Return to Transcripts main page
CNN Live Today
New Pope's Name Steeped in Tradition; Pope Benedict XVI Gives Hints of Papacy to Come; National Teacher of the Year Honored in Rose Garden; Vermont Senator Bows Out of Reelection
Aired April 20, 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.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: In Iraq, two more U.S. soldiers have been killed. They died in a bombing last night in western Baghdad. Also, Iraq's president -- president has announced the discovery of some 50 bodies in the Tigris River south of the capital. We'll have a live record from Baghdad just ahead on that.
It's 11 a.m. on the East Coast, 8 a.m. on the West Coast. From CNN's center in Atlanta, good morning once again, I'm Daryn Kagan.
The new pope gets down to business today. Benedict XVI celebrated mass in the Sistine Chapel. Church watchers are studying has words today. They're looking for clues about the direction he wants to take his papacy and the billion member Roman Catholic Church .
The former German cardinal, Joseph Ratzinger, has been described as a hard liner, often called Cardinal No in his two decades as John Paul's doctrinal policeman. He is the first German pope since the Middle Ages. And at age 78 he is the oldest man elected pope in almost 300 years.
Our correspondent, Jennifer Eccleston, is in Rome this morning with more on the new pope -- Jennifer.
JENNIFER ECCLESTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Daryn. That's right. Well, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated his first full day as the head of the Roman Catholic Church with a very special mass at the Sistine chapel, the very same place where last night he was elected the 265th successor to Peter and of course, the successor to Pope John Paul II.
Now in a message read in Latin to the cardinals, the 115 cardinals and across to the world as it was live on television, he outlined some of the objectives for his pontificate.
He pledged, among other things, to work to unify all Christian faiths and also he called for an open and sincere dialogue with other religions. And he promised to continue the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, where he was an influential member in the 1960s.
He pledges to be a pope of social justice, a pope of dialogue and also a pope that would listen to the needs of the children, very much in the same vein as his predecessor, Pope John Paul II.
And as you know, the new pope chose a name that was a little more traditional than his predecessor, one that was steeped in tradition and symbolism.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ECCLESTON (voice-over): They say you only get one chance to make a first impression. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now the 265th successor to Peter, may have had that chance when his new papal name was announced.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It sounds wonderful, don't you think?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's a fairly appropriate name, because the last Pope Benedict was the pope during World War I. And I think we're now in this global war on terror. And I know the previous Pope Benedict, you know, really worked hard to achieve peace, and I think Pope Benedict XVI will do the same thing.
ECCLESTON: Benedict XV, an Italian, became pope just after the start of World War I in 1914 and tried to assume the role of peacemaker without taking sides, but his neutrality worked against him.
There were 15 previous Pope Benedicts, all paying homage to St. Benedict, the Sixth Century Italian hermit and founder of western monasticism, the Benedictine Monks, Christianity's oldest religious order, dating back 1,500 years.
REV. RICHARD GILL, LEGIONARIES OF CHRIST: They were really the ones who preserve Christian culture throughout the Dark Ages during the barbarian invasions. They were little centers of culture and Christian learning and Christian life when Europe was in a very, very bad state.
ECCLESTON: St. Benedict is also a patron saint of Europe, a Europe, according to the new pope that, with increased secularization and a declining Catholic faithful, is also in a very bad state.
GILL: He's called the patron of Europe, because he was responsible for Christianity spreading through most of Europe. And now we've got a Pope Benedict that's going to try to do the same thing for a re-evangelization, and spreading Christianity with a new ardor, a new fervor, maybe a new expression of the faith in the 21st Century.
ECCLESTON (on camera): The selection of a papal name has symbolic value and can set a tone.
REV. GREG APPARCEL, SANTA SUSANNA CHURCH: I think in some ways it was an homage to the Italians of this country, the Italian Catholics, to say that, "I want to be connected with you, as well. The last pope was Polish. I'm German, but I also want to have a relationship with you who are Italians, because I live here in Italy."
ECCLESTON: On his first day as pope, Benedict XVI seemed to make a good first impression.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, I don't know too much about the history of past popes, past Benedicts, but I know the word benedict and benediction means good saying, good statements. You know, so it has to do with everything that's good.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ECCLESTON: And Daryn, you know, we are expecting the installation mass of the new pontiff on Sunday. In the meantime, he will be setting upon the task of filling the rules of currier, including the successor to his old post, the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Jennifer Eccleston at the Vatican, thank you.
Some of the U.S. cardinals talked in general today about their brief conclave, and they tried to soothe American Catholics who are worried this new pope is too conservative.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CARDINAL THEODORE MCCARRICK, WASHINGTON: It's a wonderful progression of history that we lived through, all of us, during these last few days and how extraordinarily powerful it is as a witness. This is a -- one of the -- one of the great democracies of the world, the choice of the Holy Father, and when it is over, we are able to greet him and to say, "Holy Father, your holiness," and to know that he has, as we believe, the authority to teach in Jesus' name, and the authority to lead the church and to guide the church along the roads that he -- that he feels, after prayer, after reflection, after discussion.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: For more on the new pope and the papal transition to come, we're going to go to CNN Vatican analyst Delia Gallagher.
Delia, thanks for being with us. It's been a long couple weeks here for you, but we're glad we still have you around.
DELIA GALLAGHER, CNN VATICAN ANALYST: Hi, Daryn.
KAGAN: First I want to replay some of the video we saw for the first time in the last hour as this new pope walked into the apartment and broke the seal. What do we learn, what do we see from this?
GALLAGHER: Well, I think in the first instance it's very striking to see him in the papal garb, to see him in his white cassock and to see that he's very sort of tentative. You know, he doesn't have that immediate charisma of John Paul II, who sort of enters a room and establishes immediate contact.
Cardinal Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, is a sort of introverted, reserved type. He's used to being in the background, and he kind of enters with some hesitation, some trepidation, even, so I think you almost sense his own nervousness in this new role as pope.
KAGAN: Any way you slice it he has a tough act to follow.
GALLAGHER: Absolutely. I think that one of the advantages for this pope is that he worked very closely with John Paul II, so if anybody knows intimately what were the wishes and desire of that pope and would be able to bring them forward, it would be Pope Ratzinger.
Of course, on the other hand, we're going to see a very different sort of papacy. I don't think that he can necessarily exactly imitate what John Paul II did. I think that we know what his general theological lines are, and he will carry that forward.
But as to how he is going to work to bring in this dialogue that he talked about this morning, very interesting that in his first message, the tone is very different. If you're used to reading Cardinal Ratzinger's message, this tone from Pope Ratzinger is quite different. It's about dialogue. It's about bringing in other religions. It's about listening. I think that will be comforting to the bishops and to others who are concerned about this very sort of autocratic figure.
So we already see the change happening, and I think it's something we'll be watching very closely in the next few months, to see how he's going to incorporate this new role.
KAGAN: John Allen in the last hour was making the point about don't necessarily judge this pope on has last job. His last job was to be that of enforcer. He did a good job of that. But now it's a whole new role.
GALLAGHER: Well, I think that's very important. The fact is that he has already had this sort of perhaps not so deserved reputation as this ferocious enforcer of doctrine. And yet many people have attested to the fact that he's actually a very gentle, humble sort of man.
And so I think that now that's he's on the world stage as pope, some of those qualities that weren't able to come forward in his as doctrine of the faith, will be able to take the sort of first -- first place. And we'll be able to see he has certain qualities that people -- he draws people in, more than coming out to reach them. I think he has a more quiet, sort of magnetic presence.
So it will be a different papacy, but an exciting one, nonetheless. I think it's a very bold choice by the cardinals. You don't choose Cardinal Ratzinger just to have a transitional pope. I think it was a very sort of bold statement on their part.
KAGAN: Well, nothing calm about the winds there at the Vatican this morning and this afternoon. Delia Gallagher, our Vatican analyst. Thank you for your insight on the beginning of this papacy.
And our coverage of the new pope continues throughout the day with reaction from around the world starting at 2 p.m. Eastern.
In business news, inflation surged in March. It was fueled by record high gas prices. The Labor Department says the Consumer Price Index jumped six-tenths of a percent. What does it mean? It means that's the largest increase since last fall. And even when energy is taken out of the picture, prices jumped their biggest jump in about 2 1/2 years. The White House is taking note.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAN BARTLETT, WHITE HOUSE COUNSELOR: I think most persons understand that we didn't get into this problem overnight. We're not going to get out of the problem over night.
Of course the administration is concerned about rising gas prices. That's why President Bush has talked about an energy plan in 3 1/2 years. What President Bush will argue is it's time for Congress to stop debating and get a bill to his desk. In fact, he'll call on Congress to get a bill to his desk this summer, which will be an important signal to send, as that is the peak driving season for Americans all across the country.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: And with that, I want to take you live to the White House, a special ceremony, the naming of the National Teacher of the Year. Here's first lady Laura Bush.
