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American Morning
U.S. & Iraqi Troops Prepare for Clash with Shiite Militia; Former CIA Director: Goss a Good Choice; Peterson's Former Witness Building Stronger Case for Prosecution
Aired August 11, 2004 - 09:00 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.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. Heading for a showdown in Najaf. We're just learning that the U.S. is getting ready for a major assault on that city, as a radical cleric and his fighters vow to fight on.
A car bombing in Jerusalem. At least five are wounded. Reports that a suicide bomber there is to blame.
And the star witness takes the stand in the Scott Peterson trial. Amber Frey reveals an apparent web of lies, ahead on this AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien.
HEMMER: Good morning, everyone; 9 a.m. in New York. I'm Bill Hemmer, along with Heidi Collins working for Soledad as she rests at home.
And there is certainly a big week for the murder trial of Scott Peterson. The star witness, Amber Frey, on the stand this week, may continue into next, we are hearing. Her testimony yesterday may have been seriously damaging to the defense.
We'll talk to the juror kicked off that case a few weeks back and see what he has to say, based on what we learned yesterday in court.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Plus Democrats raise questions now about the president's pick to head up the CIA. Will it turn into a battle over intelligence reform? We're going to talk with former CIA director William Webster about that.
HEMMER: Also, Jack Cafferty is on vacation this week. Toure is taking over. We'll get back to Toure in a moment here.
First though, breaking news from Iraq. Want to get straight away to Baghdad. Increased fighting today in Najaf, the Shiite cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr, still pushing his fighters to battle with U.S. troops.
John Vause is live in Baghdad.
John, what are you learning? JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Bill.
It appears that U.S. and Iraqi forces are now making their final preparations for what could be a storming or a raid of the Imam Ali Mosque, where forces loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr have now dug in.
A colonel in charge in Najaf says that the Iraqi National Guardsmen have been training alongside U.S. Marines and U.S. soldiers. They are working together as a cohesive body, he says, learning from their lessons back in April when they found themselves in a very similar situation in Najaf, again up against the Mehdi Army, the militia loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr.
That was what ended in that ceasefire which broke down last week.
Now what they say is they don't want a situation, a repeat of that situation. They're prepared to finish this. And that's the word we're also getting from the interim Iraqi prime minister. He wants this finished. He wants al-Sadr and his militia brought to an end.
It's a very delicate situation for U.S. forces. The Imam Ali Mosque is a sacred site for Shia Muslims across the world, especially here in Iraq.
There's a great deal of speculation that if there is, in fact, a raid on the mosque, it will be led by Iraqi forces, backed up by U.S. forces. Still, that can cause a whole lot of problems for U.S. -- for the U.S. forces here in Iraq.
We've also heard from Muqtada al-Sadr, calling on his followers to continue the fight, even if he is killed -- Bill.
HEMMER: John Vause, watching the latest in Baghdad. We'll get you more when we get it here. John, thanks for that.
Now Heidi with more news.
COLLINS: I want to take you back to Israel now, where we've been telling you about a car bomb that exploded between Jerusalem and Ramallah at a checkpoint there. Israeli emergency services reporting to us that this was a car bomb.
We are learning now one Palestinian was killed. 12 other people wounded. Six Palestinian, six Israelis, as we understand it. Again, according to Israeli emergency services there.
We do have our Alessio Vinci on the scene, trying to learn more about exactly what happened there. But once again, we are learning a little bit new information as we look at these pictures from Israeli television now, that one person has been killed, 12 others wounded in a car bomb explosion near a checkpoint there.
HEMMER: All right. Almost five minutes now past the hour as we continue to watch those stories from overseas.
Back in this country now, the head of the Senate Intelligence Committee says he wants to push ahead with confirmation of Porter Goss as the next head of the CIA, possibly hearings being held in D.C. next week.
The former CIA officer and a congressman from Florida nominated yesterday by the president at this time.
Some Democrats say they already have their concerns. We spoke with two members of the Senate committee, Republican Senator Chuck Hagel and Democratic Senator Carl Levin on their thoughts on this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. CHUCK HAGEL (R-NE), SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE: He is a very experienced, respected national leader. He understands the intelligence community. Much of his life has been spent in intelligence community, and I think he will be our next CIA director.
SEN. CARL LEVIN (D-MI), SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE: The issue we have to face is whether or not he would be able to be independent and objective in giving intelligence not just to the president, who he's a close supporter of, but also to the Congress and the nation.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: So then, what can we expect for Porter Goss's nomination hearings? William Webster ran the CIA back in the '80s. He's currently co-chairman of the Homeland Security Advisory Council. He's my guest now live in D.C.
And welcome here to AMERICAN MORNING.
WILLIAM WEBSTER, FORMER CIA DIRECTOR: Good morning, Bill.
HEMMER: Of what you know of Porter Goss, can he serve this position?
