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American Morning

Secretary Of State Colin Powell Visits Iraq

Aired July 30, 2004 - 07:00   ET

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

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


(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I'm John Kerry, and I'm reporting for duty.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: John Kerry gets his night before the American people. The Senator highlights his military record and delivers a speech focused on tomorrow.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KERRY: It is time to look to the next horizon. For America, the hope is there. The sun is rising. Our best days are still to come.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: Now on the day after, how did John Kerry do? And what do Republicans have to say about it last night? And ultimately, where do the two campaigns go from here, on this AMERICAN MORNING.

ANNOUNCER: This is AMERICAN MORNING. From Boston, here's Bill Hemmer.

HEMMER: Good morning again on this Friday morning, the final day of our coverage here throughout the week in Boston. Welcome back to our special Democratic convention coverage.

Now on the morning after John Kerry accepting his party's nomination for president, they're taking down things over at the FleetCenter across the harbor here.

We've moved now across the water to the Boston National Historical Park. That's where we originate our coverage here this morning.

In his speech last night, John Kerry called the election this year the "most important of our lifetime." He talked for about 45 minutes talking about national security and domestic issues while only mentioning Iraq three times.

This morning we'll talk about whether or not Kerry delivered what he needed to do most, and two speechwriters who know a whole lot about this topic. They know about the pressure. They know about the words. They know about the communication. We'll talk to two men about that in a moment. Also, where do the two campaigns go from here? President Bush hits the road later today, events in Missouri, Michigan and Ohio on Saturday. And for their part, John Kerry and John Edwards now embark on a cross-country trip, 21 states, 40 cities, 3,500 miles.

In fact, we'll see Senator Kerry within the hour. He is across the water, will be, eventually around 7:30 local time here in Boston. We'll bring you that address, as well, as we move throughout the morning.

Also, back in New York, good morning, Heidi Collins. How are you today?

HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: I am great, Mr. Hemmer, thanks so much.

We're going to be talking about some other news today as well.

Secretary of State Colin Powell became the highest ranking U.S. official to visit Baghdad, since the Iraq handover. He met with Iraq's new president and the new U.S ambassador to Iraq as well as high-ranking members of the military. We'll have more on his trip and the latest fighting in Iraq in just a few minutes.

Also, we're going to talk to about the first congressional hearings on the 9/11 recommendations, the first of a dozen of the same.

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Just what we need are more hearings. The commission was only in session for 20 months. We're going to have more hearings.

Who let John Kerry do that reporting for duty thing last night? It would have better -- if they'd have tied his right arm to his side it would have been much better.

COLLINS: Do you think?

CAFFERTY: And while he was reporting for duty, the balloons were not, and you got to hear, courtesy of CNN, an inquiry on behalf of the guy who's in charge of the balloons about where the f-ing balloons were.

Anyway, John Kerry critics call him a whole lot of things. His kids think he's terrific. Among other things, we're going to hear a story about how John Kerry once did CPR on a gerbil. It's Friday and we're not going to take it all so seriously.

COLLINS: I was unaware of that fact.

CAFFERTY: Well, a lot of people were. That's why I'm here -- little known facts about the guy who was reporting for -- that was so lame. Oh, man. Awful.

COLLINS: Needless to say, tie back to Boston where Bill is standing by to tell us more all about last night. HEMMER: Hey Jack, it was, where are the floating balloons, right?

CAFFERTY: Yes, the floating balloons.

COLLINS: That's what it was.

HEMMER: Something close to that?

CAFFERTY: I love that. That was -- that and "shove it," were my two, the two highlights for me for the convention.

HEMMER: Well listen, let's push forward again, this morning, now. Thanks to both of you. Back to New York in a moment.

CAFFERTY: Or shove forward.

HEMMER: All right, Jack. Got it.

The Kerry-Edwards team opening a three week coast-to-coast campaign swing today, stops in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio on the list, starting a day after Kerry officially accepted the nomination.

Bob Franken up early yet again today in Boston with me. Bob, good morning.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.

Right across the river here in Langome Park (ph) where the Senators Kerry and Edwards are going to be holding their stepping off rally in just a while.

A lot of history in back of me. The USS Constitution, Bill Hemmer and the CNN election bus as Kerry and Edwards try to begin and make some new history.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN (voice-over): What would any convention be without the raucous, confetti and balloon-dropping podium-filled celebration at the end? And what would this Democratic convention be without the references to John Kerry's military record?

KERRY: I'm John Kerry and I'm reporting for duty.

FRANKEN: That was in case anyone needed a reminder that Vietnam veteran Kerry had fought in a war while his opponent had not.

KERRY: I will be a commander in chief who will never mislead us in to war.

FRANKEN: The night was by design, as much personal as policy. It was that movie.

KERRY (voice-over): My promise is to lead our country, to bring people together and take us to a better place.

FRANKEN: Along with the Vietnam comrades and children to describe what a good guy Kerry was.

