Return to Transcripts main page

New Day

New Housing Numbers; Political Muslim Controversy; Emmy Awards: Winners and Losers. Aired 8:30-9a ET

Aired September 21, 2015 - 08:30   ET

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[08:32:40] MICHAELA PEREIRA, CNN ANCHOR: That music tells me it's time for the five things to know for your new day.

At number one, Carly Fiorina jumping into second place in the Republican race, on the heels of her strong debate performance. Donald Trump's still in the lead, but the margin is shrinking.

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton bouncing back in the latest CNN/ORC poll, opening an 18-point lead over Bernie Sanders and a 20-point lead over Joe Biden. Without Biden running, Clinton has a commanding 2-1 lead over Sanders.

Pope Francis in Cuba this morning, set to deliver a mass and meet with bishops there. He's then bound for the U.S. tomorrow. Stops in Washington, D.C., New York and Philadelphia.

Two American hostages released from the control of Houthi rebels in Yemen following a month-long ordeal. The fate of another American hostage, still unknown at this point.

One made history, the other long overdue. Viola Davis winning the best actress Emmy for "How to Get Away with Murder." The first African- American woman to do so. Jon Hamm winning best actor for "Mad Men" after eight nominations.

For more on the five things to know, be sure to visit newdaycnn.com for the latest.

Alisyn.

ALISYN CAMEROTA, CNN ANCHOR: That one gets me every time.

PEREIRA: Me too.

CAMEROTA: His approach to the stage. Thanks so much, Michaela.

New housing numbers out this morning. Chief business correspondent Christine Romans is in our money center for today's "CNN Money Now," "Your Money."

What are you seeing, Christine?

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN CHIEF BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Well, we're expecting to see more resilience in the housing market. And there's a surprising new survey that debunks the conventional wisdom that student loan debt is holding back first-time home buyers. According to Zillow, even if you have a student loan debt, college graduates are more likely to own a home and graduates with advanced degrees are most likely to own a home even if they have a pile of loan. The least likely to be a homeowner, those with student debt but no degree. Bottom line, when it comes to homeownership, student loan debt is less important than the higher earnings and job stability that come with a degree.

Prices of existing homes hit record highs this summer, guys, and sales are brisk. The latest existing home sales data to come out in just two hours. We'll see if those job gains and also low mortgage rates are continuing to drive the trend. We'll know in a couple hours.

CHRIS CUOMO, CNN ANCHOR: All right, Christine, let us know when you know. Online, of course, because I'll be sleeping.

So, a provocative question this morning, if President Obama were a Muslim, and he isn't, but if he were, that'd be a bad thing. And Muslims should not be presidents of the United States. That's what's being said in the race for president right now. Dr. Ben Carson just said he couldn't support a Muslim. What is going on with anti-Muslim sentiment on the campaign trail? We discuss with Muslim-Americans.

[08:35:15] Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So do you believe that Islam is consistent with the Constitution?

BEN CARSON (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: No, I don't. I do not. I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CAMEROTA: That was GOP candidate Ben Carson saying a Muslim should not be president of the United States. His rival, GOP frontrunner Donald Trump, also taking heat this weekend for not correcting other controversial comments. How does the Muslim community feel about all this rhetoric?

Let's discuss with Farhana Khera. She's the director of Muslim Advocates, a group commanding that Trump clarify his comments on Muslims, and Haroon Moghul, he's a senior correspondent for Religion Dispatches, and fellow at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding.

Thanks so much to both of you for being here.

Farhana, I want to start with you. You heard Dr. Carson, Islam is not consistent with the U.S. Constitution. What do you want to say to that?

[08:40:11] FARHANA KHERA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MUSLIM ADVOCATES: Yes, good morning, Alisyn.

Well, let me first say that, as Americans, we want our candidates for president to inspire us with new ideas and to bring us together as Americans, to address the many challenges facing our country. Sadly, there are some candidates who want to sow fear and mistrust to score political points, frankly. And we believe that no child should fear that they can't aspire to one day become president of the United States. And that's why we are pleased with the new Evangelical Partnership for the Common Good has joined with us in calling on all candidates to reject anti-Muslim bigotry.

