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Is There a Glimmer of Hope for Those Fighting to Keep Terri Schiavo Alive?; Opposition Leaders in Kyrgyzstan Scrambling to Form Interim Leadership

Aired March 25, 2005 - 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)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's awful to have to sit back and watch that, this process happen to anybody. I mean, we live in America.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Terri Schiavo's sister among those waiting now for a federal judge. Is there a glimmer of hope left for those fighting to keep Terri Schiavo alive?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: A new twist in the Atlanta courthouse shootings, why a crackdown in security did not find what Brian Nichols was reportedly hiding in his cell.

And reaching out to the students of Red Lake and the message delivered from the survivors of Columbine, on this AMERICAN MORNING.

ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING, with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien.

SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. Welcome everybody.

The parents of Terri Schiavo waiting to hear from a federal judge in Tampa. We're going to take a look this morning at what could be their last avenue of appeal. In a few hours, we'll reach the one-week mark since Terri Schiavo's feeding tube was removed. We'll hear what Schiavo's brother and sister are saying about that, also talk with one of the lawyers involved in this case.

HEMMER: Also Holy Week ceremonies in the Vatican proceeding this year with a bit of apprehension because of the health of the pope. We'll talk to our man in Rome. That's John Allen, about how events might be adjusted to try and include him this weekend. It is Good Friday today, Easter weekend on Sunday.

O'BRIEN: Good morning, Jack. What are you looking at today?

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: President Bush's approval ratings have dropped to the lowest level of his presidency, a rather sharp decline in the last week of 7 percentage points. We'll take a look at what might be behind the decline. If you think about it, it may come to you. O'BRIEN: Some interesting poll numbers coming out as well.

CAFFERTY: That's the poll I'm talking about.

O'BRIEN: Thanks.

Well, another appeal is pending in the Terri Schiavo case. The family seems to be hoping that Florida Governor Jeb Bush is going to intervene. We have got coverage this morning from Bob Franken. He's at the hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida.

Also, Ed Henry, he's at the state capital in Tallahassee this morning.

Bob, good morning to you. Let's start with you.

The pending appeal that we've been talking about is really a last-ditch effort for Terri Schiavo's parents. Do they recognize that this is the final step, or do they see even further options down the road?

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, there's no such thing as a final step for lawyers until there is no chance whatsoever. But this step is not just some desperation. There are some substantive issues they've raised, compliance with the Americans for Disability Act, that type of thing, and also the affidavit from neurologists who says that he is not certain that Terri Schiavo has the extent of brain damage that other doctors have diagnosed. The judge promised a ruling on whether he should, for legal reasons, reconnect the tube while he considers the substantive issues, and he promised that he'll have that probably about this time. He said he'd be working on it overnight.

And an illustration of how the passions here have affected this entire matter, outside the courthouse, as the case was being heard, police evacuated a two-block area after they found a knapsack that they said tested originally for suspicious material. And eventually they blew up the knapsack. No word on what it is they had found.

They are saying that they're getting a huge amount of threats. Here at the hospice, the quiet vigil increased in volume a bit last night. They were kind of a loud group as the feelings in this matter grow stronger and stronger, as the days for Terri Schiavo dwindle, unless the feeding tube is disconnected. And something that's caused concern among the police, sheriff deputies arrested Michael Mitchell at a gun shop about five miles from here, in Seminole, Florida. He'd stolen and gun, and he said he wanted to use it to free Terri Schiavo.

So there is a very strong amount of feeling here. Thus far, this has been a debate that has been marked by a calm, but persistent vigil. As I said, the feelings are beginning to run high, as we pass the one-week mark, Soledad. It generally believed that Terri Schiavo, without nutrition would last no more than another week.

O'BRIEN: Bob Franken in Pinellas Park for us this morning. Bob, thank you for that update.

Let's turn to Ed Henry now.

Ed, when we heard from Bob, we could see the signs behind him, many of them calling on Governor Jeb Bush to take some kind of action, which is what the Schindler family has asked as well. What's the governor's response been?

FRANKEN: Well, the governor has been facing heat from fellow conservative who want him to do something, anything, to try and help save Terri Schiavo's life. People close to the parents, like Randal Terry (ph), the conservative activist, yesterday, said there will be hell to pay if Governor Bush does not step in here.

And what can he do at this point? Conservatives are imploring him to basically take custody of Terri Schiavo, go into the hospice, defy Judge Greer's ruling and take custody of her, get that feeding tube restored.

But the governor, after spending yesterday behind me in his office, working with aides, behind closed doors, trying to study all of his legal options, came out and did a brief television interview with the local station, and suggested he doesn't have the kind of power that people think he does.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. JEB BUSH (R), FLORIDA: They're acting on their heart and I am -- I fully appreciate their sentiments and the emotions that go with this, but I cannot go and, as i've been consistently saying, and I guess you guys haven't been listening and repeating it back, I've consistently said that I can't go beyond what my powers are, and I'm not going to do it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HENRY: But that has not stopped the stream of phone calls that have been coming into the governor's office all day yesterday. They'll be coming back again today, people all across the country, urging the governor to take action -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Ed Henry, in Tallahassee this morning. Ed, thanks for that update -- Bill.

