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Post-Inaugural Analysis; Democrats Delay Rice Confirmation

Aired January 21, 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, CNN ANCHOR: President Bush started his day at a prayer service. It just wrapped up within the hour. The service was the slast official event of the inauguration and marks the beginning of Mr. Bush's second term in office.
Our White House Correspondent John King is joining us now with details of what I guess we can describe as time to roll up your sleeves and get to work, huh, John?

JOHN KING, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: It sure is, Rick. I'll give you another example of how the inauguration is now officially over. You might be hear a beeping noise, they're beginning to break down the bleachers in the VIP stands, just off the White House grounds.

As you noted, the president today attended the final official event of the inauguration, the traditional prayer service at National Cathedral. The president and the first lady, family members just flowed out of the cathedral just a few moments ago. Mr. Bush on his way back here to the White House. And it is here at the White House of course, he needs to get about the business of a second term.

He outlined the broad goals yesterday in his inaugural address. And make no mistake about it, people already saying this president is proposing a dramatic change in American foreign policy.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KING, (voice over): Left hand on the family Bible, second inaugural address shaped by the defining day of the first term, September 11th, a day of fire the president called it.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands.

KING: The self-described war president said his second term mission will be using American power and influence to end tyranny and promote democracy.

BUSH: It is the honorable achievement of our fathers, now it's the urgent requirement of our nation's security and the calling of our time.

KING: No specific mention of Iraq where critics suggest Mr. Bush zeal for promoting democracy is failing it's first big test. But without singling out any one government, Mr. Bush promised an aggressive second-term approach that could if he follows through, strain relations with governments with whom critics say Mr. Bush has been far too cozy, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia among them.

BUSH: The leaders of governments with long habits of control need to know, to serve your people, you must first learn to trust them.

KING: Here at home, Mr. Bush said a freedom agenda would give individuals more power, and government less. A promise that he pushed controversial ideas like revamping Social Security to reach across party lines.

BUSH: We have known divisions which must be healed to move forward in great purposes. And I will strive in good faith to heal them.

KING: Chief Justice William Rehnquist administered the oath. But his frail condition in a battle with cancer was a reminder a Supreme Court nomination could soon test any hope of bipartisanship.

And even as they joined the ceremonies, Democrats fired a symbolic early warning shot, blocking confirmation of Condoleeza Rice as secretary of state until next week.

Protests along the parade route were another reminder that Mr. Bush begins his second term as he did the first, a polarizing figure. The security was unprecedented, and only at the very end did the president and first lady leave the limousine to enjoy a bit of the parade route on foot before joining family members, the vice president and others in the VIP reviewing stand to savor the moment.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KING: Now the officials ceremony, and all the celebrations over. Mr. Bush's charge now is to get about the business of that second term. And Rick, there is considerable buzz here in Washington. Indeed conversations around the world.

People wondering, just what does he mean by promoting democracy? What tools of the United States government will he use to push this mission? And will he not only lecture countries like Iran and Syria, but will he indeed lecture Russia, lecture China, and lecture other relatively friendly countries around the world.

SANCHEZ: Like Saudi Arabia. John King, good point. Thank you for following it for us. We'll be checking back with you. Daryn, over to you.

KAGAN: New numbers to share with you, shedding light on how Americans and the rest of the world view President Bush as he begins his second term. A BBC poll of 22,000 people in 21 countries, 58 percent of respondents said Mr. Bush would have a negative impact on peace and prosperity, 26 percent said he would have a positive impact.

In a CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll, 43 percent say they're more hopeful about the next four years after the inauguration. And 25 percent said they were less hopeful. And 28 percent said there was no difference in their view.

SANCHEZ: Let's follow up on something you may have heard mentioned in John's report. The White House says the Democrats are resorting to petty politics by delaying the Condoleeza Rice nomination. She's expected to be confirmed as the next secretary of state. But not now until next week. The State Department Correspondent Andrea Koppel has the latest on this.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANDREA KOPPEL, CNN STATE DEPARTMENT CORRESPONDENT, (voice over): For Condoleeza Rice, the inauguration was supposed to mark the start of her new role as secretary of state. Instead, Senate Democrats forced a delay in her confirmation until next week.