CAMEROTA: You know, Dr. Carson has had a couple of opportunities to clarify his remarks and he, in fact, has gone further, Haroon. Let me read to you what he said afterwards, after what we just played. He gave an interview to "The Hill" newspaper and he says, "I do not believe Sharia is consistent with the Constitution of this country. Muslims feel that their religion is very much a part of your public life, and what you do as a public official, and that's inconsistent with our principles and our Constitution." Basically he believes that Muslims put Sharia law over the U.S. Constitution. Is it accurate?

HAROON MOGHUL, SENIOR CORRESPONDENT, RELIGION DISPATCHES: No, it's not. It's unfortunate that a lot of politicians, unfortunately, they get their news about Islam from extremist groups. They don't actually talk to American Muslims. The majority of American Muslims are actually Democrats. This is probably further evidence of why that's the case. And, realistically, we're just Americans. There's really nothing that distinguishes us when you look at it.

CAMEROTA: But what about people who do think that there's a disparity between Sharia law and the U.S. Constitution and that Muslims are inclined to follow Sharia law. Can you just speak to that for a second to allay his fear.

MOGHUL: Sure. Sure. So there are groups in the Muslim world who believe that Sharia law should be paramount, but American-Muslims being American believe in separation of church and state. It's no different that you have Christians in other parts of the world who have a very different conception of what role Christianity should play and in America they have a different perception.

CAMEROTA: Farhana, we had Dr. Carson's spokesperson, Armstrong Williams, on this morning.

KHERA: Alisyn - yes.

CAMEROTA: Let me just play for you what he said about why Dr. Carson doesn't feel he has any reason to apologize. Listen to this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ARMSTRONG WILLIAMS, CONSERVATIVE RADIO HOST: You don't need to clarify what you believe in. It is consistent. It is - it is who you are. You believe in America. You love this country. You've seen what's happening in Europe. You see what is happening in the Middle East, in the world. He believes in telling the truth. You may not like the truth, but it is the truth and you - and that - and when you tell the truth, Alisyn, there is nothing to apologize for.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CAMEROTA: There you go, Farhana, he's just speaking his truth. What do you think?

KHERA: You know, Dr. Carson's words, unfortunately, are ugly and they're dangerous. In fact, American Muslims have served honorably, from city councils to mayor and to the U.S. Congress. And I think what this set of comments reminds me of is, frankly, the anti-Catholic questions that then-Senator John Kennedy received when he was running for president. And he certainly showed that his faith did not impair him from being able to fully execute the office of the president. And American-Muslims who serve in public office today bring the same honor and commitment.

CAMEROTA: So, Farhana, what do you want to hear from Dr. Carson today or this week?

KHERA: We want to hear from Dr. Carson and, frankly, all the candidates, is a commitment to be a leader for all Americans and to reject religious bigotry in all its forms.

CAMEROTA: Haroon, Donald Trump, we haven't even touched on this yet, he also talked about Muslims, as you know, this weekend. And what he said was, it wasn't people from Sweden who blew up the World Trade Center. What do you have to say to that?

MOGHUL: Yes, it's true, but there's - there's nasty stuff that happens in every religion, in every part of the world. That's a reality. Bigotry is when you confuse all people for what some people do, right? So even if every single crime in the world was committed by a Muslim, that doesn't mean that every single Muslim is responsible. That's the problem we have is that, fine, we should point to Islamic extremism. Obviously it's a threat. But what does that have to do with me? Why is it that just because I have the same religion, I'm doing the same thing? And that's the exact same thing Islamic extremists say, for example, about Jewish communities. That they say, oh, Israel is doing this, so we're justifying an attack on Jews in Paris. It's the same kind of bigotry.

CAMEROTA: What do you want to hear from Dr. Carson and/or Donald Trump this week?

MOGHUL: Concession speeches, probably and preferably. I - Donald Trump has -

CAMEROTA: You want them to get out of the race?

MOGHUL: I think Carson's comments should take him out of the race, absolutely. I think that's unacceptable. I don't want so see a candidate who's opening saying certain types of people don't qualify for office based on a religious sect (ph). That's actually a violation of the Constitution, what he is doing. Donald Trump, he's actually kind of, you know, shifted around a little bit, but I think it's - it's better that we see a concession speech from someone like Carson.

CAMEROTA: Haroon, Farhana, thanks so much for the conversation. Great to talk to both of you.

[08:45:02] Let's get over to Michaela.

