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CNN Live Today
Plane Crash in New Jersey; State of the Union; The Pope's Health
Aired February 02, 2005 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: As we begin this hour, let's first of all bring you up to date on what's happening right "Now in the News."
Police in New Jersey are now saying at least 14 people were injured in the crash of that private jet near the Teterboro Airport, New Jersey. Authorities saying the plane just ran off the end of the runway as it was trying to take off and crashed into this warehouse. We're going to be going live to that scene in just a few minutes and bring you the very latest details.
Now, we do also expect to learn more about President Bush's plans for revamping Social Security in his state of the union speech tonight. Senior aides say that Social Security will be the major domestic theme. On Iraq, the top foreign policy issue. We're going to get a preview from our White House correspondent. She is going to bring us a live report in just a little bit.
Also, the Vatican says that Pope John Paul II is going to remain in the hospital for a couple of days. But a spokesman says the pontiff's condition stabilized this morning and there is no reason "to be alarmed." The pope is battling the flu and was rushed to the hospital last night with a respiratory infection.
Two Bush cabinet nominees are under scrutiny on Capitol Hill this morning. The Senate is continuing debate on the appointment of Alberto Gonzales to be the next attorney general. And also, a Senate panel is holding a hearing on Michael Chertoff. He's the president's pick to be the new Homeland Security secretary. We're going to get an update on both of those for you as well during the next half-hour.
It is now 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 8:00 a.m. out West. From the CNN Center in Atlanta, we're happy to say, I'm Rick Sanchez.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.
A plane crash in New Jersey our starting point at this hour. You're going to see the pictures. Incredible to believe, people survived the crash. The corporate jet took off at the -- it shot off the end of a runway during takeoff today, clipping a passing car before punching a hole in a warehouse.
Our Jason Carroll is in Teterboro, New Jersey, just outside of New York City, with the latest -- Jason.
JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, I think you said it best. It is incredible when you look at the pictures and the images that anyone survived this crash. But as you said, there were a number of survivors.
We are standing not far from where the crash happened. If you take a look just behind me, you can barely make out the tail of the aircraft, that plane that crashed into the Strawberry's clothing warehouse.
The accident happened just at about 7:15 this morning. The plane was traveling at takeoff speed approximately 150 miles per hour when the accident happened, according to the FAA.
The small twin engine jet failed to gain altitude on takeoff. It skidded down the runway through a fence, across Route 46, then crashed into the Strawberry's clothing warehouse and burst into flames.
As it crossed Route 46, a highway here, it clipped a car on the roadway. Two people inside that car were taken to the hospital with critical injuries, in fact, just a short while ago. We did hear from the hospital there where doctors gave us an outline of the injuries that they saw.
Two people are in critical condition. Again, both of those people from the car. The co-pilot of the plane is in serious condition at this point with injuries to his lower extremities. The doctors there are also saw three bystanders with minor injuries, as well as five passengers also with minor injuries.
Again, a short while ago, doctors there at the hospital gave their assessment of some of the injuries that they saw.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DR. JOSEPH FELDMAN, HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER: Basically, they were what we call walking -- walking wounded. They didn't apparently have any injuries. And they basically needed to be basically showered to get the jet fuel off of them to be decontaminated.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CARROLL: According to New Jersey police, there were eight passengers onboard that plane. There were also three crew members.
At this point, we are waiting for a press conference from the National Transportation Safety Board. They, of course, will be giving us more details about what happened.
We can also tell you, of course, that this mid-size twin engine jet was en route to Chicago's Midway Airport when that crash happened. Again, it did crash into the Strawberry's clothing warehouse.
One of the eyewitnesses inside that warehouse says the crash happened just before a shift was about to go onboard. And had that shift been in there, there would have been many more people inside the warehouse. We are told that all the people inside the warehouse have been accounted for. One man, in fact, said that he had just gone into his office when the crash happened. He received minor injuries, but he's going to be OK.
But as you said at the top, Daryn, when you look at the pictures from this accident, it is truly incredible that people were able to walk away with minor injuries. Daryn, back to you.
KAGAN: Jason Carroll live from New Jersey. And as you said, we're standing by for that news conference to begin in New Jersey. And when it does, we'll go live back to that to get the latest information.
SANCHEZ: Meanwhile, let's do this, getting down to the details about the future of Social Security. Tonight's state of the union speech is expected to shed more light on President Bush's plan for revamping the retirement program. Aides are saying that it will be the key domestic theme in the speech.
White House correspondent Suzanne Malveax is joining us now with a bit of preview of what the president is going to be talking about, among other things -- Suzanne.
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Rick, good morning.
We're told this is really the 20th draft that the president, of course, will be working on. He is working on his final practice session, the sixth session, in the family theater this morning before he delivers his address.
