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Senate Dispute Over Unreleased Roberts Documents; North Korea Nuclear Arms Talks Enter Day Two; New TV Show Profiles War in Iraq

Aired July 27, 2005 - 11:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: More legal trouble for former football star O.J. Simpson. A federal judge has found him guilty of pirating satellite signals from DirecTV. Simpson has been ordered to pay $25,000 in damages, plus other fees. Simpson's attorney say the judge denied their client a right to a jury trial and they're examining their legal options.
The White House says documents being released on Supreme Court nominee John Roberts are more than enough for the senators who will decide his confirmation. Senate Democrats disagree. White House correspondent Dana Bash joins us with the latest on the Roberts nomination. And Dana, the president was on Capitol Hill this morning as well.

DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: That's right. He was on the House side, rallying some House Republicans, essentially trying to get a legislative victory before he and Congress leave town for the month of August. And the focus for the president this morning was on a free trade agreement for Central America. This is something that the White House very, very much wants to get under his belt as a legislative victory. But it is going to be quite close, and House Republicans are planning to bring that vote up today. So this was part pep rally, part arm twisting on the House.

But meanwhile, on the other side of the Capitol, on the Senate side, the president's nominee for the Supreme Court, John Roberts, is continuing to make courtesy calls. He met with House Republicans -- excuse, Senate Republicans early today. That as members of the Senate Judiciary Committee today are going through six boxes, some 15,000 documents of writings and papers from when Roberts was a young lawyer in the Reagan administration.

The White House expedited the release of those papers, Fredricka, in attempt to show that they're being transparent, that they're being cooperative. Democrats say that symbolic, even a stunt. They want to see different documents from -- more recent documents from the solicitor general's office they say could shed light on his position on abortion. The White House is saying that's not going to happen.

WHITFIELD: Well, a lot of reading to do. But let's talk about a couple of the points that have been discovered in some of this reading, including an interesting relationship between John Roberts and the woman who he was hoping to replace, Sandra Day O'Connor. They actually had a working relationship.

BASH: That's right. It's very ironic, and it certainly shows what a small world it is here in Washington. It also shows the fact that John Roberts certainly knows what he's in for when it comes to the confirmation hearings.

In 1981, John Roberts, while working at the Justice Department, actually helped out Sandra Day O'Connor in her preparation for the Supreme Court, for her confirmation hearings. He helped prepare questions, helped prepare answers, and also, gave some advice on what is and is not appropriate. And he said that, in a memo, he said that any questions from senators about specific cases before the Supreme Court should be rejected. He said it would be inappropriate for Sandra Day O'Connor to answer those questions.

Again, that could definitely give some insight into what he is planning on doing. It certainly goes along the lines of what we're hearing from the White House, that John Roberts is not planning to answer those specific questions -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: All right, Dana Bash, thanks so much, from the White House.

Well, in Beijing, a day of demand as nuclear arms talks enter day two. The leader of the North Korean delegation presented the U.S. with its demands for disarmament at the start of today's negotiations, but will the U.S. accept?

CNN's senior Asia correspondent Mike Chinoy is here with the latest. Usually we're talking way across ponds. This time we get a chance to talk in person.

MIKE CHINOY, CNN SR. ASIA CORRESPONDENT: Face to face.

WHITFIELD: Yes, good to see you.

CHINOY: Nice to be here.

WHITFIELD: Well, it's very interesting, because there have been an awful lot of one-on-one meetings between U.S. representatives and North Koreans. That's really unusual. Is this a potential breakthrough?

CHINOY: I wouldn't call it a breakthrough. The vibes are a little bit better. I mean, it's been a year since the North Koreans walked out, so the fact that they're back is encouraging. The fact the U.S. delegation has met a couple of times privately with the North Koreans is interesting, because North Koreans want always to deal directly with the U.S. They're not all that happy about the other countries being involved in the process.

The real problem is that the demands of the two sides are still miles apart. The U.S. wants the North Koreans to agree upfront to get rid of their nuclear program, to agree on a way in which that can be verified. Afterwards, then Washington says, it will consider giving the North Koreans the kind of security guarantees they want, the aid they want.

