to tomorrow's swearing in.
The president is proposing an ambitious domestic agenda for his second term, according to most who follow this. And he's going to continue to focus on the threat from terrorists.
CNN's senior White House correspondent John King sat down to talk to the president about that.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN KING, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Mr. President, thank you for joining us this morning.
You're about to begin your second term after a first term in which, for all but seven months, the country was at war. I want to ask you, as you start the second term, what is different about the threat to the United States and the people of the United States? When you look at your threat matrix, the word we learned in the first term, in the morning, how is it different now than it was, say, on September 10 or September 12, 2001?
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It is clear to me we're making progress, that we have dismantled much of the operating capacity of al Qaeda. Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, for example, who was the mastermind of September the 11th, is -- is incarcerated. That many of the foot soldiers of al Qaeda have been brought to justice, one way or the other.
That's not to say al Qaeda isn't still a threat, but we have made good progress about dismantling the operating capacity.
And we're beginning to make progress about defeating the Salafist movement long-term by spreading freedom. If you think about it, we've had elections in Afghanistan and the Palestinian territory and soon in Iraq, which will be a major blow to -- to those who can't stand the thought of people being able to express themselves and determine the fate of a government.
KING: When you read the book in the morning and you're briefed in the morning are there fewer direct threats against the United States or specific threats? Is the volume different?
BUSH: Well, it seems that our efforts have had an effect on the operating capability, but the enemy is dangerous. And I say that, you know, fully understanding that some are saying, well, the administration keeps crying wolf.
But it is -- our most solemn duty is to protect the American people. And when we see a specific threat we act on it. And if we don't see a specific threat, we're still mindful that there is a war on terror.
And I can remember full well addressing the nation right after September 11 and recognizing that there's a temptation to forget the pain and agony of that day, and there's a desire by people to kind of slip into the comfort zone of normal life, which we want. But I don't think the president has that luxury. The president must be always mindful that an enemy lurks.
KING: When you look at the vulnerability, still, as you prepare to address them in the second term, your secretary of health and human services spoke recently about his surprise that no one has tried to attack the food System. Some mayors in coastal cities talk about they still think the ports are vulnerable to either a dirty bomb or some kind of attack.
If they came to you and said, "Mr. President, you can fix one thing," what do you think the greatest thing you need to focus on?
BUSH: Human intelligence, the ability to get inside somebody's mind, the ability to read somebody's mail, the ability to listen to somebody's phone call, that somebody being the enemy.
We've got a commission up and running that will determine why things why things -- why we didn't find any stockpiles in Iraq. And out of that commission, coupled with the international director of intelligence, hopefully the president -- this president and future presidents will get the best possible intelligence, both human and, of course, signal intelligence.
KING: Part of the threat comes from the desire to attack Americans that some obviously have and still have. You have spoken about working with your new secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, on a public diplomacy campaign in the Muslim world.
I want to ask what you think has failed in that regard so far in the sense the State Department did reach out and hire a Madison Avenue ad executive to try to help. You had an office of global communications here in the White House, at one point offices in London and Islamabad. We created an Arab language television network, paid for by the taxpayers in the United States. Where have we failed so far?
BUSH: The propagandist has done a job of depicting America as a hateful place, a place wanting to impose our form of government on people and our religion on people. And it's -- we're behind when it comes to selling our own story and telling people the truth about America.
On the other hand, I believe that we're beginning to make progress, and Condi is going to work hard to reform and strengthen the public diplomacy efforts.
But I made some very difficult decisions that made public diplomacy hard in the Muslim world. One was obviously attacking Iraq. But when a free country emerges in Iraq, I think people begin to see the wisdom of the policy.
The relief efforts and from the tsunami, because of the tsunamis, will help Muslims in Indonesia, for example, see that the United States of America is there to help, that our soldiers are there not to fight but to provide comfort and help as best possible.
KING: You ever worry that it's personal, fairly or unfairly, that these groups have decided...
BUSH: Me?
KING: ... so long as you are president of the United States they will not change?