PEREIRA: A big night in Hollywood, Alisyn. Who won? Who went home empty-handed at the Primetime Emmy Awards? We'll take a closer look with a couple of celebrity insiders, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

VIOLA DAVIS, ACTRESS, "HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER": You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there. Shonda Rhimes, people who have redefined what it means to be beautiful, to be sexy, to be a leading woman, to be black. And to the Taraji P. Hensons, the Kerry Washingtons, the Halle Berrys, the Nicole Beharies, the Megan Goodes, thank you for taking us over that line.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PEREIRA: A historic first for Viola Davis who became, last night, the first African-American woman to win the Emmy for best lead actress in a drama series.

All right. Let's look at all the other winners, the losers of the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards. Here to break it down, CNN senior media correspondent and host of "RELIABLE SOURCES," Brian Stelter, and CNN contributor and "Entertainment Tonight" host and our cousin, Nischelle Turner, all the way from Los Angeles. (INAUDIBLE) What's going on, girl? Probably a little bleary-eyed for you.

We have to talk about Viola Davis. Such a significant and powerful speech, quoting Harriet Tubman, but also sort of a plea to Hollywood.

[08:49:58] NISCHELLE TURNER, ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT HOST: Yeah, it absolutely was a pea to Hollywood. Actually, I don't know if it was as much of a plea to Hollywood, Michaela, as it was a statement to Hollywood, like look here, this is why we are so emotional. This is why there's been so much frustration. I think she was letting it all out, finally. Because it's what a lot of women and people of color in Hollywood, actresses and actors, feel. They feel a little left out of the party a lot of times.

So that moment meant so much, not just to her, but to so many people. You heard her speak the name of so many other African-American actresses who have lead parts in network series. So it really meant a lot last night. It meant a lot to me. Listen, I'm a woman of color in this industry. I got it.

PEREIRA: Yeah. We both got it. Another big moment and, again, something people at home can relate to, is the moment we saw, Brian, with Jeffrey Tambor becoming the first actor for winning an Emmy for portraying a transgender person. Hollywood, in a way, may be leading the way here.

BRIAN STELTER, CNN SENIOR MEDIA CORRESPONDENT: I think you're right. On issues of gay rights on gay and lesbian acceptance, we are seeing Hollywood lead the way. Transgender acceptance, in particular, with Jeffrey Tambor winning this award for playing Maura, a transgender woman - you know, this is Amazon's first breakout series -

(CROSSTALK)

STELTER: -- Amazon's first Emmy ever last night. And for Jeffrey Tambor to dedicate it to the transgender community was (INAUDIBLE) moving.

PEREIRA: We saw another big for night - It was big nights all around. HBO had a huge --

STELTER: Had the biggest night of all.

PEREIRA: -- night. Nischelle, interesting to see, we've talked so much in past years about the streaming shows and Netflix and what you were mentioning with Amazon taking the lead. But boy, HBO took a big bite out of that last night.

TURNER: Yes, very big. And I was thinking about this last night, you know, in all, along with the creative arts Emmys, HBO won 43 Emmys. That's a heck of a lot. I know, they really did clean up --

PEREIRA: That's a big shelf.

TURNER: Yeah, and we've been talking for so many years about, watch out for the streaming services. Well, it wasn't so much this year, but I have to say, I felt like the best shows really did win.

PEREIRA: Yes.

TURNER: I mean, I'm a huge fan of "Veep." I loved seeing it get a lot of love. I think HBO has been putting out a really, really good product. And I think it was kind of the network saying, hold on, streaming services, we're not giving up this hold yet. Exactly. So I love the fact that now that everyone is stepping up their game, and we're still going to see some really great television.

(CROSSTALK)

PEREIRA: We reap the benefit of it, don't we?

(CROSSTALK)

STELTER: It's like let the best show win. You're absolutely right. You know, I think there's parties in Hollywood this morning. HBO executives, the tables at the party were piled up with Emmys. It does go to show that the best show can win. It's also notable that HBO won in both best drama and best comedy. "Veep" and "Game of Thrones." PEREIRA: Oh, good point.

STELTER: "Game of Thrones" is one of the biggest shows on TV. It beat out "Mad Men," it beat out "Homeland," it beat out "House of Cards." In this case, the most popular show also won.

PEREIRA: Real quick. I want to talk to you about Andy Sandberg. What letter do you give him? What grade do you give him? Go ahead, Brian.

