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CNN Live Today

Deal on Judges; Jackson Trial

Aired May 24, 2005 - 10:59   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: The transition to democracy in Afghanistan already providing great strides for women, but is their effort toward equality already coming at a deadly price?
And a virus passed to others through organ transplants. One donor, four recipients, and three of them have died. We'll find out why we have a hamster video going on there as the second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins right now.

Let's take a look at what's happening "Now in the News."

The case against Private Lynndie England in the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal could be headed for a full court-martial. That's unless her attorneys can reach another plea agreement with prosecutors. This morning England waived her right to a preliminary hearing.

Authorities in Idaho are hoping that a $100,000 reward will generate new leads in the search for two missing children. Shasta Groene and her brother Dylan have been missing since the triple homicide at their home more than a week ago. Anyone with information should call the police tip line at 202-446-2292.

A Senate committee hearing on the Patriot Act is under way on Capitol Hill. Portions of the anti-terrorism law are set to expire this year unless Congress renews them. Lawmakers are considering a proposal to expand FBI powers in counterterrorism investigations as part of the Patriot Act.

North Korea ratchets up the rhetoric in the nuclear standoff. According to The Associated Press, the north has refused to rule out a preemptive attack. The AP quotes North Korea's official news agency. Despite today's comment there's have been signs the north may be willing to resume talks on its nuclear program.

Well, let's check the time here. Just a minute past 11:00 on the East Coast, just past 8:00 on the West. From CNN Center in Atlanta, good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.

Well, if you are a political junky, today is your day. Judges, stem cells, Social Security, we are covering all of them for you this hour.

First, a look at President Bush in suburban Rochester, New York. His topic, as it has been lately, Social Security changes.

Back in Washington, the Senate readies a vote on a stalled judicial nominee. And the House opens debate on stem cell funding and a bill for that. Republicans appear on a rare collision course with the White House.

President Bush weighed in just a few minutes ago on a Senate battle over his judge nominees. Our national correspondent, Bob Franken, is with me. He is actually with the president in Rochester, New York.

Good morning, Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Suburb of Rochester, Greece, New York, where the president is speaking. The stated subject, Social Security reform. This is his 33rd appearance on the subject in his 27-state -- if you include the District of Columbia.

But first he had some business to take care of. The more immediate business being the question about the filibuster agreement that was reached last night by the Senate. We can't really wrap this thing up until the president gives his official reaction, and he gave it just a couple minutes ago.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We've got a lot to do in Washington, D.C. One of the big issues, of course, is Social Security, although yesterday there was some progress made. I'm pleased that the Senate is moving forward on my judicial nominees who were previously being blocked.

The nominees have been waiting years for an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor, and now they'll get one. It's about time we're making some progress.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: Of course there are others in the White House saying that what they would prefer it would be, that there is an up-or-down on any of the judicial nominees from the president, which assures that this issue is not one that's going to go away. Most issues in Washington do not.

The president is going back to Washington to talk about another recurring issue, stem cell research. There is legislation, as you pointed out, Daryn, in Congress that the president strongly opposes that would expand stem cell research. The administration put out a statement to say that if that legislation passed intact, the president would veto it.

So he's going to go back, he's going to have an appearance at the White House after he meets with some people who are called snowflakes. They have adopted people, embryos, and brought them to full term. There's going to be a meeting of that, and then the president will appear with them in the East Room.

So it's a very busy day, as you pointed out. A lot of issues being covered in one day -- Daryn.

KAGAN: All right. Bob Franken in suburban Rochester, New York. Thank you.

Now to that last-minute deal that all of Washington is talking about. Senior statesmen, moderates, even some mavericks, they all came together to compromise on judges and save the Senate filibuster.

Our congressional correspondent, Joe Johns, is on Capitol Hill this morning.

Joe, good morning.

JOE JOHNS, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

Right now, Senator John Cornyn of Texas on the floor of the United States Senate. He's, of course, one of the people who's fought hardest for the nomination that is now on the floor. That is the nomination of Priscilla Owen to be a federal judge.