BUSH: You know, I don't know. I try not to take things personally in the political world. I can remember people condemning Ronald Reagan's decisions, and I don't see how they could condemn him personally, because he's such a good guy. But he made some very difficult decisions and which happened to be right in retrospect.
And I believe that the decisions I have made will end up making the world a better place. And so don't take it personally when people are critical.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KAGAN: Good to interview George Bush inside, because this is what it looks like outside in Washington, D.C. Taking a look along the route where the presidential motorcade will go tomorrow for the inauguration. Things are snowy and very cold. I think it's -- they're saying it's 19 degrees but feels like four in Washington today. Things supposed to be more in the 20s tomorrow.
We will have full coverage of the inauguration, "GEORGE W. BUSH: THE ROAD AHEAD," CNN live inauguration coverage all day tomorrow with Wolf Blitzer and Judy Woodruff. That means Rick and I won't be here, but we will be back on Friday. Well, we're here. You just won't see us on television.
SANCHEZ: Right. We'll be here.
KAGAN: You need to know where we are we're here. We're just not there. Yes.
SANCHEZ: Taking care of business for you.
The president of the United States doesn't seem to have a problem with his weight, because he's such an avid jogger and exerciser. But you may not be in the same shape, shall we say, as the president?
KAGAN: Yes, that's true. He has set a high level.
SANCHEZ: A lot of Americans have a problem with overeating. Some say it's because of stress.
KAGAN: Well, that's a problem for our next "New You" participant. Dr. Sanjay Gupta puts her back on the road to healthy living, coming up on CNN LIVE TODAY.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SANCHEZ: Here we go. All this week, as promised, we are introducing to you five people who have joined our "New You Revolution," as in "you," because they want to break some bad health habits, as we all do from time to time.
In our daily dose of health news, senior medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta tells us about our next participant.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Today we want to introduce to you Sandra Garth.
Now, she admits she eats when she's stressed. A lot of people do that. But she has constant stress because her son and daughter-in-law are both stationed in a war zone.
(voice-over) Meet Sandra Garth.
SANDRA GARTH, "NEW YOU REVOLUTION" PARTICIPANT: Jen, where are your ears? Can you show Grandma your ears?
GUPTA: Sandra Garth loves being a grandmother and caring for her family and cooking some good food.
GARTH: There is nothing special about this bacon. It is extremely unhealthy but it is so good.
GUPTA: It's not like Sandra doesn't know a thing or two about being healthy and fit. She used to teach high impact aerobics, but a few years ago arthritis put an end to her exercises but not to her cravings.
GARTH: I'm a junk food junkie. I'm a chocoholic. I like everything that is not good for me. I eat greasy foods, fatty foods, sweet foods, salty foods, and I just have gotten lazy.
GUPTA: So this is just one of the reasons why she's joined our "New You Revolution." She has many more. She's reached a milestone.
GARTH: I want to be fabulous and 50. And I want to be fit and 50.
GUPTA: Plus after raising five children, Sandra and her husband are parents once again to their grandson, Shannon.
GARTH: Our second oldest son, Casey, and his wife, Teresa (ph), are both stationed in Iraq. They're in Tikrit, and their youngest child, Shannon, he's 2 -- is with us. They have an older son, Casey Jr. He's five, and he's in Detroit with Teresa's (ph) family.
GUPTA: She admits having loved ones in a war zone makes it hard to stick to a diet.
GARTH: I am a stressful eater. I am an emotional eater. And that doesn't take away the fact, you know. I can eat all the potato chips and chocolate chip cookies in the world, but it's not going to bring them back home right now.
GUPTA: So Sandra wants to get fit for herself and set a good example for her family.
(on camera) Sandra is determined to succeed. We spent some time with her, and we've learned that.
Also, to help her we've assembled a team of health experts through the University of Michigan.
Here's Sandra Garth's "New You Resolution" prescription.
GARTH: I just fell off. And it's time to get back on wagon.
GUPTA (voice-over): Well, Sandra, here's our "New You Revolution" plan for you. Loose your bad snacking habits. Be active again and watch the excess pounds start coming off.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What I really want you to focus on is consistency and enjoying it.