LAURA BUSH, FIRST LADY: ... in the few years that we've been here, every one of you are doing the most important job in the world. No offense to the president.
Once you love teaching, it's really very difficult to give it up. And I still love visiting classrooms around the United States, talking to young people, and teachers, and parents, and coaches. And now I'm talking to them about a new initiative called Helping America's Youth.
Through Helping America's Youth, we're highlighting the fact that every child needs a caring adult in his or her life, and a teacher is often that caring adult. In fact, when you ask young people who had the most influence on their lives besides their parents, they often say a teacher or a coach.
You teach the children the knowledge they'll need to grow into intelligent and discerning men and women. You also serve as role models and mentors to young people, helping them form strong characters and making healthy decisions. All of you deserve the gratitude for your fellow Americans for dedicating your lives to helping our sons and daughters.
I'm especially happy this year that there's so many men teachers of the years. More men are needed in our classrooms. More who can teach by example, showing young boys, particularly, many who are growing up without fathers in their homes, how to be responsible, caring adults. Someone little boys can look up to and say, "I want to be just like him."
Our main speaker today is a pretty good role model for students, too. Children throughout America look up to the president. In fact, one little boy named Jeremy wrote to him and said, "You're a wonderful president. I think Mrs. Bush is lucky to have you."
Ladies and gentlemen, the man I'm lucky to call my husband, President George Bush.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you all. Please be seated. Welcome. Welcome to the Rose Garden. And it's a beautiful day to continue the tradition of honoring America's finest teachers at the White House. We're really happy you're here.
Somewhere along the way, all of us got to know a teacher who made a real difference in our lives. In my case, I married one, and I appreciate you. I appreciate my love for Laura. I appreciate Laura's love for teaching, and I appreciate the great job you're doing as the first lady.
She was raised in Midland just like you were, Carol. Maybe that has something to do with it.
We like to say in our household, teaching is more than a job. It is a calling. You know what I'm talking about. You wouldn't be sitting here if you had not heard the calling. By helping every child realize his or her potential, our teachers show their students that dreams can become reality. What a fantastic job, isn't it, to help somebody realize a dream can become reality? All who answer the call to teach deserve our support, our respect and our affection.
Somebody who understands the role of a teacher is our secretary of education, Margaret Spellings, who is with us. Margaret has been a long time friend. We were involved with education reform in Texas. We bring the spirit of reform to Washington, D.C. And you're doing a fine job, Madam Secretary.
The chairman of the House Education and Work Force Committee, John Boehner, is with us from the great state of Ohio. Thank you, John. Bob Filner from California, Doc Hastings from Washington, Leonard Boswell from the great state of Iowa. Welcome. I appreciate you all. I want to thank you for taking time out of your schedules to come here. This is an important moment, and I appreciate you recognizing it as such.
I want to thank the mayor. Mr. Mayor, thank you for coming. I always like to tell the mayor that it's important for the mayor to fill the pot holes, particularly close to the White House, Mayor. And you're doing a fine job.
Last time I saw the mayor was at opening day. For those of you who follow professional baseball, you know that we've got the Nationals here in town. It's exciting for the nation's capital to have the Nationals. And one of the reasons the Nationals are here is because of the mayor, and so Mr. Mayor, thank you for your leadership.
And city councilwoman Carol Swartz, who I referred to earlier. Laura, Carol and I were raised in Midland, Texas. Pretty long odds for three people raised in Midland to end up in Washington in the Rose Garden, by the way. But welcome, I'm glad you're here, Carol.
I want to thank the National Teacher of the Year finalists: Dan Murphy from California, San Diego, California; Vicki Goldsmith from Des Moines, Iowa; Tamara Steen from Washington state. We're proud you all are here. And of course, Jason Kamras, who's standing right here.
I want to welcome his parents, Linda and Marvin. Thank you for coming. Congratulations on raising such a fine man. And Jeremy -- Jason allowed his brothers Jeremy and Michael to show up, as well. I asked one of the boys if they ever thought Jason would amount to anything. He told the truth. Jason has proved you wrong.
I want to thank the 51 other state teachers of the year for being teachers and being such an accomplished teacher that you're being recognized in the Rose Garden. We welcome you here. We thank you for your compassion. And we welcome your guests, as well.
We welcome Tom Houlihan, the executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers. And we appreciate your sponsoring this event.
We welcome Ernie Fleischman, the senior vice president of Scholastic Inc, which is a sponsoring organization of this event. We welcome Tom McInerney, the CEO of ING U.S. Financial Services, which is one of the sponsors of this event. Obviously, this is a big event to have required three sponsors. We're glad you're here.
We want to thank the chief state school officers who are here today. I want to pay particular respect to an educational entrepreneur who has shown one person can make an enormous difference. Wendy Kopp, the president and founder of Teach for America is with us. And we welcome you back to the White House, Wendy. We're glad you're here. There's a reason why Wendy is here, which you will hear in a minute.
America's teachers help us our students develop the schools -- skills they need to succeed in our schools. That's what you do; you teach a child how to read and write, but you also teach a child how to think and hope.
Teaching is a demanding job. It's an incredibly demanding job, and I hope our fellow citizens understand how hard it is to get to the classroom every day, and to keep your spirits up, to keep your vision clear about what is possible, to keep your patience. I'm sure we tested the patience of our teachers a lot, mayor, when you and I were growing up.
I appreciate the fact that good teachers instill a passion for learning. Passion is a powerful word, and that's why teachers are here with us, because they've instilled a passion for somebody to go to class every day to learn.
When young people become good students with big dreams they become better citizens. Our country is better off as a result of our teachers instilling passion and hope.
We expect a lot from our teachers, and teachers have a right to expect a lot from us. Education is one of the top priorities of this administration and this Congress. That's why we passed the No Child Left Behind Act. People from both parties came together. I love the spirit of the No Child Left Behind Act. I suspect the teachers love the spirit of challenging the soft bigotry of low expectations. People believe that we ought to set high standards and believe that every child -- and if you do believe every child can learn to read and write and add and subtract, it makes sense to determine whether they are, so we can -- and if not so we can solve problems early, before it's too late.
Because of teachers and hard work, because we expect every child to learn to read and write and add and subtract, there's an achievement gap in America which is closing. I can say it's closing because we measure to find out if it is closing.
I'm proud to report that test scores up and fourth grade math test scores are up across the nation by nine points over the last three years. Eighth graders improved by five points over the same period of time. We're making progress. There is more to do.
Margaret and I believe we ought to build on this success by bringing higher standards and accountability to the nation's high schools. I'm sure the nation's finest teachers share our commitment that every student must be prepared for college and therefore prepared for the jobs of the 21st Century. So we can say after it's all said and done, no child was left behind in our country.
One of the finest teachers in our country is with us today. He is the 2005 National Teacher of the Year, Jason Kamras. He teaches mathematics at John Philip Sousa Middle School, right here in the nation's capital.
Jason joined the Teach for America program. He did so because he wanted to show students, the so-called hard to educate, that with high works and high standards they can overcome any challenge they face. The Teach for America program asked for a two-year commitment. Jason is in this eighth year of that two-year commitment. Because he chose to stay, countless students have better lives, and they have a better future.
He is usually at work at 7 a.m., and he rarely leaves before 7 p.m. He's had high expectations for himself, and he sets high expectations for his students. He works tirelessly to raise math scores, and his students are responding.
Jason says, "Nothing surprises the joy I feel when a student proclaims proudly, 'Mr. Kamras, now I get it'." I suspect the teachers here understand exactly what he means by saying that.
Like all great teachers, Jason knows that his students needs do not end when the school bell rings. He understands that at the end of the day there's more work to be done. So he co-founded a program called Expose, which takes Sousa students out of their southwest Washington neighborhoods to places like the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials or the National Gallery of Art.
Jason is also teaching his students how to produce photos about their lives and communities. I think you'll find interesting to know that these photos have been shown at the Capital Children's Museum and other places around the district. In other words, Jason is building self-esteem.
When his students need individual attention, Jason is always there to support them. Interestingly enough, even after they've left the school. I suspect this is some -- some of you all share the same experience.
When one of his former students was preparing for the SAT, Jason studied with him three times a week for 10 weeks. Isn't that interesting? He got a 1300 on the test. He now goes to Morehouse College in Atlanta. He's majoring in electrical engineering. He is the first person in his family to go to college.
He says, "I owe most of my success to Mr. Kamras. I do not know where I would be without him. He's more than a teacher to me; he is a true friend."
Gosh, it must make you feel good as teachers to have someone say, "You made a lot of difference in my life. You are a true friend."