ALEXANDRA KERRY, DAUGHTER OF JOHN KERRY: To every little girl, her father is a hero. And it's taken some getting used to that my father actually is one.

JIM HASSMANS, VIETNAM VETERAN: I've witnessed his bravery and leadership under fire, and I know he will make a great commander in chief.

FRANKEN: And since the present commander in chief will have something to say about that...

KERRY: I want to address these next words directly to president George W. Bush. In the weeks ahead -- in the weeks ahead, let's be optimists, not just opponents.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: Well, chances are President Bush was not really seeking advice from this convention. But the Democrats, to continue the military theme, did get their marching orders as they head for the pitched battle with the Republicans -- Bill?

HEMMER: All right, Bob, thanks. Check back in with you throughout the morning here.

And again, we'll carry John Kerry's send-off rally in Boston across the harbor here, live at the bottom of the hour in Boston.

Now for a closer look at Kerry's speech -- did he make the most of that opportunity? Andre Cherney has written speeches for Al Gore and John Kerry. He is with me here in Boston. Also, former Bush speechwriter David Fromm is our guest as well in Toronto.

Good morning to both of you, gentlemen.

DAVID FROMM, FORMER BUSH SPEECHWRITER: Good morning.

HEMMER: Thanks for your time this morning. Andre, scale of one to ten, how'd he do last night?

ANDRE CHERNEY, FMR. KERRY SPEECHWRITER: I think the balloons may not have fallen on time, but John Kerry rose to the occasion. It was a solid nine. He did what he had to do. He went on there. He showed that he was in charge. He was in command. He was a real person. And he delivered the speech of his lifetime.

HEMMER: You give it a nine. David, how about you?

FROMM: I don't think it did do what it had to do. My old boss, Karen Hughes has a story about walking on the beach after she left the White House. And there is a big sign on one of those little airplanes up in the sky. And it said, "Sally, I'm miserable without you. Come back Harry."

She said, wrong message. That was about you. It should be -- that shouldn't be about you. And that's the problem with this speech and this convention.

This is very much about John Kerry's psychic needs, his party's psychic needs. But for those people out there who don't think that we're living through the great -- a replay of the great depression and don't think that George Bush is a moron and a liar.

This was very satisfying for Kerry, I'm sure, but I don't know that it did what it had to do, which was to make this rather awkward person into a crafted person.

HEMMER: I want to get to your reaction in a second here. But again, from last night, here is part of that speech, taking large swipes at the current administration.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KERRY: I will be a commander in chief who will never mislead us in to war. I will have a vice president who will not conduct secret meetings with polluters to rewrite our environmental laws. I will have a secretary of defense who will listen to the advice of the military leaders. And I will appoint an attorney general who will uphold the constitution of the United States.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: They are clear swipes and strong criticism toward the current administration. But take David's point. Did he explain his own life well enough, his own biography?

CHERNEY: I think he did. I think David's being the East German judge this morning. I think what he did was put his policy positions, put his agenda, put his vision for the country in a way that connected to his own life story.

He talked about his service in Vietnam, why he did that, what that meant to him and what that meant for the way he would look at going to war today.

He talked about his career as a prosecutor and what that meant to the way he would approach issues like crime. He talked about his career in the Senate where he bucked his party on a lot of issues like fiscal responsibility and what that meant for what he would do for the economy.

He connected those things perfectly, I thought.

HEMMER: David, if you were writing this speech, last night, what would you have done differently? What was specifically left out last night?

FROMM: Well, if he's -- I would have had him do -- First of all, I think he did leave out -- one thing that was left out that is important, while he talked about his Vietnam experience, he did not talk about his post-Vietnam experience.

And if there's anything East German going on it is actually his selective approach to his own personal history.

I think he should have -- I mean, he has a tough problem, which is he has a product that he has to sell, and that's himself. It's tough to do.

He's way -- you know, he gave us a glimpse last night. But he's much more liberal than this convention has allowed him to see.

He should have been shorter. I think he should have tried to be more personable. I think he might have wanted to talk a little bit more about how he actually is going to win this war on terror. That sometimes -- last night John Edwards' wanted to fight, tonight John Kerry not so sure.

HEMMER: David Fromm in Toronto. Andre Cherney with me, here in Boston, thank you, to both of you gentlemen this morning.

FROMM: Thank you.

HEMMER: Appreciate it.

CHERNEY: Thank you.

HEMMER: Back in New York again, here's Heidi.

COLLINS: All right, Bill, thanks.

President Bush is wasting no time trying to slow John Kerry's momentum. He's launching his "Heart and Soul of America" tour today hitting Midwestern swing states with stops in Springfield, Missouri, Grand Rapids, Michigan and Cleveland, Ohio.

Suzanne Malveaux, though, is standing by at the White House now to tell us more about this.

Good morning to you, Suzanne.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Heidi.

White House aides say President Bush is excited. He is ready to go. This is a new phase of the campaign. They are calling this the "Heart and Soul Tour, Moving America Forward."

