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American Morning

Car Bomb Explodes in Front of Baghdad Hotel

Aired May 25, 2004 - 07:30   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.


BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: We'll get to the "Political Pop" in a moment here.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: All right. But first, Iraq, let's start with that. New violence there this morning after a car bomb explodes there. Iraqi police say at least four people were killed in the blast. The Australian embassy may have been the intended target.

And a holy shrine for Shiite Muslims is damaged in Najaf, where American soldiers have been battling forces loyal to radical Muslim cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

Harris Whitbeck live for us in Baghdad with a wrap-up of the latest.

Harris -- good morning.

HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Soledad.

That car bomb exploded in the Jadriya district of Baghdad near the Australian embassy and near buildings that house members the Australian military, that foreign part of the military coalition that is operating in Iraq. There was also a building that houses part of a U.N. World Food Program operation here in Baghdad.

Australia is one of the countries that have contributed troops to the military coalition in Iraq.

Meanwhile, as you said, there is more fighting in the holy city of Najaf. It has taken a toll beyond the human one. The city, as you know, is considered sacred by Shiites worldwide. And apparently a battle between U.S. forces and militia loyal to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr resulted in at least seven deaths, according to local hospital officials. And apparently some sort of projectile hit the Imam Ali shrine, considered to be the holiest site for Shiites worldwide.

Supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr accuse the United States forces of firing mortars at the mosque. U.S. military spokesmen in the region have denied that. They say that U.S. military operations and planners have taken great pains towards avoiding any fighting near religious sites in order to avoid offending sensibilities here in the country -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: They're certainly trying to do that. Harris Whitbeck for us this morning. Thank you very much. Appreciate it -- Bill.

HEMMER: Soledad, thanks. And right now, we have no idea how this is going to turn out. It's new. We call it "Political Pop."

Say hello to "New York Post" columnist Robert George.

Good morning, Robert. Welcome here to AMERICAN MORNING.

ROBERT GEORGE, "NEW YORK POST": Good to be here.

HEMMER: Laura Flanders, Air America radio host here in New York City.

Good morning, Laura.

LAURA FLANDERS, AIR AMERICA RADIO HOST: Good morning.

HEMMER: And the author of "Bush Women: Tales of a Cynical Species" as well, Laura.

And MTV news correspondent Gideon Yago. His show, "Choose or Lose, Work It," premieres tonight on MTV. A big day for you.

GIDEON YAGO, MTV NEWS CORRESPONDENT: A very big day.

HEMMER: Are you guys ready for this?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let's go.

HEMMER: Let's give it a shot. Laura, I'm going to take a guess that you weren't pleased last night with the president's speech. Am I on a limb or what?

FLANDERS: I thought it was great. He had to get across his point, and he got across, which is one big blur. He's been saying the same thing for the last 10 months. He said it again. What he says is so neat. He says, you know, we have no idea who we're handing over power to. But don't worry, it's all working out just fine. And the sort of evidence that our mission is great is how much violence is directed towards us. Fantastic!

HEMMER: Jump on that, Robert.

GEORGE: Well, I think it's definitely a problem. I think this speech -- remember, he said this is, like, the first of about five or six speeches where he's going to be regularly talking about this issue.

HEMMER: Through the month of June.

GEORGE: So, he wants to actually show progress.

FLANDERS: I can't wait to hear it all over again.

GEORGE: Well, no, but the point is he's going to...

FLANDERS: He's going to show progress. GEORGE: ... he's got the baseline, and then he's going to show progress. But I will say this: If you do have continued violence, the question is, is how long the American people are going to stick with him. I think this first one was for his base, and I think they'll be mollified for a week.

(CROSSTALK)

HEMMER: On Thursday, John Kerry is going to put out his plan for it. What is he going to say that's any different from last night?

FLANDERS: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) in my view probably. But I think what was fascinating about last night was he was supposedly talking to his base. He's there at the war college, and yet he blames military commanders for mis-estimating the troop strength on the ground. In fact, the very military college, the war college he was at, has been writing scathing reports about his campaign, saying it was not cheap, that it was not enough people.

(CROSSTALK)

YAGO: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) feel bad for the people who are doing his election, though, this year. Because how can they use the flip-flop argument from now on, you know, when you look at point by point, the five points that he enumerated in that speech, and it went completely against everything that he spelled out about a year ago.

(CROSSTALK)

HEMMER: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) topic No. 1. Time to move to topic No. 2. I'm sorry. This is the way we do it around here, OK?

YAGO: Yes.

HEMMER: Let's talk about the Democratic convention, late July in Boston. There's a lot of talk right now about John Kerry not taking the nomination, extending the process, which allows him to spend essentially more money for the month of August. How is that going over?