Today America expresses its appreciation to Jason and to every one of our outstanding state teachers of the year. You give our young people the benefit of your knowledge, your support, your friendship. Your students are fortunate, really fortunate to have you in their lives. And our nation is fortunate to have you guiding the next generation of Americans.
God bless you all for your hard work. God bless your families, as well. It's my honor to introduce the 2005 National Teacher of the Year, Jason Kamras.
JASON KAMRAS, NATIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR: Mr. President, on behalf of the 2005 state teachers of the year, I would like to formally thank you for your invitation to the White House this morning. Let me also thank Mrs. Bush, Secretary Spellings and all the other honored guests who have joined us today to celebrate excellent teaching across the nation.
I'm privileged to be a member of a profession that is filled with so many extraordinary individuals. My colleagues work tirelessly every day doing wonderful and challenging work. They lend their passion, creativity, intellect and love to children of all ages, and they do so almost always without recognition. There is simply no group of people that I would be prouder to represent.
To the state teachers of the year gathered here today and to all of the other educators around the nation, let me say with the deepest admiration, thank you.
I would also like to thank my family, my friends and inspiring colleagues at John Philip Sousa Middle School for their unceasing support and encouragement.
Most of all I want to thank my students. They are the reason I love teaching and the reason we're all gathered here today. Four of them are here, if I could ask them to stand. For the record, that's Wendell (ph), Tashay (ph), Marco and Brandy (ph). They inspire me every day with their intelligence, their humor, their creativity, and their resilience.
Mr. President and Mrs. Bush, let me formally invite you to Sousa Middle School. We're only a short drive down Pennsylvania Avenue. I know my students would love to share their knowledge and their ideas with you.
Like all children, my students simply want the opportunity to pursue their dreams, and I am honored that I have been able to support them in their pursuit of their dreams. But there are still so many young people in underserved communities across the nation that still do not have access to an excellent education.
This social challenge is why I teach. As educators, we can play a fundamental role in alleviating this inequity, despite the challenges we face, by holding ourselves and all our students to the highest of expectations and demanding excellence from them. We can, and we do make a dramatic difference in their lives every day.
As National Teacher of the Year, I call upon my colleagues to join me in helping alleviate inequity in education to ensure that all children have access to an excellent education and the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Thank you.
G. BUSH: Good job, Jason. Really well done. Let's get the students up here.
KAGAN: They're going to go ahead and get the kids up. And as they do, we'll let you know that Jason Kamras, he is a middle school math teacher at John Philip Sousa Middle School in Washington, D.C. He has been named the 2005 Teacher of the Year. Some of his students coming up and joining him and congratulating him.
We're going to find out more what makes him tick and why he thinks he is teacher of the year, and what he's going to do with his platform. A little bit later in the hour, he will join me.
And while we're listening at the White House, a significant development from the U.S. Senate, an announcement from a senator saying that he will not run for reelection. Our Capitol Hill correspondent Ed Henry is on the phone, telling us about this announcement from Senator James Jeffords of Vermont.
ED HENRY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good afternoon, Daryn.
That's right. Democratic officials have confirmed to CNN that Senator Jim Jeffords will not seek reelection next year. Jeffords, of course, rose to prominence in 2001 when he rocked the political world by switching from a Republican to an independent, which threw control of the Senate, the U.S. Senate, into Democratic hands.
And the story behind the headline here is that Jeffords' office has been insisting for months that his health was fine, that he was raising money and running for re-election, but just last week CNN approached Senator Jeffords' office with a rather odd anecdote that raised new questions about his health.
Two eyewitnesses had told CNN that back in March, Senator Jeffords showed up at the House chamber, thinking he was at the Senate chamber, and officials in the House had to inform him that he was in the wrong place and they directed him back to the Senate side of the Capitol, which is on the complete opposite side of the building.
At the time, when we approached them, Senator Jeffords' office insisted that his health was fine. They would not even conform or deny that this incident took place in the capital. And his staff insistent right up until the end that he was planning to seek re- election, as they mentioned that he was raising money and that he would run again.
But now in fact they're finally admitting he will not run for re- election, confirming what the world speculated on for weeks, and perhaps months.
And this is potentially a problem for Democrats. While it would be expected that this seat would be Democratic, it's a problem that Democrats don't want right now, at a time when they're far behind in the Senate, where the Republicans have a very strong majority. Democratic Senator Paul Sarbanes of Maryland has already announced his retirement. Now here's an independent who leans Democrat Jeffords, he's announced he's not running. That's two open seats the Democrats have to demand, and that adds to some of their headaches, some of their political headaches -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Well, and interesting that you referred to it as a seat that the Democrats have to defend, because he didn't exactly come to the Democratic Party, but he went independent.
HENRY: Well, basically, though, for all intents and purposes, he is a Democrat. He says publicly that he's an independent, but he caucuses each week with the Democrats. He votes with the Democrats. So everybody here in the Senate realizes that in fact Jim Jeffords has basically been a Democrat since 2001. Sure his party label is independent. But for all intents and purposes, he's been with the Democrats. This is now something the Democrats were expecting, if Jeffords ran for re-election it was very likely that he would win; he's very popular in the state of Vermont, but now this is a great uncertainty.
We're expecting, and in fact I spoke this morning to the office of independent Congressman Bernie Sanders of Vermont. He is the only socialist in Congress. He also votes with the Democrats, leans Democrat, but is an independent. He is expected to now get into this race, and in fact his office told me this morning that if Jeffords were to get out and not seek re-election, Bernie Sanders will run.
KAGAN: Well, and of course this happening in Vermont. This is the home state of Howard Dean. Any reaction from him.
HENRY: We have not gotten to him yet, but you're right, that will be the next question. Of course when Howard Dean assumed the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee, there were a lot of stories about how he had made a commitment that he would not run for president again, that a lot of Democratic officials did not want him using that as a platform to run for president in '08. We're not sure if there was a commitment, though, that he wouldn't run for the Senate. Of course nobody knew a few months ago that Jeffords would not run for re-election. Howard Dean may now take a look at the Senate race. But we have not gotten any word from Howard Dean yet, I want to stress, but certainly his name, I can tell, is already popping up in the corridors of the capital.
KAGAN: Well, anywhere in Democratic politics that's going to happen when there's a change, not to mention happening in Vermont.
Ed Henry, thank you for calling in and bringing us the latest on Jim Jeffords.
Once again, the independent senator from Vermont saying he will not run for re-election. There has been some recent concerns about his health. And he's been adamant he was running for re-election. Now his office Says he will not.
We'll take a break. We'll have much more after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: I'm Daryn Kagan. Let's take a look what's happening now in the news. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi announced last hour he will resign and try to reform a new government. Berlusconi's government was facing a no-confidence on Thursday. His fortunes have slipped with the Italian economy and Italy's involvement in the war in Iraq. Berlusconi's government was the longest serving in Italy in modern times.
Here in the U.S., a helicopter crashed in the Florida Everglades this morning. One of the four people onboard was injured. Rescuers arrived on air-boats to help stranded fliers to safety.
Merck plans to cut prices on a range of medicines for uninsured Americans. They'll get a 15 percent to 40 percent discount on 11 drugs. Many are used by older Americans to ailments such as hypertension, glaucoma and prostrate problems.
And in West Virginia, authorities are trying to figure out who opened a valve allowing most of the water in Lake Mary Beth to drain. Hundreds of kids show up for Camp Happy Valley in just a few weeks.
Keeping you informed, CNN is the most trusted name in news.
To Germany now, where many are expressing pride in the first German pope in nearly 500 years.
CNN's Chris Burns in is Munich where Benedict XVI first served as an archbishop and then as cardinal in the late '70s.
Chris, hello.
CHRIS BURNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, hello, Daryn, over my shoulder, the (INAUDIBLE) Church, where the evening mass is under way, but the church is only about 2/3 full, which was one indication of what the new pope has up against him in trying to get the Catholics within Europe to come back, the flock to return, and that is part of his job, is to try to do that.
And of course some critics here who would like a more liberal church are calling it a catastrophe, a terrible mistake that he was named pope as a conservative. But we have others here.
Birgit, you can join us. She's a Catholic here from Munich. And if you would tell us why it was a good idea for Mr. Ratzinger to become pope.
BIRGIT BERGEN, TOURIST: Well, first of all, he's one of the finest and the best men, and very wise and very good. So who will go in the steps from the holy father from before? He teached him, give him a lot of advice. He must listen to him. And (INAUDIBLE) tradition (INAUDIBLE), the same way like the other one is doing. I think it's great. And why? Because they like to be now very modern. They like priests getting married.
BURNS: Well, there are people who asked for that, even among certain Catholics, who would like priest to marry, who would like women to be priests.
BERGEN: I think it's terrible.
BURNS: Why?
BERGEN: It's not why, because you have to follow Jesus Christ. It's 2000 years ago, and...
