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Is the U.S. Building an Airfield in Syria?; Clinton, Sanders Square Off in CNN Town Hall Tonight; Super Bowl 50: Newton Tired of Race Talk; Interview with Representative Dan Kildee of Michigan. Aired 6:30-7a ET

Aired February 03, 2016 - 06:30   ET

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

[06:30:01] MICHAELA PEREIRA, CNN ANCHOR: Our Clarissa Ward is the first to visit that airfield amid a deepening relationship with the U.S. and its Kurdish allies. And she joins us now from Irbil, Iraq, with the CNN exclusive -- Clarissa.

CLARISSA WARD, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Michaela.

Well, that's right. As the U.S. ratchets up its military presence on the ground inside Syria with 50 Special Forces troops in country, they are looking for new allies who can be trusted. And they're also exploring new military means of taking the fight to ISIS and not just through airstrikes, as we saw for ourselves.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WARD (voice-over): This place doesn't exist, according to the U.S. Defense Department. But behind that berm of freshly dug earth, a small agricultural airstrip is being turned into something very different. A military airfield just 100 miles from ISIS positions.

Satellite photos show the work that has been done here in recent months.

(on camera): So you can see behind me they are working to extend the runway so that larger planes can land here. And the advantage of this site is that it's well-secured inside Kurdish territory. So, it could be used to supply U.S. Special Forces deployed here in Syria.

(voice-over): We were escorted away from the airfield as soon as we were spotted, told it is a military zone. Sit another example of the U.S. military footprint in the remote corner of northern Syria, and its deepening relationship with Kurdish fighters known as the YPG.

In an abandoned apartment building closer to the front line, we were given access to the YPG's joint operations room. It is a modest setup, 21-year-old (INAUDIBLE) and his colleagues talked to men on the field. They pass on enemy locations to a coalition command center from where airstrikes can be launched.

"Right now, this is the front line of Hasaqa (ph)," he says. "Our comrades have seen the movement of two enemy fighters. We sent this message, along with coordinates to the general command room."

When there are heavy clashes, the operation room moves to the front lines. Immediately after the strikes, Hasaqi (ph) and his men rush in to make sure the right targets have been hit.

(on camera): Who taught you how to use this?

(voice-over): He tells us a group of foreigners and Americans trained his commanders who in turned trained him and his comrades.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WARD: It is not just the U.S. expanding their presence inside Syria. Less than 50 miles from the airstrip there are reports that the Russians are also expanding their military presence. Certainly, this is becoming a very crowded neighborhood -- Chris.

CHRIS CUOMO, CNN ANCHOR: Clarissa, thank you very much for having the bravery and resolve to take us there, an important dimension in that developing story. We'll still with you on this.

Let's take a little break.

Hillary Clinton's razor-thin win in Iowa reveals a gap with young voters. What is the challenge for her with them? Is there a strategy change coming? Our panel will discuss as it all comes down to the town hall tonight.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[06:36:58] CUOMO: For the first time tonight, just the two Democrats competing on stage with real voters. The CNN town hall at 9:00 p.m. Eastern in New Hampshire comes just a week before the primary there.

Clinton has considerable ground to make up. Sanders, the senator from neighboring Vermont, has a healthy poll advantage. Let's discuss.

Joining us, former senior adviser to Bill Clinton and Democratic strategist Richard Socarides, and CNN political commentator, associate professor at City University of New York, Peter Beinart.

It's good to have you both here this morning.

So, what did we see against Barack Obama in that all important election for Hillary Clinton. He won in Iowa, huge momentum. Expected to carry it in New Hampshire but he didn't.

Why? What changes from Iowa to New Hampshire that gives Hillary Clinton a little bit better footing?

RICHARD SOCARIDES, DEMOCRATIC STRATEGIST: Well, she's coming off a win. A win is a win, right? We wish she had won by a little bit bigger margin.

CUOMO: To you, a win is a win. Nobody else is putting it that way.

SOCARIDES: A win is a win. I think she has momentum. Those of us who followed Hillary Clinton for a long time like I have know that she is best under pressure, whether on the campaign trail or the Situation Room. She is the best candidate she can be right before the election.

I think in that town hall you did right before Iowa, I have never seen her better, never sharper, never crisper, never more on message, very passionate.

So, I think she's going to have a very good week. I think Bernie is in for a rough week. He is beginning to sound like a politician. Now, he is refusing to concede. He refuses to agree to debate as the night after the CNN town hall.

So, I think it's going to be an interesting week and a lot can change. You know, a week is a lifetime of politics.