The North Koreans want to turn it around. They say they're not going to do anything until the U.S. takes the first step and moves towards normalization of relations and ending with this North Seas as a threat from Washington of pushing a regime change. So even though they're talking, at the moment there's a huge gap, and the question is whether this negotiation process will go anywhere or whether they'll be so far apart it'll break down again.

WHITFIELD: Well, isn't it interesting that these six-party talks are, in fact, taking place? Can it be credited, in fact, to Condi Rice's recent visit there, where she apparently changed some of the language with North Koreans, saying they thought that Americans had insulted them with certain language and that she kind of cleaned things up. Did that help?

CHINOY: Well, I think there was a lot of pressure on Washington to get back to these talks. The South Koreans, the Chinese, the Japanese, the major players in Asia, were very uncomfortable about the absence of a diplomatic process, because if they're not talking, the worry is that things could worse. So a lot of pressure on Washington to talk.

And the North Koreans, having stayed out for a year, got the South Koreans in particular to agree to give them concessions, economic aid. So they got a payoff for coming back and they, too, don't want to offend the Chinese, who are their main allies or patrons. So pressure from -- on both sides to get into that process. But whether that's going to be enough to make the process go anywhere, that's really to be the big question.

WHITFIELD: And some publications are indicating that this administration is modeling their approach to North Korea with that of an approach the administration took in 2003 with Libya. Anything to glean from that? What does it mean?

CHINOY: Well, the administration until now has made this very rigid demand. North Korea has to do everything upfront. Then and only then will they get anything from the U.S. So if they're modifying it -- the issue is what the diplomats call sequencing. Who does what when? And if the U.S. is willing to modify its rigid -- previously rigid demand that North does everything first, then maybe there will be something reciprocal from the North Koreans that could at least allow the process to go on.

But the idea of any breakthrough, anything dramatic anytime soon, I think, is very unlikely. And there is a time factor here. The longer there's no agreement, the more North Koreans churn out that weapons-grade plutonium can make more bombs. So, in that sense, the clock is not on the side of the United States, because the North has more time to enhance its nuclear capabilities.

WHITFIELD: In a way, still considered baby steps, then. Asian correspondent Mike Chinoy, thanks so much. Good to see you.

Well, a first of its kind show premieres this week. It's a drama about life for U.S. soldiers in Iraq. I'll be speaking with a TV critic about Steven Bochco's new show "Over There." And a story to pull at your heartstrings. Twin boys, both born in need of heart transplants. I'll be speaking with their parents. You're watching CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: In our "Daily Dose" of health news, the fight to save newborn twins suffering from a rare heart condition. Doctors say the twin boys will likely need heart transplants in the next three to six months. The parents of two-week old Nicholas and Nathaniel Draper are pledging for organ donors to come forward.

Nicole and Michael Draper are with us this morning from Los Angeles, along with their doctor, Dr. Juan Alejos. He's a pediatric cardiologist at UCLA's Mattel Children's Hospital. Good to see all of you. Thanks for being with us.

Doctor, let me begin with you and explain what kind of rare heart condition that we're talking about with these twins.

DR. JUAN ALEJOS, PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGIST: Well, we're talking about with Nicholas and Nathaniel is a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy. It's a rare condition in and of itself, but in newborns, it's extremely rare. I haven't been able to find a case documented of babies born presenting the condition.

WHITFIELD: Wow.

ALEJOS: Basically, it's a weakness of the heart muscle that allows it -- that prevents it from pumping enough blood for the body.

WHITFIELD: And is this something -- since this condition was detected when they were about seven-and-half months in the womb -- is this a condition that is ordinarily detected much earlier? Or, of those other rare cases, is this about the time that this condition spotted?

ALEJOS: No, usually, actually, it's much later. Usually it has many causes, from viruses to familial causes, but usually it presents anywhere from months to years in age, most commonly in adolescents or teenage years.

WHITFIELD: Now getting an organ, getting hearts for infants, is difficult in and of itself. But explain why perhaps there is a greater window of opportunity for these twins, given that they might be more eligible for a child or an infant much greater in weight than them, heart donors from them.