It is really focusing on creating an ownership society, a blueprint for his second term administration. We're told it's going to last about 40 minutes without applause. Equally divided between foreign and domestic issue.
As you had said, of course, the centerpiece of his domestic policy reforming Social Security. White House aides tell us that the president will provide some new details about how he wants to create those investment -- private investment accounts to make sure that Social Security is solvent in the feature.
Some of those details, of course, is that it would be highly regulated, a voluntary option. And, of course, low-risk investment options. Now, the hope is that, despite polls that show that the American public is divided over this issue, this is something that the president will be ale to push through Congress.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAN BARTLETT, WHITE HOUSE COUNSELOR: President Bush has run on this issue twice. Other members of Congress have run on the issue. And they have been successful because the American people expect us to lead. The majority of Americans understand we have a problem, that the Social Security system is not going to be there for future generations if we don't act. And that's the critical issue here. I know there are people who want to claim there's not a problem, but the math is undeniable. And it's important that we take on this issue.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MALVEAUX: Dow, don't expect, Rick, to hear anything about the size of these potential private accounts or even potential cuts in benefits. Those are the kinds of things, controversial matters, that the president, the White House doesn't want to get into.
They say they would like to negotiate with members of Congress. All signs are that it is going to be a rather tough negotiation.
Now, the president, of course, in his foreign agenda is going to be focusing on the successful elections of Iraq. He's going to use that to bolster his case, to make his case he believes that they can spread -- the U.S. can spread democracy around the world end tyranny around the world. But, also, of course, Rick, do not expect any kind of commitment, a timetable of withdrawing U.S. troops. The White House thinks that that is a bad idea despite quite a bit of pressure from critics and Democrats who say that it is time for the president to have a clear exit strategy.
SANCHEZ: Suzanne Malveax following that for us with a preview. We do thank you, Suzanne.
And, of course, you can watch the State of the Union Address right here on CNN. Our live primetime coverage begins at 8:00 p.m. Eastern and then will continue through midnight.
KAGAN: You might want to watch for this tonight. A Louisiana congressman is planning to show solidarity with Iraqi voters during tonight's state of the union speech. Congressman Bobby Jindal of Louisiana says that he will dip his finger in purple ink, and he's inviting other lawmakers to join him. Iraqis who took part in Sunday's elections had their fingers stained with purple ink to show they had voted.
SANCHEZ: Let's get you up to date now on the pope's health this morning. As we've been following it since early this morning when we went on the air, the Vatican says that John Paul's condition is stable today. But he's going to spend a few more days in this Rome hospital.
The pope was fighting the flu when he suddenly had trouble breathing late last night. That's the reason he was taken to the hospital. Also, the pope was feeling well enough to hold mass today in his hospital room.
Let's talk to John Allen now. He's in Rome, and he's the CNN Vatican analyst and correspondent for the "National Catholic Reporter," who is good enough to take some time to talk to us.
What do we know right now of the pope's general health aside from this latest condition?
JOHN ALLEN, CNN VATICAN ANALYST: Hi, Rick.
Well, you know, we're in one of those cycles where no news is good news. I mean, had there been some -- some later deterioration in the pope's condition, we certainly would have heard about it.
Since we have not heard anything from the bulletin issued midmorning Rome time by the Vatican indicating that the pope was resting comfortable, that his vital signs were normal, that he had some breakfast and that he had said mass in his -- in his hospital room, that would indicate that -- that, you know, all signs are good and that his recovery continues.
Of course, the truth is, given his age and his other ailments, there is no such thing as a full recovery at this point. And the truth is that from here on out, concern about his breathing and the possibility of his breathing difficulties triggering some kind of respiratory risk, that difficulty is simply going to be with us.
SANCHEZ: Yes, well...
ALLEN: And so what they are hoping for is a pretty good recovery.
SANCHEZ: And pardon me for interrupting, but I guess that's what I was trying to get at. As Catholics, we look at him and we do begin to wonder if he's fully engaged. And if he's not, then who is in charge?
ALLEN: Well, look, Rick, I'll tell you how it works. In recent years, as the pope's physical capacity has become increasingly limited, his role has become much more symbolic and ceremonial than administrative. And a lot of -- I would say the vast majority of the day-to-day work of actually running the Catholic Church has been picked up by -- by his senior aides, the men who run what's called the Roman Curia -- that's the bureaucracy in the Vatican.
And most of the actual decisions that matter, in terms of appointing bishops, in terms of approving documents, in terms of clerical discipline and a whole slew of other things, are being made by those -- those senior power brokers in the Vatican. And I would expect that as his health continues to decline that process is going to continue.
SANCHEZ: Is there any situation that would allow for someone else being named even in a position because the pope is simply unable to fulfill any of his duties, ceremonial or otherwise?