Seven Democrats, seven Republicans, as you said, entering into an agreement to preserve the filibuster. Democrats agreeing to only use the filibuster in extraordinary situations, Republicans agreeing not to kill it. But it's not exactly total disarmament on the floor of the Senate this morning.

The majority leader, Bill Frist, warning that it is not necessarily over yet. And the Democratic leader, Harry Reid, insisting that it is.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. BILL FRIST (R-TN), MAJORITY LEADER: I will say that if the other side of the aisle acts in bad faith, and if they resume that campaign of routine obstruction, where one out of every three or one out of every four nominees coming from the president who make it through the Judiciary Committee, who make it to the executive calendar, are filibustered, the constitutional option's going to come out again. I will bring it out once again. And once again, I will set a date to use it, and I hope I -- if that's what it takes, if that's what it takes to move this body forward, we will do that once again.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV), MINORITY LEADER: I support the memorandum of understanding. It took nuclear option off the table. Nuclear option is gone for our lifetime. We don't have to talk about it anymore.

I'm disappointed that we're -- there's still these threats of nuclear options. It's gone. Let's move on and do the Senate's business.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

JOHNS: Of course, the issue at hand right now, Priscilla Owen. She's effectively been waiting four years for this vote. And she may have to wait at least one more day. Under the agreement that was reached a little while ago, it is possible that the vote on her nomination could not come or might not come until tomorrow, though there's likely to be a vote today to cut off debate around 12:00 noon.

Daryn, back to you

KAGAN: So, Joe, let's talk about this phrase "extraordinary circumstances." That's when you're allowed to bring up the filibuster. That sounds like that is just trouble waiting to happen.

JOHNS: Yes, those are two pretty big words in this agreement. And obviously they can mean whatever a senator wants them to mean.

Senator John McCain said this morning that, in this -- his view, this is something you know it when you see it. So a lot of Democrats, a lot of Republicans suggesting this is all about faith, this is all about trust between the senators, and that's something they really think they haven't had before or haven't had for a while on judicial nominations.

The question, of course, is, how is this going to work? Especially if you have a Supreme Court nominee this year which creates the most volatile of all circumstances involving a judicial nomination.

KAGAN: Joe Johns on Capitol Hill. I bet it's been fascinating to watch the last 24 hours unfold. Thank you, Joe.

Well, not surprisingly, both sides in this battle over judges found something to like and to dislike in this deal. Let's listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. EDWARD KENNEDY (D), MASSACHUSETTS: I would hope that the Republican moderates now, that really took a very important step, that indicated they were not going to be a part of the extreme right on this, and they weren't going to be bullied by that -- the right wing groups, the grab for power, now will look at the real records of these, and I would hope that a number of them would reject these nominees because they're clearly out of the mainstream.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: We were trying to pull the Senate back from going over a precipice. We wanted to preserve the rights of the minority.

WE believe that the Democrats had abused the filibuster, which they had in the past couple of years. And we wanted to stop that from happening again. And it was a bipartisan effort. Look, what you're seeing is extreme right, extreme left, Senator Reid and others who are trying to spin it to some political advantage, when the fact is, our interest was the country's advantage. (END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Well, the biggest loser in this judge dustup may actually be Congress itself. A CNN-"USA Today"-Gallup poll shows over half of people believe Senate leaders are behaving like spoiled children. Thirty-four percent of the people in our poll also felt it was a good thing to have it both ways, preserve the filibuster and have a vote on the stalled judges.

Finally, our poll shows that most people, 48 percent, sided with the Democrats in this filibuster fight. Forty percent were persuaded by the Republican argument.

Another airspace violation to tell you about in the nation's capital. That tops our CNN "Security Watch."

It's the second time in less than two weeks that a plane flew into the restricted space around D.C. Air Force fighter jets were scrambled in response to the incursion yesterday.

It looks like little dots on your screen, but watch carefully what happens. One of the jets drops a flair to warn the pilot. Hey, buddy, you're in the wrong place.

The plane did land at its destination in Maryland. The pilot says bad weather and a lightning strike played a role in the incident.