HEMMER: Terri Schiavo has not had food or water for seven days now, now entering her eighth day. Her sister and brother talked with CNN late last night about what is happening now with their sister today.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SUZANNE VITADAMO, TERRI SCHIAVO'S SISTER: She's beginning to hollow out. I mean, it's just awful. It's awful to have to sit back and watch this process happen to anybody. I mean, we live in America. And you know, I'm sitting here, I can't even believe I'm sitting here discussing this. This is sick. So it's horrible.

BOBBY SCHINDLER, TERRI SCHIAVO'S BROTHER: Part me of wants to be there, and the other part of me just wants to get out of the room as fast as I can. You know, as my sister said, it's just -- you're watching your sister being slowly dehydrated to death in front of your eyes, and it's just -- it's absolutely horrific to know someone's being starved to death, especially a family member. And I can't imagine what my parents are feeling during this process. It's just -- it's horrible.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: Every time it looks as if all legal options have been exhausted in the case, a new angle pops up, but the courts seem determined to uphold the ruling that removed Terri Schiavo's feeding tube. George Felos is the attorney for Michael Schiavo.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: Mr. Felos, good morning to you. When was the last time you saw Terri?

GEORGE FELOS, ATTY. FOR MICHAEL SCHIAVO: A couple months ago.

HEMMER: It's been a couple months? So then Michael Schiavo was with her the last time, was it late yesterday at the hospice?

FELOS: Mr. Schiavo has been with her continuously since her artificial life support stopped.

HEMMER: What has he said to you about her condition?

FELOS: That I spoke with him a few hours ago, that she is resting comfortably, and she's -- appears peaceful, and she's dying. Mrs. Schiavo is in her dying process. You know, and I've heard some people say this is horrible or barbaric. When patients -- when people die, they naturally stop eating, they stop drinking, and Terri's going through that what thousands and millions go through during their death process.

HEMMER: Terri Schiavo's brother describes his sister as like living in a concentration camp. As you just point there, they describe her as starving, with her face sunken in. Michael, as you describe here, says she's restful and peaceful. What explains the difference in the descriptions we're given from these two families?

FELOS: Well, people see things different ways. This case has been so politicized that people may want to describe Terri in sensational ways to garner support. I just hope, for everyone's sake and for Terri's sake that this dispute and clamor at some time subsides and there's at least some feeling of peace and reflection about this.

HEMMER: On the legal side, some analysts tell us here at CNN that Jeb Bush still has the executive power to take custody of Terri Schiavo at any time. Do you see that as a possibility under Florida law?

FELOS: Well, first of all, that's preposterous. He has no legal ability to do that. What we've seen in Florida is an outrageous attempt by the governor to just overturn a court order he doesn't like. He disagrees with the final judgment of the court and he decide he's wants to change it. That's not the way our system of government works.

HEMMER: If Judge Whittemore rules in your favor, and I understand he may call at any time with your cell phone standing by there in Clearwater, Florida -- he's ruled in your favor in the past, but if he rules again in your favor, is there still an appeal option based on that ruling?

FELOS: Yes, his order can be appealed by the parents to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeal, and then to the Supreme Court in Washington.

But what we heard last night was basically a rehash of the parents' prior claims, and we would hope that the litigation aspect of this is concluded.

But I want to say again, to everyone, that the state sending agents to forcibly take a patient from her deathbed, just because the governor disagrees with the decision of the court, is an outrage that no one should stand for.

HEMMER: One final question, Michael's quoted as saying enough is enough. Do you believe now, and does he believe now that the end is near for Terri?

FELOS: I sincerely hope so. In this situation, Terri has perhaps a few days remaining. I sincerely hope everyone lets her die in peace. I believe that's what she would have wanted.

HEMMER: George Felos, the attorney for Michael Schiavo, thank you, in Clearwater -- Soledad.

FELOS: Thank you.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

O'BRIEN: A day after a popular revolt overthrew the government, opposition leaders in the central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan are scrambling to form an interim leadership. Kyrgyzstan, the third former Soviet republic, where a popular revolt forced out the government, following Georgia and the Ukraine. Angry crowds took control of the main government building on Thursday, and the reports are that the country's long-time president has now fled the country.

With the latest, CNN's Ryan Chilcote joins us. He's live from Kyrgyzstan's capital.

Ryan, good morning.

RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: More or less peaceful day here in Kyrgyzstan, in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, I should say, because the opposition protesters at one point were still out on the streets today and tried to seize a government building that was actually already under the control of the opposition. One of the opposition leaders came out and explained to the crowd that, indeed, the building was already under the control of the opposition, and was able to churn that almost mob, if you will, of young angry men around.

