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Reagan National Airport Opens for General Aviation; Questionnaire Sheds Light on Miers

Aired October 18, 2005 - 10:30   ET

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

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld arrives in Beijing with a stern message for Chinese leaders. Rumsfeld is accusing China of downplaying the massive scale of its defense spending, and he says that fuels global suspicion over its military ambitions. This is Rumsfeld's first visit to the communist nation since taking office in 2001.
We are keeping a close eye on this. A dam on the brink of bursting south of Boston. If it happens, it means big problems for one small town. We'll get the latest on the situation straight ahead.

And have you seen this? A dramatic effort to rescue a man from a burning car. See and hear how it plays out when CNN LIVE TODAY continues. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Let's spend a little time now on this situation in Taunton, Massachusetts. And let's bring in CNN meteorologist Dave Hennen. And Dave, here's the situation. Authorities there fear a dam. This is the Whittenton Pond Dam that may burst at any moment. And that's, of course, due to rising waters from all of the flooding in the northeast over the last week or so.

Some 2,000 people living in low-lying areas have been urged to get out, to leave their homes, to evacuate. And Dave, the last thing folks there need is more rain. I think we're looking at sunny skies there now, but what does the forecast hold for them?

DAVE HENNEN, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, I was just looking, Tony. It doesn't look too bad. There are some showers in the area. In fact, we could show you that on our radar right now, we do have a few showers in the area. Much of that area under flood warnings at the present time, too.

Here's the few showers that are showing up. So we're looking at maybe less than a tenth of an inch of rain, on top of what has already fallen over this year. In fact, most of it's going to be north of Taunton, which is a suburb outside of Boston. So we're going to see most of the shower activity further to the north.

But notice these flood warnings that are still in effect, not only in Massachusetts, but up through parts of Vermont, New Hampshire and even in northeastern New Jersey. We were showing you those rivers earlier in the week. They're still above flood stages. So the flood warnings continue, in effect. The good news here is, though, there is not much additional rainfall on the way -- Tony. HARRIS: Yes, that is good news. All right, Dave. Thank you.

And now a CNN "Security Watch." For the first time since the 9/11 terror attacks, general aviation returns today at Reagan National Airport, just outside of Washington.

CNN homeland security correspondent Jeanne Meserve was there was when the first flight came in. Jeanne, good morning.

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Tony.

It was a pretty sight and for some a very welcome site when that first general aviation flight arrived here at Reagan National since 9/11 under celebratory plumes of water from fire trucks. General aviation was suspended here after 9/11, and it would be a stretch to say things were back to normal. Only 48 flight operations are going to be allowed each day here, as opposed to the 122 before 9/11.

And there will be some stringent security requirements. Each and every flight will be required to have an armed law enforcement officer onboard, and arriving flights will have to go through one of 12 gateway airports where the TSA will do screening of the plane, the passengers and the baggage. Nonetheless, business leaders and local officials were glad to see the resumption of service.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. JIM MORAN (D), VIRGINIA: It's the right thing to do for the Washington area economy, but it's also the right thing to do for the country. This is our national airport and the signal we send to close it down to general aviation is the wrong signal, as far as we're concerned.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MESERVE: A look at the map shows you why general aviation here had been shut down. The airport is within very close flying distance of the White House, the capital, the Pentagon and Washington's monument. Some security experts still wondering whether it's the right thing to do to resume general aviation here, but the head of security at the airport says there is an umbrella of security over the city.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PAT HYNES, FEDERAL SECURITY SERVICE: Federal air marshals, better screening, excellent technologies, (INAUDIBLE) detection systems. We have layers of security in the air.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MESERVE: Operators will have to pay about $500 to use the airport and it will be a lot slower because of those security requirements. Nonetheless, advocates for general aviation hope that this is just the first step, and with time, things will come closer to what used to be called normal.

Back to you -- Tony.

HARRIS: Jeanne Meserve for us. Jeanne, thank you.

MESERVE: You bet.

HARRIS: The plans to step up border security are under discussion today on Capitol Hill. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Labor Secretary Elaine Cho are testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee. And the committee is working on a bill to reduce the flow of illegal immigrants, including potential terrorists. In prepared remarks, Chertoff promised to end the catch and release policy that has allowed many illegal immigrants to disappear into the United States.

And be sure to stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

You were wondering when you might get an indication of some of the judicial views of Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers. And we understand that we are getting some insights as to what she might be thinking, some of her views, from a questionnaire she has returned to the Senate Judiciary Committee, the committee that will begin confirmation hearings for her soon.

Congressional correspondent Ed Henry is on Capitol Hill with some of those insights. Ed, good morning.

ED HENRY, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Tony, that's right.