BURNS: But this is 2,000 years ago.
BERGEN: No, no, this is (INAUDIBLE) so that it is easy. They'd like to have a comfortable life for themself. (INAUDIBLE) we live only a very short time here, and the future is still in Heaven, and it's not here. So really follow the words of Jesus Christ, what he did in the Testament, in the Bible.
BURNS: Let me ask you this, though. There is mass going on? Why are you not in there right now?
BERGEN: No, I'm going to the other one down there.
BURNS: Oh, excuse me. Well, you better get going on. Thank you very much, Birgit. Thank you. Have a good day. Thank you very much.
As you can see, it's very split, because there a lot of critics, but also a lot of people who very much like the pope. So, Daryn, a split country, not the same as John Paul II in Poland where everybody loves him.
KAGAN: All right, good little management there. You heard her say and then you helped her get on to mass. Chris Burns from Munich.
BURNS: Yes, thank you.
KAGAN: Thank you for that.
Good moment.
Oddsmakers made Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger the front-runner for the papacy. For once they got it right. So did the faithful who voted at electapope.com. Patricia Dugan set up the Web site. She practices canon law in Philadelphia and she was with us last week before we knew. Now we know.
Good morning.
PATRICIA DUGAN, CANON LAW ATTORNEY: Good morning.
KAGAN: And your reaction, please?
DUGAN: Excited that our Web site said what the conclave said and happy that we have a new pope.
KAGAN: How do you think he's going to relate to American Catholics?
DUGAN: I think he's going to be very much like John Paul II. I think that his selection is very much comfort food for Catholics.
KAGAN: You know, one thing that's interesting about your site, you had this election part where you could, you know, give your vote, but you also had a place for people to give their comments. What kind of reaction did you get following this election?
DUGAN: Positive. It was right in line with the number of votes that Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, got on the site. So it was pretty consistent guest book and they're still writing on our guest book now.
KAGAN: But what kind of things were people saying? Why were they positive?
DUGAN: They were saying, again, that they were relieved that he was elected.
KAGAN: Hmm. Relief. That's an interesting word.
DUGAN: It is. And I think that it's important that he's 78 to the people who signed in in our guest book. They were interested in seeing John Paul II, as they saw him in the last years, repeated in the next pope.
KAGAN: Of course, the name of your site, electapope.com. That's done. So where does your Web site go from here?
DUGAN: Well, we're going to keep getting the remarks through Sunday. And we've been up for five years as an informational site. We interact with a lot of teachers and students on this for projects. And we're just going to keep going. KAGAN: What about the -- are you going to keep the same name, though?
DUGAN: I think we might. It's what people know us as. And it is kind of catchy.
KAGAN: It is. It helped us remember it. What about the participatory part of this Web site and how it encouraged people to have a voice in something that they wouldn't otherwise? How can you keep that going.
DUGAN: Well, I think that if people know we're there and we're doing it, they're going to keep coming on, because Catholics have a lot to say and if you don't have dialogue, your church is dead.
KAGAN: There you go. Well, you're providing a service there. Patricia Dugan, thanks for coming on last week and this week, as well.
DUGAN: It's my pleasure. Bye, Daryn.
KAGAN: We are going to be talking to the national teacher of the year coming up. Plus, we'll show you some unbelievable video. Some excited elephants go on a rampage at a jewelry store, bringing new meaning to smash and grab. You have stick around to see more of this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: Let's take a look at this morning's "World Wrap."
There is growing political unrest in Ecuador. Students have been facing off against riot police in the capitol. Protesters accused the president of trying to usurp control of the Supreme Court and the Congress. Massive demonstration erupted shortly after the president publicly rejected calls for his resignation.
In Shanghai, you would think the big bad wolf was after these little porkers. Now, these are specially-trained pigs from Thailand. They compete twice a day in what's called the Pig Olympics. Swim, little piggy. The event is a huge hit with children.
And here's something you don't see every day. A daring daylight smash and grab in downtown Seoul, South Korea. Six elephants had escaped from a local amusement park and three of them headed for the restaurant. Not having reservations, they barged in. They went straight for the kitchen. All of the wayward elephants were eventually rounded up. No news that they were serving a peanut dish at the restaurant.
Let's find out what's coming up at the top of the hour from "NEWS FROM CNN" with Wolf Blitzer. Hi, Wolf.
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Hi, Daryn, thanks very much. Amazing pictures of those elephants. You don't that every day.
We have a very busy hour coming up on "NEWS FROM CNN." At the top of the hour, we'll have an insider's view of the selection of the new pope. I spoke just a little while ago with Cardinal William Keeler of Baltimore. He was one of those cardinals who took part in the history-making selection. Cardinal Keeler will share his thoughts on the Pope Benedict XVI, the direction of the Roman Catholic Church and the many challenges that lie ahead.
Also, high gas prices have many Americans taking a closer look at hybrid cars, but how much do they really stretch your gas dollar? We'll take a closer look at our gas price watch segment.
Daryn, those stories, much more, coming up at the top of the hour on "NEWS FROM CNN." In the meantime, back to you. Do you have any more elephant pictures for us?
KAGAN: I'll see what I can dig up, but I have spent my whole elephant wad for today. We'll see in just a -- oh, there it is for you. By request. We do take requests here.
BLITZER: Let's talk about these pictures, Daryn, a little bit. Look at this.
KAGAN: That is an elephant on a mission. Can we get some service around here?
BLITZER: Can you see how brave those guys are to be even that close?
KAGAN: Not the person running out of the kitchen, though. All right, Wolf, we'll see if you can top that on your show coming up.
BLITZER: I don't think we can.
KAGAN: OK. Well, you can try, though.
BLITZER: Maybe.
KAGAN: Good to see. We are going to try to talk with the teacher of the year you saw just a little bit ago. President Bush talking to Jason Kamras, a middle school teacher in Washington, D.C. We'll find out what gives him passion for teaching and what he's going to do with his platform straight ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: This news just into CNN on Zacarias Moussaoui, the only person to be publicly charged in the U.S. with the 9/11 terrorists attacks. He will put in and will have accepted a guilty plea. He had been asking to do that. There will be a hearing on Friday in U.S. district court in Virginia. And as we've been hearing here at CNN, he will be allowed to enter that guilty plea. The sentence to be decided later. So Zacarias Moussaoui, once again, on Friday will be a hearing to enter a guilty plea, and it will be accepted.
Fifty-one minutes past the hour.
A short time ago, live right here on CNN, we saw live middle school math teacher Jason Kamras honored in a White House ceremony at 2005 National Teacher of the Year. He's joining me now live from the White House.
Jason, congratulations.
JASON KAMRAS, 2005 TEACHER OF THE YEAR: Thank you very much.
KAGAN: Tell us a little bit about your teaching philosophy, you think, that had you rise to the top and get this honor.
KAMRAS: I have incredibly high expectations for my students and I really demand excellence from them. And what I found is when you approach teaching in that manner, students really rise to the occasion and they achieve at the highest levels.
KAGAN: Let's give a plug the school, John Phillips Sousa Middle School in Washington D.C.
What is it about your school that gives you passion?
KAMRAS: I just love the kids. They're an incredible group of young people. They're intelligent, and creative, and dynamic and resilient, and they put a smile on my face every single day.
KAGAN: And perhaps some would say that you work in a teaching situation that others would burn out. How do you not?
KAMRAS: I think I don't burn out because of my kids. They inspire me to continue. My goal is to make sure that they're successful. And when I come to work everybody with that perspective, I'm always energized.
KAGAN: So there's other state teachers of the year from different states around the country. You were selected as the cream of the crop.
Jason, you're kind of young. Does it seem a little early to get an honor so big.
KAMRAS: It does, and it's extraordinarily humbling. And I have deep respect for all of my colleagues. They're such an amazing group of people. They do amazing work with children every single day in this country, and I hope to use this platform to recognize the extraordinary work that they do.
KAGAN: Well, part of this is not just the honor you received today, but you do get a full year to travel around the country and around the world. What will you do with that platform?
KAMRAS: Well, as I said, first to thank my fellow educators and bring them the recognition that they deserve, but also raise awareness about the achievement gap and help advocate our country to do everything we can to eliminate it. Having high expectations for our students, and then supporting them in every way we can to reach those expectations. KAGAN: How big of a kick was it to be up there with the president, and the first lady and have four of your top students come up and join you?
KAMRAS: It was great. The president and the first lady were extremely gracious. And really the pleasure was for me to have my students meet them and have them here at the White House.
KAGAN: And before we let you go, let's see the award for the country to see.
KAMRAS: Here it is.
KAGAN: Very good
Well, congratulations, Jason Kamras. I'm sure it's not the last we've hear of you. We'll look forward to your year as service as national teacher of the year and your teaching accomplishments.
KAMRAS: Thank you very much.