SEN. HARRY REID, (D) MINORITY LEADER: We have senators who have been engaged in matters relating to what's going on around the world. Who, for the confirmation of secretary of state, wish to be able to speak.

KOPPEL: After two days of often-contentious hearings with Rice, most of it over Iraq --

SEN. BARBARA BOXER, (D) CALIFORNIA: I also will not shrink from questioning a war that was not built on the truth.

KOPPEL: Democrats led by Barbara Boxer of California blocked a quick vote in the Senate. The White House suggested it was sour grapes.

ANDREW CARD, WHITE HOUSE CHIEF OF STAFF: Dr. Rice will be a great secretary of state. She should move into that position quickly. I wish the Senate would confirm her. But, you know, petty politics is playing a role in this, and that's unfortunate.

KOPPEL: For Colin Powell, who had already had an emotional farewell Wednesday before hundreds at the State Department --

COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: And even though I step down as your secretary, I will never leave you.

KOPPEL: Rice's delayed confirmation means one last diplomatic mission for Powell. This weekend he'll lead the U.S. delegation to Ukraine to witness the inauguration of opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko (ph), swept into power after weeks of massive street demonstrations forced a new election.

Surely a bittersweet moment for Powell, who although he led efforts to support Democratic elections in Ukraine wasn't supposed to be going.

KOPPEL, (on camera): As for Rice, who is still expected to be confirmed by a wide margin, Democrats say she had only one request -- to be sworn in by the time President Bush delivers his state of the union address next month.

Andrea Koppel, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SANCHEZ: Interestingly enough, there is new information this morning about yet another Powell leaving his post. Sources now are telling CNN that FCC Chairman Michael Powell will resign from the agency.

Senior government officials say that Powell will make the announcement today. During his four-year tenure as chairman, Powell has pushed for increased fines for obscenity and indecent content. He also backed the change in media ownership rules that allows more consolidation of huge conglomerates. He is by the way, the Secretary of State's son.

KAGAN: Let's turn back our attention to the road ahead for President Bush. He has an ambitious agenda here at home. A broad vision for what he calls liberty abroad. Our Political Analyst Carlos Watson joins us with insight of what he saw yesterday. Carlos, good morning.

CARLOS WATSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Good morning. Good to see you.

KAGAN: Let's talk about some of the nuances that you saw during the inauguration festivities and specifically the president's speech.

WATSON: Two things stood out to me, Daryn. As everyone else, or as a number of people noted, this is a much more internationally focused speech than what I think you'll see in a couple of weeks in the state of the union. I think you'll hear a lot about his domestic agenda there.

But among the nuances that I heard, one, a willingness to see democracy take a variety of different shapes. And so that may offer him some wiggle room when you heard John King's earlier comment about how will he relate to Russia, how will he relate to China, to others of our friends who aren't perceived as really offering the purest form of democracy.

A second and very interesting nuance was the president's honoring effort to offer an olive branch to other religions. You heard him speak to Jews, to Christians, to Muslims in one of his references early. Clearly there's an appreciation on his part as he said in some earlier interviews this year that some of his statements have unintended consequences.

So you saw him go out of his way to say that I am open to other faiths and other religions.

KAGAN: All right. Well trying to keep things, a variety. That's what you're doing with your special coming up this weekend. Three completely different people that you're interviewing. The Reverend Creflo Dollar, Eva Longoria, one of the desperate housewives, and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. We have a bit here of your interview with the Reverend Creflo. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WATSON, (on camera): What did you think when you saw the whole controversy over Mary Cheney, the vice president's daughter who is gay? Do you think she's chosen to be gay?

REV, CREFLO DOLLAR, CREFLO DOLLAR MINISTRIES: No, I don't think she's chosen to be gay.

WATSON: So you think she was born gay?

CREFLO: I don't think she was born gay.

WATSON: How did she become gay?

CREFLO: I have no idea. Because this is what we don't deal with. I didn't live with this girl. I don't know what her life was like. What I say, I say based on the word. The Bible is my final authority.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: All right. Those are some controversial words to sum out there. What did you take away with your interview with the Reverend Dollar?

WATSON: Daryn, in the '50s and '60s, people thought of Billy Graham as kind of in the face of religion, or at least Christianity in America. And if more recently Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson had been the face, I really walked away from my conversation with Pastor Creflo Dollar thinking this is really where 21st century Christianity is going.