CUOMO: Socarides, however, just to be fair, Sanders was never contesting the vote. The state party hadn't come out and named it yet. But be that as it may. They declared Hillary Clinton the winner. She gets the extra delegates. They move on.

What has to change for both in New Hampshire?

PETER BEINART, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: I think Hillary Clinton will be lucky to stay within 10 points of Bernie Sanders. New Hampshire is a terrible state for her.

CUOMO: Why?

BEINART: It's even worse than Iowa, because Bernie Sanders is strongest among white liberals. If you look at the country, New Hampshire has a higher percentage of white liberals than does Iowa. In fact, the only state that has a higher percentage of white liberals that New Hampshire.

Hillary Clinton just needs to try to keep it as close as possible. I would be shocked if she could win in New Hampshire. Her real strength is in South Carolina, where the white voters are more moderate. She does better with moderate white voters. And Bernie Sanders, so far, has not been able to crack her support in the black community at all.

CUOMO: Let's discuss that. Bernie Sanders is if you are a have not, I am for you. I want to even the playing field. You would think that should play to lower socioeconomic strata and to minority voters.

But Clinton beats him why?

SOCARIDES: Well, because I think she's had a record for caring for children, caring for women, caring for people who need special help or who need the kind of attention that she's devoted her life to.

[06:40:08] I mean, from the very beginning when she devoted her life to helping women and children as a lawyer. So I think she has that reputation of really being in sync with the Democratic base. And I think she has a specific plan.

I mean, it's interesting you're talking about young voters. I mean, look what Sanders did in Iowa he said to young voters, tuition will be free, even if you can afford it. I'm going to forgive student debt, right? I'm going to throw in universal health care.

I mean, that is a message that's a appealing to young people, but it's out -- it's not -- the plans don't add up. And I think people will see that in New Hampshire. It is interesting to see Peter say 10 percent. I think it will be close. I think she will surprise people. And she will go into South Carolina and Nevada with the expectations shifted.

CUOMO: How do you feel about that take, which is that this is good for Hillary Clinton, she's getting beaten up early, because once you get out of New Hampshire, the demographics shift, her organizational emphasis shifts, and she will start to roll?. Do you accept that?

BEINART: Yes, I think it's probably true. I mean, even against Barack Obama you remember, even when Barack Obama was the clear front- runner, she was still beating him in state where the white population was more moderate. She beat him in places like Pennsylvania, West Virginia. I think that --

CUOMO: Now, did that play to a dynamic that is not at play here? Was that in part in your estimation? Because Barack Obama was the on novel African-American candidate.

BEINART: Yes. Although there is a lot I like about Bernie Sanders, there are questions whether he can break out beyond his white liberal base. Both to the more conservative white voters who don't accept the idea of a socialist and to minority voters.

If he can start to break her lock on African-American voters, then it's an entirely different race, then I really think it's a different ball game. But so far, we haven't seen any evidence of that.

I think the Clintons have a reservoir of support. Think about Bill Clinton in his hour of need during impeachment. There is a deep relationship there that Barack Obama is cementing in a way with his almost de facto endorsement of Hillary Clinton that I think it's hard to beat.

CUOMO: And Hillary Clinton is very embracing of President Obama. There is a synergy there she's hoping moves forward.

Beinart, professor, Richard Socarides, professor of spin -- thank you very much.

(LAUGHTER)

CUOMO: So, tonight is a big deal. What are you looking for? Tweet us @newday. Post your comment on Facebook.com/NewDay. Again, tonight 9:00 p.m. Eastern, Derry, New Hampshire, a week before the primary.

You're going to see something different. This is not a debate. This is Sanders and Clinton talking to you. Anderson Cooper will be directing the questions to make sure they are answered.

But how do they deal with real voters, Alisyn? It's a big difference than when they are talking to people like you and me.

ALISYN CAMEROTA, CNN ANCHOR: Absolutely. It will be interesting to watch that tonight, Chris. Thanks so much.

Now to another big story: a water contamination crisis in Flint is getting a congressional spotlight today. Busloads of Flint resides give a piece to this crisis. We will speak to a Michigan congressman getting ready to testify before Congress.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[06:47:18] PEREIRA: Republican presidential hopefuls taking New Hampshire by storm. Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio both trying to build on their momentum fresh off those Iowa caucuses. Donald Trump conceding his debate boycott may have cost him in Iowa but says he'd do it all again. Today, he will campaign in the South.

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are preparing for their second CNN presidential town hall. That is tonight at 9:00 Eastern

CUOMO: We have new information in the kidnapping and murder of 13-year-old Nicole Lovell, allegedly at the hands of a Virginia Tech student. Authorities believe is she was stabbed to death the day she went missing from her Blacksburg home last week. It was just last week.