Now I say more or less calm today, because last night, the situation in the capital was anything but calm. There was wide scale looting throughout the city, more than 100 shops here in Beeshket (ph) looted. Health officials saying that at least three people were killed, more than 120 injured.

Now, on the political front, the whereabouts of President Azgar Akayev (ph) -- at least to some people he's still the president, Azgar Akayev, because he hasn't officially resigned, his whereabouts are still unknown. He is believed to be in hiding. Some people believe that he may be in the neighboring country of Kazakhstan, but there's no official confirmation of that.

Meanwhile, the opposition is setting up their own leadership in this country. The parliament convened and appointed a new prime minister who will also serve as the acting president. He was actually formerly under President Akayev at one point in time, the prime minister of this country. His says is Korumbeck Bakeyev (ph), and he says that he will run this country through this situation, at least until Kyrgyzstan holds new elections -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Ryan Chilcote for us in Kyrgyzstan's capital thing.

Ryan, thanks for that update.

Prince Rainier of Monaco remains in intensive care today. The 81-year-old ruler's prognosis described by a palace spokesman as uncertain. He's connected to a respirator. He's said to be suffering from lung, and heart and kidney problems. The ailing monarch had ruled Monaco for 55 years. He was married to American movie star Grace Kelly. She died in a car crash in 1982.

(WEATHER REPORT)

O'BRIEN: New information is coming to light in the Atlanta courthouse shootings, what authorities found in Brian Nichols' cell that might have been a red flag, ahead.

HEMMER: A Columbine survivor reaching out to the students of Red Lake High School. The advice she gave to help them cope is coming up.

O'BRIEN: And Jesus is the man for many of today's hottest hip- hop stars. We're going to explore the trend in our special series "Faith in America." That's ahead on AMERICAN MORNING. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: Over at the Vatican, Pope John Paul II's poor health is keeping him from participating in Good Friday ceremonies today. The pope managed to make a brief appearance on Wednesday from the window of his Vatican apartment, but he will not participate in today's ceremony, recalling the passion of Christ. That event getting underway less than four hours from now. CNN Vatican analyst John Allen in Rome for us this morning with much more. John, nice to see you, as always.

We know, obviously, that there have been big misses for the pope in this Easter week celebration, the most critical for the Catholic Church.

Any way, though, that the pope will take part?

JOHN ALLEN, CNN VATICAN ANALYST: Hi, Soledad.

Well, you know, there still is the possibility that the Vatican has left open that the pope will make a sort of virtual appearance. That is that there will be a TV hookup from his apartment in the Vatican beamed to the coliseum in Rome, where the Via Cruches (ph), the Way of the Cross ceremony, recalling the steps of Christ on the way to his passion on the cross takes place. That has not yet been confirmed.

Obviously, doctors are waiting until the very last minute to try to determine exactly what the holy father will be capable of.

O'BRIEN: He's been looking very weak. We showed some pictures of the pope looking out of his Vatican apartment. What's the official word on his health right now?

ALLEN: Well, you know, Soledad, officially the Vatican is saying virtually nothing. Since he returned on March 13th from the Gemelli Hospital to the Vatican, there has been no medical bulletin on his condition.

Unofficially, they're telling us his recovery is not coming along as quickly or as seamlessly as they had hoped, that there continues to be breathing difficulties and just other things related to fatigue.

But on the other hand, they are also telling us that there is no atmosphere of alarm in the Vatican, no one believes his condition is terribly grave. There is a full expectation that he'll pull through this. And of course, the reason to sort of sideline him a bit this week is precisely to facilitate that recovery.

O'BRIEN: There are some who are saying that the message of Holy Week -- again, the most important week in the Catholic Church, is sort of getting lost because there's so much focus on the pope's health. Do you agree with that?

ALLEN: Well, you know, Soledad, that's one of those "depends on the eye of the viewer" sort of questions. On one hand, it is clear that the hope's health is dominating media coverage at this week. On the other hand, let's not forget, we're on Good Friday. The message of Good Friday is essentially a message of suffering. It's about the suffering of Christ on the cross, his suffer as a sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. You can make an argument that the pope through his own suffering is offering a more powerful witness to that than perhaps ever before. So I really think it depends on kind of what set of glasses through which you choose to see the situation. O'BRIEN: The pope have taken a stand, the Vatican officially has taken a stand on the Terri Schiavo case. How unusual is that?

ALLEN: Actually, Soledad, it's not unusual at all, that the Vatican would take a position in defense of life. It is remarkably unusual, however that the Vatican would get into the details of a particular case the way it has on Terri Schiavo. The Vatican newspaper twice now has carried very prominent articles in very blunt terms, talking about what's happening to Schiavo as a kind of execution. Three different senior Vatican officials, including two cardinals, have issued very, very strong statements, one talking about this as a grave sin; another has actually made the point that the laws in the state of Florida establish stiffer penalties for denying food and water to animals than to someone like Terri Schiavo.