Larger churches, running some ways more like a corporation. But still, hewing to a kind of strict biblical line on issues like homosexuality and even abstinence. But at the same time, this is a pastor who while running an $80 million church also has appeared in some hip-hop videos. And has a very active social gospel.

So a very different kind of Christianity and religion. And one that if you want to understand how religion is affecting the mainstream from the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) "Passion of the Christ," it's worth tuning in to Sunday at 10:00 to hear Pastor Dollar.

KAGAN: Here's another reason to tune in. You have Pastor Dollar and Eva Longoria and Arnold Schwarzenegger. And you danced with one of the people you interviewed..

WATSON: I just wish it was Daryn Kagan If Daryn Kagan had been there, that would have been my choice.

KAGAN: Well you just try to book me for your next special. We'll see if we can make that happen.

WATSON: All right.

SANCHEZ: He danced with Governor Schwarzenegger?

KAGAN: Tune in.

WATSON: But the question was, who was a better dancer, Arnold or me? No, actually, Eva Longoria, who arguably is the hottest new face on television. Only 29 years old, a native Texan, who get this, what is she reading these days? Although she is on the cover of "Rolling Stone" and "Maxim," she's reading, "He's Just Not That Into You." Incredibly interesting. I think we've got a clip.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

EVA LONGORIA (ph): A little ere being here, isn't it? Everything's perfect. Look at the flowers. Perfect flowers. They're always in bloom.

WATSON: But there aren't perfect stories here. There's sinister stuff out there.

LONGORIA: It's A LITTLE scary being here. Everybody who comes here says it's a little weird. That's my house. The biggest one on the block.

WATSON: Ooh! All right. So that's where you threw the gardener out of the window?

LONGORIA: That's where I threw the gardener out of the window.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WATSON: You can tell that Eva Longoria is someone who is enjoying this success and worked hard at it. But interestingly enough, while she's doing really well as an actress, she's worked longer Daryn, on presidential political campaigns than she's worked in acting.

KAGAN: So you have lots to talk about, including dating tips, no doubt, Carlos. I'm sure of that.

WATSON: Oh, ouch! That's probably true. Maybe a dating tip or two.

KAGAN: A few of your tricks might be given away. Carlos, thank you. Carlos Watson.

WATSON: Good to see you. Have a good weekend.

SANCHEZ: "Maybe He's Just Not That Into You."

KAGAN: Yes. It is a book that every girl should probably read, about the losers, that some of us date until you get to the right guy.

SANCHEZ: Wham!

We're going to pick up on this theme. Turning to an unlikely fight, the maker of a Sponge Bob video is denying claims that the cartoon character, yes, that would be Sponge Bob, is promoting acceptance of homosexuality. Some Christian conservative groups have issued a gay warning over a video being sent to schools that features Sponge Bob, Barney and other characters promoting tolerance and diversity.

KAGAN: The makers of the video say it has absolutely nothing to do with sexuality or pushing any gay agenda.

Meanwhile, amid the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and circumstance of the president's inauguration, new themes have risen to the surface.

KAGAN: Our Jeanne Moos highlights a few inaugural follies. We're going to have that for you in a few minutes.

And if you have already given up on those New Year's resolutions, well stand by for some inspiration. Dr. Sanjay Gupta introduces us to the final participant in the "New You" series. That's coming up right after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Today's "New You Resolution" segment is a real nail biter. And we're not talking about suspense. Senior Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta is helping five people break some bad habits. He introduces us to our latest "New You" participant.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SANJAY GUPTA, CNN SENIOR MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT, (on camera): Jonathan Karp has a habit that's shared by many, but rarely talked about. He's been biting his nails as long as he can remember. And now he hopes being part of the "New You Revolution" will finally enable him to stop. Meet Jonathon Karp.

JONATHON KARP: Looking to follow up with you.

GUPTA, (voice over): A typical workday for Jonathan Karp looks a little something like this. A few cold calls, a quick glance at his lovely bride-to-be, more calls, and for lunch, a quick nibble on his nails.

KARP: Could be up to like 40 to 50 percent of the day. My hands will be in my mouth. And I go through all ten fingers and enjoy them.