KAGAN: And we're going to take a break. Much more after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(STOCK MARKET REPORT)
(WEATHER REPORT)
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 April 20, 2005 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: In Iraq, two more U.S. soldiers have been killed. They died in a bombing last night in western Baghdad. Also, Iraq's president -- president has announced the discovery of some 50 bodies in the Tigris River south of the capital. We'll have a live record from Baghdad just ahead on that.
It's 11 a.m. on the East Coast, 8 a.m. on the West Coast. From CNN's center in Atlanta, good morning once again, I'm Daryn Kagan.
The new pope gets down to business today. Benedict XVI celebrated mass in the Sistine Chapel. Church watchers are studying has words today. They're looking for clues about the direction he wants to take his papacy and the billion member Roman Catholic Church .
The former German cardinal, Joseph Ratzinger, has been described as a hard liner, often called Cardinal No in his two decades as John Paul's doctrinal policeman. He is the first German pope since the Middle Ages. And at age 78 he is the oldest man elected pope in almost 300 years.
Our correspondent, Jennifer Eccleston, is in Rome this morning with more on the new pope -- Jennifer.
JENNIFER ECCLESTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Daryn. That's right. Well, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated his first full day as the head of the Roman Catholic Church with a very special mass at the Sistine chapel, the very same place where last night he was elected the 265th successor to Peter and of course, the successor to Pope John Paul II.
Now in a message read in Latin to the cardinals, the 115 cardinals and across to the world as it was live on television, he outlined some of the objectives for his pontificate.
He pledged, among other things, to work to unify all Christian faiths and also he called for an open and sincere dialogue with other religions. And he promised to continue the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, where he was an influential member in the 1960s.
He pledges to be a pope of social justice, a pope of dialogue and also a pope that would listen to the needs of the children, very much in the same vein as his predecessor, Pope John Paul II.
And as you know, the new pope chose a name that was a little more traditional than his predecessor, one that was steeped in tradition and symbolism.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ECCLESTON (voice-over): They say you only get one chance to make a first impression. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now the 265th successor to Peter, may have had that chance when his new papal name was announced.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It sounds wonderful, don't you think?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's a fairly appropriate name, because the last Pope Benedict was the pope during World War I. And I think we're now in this global war on terror. And I know the previous Pope Benedict, you know, really worked hard to achieve peace, and I think Pope Benedict XVI will do the same thing.
ECCLESTON: Benedict XV, an Italian, became pope just after the start of World War I in 1914 and tried to assume the role of peacemaker without taking sides, but his neutrality worked against him.
There were 15 previous Pope Benedicts, all paying homage to St. Benedict, the Sixth Century Italian hermit and founder of western monasticism, the Benedictine Monks, Christianity's oldest religious order, dating back 1,500 years.
REV. RICHARD GILL, LEGIONARIES OF CHRIST: They were really the ones who preserve Christian culture throughout the Dark Ages during the barbarian invasions. They were little centers of culture and Christian learning and Christian life when Europe was in a very, very bad state.
ECCLESTON: St. Benedict is also a patron saint of Europe, a Europe, according to the new pope that, with increased secularization and a declining Catholic faithful, is also in a very bad state.
GILL: He's called the patron of Europe, because he was responsible for Christianity spreading through most of Europe. And now we've got a Pope Benedict that's going to try to do the same thing for a re-evangelization, and spreading Christianity with a new ardor, a new fervor, maybe a new expression of the faith in the 21st Century.
ECCLESTON (on camera): The selection of a papal name has symbolic value and can set a tone.
REV. GREG APPARCEL, SANTA SUSANNA CHURCH: I think in some ways it was an homage to the Italians of this country, the Italian Catholics, to say that, "I want to be connected with you, as well. The last pope was Polish. I'm German, but I also want to have a relationship with you who are Italians, because I live here in Italy."
ECCLESTON: On his first day as pope, Benedict XVI seemed to make a good first impression.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, I don't know too much about the history of past popes, past Benedicts, but I know the word benedict and benediction means good saying, good statements. You know, so it has to do with everything that's good.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ECCLESTON: And Daryn, you know, we are expecting the installation mass of the new pontiff on Sunday. In the meantime, he will be setting upon the task of filling the rules of currier, including the successor to his old post, the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Jennifer Eccleston at the Vatican, thank you.
Some of the U.S. cardinals talked in general today about their brief conclave, and they tried to soothe American Catholics who are worried this new pope is too conservative.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CARDINAL THEODORE MCCARRICK, WASHINGTON: It's a wonderful progression of history that we lived through, all of us, during these last few days and how extraordinarily powerful it is as a witness. This is a -- one of the -- one of the great democracies of the world, the choice of the Holy Father, and when it is over, we are able to greet him and to say, "Holy Father, your holiness," and to know that he has, as we believe, the authority to teach in Jesus' name, and the authority to lead the church and to guide the church along the roads that he -- that he feels, after prayer, after reflection, after discussion.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: For more on the new pope and the papal transition to come, we're going to go to CNN Vatican analyst Delia Gallagher.
Delia, thanks for being with us. It's been a long couple weeks here for you, but we're glad we still have you around.
DELIA GALLAGHER, CNN VATICAN ANALYST: Hi, Daryn.
KAGAN: First I want to replay some of the video we saw for the first time in the last hour as this new pope walked into the apartment and broke the seal. What do we learn, what do we see from this?
GALLAGHER: Well, I think in the first instance it's very striking to see him in the papal garb, to see him in his white cassock and to see that he's very sort of tentative. You know, he doesn't have that immediate charisma of John Paul II, who sort of enters a room and establishes immediate contact.
Cardinal Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, is a sort of introverted, reserved type. He's used to being in the background, and he kind of enters with some hesitation, some trepidation, even, so I think you almost sense his own nervousness in this new role as pope.
KAGAN: Any way you slice it he has a tough act to follow.
GALLAGHER: Absolutely. I think that one of the advantages for this pope is that he worked very closely with John Paul II, so if anybody knows intimately what were the wishes and desire of that pope and would be able to bring them forward, it would be Pope Ratzinger.
Of course, on the other hand, we're going to see a very different sort of papacy. I don't think that he can necessarily exactly imitate what John Paul II did. I think that we know what his general theological lines are, and he will carry that forward.
But as to how he is going to work to bring in this dialogue that he talked about this morning, very interesting that in his first message, the tone is very different. If you're used to reading Cardinal Ratzinger's message, this tone from Pope Ratzinger is quite different. It's about dialogue. It's about bringing in other religions. It's about listening. I think that will be comforting to the bishops and to others who are concerned about this very sort of autocratic figure.
So we already see the change happening, and I think it's something we'll be watching very closely in the next few months, to see how he's going to incorporate this new role.
KAGAN: John Allen in the last hour was making the point about don't necessarily judge this pope on has last job. His last job was to be that of enforcer. He did a good job of that. But now it's a whole new role.
GALLAGHER: Well, I think that's very important. The fact is that he has already had this sort of perhaps not so deserved reputation as this ferocious enforcer of doctrine. And yet many people have attested to the fact that he's actually a very gentle, humble sort of man.
And so I think that now that's he's on the world stage as pope, some of those qualities that weren't able to come forward in his as doctrine of the faith, will be able to take the sort of first -- first place. And we'll be able to see he has certain qualities that people -- he draws people in, more than coming out to reach them. I think he has a more quiet, sort of magnetic presence.
So it will be a different papacy, but an exciting one, nonetheless. I think it's a very bold choice by the cardinals. You don't choose Cardinal Ratzinger just to have a transitional pope. I think it was a very sort of bold statement on their part.
KAGAN: Well, nothing calm about the winds there at the Vatican this morning and this afternoon. Delia Gallagher, our Vatican analyst. Thank you for your insight on the beginning of this papacy.
And our coverage of the new pope continues throughout the day with reaction from around the world starting at 2 p.m. Eastern.
In business news, inflation surged in March. It was fueled by record high gas prices. The Labor Department says the Consumer Price Index jumped six-tenths of a percent. What does it mean? It means that's the largest increase since last fall. And even when energy is taken out of the picture, prices jumped their biggest jump in about 2 1/2 years. The White House is taking note.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAN BARTLETT, WHITE HOUSE COUNSELOR: I think most persons understand that we didn't get into this problem overnight. We're not going to get out of the problem over night.
Of course the administration is concerned about rising gas prices. That's why President Bush has talked about an energy plan in 3 1/2 years. What President Bush will argue is it's time for Congress to stop debating and get a bill to his desk. In fact, he'll call on Congress to get a bill to his desk this summer, which will be an important signal to send, as that is the peak driving season for Americans all across the country.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: And with that, I want to take you live to the White House, a special ceremony, the naming of the National Teacher of the Year. Here's first lady Laura Bush.