This is something that the president is going to take to the American people.

White House aides say, of course, this is a critical time for the president. It is leading up to the four weeks to the Republican national convention, which will happen at the end of August, in New York City. Taking that message to critical battleground states Missouri, Michigan and Ohio.

Now this is going to be a different kind of speech than you've heard before. The president is turning the corner, not so much the kind of criticism against Kerry, but rather focusing on his vision for another four-year term.

The campaign slogan you're going to hear from the president, we've turned a corner and we're not turning back.

Now, today and the next two weeks, he'll talk about family values. He'll be talking as well about strengthening the economy, providing for small businesses.

In the third week, he'll go back to that theme of national security, that he is tough. He is a tough president in the war on terror. Then finally, leading up to the campaign, to the convention, he will talk about policy initiatives.

But Heidi, it is very important to note that this is a campaign that realizes the president has to focus on domestic issues, meat and potato issues important to the American people as well as the war on terror -- Heidi?

COLLINS: Suzanne Malveaux outside the White House this morning. Suzanne, thanks so much for that.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Colin Powell is now the highest ranking U.S. official to visit Iraq since the transfer of power. He made an unannounced, one-day visit to the Iraqi capital today. It came amid new and deadly clashes between U.S. Marines and Iraqi insurgents in the restive city of Fallujah.

John Vause is in Baghdad for us now with the very latest from there. John, hello to you.

JOHN VAUSE, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: And good morning, Heidi.

This is Colin Powell's third visit to Baghdad. And just like the last two, he arrived surrounded by a great deal of security and secrecy. He arrived in Baghdad International Airport, was flown by helicopter straight to the green zone for high-level meetings with the new U.S. ambassador, John Negroponte, but also with Iraqi officials, notably the interim Iraqi president.

Now after that meeting, Colin Powell spoke with reporters. And he said times are getting better for Iraq. But he said there are challenges ahead, but they will be overcome.

Now, a reminder of those challenges which lie ahead happened just hours before Colin Powell touched down in the city of Fallujah, as you mentioned, Heidi. There were some serious clashes between Iraqi militants and U.S. forces on the outskirts of the city.

Now apparently, according to one doctor at Fallujah hospital, at least 13 people were killed, 14 wounded. Now, the U.S. military says Marines manning a checkpoint came under heavy fire from mortars and RPGs. They responded with artillery and tank fire. But as the fighting continued, they called in an air strike. That air strike destroyed a number of buildings as well.

Now the U.S. says Fallujah is, in fact, a safe haven for militants, especially after U.S. forces withdrew from Fallujah and handed authority back to the Iraqis back in April of this year. Let's go back to Bill.

COLLINS: Bill or Heidi, same difference. John Vause, thank you so much for that very latest report coming to us out of Iraq today.

Meanwhile it is 7:13 right now, time for a look at some of today's other news and Daryn Kagan. Daryn, good morning to you.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Heidi, good morning.

A high-level al Qaeda suspect is being questioned in Pakistan. Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani is on the FBI's most wanted terror list in connection with the 1998 bombings of American embassies in East Africa. He was one of more than 13 people arrested in a raid over the weekend. A Pakistani official says that Ghailani may be turned over to the U.S.

Possible development in the investigation of Sandy Berger here in the U.S. Berger, former president Clinton's national security adviser, had admitted removing classified documents from the National Archives. Officials now tell the "Wall Street Journal" that no original materials were missing and that nothing Berger reviewed had been withheld from the commission investigating the 9/11 terror attacks.

The Democratic national convention ended with fewer protests than expected and just four related arrests. The most tense incident of the week was a brief shoving match that took place yesterday near the FleetCenter.

Demonstrators burned an American flag. And some 400 protesters pressed up against police officers. They were pushed back with batons.

The cost of policing the convention, by the way, reportedly topped $50 million.

Let's check in on north Texas, this morning. Families are trying to salvage what's left of her homes after the terrible floods there. Severe storms dumped 13 inches of rain around Dallas Thursday that flooded some 200 homes in Lancaster and temporarily knocked out power to thousands. One man drowned after a bridge was washed out.

North Texas really wondering if they are going to dry out today. Let's check in with Rob Marciano. He is in for Chad Myers. Hi, Rob.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Hi, Daryn. They'll see some improvement today and even more so tomorrow and over the weekend.

(WEATHER BREAK) MARCIANO: Hey, Bill. How's Boston?

HEMMER: When you get here, expect the humidity to greet you at the door here because it's kicking up today.

MARCIANO: Enjoy.

HEMMER: Thanks, Rob. Talk to you later this hour.

In a moment here, who was that person sitting next to Teresa Heinz Kerry last night? Andy knows. He's "Minding Your Business" in a moment.

Also, the latest from Colorado, the Kobe Bryant matter. Is it all about the money? The defense makes a serious allegation involving Bryant's accuser.

And the final report on 9/11. Why Congress does not necessarily see eye-to-eye with that panel.