The pilot involved in that May 11 airspace violation has had his license revoked. The FAA issued the decision yesterday. The agency says the pilot posed an unacceptable risk to safety. The Capitol building and the White House were evacuated when his plane flew into the restricted area.

That May 11 incident is raising new questions about who should have the authority to shoot down errant planes. The Associated Press says the Department of Homeland Security is considering whether its pilots should have that power. A former Homeland Security official and CNN security analyst weighed in on that and that issue during CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CLARK KENT ERVIN, CNN SECURITY ANALYST: If the Department of Homeland Security is to play any role, it should have the authority to play the entire role. But that said, there should be clear roles of engagement.

In this particular instance, it's the Pentagon that takes the lead. In this instance, it's the Coast Guard that takes the lead. Indeed, the best thing to do might be to let the Department of Homeland Security take the entire role and have the Pentagon play no role whatsoever.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Some officials, though, question the safety of expanding the shootdown authority.

A man accused of trying to build a bomb and sell it to terrorist groups is in custody in Texas. Ronald Allen Grecula was arrested on Friday. Authorities say Grecula negotiated with an undercover agent that he thought was a member of al Qaeda.

CNN "Security Watch" keeps you up to date on safety. Stay tuned day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

The role of women in Afghanistan. There have been some changes over the last few years, but for some, those changes come with a deadly price. One woman's tragic story is just ahead.

And Jay Leno is one of America's favorite funny men. Today, jurors are expected to see his serious side in court. We'll have the latest on the Michael Jackson case just ahead.

Also, the medical, moral and ethical debate over stem cell research. President Bush weighs in on that this afternoon. Live coverage of the president's remarks beginning at 2:10 Eastern, 11:00 a.m. Pacific.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Lawyers for Michael Jackson are turning to celebrity witnesses as they move closer to wrapping up their case. The trial resumes at the bottom of the hour.

And late night talk show host Jay Leno is scheduled to take the stand. He arrived within the last hour.

Ted Rowlands has a preview from Santa Maria, California.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JAY LENO, "THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO": As you may have heard, I am testifying for real tomorrow, 8:00 in the morning.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All right.

(APPLAUSE)

LENO: I'm testifying. And listen to this, I was called by the defense. I'm a defense witness. So apparently they've never seen this program.

(LAUGHTER)

TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): While he may joke about Michael Jackson on his show, Jay Leno is being called as a witness to possibly help him. According to the defense, Leno received a phone call from the accuser in this case and felt so unnerved by it that he later called police. Leno's expected to be one of the final witnesses for the defense.

Comedian Chris Tucker is also expected to testify. Tucker, who's appeared with Jackson in a music video, is considered to be a friend of Jackson's.

JIM MORET, LEGAL ANALYST: They're not just brought in because they're celebrities, but the fact that they are celebrities will help them, because unlike so many of the other witnesses in this case, these people have nothing to gain by coming in here. In fact, Jay Leno perhaps doesn't even want to come in here.

ROWLANDS: In court Monday, the defense continued to attack the credibility of the accuser's mother, using documents furnished by the state of California. The defense established that the mother lied about her financial status when applying for and receiving welfare. The editor of a community newspaper also testified that she felt "duped" after she said the mother pushed to get a story written about her son to raise money for medical expenses.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Michael, are you happy the case is almost over?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No comment.

ROWLANDS: Jackson didn't say much after court Monday. Sources tell CNN that if everything goes as expected, the jury could begin deliberating his fate within two weeks.

Ted Rowlands, CNN, Santa Maria, California.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: And look who's just showing up now in Santa Maria, California. Michael Jackson arriving at the courthouse.

There he is. Umbrellas up, parents out of the car. And now here comes Michael Jackson.

As we watch him, it looks like he's having another one of those slow day. Full makeup, slow movement.

As we watch Michael Jackson make it into the courthouse, let's bring in former U.S. attorney Kendall Coffey to talk about today.

Kendall, good morning

KENDALL COFFEY, FMR. U.S. ATTORNEY: Hey, good morning, Daryn.

KAGAN: Do celebrity interviews tend to help or hurt, do you think?