LAURA BUSH, FIRST LADY: ... in the few years that we've been here, every one of you are doing the most important job in the world. No offense to the president.
Once you love teaching, it's really very difficult to give it up. And I still love visiting classrooms around the United States, talking to young people, and teachers, and parents, and coaches. And now I'm talking to them about a new initiative called Helping America's Youth.
Through Helping America's Youth, we're highlighting the fact that every child needs a caring adult in his or her life, and a teacher is often that caring adult. In fact, when you ask young people who had the most influence on their lives besides their parents, they often say a teacher or a coach.
You teach the children the knowledge they'll need to grow into intelligent and discerning men and women. You also serve as role models and mentors to young people, helping them form strong characters and making healthy decisions. All of you deserve the gratitude for your fellow Americans for dedicating your lives to helping our sons and daughters.
I'm especially happy this year that there's so many men teachers of the years. More men are needed in our classrooms. More who can teach by example, showing young boys, particularly, many who are growing up without fathers in their homes, how to be responsible, caring adults. Someone little boys can look up to and say, "I want to be just like him."
Our main speaker today is a pretty good role model for students, too. Children throughout America look up to the president. In fact, one little boy named Jeremy wrote to him and said, "You're a wonderful president. I think Mrs. Bush is lucky to have you."
Ladies and gentlemen, the man I'm lucky to call my husband, President George Bush.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you all. Please be seated. Welcome. Welcome to the Rose Garden. And it's a beautiful day to continue the tradition of honoring America's finest teachers at the White House. We're really happy you're here.
Somewhere along the way, all of us got to know a teacher who made a real difference in our lives. In my case, I married one, and I appreciate you. I appreciate my love for Laura. I appreciate Laura's love for teaching, and I appreciate the great job you're doing as the first lady.
She was raised in Midland just like you were, Carol. Maybe that has something to do with it.
We like to say in our household, teaching is more than a job. It is a calling. You know what I'm talking about. You wouldn't be sitting here if you had not heard the calling. By helping every child realize his or her potential, our teachers show their students that dreams can become reality. What a fantastic job, isn't it, to help somebody realize a dream can become reality? All who answer the call to teach deserve our support, our respect and our affection.
Somebody who understands the role of a teacher is our secretary of education, Margaret Spellings, who is with us. Margaret has been a long time friend. We were involved with education reform in Texas. We bring the spirit of reform to Washington, D.C. And you're doing a fine job, Madam Secretary.
The chairman of the House Education and Work Force Committee, John Boehner, is with us from the great state of Ohio. Thank you, John. Bob Filner from California, Doc Hastings from Washington, Leonard Boswell from the great state of Iowa. Welcome. I appreciate you all. I want to thank you for taking time out of your schedules to come here. This is an important moment, and I appreciate you recognizing it as such.
I want to thank the mayor. Mr. Mayor, thank you for coming. I always like to tell the mayor that it's important for the mayor to fill the pot holes, particularly close to the White House, Mayor. And you're doing a fine job.
Last time I saw the mayor was at opening day. For those of you who follow professional baseball, you know that we've got the Nationals here in town. It's exciting for the nation's capital to have the Nationals. And one of the reasons the Nationals are here is because of the mayor, and so Mr. Mayor, thank you for your leadership.
And city councilwoman Carol Swartz, who I referred to earlier. Laura, Carol and I were raised in Midland, Texas. Pretty long odds for three people raised in Midland to end up in Washington in the Rose Garden, by the way. But welcome, I'm glad you're here, Carol.
I want to thank the National Teacher of the Year finalists: Dan Murphy from California, San Diego, California; Vicki Goldsmith from Des Moines, Iowa; Tamara Steen from Washington state. We're proud you all are here. And of course, Jason Kamras, who's standing right here.
I want to welcome his parents, Linda and Marvin. Thank you for coming. Congratulations on raising such a fine man. And Jeremy -- Jason allowed his brothers Jeremy and Michael to show up, as well. I asked one of the boys if they ever thought Jason would amount to anything. He told the truth. Jason has proved you wrong.
I want to thank the 51 other state teachers of the year for being teachers and being such an accomplished teacher that you're being recognized in the Rose Garden. We welcome you here. We thank you for your compassion. And we welcome your guests, as well.
We welcome Tom Houlihan, the executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers. And we appreciate your sponsoring this event.
We welcome Ernie Fleischman, the senior vice president of Scholastic Inc, which is a sponsoring organization of this event. We welcome Tom McInerney, the CEO of ING U.S. Financial Services, which is one of the sponsors of this event. Obviously, this is a big event to have required three sponsors. We're glad you're here.
We want to thank the chief state school officers who are here today. I want to pay particular respect to an educational entrepreneur who has shown one person can make an enormous difference. Wendy Kopp, the president and founder of Teach for America is with us. And we welcome you back to the White House, Wendy. We're glad you're here. There's a reason why Wendy is here, which you will hear in a minute.
America's teachers help us our students develop the schools -- skills they need to succeed in our schools. That's what you do; you teach a child how to read and write, but you also teach a child how to think and hope.
Teaching is a demanding job. It's an incredibly demanding job, and I hope our fellow citizens understand how hard it is to get to the classroom every day, and to keep your spirits up, to keep your vision clear about what is possible, to keep your patience. I'm sure we tested the patience of our teachers a lot, mayor, when you and I were growing up.
I appreciate the fact that good teachers instill a passion for learning. Passion is a powerful word, and that's why teachers are here with us, because they've instilled a passion for somebody to go to class every day to learn.
When young people become good students with big dreams they become better citizens. Our country is better off as a result of our teachers instilling passion and hope.
We expect a lot from our teachers, and teachers have a right to expect a lot from us. Education is one of the top priorities of this administration and this Congress. That's why we passed the No Child Left Behind Act. People from both parties came together. I love the spirit of the No Child Left Behind Act. I suspect the teachers love the spirit of challenging the soft bigotry of low expectations. People believe that we ought to set high standards and believe that every child -- and if you do believe every child can learn to read and write and add and subtract, it makes sense to determine whether they are, so we can -- and if not so we can solve problems early, before it's too late.
Because of teachers and hard work, because we expect every child to learn to read and write and add and subtract, there's an achievement gap in America which is closing. I can say it's closing because we measure to find out if it is closing.
I'm proud to report that test scores up and fourth grade math test scores are up across the nation by nine points over the last three years. Eighth graders improved by five points over the same period of time. We're making progress. There is more to do.
Margaret and I believe we ought to build on this success by bringing higher standards and accountability to the nation's high schools. I'm sure the nation's finest teachers share our commitment that every student must be prepared for college and therefore prepared for the jobs of the 21st Century. So we can say after it's all said and done, no child was left behind in our country.
One of the finest teachers in our country is with us today. He is the 2005 National Teacher of the Year, Jason Kamras. He teaches mathematics at John Philip Sousa Middle School, right here in the nation's capital.
Jason joined the Teach for America program. He did so because he wanted to show students, the so-called hard to educate, that with high works and high standards they can overcome any challenge they face. The Teach for America program asked for a two-year commitment. Jason is in this eighth year of that two-year commitment. Because he chose to stay, countless students have better lives, and they have a better future.
He is usually at work at 7 a.m., and he rarely leaves before 7 p.m. He's had high expectations for himself, and he sets high expectations for his students. He works tirelessly to raise math scores, and his students are responding.
Jason says, "Nothing surprises the joy I feel when a student proclaims proudly, 'Mr. Kamras, now I get it'." I suspect the teachers here understand exactly what he means by saying that.
Like all great teachers, Jason knows that his students needs do not end when the school bell rings. He understands that at the end of the day there's more work to be done. So he co-founded a program called Expose, which takes Sousa students out of their southwest Washington neighborhoods to places like the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials or the National Gallery of Art.
Jason is also teaching his students how to produce photos about their lives and communities. I think you'll find interesting to know that these photos have been shown at the Capital Children's Museum and other places around the district. In other words, Jason is building self-esteem.
When his students need individual attention, Jason is always there to support them. Interestingly enough, even after they've left the school. I suspect this is some -- some of you all share the same experience.
When one of his former students was preparing for the SAT, Jason studied with him three times a week for 10 weeks. Isn't that interesting? He got a 1300 on the test. He now goes to Morehouse College in Atlanta. He's majoring in electrical engineering. He is the first person in his family to go to college.
He says, "I owe most of my success to Mr. Kamras. I do not know where I would be without him. He's more than a teacher to me; he is a true friend."
Gosh, it must make you feel good as teachers to have someone say, "You made a lot of difference in my life. You are a true friend."
Today America expresses its appreciation to Jason and to every one of our outstanding state teachers of the year. You give our young people the benefit of your knowledge, your support, your friendship. Your students are fortunate, really fortunate to have you in their lives. And our nation is fortunate to have you guiding the next generation of Americans.