GUPTA: Sounds like a funny habit. Who doesn't know a nail biter?

KARP: It's kind of like oh, I bite my nails. And then I'll be like, are they this bad? They go, ooh, no, you win. If that were a competition, or if that were in the Olympics, I would get a Gold every time.

GUPTA: Except it's not a competition, it's a serious habit. Jonathan's nail biting puts him at high risk of infection. And a lifetime of biting could have damaged his nail bed for good. And 28 years later Jonathon looks back to see this one habit consuming him almost every day since he was a kid.

KARP: The hardest part is when you're consciously saying, I need to quit. And what happens is, you start feeling these, like prickly spots.

GUPTA: The prickling, the nagging and biting often happens in secret in his cubicle, at home when no one is looking, or in traffic on the way home.

KARP: I don't want to bite them. I don't want to bite them.

GUPTA: While it all seems like a joke, make no mistake, those nails are getting in the way of his day-to-day life.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm always just yelling at him on that.

GUPTA: His "New You" goal, to curb the nail nibbling before his wedding this year.

KARP: Nice nails, right at the tip, just that perfect white. If I see that, it's like filet mignon.

GUPTA (on camera): The Gold medalist of nail biting he calls himself. To help you break this bad habit, we consulted a psychologist and other therapists as well. Here's their prescription for a new for a new you.

KARP: You see me biting, just smack my hand out of my face. That can get violent.

GUPTA: You've tried everything to stop. Hot sauce on your nails, bribery even getting a slap on the hand. It's time for new tactics. First a psychologist will help you explore your habit. Step one, self-monitoring.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Save whatever he bites off. Even if it's just skin and cuticle.

GUPTA: It may be the key to figuring out when and why you're most prone to biting. Step two, relaxation training, acupuncture, meditation, even hypnosis. Two steps in eight weeks could mean a "New You" and a new set of nails.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN, for the "New You Revolution."

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: I'm just so over...

SANCHEZ: The filet mignon. I knew you would react to that one.

KAGAN: You can start your own "New You Revolution" by logging onto our web site. You get a personal health journal to track your progress of the five program participants and log onto cnn.com/health to follow the link.

We'll back in a moment with a lighter side of the president's inauguration.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SANCHEZ: Presidential inaugurations only roll around every four years or so, says the constitution. If you're going to have one, might as well as make it special.

KAGAN: Jeanne Moos reviews the festivities that officially kicked off President Bush's second term.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT, (voice over): You'd throw back your head and laugh too if it were your inauguration. But many in this crowd would have lost their hats if they threw back their heads. Everyone from Donald Rumsfeld to Ted Kennedy to Condi Rice came covered.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, Sanford, I want a hat like that when I grow up.

MOOS: We couldn't see the hat Bill Clinton was admiring, but whoever Sanford was, he had plenty of company. And security wasn't the only thing blanketing this inauguration.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Let's hold it up and show them.

MOOS: When it comes to inaugural style, the first lady got first-rate reviews. "The New York Times" calls it the "Glamorization of Laura Bush." Four years ago, glamour wasn't the word they used. Mrs. Bush wore a gown by a little-known Texas designer. But this time around, she's wearing Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera (ph). The fashion police are toasting her taste.

And though some have criticized the cost of the inauguration, hey, at least Mrs. Bush didn't spend what the gown of Donald trump's wife-to-be reportedly cost. The inauguration is one of those times when even a normally gruff vice president kicks off his shoes at the Texas black tie and boots ball.

DICK CHENEY, VICE PRESIDENT, UNITED STATES: And it's good to be wearing boots again.

MOOS: As for what protesters wore, think signs. Some turned their backs as the presidential motorcade went by. The war will be back after the commercial break. Protesters threw things at police. Police sprayed back. And someone creamed the vice president's limo with a snowball.

But none of this rained on the president's parade. Jeb Bush snapped photos with a disposable camera. Reviewing the parade through bulletproof glass, the president seemed to communicate via some secret sign language. Try decoding this.

The whole family made the Texas longhorn salute as that section of the parade went by. And there's nothing like a second term to get the president in the mood to do the inaugural shuffle.

Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: and just enough time to check in on weather. Rob Marciano doing that for us.