WEBSTER: Absolutely. I think he's uniquely qualified. Known him a number of years on both sides of the table, at the Congress. And I believe he has the background, the experience, the temperament. It's a great choice.
HEMMER: His detractors say he's too partisan and a member of Congress should not take this job at this time. To that you say?
WEBSTER: To that I say that the only other person that came out of the Congress and became director of central intelligence was a man named George Herbert Walker Bush, for whom the building in Langley is now named.
I think it depends on the intellectual independence and integrity of the individual, as it did in the case of President Bush. And I know he is cut of the same mold.
HEMMER: We are also mulling over the possibility of a national intelligence director. Does this aid in the reorganization of the intelligence community, when you're trying to fill a post in the CIA, knowing that all the details have not yet been worked out? Your thoughts on that?
WEBSTER: Well, it's a difficult time. There's -- there's pressure building up on the public side, in a time of a national election, to do something. There's pressure not to do something foolish.
The best choice, I think, was for the president to indicate his attention to make the nomination. Whether that will be in the end before director of national intelligence, if Congress creates a bill of that kind, or as an enhanced position as director of central intelligence remains to be seen.
But everyone agrees, more authority is needed, and this is the man I believe can properly exercise that.
HEMMER: So you're saying that Porter Goss is the guy who's right for the job when it comes to reform in the intelligence community, as been defined by the 9/11 Commission? And based on what you know about this, though, will he follow those recommendations?
WEBSTER: I have every confidence that he would -- he would follow -- he would inform the Congress on what he thought was best, and that he would carry out the laws as they were ultimately enacted. And he would do so with independence of the intelligence community to deliver intelligence as the community sees it without political influence or spin.
HEMMER: One final question here, then. If that is the case, what are the challenges Porter Goss would face, if confirmed?
WEBSTER: Well, of course, the first challenge is to deal with the -- the demands for restructuring. The next would be to have a community that was responsive to him and to his leadership. Breaking down the stovepipes, making sure the intelligence is properly shared, dealing with counter terrorism and a new counter intelligence center in which he would be responsible.
That's pretty good for one-day start.
HEMMER: William Webster, thanks for coming and talking with us today. All right. In D.C. -- Heidi.
COLLINS: Well, watch out Florida. No one but two -- not one, that is, but two potential hurricanes could be hitting before the weekend. Here's a look now.
The first one, Tropical Storm Bonnie. Looking at this from space. Cameras on the International Space Station caught this image yesterday afternoon, 230 miles from Earth.
Chad Myers, also keeping his eye on these storms from the CNN Center in Atlanta.
Busy, busy morning, Chad. (WEATHER REPORT)
COLLINS: Thanks, Chad.
Now I want to take a moment to go to Carol Costello, standing by with the very latest news that's happening around the country.
Carol, good morning once again.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Heidi. Thank you.
Lawmakers now discussing how to enact the ideas of the 9/11 Commission report. New hearings with the armed services and selective intelligence committees are now getting under way on Capitol Hill.
Among those scheduled to testify, commission co-chair Thomas Kean and Lee Hamilton, and former White House adviser Richard Clarke. I believe Porter Goss is now testifying, although that is not him.
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld is reiterating U.S. commitment to rebuilding Afghanistan. The secretary appeared at a joint news conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul just moments ago.
Rumsfeld also said there is good progress being made ahead of the scheduled October presidential election.
Here in the United States, the woman accusing Kobe Bryant of sexual assault is leveling a civil lawsuit against the NBA star. The lawsuit, filed yesterday, seeks a civil jury trial and at least $75,000 in compensatory damages.
Legal experts say the new filing could cripple the criminal case. Both sides say for now the criminal trial will go on as scheduled August 27. Bryant has pleaded not guilty.
In Brazil, researchers have created the world's first DNA map of the coffee plant. In an announcement made yesterday, Brazilian officials said it took two years and $2 million to map the DNA sequences. Expected benefits of this research: lower production costs and a better tasting cup of Joe.
Back to New York now.
HEMMER: I love the way that sounds, Carol! And only from the Brazilians would you get that DNA read.
COSTELLO: Two million bucks to come up with a better cup of coffee. I like that.
HEMMER: Thank you, Carol. Talk to you later this hour.
Meanwhile, the games begin this week and opening ceremonies go down Friday night. And Athens, Greece, has spent a long time coming. And along the way, there will be plenty of security, too.
Michael Holmes is in Athens for us now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MICHAEL HOLMES, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): There's no bigger, more public advertisement for a country.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We are proud. We are proud of the job we did. We are proud of our city today. We are proud of our country today. And I think that's what the Greeks want to communicate.
HOLMES: It's a moment many thought the Greeks would never be ready for. A matter of a few months ago, the city was a building site. The IOC having heart palpitations and issuing stern warnings.