So you know, normally, the Vatican would give you principles, and leave the specifics of a case up to the local bishops. This case, they obviously think so is terribly important, they're willing to set that aside.

O'BRIEN: John Allen is CNN's Vatican analyst, joining us this morning. John, thanks as always.

HEMMER: Back in this country now, from the city of Atlanta, there is new information now coming out about the suspect in the courthouse shootings. Sheriff Myron Freeman telling WSB Television that hand-drawn escape plans were found in Brian Nichols' cell after the deadly rampage two weeks ago. He also says that extra security has been in place in the courtroom since that attack. Freeman said it's still too early to tell whether or not anyone will be fired as a result of that.

Ashley Smith awarded yesterday for aiding in the capture of Nichols. She received checks totaling more than $72,000, and she stepped to the mic and said she was humbled by all of it.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ASHLEY SMITH, FMR. HOSTAGE: My life has changed, but that is a small fraction compared to all the families that lost loved ones during the tragic events earlier in the month. My heart goes out to all the families of those that are still mourning. My life is a testimony that God can use us even in the midst of tragedy, and that miracles do happen.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: Nichols held Smith hostage for about seven hours inside of her apartment after allegedly going on a shooting rampage that left four people dead in the city of Atlanta.

O'BRIEN: In California, it was judgment day for two celebrities, beginning with jail time for Tom Sizemore. The actor was sentenced to 17 months on Thursday and an additional four months in a drug treatment facility for failing drug tests during his probation. But Sizemore will remain free while he appeals a domestic-violence conviction.

Later in the day, Sizemore was sentenced to more treatment stemming from a felony drug-possession case.

"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul getting a judgment of her own. She was sentenced on Thursday to 24 months of informal probation and fined after pleading no contest. She'd been accused of hit and run after clipping another car on an L.A. freeway last December. The other driver used a cell phone camera to snap a picture of Abdul's car and her license plate number as well.

HEMMER: See how Simon judges that one, huh?

In a moment here, waiting for another legal decision. It could come at any moment now in the Terri Schiavo case. The latest from Florida, and how it's playing out in Washington on this Friday morning.

Also is this a new windup in a moment here? What's got this Colorado Rockies pitcher literally running from the mound. Give you an answer after the break here, on AMERICAN MORNING.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

O'BRIEN: Welcome back, everybody. I'm having a little trouble today.

CAFFERTY: It's been a long week. You've had to say a lot of words.

O'BRIEN: Yes, I have.

Jack's got the Question of the Day. Good morning.

CAFFERTY: I'll take it from here.

O'BRIEN: OK, thank you.

CAFFERTY: President Bush's approval rating has dropped to the lowest point of his presidency. According to the latest CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll, the president's approval has declined to 45 percent. We're supposed to have a full screen that has these numbers on them now so the people at home can read them. Do we have the full screen?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, sir.

CAFFERTY: We don't have it. All right. I will read them for you again, then. The president's approval has dropped to 45 percent from 52 percent where it was just a week ago. The White House has declined to comment, but some independent political analysts suggest the drop may reflect opposition to the president and Congress intervening in the Terri Schiavo matter. The poll found the largest drop for the president came among men, self-described conservatives, and churchgoers.

There's the screen. Hey, who'd have thunk it? It's a miracle.

Here's the question, was it a mistake for the Congress and the president to get involve in the Schiavo case? The e-mail address -- you can come back to me now -- the e-mail address is am@CNN.com. You know, you have to do everything here.

O'BRIEN: You're the director of the show.

CAFFERTY: I'm going to handle this floor as soon as I get done here.

O'BRIEN: You want to cue Hemmer here.

CAFFERTY: They actually put little instructions here on the script. It says put up the thing with the numbers on it. It's written on the script.

O'BRIEN: Do you get paid more for directing?

CAFFERTY: Is this radio or what?

HEMMER: Jack, thanks.

Spring training game from Arizona called off for the first time ever on account of bees. An Arizona game between the Rockies and the Diamondbacks of Arizona. Rockies pitcher Daryn Oliver (ph) ducking and swatting there, chased from the mound by a swarm of bees that came out to get him. The game was called off. Oliver says he thinks the bees were attracted to the coconut oil in his hair gel. Are you kidding me? Have you ever heard that before?

O'BRIEN: It does smell nice, that coconut hair gel.

HEMMER: Nice and sweet, maybe?

O'BRIEN: Yes. You know, it could happen. It could happen, Bill. Could be the case.

HEMMER: Yes, it could happen.

O'BRIEN: There is much more AMERICAN MORNING coming up.

Ahead on "90-Second Pop," an "Idol" error ends up reaping big benefits for Fox.