(WEATHER REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired January 21, 2005 - 11:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: President Bush started his day at a prayer service. It just wrapped up within the hour. The service was the slast official event of the inauguration and marks the beginning of Mr. Bush's second term in office.
Our White House Correspondent John King is joining us now with details of what I guess we can describe as time to roll up your sleeves and get to work, huh, John?

JOHN KING, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: It sure is, Rick. I'll give you another example of how the inauguration is now officially over. You might be hear a beeping noise, they're beginning to break down the bleachers in the VIP stands, just off the White House grounds.

As you noted, the president today attended the final official event of the inauguration, the traditional prayer service at National Cathedral. The president and the first lady, family members just flowed out of the cathedral just a few moments ago. Mr. Bush on his way back here to the White House. And it is here at the White House of course, he needs to get about the business of a second term.

He outlined the broad goals yesterday in his inaugural address. And make no mistake about it, people already saying this president is proposing a dramatic change in American foreign policy.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KING, (voice over): Left hand on the family Bible, second inaugural address shaped by the defining day of the first term, September 11th, a day of fire the president called it.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands.

KING: The self-described war president said his second term mission will be using American power and influence to end tyranny and promote democracy.

BUSH: It is the honorable achievement of our fathers, now it's the urgent requirement of our nation's security and the calling of our time.

KING: No specific mention of Iraq where critics suggest Mr. Bush zeal for promoting democracy is failing it's first big test. But without singling out any one government, Mr. Bush promised an aggressive second-term approach that could if he follows through, strain relations with governments with whom critics say Mr. Bush has been far too cozy, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia among them.

BUSH: The leaders of governments with long habits of control need to know, to serve your people, you must first learn to trust them.

KING: Here at home, Mr. Bush said a freedom agenda would give individuals more power, and government less. A promise that he pushed controversial ideas like revamping Social Security to reach across party lines.

BUSH: We have known divisions which must be healed to move forward in great purposes. And I will strive in good faith to heal them.

KING: Chief Justice William Rehnquist administered the oath. But his frail condition in a battle with cancer was a reminder a Supreme Court nomination could soon test any hope of bipartisanship.

And even as they joined the ceremonies, Democrats fired a symbolic early warning shot, blocking confirmation of Condoleeza Rice as secretary of state until next week.

Protests along the parade route were another reminder that Mr. Bush begins his second term as he did the first, a polarizing figure. The security was unprecedented, and only at the very end did the president and first lady leave the limousine to enjoy a bit of the parade route on foot before joining family members, the vice president and others in the VIP reviewing stand to savor the moment.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KING: Now the officials ceremony, and all the celebrations over. Mr. Bush's charge now is to get about the business of that second term. And Rick, there is considerable buzz here in Washington. Indeed conversations around the world.

People wondering, just what does he mean by promoting democracy? What tools of the United States government will he use to push this mission? And will he not only lecture countries like Iran and Syria, but will he indeed lecture Russia, lecture China, and lecture other relatively friendly countries around the world.

SANCHEZ: Like Saudi Arabia. John King, good point. Thank you for following it for us. We'll be checking back with you. Daryn, over to you.

KAGAN: New numbers to share with you, shedding light on how Americans and the rest of the world view President Bush as he begins his second term. A BBC poll of 22,000 people in 21 countries, 58 percent of respondents said Mr. Bush would have a negative impact on peace and prosperity, 26 percent said he would have a positive impact.

In a CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll, 43 percent say they're more hopeful about the next four years after the inauguration. And 25 percent said they were less hopeful. And 28 percent said there was no difference in their view.

SANCHEZ: Let's follow up on something you may have heard mentioned in John's report. The White House says the Democrats are resorting to petty politics by delaying the Condoleeza Rice nomination. She's expected to be confirmed as the next secretary of state. But not now until next week. The State Department Correspondent Andrea Koppel has the latest on this.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANDREA KOPPEL, CNN STATE DEPARTMENT CORRESPONDENT, (voice over): For Condoleeza Rice, the inauguration was supposed to mark the start of her new role as secretary of state. Instead, Senate Democrats forced a delay in her confirmation until next week.