COFFEY: Well, they're just more powerful. So if they're a little bit good, they're going to be really good. And if they're sort of a mixed blessing, then that's going to have more potency, too. And I think Chris Tucker is going to be probably a very good witness for Jackson in some ways, but I think there's a little bit of risk with Jay Leno.

KAGAN: Did you hear -- at the top of Ted Rowlands' piece, he ran the clip from Jay Leno's show last night. And he said, "The defense is calling me. Have they seen this show?" He rips Michael Jackson to pieces on a daily basis.

COFFEY: Well, that's right. And even though he's going to add a little bit to the scheming scamming of this alleged victim's family, consider the fact that he's had plenty of one-liners, raising plenty of questions about Michael Jackson. And we all remember that old expression, Daryn, many jest -- or many a truth is said in jest.

KAGAN: Ah, got it on that. Now, at the beginning of this, defense attorney Thomas Mesereau promised basically to put the mother of the accuser -- of the accuser on trial. I think he has delivered on that. This woman and this family have not looked very good after the defense's case.

COFFEY: No, she's been shattered credibility-wise. And, in addition, just making her believe she's a flake -- remember, this is the first kidnapping in the history of the world where the mom went out for a full body wax. This...

KAGAN: Hey, a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do.

COFFEY: Totally. But at the same time, she does welfare fraud, she has gotten in so many holes credibility-wise, that I think the defense has put a good job of putting her on trial. The question is, what about the trial against Michael Jackson, and has the prosecution scored some real points with some of the past accusers?

KAGAN: We won't know until it's completely over, but it does look like the defense will get through its case without putting Michael Jackson on the stand. I think earlier you had said you would have put him on the stand.

COFFEY: Well, you know, you got me. I'm busted on that one, Daryn. But the defense has done a very good job of explaining Michael Jackson, telling his side of the story through other witnesses. And when you can do that, why take a giant chance by putting the defendant on the stand?

KAGAN: Any predictions at this point? Do you think Michael Jackson is going to walk?

COFFEY: I think he's ahead right now.

KAGAN: Really? OK. Well, we'll be watching. As we said, the defense should be wrapping it up this week.

Kendall Coffey joining us from Miami. Looks pretty there. Thank you.

COFFEY: Hey, thanks, Daryn.

KAGAN: You might want to beware of your kid's pet hamster. Officials say there was actually a link between a household rodent and four deaths. That's coming up in our "Daily Dose" segment.

And stem cell research. The House of Representatives is set to vote on a bill to expand its research. Details on what those for and against this bill are saying coming up next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Some people checking their calendars to make sure it is the season they think it is today. Here's Jacqui Jeras with more on that.

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: Stem cell research seems to be accelerating around the world. The debate on further research here in this country may come to a head today in the House of Representatives. A look at both sides of the issue coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: We're coming up on the half-hour. I'm Daryn Kagan. Here's what's happening "Now in the News."

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is in Washington this morning for a speech to a pro-Israel lobbying group. He focussed on his Gaza withdrawal plan for the summer and Iran's nuclear program. Senator Hillary Clinton also made remarks.

First lady Laura Bush wrapped up her visit to Egypt today. She stopped at a historic library in Alexandria and visited the school. Mrs. Bush encouraged Egyptian women to speak out for equality and she praised Egypt's president for electoral reform.

In Florida, 18-year-old Lionel Tate is jailed this morning on an armed robbery charge. A pizza deliveryman says he was held up at gunpoint.

You might remember when Tate was 14 he became the youngest person ever sentenced to life without parole. The conviction was overturned. Tate went on to strike a plea deal in that case in which he was accused of wrestling to death of a 6-year-old girl.

And a California motorist faces child cruelty charges. Police say she crammed nine people into her car. When everyone wouldn't fit in seats, she put two children in the trunk. It was a 60-mile-long trip.

Keeping you informed, CNN is the most trusted name in news.

It is a medical, moral and ethical debate that is taking center stage on Capitol Hill this hour. The House is debating a bill that would expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. President Bush has promised to veto that measure. He has limited federally-funded research to existing stem cell lines.

The president discusses the issue later today. We're going to have those comments for you live at 2:10 p.m. Eastern.