All to come this hour straight ahead from Boston and New York on this AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: Kobe Bryant will be back in a Colorado courtroom today for the first of two final hearings before his sexual assault trial begins next month. Today's hearing comes amid controversy involving a compensation fund. Adrian Baschuk is in Eagle, Colorado this morning with the very latest from there. Good morning, Adrian.

ADRIAN BASCHUK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Heidi.

It has been exactly 13 months since this story broke, a long, intense 13 months at that. But with just 29 days to go to trial, upset prosecutors, an anxious media and even the United States Supreme Court will tell you that tensions are mounting here and not easing up.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BASCHUK (voice-over): Late yesterday, under pressure from the United States Supreme Court, Judge Terry Ruckriegle released 19 pages of sealed transcripts accidentally sent to media organizations in June.

They detailed charges by the defense that the accuser received $17,000 from the state's victim's compensation fund. Bryant's attorneys saying this money was an incentive for the woman to lie about her encounter with the NBA star.

And Wednesday, court officials, again accidentally released confidential information about Kobe Bryant's physical exam and revealed the alleged victim's name. Her attorney, John Clune, told CNN in a phone interview, his client, "does not trust the judge in court, and has no reason to at this point." Legal analysts believe the gaffe could fuel a settlement.

CRAIG SILVERMAN, FMR. DENVER DEPUTY: This week puts a lot of pressure on everybody. I would not be surprised if there was some kind of global settlement, civil and criminal at the same time.

BASCHUK: Prosecutors denied such speculation earlier this week saying the accuser will move forward to trial. Last week, the judge ruled that the accuser's sexual activities in the 72 hours surrounding the alleged rape is admissible during trial.

LARRY POZNER, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: The prosecution says we're going to prove it was rape through an injury on her body. The defense is saying, wait, that injury could have been caused by multiple acts of intercourse in a short period of time.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BASCHUK: There is still 100 pages of those sealed transcripts out there, but see not everything in them can be released to the public because the judge hasn't approved all of the evidence for trial. So today both sides square off and decide what exactly to withhold from the media -- Heidi?

COLLINS: All right, Adrian Baschuk, this morning coming to us from Eagle, Colorado. Thanks, Adrian.

We're going to send it now back to Bill in Boston, once again.

HEMMER: All right, Heidi. The party's over for now for the Democrats in this town. Now it's time to take the show on the road. The Kerry-Edwards tour begins today.

And we'll hear from the senator momentarily here, live in Boston, ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: So who was that sitting next to Teresa Heinz Kerry last night during her husband's speech? Well, Andy Serwer has the answer. He's "Minding Your Business" this morning. You always have the answer.

ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Well, most of the time.

To Teresa Heinz' left, of course, was John Edwards. To her right was Robert Rubin, former treasury secretary. I thought that was very interesting, maybe to mollify some people down on Wall Street or maybe she needs him to run her money, who knows.

Anyway let's check out what's going on, on Wall Street yesterday, in the market. Stocks were up a bit. You can see here, techs actually rallied a little bit more, up 22 on the Nasdaq.

The price of oil broke through $43. Didn't seem to worry anyone too much. Big news this morning as far as business goes. We'll have the GDP report for the second quarter coming out at 8:30 Eastern. You can see here, we're looking at 3.6 percent. Down a little bit.

Basically, growth has been pretty solid. We were at 4.1 percent in the fourth quarter last year. So we're kind of looking at a trend line.

Futures are down a little bit, though, as we speak.

COLLINS: All right. Thanks so much for that, Andy.

Jack's here now as well with the "Question of the Day."

John Kerry officially introduced, of course, as the Democratic candidate last night. His critics call him lots of things. Flip- flopper, aloof, arrogant, cold.

His, kids, though, they call him dad. And Vanessa and Alex Kerry are in the unique position of defending their father against people who publicly attack his reputation.

Last night, they told stories about how John Kerry saved a hamster from a watery doom by actually giving it CPR -- God what I would pay to have a tape of that -- and how he's dedicated to making sacrifices for his country, including that "reporting for duty," which was just awful.

Anyway, it's Friday. We're having a little fun. What would your kids tell the news media about you? Be honest.

SERWER: That's scary.

CAFFERTY: am@cnn.com

COLLINS: Are we going to hear from your daughters, do you think?

CAFFERTY: No.

SERWER: Yes, bring them on.

COLLINS: Somebody get them on the phone, quick.

CAFFERTY: Absolutely not.

COLLINS: They probably have lots of stories, right?

CAFFERTY: Well, they're not going to tell any of them here. I'll tell you that.

COLLINS: All right, Jack, thanks for that.

Still to come this morning, the weekend is here. We're doing to kick it off with some "90-Second Pop."

It's a bond farewell for Pierce Brosnan. So who gets the keys to the 007 Aston Martin?

Plus, it's Simpson versus Simpson at the record store. Who gets family bragging rights.