And who loves ya, baby.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You forgot your candy.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'BRIEN: Actor Ving Rhames grab a lollipops and tries to fill some pretty big shoes as "Kojak." Is he as good as the original, ahead on AMERICAN MORNING. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired March 25, 2005 - 07:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's awful to have to sit back and watch that, this process happen to anybody. I mean, we live in America.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Terri Schiavo's sister among those waiting now for a federal judge. Is there a glimmer of hope left for those fighting to keep Terri Schiavo alive?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: A new twist in the Atlanta courthouse shootings, why a crackdown in security did not find what Brian Nichols was reportedly hiding in his cell.

And reaching out to the students of Red Lake and the message delivered from the survivors of Columbine, on this AMERICAN MORNING.

ANNOUNCER: From the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is AMERICAN MORNING, with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien.

SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning. Welcome everybody.

The parents of Terri Schiavo waiting to hear from a federal judge in Tampa. We're going to take a look this morning at what could be their last avenue of appeal. In a few hours, we'll reach the one-week mark since Terri Schiavo's feeding tube was removed. We'll hear what Schiavo's brother and sister are saying about that, also talk with one of the lawyers involved in this case.

HEMMER: Also Holy Week ceremonies in the Vatican proceeding this year with a bit of apprehension because of the health of the pope. We'll talk to our man in Rome. That's John Allen, about how events might be adjusted to try and include him this weekend. It is Good Friday today, Easter weekend on Sunday.

O'BRIEN: Good morning, Jack. What are you looking at today?

JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: President Bush's approval ratings have dropped to the lowest level of his presidency, a rather sharp decline in the last week of 7 percentage points. We'll take a look at what might be behind the decline. If you think about it, it may come to you. O'BRIEN: Some interesting poll numbers coming out as well.

CAFFERTY: That's the poll I'm talking about.

O'BRIEN: Thanks.

Well, another appeal is pending in the Terri Schiavo case. The family seems to be hoping that Florida Governor Jeb Bush is going to intervene. We have got coverage this morning from Bob Franken. He's at the hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida.

Also, Ed Henry, he's at the state capital in Tallahassee this morning.

Bob, good morning to you. Let's start with you.

The pending appeal that we've been talking about is really a last-ditch effort for Terri Schiavo's parents. Do they recognize that this is the final step, or do they see even further options down the road?

BOB FRANKEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, there's no such thing as a final step for lawyers until there is no chance whatsoever. But this step is not just some desperation. There are some substantive issues they've raised, compliance with the Americans for Disability Act, that type of thing, and also the affidavit from neurologists who says that he is not certain that Terri Schiavo has the extent of brain damage that other doctors have diagnosed. The judge promised a ruling on whether he should, for legal reasons, reconnect the tube while he considers the substantive issues, and he promised that he'll have that probably about this time. He said he'd be working on it overnight.

And an illustration of how the passions here have affected this entire matter, outside the courthouse, as the case was being heard, police evacuated a two-block area after they found a knapsack that they said tested originally for suspicious material. And eventually they blew up the knapsack. No word on what it is they had found.

They are saying that they're getting a huge amount of threats. Here at the hospice, the quiet vigil increased in volume a bit last night. They were kind of a loud group as the feelings in this matter grow stronger and stronger, as the days for Terri Schiavo dwindle, unless the feeding tube is disconnected. And something that's caused concern among the police, sheriff deputies arrested Michael Mitchell at a gun shop about five miles from here, in Seminole, Florida. He'd stolen and gun, and he said he wanted to use it to free Terri Schiavo.

So there is a very strong amount of feeling here. Thus far, this has been a debate that has been marked by a calm, but persistent vigil. As I said, the feelings are beginning to run high, as we pass the one-week mark, Soledad. It generally believed that Terri Schiavo, without nutrition would last no more than another week.

O'BRIEN: Bob Franken in Pinellas Park for us this morning. Bob, thank you for that update.

Let's turn to Ed Henry now.

Ed, when we heard from Bob, we could see the signs behind him, many of them calling on Governor Jeb Bush to take some kind of action, which is what the Schindler family has asked as well. What's the governor's response been?

FRANKEN: Well, the governor has been facing heat from fellow conservative who want him to do something, anything, to try and help save Terri Schiavo's life. People close to the parents, like Randal Terry (ph), the conservative activist, yesterday, said there will be hell to pay if Governor Bush does not step in here.

And what can he do at this point? Conservatives are imploring him to basically take custody of Terri Schiavo, go into the hospice, defy Judge Greer's ruling and take custody of her, get that feeding tube restored.

But the governor, after spending yesterday behind me in his office, working with aides, behind closed doors, trying to study all of his legal options, came out and did a brief television interview with the local station, and suggested he doesn't have the kind of power that people think he does.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. JEB BUSH (R), FLORIDA: They're acting on their heart and I am -- I fully appreciate their sentiments and the emotions that go with this, but I cannot go and, as i've been consistently saying, and I guess you guys haven't been listening and repeating it back, I've consistently said that I can't go beyond what my powers are, and I'm not going to do it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HENRY: But that has not stopped the stream of phone calls that have been coming into the governor's office all day yesterday. They'll be coming back again today, people all across the country, urging the governor to take action -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Ed Henry, in Tallahassee this morning. Ed, thanks for that update -- Bill.