GUPTA: With the help of an exercise physiologist, a behavior specialist and a nutritionist from the University of Michigan, you're going to learn how to control portion sizes, exercise safely and also be doing a lot of walking and resistance training. All in all, try to move about 10,000 step as day and record your activities. That will help you form your new good habits.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN, for the "New You Revolution."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SANCHEZ: By the way, you can follow that "New You Revolution" on our web site. Here's all you've got to do: track the progress of the five participants or start your own revolution. Log on to CNN.com, and then just follow the links. KAGAN: We have a lot more to get to before the hour is up. Political parody targets the president's second term. We'll share that with you. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(STOCK REPORT)
SANCHEZ: Take it from you.
KAGAN: Thank you so much.
Hey, you remember the folks at JibJab.com?
SANCHEZ: Do we ever? During the race, remember they skewered both John Kerry and President George Bush in those animated cartoons that were seen by so many people on the Internet.
KAGAN: One was called "This Land is My Land." Well, they are back now with a preview of President Bush's second term. And we have a peek for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): John, good guy, he's coming back to serve a second term.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): We were hoping in '04 we'd get a turn. But we lost the nation's battle.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): Now they're stuck without a paddle.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): Who will save us from conservatism.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): I will stabilize Iraq in my second term. And I will amend the Constitution. Then I'll eliminate the taxes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): That are breaking all our back-ses.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): And push for more privatization.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): We cannot believe he won a second term.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): He destroyed the grand Atlantic alliance.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): I'll extend a friendly offer...
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KAGAN: You have to watch this a couple times to catch all the nuances.
SANCHEZ: You're right. You usually do. You usually do. KAGAN: How about watching this from Washington, D.C.? Take a look at how snowy things are today. A live picture from the nation's capital. Things are supposed to improve just a little bit for tomorrow's inauguration. But pack your warmies.
SANCHEZ: Looks like something -- looks like Stalingrad or something like that, during the revolution.
Well, we leave you now because coming up next, Fredricka Whitfield is going to be filling in for Wolf Blitzer, bringing you the show, not from Washington but from right here.
KAGAN: Yes. A little bit warmer. We will -- we won't see you tomorrow. We will see you on Friday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired January 19, 2005 - 11:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
RICK SANCHEZ, CO-HOST: There you have it: 16 yays and two nays. The 16 yays is referring to how many people voted for the confirmation of Condoleezza Rice. Two nays, and we did happen to catch those two who voted against. It was Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts and Senator Barbara Boxer of California. Both, interestingly enough, who had been quite strong in their comments when talking to Condoleezza Rice during the actual hearing.
Let's go back to Ed Henry. He's been following this throughout the day. Where are we now, Ed? Where does this go?
ED HENRY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The bottom line is this now heads to the full Senate. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's staff has said in recent days they want to get this nomination to the floor as soon as possible. They want President Bush as soon as he's inaugurated for a second term tomorrow here on Capitol Hill, they want him to hit the ground running with a new cabinet. Obviously, a lot of new faces in that cabinet.
We're being told, as well, Margaret Spellings, the pick who is already -- for education secretary has already gone through her confirmation hearings. That's another nomination that is expected to go to the Senate floor as early as tomorrow, as well, with Condoleezza Rice.
There are several other nominees that could also come up. But at the very least those two, for education and also here for the State Department. Secretary of state designate Condoleezza Rice. Those nominations coming up tomorrow.
The Senate and House coming into session tomorrow at 10 a.m. just to take care of some housekeeping. The Senate, in particular, since it deals with nominations, will bring up Condoleezza Rice's nomination, is expected to sail through, despite the reservations, as you mentioned, only two no votes here on the committee level. We expect a few no votes, as well, in the full Senate but an overwhelming majority in favor of Condoleezza Rice expected tomorrow, Rick.
DARYN KAGAN, CO-HOST: Actually, Ed, it's Daryn. I'm going to pop in here, too...
HENRY: Yes.
KAGAN: ... because I have my Ed Henry question of the day. HENRY: All right.
KAGAN: Explain to us, those of us outside Washington, why things work in a certain way. For instance, with Senator Biden, we heard him say reservation after reservation, asked a lot of questions and a lot of concerns, but then he votes for the nomination. Why don't people vote how they believe in Washington?