Greeks were all the time saying (SPEAKING GREEK), or "Don't worry."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This week is going to be a lot of people coming to buy tickets.
HOLMES: The Greeks were right. The queues for tickets have been growing all week: 84,000 two days ago. Although plenty still available.
So far, $7 billion spent by Greek taxpayers. The final bill might top $10 billion. Of course, much of the money, $1.2 billion, spent on security in a post-September 11 world.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We knew that, having had this situation, we had to secure the games as much as possible. We also knew that we are the first who us responsible to balance security with the identity of the games.
HOLMES (on camera): And in many ways, that's the tough part. Keeping the games the games in terms of atmosphere, while at the same time keeping them secure.
This is a city ringed by Patriot anti-aircraft missiles. There are NATO warships off the coast. There's an AWACS early warning plane in the sky, all required, but hopefully not stealing the show.
(voice-over) There's a subtext to these games, too. Greeks have often felt the poor cousins of Europe, a nation thought by some, rightly or wrongly, as having a crumbling infrastructure, rickety economy and laissez-faire attitude. Part of the mission of these games is changing that impression.
Michael Holmes, CNN, Athens.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Michael, thanks for that.
As we await on the opening games -- ceremonies, rather, on Friday night, officially the games get underway today. In fact, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time, the U.S. women's soccer team, starring Mia Hamm, will take on the host country of Greece. We wish them the best of luck, kicking off that.
COLLINS: And we like the Olympics, darn it!
HEMMER: Yes, we do.
Toure's back in a moment. He doesn't have the same attitude on that stuff. We'll get back to him in a moment.
COLLINS: More on that. Still to come, though, does the White House have a secret weapon for the election? Why some pundits are saying Arnold Schwarzenegger could be the man to put President Bush on top in the race.
O'BRIEN: Also, a star witness taking center stage. Amber Frey telling all about her relationship with Scott Peterson. Did she do the damage the prosecution had hoped? Ahead here on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COLLINS: Amber Frey is due back in court today at Scott Peterson's double murder trial. The state's star witness told the jury yesterday about their first date and the phone conversations she secretly taped.
So was Amber Frey's testimony as damaging as prosecutors had hoped?
Two men who are familiar with the trial, joining us now from Redwood City, California. Chris Filippi, who's covering the trial for KFBK radio.
Chris, hello to you.
CHRIS FILIPPI, KFBK RADIO: Good to be with you.
COLLINS: And Justin Falconer, a former juror who was dismissed in June for making a comment to Laci Peterson's brother.
Justin, hello to you as well.
JUSTIN FALCONER, FORMER SCOTT PETERSON JUROR: Hi.
COLLINS: Chris, I want to begin with you, if I could. You were in that courtroom yesterday. After everything that you saw, how did it appear to you? Was she as damaging as the prosecution had hoped?
FILIPPI: I think she came across as being a fairly credible witness, that this was someone who had an affair with Scott Peterson, who appeared to be swept up by Scott's romantic ways.
And really, I think what the argument's going to come down to is how significant are these four dates they went out on? The defense is going to argue they only went out four times. How could this possibly be a motive for murder?
But on the other hand, the prosecution is trying to prove, through all of these details about these dates, that it was much more than just four dates. That it was something that Amber Frey fell head over heels for Scott, and Scott felt the same way. At least that's what they're trying to prove.
COLLINS: Curious to know, then, how does she play and relate to the jury?
FILIPPI: You know, I think she came across as someone that really believed what Scott was telling her, someone that really wanted to believe that Scott was in love with her.
They, of course, were intimate on the first date. The details of the first date are startling, the fact that Scott shows up in Fresno and he has champagne and strawberries in this duffel bag. He pulls them out in the hotel room. They go dancing. They go karaoking. They go to dinner. A very elaborate date that Scott planned out.
I mean, that's just the start of this relationship.
COLLINS: Justin Falconer, to you now.
I know that in the past you have said you were just not convinced by the prosecution's case. Not sure if you got to see Amber Frey's testimony yesterday. If you did, did that change your mind at all? Are you still of the same opinion?
FALCONER: Well, it's, you know, we know that he had an affair. And if this is all that this is going to be for the next week and a half, is just testimony about the affair and all the different things that he did to get her into bed, well, you know, we already know he did that.
So we -- I wanted to see, you know, what it is that they see that they -- that make them believe that he murdered her, and he murdered Laci. And I just -- I want -- that's what I want. I want actual information towards the murder.
I don't really care about the dates. He went out with her four times. He wooed her. He -- you know, he did a really good job, you know, being a Casanova, if you will, and you know, something we all know.
It's just the jury wants to see more details on the actual murder itself.
COLLINS: All right. Chris Filippi, back to you now, if I could.
One day's worth of conversations that Amber Frey actually secretly recorded with Scott Peterson, hearing her talk on the phone with him in those exact words that were exchanged. How did that go over in the courtroom with people listening?