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 May 24, 2005 - 10:59   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: The transition to democracy in Afghanistan already providing great strides for women, but is their effort toward equality already coming at a deadly price?
And a virus passed to others through organ transplants. One donor, four recipients, and three of them have died. We'll find out why we have a hamster video going on there as the second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins right now.

Let's take a look at what's happening "Now in the News."

The case against Private Lynndie England in the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal could be headed for a full court-martial. That's unless her attorneys can reach another plea agreement with prosecutors. This morning England waived her right to a preliminary hearing.

Authorities in Idaho are hoping that a $100,000 reward will generate new leads in the search for two missing children. Shasta Groene and her brother Dylan have been missing since the triple homicide at their home more than a week ago. Anyone with information should call the police tip line at 202-446-2292.

A Senate committee hearing on the Patriot Act is under way on Capitol Hill. Portions of the anti-terrorism law are set to expire this year unless Congress renews them. Lawmakers are considering a proposal to expand FBI powers in counterterrorism investigations as part of the Patriot Act.

North Korea ratchets up the rhetoric in the nuclear standoff. According to The Associated Press, the north has refused to rule out a preemptive attack. The AP quotes North Korea's official news agency. Despite today's comment there's have been signs the north may be willing to resume talks on its nuclear program.

Well, let's check the time here. Just a minute past 11:00 on the East Coast, just past 8:00 on the West. From CNN Center in Atlanta, good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.

Well, if you are a political junky, today is your day. Judges, stem cells, Social Security, we are covering all of them for you this hour.

First, a look at President Bush in suburban Rochester, New York. His topic, as it has been lately, Social Security changes.

Back in Washington, the Senate readies a vote on a stalled judicial nominee. And the House opens debate on stem cell funding and a bill for that. Republicans appear on a rare collision course with the White House.

President Bush weighed in just a few minutes ago on a Senate battle over his judge nominees. Our national correspondent, Bob Franken, is with me. He is actually with the president in Rochester, New York.

Good morning, Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Suburb of Rochester, Greece, New York, where the president is speaking. The stated subject, Social Security reform. This is his 33rd appearance on the subject in his 27-state -- if you include the District of Columbia.

But first he had some business to take care of. The more immediate business being the question about the filibuster agreement that was reached last night by the Senate. We can't really wrap this thing up until the president gives his official reaction, and he gave it just a couple minutes ago.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We've got a lot to do in Washington, D.C. One of the big issues, of course, is Social Security, although yesterday there was some progress made. I'm pleased that the Senate is moving forward on my judicial nominees who were previously being blocked.

The nominees have been waiting years for an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor, and now they'll get one. It's about time we're making some progress.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: Of course there are others in the White House saying that what they would prefer it would be, that there is an up-or-down on any of the judicial nominees from the president, which assures that this issue is not one that's going to go away. Most issues in Washington do not.

The president is going back to Washington to talk about another recurring issue, stem cell research. There is legislation, as you pointed out, Daryn, in Congress that the president strongly opposes that would expand stem cell research. The administration put out a statement to say that if that legislation passed intact, the president would veto it.

So he's going to go back, he's going to have an appearance at the White House after he meets with some people who are called snowflakes. They have adopted people, embryos, and brought them to full term. There's going to be a meeting of that, and then the president will appear with them in the East Room.

So it's a very busy day, as you pointed out. A lot of issues being covered in one day -- Daryn.

KAGAN: All right. Bob Franken in suburban Rochester, New York. Thank you.

Now to that last-minute deal that all of Washington is talking about. Senior statesmen, moderates, even some mavericks, they all came together to compromise on judges and save the Senate filibuster.

Our congressional correspondent, Joe Johns, is on Capitol Hill this morning.

Joe, good morning.

JOE JOHNS, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

Right now, Senator John Cornyn of Texas on the floor of the United States Senate. He's, of course, one of the people who's fought hardest for the nomination that is now on the floor. That is the nomination of Priscilla Owen to be a federal judge.