HENRY: Well, I think what Senator Biden would say would be similar to what Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut said. Which is that Chris Dodd said, "I have a lot of reservations about some of the things that you have said, Condoleezza Rice. I have concerns about this nomination. I have concerns about the Iraq policy, but I want the second term for this president to get off to a good start. I don't want to start on a bad note."
A lot of Democrats don't want to look like they're just grumbling, that they're obstructing, they're blocking the president's agenda and his nominees. A lot of talk in the last election about Democrats up here just being grumpy and trying to block everything the president brings up.
Some of these Democrats want to voice their objections, but they want to say that overall they still Condoleezza Rice is more than qualified, that she's a good person and that they wish her well. So they want to try to give this second term, give it a little bit of a bipartisan push, even though there are some people, obviously, giving it quite a partisan push this morning like Barbara Boxer, like Senator John Kerry. Some very tough words for Condoleezza Rice.
But overall a lot of them want to start this second term off with at least a little bit of bipartisanship, Daryn.
KAGAN: All right. Ed Henry on Capitol Hill. Thank you so much.
We also have Carlos Watson. I think we're talking to him in Chicago today. He's watching the inauguration get ready and these confirmation hearings.
Carlos, good morning.
CARLOS WATSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Good morning. How are you doing?
KAGAN: I'm doing great. It looks like things are going very well for President Bush -- well, for President Bush and Condoleezza Rice, as well.
Let's look forward to the inauguration and the second term for President Bush and the goals and challenge that he does face.
WATSON: Could be the president's second term, if he's successful not only getting through Social Security but immigration reform, changes to the tax code, if there's success in terms of Mideast peace, particularly in Iraq with the upcoming elections and the ongoing nation building, we could look back and say this was the most impactful four-year presidential term since LBJ's full term in 1964 to 1968 in terms of the number of new things and fundamental shifts in policy that occur.
KAGAN: Except one thing that's interesting is during the campaign we heard a lot of policy proposals that were directed specifically at social conservatives, like the gay marriage constitutional amendment. Then the president gets elected and you're not hearing him really talk about those as his top priorities.
WATSON: Surprise, surprise. I think, as Humphrey Bogart said in "Casablanca," "I'm shocked. They're gambling in the casino."
No, I mean, it's not unusual in politics, as you know. There are a certain number of things that are talked about in the campaign, a certain number of things that actually get taken care of once one person or another ultimately takes office.
The other thing, Daryn, that you know is that the agenda can be very unpredictable, whether it's a tsunami, whether it's an unexpected crisis or conflict. Maybe it won't be North Korea or Iran, but maybe it will be somewhere new. You heard Condi -- you heard Condoleezza Rice mention Zimbabwe. You heard her mention Belarus. You heard her mention other places, as well, the former Burma.
So we never know what can upset a president's agenda, and certainly 9/11 did that with President Bush's first agenda. Remember, in his first inaugural speech he mentioned Social Security as something that he was going to take care of in his first term. And of course, now we're talking about it in a second term.
KAGAN: All right. Let's talk about Carlos Watson's agenda.
WATSON: Hey!
KAGAN: That is his special -- your special this weekend. Three top names you've snared yet again. Let's start with Arnold Schwarzenegger. I think we have a clip from your interview with the California governor, where you asked him, are you going to run for president or do you hope to at some point in the future? Let's listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WATSON: Your next risk, assuming that everything goes well in California. You know there's a lot of speculation about if there's a change in the Constitution, would run for president?
GOV. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER (R), CALIFORNIA: I don't even want to think about it.
WATSON: Not at all?
SCHWARZENEGGER: No. I'm just thinking of one thing and this is fixing this. Because it's like a movie. You don't have to worry about your next movie and the movie after that. Make a movie that you're doing right now perfect. Make it a 10. If it's a 10 and it goes through the roof in the box office, then everything will be laid out for you any way. So why worry about it? So the same is with this. This has to work.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: All right then. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Also Eva Longoria, one of the "Desperate Housewives" and Creplo Dollar (ph). We are going to bring you back on Friday to talk more about your special. Where are you going to be on Friday so it will be easier to track you down?