FILIPPI: Yes. And you're going to hear a lot more of those phone conversations today and throughout this week, you know, actual recordings of Scott Peterson speaking with Amber Frey. I think one of the conversations that stands out has to be December 31, where Scott Peterson is just about to go to his pregnant wife's vigil in Modesto.
He calls Amber Frey, tells her that he's not in Modesto. In fact, he's in Paris on business, and that he's with his friends Francois and Pascal, names that he's made up, saying he's looking at fireworks at the Eiffel Tower.
It's an incredibly detailed outline of the lies that Scott Peterson told Amber Frey. It goes directly to his credibility. I think for the prosecution, what they're going to try and highlight beyond the affair are some of the things that he said to Amber about Laci Peterson, not directly about his wife.
For example, saying in early December that this was going to be the first Christmas that he was spending without his wife, and then telling her that he was going to be out of town in Europe on business for all of January and wouldn't be able to see her for all of that month.
You know, the prosecution's going to try and say, "Well, what did he really have in mind for January?"
COLLINS: Quickly, Chris, before we let you go, why did Amber agree to record those phone conversations?
FILIPPI: You know, it's really hard to say specifically why she agreed to that. But what we do know is that when she found out that Scott Peterson was married, through a television report, she called Modesto police immediately.
And they wanted to record those conversations. Obviously, they wanted to tap the phone, get as much information on Scott as they possibly could. And Amber Frey simply cooperated with them.
COLLINS: All right. Chris Filippi, KFBK radio reporter, thanks so much to you as well as Jason Falconer, former jury in the Scott Peterson case. Thanks so much, gentlemen.
FILIPPI: Thank you.
HEMMER: Let's get a break here in a moment. A newsman making headlines of his own today. A dispute over parking lands Mike Wallace in handcuffs. We'll explain in a moment here on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Welcome back, everyone.
Veteran CBS newsman Mike Wallace was arrested outside a restaurant in New York City, apparently for disorderly conduct. That's the charge.
Wallace is 86 years young. A taxi official says Wallace lunged at an office during an argument about his car, which was reportedly double-parked. Two inspectors from the commission questioning Wallace, his driver.
Wallace was handcuffed, taken to a police station. He was issued a ticket and then released.
Reportedly double-parked. You can look out the window here in New York City any time of the day and see about 20 cars double parked in Manhattan.
COLLINS: Only 20?
HEMMER: A common sight.
TOURE, "ROLLING STONE": You can also see a car being towed at any time, day or night, in New York City.
HEMMER: Mike Wallace who, clearly, at the age of 86, still strong.
COLLINS: Yes.
TOURE: I want no parts of Mike!
HEMMER: Good morning, Toure.
TOURE: Good morning to you.
We are talking about the Olympics for some reason. I'm not sure why. Starting on Friday, security is on everybody's mind. Heidi's into the diving; Bill's into the rhythmic gymnastics.
HEMMER: Correct. Big fan.
TOURE: It's all good.
If money were not a factor, would you go to Athens for the Olympics? Let's see what the people have to say.
Ken from Japan -- that's a long place for him, isn't it? From Japan.
HEMMER: From ...
TOURE: Now from Japan to Greece, it's a long flight for him, right?
HEMMER: OK. Well, there are ways...
TOURE: "Consider what the traditional purity of Olympic competition means to the vast majority of the athletes. To have the opportunity to face off against the world's best in an individual field is not only the most valid of competitive challenges, it's an honor."
COLLINS: See?
HEMMER: There you go.
TOURE: Liz from Boston: "I'd get on a plane this very afternoon to celebrate the nations of the world coming together in one city to have conflicts on the playing field instead of the battle field."
Beautiful sentiment.
Tim from Hicksville, Ohio: "I wish they'd put ban its coverage to the sports channels, where it belongs. I certainly wouldn't pay to watch the games in person no matter how much you paid me."
Amen.
And Mark from Detroit: "Definitely, I'd go. The Olympics are the most genuinely uniting thing we do as a species!"
No understatement possible from Mark. "It's one of the few things going on right now that still make me proud to be human."
COLLINS: Oh.
TOURE: Whoa!
HEMMER: No overstatement there. Have you ever been to an Olympic games?
TOURE: No.
HEMMER: No. I'm telling you, they're terrific. Absolutely wonderful.
TOURE: I remember watching the 1980 U.S./Russia hockey game, riveted. Since then...
HEMMER: I wait for the rhythmic gym gymnastics. Beautiful stuff.
TOURE: It's beautiful stuff.
COLLINS: All right, Toure. Thanks so much.
Still to come this morning, your Wednesday edition of "90 Second Pop."
Supermodel Naomi Campbell is known for her quick temper. But the boiling beauty could be in serious hot water over accusations by a housekeeper.
Plus, La Toya Jackson makes one little change and all of a sudden scores a hit.