GEORGE: Well, you know, I can say this: The Republican lawyers are looking at this now. You see, the two parties get about $18 million to put on the conventions. The Republican lawyers are basically looking at this and saying, well, if that's not going to be a real nominating convention, he shouldn't get the 18 million. So, it's going to be interesting to see what Kerry decides to do.

HEMMER: A good move?

FLANDERS: Well, I don't know.

(CROSSTALK)

FLANDERS: I mean, I think it's wild for the Republicans to be up on a high horse about money-raising. That's what happens at those conventions. It's been years since any convention was about anything other than slip-sliding around campaign financing laws.

GEORGE: But this is (UNINTELLIGIBLE) of 60 years' worth of conventions.

(CROSSTALK)

FLANDERS: I mean, who is going to cover this thing? They're going to have to pay Kucinich to come to the convention to make it interesting.

GEORGE: Are you going to really cover -- is CNN going to really cover it if nothing is actually going to go on?

HEMMER: We will definitely be there, no question.

GEORGE: OK.

FLANDERS: Nothing has gone for years, and the networks (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

HEMMER: Here's the question: Don't the delegates, don't they -- they want to go there. They want to have their guy stand up there and say, I accept your nomination.

(CROSSTALK)

GEORGE: They want closure, and Kerry is not giving it them. He's just extending...

FLANDERS: They want the whining and dining.

GEORGE: ... extending...

FLANDERS: It's all been closed before the convention even begin for years already.

GEORGE: It's the pageantry.

YAGO: Why even have a convention? I mean, what are you even getting at?

FLANDERS: It's a wine and dine party.

YAGO: I mean, honestly, it's a four-day...

GEORGE: It's supposed to be a big...

FLANDERS: They're getting the wine, you're getting...

(CROSSTALK)

HEMMER: You know, you guys aren't short of opinions over here, by the way. I don't know. Are you guys able to hear everybody?

Let's move on to our third topic. Twenty-two million single women in the year 2000 did not vote. Is this the next rich bucket of votes in 2004?

YAGO: This is the next swing vote.

(CROSSTALK)

HEMMER: Should they go after NASCAR dads? What do you think?

YAGO: I'm sure. I mean, you're always -- you know, pollsters are always going to find a new swing vote to try and bring in and shift the margins one way or the other. But, I mean, if you want to get them to vote, you know, give them a tax break. Give them something specific for their lifestyle. You know, it's -- at the end of the day, you know, we give so many incentives for business and for different industries and for -- you know, why not do that for people?

HEMMER: Listen to these numbers: "San Francisco Chronicle," there are three and a half times the number of NASCAR dads, this group of 22 million. Two times the number of soccer moms. That's a big group.

GEORGE: Well, as a Republican, I'm all for giving them more tax breaks, and I know you are interested in 22 million single women anyway, Bill.

HEMMER: Yes, you've been waiting for that, haven't you?

GEORGE: And they can be a swing vote, too. So it's perfect.

FLANDERS: Well, I think Gideon, you know, I think that would get the vote out. No, I mean, I think what the -- he's right. The parties have to give them something to vote for. The Republicans are going to give them Laura Bush. You know, we saw in the last week that the Bush women are going to be out there trying to get their vote. That doesn't fly. It's just a sort of friendly face on some of the words of policy.

(CROSSTALK)

GEORGE: The two biggest demographics you have are single voters don't vote and younger voters don't vote. And so, when you have that combination, you really need to get the (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

YAGO: But that attitude is exclusive. I mean, you've got nearly half this country who doesn't show up to the polls on Election Day. And, you know, something has to be done to turn that around, because otherwise democracy is failing.

(CROSSTALK)

HEMMER: All right, good debut, Laura.

FLANDERS: Thank you.

HEMMER: We'll bring you back. Robert, I don't know about that last comment. I'm just kidding you. Thanks a lot, OK? We call it "Political Pop," Tuesdays and Thursdays here on AMERICAN MORNING -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: All right, Bill, thanks.

Still to come on AMERICAN MORNING, the U.S. plan for Iraq may not be an easy sell at the U.N.

Plus, the FBI makes a big mistake. It could lead to major changes in the way the FBI and the Justice Department do business.

And just how much can they take of battered and flooded? The Midwest braces for another brutal day. Those stories all ahead as AMERICAN MORNING continues right after this short break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: The Bush administration is seeking the international stamp of approval on a new Iraqi government. The U.S. and Britain yesterday presented a U.N. Security Council resolution on the transfer of power in Iraq.