We have the questionnaire here. It arrived just about in the last hour to the Senate Judiciary Committee, all 64 pages of it. I can tell you, senators and staff are already poring through it. Because this is normally a formality, but in this case, as you know, there's been a lot of criticism directed to Harriet Miers, particularly from conservatives, suggesting she's a blank slate. They want to know as much as possible about her.

This has a lot of basics -- name, birthplace, marital status, education, simple things like that -- but then it does get into some of those tougher questions you suggested. And in fact, there's one very interesting nugget.

When Harriet Miers is asked about what bars she belongs to, she mentions the Texas bar and the D.C. Bar, and reveals that earlier this year, she received notice that the dues for the D.C. Bar were delinquent, quote, "and a result, my ability to practice law in D.C. had been suspended." An obvious problem for the White House counsel to not be able to practice law in D.C. She says on the questionnaire this was not non-intentional. She immediately sent the dues in, and that was remedied.

Now, on the important questions. Question 27 on this form, selection process. She reveals that when Sandra Day O'Connor announced her retirement, she was asked whether or not she wanted to be considered and at that time, Harriet Miers said no. After the death of Chief Justice William Rehnquist, though, she was approached again and said she'd met with the president four times, and, of course, that culminated in the offer over dinner.

She was also asked, has anyone involved in the process discussed with you any specific cases or legal issues? A major question looming right now. She says, simply, no. Did you make any representation to any individuals or interest groups as to how you might rule on specific cases -- again, a simple no. No further explanation.

And finally, question 28, one that can conservatives particularly are looking at closely. Discuss your views on judicial activism. She says, quote, "The role of the judiciary in our system of government is limited," and quote, "the courts are to arbiters of disputes, not policymakers." It goes on and on for about two-and-a-half pages.

But the point is, I'm talking to conservative activists who have been poring through this. And they say the early line is they think Harriet Miers hit the right notes, suggesting that she is conservative in general. She doesn't get into specific case like abortion, but in general, has a limited philosophy on how she would approach issues from the high court.

The question, though, is she had a let of help probably in preparing this. She has a lot of staff putting it together. How will she do when she's all alone, answering these tough questions about specific issues before the Senate Judiciary Committee. We'll find out in the middle of next month. A deal expected later today perhaps. Hearings starting either November 7th or November 14th -- Tony.

HARRIS: Congressional correspondent Ed Henry. Ed, we're going to let you go so you can fine tooth that thing. I know you want to do that.

(WEATHER REPORT)

HARRIS: Thirteen casinos either damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It didn't help that they were all on the water. The governor wants them rebuilt on land. Others are betting on a different outcome. We'll show you their cards, straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: And a live look now as New Orleans' Mayor Ray Nagin testifies before a committee, a House committee now, look at ways to rebuild New Orleans. A couple of congressional hearings going on today to review the response to Hurricane Katrina and moving forward, that much criticized response at all levels of government. We saw earlier Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco testifying before this committee.

Let's listen in now to New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS) MYR. RAY NAGIN, NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: Because then we would be talking about California, that sits on a fault line. We would be talking about Florida, that got hit with six hurricanes, I think, last year. We would be talking about the north, that has snow blizzards and that devastates and causes problems.

This is a unique American icon, and it deserves the support from this committee and from this Congress, because when nobody else wanted to drill oil of the coast, Louisiana did it. When nobody else wanted to drill for natural gas and have salt domes, Louisiana did it.

We are a very unique place economically. We have a port that is strategically positioned for one of the greatest land deals that ever happened, the Louisiana Purchase, that fueled this entire country. This is a place that deserves federal support, and I'm encouraging all of you to do it.

Just for the sake of background...

HARRIS: New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, speaking before a congressional committee today that is taking up the issue of how to rebuild Louisiana, New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Mississippi's floating casinos will be allowed to rebuild onshore. Governor Haley Barbour signed the measure into law yesterday. Hurricane Katrina damaged or destroyed all 13 of the massive barges, and has cost the state a half million dollars a day in tax revenue. One casino company said it would not rebuild if the new gambling houses weren't allowed inland.

(MARKET REPORT)

HARRIS: Well, it's something many people have been through. We all watched it. Jen and Brad had to do it in the glare of the public eye. Breaking up, that's right. Hard to do, the new commandments on surviving a split, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: We've all heard that hope springs eternal, but sometimes reality is the true cure for the lovesick. Our next guests are the authors of a new tough love book, "It's Called a Breakup Because It's Broken."

Greg Behrendt is the co-author of the bestseller "He's Just Not That Into You." For this book, he's teamed with his lovely wife Amira. Amira, good to see you.

AMIRA ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT, AUTHOR, "IT'S CALLED A BREAKUP...": Thanks. Good to see you.

HARRIS: Oh, Greg, hi. Good to see you, too. Well, this is great. Now you've written -- tell us about this. This is basically a survival guide, isn't it?

ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT: It is. HARRIS: For women at that moment when the relationship is going nowhere and it is time to end this thing right now.

GREG BEHRENDT, AUTHOR, "IT'S CALLED A BREAKUP...": Yes. And acknowledge it right away. Know that it's happening and know that it's time to move on quickly.

HARRIS: Amira, it is tough to do that. It is tough to end the relationship.

ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT: It is. But you know, we've actually chronicled the stages you're going go through, the pitfalls you will certainly fall if not dive into it.

HARRIS: And there are many?

ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT: There are many. And some practical advice to help give you -- maintain your dignity through this very painful time.

HARRIS: So this is a book for women who are in nowhere relationships. And tell us why women stay in nowhere relationships? You know why?

ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT: Because we're hopeful.

HARRIS: Yes, that you can change the man.

BEHRENDT: Yes, right.

HARRIS: Right? Isn't that what happens?

ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT: And we'll try...

BEHRENDT: Rule number one, you cannot change another human being.

HARRIS: You can't do it.

BEHRENDT: Rule number one, you can't do it.

ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT: That doesn't mean we're not going try.

HARRIS: So that's it. We summarized the book. We're done? No, of course we're not. All right, here's the thing. Walk away, stay away, push away from the ice cream, right?

ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT: You know, as much as ice cream feels good and booze feels good and shopping, they're just coping mechanisms. At the end of day it's a temporary solution.

BEHRENDT: Yes, and if you...

ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT: You're still broken up.

BEHRENDT: If you do it too much and you wake up, you're still sad, fat, sad, drunk and broken up. So you don't want to be all those things. Just be broken up.

HARRIS: Walk away, stay away, don't see him, don't talk to him.

ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT: Sixty days.

HARRIS: Cold turkey?

ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT: Cold turkey. Sixty days.

BEHRENDT: Detox. You wouldn't ask an alcoholic to dry out in a bar. So why stay engaged with the person who's ultimately going to make you sad. We call it a "he-tox" or a "she-tox." Get away for 60 days immediately.

HARRIS: OK. You say find yourself -- find yourself a breakup buddy.

BEHRENDT: Right.

HARRIS: That's the next level, isn't it?

ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT: No, it's not.

HARRIS: Oh, I'm sorry.

ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT: It's not.

HARRIS: I'm sorry. I took it too far. I do that.

BEHRENDT: That's something else.

ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT: That's something else.

HARRIS: I apologize.

ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT: Your breakup buddy is the person that's your go to in this situation. It's the person you call instead of calling them. It's the person that helps you get through the toughest, toughest times.

BEHRENDT: Give them the phone when you go out drinking. This is the person that takes his stuff back to him. You know what I mean? Oh, he's got to have his toothbrush. You know what? He'll live without his toothbrush.

HARRIS: OK, and you say -- is this sort of tied to the cold turkey idea? No backsliding.

ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT: No backsliding is a delicate way of saying don't have breakup sex. Because breakup sex is not we're getting back together sex.

BEHRENDT: Yes, it's called breakup sex for a reason.

ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT: It's, you're taking a demotion. You're showing up to work without getting paid. You're saying, you can still be my friend and have my body without any emotional responsibility.

HARRIS: Got you. Greg, something in this for men?

BEHRENDT: Yes, there is a chapter in there.

HARRIS: You're going to let us off the hook, right?

BEHRENDT: There is. There's a chapter in there called, "Dude, Get Off Her Lawn."

HARRIS: Get off the lawn!

BEHRENDT: Yes, because men are a little bit more demonstrative in their breakups. But ultimately, we all go through the same pain and this is just a book to get you going in the right direction, man.

HARRIS: Yes. And you felt you needed to write this book now, the timing was right because you had all of these -- these pearls, these jewels of wisdom that you had to share with people at this moment, and you had all the answers and it was time to put it down on paper, correct?

BEHRENDT: You got it.

HARRIS: Not that there was a lot of money to be made on the follow-up to the first successful book, which was tremendous.

BEHRENDT: You know, we got a lot of e-mails from women saying OK, great, I'm out of relationship, now what?

ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT: Now what?

BEHRENDT: Because I feel like crap. What do I do now? So we felt --you know, we felt, why not do it? And also for me, truly, a breakup was the most significant thing that ever happened to me. It got me sober, changed my life. I actually turned it into something good.

HARRIS: Well, good luck with this one. Good luck with the follow-up.

ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT: Thanks so much.

BEHRENDT: Thanks, man.

HARRIS: Greg, Amira, good to see you both.

ROUTOLA-BEHRENDT: Thanks for having us.

HARRIS: Thanks for coming in.

Well, the latest on the state of emergency in Massachusetts, where a failing dam threatened some 2,000 residents. Senator Ted Kennedy joins me live ahead. The second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins right after a quick break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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