Stay with us on AMERICAN MORNING.
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Aired August 11, 2004 - 09:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. Heading for a showdown in Najaf. We're just learning that the U.S. is getting ready for a major assault on that city, as a radical cleric and his fighters vow to fight on.
A car bombing in Jerusalem. At least five are wounded. Reports that a suicide bomber there is to blame.
And the star witness takes the stand in the Scott Peterson trial. Amber Frey reveals an apparent web of lies, ahead on this AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien.
HEMMER: Good morning, everyone; 9 a.m. in New York. I'm Bill Hemmer, along with Heidi Collins working for Soledad as she rests at home.
And there is certainly a big week for the murder trial of Scott Peterson. The star witness, Amber Frey, on the stand this week, may continue into next, we are hearing. Her testimony yesterday may have been seriously damaging to the defense.
We'll talk to the juror kicked off that case a few weeks back and see what he has to say, based on what we learned yesterday in court.
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: Plus Democrats raise questions now about the president's pick to head up the CIA. Will it turn into a battle over intelligence reform? We're going to talk with former CIA director William Webster about that.
HEMMER: Also, Jack Cafferty is on vacation this week. Toure is taking over. We'll get back to Toure in a moment here.
First though, breaking news from Iraq. Want to get straight away to Baghdad. Increased fighting today in Najaf, the Shiite cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr, still pushing his fighters to battle with U.S. troops.
John Vause is live in Baghdad.
John, what are you learning? JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Bill.
It appears that U.S. and Iraqi forces are now making their final preparations for what could be a storming or a raid of the Imam Ali Mosque, where forces loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr have now dug in.
A colonel in charge in Najaf says that the Iraqi National Guardsmen have been training alongside U.S. Marines and U.S. soldiers. They are working together as a cohesive body, he says, learning from their lessons back in April when they found themselves in a very similar situation in Najaf, again up against the Mehdi Army, the militia loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr.
That was what ended in that ceasefire which broke down last week.
Now what they say is they don't want a situation, a repeat of that situation. They're prepared to finish this. And that's the word we're also getting from the interim Iraqi prime minister. He wants this finished. He wants al-Sadr and his militia brought to an end.
It's a very delicate situation for U.S. forces. The Imam Ali Mosque is a sacred site for Shia Muslims across the world, especially here in Iraq.
There's a great deal of speculation that if there is, in fact, a raid on the mosque, it will be led by Iraqi forces, backed up by U.S. forces. Still, that can cause a whole lot of problems for U.S. -- for the U.S. forces here in Iraq.
We've also heard from Muqtada al-Sadr, calling on his followers to continue the fight, even if he is killed -- Bill.
HEMMER: John Vause, watching the latest in Baghdad. We'll get you more when we get it here. John, thanks for that.
Now Heidi with more news.
COLLINS: I want to take you back to Israel now, where we've been telling you about a car bomb that exploded between Jerusalem and Ramallah at a checkpoint there. Israeli emergency services reporting to us that this was a car bomb.
We are learning now one Palestinian was killed. 12 other people wounded. Six Palestinian, six Israelis, as we understand it. Again, according to Israeli emergency services there.
We do have our Alessio Vinci on the scene, trying to learn more about exactly what happened there. But once again, we are learning a little bit new information as we look at these pictures from Israeli television now, that one person has been killed, 12 others wounded in a car bomb explosion near a checkpoint there.
HEMMER: All right. Almost five minutes now past the hour as we continue to watch those stories from overseas.
Back in this country now, the head of the Senate Intelligence Committee says he wants to push ahead with confirmation of Porter Goss as the next head of the CIA, possibly hearings being held in D.C. next week.
The former CIA officer and a congressman from Florida nominated yesterday by the president at this time.
Some Democrats say they already have their concerns. We spoke with two members of the Senate committee, Republican Senator Chuck Hagel and Democratic Senator Carl Levin on their thoughts on this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. CHUCK HAGEL (R-NE), SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE: He is a very experienced, respected national leader. He understands the intelligence community. Much of his life has been spent in intelligence community, and I think he will be our next CIA director.
SEN. CARL LEVIN (D-MI), SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE: The issue we have to face is whether or not he would be able to be independent and objective in giving intelligence not just to the president, who he's a close supporter of, but also to the Congress and the nation.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HEMMER: So then, what can we expect for Porter Goss's nomination hearings? William Webster ran the CIA back in the '80s. He's currently co-chairman of the Homeland Security Advisory Council. He's my guest now live in D.C.
And welcome here to AMERICAN MORNING.
WILLIAM WEBSTER, FORMER CIA DIRECTOR: Good morning, Bill.
HEMMER: Of what you know of Porter Goss, can he serve this position?
WEBSTER: Absolutely. I think he's uniquely qualified. Known him a number of years on both sides of the table, at the Congress. And I believe he has the background, the experience, the temperament. It's a great choice.