Joining us this morning to talk about the proposal, also about Arab world reaction to the president's speech, is Yahya Mahmassani. He is Arab league ambassador to the United Nations.

Nice to see you, sir. Thanks for being with us this morning.

AMB. YAHYA MAHMASSANI, LEAGUE OF ARAB STATES: Thank you.

O'BRIEN: What did you think of the speech last night?

MAHMASSANI: Well, I think essentially it's the same statement that we have heard before, except now actually the speech gives a general outline. We didn't see any specifics. We didn't see any timetable for the withdrawal of the American forces. And I think essentially the situation in Iraq is getting from bad to worse.

O'BRIEN: So with that criticism, how do you think that speech will play across the Arab world?

MAHMASSANI: Well, I think the Arab world is waiting to see the actions, the deed. Of course, now there is the Iraq resolution put before the Security Council. This needs to have a lot of -- sort of readjustment, because there are many loopholes in it.

The Arab world really is interested to see Iraq united, free, independent, exercise its sovereignty, exercise its authority fully on its territory and free from occupation. This is what the Arab world is interested in. And so far, we haven't seen that yet. We are waiting, of course, to see what the secretary general representative, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Brahimi (ph), will present to the Security Council next week.

O'BRIEN: You say the resolution, you think, has a lot of loopholes in it.

MAHMASSANI: A lot. O'BRIEN: So, what is your biggest concern in that resolution?

MAHMASSANI: Well, you see, first of all, there is no precise definition for sovereignty, and there is no definition and clarity regarding the relationship between the multinational forces and the interim government. Who exercises the authority? Who has the upper hand? Suppose the interim -- the multinational forces under an American general or (UNINTELLIGIBLE) action, and the interim government says, no. Now who has got the upper hand here? There is no definition of this. And it seems obvious authority still remains and is retained by the multinational forces through an American general.

O'BRIEN: So, it's not true sovereignty as you would say. Well, let me play a little bit -- a little chunk of what the president said in his speech last night. Let's listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Iraqis are proud people who resent foreign control of their affairs -- just as we would. After decades under the tyrant, they are also reluctant to trust authority. By keeping our promise on June 30, the coalition will demonstrate that we have no interest in occupation.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'BRIEN: Do you agree that that deadline has to be met to prove that there is no interest in occupation, as the president said last night?

MAHMASSANI: Well, first of all, let me say, I agree with the president that the Iraqis are proud people. They resent occupation. They don't accept occupation, and they don't accept even hegemony (ph). They want to be free. That, definitely, I agree with the president.

But then the 30th of June deadline, of course it has to be implemented, because I don't think that we have any other choice there. But it's not important that you implement it. It's important that you practice it. It's not enough to say on paper by a draft resolution, OK, occupation has ended.

We want to see actions on the ground. We want to see the Iraqis re-exercise authority. We want to see a timetable for the foreign forces to leave Iraq. This is what we want to see. Papers are something nice to hear and to see, but actions on the ground are the most important thing, and this is what we want to see.

O'BRIEN: Actions speak louder than words.

MAHMASSANI: Absolutely.

O'BRIEN: Yahya Mahmassani, thank you for talking with us this morning...

MAHMASSANI: Thank you.

O'BRIEN: ... with some perspective on the Arab reaction. Appreciate it.

MAHMASSANI: Thank you.

O'BRIEN: Bill.

HEMMER: Soledad, a federal judge has thrown out the case against Brandon Mayfield. He's the Oregon lawyer and former U.S. Army officer wrongly tied to the March train bombings in Spain.

Now the FBI says a fingerprint I.D. error led to his two-week detention. Mayfield says he was singled out because his faith. He calls himself an American-Muslim.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRANDON MAYFIELD, FREED AFTER TWO WEEKS: This war on terrorism is -- has gone to the extreme, and innocent people are victims as a result. And I feel what happened to me was an unfortunate injustice, but I'm more concerned about the greater injustice that others that are wrongfully accused or oppressed are suffering.

KARIN IMMERGUT, U.S. ATTORNEY: The initial fingerprint that identified Mr. Mayfield was based on a computer match supported by the analysis of fingerprint experts at the FBI lab in Quantico, who had nothing and had never heard of Brandon Mayfield.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: The FBI is saying it regrets the hardships the arrest placed on Mayfield and his family.

About 15 minutes now before the hour. In a moment, would tearing down a prison ease U.S. problems in Iraq? We'll get to that topic in a moment when we continue right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: Let's turn to Heidi Collins with a look at some of the other stories that are making news this morning.

Good morning to you -- Heidi.

HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning once again, guys. We want to get straight to it.