Seven Democrats, seven Republicans, as you said, entering into an agreement to preserve the filibuster. Democrats agreeing to only use the filibuster in extraordinary situations, Republicans agreeing not to kill it. But it's not exactly total disarmament on the floor of the Senate this morning.

The majority leader, Bill Frist, warning that it is not necessarily over yet. And the Democratic leader, Harry Reid, insisting that it is.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. BILL FRIST (R-TN), MAJORITY LEADER: I will say that if the other side of the aisle acts in bad faith, and if they resume that campaign of routine obstruction, where one out of every three or one out of every four nominees coming from the president who make it through the Judiciary Committee, who make it to the executive calendar, are filibustered, the constitutional option's going to come out again. I will bring it out once again. And once again, I will set a date to use it, and I hope I -- if that's what it takes, if that's what it takes to move this body forward, we will do that once again.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV), MINORITY LEADER: I support the memorandum of understanding. It took nuclear option off the table. Nuclear option is gone for our lifetime. We don't have to talk about it anymore.

I'm disappointed that we're -- there's still these threats of nuclear options. It's gone. Let's move on and do the Senate's business.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

JOHNS: Of course, the issue at hand right now, Priscilla Owen. She's effectively been waiting four years for this vote. And she may have to wait at least one more day. Under the agreement that was reached a little while ago, it is possible that the vote on her nomination could not come or might not come until tomorrow, though there's likely to be a vote today to cut off debate around 12:00 noon.

Daryn, back to you

KAGAN: So, Joe, let's talk about this phrase "extraordinary circumstances." That's when you're allowed to bring up the filibuster. That sounds like that is just trouble waiting to happen.

JOHNS: Yes, those are two pretty big words in this agreement. And obviously they can mean whatever a senator wants them to mean.

Senator John McCain said this morning that, in this -- his view, this is something you know it when you see it. So a lot of Democrats, a lot of Republicans suggesting this is all about faith, this is all about trust between the senators, and that's something they really think they haven't had before or haven't had for a while on judicial nominations.

The question, of course, is, how is this going to work? Especially if you have a Supreme Court nominee this year which creates the most volatile of all circumstances involving a judicial nomination.

KAGAN: Joe Johns on Capitol Hill. I bet it's been fascinating to watch the last 24 hours unfold. Thank you, Joe.

Well, not surprisingly, both sides in this battle over judges found something to like and to dislike in this deal. Let's listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. EDWARD KENNEDY (D), MASSACHUSETTS: I would hope that the Republican moderates now, that really took a very important step, that indicated they were not going to be a part of the extreme right on this, and they weren't going to be bullied by that -- the right wing groups, the grab for power, now will look at the real records of these, and I would hope that a number of them would reject these nominees because they're clearly out of the mainstream.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: We were trying to pull the Senate back from going over a precipice. We wanted to preserve the rights of the minority.

WE believe that the Democrats had abused the filibuster, which they had in the past couple of years. And we wanted to stop that from happening again. And it was a bipartisan effort. Look, what you're seeing is extreme right, extreme left, Senator Reid and others who are trying to spin it to some political advantage, when the fact is, our interest was the country's advantage. (END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Well, the biggest loser in this judge dustup may actually be Congress itself. A CNN-"USA Today"-Gallup poll shows over half of people believe Senate leaders are behaving like spoiled children. Thirty-four percent of the people in our poll also felt it was a good thing to have it both ways, preserve the filibuster and have a vote on the stalled judges.

Finally, our poll shows that most people, 48 percent, sided with the Democrats in this filibuster fight. Forty percent were persuaded by the Republican argument.

Another airspace violation to tell you about in the nation's capital. That tops our CNN "Security Watch."

It's the second time in less than two weeks that a plane flew into the restricted space around D.C. Air Force fighter jets were scrambled in response to the incursion yesterday.

It looks like little dots on your screen, but watch carefully what happens. One of the jets drops a flair to warn the pilot. Hey, buddy, you're in the wrong place.

The plane did land at its destination in Maryland. The pilot says bad weather and a lightning strike played a role in the incident.

The pilot involved in that May 11 airspace violation has had his license revoked. The FAA issued the decision yesterday. The agency says the pilot posed an unacceptable risk to safety. The Capitol building and the White House were evacuated when his plane flew into the restricted area.