ALLEN: Well, there is -- there's an article in the Code of Canon law, which is the law of the Catholic Church, that allows for the pope to resign. But the pope himself has to trigger that.
There is no other authority in the Catholic Church that is empowered to declare that the seat of Peter is vacant. And this pope has made it abundantly clear on a number of different occasions that he has no intention of stepping down.
In fact, a couple of years ago, when his health was bad another time, he said that Christ did not come down from the cross, which means that he, as a disciple of Christ, is going to continue as long as it's god's will for him to go on. So the truth is, you are asking a very good question. But I think the clear answer to it is this pope is not going to take himself out of the game, and there is no other authority that has the power to do it for him.
SANCHEZ: Good answer. John Allen, we thank you for sharing your expertise with us as usual. We appreciate it.
ALLEN: Sure thing.
SANCHEZ: And you can stay with CNN. We're going to have coverage on this throughout the day. You can also, by the way, visit cnn.com. There we'll have a pictorial history, among other things, of John Paul II.
KAGAN: An image of a U.S. soldier taken hostage is now being called a hoax. A photograph on an Islamic Web site was described as a U.S. soldier being held hostage. The site contained a threat that he would be beheaded if the U.S. did not release Iraqi prisoners.
But look closely. A toy company says a picture looks like an action figure called Special Op Cody (ph). The toy was made in 2003, designed to look like a typical U.S. soldier fighting in Iraq.
Military officials say the authenticity of the photograph was immediately in question. The uniform and face, camouflage are not consistent for current uniforms in Iraq.
SANCHEZ: Just to let you know once again that we are expecting a news conference any moment now out of Teterboro. We're going to be following that. And as soon as it happens we'll take you into that room, where we're going to be hearing from port authority officials, the latest on that plane crash.
KAGAN: Also, the nation's anti-terror experts want to make sure the Super Bowl goes off as planned. What they are doing to keep Jacksonville's waters safe.
SANCHEZ: And continuing on our water theme, guess where lots of Super Bowl fans are going to be staying?
KAGAN: Take your non-nausea medicine.
SANCHEZ: Nice digs.
KAGAN: Yes. And really, this guy is just a regular guy. We're going to bring you one of the Super Bowl player's feel-good stories. We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: The nation's anti-terror experts are focusing this week on Jacksonville, Florida, the site of Sunday's Super Bowl. And that means Coast Guard teams will also be scouring the mighty St. John's River. Just a long hail -- a hail Mary pass from ALLTEL Stadium.
Today officials will unveil new underwater sonar systems and robotic cameras that have been under development for two years. They are going to help protect cruise ships and other vessels from an underwater attack not only at the Super Bowl, but at other U.S. ports as well.
Jacksonville will be relying on five cruise ships to make up for a shortage of hotel rooms. Security officials in three Florida ports will sweep the hulls of those vessels before the ship sets sail for the Super Bowl.
SANCHEZ: Whether it's on the Web or on the air, CNN will keep you up to date on safety. You can always log on to cnn.com/securitywatch. Stay tuned day and night for the most reliable news about your particular security.
KAGAN: You know, it seems kind of odd to have a Super Bowl in a place that doesn't have enough hotel rooms.
SANCHEZ: Yes.
KAGAN: At least they have sunshine. Next year the Super Bowl is in Detroit, Michigan.
SANCHEZ: Ooh.
KAGAN: Yes.
SANCHEZ: It's a good thing they have a dome, though.
KAGAN: Yes.
SANCHEZ: Yes, the Super Bowl is in Jacksonville, Florida. Players on both sides have worked the entire season trying to be in the game.
KAGAN: Yes. Except for one guy who is what you might call a late add to the Eagles' roster, hasn't played in two years. Probably won't play again after Sunday. Doesn't matter. This is his big chance to shine.
Larry Smith from CNN Sports in Jacksonville with this great story.
Good morning.
LARRY SMITH, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.
You keep using words like "sun" and "shine." And I just haven't seen it yet here in Jacksonville. We'll get to that in just a moment, though.
Eagles and Patriots, two teams that will match brawn and wits for the title of Super Bowl champion come Sunday night. Now, as you mentioned, these two teams we expected back in August to be here. But there is one Philadelphia Eagle who is making a surprise appearance.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SMITH (voice-over): It used to be stars were made on Super Bowl Sunday. Not this year. Meet Jeff Thomason.
JEFF THOMASON, EAGLES TIGHT END: It's my 15 minutes of fame. And I'm enjoying it. So I know it's going to be another two weeks now that I'll be sitting back at my desk and it will be like, what just happened to me?
SMITH: It started when Eagles tight end Chad Lewis broke his foot in the NFC championship game. In urgent need of a replacement, the Eagles called this 35-year-old project manager for a construction company in New Jersey.