SEN. HARRY REID, (D) MINORITY LEADER: We have senators who have been engaged in matters relating to what's going on around the world. Who, for the confirmation of secretary of state, wish to be able to speak.

KOPPEL: After two days of often-contentious hearings with Rice, most of it over Iraq --

SEN. BARBARA BOXER, (D) CALIFORNIA: I also will not shrink from questioning a war that was not built on the truth.

KOPPEL: Democrats led by Barbara Boxer of California blocked a quick vote in the Senate. The White House suggested it was sour grapes.

ANDREW CARD, WHITE HOUSE CHIEF OF STAFF: Dr. Rice will be a great secretary of state. She should move into that position quickly. I wish the Senate would confirm her. But, you know, petty politics is playing a role in this, and that's unfortunate.

KOPPEL: For Colin Powell, who had already had an emotional farewell Wednesday before hundreds at the State Department --

COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: And even though I step down as your secretary, I will never leave you.

KOPPEL: Rice's delayed confirmation means one last diplomatic mission for Powell. This weekend he'll lead the U.S. delegation to Ukraine to witness the inauguration of opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko (ph), swept into power after weeks of massive street demonstrations forced a new election.

Surely a bittersweet moment for Powell, who although he led efforts to support Democratic elections in Ukraine wasn't supposed to be going.

KOPPEL, (on camera): As for Rice, who is still expected to be confirmed by a wide margin, Democrats say she had only one request -- to be sworn in by the time President Bush delivers his state of the union address next month.

Andrea Koppel, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SANCHEZ: Interestingly enough, there is new information this morning about yet another Powell leaving his post. Sources now are telling CNN that FCC Chairman Michael Powell will resign from the agency.

Senior government officials say that Powell will make the announcement today. During his four-year tenure as chairman, Powell has pushed for increased fines for obscenity and indecent content. He also backed the change in media ownership rules that allows more consolidation of huge conglomerates. He is by the way, the Secretary of State's son.

KAGAN: Let's turn back our attention to the road ahead for President Bush. He has an ambitious agenda here at home. A broad vision for what he calls liberty abroad. Our Political Analyst Carlos Watson joins us with insight of what he saw yesterday. Carlos, good morning.

CARLOS WATSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Good morning. Good to see you.

KAGAN: Let's talk about some of the nuances that you saw during the inauguration festivities and specifically the president's speech.

WATSON: Two things stood out to me, Daryn. As everyone else, or as a number of people noted, this is a much more internationally focused speech than what I think you'll see in a couple of weeks in the state of the union. I think you'll hear a lot about his domestic agenda there.

But among the nuances that I heard, one, a willingness to see democracy take a variety of different shapes. And so that may offer him some wiggle room when you heard John King's earlier comment about how will he relate to Russia, how will he relate to China, to others of our friends who aren't perceived as really offering the purest form of democracy.

A second and very interesting nuance was the president's honoring effort to offer an olive branch to other religions. You heard him speak to Jews, to Christians, to Muslims in one of his references early. Clearly there's an appreciation on his part as he said in some earlier interviews this year that some of his statements have unintended consequences.

So you saw him go out of his way to say that I am open to other faiths and other religions.

KAGAN: All right. Well trying to keep things, a variety. That's what you're doing with your special coming up this weekend. Three completely different people that you're interviewing. The Reverend Creflo Dollar, Eva Longoria, one of the desperate housewives, and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. We have a bit here of your interview with the Reverend Creflo. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WATSON, (on camera): What did you think when you saw the whole controversy over Mary Cheney, the vice president's daughter who is gay? Do you think she's chosen to be gay?

REV, CREFLO DOLLAR, CREFLO DOLLAR MINISTRIES: No, I don't think she's chosen to be gay.

WATSON: So you think she was born gay?

CREFLO: I don't think she was born gay.

WATSON: How did she become gay?

CREFLO: I have no idea. Because this is what we don't deal with. I didn't live with this girl. I don't know what her life was like. What I say, I say based on the word. The Bible is my final authority.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: All right. Those are some controversial words to sum out there. What did you take away with your interview with the Reverend Dollar?

WATSON: Daryn, in the '50s and '60s, people thought of Billy Graham as kind of in the face of religion, or at least Christianity in America. And if more recently Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson had been the face, I really walked away from my conversation with Pastor Creflo Dollar thinking this is really where 21st century Christianity is going.