We are talking now about what's happening, and the first thing we want to tell you about is the top U.S. commander in Iraq and how he may soon be on his way out. Pentagon officials say plans to replace Army Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez are part of the normal rotation and not a no-confidence vote. There is speculation the Army vice chief of staff, General George Casey (ph), is in line for the post. A new CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup Poll shows President Bush's approval rating remains at or near a record low. Forty-seven percent of those polled approve of the president's job performance, while 49 percent said they disapprove. Although at a record low, the president's approval rating is up 1 point from the last poll taken earlier this month.

In the Caribbean, torrential rains and heavy flooding are blamed for approximately 100 deaths in the Dominican Republic and neighboring Haiti. That number not known exactly because there are so many missing people. In fact, after nearly two weeks of constant rain, helicopters are back up in the sky, searching for survivors today. Many homes have been swept away in this severe weather.

In northwest Missouri, residents there are coping with the devastation left behind after several tornadoes were reported across parts of the state. In one incident, two girls were injured when the mobile home they were in reportedly was picked up and dropped onto a nearby car. Despite widespread destruction, like you see here, there were no reports of fatalities from last night's storms. Some really incredible pictures there. Did you see that twister?

HEMMER: Yes. And we said it earlier, you know, I mean, listen, we can't wait until the month of June comes, because May has been just tough, tough, tough for those people in that part of the country.

COLLINS: Yes.

O'BRIEN: What a mess to clean up from as well.

HEMMER: Thank you, Heidi.

COLLINS: You bet.

HEMMER: It's good to have you again.

Back to Jack and the question of the day. What's up?

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: President Bush said the United States is willing to tear down Abu Ghraib prison if the Iraqis approve. The military has suspended Brigadier General Janis Karpinski, who was in charge of the U.S. troops that are accused of the abuse. And those soldiers are being court-martialed.

The question this morning is: What's the best way to deal with the prisoner abuse scandal, which is just a huge black eye on the reputation of this country? Some of the letters we've gotten.

Robby in Louisiana: "Why demolish the structure? The structure is not responsible for the abuse. People are. Why not convert the facility into something that could be useful for humanity? Why can't we donate it to the U.N. or the Red Cross, or for that matter, turn it into a housing facility for poor Iraqis?

David in Cape, Nova Scotia: "I believe it's time for someone close to the top to take responsibility for the scandal. If the secretary of defense or the joint chiefs want to see Bush win, they should resign."

Eric in North Wales, Pennsylvania: "Swift, televised trials with harsh sentences for all involved must be held to begin to curtail the damage done to America's reputation. Only by appearing above reproach can Americans regain the respect of the international community."

Dean in Marlton, New Jersey says: "The best way to deal with the prisoner abuse scandal is get over it. Stop trying to persuade the rest of us that we should be so concerned about it. Whose side are you media people on anyway?"

HEMMER: So when do we get the next five speeches? Do we get the proposed prime minister, the proposed president? Do we get the positive stories that are coming out of Iraq?

Somebody reported yesterday that some of the Iraqis who were essentially, they had their hands or their arms cut off at Abu Ghraib...

CAFFERTY: I saw that.

HEMMER: ... in torture, and they sent those people to hospitals in Houston, Texas...

CAFFERTY: I saw that piece.

HEMMER: ... to give them artificial limbs.

CAFFERTY: I saw that report.

HEMMER: When do we hear that?

CAFFERTY: Terrific. And they -- you know, they were practicing, for example, tossing a ball back and forth across the room with these artificial hands. It was mind boggling.

HEMMER: Does that not define the American spirit?

CAFFERTY: Well, it defines part of it. I mean, you know...

O'BRIEN: But maybe for another speech down the road. I don't think...

CAFFERTY: Yes, that's a point well taken. It defines part of it, certainly. But, you know -- I don't know.

HEMMER: Are you speechless?

O'BRIEN: I think he's at a loss for words. Oh, my goodness! Someone right this down.

HEMMER: It's only Tuesday.

O'BRIEN: It's 7:52. What? What?

CAFFERTY: Do you guys see what's going on here? O'BRIEN: I'm groping Jack. How scary is that?

CAFFERTY: I'm being handled by a pregnant woman.

O'BRIEN: I think that's the best you are going to get right now.

HEMMER: Enjoy it.

CAFFERTY: I'm patient.

O'BRIEN: Still to come this morning, the struggle to hold back the floodwaters in the Midwest. We're going to check on the weather just ahead. Stay with us. We're back in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WEATHER BREAK)

HEMMER: In a moment here, listening to the president's speech on Iraq. Some voter reaction across the country and across the political spectrum when we come back in a moment after this.