THOMASON: Initially I thought it was just a joke. And when I told people they thought the same thing. You know, I had to tell them three or four times before it actually sunk in.
TONY CASAPULLA, TOLL BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION: He said, "I'm going to the Super Bowl." And I said, "Cool, great. You got tickets?" He says, "No, I'm going to play in the Super Bowl." And I nearly fell out of my chair.
THOMASON: And he said, "Come on in, catch some balls for us. And see if you can still do it." And luckily I could.
SMITH: "The Today Show," "David Letterman," "60 Minutes" and on and on have all been clambering for the guy who swapped his hard hat for a helmet. His 15 minutes of fame is now entering day nine.
THOMASON: Definitely more media than I ever had in 10 years in the NFL.
DEREK BOYKO, EAGLES PR DIRECTOR: Marino, Steve Young, Brett Favre, there hasn't been a more requested player in a week of a Super Bowl than Jeff Thomason. The guy's a star.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I thought I would have a booth -- I mean a podium down here. They didn't want to give me a podium, but that's OK. Jeff Thomason has a podium because we picked him up off the street two weeks ago.
JEVON KEARSE, EAGLES DEFENSIVE END: Jeff is the man. He's cashing in right now.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'll tell you what, if he goes out there and scores a game with a touchdown Sunday, he's really going to blow up.
SMITH (on camera): So Jeff, is Sunday your last football game?
THOMASON: I believe it is. I believe it is. I don't know if I can get 16 games in my body, but I definitely have one. SMITH (voice-over): And where will it end? How can the latest and most famous player in Super Bowl history hop off this joyride? Well he won't be going to Disney World.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You're coming back, right?
THOMASON: Oh, yes.
SMITH: He's got to be back at work on Monday, when his two weeks' vacation are up.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SMITIH: In fact, the media crush around Thomason was as big as any of the game stars on Tuesday. And even he was surprised, thinking his two previous Super Bowls played with the Green Bay Packers he was always a media afterthought.
Now, the chilly weather continues this week here in Jacksonville, but the forecast predicting, predicting -- and we use the word carefully -- temperatures around 70 degrees on Sunday just in time for kickoff. We certainly hope it will warm up then for all the people who will be outdoors here in Jacksonville.
Let's go back to you.
SANCHEZ: Yes, but what's going on with Terrell Owens? I mean, that's the guy who really can make a difference in this game.
KAGAN: Yes, there might be one Eagles player who's talked about a little bit more.
SANCHEZ: Yes. Playing or not playing? What do we know?
SMITH: Yes, T.O. was saying he will play. But he's been saying that all along. But it will be a decision Sunday. But it sounds like he does plan to play in this game on Sunday.
KAGAN: OK. Well you stay warm down there in Jacksonville.
SMITH: We will try to. OK.
SANCHEZ: I wonder if his insurance is going to cover him if he gets hurt even though the doctors told him not to play.
KAGAN: The doctor said, you are on your own. I put those screws in and now you are on your own.
SANCHEZ: Well, I'll tell you what, it's one of those unforgettable moments, and you saw it right here on CNN yesterday. Remember?
KAGAN: Yes. The question of -- see that? Can this high school player do it again? He's been dared. We have the tape. We'll show it to you coming up. SANCHEZ: And from a moment to remember to a forecast you might want to forget. Coming up, we'll have the wintry weather prediction from that little guy right there.
You're watching CNN LIVE TODAY.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: Beyond a shadow of a doubt. Punxsutawney Phil makes his prediction for the wintry weary. It may send a shiver down your spine.
The world's most famous groundhog saw his shadow. That means six more weeks of wintry weather. But southerners can take heart. Phil's counterpart in Georgia, General Beauregard Lee, did not see his shadow.
So all right. They can have their winter in the north, and we will just move on here in the South.
SANCHEZ: I took our kids to see Beauregard Lee in that little place down there, the Yellow River Game Reserve it's called.
KAGAN: And they had a good time?
SANCHEZ: It's wonderful. It's great.
KAGAN: Good.
SANCHEZ: Yes, it's a great opportunity. You get to pet all the animals and they come up right up to you and start eating on you and stuff. You are looking at me like I'm crazy.
Orelon Sidney, you know what I'm talking about, right?
KAGAN: No, she doesn't.
(WEATHER REPORT)
KAGAN: And we are standing by for the latest on the plane crash that took place earlier this morning in Teterboro, New Jersey. As soon as -- as soon as it begins you'll see it live right here on CNN. Right now we're going to fit in a quick break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: Any minute now we expect a news conference to begin in New Jersey with the latest on these pictures. A corporate jet barreling off a runway in Teterboro, New Jersey, this morning. Then it slammed into a warehouse. Authorities say at least 14 people were injured.