HEMMER: Terri Schiavo has not had food or water for seven days now, now entering her eighth day. Her sister and brother talked with CNN late last night about what is happening now with their sister today.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SUZANNE VITADAMO, TERRI SCHIAVO'S SISTER: She's beginning to hollow out. I mean, it's just awful. It's awful to have to sit back and watch this process happen to anybody. I mean, we live in America. And you know, I'm sitting here, I can't even believe I'm sitting here discussing this. This is sick. So it's horrible.

BOBBY SCHINDLER, TERRI SCHIAVO'S BROTHER: Part me of wants to be there, and the other part of me just wants to get out of the room as fast as I can. You know, as my sister said, it's just -- you're watching your sister being slowly dehydrated to death in front of your eyes, and it's just -- it's absolutely horrific to know someone's being starved to death, especially a family member. And I can't imagine what my parents are feeling during this process. It's just -- it's horrible.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: Every time it looks as if all legal options have been exhausted in the case, a new angle pops up, but the courts seem determined to uphold the ruling that removed Terri Schiavo's feeding tube. George Felos is the attorney for Michael Schiavo.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: Mr. Felos, good morning to you. When was the last time you saw Terri?

GEORGE FELOS, ATTY. FOR MICHAEL SCHIAVO: A couple months ago.

HEMMER: It's been a couple months? So then Michael Schiavo was with her the last time, was it late yesterday at the hospice?

FELOS: Mr. Schiavo has been with her continuously since her artificial life support stopped.

HEMMER: What has he said to you about her condition?

FELOS: That I spoke with him a few hours ago, that she is resting comfortably, and she's -- appears peaceful, and she's dying. Mrs. Schiavo is in her dying process. You know, and I've heard some people say this is horrible or barbaric. When patients -- when people die, they naturally stop eating, they stop drinking, and Terri's going through that what thousands and millions go through during their death process.

HEMMER: Terri Schiavo's brother describes his sister as like living in a concentration camp. As you just point there, they describe her as starving, with her face sunken in. Michael, as you describe here, says she's restful and peaceful. What explains the difference in the descriptions we're given from these two families?

FELOS: Well, people see things different ways. This case has been so politicized that people may want to describe Terri in sensational ways to garner support. I just hope, for everyone's sake and for Terri's sake that this dispute and clamor at some time subsides and there's at least some feeling of peace and reflection about this.

HEMMER: On the legal side, some analysts tell us here at CNN that Jeb Bush still has the executive power to take custody of Terri Schiavo at any time. Do you see that as a possibility under Florida law?

FELOS: Well, first of all, that's preposterous. He has no legal ability to do that. What we've seen in Florida is an outrageous attempt by the governor to just overturn a court order he doesn't like. He disagrees with the final judgment of the court and he decide he's wants to change it. That's not the way our system of government works.

HEMMER: If Judge Whittemore rules in your favor, and I understand he may call at any time with your cell phone standing by there in Clearwater, Florida -- he's ruled in your favor in the past, but if he rules again in your favor, is there still an appeal option based on that ruling?

FELOS: Yes, his order can be appealed by the parents to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeal, and then to the Supreme Court in Washington.

But what we heard last night was basically a rehash of the parents' prior claims, and we would hope that the litigation aspect of this is concluded.

But I want to say again, to everyone, that the state sending agents to forcibly take a patient from her deathbed, just because the governor disagrees with the decision of the court, is an outrage that no one should stand for.

HEMMER: One final question, Michael's quoted as saying enough is enough. Do you believe now, and does he believe now that the end is near for Terri?

FELOS: I sincerely hope so. In this situation, Terri has perhaps a few days remaining. I sincerely hope everyone lets her die in peace. I believe that's what she would have wanted.

HEMMER: George Felos, the attorney for Michael Schiavo, thank you, in Clearwater -- Soledad.

FELOS: Thank you.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

O'BRIEN: A day after a popular revolt overthrew the government, opposition leaders in the central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan are scrambling to form an interim leadership. Kyrgyzstan, the third former Soviet republic, where a popular revolt forced out the government, following Georgia and the Ukraine. Angry crowds took control of the main government building on Thursday, and the reports are that the country's long-time president has now fled the country.

With the latest, CNN's Ryan Chilcote joins us. He's live from Kyrgyzstan's capital.

Ryan, good morning.

RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: More or less peaceful day here in Kyrgyzstan, in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, I should say, because the opposition protesters at one point were still out on the streets today and tried to seize a government building that was actually already under the control of the opposition. One of the opposition leaders came out and explained to the crowd that, indeed, the building was already under the control of the opposition, and was able to churn that almost mob, if you will, of young angry men around.