Larger churches, running some ways more like a corporation. But still, hewing to a kind of strict biblical line on issues like homosexuality and even abstinence. But at the same time, this is a pastor who while running an $80 million church also has appeared in some hip-hop videos. And has a very active social gospel.

So a very different kind of Christianity and religion. And one that if you want to understand how religion is affecting the mainstream from the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) "Passion of the Christ," it's worth tuning in to Sunday at 10:00 to hear Pastor Dollar.

KAGAN: Here's another reason to tune in. You have Pastor Dollar and Eva Longoria and Arnold Schwarzenegger. And you danced with one of the people you interviewed..

WATSON: I just wish it was Daryn Kagan If Daryn Kagan had been there, that would have been my choice.

KAGAN: Well you just try to book me for your next special. We'll see if we can make that happen.

WATSON: All right.

SANCHEZ: He danced with Governor Schwarzenegger?

KAGAN: Tune in.

WATSON: But the question was, who was a better dancer, Arnold or me? No, actually, Eva Longoria, who arguably is the hottest new face on television. Only 29 years old, a native Texan, who get this, what is she reading these days? Although she is on the cover of "Rolling Stone" and "Maxim," she's reading, "He's Just Not That Into You." Incredibly interesting. I think we've got a clip.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

EVA LONGORIA (ph): A little ere being here, isn't it? Everything's perfect. Look at the flowers. Perfect flowers. They're always in bloom.

WATSON: But there aren't perfect stories here. There's sinister stuff out there.

LONGORIA: It's A LITTLE scary being here. Everybody who comes here says it's a little weird. That's my house. The biggest one on the block.

WATSON: Ooh! All right. So that's where you threw the gardener out of the window?

LONGORIA: That's where I threw the gardener out of the window.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WATSON: You can tell that Eva Longoria is someone who is enjoying this success and worked hard at it. But interestingly enough, while she's doing really well as an actress, she's worked longer Daryn, on presidential political campaigns than she's worked in acting.

KAGAN: So you have lots to talk about, including dating tips, no doubt, Carlos. I'm sure of that.

WATSON: Oh, ouch! That's probably true. Maybe a dating tip or two.

KAGAN: A few of your tricks might be given away. Carlos, thank you. Carlos Watson.

WATSON: Good to see you. Have a good weekend.

SANCHEZ: "Maybe He's Just Not That Into You."

KAGAN: Yes. It is a book that every girl should probably read, about the losers, that some of us date until you get to the right guy.

SANCHEZ: Wham!

We're going to pick up on this theme. Turning to an unlikely fight, the maker of a Sponge Bob video is denying claims that the cartoon character, yes, that would be Sponge Bob, is promoting acceptance of homosexuality. Some Christian conservative groups have issued a gay warning over a video being sent to schools that features Sponge Bob, Barney and other characters promoting tolerance and diversity.

KAGAN: The makers of the video say it has absolutely nothing to do with sexuality or pushing any gay agenda.

Meanwhile, amid the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and circumstance of the president's inauguration, new themes have risen to the surface.

KAGAN: Our Jeanne Moos highlights a few inaugural follies. We're going to have that for you in a few minutes.

And if you have already given up on those New Year's resolutions, well stand by for some inspiration. Dr. Sanjay Gupta introduces us to the final participant in the "New You" series. That's coming up right after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Today's "New You Resolution" segment is a real nail biter. And we're not talking about suspense. Senior Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta is helping five people break some bad habits. He introduces us to our latest "New You" participant.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SANJAY GUPTA, CNN SENIOR MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT, (on camera): Jonathan Karp has a habit that's shared by many, but rarely talked about. He's been biting his nails as long as he can remember. And now he hopes being part of the "New You Revolution" will finally enable him to stop. Meet Jonathon Karp.

JONATHON KARP: Looking to follow up with you.

GUPTA, (voice over): A typical workday for Jonathan Karp looks a little something like this. A few cold calls, a quick glance at his lovely bride-to-be, more calls, and for lunch, a quick nibble on his nails.

KARP: Could be up to like 40 to 50 percent of the day. My hands will be in my mouth. And I go through all ten fingers and enjoy them.