That May 11 incident is raising new questions about who should have the authority to shoot down errant planes. The Associated Press says the Department of Homeland Security is considering whether its pilots should have that power. A former Homeland Security official and CNN security analyst weighed in on that and that issue during CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CLARK KENT ERVIN, CNN SECURITY ANALYST: If the Department of Homeland Security is to play any role, it should have the authority to play the entire role. But that said, there should be clear roles of engagement.

In this particular instance, it's the Pentagon that takes the lead. In this instance, it's the Coast Guard that takes the lead. Indeed, the best thing to do might be to let the Department of Homeland Security take the entire role and have the Pentagon play no role whatsoever.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: Some officials, though, question the safety of expanding the shootdown authority.

A man accused of trying to build a bomb and sell it to terrorist groups is in custody in Texas. Ronald Allen Grecula was arrested on Friday. Authorities say Grecula negotiated with an undercover agent that he thought was a member of al Qaeda.

CNN "Security Watch" keeps you up to date on safety. Stay tuned day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

The role of women in Afghanistan. There have been some changes over the last few years, but for some, those changes come with a deadly price. One woman's tragic story is just ahead.

And Jay Leno is one of America's favorite funny men. Today, jurors are expected to see his serious side in court. We'll have the latest on the Michael Jackson case just ahead.

Also, the medical, moral and ethical debate over stem cell research. President Bush weighs in on that this afternoon. Live coverage of the president's remarks beginning at 2:10 Eastern, 11:00 a.m. Pacific.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Lawyers for Michael Jackson are turning to celebrity witnesses as they move closer to wrapping up their case. The trial resumes at the bottom of the hour.

And late night talk show host Jay Leno is scheduled to take the stand. He arrived within the last hour.

Ted Rowlands has a preview from Santa Maria, California.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JAY LENO, "THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO": As you may have heard, I am testifying for real tomorrow, 8:00 in the morning.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All right.

(APPLAUSE)

LENO: I'm testifying. And listen to this, I was called by the defense. I'm a defense witness. So apparently they've never seen this program.

(LAUGHTER)

TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): While he may joke about Michael Jackson on his show, Jay Leno is being called as a witness to possibly help him. According to the defense, Leno received a phone call from the accuser in this case and felt so unnerved by it that he later called police. Leno's expected to be one of the final witnesses for the defense.

Comedian Chris Tucker is also expected to testify. Tucker, who's appeared with Jackson in a music video, is considered to be a friend of Jackson's.

JIM MORET, LEGAL ANALYST: They're not just brought in because they're celebrities, but the fact that they are celebrities will help them, because unlike so many of the other witnesses in this case, these people have nothing to gain by coming in here. In fact, Jay Leno perhaps doesn't even want to come in here.

ROWLANDS: In court Monday, the defense continued to attack the credibility of the accuser's mother, using documents furnished by the state of California. The defense established that the mother lied about her financial status when applying for and receiving welfare. The editor of a community newspaper also testified that she felt "duped" after she said the mother pushed to get a story written about her son to raise money for medical expenses.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Michael, are you happy the case is almost over?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No comment.

ROWLANDS: Jackson didn't say much after court Monday. Sources tell CNN that if everything goes as expected, the jury could begin deliberating his fate within two weeks.

Ted Rowlands, CNN, Santa Maria, California.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: And look who's just showing up now in Santa Maria, California. Michael Jackson arriving at the courthouse.

There he is. Umbrellas up, parents out of the car. And now here comes Michael Jackson.

As we watch him, it looks like he's having another one of those slow day. Full makeup, slow movement.

As we watch Michael Jackson make it into the courthouse, let's bring in former U.S. attorney Kendall Coffey to talk about today.

Kendall, good morning

KENDALL COFFEY, FMR. U.S. ATTORNEY: Hey, good morning, Daryn.

KAGAN: Do celebrity interviews tend to help or hurt, do you think?