God bless you all for your hard work. God bless your families, as well. It's my honor to introduce the 2005 National Teacher of the Year, Jason Kamras.
JASON KAMRAS, NATIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR: Mr. President, on behalf of the 2005 state teachers of the year, I would like to formally thank you for your invitation to the White House this morning. Let me also thank Mrs. Bush, Secretary Spellings and all the other honored guests who have joined us today to celebrate excellent teaching across the nation.
I'm privileged to be a member of a profession that is filled with so many extraordinary individuals. My colleagues work tirelessly every day doing wonderful and challenging work. They lend their passion, creativity, intellect and love to children of all ages, and they do so almost always without recognition. There is simply no group of people that I would be prouder to represent.
To the state teachers of the year gathered here today and to all of the other educators around the nation, let me say with the deepest admiration, thank you.
I would also like to thank my family, my friends and inspiring colleagues at John Philip Sousa Middle School for their unceasing support and encouragement.
Most of all I want to thank my students. They are the reason I love teaching and the reason we're all gathered here today. Four of them are here, if I could ask them to stand. For the record, that's Wendell (ph), Tashay (ph), Marco and Brandy (ph). They inspire me every day with their intelligence, their humor, their creativity, and their resilience.
Mr. President and Mrs. Bush, let me formally invite you to Sousa Middle School. We're only a short drive down Pennsylvania Avenue. I know my students would love to share their knowledge and their ideas with you.
Like all children, my students simply want the opportunity to pursue their dreams, and I am honored that I have been able to support them in their pursuit of their dreams. But there are still so many young people in underserved communities across the nation that still do not have access to an excellent education.
This social challenge is why I teach. As educators, we can play a fundamental role in alleviating this inequity, despite the challenges we face, by holding ourselves and all our students to the highest of expectations and demanding excellence from them. We can, and we do make a dramatic difference in their lives every day.
As National Teacher of the Year, I call upon my colleagues to join me in helping alleviate inequity in education to ensure that all children have access to an excellent education and the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Thank you.
G. BUSH: Good job, Jason. Really well done. Let's get the students up here.
KAGAN: They're going to go ahead and get the kids up. And as they do, we'll let you know that Jason Kamras, he is a middle school math teacher at John Philip Sousa Middle School in Washington, D.C. He has been named the 2005 Teacher of the Year. Some of his students coming up and joining him and congratulating him.
We're going to find out more what makes him tick and why he thinks he is teacher of the year, and what he's going to do with his platform. A little bit later in the hour, he will join me.
And while we're listening at the White House, a significant development from the U.S. Senate, an announcement from a senator saying that he will not run for reelection. Our Capitol Hill correspondent Ed Henry is on the phone, telling us about this announcement from Senator James Jeffords of Vermont.
ED HENRY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good afternoon, Daryn.
That's right. Democratic officials have confirmed to CNN that Senator Jim Jeffords will not seek reelection next year. Jeffords, of course, rose to prominence in 2001 when he rocked the political world by switching from a Republican to an independent, which threw control of the Senate, the U.S. Senate, into Democratic hands.
And the story behind the headline here is that Jeffords' office has been insisting for months that his health was fine, that he was raising money and running for re-election, but just last week CNN approached Senator Jeffords' office with a rather odd anecdote that raised new questions about his health.
Two eyewitnesses had told CNN that back in March, Senator Jeffords showed up at the House chamber, thinking he was at the Senate chamber, and officials in the House had to inform him that he was in the wrong place and they directed him back to the Senate side of the Capitol, which is on the complete opposite side of the building.
At the time, when we approached them, Senator Jeffords' office insisted that his health was fine. They would not even conform or deny that this incident took place in the capital. And his staff insistent right up until the end that he was planning to seek re- election, as they mentioned that he was raising money and that he would run again.
But now in fact they're finally admitting he will not run for re- election, confirming what the world speculated on for weeks, and perhaps months.
And this is potentially a problem for Democrats. While it would be expected that this seat would be Democratic, it's a problem that Democrats don't want right now, at a time when they're far behind in the Senate, where the Republicans have a very strong majority. Democratic Senator Paul Sarbanes of Maryland has already announced his retirement. Now here's an independent who leans Democrat Jeffords, he's announced he's not running. That's two open seats the Democrats have to demand, and that adds to some of their headaches, some of their political headaches -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Well, and interesting that you referred to it as a seat that the Democrats have to defend, because he didn't exactly come to the Democratic Party, but he went independent.
HENRY: Well, basically, though, for all intents and purposes, he is a Democrat. He says publicly that he's an independent, but he caucuses each week with the Democrats. He votes with the Democrats. So everybody here in the Senate realizes that in fact Jim Jeffords has basically been a Democrat since 2001. Sure his party label is independent. But for all intents and purposes, he's been with the Democrats. This is now something the Democrats were expecting, if Jeffords ran for re-election it was very likely that he would win; he's very popular in the state of Vermont, but now this is a great uncertainty.
We're expecting, and in fact I spoke this morning to the office of independent Congressman Bernie Sanders of Vermont. He is the only socialist in Congress. He also votes with the Democrats, leans Democrat, but is an independent. He is expected to now get into this race, and in fact his office told me this morning that if Jeffords were to get out and not seek re-election, Bernie Sanders will run.
KAGAN: Well, and of course this happening in Vermont. This is the home state of Howard Dean. Any reaction from him.
HENRY: We have not gotten to him yet, but you're right, that will be the next question. Of course when Howard Dean assumed the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee, there were a lot of stories about how he had made a commitment that he would not run for president again, that a lot of Democratic officials did not want him using that as a platform to run for president in '08. We're not sure if there was a commitment, though, that he wouldn't run for the Senate. Of course nobody knew a few months ago that Jeffords would not run for re-election. Howard Dean may now take a look at the Senate race. But we have not gotten any word from Howard Dean yet, I want to stress, but certainly his name, I can tell, is already popping up in the corridors of the capital.
KAGAN: Well, anywhere in Democratic politics that's going to happen when there's a change, not to mention happening in Vermont.
Ed Henry, thank you for calling in and bringing us the latest on Jim Jeffords.
Once again, the independent senator from Vermont saying he will not run for re-election. There has been some recent concerns about his health. And he's been adamant he was running for re-election. Now his office Says he will not.
We'll take a break. We'll have much more after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: I'm Daryn Kagan. Let's take a look what's happening now in the news. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi announced last hour he will resign and try to reform a new government. Berlusconi's government was facing a no-confidence on Thursday. His fortunes have slipped with the Italian economy and Italy's involvement in the war in Iraq. Berlusconi's government was the longest serving in Italy in modern times.
Here in the U.S., a helicopter crashed in the Florida Everglades this morning. One of the four people onboard was injured. Rescuers arrived on air-boats to help stranded fliers to safety.
Merck plans to cut prices on a range of medicines for uninsured Americans. They'll get a 15 percent to 40 percent discount on 11 drugs. Many are used by older Americans to ailments such as hypertension, glaucoma and prostrate problems.
And in West Virginia, authorities are trying to figure out who opened a valve allowing most of the water in Lake Mary Beth to drain. Hundreds of kids show up for Camp Happy Valley in just a few weeks.
Keeping you informed, CNN is the most trusted name in news.
To Germany now, where many are expressing pride in the first German pope in nearly 500 years.
CNN's Chris Burns in is Munich where Benedict XVI first served as an archbishop and then as cardinal in the late '70s.
Chris, hello.
CHRIS BURNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, hello, Daryn, over my shoulder, the (INAUDIBLE) Church, where the evening mass is under way, but the church is only about 2/3 full, which was one indication of what the new pope has up against him in trying to get the Catholics within Europe to come back, the flock to return, and that is part of his job, is to try to do that.
And of course some critics here who would like a more liberal church are calling it a catastrophe, a terrible mistake that he was named pope as a conservative. But we have others here.
Birgit, you can join us. She's a Catholic here from Munich. And if you would tell us why it was a good idea for Mr. Ratzinger to become pope.
BIRGIT BERGEN, TOURIST: Well, first of all, he's one of the finest and the best men, and very wise and very good. So who will go in the steps from the holy father from before? He teached him, give him a lot of advice. He must listen to him. And (INAUDIBLE) tradition (INAUDIBLE), the same way like the other one is doing. I think it's great. And why? Because they like to be now very modern. They like priests getting married.
BURNS: Well, there are people who asked for that, even among certain Catholics, who would like priest to marry, who would like women to be priests.
BERGEN: I think it's terrible.
BURNS: Why?
BERGEN: It's not why, because you have to follow Jesus Christ. It's 2000 years ago, and...
BURNS: But this is 2,000 years ago.