Stay with us on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired July 30, 2004 - 07:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I'm John Kerry, and I'm reporting for duty.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: John Kerry gets his night before the American people. The Senator highlights his military record and delivers a speech focused on tomorrow.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KERRY: It is time to look to the next horizon. For America, the hope is there. The sun is rising. Our best days are still to come.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: Now on the day after, how did John Kerry do? And what do Republicans have to say about it last night? And ultimately, where do the two campaigns go from here, on this AMERICAN MORNING.

ANNOUNCER: This is AMERICAN MORNING. From Boston, here's Bill Hemmer.

HEMMER: Good morning again on this Friday morning, the final day of our coverage here throughout the week in Boston. Welcome back to our special Democratic convention coverage.

Now on the morning after John Kerry accepting his party's nomination for president, they're taking down things over at the FleetCenter across the harbor here.

We've moved now across the water to the Boston National Historical Park. That's where we originate our coverage here this morning.

In his speech last night, John Kerry called the election this year the "most important of our lifetime." He talked for about 45 minutes talking about national security and domestic issues while only mentioning Iraq three times.

This morning we'll talk about whether or not Kerry delivered what he needed to do most, and two speechwriters who know a whole lot about this topic. They know about the pressure. They know about the words. They know about the communication. We'll talk to two men about that in a moment. Also, where do the two campaigns go from here? President Bush hits the road later today, events in Missouri, Michigan and Ohio on Saturday. And for their part, John Kerry and John Edwards now embark on a cross-country trip, 21 states, 40 cities, 3,500 miles.

In fact, we'll see Senator Kerry within the hour. He is across the water, will be, eventually around 7:30 local time here in Boston. We'll bring you that address, as well, as we move throughout the morning.

Also, back in New York, good morning, Heidi Collins. How are you today?

HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: I am great, Mr. Hemmer, thanks so much.

We're going to be talking about some other news today as well.

Secretary of State Colin Powell became the highest ranking U.S. official to visit Baghdad, since the Iraq handover. He met with Iraq's new president and the new U.S ambassador to Iraq as well as high-ranking members of the military. We'll have more on his trip and the latest fighting in Iraq in just a few minutes.

Also, we're going to talk to about the first congressional hearings on the 9/11 recommendations, the first of a dozen of the same.

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: Just what we need are more hearings. The commission was only in session for 20 months. We're going to have more hearings.

Who let John Kerry do that reporting for duty thing last night? It would have better -- if they'd have tied his right arm to his side it would have been much better.

COLLINS: Do you think?

CAFFERTY: And while he was reporting for duty, the balloons were not, and you got to hear, courtesy of CNN, an inquiry on behalf of the guy who's in charge of the balloons about where the f-ing balloons were.

Anyway, John Kerry critics call him a whole lot of things. His kids think he's terrific. Among other things, we're going to hear a story about how John Kerry once did CPR on a gerbil. It's Friday and we're not going to take it all so seriously.

COLLINS: I was unaware of that fact.

CAFFERTY: Well, a lot of people were. That's why I'm here -- little known facts about the guy who was reporting for -- that was so lame. Oh, man. Awful.

COLLINS: Needless to say, tie back to Boston where Bill is standing by to tell us more all about last night. HEMMER: Hey Jack, it was, where are the floating balloons, right?

CAFFERTY: Yes, the floating balloons.

COLLINS: That's what it was.

HEMMER: Something close to that?

CAFFERTY: I love that. That was -- that and "shove it," were my two, the two highlights for me for the convention.

HEMMER: Well listen, let's push forward again, this morning, now. Thanks to both of you. Back to New York in a moment.

CAFFERTY: Or shove forward.

HEMMER: All right, Jack. Got it.

The Kerry-Edwards team opening a three week coast-to-coast campaign swing today, stops in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio on the list, starting a day after Kerry officially accepted the nomination.

Bob Franken up early yet again today in Boston with me. Bob, good morning.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.

Right across the river here in Langome Park (ph) where the Senators Kerry and Edwards are going to be holding their stepping off rally in just a while.

A lot of history in back of me. The USS Constitution, Bill Hemmer and the CNN election bus as Kerry and Edwards try to begin and make some new history.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN (voice-over): What would any convention be without the raucous, confetti and balloon-dropping podium-filled celebration at the end? And what would this Democratic convention be without the references to John Kerry's military record?

KERRY: I'm John Kerry and I'm reporting for duty.

FRANKEN: That was in case anyone needed a reminder that Vietnam veteran Kerry had fought in a war while his opponent had not.

KERRY: I will be a commander in chief who will never mislead us in to war.

FRANKEN: The night was by design, as much personal as policy. It was that movie.

KERRY (voice-over): My promise is to lead our country, to bring people together and take us to a better place.

FRANKEN: Along with the Vietnam comrades and children to describe what a good guy Kerry was.

ALEXANDRA KERRY, DAUGHTER OF JOHN KERRY: To every little girl, her father is a hero. And it's taken some getting used to that my father actually is one.