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Aired May 25, 2004 - 07:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: We'll get to the "Political Pop" in a moment here.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: All right. But first, Iraq, let's start with that. New violence there this morning after a car bomb explodes there. Iraqi police say at least four people were killed in the blast. The Australian embassy may have been the intended target.

And a holy shrine for Shiite Muslims is damaged in Najaf, where American soldiers have been battling forces loyal to radical Muslim cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

Harris Whitbeck live for us in Baghdad with a wrap-up of the latest.

Harris -- good morning.

HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Soledad.

That car bomb exploded in the Jadriya district of Baghdad near the Australian embassy and near buildings that house members the Australian military, that foreign part of the military coalition that is operating in Iraq. There was also a building that houses part of a U.N. World Food Program operation here in Baghdad.

Australia is one of the countries that have contributed troops to the military coalition in Iraq.

Meanwhile, as you said, there is more fighting in the holy city of Najaf. It has taken a toll beyond the human one. The city, as you know, is considered sacred by Shiites worldwide. And apparently a battle between U.S. forces and militia loyal to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr resulted in at least seven deaths, according to local hospital officials. And apparently some sort of projectile hit the Imam Ali shrine, considered to be the holiest site for Shiites worldwide.

Supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr accuse the United States forces of firing mortars at the mosque. U.S. military spokesmen in the region have denied that. They say that U.S. military operations and planners have taken great pains towards avoiding any fighting near religious sites in order to avoid offending sensibilities here in the country -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: They're certainly trying to do that. Harris Whitbeck for us this morning. Thank you very much. Appreciate it -- Bill.

HEMMER: Soledad, thanks. And right now, we have no idea how this is going to turn out. It's new. We call it "Political Pop."

Say hello to "New York Post" columnist Robert George.

Good morning, Robert. Welcome here to AMERICAN MORNING.

ROBERT GEORGE, "NEW YORK POST": Good to be here.

HEMMER: Laura Flanders, Air America radio host here in New York City.

Good morning, Laura.

LAURA FLANDERS, AIR AMERICA RADIO HOST: Good morning.

HEMMER: And the author of "Bush Women: Tales of a Cynical Species" as well, Laura.

And MTV news correspondent Gideon Yago. His show, "Choose or Lose, Work It," premieres tonight on MTV. A big day for you.

GIDEON YAGO, MTV NEWS CORRESPONDENT: A very big day.

HEMMER: Are you guys ready for this?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let's go.

HEMMER: Let's give it a shot. Laura, I'm going to take a guess that you weren't pleased last night with the president's speech. Am I on a limb or what?

FLANDERS: I thought it was great. He had to get across his point, and he got across, which is one big blur. He's been saying the same thing for the last 10 months. He said it again. What he says is so neat. He says, you know, we have no idea who we're handing over power to. But don't worry, it's all working out just fine. And the sort of evidence that our mission is great is how much violence is directed towards us. Fantastic!

HEMMER: Jump on that, Robert.

GEORGE: Well, I think it's definitely a problem. I think this speech -- remember, he said this is, like, the first of about five or six speeches where he's going to be regularly talking about this issue.

HEMMER: Through the month of June.

GEORGE: So, he wants to actually show progress.

FLANDERS: I can't wait to hear it all over again.

GEORGE: Well, no, but the point is he's going to...

FLANDERS: He's going to show progress. GEORGE: ... he's got the baseline, and then he's going to show progress. But I will say this: If you do have continued violence, the question is, is how long the American people are going to stick with him. I think this first one was for his base, and I think they'll be mollified for a week.

(CROSSTALK)

HEMMER: On Thursday, John Kerry is going to put out his plan for it. What is he going to say that's any different from last night?

FLANDERS: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) in my view probably. But I think what was fascinating about last night was he was supposedly talking to his base. He's there at the war college, and yet he blames military commanders for mis-estimating the troop strength on the ground. In fact, the very military college, the war college he was at, has been writing scathing reports about his campaign, saying it was not cheap, that it was not enough people.

(CROSSTALK)

YAGO: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) feel bad for the people who are doing his election, though, this year. Because how can they use the flip-flop argument from now on, you know, when you look at point by point, the five points that he enumerated in that speech, and it went completely against everything that he spelled out about a year ago.

(CROSSTALK)

HEMMER: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) topic No. 1. Time to move to topic No. 2. I'm sorry. This is the way we do it around here, OK?

YAGO: Yes.

HEMMER: Let's talk about the Democratic convention, late July in Boston. There's a lot of talk right now about John Kerry not taking the nomination, extending the process, which allows him to spend essentially more money for the month of August. How is that going over?