Now I say more or less calm today, because last night, the situation in the capital was anything but calm. There was wide scale looting throughout the city, more than 100 shops here in Beeshket (ph) looted. Health officials saying that at least three people were killed, more than 120 injured.

Now, on the political front, the whereabouts of President Azgar Akayev (ph) -- at least to some people he's still the president, Azgar Akayev, because he hasn't officially resigned, his whereabouts are still unknown. He is believed to be in hiding. Some people believe that he may be in the neighboring country of Kazakhstan, but there's no official confirmation of that.

Meanwhile, the opposition is setting up their own leadership in this country. The parliament convened and appointed a new prime minister who will also serve as the acting president. He was actually formerly under President Akayev at one point in time, the prime minister of this country. His says is Korumbeck Bakeyev (ph), and he says that he will run this country through this situation, at least until Kyrgyzstan holds new elections -- Soledad.

O'BRIEN: Ryan Chilcote for us in Kyrgyzstan's capital thing.

Ryan, thanks for that update.

Prince Rainier of Monaco remains in intensive care today. The 81-year-old ruler's prognosis described by a palace spokesman as uncertain. He's connected to a respirator. He's said to be suffering from lung, and heart and kidney problems. The ailing monarch had ruled Monaco for 55 years. He was married to American movie star Grace Kelly. She died in a car crash in 1982.

(WEATHER REPORT)

O'BRIEN: New information is coming to light in the Atlanta courthouse shootings, what authorities found in Brian Nichols' cell that might have been a red flag, ahead.

HEMMER: A Columbine survivor reaching out to the students of Red Lake High School. The advice she gave to help them cope is coming up.

O'BRIEN: And Jesus is the man for many of today's hottest hip- hop stars. We're going to explore the trend in our special series "Faith in America." That's ahead on AMERICAN MORNING. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

O'BRIEN: Over at the Vatican, Pope John Paul II's poor health is keeping him from participating in Good Friday ceremonies today. The pope managed to make a brief appearance on Wednesday from the window of his Vatican apartment, but he will not participate in today's ceremony, recalling the passion of Christ. That event getting underway less than four hours from now. CNN Vatican analyst John Allen in Rome for us this morning with much more. John, nice to see you, as always.

We know, obviously, that there have been big misses for the pope in this Easter week celebration, the most critical for the Catholic Church.

Any way, though, that the pope will take part?

JOHN ALLEN, CNN VATICAN ANALYST: Hi, Soledad.

Well, you know, there still is the possibility that the Vatican has left open that the pope will make a sort of virtual appearance. That is that there will be a TV hookup from his apartment in the Vatican beamed to the coliseum in Rome, where the Via Cruches (ph), the Way of the Cross ceremony, recalling the steps of Christ on the way to his passion on the cross takes place. That has not yet been confirmed.

Obviously, doctors are waiting until the very last minute to try to determine exactly what the holy father will be capable of.

O'BRIEN: He's been looking very weak. We showed some pictures of the pope looking out of his Vatican apartment. What's the official word on his health right now?

ALLEN: Well, you know, Soledad, officially the Vatican is saying virtually nothing. Since he returned on March 13th from the Gemelli Hospital to the Vatican, there has been no medical bulletin on his condition.

Unofficially, they're telling us his recovery is not coming along as quickly or as seamlessly as they had hoped, that there continues to be breathing difficulties and just other things related to fatigue.

But on the other hand, they are also telling us that there is no atmosphere of alarm in the Vatican, no one believes his condition is terribly grave. There is a full expectation that he'll pull through this. And of course, the reason to sort of sideline him a bit this week is precisely to facilitate that recovery.

O'BRIEN: There are some who are saying that the message of Holy Week -- again, the most important week in the Catholic Church, is sort of getting lost because there's so much focus on the pope's health. Do you agree with that?

ALLEN: Well, you know, Soledad, that's one of those "depends on the eye of the viewer" sort of questions. On one hand, it is clear that the hope's health is dominating media coverage at this week. On the other hand, let's not forget, we're on Good Friday. The message of Good Friday is essentially a message of suffering. It's about the suffering of Christ on the cross, his suffer as a sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. You can make an argument that the pope through his own suffering is offering a more powerful witness to that than perhaps ever before. So I really think it depends on kind of what set of glasses through which you choose to see the situation. O'BRIEN: The pope have taken a stand, the Vatican officially has taken a stand on the Terri Schiavo case. How unusual is that?

ALLEN: Actually, Soledad, it's not unusual at all, that the Vatican would take a position in defense of life. It is remarkably unusual, however that the Vatican would get into the details of a particular case the way it has on Terri Schiavo. The Vatican newspaper twice now has carried very prominent articles in very blunt terms, talking about what's happening to Schiavo as a kind of execution. Three different senior Vatican officials, including two cardinals, have issued very, very strong statements, one talking about this as a grave sin; another has actually made the point that the laws in the state of Florida establish stiffer penalties for denying food and water to animals than to someone like Terri Schiavo.