JIM HASSMANS, VIETNAM VETERAN: I've witnessed his bravery and leadership under fire, and I know he will make a great commander in chief.

FRANKEN: And since the present commander in chief will have something to say about that...

KERRY: I want to address these next words directly to president George W. Bush. In the weeks ahead -- in the weeks ahead, let's be optimists, not just opponents.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: Well, chances are President Bush was not really seeking advice from this convention. But the Democrats, to continue the military theme, did get their marching orders as they head for the pitched battle with the Republicans -- Bill?

HEMMER: All right, Bob, thanks. Check back in with you throughout the morning here.

And again, we'll carry John Kerry's send-off rally in Boston across the harbor here, live at the bottom of the hour in Boston.

Now for a closer look at Kerry's speech -- did he make the most of that opportunity? Andre Cherney has written speeches for Al Gore and John Kerry. He is with me here in Boston. Also, former Bush speechwriter David Fromm is our guest as well in Toronto.

Good morning to both of you, gentlemen.

DAVID FROMM, FORMER BUSH SPEECHWRITER: Good morning.

HEMMER: Thanks for your time this morning. Andre, scale of one to ten, how'd he do last night?

ANDRE CHERNEY, FMR. KERRY SPEECHWRITER: I think the balloons may not have fallen on time, but John Kerry rose to the occasion. It was a solid nine. He did what he had to do. He went on there. He showed that he was in charge. He was in command. He was a real person. And he delivered the speech of his lifetime.

HEMMER: You give it a nine. David, how about you?

FROMM: I don't think it did do what it had to do. My old boss, Karen Hughes has a story about walking on the beach after she left the White House. And there is a big sign on one of those little airplanes up in the sky. And it said, "Sally, I'm miserable without you. Come back Harry."

She said, wrong message. That was about you. It should be -- that shouldn't be about you. And that's the problem with this speech and this convention.

This is very much about John Kerry's psychic needs, his party's psychic needs. But for those people out there who don't think that we're living through the great -- a replay of the great depression and don't think that George Bush is a moron and a liar.

This was very satisfying for Kerry, I'm sure, but I don't know that it did what it had to do, which was to make this rather awkward person into a crafted person.

HEMMER: I want to get to your reaction in a second here. But again, from last night, here is part of that speech, taking large swipes at the current administration.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KERRY: I will be a commander in chief who will never mislead us in to war. I will have a vice president who will not conduct secret meetings with polluters to rewrite our environmental laws. I will have a secretary of defense who will listen to the advice of the military leaders. And I will appoint an attorney general who will uphold the constitution of the United States.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: They are clear swipes and strong criticism toward the current administration. But take David's point. Did he explain his own life well enough, his own biography?

CHERNEY: I think he did. I think David's being the East German judge this morning. I think what he did was put his policy positions, put his agenda, put his vision for the country in a way that connected to his own life story.

He talked about his service in Vietnam, why he did that, what that meant to him and what that meant for the way he would look at going to war today.

He talked about his career as a prosecutor and what that meant to the way he would approach issues like crime. He talked about his career in the Senate where he bucked his party on a lot of issues like fiscal responsibility and what that meant for what he would do for the economy.

He connected those things perfectly, I thought.

HEMMER: David, if you were writing this speech, last night, what would you have done differently? What was specifically left out last night?

FROMM: Well, if he's -- I would have had him do -- First of all, I think he did leave out -- one thing that was left out that is important, while he talked about his Vietnam experience, he did not talk about his post-Vietnam experience.

And if there's anything East German going on it is actually his selective approach to his own personal history.

I think he should have -- I mean, he has a tough problem, which is he has a product that he has to sell, and that's himself. It's tough to do.

He's way -- you know, he gave us a glimpse last night. But he's much more liberal than this convention has allowed him to see.

He should have been shorter. I think he should have tried to be more personable. I think he might have wanted to talk a little bit more about how he actually is going to win this war on terror. That sometimes -- last night John Edwards' wanted to fight, tonight John Kerry not so sure.

HEMMER: David Fromm in Toronto. Andre Cherney with me, here in Boston, thank you, to both of you gentlemen this morning.

FROMM: Thank you.

HEMMER: Appreciate it.

CHERNEY: Thank you.

HEMMER: Back in New York again, here's Heidi.

COLLINS: All right, Bill, thanks.

President Bush is wasting no time trying to slow John Kerry's momentum. He's launching his "Heart and Soul of America" tour today hitting Midwestern swing states with stops in Springfield, Missouri, Grand Rapids, Michigan and Cleveland, Ohio.

Suzanne Malveaux, though, is standing by at the White House now to tell us more about this.

Good morning to you, Suzanne.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Heidi.

White House aides say President Bush is excited. He is ready to go. This is a new phase of the campaign. They are calling this the "Heart and Soul Tour, Moving America Forward."

This is something that the president is going to take to the American people.