WATSON: On Friday I'll be in Nueva York. I'll be in New York on Friday, having been in Ohio. I'm going to Ohio later on today. But I'll be in New York on Friday.
KAGAN: OK. We will find you.
WATSON: Look forward to it.
KAGAN: The special is Sunday at 10 p.m. here on CNN. Thanks, Carlos.
WATSON: Take care. Good to join you.
SANCHEZ: Let's do this for you now. Let's share the process of governing with you. This is the actual vote -- voice vote that took place in Senate Foreign Relations Committee just moments ago to confirm -- at least this committee confirms her. Now she goes to the full Senate, as it happened.
Keep in mind, there are 10 -- there are, in fact, in this case 10 Republicans and eight Democrats. That's important to know as you look at the vote. Here it is.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mr. Dodd.
SEN. CHRISTOPHER DODD (D), CONNECTICUT: Aye.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mr. Kerry.
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D), MASSACHUSETTS: No.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mr. Feingold?
SEN. RUSSELL FEINGOLD (D), WISCONSIN: Aye.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mrs. Boxer?
SEN. BARBARA BOXER (D), CALIFORNIA: No.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mr. Nelson?
SEN. BILL NELSON (D), FLORIDA: Aye.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mr. Obama.
SEN. BARACK OBAMA (D), ILLINOIS: Aye.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mr. Chairman?
SEN. RICHARD G. LUGAR (R-IN), CHAIRMAN: Aye.
Would the clerk please tally the count?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Sixteen yeas, two nays.
LUGAR: Sixteen yeas, two nays. The committee votes to report the nomination to the Senate floor. I thank all senators.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SANCHEZ: There again you have it. The two nays, again, John Kerry of Massachusetts, Barbara Boxer from the state of California.
Busy inaugural eve for President Bush, as well. He's going to shuttle between private parties and big public celebrations today, leading to tomorrow's swearing in.
The president is proposing an ambitious domestic agenda for his second term, according to most who follow this. And he's going to continue to focus on the threat from terrorists.
CNN's senior White House correspondent John King sat down to talk to the president about that.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN KING, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Mr. President, thank you for joining us this morning.
You're about to begin your second term after a first term in which, for all but seven months, the country was at war. I want to ask you, as you start the second term, what is different about the threat to the United States and the people of the United States? When you look at your threat matrix, the word we learned in the first term, in the morning, how is it different now than it was, say, on September 10 or September 12, 2001?
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It is clear to me we're making progress, that we have dismantled much of the operating capacity of al Qaeda. Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, for example, who was the mastermind of September the 11th, is -- is incarcerated. That many of the foot soldiers of al Qaeda have been brought to justice, one way or the other.
That's not to say al Qaeda isn't still a threat, but we have made good progress about dismantling the operating capacity.
And we're beginning to make progress about defeating the Salafist movement long-term by spreading freedom. If you think about it, we've had elections in Afghanistan and the Palestinian territory and soon in Iraq, which will be a major blow to -- to those who can't stand the thought of people being able to express themselves and determine the fate of a government.
KING: When you read the book in the morning and you're briefed in the morning are there fewer direct threats against the United States or specific threats? Is the volume different?
BUSH: Well, it seems that our efforts have had an effect on the operating capability, but the enemy is dangerous. And I say that, you know, fully understanding that some are saying, well, the administration keeps crying wolf.
But it is -- our most solemn duty is to protect the American people. And when we see a specific threat we act on it. And if we don't see a specific threat, we're still mindful that there is a war on terror.
And I can remember full well addressing the nation right after September 11 and recognizing that there's a temptation to forget the pain and agony of that day, and there's a desire by people to kind of slip into the comfort zone of normal life, which we want. But I don't think the president has that luxury. The president must be always mindful that an enemy lurks.
KING: When you look at the vulnerability, still, as you prepare to address them in the second term, your secretary of health and human services spoke recently about his surprise that no one has tried to attack the food System. Some mayors in coastal cities talk about they still think the ports are vulnerable to either a dirty bomb or some kind of attack.