So you know, normally, the Vatican would give you principles, and leave the specifics of a case up to the local bishops. This case, they obviously think so is terribly important, they're willing to set that aside.

O'BRIEN: John Allen is CNN's Vatican analyst, joining us this morning. John, thanks as always.

HEMMER: Back in this country now, from the city of Atlanta, there is new information now coming out about the suspect in the courthouse shootings. Sheriff Myron Freeman telling WSB Television that hand-drawn escape plans were found in Brian Nichols' cell after the deadly rampage two weeks ago. He also says that extra security has been in place in the courtroom since that attack. Freeman said it's still too early to tell whether or not anyone will be fired as a result of that.

Ashley Smith awarded yesterday for aiding in the capture of Nichols. She received checks totaling more than $72,000, and she stepped to the mic and said she was humbled by all of it.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ASHLEY SMITH, FMR. HOSTAGE: My life has changed, but that is a small fraction compared to all the families that lost loved ones during the tragic events earlier in the month. My heart goes out to all the families of those that are still mourning. My life is a testimony that God can use us even in the midst of tragedy, and that miracles do happen.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HEMMER: Nichols held Smith hostage for about seven hours inside of her apartment after allegedly going on a shooting rampage that left four people dead in the city of Atlanta.

O'BRIEN: In California, it was judgment day for two celebrities, beginning with jail time for Tom Sizemore. The actor was sentenced to 17 months on Thursday and an additional four months in a drug treatment facility for failing drug tests during his probation. But Sizemore will remain free while he appeals a domestic-violence conviction.

Later in the day, Sizemore was sentenced to more treatment stemming from a felony drug-possession case.

"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul getting a judgment of her own. She was sentenced on Thursday to 24 months of informal probation and fined after pleading no contest. She'd been accused of hit and run after clipping another car on an L.A. freeway last December. The other driver used a cell phone camera to snap a picture of Abdul's car and her license plate number as well.

HEMMER: See how Simon judges that one, huh?

In a moment here, waiting for another legal decision. It could come at any moment now in the Terri Schiavo case. The latest from Florida, and how it's playing out in Washington on this Friday morning.

Also is this a new windup in a moment here? What's got this Colorado Rockies pitcher literally running from the mound. Give you an answer after the break here, on AMERICAN MORNING.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

O'BRIEN: Welcome back, everybody. I'm having a little trouble today.

CAFFERTY: It's been a long week. You've had to say a lot of words.

O'BRIEN: Yes, I have.

Jack's got the Question of the Day. Good morning.

CAFFERTY: I'll take it from here.

O'BRIEN: OK, thank you.

CAFFERTY: President Bush's approval rating has dropped to the lowest point of his presidency. According to the latest CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll, the president's approval has declined to 45 percent. We're supposed to have a full screen that has these numbers on them now so the people at home can read them. Do we have the full screen?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, sir.

CAFFERTY: We don't have it. All right. I will read them for you again, then. The president's approval has dropped to 45 percent from 52 percent where it was just a week ago. The White House has declined to comment, but some independent political analysts suggest the drop may reflect opposition to the president and Congress intervening in the Terri Schiavo matter. The poll found the largest drop for the president came among men, self-described conservatives, and churchgoers.

There's the screen. Hey, who'd have thunk it? It's a miracle.

Here's the question, was it a mistake for the Congress and the president to get involve in the Schiavo case? The e-mail address -- you can come back to me now -- the e-mail address is am@CNN.com. You know, you have to do everything here.

O'BRIEN: You're the director of the show.

CAFFERTY: I'm going to handle this floor as soon as I get done here.

O'BRIEN: You want to cue Hemmer here.

CAFFERTY: They actually put little instructions here on the script. It says put up the thing with the numbers on it. It's written on the script.

O'BRIEN: Do you get paid more for directing?

CAFFERTY: Is this radio or what?

HEMMER: Jack, thanks.

Spring training game from Arizona called off for the first time ever on account of bees. An Arizona game between the Rockies and the Diamondbacks of Arizona. Rockies pitcher Daryn Oliver (ph) ducking and swatting there, chased from the mound by a swarm of bees that came out to get him. The game was called off. Oliver says he thinks the bees were attracted to the coconut oil in his hair gel. Are you kidding me? Have you ever heard that before?

O'BRIEN: It does smell nice, that coconut hair gel.

HEMMER: Nice and sweet, maybe?

O'BRIEN: Yes. You know, it could happen. It could happen, Bill. Could be the case.

HEMMER: Yes, it could happen.

O'BRIEN: There is much more AMERICAN MORNING coming up.

Ahead on "90-Second Pop," an "Idol" error ends up reaping big benefits for Fox.

And who loves ya, baby.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You forgot your candy.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'BRIEN: Actor Ving Rhames grab a lollipops and tries to fill some pretty big shoes as "Kojak." Is he as good as the original, ahead on AMERICAN MORNING. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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