GEORGE: Well, you know, I can say this: The Republican lawyers are looking at this now. You see, the two parties get about $18 million to put on the conventions. The Republican lawyers are basically looking at this and saying, well, if that's not going to be a real nominating convention, he shouldn't get the 18 million. So, it's going to be interesting to see what Kerry decides to do.

HEMMER: A good move?

FLANDERS: Well, I don't know.

(CROSSTALK)

FLANDERS: I mean, I think it's wild for the Republicans to be up on a high horse about money-raising. That's what happens at those conventions. It's been years since any convention was about anything other than slip-sliding around campaign financing laws.

GEORGE: But this is (UNINTELLIGIBLE) of 60 years' worth of conventions.

(CROSSTALK)

FLANDERS: I mean, who is going to cover this thing? They're going to have to pay Kucinich to come to the convention to make it interesting.

GEORGE: Are you going to really cover -- is CNN going to really cover it if nothing is actually going to go on?

HEMMER: We will definitely be there, no question.

GEORGE: OK.

FLANDERS: Nothing has gone for years, and the networks (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

HEMMER: Here's the question: Don't the delegates, don't they -- they want to go there. They want to have their guy stand up there and say, I accept your nomination.

(CROSSTALK)

GEORGE: They want closure, and Kerry is not giving it them. He's just extending...

FLANDERS: They want the whining and dining.

GEORGE: ... extending...

FLANDERS: It's all been closed before the convention even begin for years already.

GEORGE: It's the pageantry.

YAGO: Why even have a convention? I mean, what are you even getting at?

FLANDERS: It's a wine and dine party.

YAGO: I mean, honestly, it's a four-day...

GEORGE: It's supposed to be a big...

FLANDERS: They're getting the wine, you're getting...

(CROSSTALK)

HEMMER: You know, you guys aren't short of opinions over here, by the way. I don't know. Are you guys able to hear everybody?

Let's move on to our third topic. Twenty-two million single women in the year 2000 did not vote. Is this the next rich bucket of votes in 2004?

YAGO: This is the next swing vote.

(CROSSTALK)

HEMMER: Should they go after NASCAR dads? What do you think?

YAGO: I'm sure. I mean, you're always -- you know, pollsters are always going to find a new swing vote to try and bring in and shift the margins one way or the other. But, I mean, if you want to get them to vote, you know, give them a tax break. Give them something specific for their lifestyle. You know, it's -- at the end of the day, you know, we give so many incentives for business and for different industries and for -- you know, why not do that for people?

HEMMER: Listen to these numbers: "San Francisco Chronicle," there are three and a half times the number of NASCAR dads, this group of 22 million. Two times the number of soccer moms. That's a big group.

GEORGE: Well, as a Republican, I'm all for giving them more tax breaks, and I know you are interested in 22 million single women anyway, Bill.

HEMMER: Yes, you've been waiting for that, haven't you?

GEORGE: And they can be a swing vote, too. So it's perfect.

FLANDERS: Well, I think Gideon, you know, I think that would get the vote out. No, I mean, I think what the -- he's right. The parties have to give them something to vote for. The Republicans are going to give them Laura Bush. You know, we saw in the last week that the Bush women are going to be out there trying to get their vote. That doesn't fly. It's just a sort of friendly face on some of the words of policy.

(CROSSTALK)

GEORGE: The two biggest demographics you have are single voters don't vote and younger voters don't vote. And so, when you have that combination, you really need to get the (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

YAGO: But that attitude is exclusive. I mean, you've got nearly half this country who doesn't show up to the polls on Election Day. And, you know, something has to be done to turn that around, because otherwise democracy is failing.

(CROSSTALK)

HEMMER: All right, good debut, Laura.

FLANDERS: Thank you.

HEMMER: We'll bring you back. Robert, I don't know about that last comment. I'm just kidding you. Thanks a lot, OK? We call it "Political Pop," Tuesdays and Thursdays here on AMERICAN MORNING -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: All right, Bill, thanks.

Still to come on AMERICAN MORNING, the U.S. plan for Iraq may not be an easy sell at the U.N.

Plus, the FBI makes a big mistake. It could lead to major changes in the way the FBI and the Justice Department do business.

And just how much can they take of battered and flooded? The Midwest braces for another brutal day. Those stories all ahead as AMERICAN MORNING continues right after this short break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: The Bush administration is seeking the international stamp of approval on a new Iraqi government. The U.S. and Britain yesterday presented a U.N. Security Council resolution on the transfer of power in Iraq.