White House aides say, of course, this is a critical time for the president. It is leading up to the four weeks to the Republican national convention, which will happen at the end of August, in New York City. Taking that message to critical battleground states Missouri, Michigan and Ohio.

Now this is going to be a different kind of speech than you've heard before. The president is turning the corner, not so much the kind of criticism against Kerry, but rather focusing on his vision for another four-year term.

The campaign slogan you're going to hear from the president, we've turned a corner and we're not turning back.

Now, today and the next two weeks, he'll talk about family values. He'll be talking as well about strengthening the economy, providing for small businesses.

In the third week, he'll go back to that theme of national security, that he is tough. He is a tough president in the war on terror. Then finally, leading up to the campaign, to the convention, he will talk about policy initiatives.

But Heidi, it is very important to note that this is a campaign that realizes the president has to focus on domestic issues, meat and potato issues important to the American people as well as the war on terror -- Heidi?

COLLINS: Suzanne Malveaux outside the White House this morning. Suzanne, thanks so much for that.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Colin Powell is now the highest ranking U.S. official to visit Iraq since the transfer of power. He made an unannounced, one-day visit to the Iraqi capital today. It came amid new and deadly clashes between U.S. Marines and Iraqi insurgents in the restive city of Fallujah.

John Vause is in Baghdad for us now with the very latest from there. John, hello to you.

JOHN VAUSE, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: And good morning, Heidi.

This is Colin Powell's third visit to Baghdad. And just like the last two, he arrived surrounded by a great deal of security and secrecy. He arrived in Baghdad International Airport, was flown by helicopter straight to the green zone for high-level meetings with the new U.S. ambassador, John Negroponte, but also with Iraqi officials, notably the interim Iraqi president.

Now after that meeting, Colin Powell spoke with reporters. And he said times are getting better for Iraq. But he said there are challenges ahead, but they will be overcome.

Now, a reminder of those challenges which lie ahead happened just hours before Colin Powell touched down in the city of Fallujah, as you mentioned, Heidi. There were some serious clashes between Iraqi militants and U.S. forces on the outskirts of the city.

Now apparently, according to one doctor at Fallujah hospital, at least 13 people were killed, 14 wounded. Now, the U.S. military says Marines manning a checkpoint came under heavy fire from mortars and RPGs. They responded with artillery and tank fire. But as the fighting continued, they called in an air strike. That air strike destroyed a number of buildings as well.

Now the U.S. says Fallujah is, in fact, a safe haven for militants, especially after U.S. forces withdrew from Fallujah and handed authority back to the Iraqis back in April of this year. Let's go back to Bill.

COLLINS: Bill or Heidi, same difference. John Vause, thank you so much for that very latest report coming to us out of Iraq today.

Meanwhile it is 7:13 right now, time for a look at some of today's other news and Daryn Kagan. Daryn, good morning to you.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Heidi, good morning.

A high-level al Qaeda suspect is being questioned in Pakistan. Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani is on the FBI's most wanted terror list in connection with the 1998 bombings of American embassies in East Africa. He was one of more than 13 people arrested in a raid over the weekend. A Pakistani official says that Ghailani may be turned over to the U.S.

Possible development in the investigation of Sandy Berger here in the U.S. Berger, former president Clinton's national security adviser, had admitted removing classified documents from the National Archives. Officials now tell the "Wall Street Journal" that no original materials were missing and that nothing Berger reviewed had been withheld from the commission investigating the 9/11 terror attacks.

The Democratic national convention ended with fewer protests than expected and just four related arrests. The most tense incident of the week was a brief shoving match that took place yesterday near the FleetCenter.

Demonstrators burned an American flag. And some 400 protesters pressed up against police officers. They were pushed back with batons.

The cost of policing the convention, by the way, reportedly topped $50 million.

Let's check in on north Texas, this morning. Families are trying to salvage what's left of her homes after the terrible floods there. Severe storms dumped 13 inches of rain around Dallas Thursday that flooded some 200 homes in Lancaster and temporarily knocked out power to thousands. One man drowned after a bridge was washed out.

North Texas really wondering if they are going to dry out today. Let's check in with Rob Marciano. He is in for Chad Myers. Hi, Rob.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Hi, Daryn. They'll see some improvement today and even more so tomorrow and over the weekend.

(WEATHER BREAK) MARCIANO: Hey, Bill. How's Boston?

HEMMER: When you get here, expect the humidity to greet you at the door here because it's kicking up today.

MARCIANO: Enjoy.

HEMMER: Thanks, Rob. Talk to you later this hour.

In a moment here, who was that person sitting next to Teresa Heinz Kerry last night? Andy knows. He's "Minding Your Business" in a moment.

Also, the latest from Colorado, the Kobe Bryant matter. Is it all about the money? The defense makes a serious allegation involving Bryant's accuser.

And the final report on 9/11. Why Congress does not necessarily see eye-to-eye with that panel.