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 February 2, 2005 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: As we begin this hour, let's first of all bring you up to date on what's happening right "Now in the News."
Police in New Jersey are now saying at least 14 people were injured in the crash of that private jet near the Teterboro Airport, New Jersey. Authorities saying the plane just ran off the end of the runway as it was trying to take off and crashed into this warehouse. We're going to be going live to that scene in just a few minutes and bring you the very latest details.
Now, we do also expect to learn more about President Bush's plans for revamping Social Security in his state of the union speech tonight. Senior aides say that Social Security will be the major domestic theme. On Iraq, the top foreign policy issue. We're going to get a preview from our White House correspondent. She is going to bring us a live report in just a little bit.
Also, the Vatican says that Pope John Paul II is going to remain in the hospital for a couple of days. But a spokesman says the pontiff's condition stabilized this morning and there is no reason "to be alarmed." The pope is battling the flu and was rushed to the hospital last night with a respiratory infection.
Two Bush cabinet nominees are under scrutiny on Capitol Hill this morning. The Senate is continuing debate on the appointment of Alberto Gonzales to be the next attorney general. And also, a Senate panel is holding a hearing on Michael Chertoff. He's the president's pick to be the new Homeland Security secretary. We're going to get an update on both of those for you as well during the next half-hour.
It is now 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 8:00 a.m. out West. From the CNN Center in Atlanta, we're happy to say, I'm Rick Sanchez.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.
A plane crash in New Jersey our starting point at this hour. You're going to see the pictures. Incredible to believe, people survived the crash. The corporate jet took off at the -- it shot off the end of a runway during takeoff today, clipping a passing car before punching a hole in a warehouse.
Our Jason Carroll is in Teterboro, New Jersey, just outside of New York City, with the latest -- Jason.
JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, I think you said it best. It is incredible when you look at the pictures and the images that anyone survived this crash. But as you said, there were a number of survivors.
We are standing not far from where the crash happened. If you take a look just behind me, you can barely make out the tail of the aircraft, that plane that crashed into the Strawberry's clothing warehouse.
The accident happened just at about 7:15 this morning. The plane was traveling at takeoff speed approximately 150 miles per hour when the accident happened, according to the FAA.
The small twin engine jet failed to gain altitude on takeoff. It skidded down the runway through a fence, across Route 46, then crashed into the Strawberry's clothing warehouse and burst into flames.
As it crossed Route 46, a highway here, it clipped a car on the roadway. Two people inside that car were taken to the hospital with critical injuries, in fact, just a short while ago. We did hear from the hospital there where doctors gave us an outline of the injuries that they saw.
Two people are in critical condition. Again, both of those people from the car. The co-pilot of the plane is in serious condition at this point with injuries to his lower extremities. The doctors there are also saw three bystanders with minor injuries, as well as five passengers also with minor injuries.
Again, a short while ago, doctors there at the hospital gave their assessment of some of the injuries that they saw.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DR. JOSEPH FELDMAN, HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER: Basically, they were what we call walking -- walking wounded. They didn't apparently have any injuries. And they basically needed to be basically showered to get the jet fuel off of them to be decontaminated.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CARROLL: According to New Jersey police, there were eight passengers onboard that plane. There were also three crew members.
At this point, we are waiting for a press conference from the National Transportation Safety Board. They, of course, will be giving us more details about what happened.
We can also tell you, of course, that this mid-size twin engine jet was en route to Chicago's Midway Airport when that crash happened. Again, it did crash into the Strawberry's clothing warehouse.
One of the eyewitnesses inside that warehouse says the crash happened just before a shift was about to go onboard. And had that shift been in there, there would have been many more people inside the warehouse. We are told that all the people inside the warehouse have been accounted for. One man, in fact, said that he had just gone into his office when the crash happened. He received minor injuries, but he's going to be OK.
But as you said at the top, Daryn, when you look at the pictures from this accident, it is truly incredible that people were able to walk away with minor injuries. Daryn, back to you.
KAGAN: Jason Carroll live from New Jersey. And as you said, we're standing by for that news conference to begin in New Jersey. And when it does, we'll go live back to that to get the latest information.
SANCHEZ: Meanwhile, let's do this, getting down to the details about the future of Social Security. Tonight's state of the union speech is expected to shed more light on President Bush's plan for revamping the retirement program. Aides are saying that it will be the key domestic theme in the speech.
White House correspondent Suzanne Malveax is joining us now with a bit of preview of what the president is going to be talking about, among other things -- Suzanne.
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Rick, good morning.
We're told this is really the 20th draft that the president, of course, will be working on. He is working on his final practice session, the sixth session, in the family theater this morning before he delivers his address.