ALEJOS: Well, I mean, their hearts, in order to try to make up for the fact that they're not beating well, have enlarged. They've dilated up a little bit, and they've ave created room, more room in their chests, so they -- while they are themselves about five or six pounds, their heart size is that of approximately of 10-pound, 11- pound baby, which would allow them to actually accept a heart from a bigger donor if we are so fortunate to find one. WHITFIELD: So Mr. and Mrs. Draper, that has to offer a little bit of encouragement that perhaps these twins may be candidates for hearts that they may otherwise not have been able to get -- Mr. Draper.

MICHAEL DRAPER, TWINS' FATHER: Yes, Fredricka, we're very encouraged. We're optimistic. This is obviously, a very difficult thing to go through. But we're very optimistic, and we know that our boys can get those hearts and come home with us.

WHITFIELD: And Mrs. Draper, Nicholas is on the list to receive a donor, but Nathaniel is not on the list, is that correct?

NICOLE DRAPER, TWINS' MOTHER: That's correct.

WHITFIELD: OK. Explain why?

N. DRAPER: Well, Nicholas was considered shortly after they arrived at UCLA and was determined to be a candidate, while Nathaniel had some other complications, and the doctors like to see that their other systems healthy. He had some bleeding in his brain, which they would like to see not progress and get better. As that happens, and his other systems look good, then they will reconsider putting him on the list.

WHITFIELD: Now, Mrs. Draper, explain how difficult this has been for you. are from Phoenix, but you've gone back and forth now to California where your babies are getting care. You've stayed in California, right? Your husband has been going back and forth. What has that been like given you haven't had a chance to have much contact, much physical contact with the children at all?

N. DRAPER: It has been very difficult, obviously the most difficult thing that our family has ever gone through. We have three older children as well, and trying to maintain a since of normalcy for them, as well as spend time with the babies, as well as manage the logistics of living in two different states, where obviously my husband needs to get back and work, it has been very difficult. And we have been able to do it with good family support, and leaning on each other and our faith.

WHITFIELD: And, Mr. Draper, I understand you all have only had a chance to have physical contact with the babies once, is that right?

M. DRAPER: That is correct. Once with each of them. And I mean, obviously, the staff over at UCLA has to balance, you know, giving the boys care. They're in a critical condition, as well as, you know, giving us the opportunity to hold the babies, and so while we understand that, obviously, we look forward to any times and moments that we get to do that.

WHITFIELD: And, doctor, what will determine whether the need for the heart transplant takes place in three months or six months at the very latest?

ALEJOS: Well, I think it's not so much the timing; I think both children will need a heart transplant. It's the average wait time for an infant of this size unfortunately is about three to six months. So it's our kind of job to try to keep them as stable and healthy as possible, all the other organ systems, so they can wait for that period in order to receive a donor.

WHITFIELD: Juan Alejos, thank you so for much for joining us from UCLA. And Michael Draper and Nicole Draper, again, thank you, and best of luck and best wishes to you and your family.

M. DRAPER: Thank you so much.

N. DRAPER: Thank you so much.

WHITFIELD: For your daily dose of health news online, log on to our Web site. You'll find the latest medical stories, special reports and a health library. The address is CNN.com/health.

And we'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: And now to a case of art trying to imitate life. A U.S. Army unit arrived in Iraq and immediately faces a bloody battle. But it's not a story from Iraq's frontlines. It's a plot -- the plotline, rather, of a controversial new television series. It profiles a band of brothers in the Iraq war. Here's CNN's Brooke Anderson.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BROOKE ANDERSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): These images of war may seem real, but they're not. This is a scene from the new television series "Over There."

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're into it now, huh?

ANDERSON: Locations in the California desert double for Iraq. The drama, which debuts Wednesday on F/X, also depicts life on the home front. We screened the first three episodes with Lisa Stehle, whose husband served in Iraq.

(on camera): Is it hard for you to watch this?

LISA STEHLE, MILITARY WIFE: No, I mean it's not hard to watch because I've put it into a mode of it's just another show.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Shut up and stay alive, Tim (ph), OK?