HEMMER: His detractors say he's too partisan and a member of Congress should not take this job at this time. To that you say?
WEBSTER: To that I say that the only other person that came out of the Congress and became director of central intelligence was a man named George Herbert Walker Bush, for whom the building in Langley is now named.
I think it depends on the intellectual independence and integrity of the individual, as it did in the case of President Bush. And I know he is cut of the same mold.
HEMMER: We are also mulling over the possibility of a national intelligence director. Does this aid in the reorganization of the intelligence community, when you're trying to fill a post in the CIA, knowing that all the details have not yet been worked out? Your thoughts on that?
WEBSTER: Well, it's a difficult time. There's -- there's pressure building up on the public side, in a time of a national election, to do something. There's pressure not to do something foolish.
The best choice, I think, was for the president to indicate his attention to make the nomination. Whether that will be in the end before director of national intelligence, if Congress creates a bill of that kind, or as an enhanced position as director of central intelligence remains to be seen.
But everyone agrees, more authority is needed, and this is the man I believe can properly exercise that.
HEMMER: So you're saying that Porter Goss is the guy who's right for the job when it comes to reform in the intelligence community, as been defined by the 9/11 Commission? And based on what you know about this, though, will he follow those recommendations?
WEBSTER: I have every confidence that he would -- he would follow -- he would inform the Congress on what he thought was best, and that he would carry out the laws as they were ultimately enacted. And he would do so with independence of the intelligence community to deliver intelligence as the community sees it without political influence or spin.
HEMMER: One final question here, then. If that is the case, what are the challenges Porter Goss would face, if confirmed?
WEBSTER: Well, of course, the first challenge is to deal with the -- the demands for restructuring. The next would be to have a community that was responsive to him and to his leadership. Breaking down the stovepipes, making sure the intelligence is properly shared, dealing with counter terrorism and a new counter intelligence center in which he would be responsible.
That's pretty good for one-day start.
HEMMER: William Webster, thanks for coming and talking with us today. All right. In D.C. -- Heidi.
COLLINS: Well, watch out Florida. No one but two -- not one, that is, but two potential hurricanes could be hitting before the weekend. Here's a look now.
The first one, Tropical Storm Bonnie. Looking at this from space. Cameras on the International Space Station caught this image yesterday afternoon, 230 miles from Earth.
Chad Myers, also keeping his eye on these storms from the CNN Center in Atlanta.
Busy, busy morning, Chad. (WEATHER REPORT)
COLLINS: Thanks, Chad.
Now I want to take a moment to go to Carol Costello, standing by with the very latest news that's happening around the country.
Carol, good morning once again.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Heidi. Thank you.
Lawmakers now discussing how to enact the ideas of the 9/11 Commission report. New hearings with the armed services and selective intelligence committees are now getting under way on Capitol Hill.
Among those scheduled to testify, commission co-chair Thomas Kean and Lee Hamilton, and former White House adviser Richard Clarke. I believe Porter Goss is now testifying, although that is not him.
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld is reiterating U.S. commitment to rebuilding Afghanistan. The secretary appeared at a joint news conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul just moments ago.
Rumsfeld also said there is good progress being made ahead of the scheduled October presidential election.
Here in the United States, the woman accusing Kobe Bryant of sexual assault is leveling a civil lawsuit against the NBA star. The lawsuit, filed yesterday, seeks a civil jury trial and at least $75,000 in compensatory damages.
Legal experts say the new filing could cripple the criminal case. Both sides say for now the criminal trial will go on as scheduled August 27. Bryant has pleaded not guilty.
In Brazil, researchers have created the world's first DNA map of the coffee plant. In an announcement made yesterday, Brazilian officials said it took two years and $2 million to map the DNA sequences. Expected benefits of this research: lower production costs and a better tasting cup of Joe.
Back to New York now.
HEMMER: I love the way that sounds, Carol! And only from the Brazilians would you get that DNA read.
COSTELLO: Two million bucks to come up with a better cup of coffee. I like that.
HEMMER: Thank you, Carol. Talk to you later this hour.
Meanwhile, the games begin this week and opening ceremonies go down Friday night. And Athens, Greece, has spent a long time coming. And along the way, there will be plenty of security, too.
Michael Holmes is in Athens for us now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MICHAEL HOLMES, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): There's no bigger, more public advertisement for a country.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We are proud. We are proud of the job we did. We are proud of our city today. We are proud of our country today. And I think that's what the Greeks want to communicate.
HOLMES: It's a moment many thought the Greeks would never be ready for. A matter of a few months ago, the city was a building site. The IOC having heart palpitations and issuing stern warnings.
Greeks were all the time saying (SPEAKING GREEK), or "Don't worry."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This week is going to be a lot of people coming to buy tickets.