If they came to you and said, "Mr. President, you can fix one thing," what do you think the greatest thing you need to focus on?
BUSH: Human intelligence, the ability to get inside somebody's mind, the ability to read somebody's mail, the ability to listen to somebody's phone call, that somebody being the enemy.
We've got a commission up and running that will determine why things why things -- why we didn't find any stockpiles in Iraq. And out of that commission, coupled with the international director of intelligence, hopefully the president -- this president and future presidents will get the best possible intelligence, both human and, of course, signal intelligence.
KING: Part of the threat comes from the desire to attack Americans that some obviously have and still have. You have spoken about working with your new secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, on a public diplomacy campaign in the Muslim world.
I want to ask what you think has failed in that regard so far in the sense the State Department did reach out and hire a Madison Avenue ad executive to try to help. You had an office of global communications here in the White House, at one point offices in London and Islamabad. We created an Arab language television network, paid for by the taxpayers in the United States. Where have we failed so far?
BUSH: The propagandist has done a job of depicting America as a hateful place, a place wanting to impose our form of government on people and our religion on people. And it's -- we're behind when it comes to selling our own story and telling people the truth about America.
On the other hand, I believe that we're beginning to make progress, and Condi is going to work hard to reform and strengthen the public diplomacy efforts.
But I made some very difficult decisions that made public diplomacy hard in the Muslim world. One was obviously attacking Iraq. But when a free country emerges in Iraq, I think people begin to see the wisdom of the policy.
The relief efforts and from the tsunami, because of the tsunamis, will help Muslims in Indonesia, for example, see that the United States of America is there to help, that our soldiers are there not to fight but to provide comfort and help as best possible.
KING: You ever worry that it's personal, fairly or unfairly, that these groups have decided...
BUSH: Me?
KING: ... so long as you are president of the United States they will not change?
BUSH: You know, I don't know. I try not to take things personally in the political world. I can remember people condemning Ronald Reagan's decisions, and I don't see how they could condemn him personally, because he's such a good guy. But he made some very difficult decisions and which happened to be right in retrospect.
And I believe that the decisions I have made will end up making the world a better place. And so don't take it personally when people are critical.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KAGAN: Good to interview George Bush inside, because this is what it looks like outside in Washington, D.C. Taking a look along the route where the presidential motorcade will go tomorrow for the inauguration. Things are snowy and very cold. I think it's -- they're saying it's 19 degrees but feels like four in Washington today. Things supposed to be more in the 20s tomorrow.
We will have full coverage of the inauguration, "GEORGE W. BUSH: THE ROAD AHEAD," CNN live inauguration coverage all day tomorrow with Wolf Blitzer and Judy Woodruff. That means Rick and I won't be here, but we will be back on Friday. Well, we're here. You just won't see us on television.
SANCHEZ: Right. We'll be here.
KAGAN: You need to know where we are we're here. We're just not there. Yes.
SANCHEZ: Taking care of business for you.
The president of the United States doesn't seem to have a problem with his weight, because he's such an avid jogger and exerciser. But you may not be in the same shape, shall we say, as the president?
KAGAN: Yes, that's true. He has set a high level.
SANCHEZ: A lot of Americans have a problem with overeating. Some say it's because of stress.
KAGAN: Well, that's a problem for our next "New You" participant. Dr. Sanjay Gupta puts her back on the road to healthy living, coming up on CNN LIVE TODAY.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SANCHEZ: Here we go. All this week, as promised, we are introducing to you five people who have joined our "New You Revolution," as in "you," because they want to break some bad health habits, as we all do from time to time.
In our daily dose of health news, senior medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta tells us about our next participant.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Today we want to introduce to you Sandra Garth.
Now, she admits she eats when she's stressed. A lot of people do that. But she has constant stress because her son and daughter-in-law are both stationed in a war zone.
(voice-over) Meet Sandra Garth.
SANDRA GARTH, "NEW YOU REVOLUTION" PARTICIPANT: Jen, where are your ears? Can you show Grandma your ears?
GUPTA: Sandra Garth loves being a grandmother and caring for her family and cooking some good food.