STEHLE: I was afraid that the show would sensationalize war. I thought that it would put this war in my living room. The war did not come into my living room. It's a TV show.

ANDERSON (voice-over): Co-creator and executive producer Steven Bochco was initially reluctant to make this potentially controversial program. STEVEN BOCHCO, EXEC. PROD., "OVER THERE": I think whatever political perceptions one might have about the show speak more to, you know, the mindset of the viewer watching.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Twos (ph), I can't do this.

ANDERSON: On the day I stopped by the set north of Los Angeles, the action involved a dangerous search mission.

(on camera): Why do people need to see this? Why do you think they do?

MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR, ACTOR: Why not show it? I think that it's the way that they're filming this and the way that it's being shown, I think that it's going to be eye opening. They're either going to hate it or love it.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let's go.

ANDERSON (voice-over): Lisa Stehle, who's husband expects to return to Iraq, isn't sure she'll keep watching.

STEHLE: I just don't think that it's the most appropriate things for some of our families to see.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've made it through our first week, anyways, which not everybody thought was going to happen, let me tell you. Just that right there is a victory.

ANDERSON: Brooke Anderson, CNN, Los Angeles.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Well, let's talk more about "Over There" with someone else who has seen it, Andrew Wallenstein is a TV features editor at "The Hollywood Reporter." He's live from Los Angeles right now.

All right, good to see you.

Andrew, what are your thoughts?

ANDREW WALLENSTEIN, "THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER": Well, I think people for the most part are going to find this a really interesting program, because it is, as you said, the very first one to depict war that's in progress.

WHITFIELD: And what's your understanding about how they develop the plot lines?

WALLENSTEIN: Well, certain, I think there's a real sort of ripped-from-the-headlines quality to a lot of the storylines in the show. People who are used to following this war are going to see something that rings pretty true.

WHITFIELD: Is it your point of view that perhaps some viewers might find it a bit too real? WALLENSTEIN: Well, I don't know. I mean, you know, cable television has done some pretty -- has handled some pretty difficult material in honest, compelling ways over the years. So if anything, my criticism of this show would be that it's not shocking enough. I mean, the brutalities of war are such that it should rattle the viewer to the core. And I don't think this is really that much more shocking than anything else we have come to see on cable.

WHITFIELD: And the story you saw, is it focusing primarily on particular subjects and what they're encountering at that time, or does it take more of an overall view?

WALLENSTEIN: Well, I think the interesting thing about this show is that it's not going to come across as necessarily pro or anti-war. It's about immersing the viewer in the soldier's experience. And I think it does a very authentic job. You'll see some pretty riveting battle scenes that are, you know, not violent in a glamorous kind of way, but something that really sort of brings home just how incredible this war is.

WHITFIELD: And when you say some of the plot lines are kind of taken -- you know, ripped from the headlines, when you were watching the show, did you feel as though any of it depicted some of the stories that perhaps you've been following or have seen in newspapers or on television?

WALLENSTEIN: Well, you know, I should be clearer. This is not a documentary. It's not, you know, re-creating actual stories. It's more along the lines of stories that are inspired by what's going on in Iraq. And I think people who are finding the war in the news interesting will probably the show pretty interesting.

WHITFIELD: All right. Andrew Wallenstein, TV features editor of "Hollywood Reporter," thanks so much.

WALLENSTEIN: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: And "Over There" premieres tonight on F/X.

A check of business news is next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: And right now, want to take you to the state capital in New York there. You see Governor George Pataki where, in a few moments, he will be officially be announcing that he will not be seeking re-election for governor, but instead, some insiders say he may even go as far as saying he might toss his hat into the ring for the 2008 presidential race. But we can only know when he actually takes the stand and we hear those words spoken from his mouth, coming up maybe within the next five minutes or so there in New York.

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

WHITFIELD: I'm Fredricka Whitfield, in for Daryn Kagan. International news is up next. Stay tuned for "YOUR WORLD TODAY" with Jim Clancy and Zain Verjee, right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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