It is really focusing on creating an ownership society, a blueprint for his second term administration. We're told it's going to last about 40 minutes without applause. Equally divided between foreign and domestic issue.
As you had said, of course, the centerpiece of his domestic policy reforming Social Security. White House aides tell us that the president will provide some new details about how he wants to create those investment -- private investment accounts to make sure that Social Security is solvent in the feature.
Some of those details, of course, is that it would be highly regulated, a voluntary option. And, of course, low-risk investment options. Now, the hope is that, despite polls that show that the American public is divided over this issue, this is something that the president will be ale to push through Congress.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAN BARTLETT, WHITE HOUSE COUNSELOR: President Bush has run on this issue twice. Other members of Congress have run on the issue. And they have been successful because the American people expect us to lead. The majority of Americans understand we have a problem, that the Social Security system is not going to be there for future generations if we don't act. And that's the critical issue here. I know there are people who want to claim there's not a problem, but the math is undeniable. And it's important that we take on this issue.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MALVEAUX: Dow, don't expect, Rick, to hear anything about the size of these potential private accounts or even potential cuts in benefits. Those are the kinds of things, controversial matters, that the president, the White House doesn't want to get into.
They say they would like to negotiate with members of Congress. All signs are that it is going to be a rather tough negotiation.
Now, the president, of course, in his foreign agenda is going to be focusing on the successful elections of Iraq. He's going to use that to bolster his case, to make his case he believes that they can spread -- the U.S. can spread democracy around the world end tyranny around the world. But, also, of course, Rick, do not expect any kind of commitment, a timetable of withdrawing U.S. troops. The White House thinks that that is a bad idea despite quite a bit of pressure from critics and Democrats who say that it is time for the president to have a clear exit strategy.
SANCHEZ: Suzanne Malveax following that for us with a preview. We do thank you, Suzanne.
And, of course, you can watch the State of the Union Address right here on CNN. Our live primetime coverage begins at 8:00 p.m. Eastern and then will continue through midnight.
KAGAN: You might want to watch for this tonight. A Louisiana congressman is planning to show solidarity with Iraqi voters during tonight's state of the union speech. Congressman Bobby Jindal of Louisiana says that he will dip his finger in purple ink, and he's inviting other lawmakers to join him. Iraqis who took part in Sunday's elections had their fingers stained with purple ink to show they had voted.
SANCHEZ: Let's get you up to date now on the pope's health this morning. As we've been following it since early this morning when we went on the air, the Vatican says that John Paul's condition is stable today. But he's going to spend a few more days in this Rome hospital.
The pope was fighting the flu when he suddenly had trouble breathing late last night. That's the reason he was taken to the hospital. Also, the pope was feeling well enough to hold mass today in his hospital room.
Let's talk to John Allen now. He's in Rome, and he's the CNN Vatican analyst and correspondent for the "National Catholic Reporter," who is good enough to take some time to talk to us.
What do we know right now of the pope's general health aside from this latest condition?
JOHN ALLEN, CNN VATICAN ANALYST: Hi, Rick.
Well, you know, we're in one of those cycles where no news is good news. I mean, had there been some -- some later deterioration in the pope's condition, we certainly would have heard about it.
Since we have not heard anything from the bulletin issued midmorning Rome time by the Vatican indicating that the pope was resting comfortable, that his vital signs were normal, that he had some breakfast and that he had said mass in his -- in his hospital room, that would indicate that -- that, you know, all signs are good and that his recovery continues.
Of course, the truth is, given his age and his other ailments, there is no such thing as a full recovery at this point. And the truth is that from here on out, concern about his breathing and the possibility of his breathing difficulties triggering some kind of respiratory risk, that difficulty is simply going to be with us.
SANCHEZ: Yes, well...
ALLEN: And so what they are hoping for is a pretty good recovery.
SANCHEZ: And pardon me for interrupting, but I guess that's what I was trying to get at. As Catholics, we look at him and we do begin to wonder if he's fully engaged. And if he's not, then who is in charge?
ALLEN: Well, look, Rick, I'll tell you how it works. In recent years, as the pope's physical capacity has become increasingly limited, his role has become much more symbolic and ceremonial than administrative. And a lot of -- I would say the vast majority of the day-to-day work of actually running the Catholic Church has been picked up by -- by his senior aides, the men who run what's called the Roman Curia -- that's the bureaucracy in the Vatican.
And most of the actual decisions that matter, in terms of appointing bishops, in terms of approving documents, in terms of clerical discipline and a whole slew of other things, are being made by those -- those senior power brokers in the Vatican. And I would expect that as his health continues to decline that process is going to continue.
SANCHEZ: Is there any situation that would allow for someone else being named even in a position because the pope is simply unable to fulfill any of his duties, ceremonial or otherwise?