HOLMES: The Greeks were right. The queues for tickets have been growing all week: 84,000 two days ago. Although plenty still available.
So far, $7 billion spent by Greek taxpayers. The final bill might top $10 billion. Of course, much of the money, $1.2 billion, spent on security in a post-September 11 world.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We knew that, having had this situation, we had to secure the games as much as possible. We also knew that we are the first who us responsible to balance security with the identity of the games.
HOLMES (on camera): And in many ways, that's the tough part. Keeping the games the games in terms of atmosphere, while at the same time keeping them secure.
This is a city ringed by Patriot anti-aircraft missiles. There are NATO warships off the coast. There's an AWACS early warning plane in the sky, all required, but hopefully not stealing the show.
(voice-over) There's a subtext to these games, too. Greeks have often felt the poor cousins of Europe, a nation thought by some, rightly or wrongly, as having a crumbling infrastructure, rickety economy and laissez-faire attitude. Part of the mission of these games is changing that impression.
Michael Holmes, CNN, Athens.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Michael, thanks for that.
As we await on the opening games -- ceremonies, rather, on Friday night, officially the games get underway today. In fact, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time, the U.S. women's soccer team, starring Mia Hamm, will take on the host country of Greece. We wish them the best of luck, kicking off that.
COLLINS: And we like the Olympics, darn it!
HEMMER: Yes, we do.
Toure's back in a moment. He doesn't have the same attitude on that stuff. We'll get back to him in a moment.
COLLINS: More on that. Still to come, though, does the White House have a secret weapon for the election? Why some pundits are saying Arnold Schwarzenegger could be the man to put President Bush on top in the race.
O'BRIEN: Also, a star witness taking center stage. Amber Frey telling all about her relationship with Scott Peterson. Did she do the damage the prosecution had hoped? Ahead here on AMERICAN MORNING.
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COLLINS: Amber Frey is due back in court today at Scott Peterson's double murder trial. The state's star witness told the jury yesterday about their first date and the phone conversations she secretly taped.
So was Amber Frey's testimony as damaging as prosecutors had hoped?
Two men who are familiar with the trial, joining us now from Redwood City, California. Chris Filippi, who's covering the trial for KFBK radio.
Chris, hello to you.
CHRIS FILIPPI, KFBK RADIO: Good to be with you.
COLLINS: And Justin Falconer, a former juror who was dismissed in June for making a comment to Laci Peterson's brother.
Justin, hello to you as well.
JUSTIN FALCONER, FORMER SCOTT PETERSON JUROR: Hi.
COLLINS: Chris, I want to begin with you, if I could. You were in that courtroom yesterday. After everything that you saw, how did it appear to you? Was she as damaging as the prosecution had hoped?
FILIPPI: I think she came across as being a fairly credible witness, that this was someone who had an affair with Scott Peterson, who appeared to be swept up by Scott's romantic ways.
And really, I think what the argument's going to come down to is how significant are these four dates they went out on? The defense is going to argue they only went out four times. How could this possibly be a motive for murder?
But on the other hand, the prosecution is trying to prove, through all of these details about these dates, that it was much more than just four dates. That it was something that Amber Frey fell head over heels for Scott, and Scott felt the same way. At least that's what they're trying to prove.
COLLINS: Curious to know, then, how does she play and relate to the jury?
FILIPPI: You know, I think she came across as someone that really believed what Scott was telling her, someone that really wanted to believe that Scott was in love with her.
They, of course, were intimate on the first date. The details of the first date are startling, the fact that Scott shows up in Fresno and he has champagne and strawberries in this duffel bag. He pulls them out in the hotel room. They go dancing. They go karaoking. They go to dinner. A very elaborate date that Scott planned out.
I mean, that's just the start of this relationship.
COLLINS: Justin Falconer, to you now.
I know that in the past you have said you were just not convinced by the prosecution's case. Not sure if you got to see Amber Frey's testimony yesterday. If you did, did that change your mind at all? Are you still of the same opinion?
FALCONER: Well, it's, you know, we know that he had an affair. And if this is all that this is going to be for the next week and a half, is just testimony about the affair and all the different things that he did to get her into bed, well, you know, we already know he did that.
So we -- I wanted to see, you know, what it is that they see that they -- that make them believe that he murdered her, and he murdered Laci. And I just -- I want -- that's what I want. I want actual information towards the murder.
I don't really care about the dates. He went out with her four times. He wooed her. He -- you know, he did a really good job, you know, being a Casanova, if you will, and you know, something we all know.
It's just the jury wants to see more details on the actual murder itself.
COLLINS: All right. Chris Filippi, back to you now, if I could.
One day's worth of conversations that Amber Frey actually secretly recorded with Scott Peterson, hearing her talk on the phone with him in those exact words that were exchanged. How did that go over in the courtroom with people listening?