STELTER: Well, I actually give him an A. What did you think, Nischelle?

(CROSSTALK)

PEREIRA: You give him an A. Nischelle?

TURNER: I give him 7 out of 10, so I guess, what's that, a C? Oops.

PEREIRA: An A and a 7 out of 10. We mixed the metaphors.

TURNER: But I thought he was really funny. I don't know if he played to the room as funny as I thought he was at home.

PEREIRA: Ah, interesting. OK and then --

TURNER: But I like his humor.

PEREIRA: And this big moment from Tracy Morgan. I actually have to show this because I think this was really powerful. What a surprise to see him on stage. Let's look at it.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRACY MORGAN, COMEDIAN: It's been a long road back. I suffered a traumatic brain injury that put me in a coma for eight days and I finally regained consciousness. I was ecstatic to learn that I wasn't the one who messed up. Only recently, I've started to feel like myself again, so -- which means a whole lot of ya'll women are going to get pregnant at the after party.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PEREIRA: And, Nischelle, he's back, I would say.

TURNER: And I tweeted last night, thank you, Tracy Morgan, for that. Because I think that all did our hearts a lot of good to see him there. He was very emotional in the press room afterwards, too, guys, and he spoke really from the heart and said how nervous and scared he was to step back on that stage --

PEREIRA: We're proud of him.

TURNER: -- and overwhelmed he was. It took him a bit to get himself together to start speaking.

PEREIRA: He did really well. OK, quickly, in 30 seconds, we've got it, Brian. There were people who were snubbed. Who were the losers? Who missed out? Who was overlooked?

STELTER: Yeah, we saw Jon Hamm win for "Mad Men," but "Mad Men" the show was snubbed in its final season. I think Showtime was a big loser here. HBO took home so many awards, but Showtime, the home of shows like "Homeland," faithfully shut out, only won one Emmy out of all of the awards last night.

PEREIRA: Anybody else? Nischelle? Who did you think missed out?

TURNER: Well, I was leaking along the lines of "Homeland," as well, but I think that "Veep" has officially snatched the reigns from "Modern Family" and I think those were big snubs.

PEREIRA: All right, you two. Both need a little nap, I think. It was a great night at the Emmys. Thanks for joining us to give us an overview.

[08:54:40] We've got your "Good Stuff" coming up next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CUOMO: Today's "Good Stuff" starts with a very good surprise. Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MIKE VEGAS, FOUND $1300 IN A BOX OF WINGS: I got home from work and went to my refrigerator and pulled out what I thought was wings and turned out to be $1300.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CUOMO: Yummy!

PEREIRA: Who puts money in a pizza box?

CUOMO: That's Mike Vegas, aptly named. Turns out, Dominos, this Dominos driver was about to make a deposit for the store, put the money in a wings box for safekeeping.

PEREIRA: Bad call, I think.

CUOMO: Good idea! Accidentally delivered it to Mike. So what did Mike do? He bought a lot of stuff!

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

VEGAS: I wanted to keep it, believe me. But I can't. I can't do it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CUOMO: Of course you can, but you didn't. That's why you're a good man. To thank him for his honesty, Dominos is giving Mike free pizza for a year.

CAMEROTA: Oh, my gosh. That is fantastic. We have another little surprise right now. Our beloved director, John Duber, has just returned to the show as a married man.

PEREIRA: He's a married man.

CUOMO: Is this good news?

CAMEROTA: This is very good news.

PEREIRA: That's his beautiful bride, Anastasia.

CUOMO: Wow.

CAMEROTA: They had a beautiful wedding and honeymoon --

CUOMO: Talk about marrying up.

(OFF-MIKE COMMENT)

PEREIRA: We got you and that was our little -

(AUDIO MISSING)

PEREIRA: -- they night before they were supposed to fly, he had an emergency appendectomy.

CUOMO: Yeah, I tried that trick, too. It didn't work.

CAMEROTA: Whoa. Wow. That is remarkable.

PEREIRA: Congratulations to the Dubers.

CUOMO: Wow, look at this.

PEREIRA: (INAUDIBLE) cake. Oh, that's the table.

CUOMO: She is beautiful. Anastasia, what a name. What did she like have to stay in the country or something like that? How did Duber pull that off?

PEREIRA: Really? All right. Time for "NEWSROOM" with Carol Costello.