GARTH: There is nothing special about this bacon. It is extremely unhealthy but it is so good.
GUPTA: It's not like Sandra doesn't know a thing or two about being healthy and fit. She used to teach high impact aerobics, but a few years ago arthritis put an end to her exercises but not to her cravings.
GARTH: I'm a junk food junkie. I'm a chocoholic. I like everything that is not good for me. I eat greasy foods, fatty foods, sweet foods, salty foods, and I just have gotten lazy.
GUPTA: So this is just one of the reasons why she's joined our "New You Revolution." She has many more. She's reached a milestone.
GARTH: I want to be fabulous and 50. And I want to be fit and 50.
GUPTA: Plus after raising five children, Sandra and her husband are parents once again to their grandson, Shannon.
GARTH: Our second oldest son, Casey, and his wife, Teresa (ph), are both stationed in Iraq. They're in Tikrit, and their youngest child, Shannon, he's 2 -- is with us. They have an older son, Casey Jr. He's five, and he's in Detroit with Teresa's (ph) family.
GUPTA: She admits having loved ones in a war zone makes it hard to stick to a diet.
GARTH: I am a stressful eater. I am an emotional eater. And that doesn't take away the fact, you know. I can eat all the potato chips and chocolate chip cookies in the world, but it's not going to bring them back home right now.
GUPTA: So Sandra wants to get fit for herself and set a good example for her family.
(on camera) Sandra is determined to succeed. We spent some time with her, and we've learned that.
Also, to help her we've assembled a team of health experts through the University of Michigan.
Here's Sandra Garth's "New You Resolution" prescription.
GARTH: I just fell off. And it's time to get back on wagon.
GUPTA (voice-over): Well, Sandra, here's our "New You Revolution" plan for you. Loose your bad snacking habits. Be active again and watch the excess pounds start coming off.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What I really want you to focus on is consistency and enjoying it.
GUPTA: With the help of an exercise physiologist, a behavior specialist and a nutritionist from the University of Michigan, you're going to learn how to control portion sizes, exercise safely and also be doing a lot of walking and resistance training. All in all, try to move about 10,000 step as day and record your activities. That will help you form your new good habits.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN, for the "New You Revolution."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SANCHEZ: By the way, you can follow that "New You Revolution" on our web site. Here's all you've got to do: track the progress of the five participants or start your own revolution. Log on to CNN.com, and then just follow the links. KAGAN: We have a lot more to get to before the hour is up. Political parody targets the president's second term. We'll share that with you. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(STOCK REPORT)
SANCHEZ: Take it from you.
KAGAN: Thank you so much.
Hey, you remember the folks at JibJab.com?
SANCHEZ: Do we ever? During the race, remember they skewered both John Kerry and President George Bush in those animated cartoons that were seen by so many people on the Internet.
KAGAN: One was called "This Land is My Land." Well, they are back now with a preview of President Bush's second term. And we have a peek for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): John, good guy, he's coming back to serve a second term.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): We were hoping in '04 we'd get a turn. But we lost the nation's battle.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): Now they're stuck without a paddle.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): Who will save us from conservatism.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): I will stabilize Iraq in my second term. And I will amend the Constitution. Then I'll eliminate the taxes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): That are breaking all our back-ses.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): And push for more privatization.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): We cannot believe he won a second term.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): He destroyed the grand Atlantic alliance.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (singing): I'll extend a friendly offer...
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KAGAN: You have to watch this a couple times to catch all the nuances.
SANCHEZ: You're right. You usually do. You usually do. KAGAN: How about watching this from Washington, D.C.? Take a look at how snowy things are today. A live picture from the nation's capital. Things are supposed to improve just a little bit for tomorrow's inauguration. But pack your warmies.
SANCHEZ: Looks like something -- looks like Stalingrad or something like that, during the revolution.
Well, we leave you now because coming up next, Fredricka Whitfield is going to be filling in for Wolf Blitzer, bringing you the show, not from Washington but from right here.
KAGAN: Yes. A little bit warmer. We will -- we won't see you tomorrow. We will see you on Friday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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