ALLEN: Well, there is -- there's an article in the Code of Canon law, which is the law of the Catholic Church, that allows for the pope to resign. But the pope himself has to trigger that.
There is no other authority in the Catholic Church that is empowered to declare that the seat of Peter is vacant. And this pope has made it abundantly clear on a number of different occasions that he has no intention of stepping down.
In fact, a couple of years ago, when his health was bad another time, he said that Christ did not come down from the cross, which means that he, as a disciple of Christ, is going to continue as long as it's god's will for him to go on. So the truth is, you are asking a very good question. But I think the clear answer to it is this pope is not going to take himself out of the game, and there is no other authority that has the power to do it for him.
SANCHEZ: Good answer. John Allen, we thank you for sharing your expertise with us as usual. We appreciate it.
ALLEN: Sure thing.
SANCHEZ: And you can stay with CNN. We're going to have coverage on this throughout the day. You can also, by the way, visit cnn.com. There we'll have a pictorial history, among other things, of John Paul II.
KAGAN: An image of a U.S. soldier taken hostage is now being called a hoax. A photograph on an Islamic Web site was described as a U.S. soldier being held hostage. The site contained a threat that he would be beheaded if the U.S. did not release Iraqi prisoners.
But look closely. A toy company says a picture looks like an action figure called Special Op Cody (ph). The toy was made in 2003, designed to look like a typical U.S. soldier fighting in Iraq.
Military officials say the authenticity of the photograph was immediately in question. The uniform and face, camouflage are not consistent for current uniforms in Iraq.
SANCHEZ: Just to let you know once again that we are expecting a news conference any moment now out of Teterboro. We're going to be following that. And as soon as it happens we'll take you into that room, where we're going to be hearing from port authority officials, the latest on that plane crash.
KAGAN: Also, the nation's anti-terror experts want to make sure the Super Bowl goes off as planned. What they are doing to keep Jacksonville's waters safe.
SANCHEZ: And continuing on our water theme, guess where lots of Super Bowl fans are going to be staying?
KAGAN: Take your non-nausea medicine.
SANCHEZ: Nice digs.
KAGAN: Yes. And really, this guy is just a regular guy. We're going to bring you one of the Super Bowl player's feel-good stories. We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: The nation's anti-terror experts are focusing this week on Jacksonville, Florida, the site of Sunday's Super Bowl. And that means Coast Guard teams will also be scouring the mighty St. John's River. Just a long hail -- a hail Mary pass from ALLTEL Stadium.
Today officials will unveil new underwater sonar systems and robotic cameras that have been under development for two years. They are going to help protect cruise ships and other vessels from an underwater attack not only at the Super Bowl, but at other U.S. ports as well.
Jacksonville will be relying on five cruise ships to make up for a shortage of hotel rooms. Security officials in three Florida ports will sweep the hulls of those vessels before the ship sets sail for the Super Bowl.
SANCHEZ: Whether it's on the Web or on the air, CNN will keep you up to date on safety. You can always log on to cnn.com/securitywatch. Stay tuned day and night for the most reliable news about your particular security.
KAGAN: You know, it seems kind of odd to have a Super Bowl in a place that doesn't have enough hotel rooms.
SANCHEZ: Yes.
KAGAN: At least they have sunshine. Next year the Super Bowl is in Detroit, Michigan.
SANCHEZ: Ooh.
KAGAN: Yes.
SANCHEZ: It's a good thing they have a dome, though.
KAGAN: Yes.
SANCHEZ: Yes, the Super Bowl is in Jacksonville, Florida. Players on both sides have worked the entire season trying to be in the game.
KAGAN: Yes. Except for one guy who is what you might call a late add to the Eagles' roster, hasn't played in two years. Probably won't play again after Sunday. Doesn't matter. This is his big chance to shine.
Larry Smith from CNN Sports in Jacksonville with this great story.
Good morning.
LARRY SMITH, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.
You keep using words like "sun" and "shine." And I just haven't seen it yet here in Jacksonville. We'll get to that in just a moment, though.
Eagles and Patriots, two teams that will match brawn and wits for the title of Super Bowl champion come Sunday night. Now, as you mentioned, these two teams we expected back in August to be here. But there is one Philadelphia Eagle who is making a surprise appearance.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SMITH (voice-over): It used to be stars were made on Super Bowl Sunday. Not this year. Meet Jeff Thomason.
JEFF THOMASON, EAGLES TIGHT END: It's my 15 minutes of fame. And I'm enjoying it. So I know it's going to be another two weeks now that I'll be sitting back at my desk and it will be like, what just happened to me?
SMITH: It started when Eagles tight end Chad Lewis broke his foot in the NFC championship game. In urgent need of a replacement, the Eagles called this 35-year-old project manager for a construction company in New Jersey.