All to come this hour straight ahead from Boston and New York on this AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: Kobe Bryant will be back in a Colorado courtroom today for the first of two final hearings before his sexual assault trial begins next month. Today's hearing comes amid controversy involving a compensation fund. Adrian Baschuk is in Eagle, Colorado this morning with the very latest from there. Good morning, Adrian.

ADRIAN BASCHUK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Heidi.

It has been exactly 13 months since this story broke, a long, intense 13 months at that. But with just 29 days to go to trial, upset prosecutors, an anxious media and even the United States Supreme Court will tell you that tensions are mounting here and not easing up.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BASCHUK (voice-over): Late yesterday, under pressure from the United States Supreme Court, Judge Terry Ruckriegle released 19 pages of sealed transcripts accidentally sent to media organizations in June.

They detailed charges by the defense that the accuser received $17,000 from the state's victim's compensation fund. Bryant's attorneys saying this money was an incentive for the woman to lie about her encounter with the NBA star.

And Wednesday, court officials, again accidentally released confidential information about Kobe Bryant's physical exam and revealed the alleged victim's name. Her attorney, John Clune, told CNN in a phone interview, his client, "does not trust the judge in court, and has no reason to at this point." Legal analysts believe the gaffe could fuel a settlement.

CRAIG SILVERMAN, FMR. DENVER DEPUTY: This week puts a lot of pressure on everybody. I would not be surprised if there was some kind of global settlement, civil and criminal at the same time.

BASCHUK: Prosecutors denied such speculation earlier this week saying the accuser will move forward to trial. Last week, the judge ruled that the accuser's sexual activities in the 72 hours surrounding the alleged rape is admissible during trial.

LARRY POZNER, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: The prosecution says we're going to prove it was rape through an injury on her body. The defense is saying, wait, that injury could have been caused by multiple acts of intercourse in a short period of time.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BASCHUK: There is still 100 pages of those sealed transcripts out there, but see not everything in them can be released to the public because the judge hasn't approved all of the evidence for trial. So today both sides square off and decide what exactly to withhold from the media -- Heidi?

COLLINS: All right, Adrian Baschuk, this morning coming to us from Eagle, Colorado. Thanks, Adrian.

We're going to send it now back to Bill in Boston, once again.

HEMMER: All right, Heidi. The party's over for now for the Democrats in this town. Now it's time to take the show on the road. The Kerry-Edwards tour begins today.

And we'll hear from the senator momentarily here, live in Boston, ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COLLINS: So who was that sitting next to Teresa Heinz Kerry last night during her husband's speech? Well, Andy Serwer has the answer. He's "Minding Your Business" this morning. You always have the answer.

ANDY SERWER, "FORTUNE" MAGAZINE: Well, most of the time.

To Teresa Heinz' left, of course, was John Edwards. To her right was Robert Rubin, former treasury secretary. I thought that was very interesting, maybe to mollify some people down on Wall Street or maybe she needs him to run her money, who knows.

Anyway let's check out what's going on, on Wall Street yesterday, in the market. Stocks were up a bit. You can see here, techs actually rallied a little bit more, up 22 on the Nasdaq.

The price of oil broke through $43. Didn't seem to worry anyone too much. Big news this morning as far as business goes. We'll have the GDP report for the second quarter coming out at 8:30 Eastern. You can see here, we're looking at 3.6 percent. Down a little bit.

Basically, growth has been pretty solid. We were at 4.1 percent in the fourth quarter last year. So we're kind of looking at a trend line.

Futures are down a little bit, though, as we speak.

COLLINS: All right. Thanks so much for that, Andy.

Jack's here now as well with the "Question of the Day."

John Kerry officially introduced, of course, as the Democratic candidate last night. His critics call him lots of things. Flip- flopper, aloof, arrogant, cold.

His, kids, though, they call him dad. And Vanessa and Alex Kerry are in the unique position of defending their father against people who publicly attack his reputation.

Last night, they told stories about how John Kerry saved a hamster from a watery doom by actually giving it CPR -- God what I would pay to have a tape of that -- and how he's dedicated to making sacrifices for his country, including that "reporting for duty," which was just awful.

Anyway, it's Friday. We're having a little fun. What would your kids tell the news media about you? Be honest.

SERWER: That's scary.

CAFFERTY: am@cnn.com

COLLINS: Are we going to hear from your daughters, do you think?

CAFFERTY: No.

SERWER: Yes, bring them on.

COLLINS: Somebody get them on the phone, quick.

CAFFERTY: Absolutely not.

COLLINS: They probably have lots of stories, right?

CAFFERTY: Well, they're not going to tell any of them here. I'll tell you that.

COLLINS: All right, Jack, thanks for that.

Still to come this morning, the weekend is here. We're doing to kick it off with some "90-Second Pop."

It's a bond farewell for Pierce Brosnan. So who gets the keys to the 007 Aston Martin?

Plus, it's Simpson versus Simpson at the record store. Who gets family bragging rights.

Stay with us on AMERICAN MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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