Joining us this morning to talk about the proposal, also about Arab world reaction to the president's speech, is Yahya Mahmassani. He is Arab league ambassador to the United Nations.

Nice to see you, sir. Thanks for being with us this morning.

AMB. YAHYA MAHMASSANI, LEAGUE OF ARAB STATES: Thank you.

O'BRIEN: What did you think of the speech last night?

MAHMASSANI: Well, I think essentially it's the same statement that we have heard before, except now actually the speech gives a general outline. We didn't see any specifics. We didn't see any timetable for the withdrawal of the American forces. And I think essentially the situation in Iraq is getting from bad to worse.

O'BRIEN: So with that criticism, how do you think that speech will play across the Arab world?

MAHMASSANI: Well, I think the Arab world is waiting to see the actions, the deed. Of course, now there is the Iraq resolution put before the Security Council. This needs to have a lot of -- sort of readjustment, because there are many loopholes in it.

The Arab world really is interested to see Iraq united, free, independent, exercise its sovereignty, exercise its authority fully on its territory and free from occupation. This is what the Arab world is interested in. And so far, we haven't seen that yet. We are waiting, of course, to see what the secretary general representative, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) Brahimi (ph), will present to the Security Council next week.

O'BRIEN: You say the resolution, you think, has a lot of loopholes in it.

MAHMASSANI: A lot. O'BRIEN: So, what is your biggest concern in that resolution?

MAHMASSANI: Well, you see, first of all, there is no precise definition for sovereignty, and there is no definition and clarity regarding the relationship between the multinational forces and the interim government. Who exercises the authority? Who has the upper hand? Suppose the interim -- the multinational forces under an American general or (UNINTELLIGIBLE) action, and the interim government says, no. Now who has got the upper hand here? There is no definition of this. And it seems obvious authority still remains and is retained by the multinational forces through an American general.

O'BRIEN: So, it's not true sovereignty as you would say. Well, let me play a little bit -- a little chunk of what the president said in his speech last night. Let's listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Iraqis are proud people who resent foreign control of their affairs -- just as we would. After decades under the tyrant, they are also reluctant to trust authority. By keeping our promise on June 30, the coalition will demonstrate that we have no interest in occupation.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'BRIEN: Do you agree that that deadline has to be met to prove that there is no interest in occupation, as the president said last night?

MAHMASSANI: Well, first of all, let me say, I agree with the president that the Iraqis are proud people. They resent occupation. They don't accept occupation, and they don't accept even hegemony (ph). They want to be free. That, definitely, I agree with the president.

But then the 30th of June deadline, of course it has to be implemented, because I don't think that we have any other choice there. But it's not important that you implement it. It's important that you practice it. It's not enough to say on paper by a draft resolution, OK, occupation has ended.

We want to see actions on the ground. We want to see the Iraqis re-exercise authority. We want to see a timetable for the foreign forces to leave Iraq. This is what we want to see. Papers are something nice to hear and to see, but actions on the ground are the most important thing, and this is what we want to see.

O'BRIEN: Actions speak louder than words.

MAHMASSANI: Absolutely.

O'BRIEN: Yahya Mahmassani, thank you for talking with us this morning...

MAHMASSANI: Thank you.

O'BRIEN: ... with some perspective on the Arab reaction. Appreciate it.

MAHMASSANI: Thank you.

O'BRIEN: Bill.

HEMMER: Soledad, a federal judge has thrown out the case against Brandon Mayfield. He's the Oregon lawyer and former U.S. Army officer wrongly tied to the March train bombings in Spain.

Now the FBI says a fingerprint I.D. error led to his two-week detention. Mayfield says he was singled out because his faith. He calls himself an American-Muslim.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRANDON MAYFIELD, FREED AFTER TWO WEEKS: This war on terrorism is -- has gone to the extreme, and innocent people are victims as a result. And I feel what happened to me was an unfortunate injustice, but I'm more concerned about the greater injustice that others that are wrongfully accused or oppressed are suffering.

KARIN IMMERGUT, U.S. ATTORNEY: The initial fingerprint that identified Mr. Mayfield was based on a computer match supported by the analysis of fingerprint experts at the FBI lab in Quantico, who had nothing and had never heard of Brandon Mayfield.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: The FBI is saying it regrets the hardships the arrest placed on Mayfield and his family.

About 15 minutes now before the hour. In a moment, would tearing down a prison ease U.S. problems in Iraq? We'll get to that topic in a moment when we continue right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: Let's turn to Heidi Collins with a look at some of the other stories that are making news this morning.

Good morning to you -- Heidi.

HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning once again, guys. We want to get straight to it.