THOMASON: Initially I thought it was just a joke. And when I told people they thought the same thing. You know, I had to tell them three or four times before it actually sunk in.
TONY CASAPULLA, TOLL BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION: He said, "I'm going to the Super Bowl." And I said, "Cool, great. You got tickets?" He says, "No, I'm going to play in the Super Bowl." And I nearly fell out of my chair.
THOMASON: And he said, "Come on in, catch some balls for us. And see if you can still do it." And luckily I could.
SMITH: "The Today Show," "David Letterman," "60 Minutes" and on and on have all been clambering for the guy who swapped his hard hat for a helmet. His 15 minutes of fame is now entering day nine.
THOMASON: Definitely more media than I ever had in 10 years in the NFL.
DEREK BOYKO, EAGLES PR DIRECTOR: Marino, Steve Young, Brett Favre, there hasn't been a more requested player in a week of a Super Bowl than Jeff Thomason. The guy's a star.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I thought I would have a booth -- I mean a podium down here. They didn't want to give me a podium, but that's OK. Jeff Thomason has a podium because we picked him up off the street two weeks ago.
JEVON KEARSE, EAGLES DEFENSIVE END: Jeff is the man. He's cashing in right now.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'll tell you what, if he goes out there and scores a game with a touchdown Sunday, he's really going to blow up.
SMITH (on camera): So Jeff, is Sunday your last football game?
THOMASON: I believe it is. I believe it is. I don't know if I can get 16 games in my body, but I definitely have one. SMITH (voice-over): And where will it end? How can the latest and most famous player in Super Bowl history hop off this joyride? Well he won't be going to Disney World.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You're coming back, right?
THOMASON: Oh, yes.
SMITH: He's got to be back at work on Monday, when his two weeks' vacation are up.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SMITIH: In fact, the media crush around Thomason was as big as any of the game stars on Tuesday. And even he was surprised, thinking his two previous Super Bowls played with the Green Bay Packers he was always a media afterthought.
Now, the chilly weather continues this week here in Jacksonville, but the forecast predicting, predicting -- and we use the word carefully -- temperatures around 70 degrees on Sunday just in time for kickoff. We certainly hope it will warm up then for all the people who will be outdoors here in Jacksonville.
Let's go back to you.
SANCHEZ: Yes, but what's going on with Terrell Owens? I mean, that's the guy who really can make a difference in this game.
KAGAN: Yes, there might be one Eagles player who's talked about a little bit more.
SANCHEZ: Yes. Playing or not playing? What do we know?
SMITH: Yes, T.O. was saying he will play. But he's been saying that all along. But it will be a decision Sunday. But it sounds like he does plan to play in this game on Sunday.
KAGAN: OK. Well you stay warm down there in Jacksonville.
SMITH: We will try to. OK.
SANCHEZ: I wonder if his insurance is going to cover him if he gets hurt even though the doctors told him not to play.
KAGAN: The doctor said, you are on your own. I put those screws in and now you are on your own.
SANCHEZ: Well, I'll tell you what, it's one of those unforgettable moments, and you saw it right here on CNN yesterday. Remember?
KAGAN: Yes. The question of -- see that? Can this high school player do it again? He's been dared. We have the tape. We'll show it to you coming up. SANCHEZ: And from a moment to remember to a forecast you might want to forget. Coming up, we'll have the wintry weather prediction from that little guy right there.
You're watching CNN LIVE TODAY.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: Beyond a shadow of a doubt. Punxsutawney Phil makes his prediction for the wintry weary. It may send a shiver down your spine.
The world's most famous groundhog saw his shadow. That means six more weeks of wintry weather. But southerners can take heart. Phil's counterpart in Georgia, General Beauregard Lee, did not see his shadow.
So all right. They can have their winter in the north, and we will just move on here in the South.
SANCHEZ: I took our kids to see Beauregard Lee in that little place down there, the Yellow River Game Reserve it's called.
KAGAN: And they had a good time?
SANCHEZ: It's wonderful. It's great.
KAGAN: Good.
SANCHEZ: Yes, it's a great opportunity. You get to pet all the animals and they come up right up to you and start eating on you and stuff. You are looking at me like I'm crazy.
Orelon Sidney, you know what I'm talking about, right?
KAGAN: No, she doesn't.
(WEATHER REPORT)
KAGAN: And we are standing by for the latest on the plane crash that took place earlier this morning in Teterboro, New Jersey. As soon as -- as soon as it begins you'll see it live right here on CNN. Right now we're going to fit in a quick break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: Any minute now we expect a news conference to begin in New Jersey with the latest on these pictures. A corporate jet barreling off a runway in Teterboro, New Jersey, this morning. Then it slammed into a warehouse. Authorities say at least 14 people were injured.
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