FILIPPI: Yes. And you're going to hear a lot more of those phone conversations today and throughout this week, you know, actual recordings of Scott Peterson speaking with Amber Frey. I think one of the conversations that stands out has to be December 31, where Scott Peterson is just about to go to his pregnant wife's vigil in Modesto.
He calls Amber Frey, tells her that he's not in Modesto. In fact, he's in Paris on business, and that he's with his friends Francois and Pascal, names that he's made up, saying he's looking at fireworks at the Eiffel Tower.
It's an incredibly detailed outline of the lies that Scott Peterson told Amber Frey. It goes directly to his credibility. I think for the prosecution, what they're going to try and highlight beyond the affair are some of the things that he said to Amber about Laci Peterson, not directly about his wife.
For example, saying in early December that this was going to be the first Christmas that he was spending without his wife, and then telling her that he was going to be out of town in Europe on business for all of January and wouldn't be able to see her for all of that month.
You know, the prosecution's going to try and say, "Well, what did he really have in mind for January?"
COLLINS: Quickly, Chris, before we let you go, why did Amber agree to record those phone conversations?
FILIPPI: You know, it's really hard to say specifically why she agreed to that. But what we do know is that when she found out that Scott Peterson was married, through a television report, she called Modesto police immediately.
And they wanted to record those conversations. Obviously, they wanted to tap the phone, get as much information on Scott as they possibly could. And Amber Frey simply cooperated with them.
COLLINS: All right. Chris Filippi, KFBK radio reporter, thanks so much to you as well as Jason Falconer, former jury in the Scott Peterson case. Thanks so much, gentlemen.
FILIPPI: Thank you.
HEMMER: Let's get a break here in a moment. A newsman making headlines of his own today. A dispute over parking lands Mike Wallace in handcuffs. We'll explain in a moment here on AMERICAN MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HEMMER: Welcome back, everyone.
Veteran CBS newsman Mike Wallace was arrested outside a restaurant in New York City, apparently for disorderly conduct. That's the charge.
Wallace is 86 years young. A taxi official says Wallace lunged at an office during an argument about his car, which was reportedly double-parked. Two inspectors from the commission questioning Wallace, his driver.
Wallace was handcuffed, taken to a police station. He was issued a ticket and then released.
Reportedly double-parked. You can look out the window here in New York City any time of the day and see about 20 cars double parked in Manhattan.
COLLINS: Only 20?
HEMMER: A common sight.
TOURE, "ROLLING STONE": You can also see a car being towed at any time, day or night, in New York City.
HEMMER: Mike Wallace who, clearly, at the age of 86, still strong.
COLLINS: Yes.
TOURE: I want no parts of Mike!
HEMMER: Good morning, Toure.
TOURE: Good morning to you.
We are talking about the Olympics for some reason. I'm not sure why. Starting on Friday, security is on everybody's mind. Heidi's into the diving; Bill's into the rhythmic gymnastics.
HEMMER: Correct. Big fan.
TOURE: It's all good.
If money were not a factor, would you go to Athens for the Olympics? Let's see what the people have to say.
Ken from Japan -- that's a long place for him, isn't it? From Japan.
HEMMER: From ...
TOURE: Now from Japan to Greece, it's a long flight for him, right?
HEMMER: OK. Well, there are ways...
TOURE: "Consider what the traditional purity of Olympic competition means to the vast majority of the athletes. To have the opportunity to face off against the world's best in an individual field is not only the most valid of competitive challenges, it's an honor."
COLLINS: See?
HEMMER: There you go.
TOURE: Liz from Boston: "I'd get on a plane this very afternoon to celebrate the nations of the world coming together in one city to have conflicts on the playing field instead of the battle field."
Beautiful sentiment.
Tim from Hicksville, Ohio: "I wish they'd put ban its coverage to the sports channels, where it belongs. I certainly wouldn't pay to watch the games in person no matter how much you paid me."
Amen.
And Mark from Detroit: "Definitely, I'd go. The Olympics are the most genuinely uniting thing we do as a species!"
No understatement possible from Mark. "It's one of the few things going on right now that still make me proud to be human."
COLLINS: Oh.
TOURE: Whoa!
HEMMER: No overstatement there. Have you ever been to an Olympic games?
TOURE: No.
HEMMER: No. I'm telling you, they're terrific. Absolutely wonderful.
TOURE: I remember watching the 1980 U.S./Russia hockey game, riveted. Since then...
HEMMER: I wait for the rhythmic gym gymnastics. Beautiful stuff.
TOURE: It's beautiful stuff.
COLLINS: All right, Toure. Thanks so much.
Still to come this morning, your Wednesday edition of "90 Second Pop."
Supermodel Naomi Campbell is known for her quick temper. But the boiling beauty could be in serious hot water over accusations by a housekeeper.
Plus, La Toya Jackson makes one little change and all of a sudden scores a hit.
Stay with us on AMERICAN MORNING.
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