GUPTA: Sounds like a funny habit. Who doesn't know a nail biter?

KARP: It's kind of like oh, I bite my nails. And then I'll be like, are they this bad? They go, ooh, no, you win. If that were a competition, or if that were in the Olympics, I would get a Gold every time.

GUPTA: Except it's not a competition, it's a serious habit. Jonathan's nail biting puts him at high risk of infection. And a lifetime of biting could have damaged his nail bed for good. And 28 years later Jonathon looks back to see this one habit consuming him almost every day since he was a kid.

KARP: The hardest part is when you're consciously saying, I need to quit. And what happens is, you start feeling these, like prickly spots.

GUPTA: The prickling, the nagging and biting often happens in secret in his cubicle, at home when no one is looking, or in traffic on the way home.

KARP: I don't want to bite them. I don't want to bite them.

GUPTA: While it all seems like a joke, make no mistake, those nails are getting in the way of his day-to-day life.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm always just yelling at him on that.

GUPTA: His "New You" goal, to curb the nail nibbling before his wedding this year.

KARP: Nice nails, right at the tip, just that perfect white. If I see that, it's like filet mignon.

GUPTA (on camera): The Gold medalist of nail biting he calls himself. To help you break this bad habit, we consulted a psychologist and other therapists as well. Here's their prescription for a new for a new you.

KARP: You see me biting, just smack my hand out of my face. That can get violent.

GUPTA: You've tried everything to stop. Hot sauce on your nails, bribery even getting a slap on the hand. It's time for new tactics. First a psychologist will help you explore your habit. Step one, self-monitoring.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Save whatever he bites off. Even if it's just skin and cuticle.

GUPTA: It may be the key to figuring out when and why you're most prone to biting. Step two, relaxation training, acupuncture, meditation, even hypnosis. Two steps in eight weeks could mean a "New You" and a new set of nails.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN, for the "New You Revolution."

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: I'm just so over...

SANCHEZ: The filet mignon. I knew you would react to that one.

KAGAN: You can start your own "New You Revolution" by logging onto our web site. You get a personal health journal to track your progress of the five program participants and log onto cnn.com/health to follow the link.

We'll back in a moment with a lighter side of the president's inauguration.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SANCHEZ: Presidential inaugurations only roll around every four years or so, says the constitution. If you're going to have one, might as well as make it special.

KAGAN: Jeanne Moos reviews the festivities that officially kicked off President Bush's second term.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT, (voice over): You'd throw back your head and laugh too if it were your inauguration. But many in this crowd would have lost their hats if they threw back their heads. Everyone from Donald Rumsfeld to Ted Kennedy to Condi Rice came covered.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey, Sanford, I want a hat like that when I grow up.

MOOS: We couldn't see the hat Bill Clinton was admiring, but whoever Sanford was, he had plenty of company. And security wasn't the only thing blanketing this inauguration.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Let's hold it up and show them.

MOOS: When it comes to inaugural style, the first lady got first-rate reviews. "The New York Times" calls it the "Glamorization of Laura Bush." Four years ago, glamour wasn't the word they used. Mrs. Bush wore a gown by a little-known Texas designer. But this time around, she's wearing Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera (ph). The fashion police are toasting her taste.

And though some have criticized the cost of the inauguration, hey, at least Mrs. Bush didn't spend what the gown of Donald trump's wife-to-be reportedly cost. The inauguration is one of those times when even a normally gruff vice president kicks off his shoes at the Texas black tie and boots ball.

DICK CHENEY, VICE PRESIDENT, UNITED STATES: And it's good to be wearing boots again.

MOOS: As for what protesters wore, think signs. Some turned their backs as the presidential motorcade went by. The war will be back after the commercial break. Protesters threw things at police. Police sprayed back. And someone creamed the vice president's limo with a snowball.

But none of this rained on the president's parade. Jeb Bush snapped photos with a disposable camera. Reviewing the parade through bulletproof glass, the president seemed to communicate via some secret sign language. Try decoding this.

The whole family made the Texas longhorn salute as that section of the parade went by. And there's nothing like a second term to get the president in the mood to do the inaugural shuffle.

Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: and just enough time to check in on weather. Rob Marciano doing that for us.

(WEATHER REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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