BERGEN: No, no, this is (INAUDIBLE) so that it is easy. They'd like to have a comfortable life for themself. (INAUDIBLE) we live only a very short time here, and the future is still in Heaven, and it's not here. So really follow the words of Jesus Christ, what he did in the Testament, in the Bible.
BURNS: Let me ask you this, though. There is mass going on? Why are you not in there right now?
BERGEN: No, I'm going to the other one down there.
BURNS: Oh, excuse me. Well, you better get going on. Thank you very much, Birgit. Thank you. Have a good day. Thank you very much.
As you can see, it's very split, because there a lot of critics, but also a lot of people who very much like the pope. So, Daryn, a split country, not the same as John Paul II in Poland where everybody loves him.
KAGAN: All right, good little management there. You heard her say and then you helped her get on to mass. Chris Burns from Munich.
BURNS: Yes, thank you.
KAGAN: Thank you for that.
Good moment.
Oddsmakers made Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger the front-runner for the papacy. For once they got it right. So did the faithful who voted at electapope.com. Patricia Dugan set up the Web site. She practices canon law in Philadelphia and she was with us last week before we knew. Now we know.
Good morning.
PATRICIA DUGAN, CANON LAW ATTORNEY: Good morning.
KAGAN: And your reaction, please?
DUGAN: Excited that our Web site said what the conclave said and happy that we have a new pope.
KAGAN: How do you think he's going to relate to American Catholics?
DUGAN: I think he's going to be very much like John Paul II. I think that his selection is very much comfort food for Catholics.
KAGAN: You know, one thing that's interesting about your site, you had this election part where you could, you know, give your vote, but you also had a place for people to give their comments. What kind of reaction did you get following this election?
DUGAN: Positive. It was right in line with the number of votes that Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, got on the site. So it was pretty consistent guest book and they're still writing on our guest book now.
KAGAN: But what kind of things were people saying? Why were they positive?
DUGAN: They were saying, again, that they were relieved that he was elected.
KAGAN: Hmm. Relief. That's an interesting word.
DUGAN: It is. And I think that it's important that he's 78 to the people who signed in in our guest book. They were interested in seeing John Paul II, as they saw him in the last years, repeated in the next pope.
KAGAN: Of course, the name of your site, electapope.com. That's done. So where does your Web site go from here?
DUGAN: Well, we're going to keep getting the remarks through Sunday. And we've been up for five years as an informational site. We interact with a lot of teachers and students on this for projects. And we're just going to keep going. KAGAN: What about the -- are you going to keep the same name, though?
DUGAN: I think we might. It's what people know us as. And it is kind of catchy.
KAGAN: It is. It helped us remember it. What about the participatory part of this Web site and how it encouraged people to have a voice in something that they wouldn't otherwise? How can you keep that going.
DUGAN: Well, I think that if people know we're there and we're doing it, they're going to keep coming on, because Catholics have a lot to say and if you don't have dialogue, your church is dead.
KAGAN: There you go. Well, you're providing a service there. Patricia Dugan, thanks for coming on last week and this week, as well.
DUGAN: It's my pleasure. Bye, Daryn.
KAGAN: We are going to be talking to the national teacher of the year coming up. Plus, we'll show you some unbelievable video. Some excited elephants go on a rampage at a jewelry store, bringing new meaning to smash and grab. You have stick around to see more of this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: Let's take a look at this morning's "World Wrap."
There is growing political unrest in Ecuador. Students have been facing off against riot police in the capitol. Protesters accused the president of trying to usurp control of the Supreme Court and the Congress. Massive demonstration erupted shortly after the president publicly rejected calls for his resignation.
In Shanghai, you would think the big bad wolf was after these little porkers. Now, these are specially-trained pigs from Thailand. They compete twice a day in what's called the Pig Olympics. Swim, little piggy. The event is a huge hit with children.
And here's something you don't see every day. A daring daylight smash and grab in downtown Seoul, South Korea. Six elephants had escaped from a local amusement park and three of them headed for the restaurant. Not having reservations, they barged in. They went straight for the kitchen. All of the wayward elephants were eventually rounded up. No news that they were serving a peanut dish at the restaurant.
Let's find out what's coming up at the top of the hour from "NEWS FROM CNN" with Wolf Blitzer. Hi, Wolf.
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Hi, Daryn, thanks very much. Amazing pictures of those elephants. You don't that every day.
We have a very busy hour coming up on "NEWS FROM CNN." At the top of the hour, we'll have an insider's view of the selection of the new pope. I spoke just a little while ago with Cardinal William Keeler of Baltimore. He was one of those cardinals who took part in the history-making selection. Cardinal Keeler will share his thoughts on the Pope Benedict XVI, the direction of the Roman Catholic Church and the many challenges that lie ahead.
Also, high gas prices have many Americans taking a closer look at hybrid cars, but how much do they really stretch your gas dollar? We'll take a closer look at our gas price watch segment.
Daryn, those stories, much more, coming up at the top of the hour on "NEWS FROM CNN." In the meantime, back to you. Do you have any more elephant pictures for us?
KAGAN: I'll see what I can dig up, but I have spent my whole elephant wad for today. We'll see in just a -- oh, there it is for you. By request. We do take requests here.
BLITZER: Let's talk about these pictures, Daryn, a little bit. Look at this.
KAGAN: That is an elephant on a mission. Can we get some service around here?
BLITZER: Can you see how brave those guys are to be even that close?
KAGAN: Not the person running out of the kitchen, though. All right, Wolf, we'll see if you can top that on your show coming up.
BLITZER: I don't think we can.
KAGAN: OK. Well, you can try, though.
BLITZER: Maybe.
KAGAN: Good to see. We are going to try to talk with the teacher of the year you saw just a little bit ago. President Bush talking to Jason Kamras, a middle school teacher in Washington, D.C. We'll find out what gives him passion for teaching and what he's going to do with his platform straight ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: This news just into CNN on Zacarias Moussaoui, the only person to be publicly charged in the U.S. with the 9/11 terrorists attacks. He will put in and will have accepted a guilty plea. He had been asking to do that. There will be a hearing on Friday in U.S. district court in Virginia. And as we've been hearing here at CNN, he will be allowed to enter that guilty plea. The sentence to be decided later. So Zacarias Moussaoui, once again, on Friday will be a hearing to enter a guilty plea, and it will be accepted.
Fifty-one minutes past the hour.
A short time ago, live right here on CNN, we saw live middle school math teacher Jason Kamras honored in a White House ceremony at 2005 National Teacher of the Year. He's joining me now live from the White House.
Jason, congratulations.
JASON KAMRAS, 2005 TEACHER OF THE YEAR: Thank you very much.
KAGAN: Tell us a little bit about your teaching philosophy, you think, that had you rise to the top and get this honor.
KAMRAS: I have incredibly high expectations for my students and I really demand excellence from them. And what I found is when you approach teaching in that manner, students really rise to the occasion and they achieve at the highest levels.
KAGAN: Let's give a plug the school, John Phillips Sousa Middle School in Washington D.C.
What is it about your school that gives you passion?
KAMRAS: I just love the kids. They're an incredible group of young people. They're intelligent, and creative, and dynamic and resilient, and they put a smile on my face every single day.
KAGAN: And perhaps some would say that you work in a teaching situation that others would burn out. How do you not?
KAMRAS: I think I don't burn out because of my kids. They inspire me to continue. My goal is to make sure that they're successful. And when I come to work everybody with that perspective, I'm always energized.
KAGAN: So there's other state teachers of the year from different states around the country. You were selected as the cream of the crop.
Jason, you're kind of young. Does it seem a little early to get an honor so big.
KAMRAS: It does, and it's extraordinarily humbling. And I have deep respect for all of my colleagues. They're such an amazing group of people. They do amazing work with children every single day in this country, and I hope to use this platform to recognize the extraordinary work that they do.
KAGAN: Well, part of this is not just the honor you received today, but you do get a full year to travel around the country and around the world. What will you do with that platform?
KAMRAS: Well, as I said, first to thank my fellow educators and bring them the recognition that they deserve, but also raise awareness about the achievement gap and help advocate our country to do everything we can to eliminate it. Having high expectations for our students, and then supporting them in every way we can to reach those expectations. KAGAN: How big of a kick was it to be up there with the president, and the first lady and have four of your top students come up and join you?
KAMRAS: It was great. The president and the first lady were extremely gracious. And really the pleasure was for me to have my students meet them and have them here at the White House.
KAGAN: And before we let you go, let's see the award for the country to see.
KAMRAS: Here it is.
KAGAN: Very good
Well, congratulations, Jason Kamras. I'm sure it's not the last we've hear of you. We'll look forward to your year as service as national teacher of the year and your teaching accomplishments.
KAMRAS: Thank you very much.
KAGAN: And we're going to take a break. Much more after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(STOCK MARKET REPORT)
(WEATHER REPORT)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