We are talking now about what's happening, and the first thing we want to tell you about is the top U.S. commander in Iraq and how he may soon be on his way out. Pentagon officials say plans to replace Army Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez are part of the normal rotation and not a no-confidence vote. There is speculation the Army vice chief of staff, General George Casey (ph), is in line for the post. A new CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup Poll shows President Bush's approval rating remains at or near a record low. Forty-seven percent of those polled approve of the president's job performance, while 49 percent said they disapprove. Although at a record low, the president's approval rating is up 1 point from the last poll taken earlier this month.

In the Caribbean, torrential rains and heavy flooding are blamed for approximately 100 deaths in the Dominican Republic and neighboring Haiti. That number not known exactly because there are so many missing people. In fact, after nearly two weeks of constant rain, helicopters are back up in the sky, searching for survivors today. Many homes have been swept away in this severe weather.

In northwest Missouri, residents there are coping with the devastation left behind after several tornadoes were reported across parts of the state. In one incident, two girls were injured when the mobile home they were in reportedly was picked up and dropped onto a nearby car. Despite widespread destruction, like you see here, there were no reports of fatalities from last night's storms. Some really incredible pictures there. Did you see that twister?

HEMMER: Yes. And we said it earlier, you know, I mean, listen, we can't wait until the month of June comes, because May has been just tough, tough, tough for those people in that part of the country.

COLLINS: Yes.

O'BRIEN: What a mess to clean up from as well.

HEMMER: Thank you, Heidi.

COLLINS: You bet.

HEMMER: It's good to have you again.

Back to Jack and the question of the day. What's up?

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: President Bush said the United States is willing to tear down Abu Ghraib prison if the Iraqis approve. The military has suspended Brigadier General Janis Karpinski, who was in charge of the U.S. troops that are accused of the abuse. And those soldiers are being court-martialed.

The question this morning is: What's the best way to deal with the prisoner abuse scandal, which is just a huge black eye on the reputation of this country? Some of the letters we've gotten.

Robby in Louisiana: "Why demolish the structure? The structure is not responsible for the abuse. People are. Why not convert the facility into something that could be useful for humanity? Why can't we donate it to the U.N. or the Red Cross, or for that matter, turn it into a housing facility for poor Iraqis?

David in Cape, Nova Scotia: "I believe it's time for someone close to the top to take responsibility for the scandal. If the secretary of defense or the joint chiefs want to see Bush win, they should resign."

Eric in North Wales, Pennsylvania: "Swift, televised trials with harsh sentences for all involved must be held to begin to curtail the damage done to America's reputation. Only by appearing above reproach can Americans regain the respect of the international community."

Dean in Marlton, New Jersey says: "The best way to deal with the prisoner abuse scandal is get over it. Stop trying to persuade the rest of us that we should be so concerned about it. Whose side are you media people on anyway?"

HEMMER: So when do we get the next five speeches? Do we get the proposed prime minister, the proposed president? Do we get the positive stories that are coming out of Iraq?

Somebody reported yesterday that some of the Iraqis who were essentially, they had their hands or their arms cut off at Abu Ghraib...

CAFFERTY: I saw that.

HEMMER: ... in torture, and they sent those people to hospitals in Houston, Texas...

CAFFERTY: I saw that piece.

HEMMER: ... to give them artificial limbs.

CAFFERTY: I saw that report.

HEMMER: When do we hear that?

CAFFERTY: Terrific. And they -- you know, they were practicing, for example, tossing a ball back and forth across the room with these artificial hands. It was mind boggling.

HEMMER: Does that not define the American spirit?

CAFFERTY: Well, it defines part of it. I mean, you know...

O'BRIEN: But maybe for another speech down the road. I don't think...

CAFFERTY: Yes, that's a point well taken. It defines part of it, certainly. But, you know -- I don't know.

HEMMER: Are you speechless?

O'BRIEN: I think he's at a loss for words. Oh, my goodness! Someone right this down.

HEMMER: It's only Tuesday.

O'BRIEN: It's 7:52. What? What?

CAFFERTY: Do you guys see what's going on here? O'BRIEN: I'm groping Jack. How scary is that?

CAFFERTY: I'm being handled by a pregnant woman.

O'BRIEN: I think that's the best you are going to get right now.

HEMMER: Enjoy it.

CAFFERTY: I'm patient.

O'BRIEN: Still to come this morning, the struggle to hold back the floodwaters in the Midwest. We're going to check on the weather just ahead. Stay with us. We're back in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WEATHER BREAK)

HEMMER: In a moment here, listening to the president's speech on Iraq. Some voter reaction across the country and across the political spectrum when we come back in a moment after this.

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