COFFEY: Well, they're just more powerful. So if they're a little bit good, they're going to be really good. And if they're sort of a mixed blessing, then that's going to have more potency, too. And I think Chris Tucker is going to be probably a very good witness for Jackson in some ways, but I think there's a little bit of risk with Jay Leno.

KAGAN: Did you hear -- at the top of Ted Rowlands' piece, he ran the clip from Jay Leno's show last night. And he said, "The defense is calling me. Have they seen this show?" He rips Michael Jackson to pieces on a daily basis.

COFFEY: Well, that's right. And even though he's going to add a little bit to the scheming scamming of this alleged victim's family, consider the fact that he's had plenty of one-liners, raising plenty of questions about Michael Jackson. And we all remember that old expression, Daryn, many jest -- or many a truth is said in jest.

KAGAN: Ah, got it on that. Now, at the beginning of this, defense attorney Thomas Mesereau promised basically to put the mother of the accuser -- of the accuser on trial. I think he has delivered on that. This woman and this family have not looked very good after the defense's case.

COFFEY: No, she's been shattered credibility-wise. And, in addition, just making her believe she's a flake -- remember, this is the first kidnapping in the history of the world where the mom went out for a full body wax. This...

KAGAN: Hey, a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do.

COFFEY: Totally. But at the same time, she does welfare fraud, she has gotten in so many holes credibility-wise, that I think the defense has put a good job of putting her on trial. The question is, what about the trial against Michael Jackson, and has the prosecution scored some real points with some of the past accusers?

KAGAN: We won't know until it's completely over, but it does look like the defense will get through its case without putting Michael Jackson on the stand. I think earlier you had said you would have put him on the stand.

COFFEY: Well, you know, you got me. I'm busted on that one, Daryn. But the defense has done a very good job of explaining Michael Jackson, telling his side of the story through other witnesses. And when you can do that, why take a giant chance by putting the defendant on the stand?

KAGAN: Any predictions at this point? Do you think Michael Jackson is going to walk?

COFFEY: I think he's ahead right now.

KAGAN: Really? OK. Well, we'll be watching. As we said, the defense should be wrapping it up this week.

Kendall Coffey joining us from Miami. Looks pretty there. Thank you.

COFFEY: Hey, thanks, Daryn.

KAGAN: You might want to beware of your kid's pet hamster. Officials say there was actually a link between a household rodent and four deaths. That's coming up in our "Daily Dose" segment.

And stem cell research. The House of Representatives is set to vote on a bill to expand its research. Details on what those for and against this bill are saying coming up next.

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KAGAN: Some people checking their calendars to make sure it is the season they think it is today. Here's Jacqui Jeras with more on that.

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: Stem cell research seems to be accelerating around the world. The debate on further research here in this country may come to a head today in the House of Representatives. A look at both sides of the issue coming up.

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KAGAN: We're coming up on the half-hour. I'm Daryn Kagan. Here's what's happening "Now in the News."

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is in Washington this morning for a speech to a pro-Israel lobbying group. He focussed on his Gaza withdrawal plan for the summer and Iran's nuclear program. Senator Hillary Clinton also made remarks.

First lady Laura Bush wrapped up her visit to Egypt today. She stopped at a historic library in Alexandria and visited the school. Mrs. Bush encouraged Egyptian women to speak out for equality and she praised Egypt's president for electoral reform.

In Florida, 18-year-old Lionel Tate is jailed this morning on an armed robbery charge. A pizza deliveryman says he was held up at gunpoint.

You might remember when Tate was 14 he became the youngest person ever sentenced to life without parole. The conviction was overturned. Tate went on to strike a plea deal in that case in which he was accused of wrestling to death of a 6-year-old girl.

And a California motorist faces child cruelty charges. Police say she crammed nine people into her car. When everyone wouldn't fit in seats, she put two children in the trunk. It was a 60-mile-long trip.

Keeping you informed, CNN is the most trusted name in news.

It is a medical, moral and ethical debate that is taking center stage on Capitol Hill this hour. The House is debating a bill that would expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. President Bush has promised to veto that measure. He has limited federally-funded research to existing stem cell lines.

The president discusses the issue later today. We're going to have those comments for you live at 2:10 p.m. Eastern.

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