Now, investigators are tracing social media activity to determine the nature and extent of the relationship between Lovell and suspects David Eisenhower and Natalie Keepers. But are being held without bond. The funeral for Lovell is Tuesday.

CAMEROTA: Top military leaders say it's time for women to register for the draft. Army and marine corps generals testified they are in favor of the move during the Senate hearing. Their testimony follows the recent decision to open all combat jobs to women. Right now, virtually all men between 18 and 26 must register to make sure they are not shorthanded during a time of war.

PEREIRA: Little sports talk now. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton talking on all questions at the super bowl media day ahead of Super Bowl 50. He was visibly tired, however, of one topic, that of race.

Andy Scholes has more in this morning's bleacher report -- Andy.

ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: Hey, good morning, Michaela.

Yes, Newton was asked last week why he did so much criticism for the way he celebrates on the field. He said they may not be comfortable with an African-American quarterback that plays the way he does. He was peppered with questions.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CAM NEWTON, PANTHERS QUARTERBACK: I don't even want to touch on the topic of black quarterbacks because I think this game is bigger than black, white or even green. So, I think we limit ourselves when we just label ourselves just black, this, that and the third. I wanted to bring awareness because of that. But yes, I don't think I should be labeled just a black quarterback.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SCHOLES: Bronco's rookie Ryan Murphy and his brother were detained and questioned in connection with a prostitution stick in San Jose, California. He has been sent home by the team. Local media is reporting Murphy's brother was cited for solicitation.

We have seen this at the Super Bowl before. In 1999, Robinson was arrested for solicitation the night before the Super Bowl. Ironically, Chris, Robinson spoke to the panthers yesterday Murphy's brother was cited for solicitation. We have seen this at the Super Bowl before.

In 1999, Robinson was arrested for solicitation the night before the Super Bowl. Ironically, Chris, Robinson spoke to the Panthers yesterday on behalf of Ron Rivera to tell the players, hey, don't get in trouble this week.

[06:50:07] It seems to have worked with Carolinas so far.

CUOMO: Murphy was to not have any connection to it. He was sent home anyway. They said it was better for the team.

All right, Andy. Appreciate it. I'll be talking to you more and more as we get closer to the game.

So, when we come back, we've got to keep our eye on the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, finally getting the attention of Capitol Hill today. We're going to speak with a congressman who will be on the hot seat about what he plans to say and what he's disappointed will not be happening.

Congressman Dan Kildee joins us live.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PEREIRA: Today, the investigation into the Flint, Michigan water crisis moves to Washington. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is holding a hearing today trying to get the bottom of how that contamination problem got so out of control and what, more importantly, can be done to fix it.

[06:55:03] Joining us now is Michigan Congressman Dan Kildee, who will be appearing before that House subcommittee later today.

A busy day for you. We appreciate you making time to join us ahead of those talks.

So, you represent the district of Flint. What is going to be your message today as you testify?

REP. DAN KILDEE (D), MICHIGAN: Well, I asked the committee if I could present Flint's story before they take testimony from the witnesses that they called, because I want Flint to have a voice in this conversation.

My message to the committee will be: number one, Flint did not do this to itself. The state of Michigan, through its emergency manager and the failures of the Department of Environmental Quality, created this situation that caused lead to go into the homes of 100,000 people.

And mainly what I'm looking for is justice for the people of Flint. Not just an apology, not just people to be fired or prosecuted, but justice in the form of help to that community so it can get back on a positive path. Fixing pipes, for sure. But really focusing on the needs of the kids that will need help as they got through the developments --

PEREIRA: Well, it's interesting, because you talk about the people responsible. And it's really astounding to go many people to learn not only will the Governor Snyder not testify, but also the former Flint emergency manager won't show, the former head of Department of Environmental Quality won't.

I want you to listen to what the top ranking Democrat on that very committee had to say, Elijah Cummings had this to say. "At Wednesday's hearing, we won't hear from the governor or emergency managers in Flint or anyone else from the state who was involved in making decisions that led to the crisis. Having such a one-sided hearing undermines the credibility of the committee and subjects the committee to accusations of partisanship."

How can the people of Flint and, frankly, the rest of Americans take these kind of proceedings seriously if the very people that are responsible aren't going to be there to testify?

KILDEE: Well, Congressman Cummings makes a very good point. This hearing will fall short, and the people who actually did this.

And again, let's be clear: these were state of Michigan decisions. The people who did this won't be present at the hearing to answer questions.

There is a conscious effort to try to divert responsibility away from the state of Michigan. I mean, there's public relations campaign funded by dark money that the governor has raised into a private account. They're trying to say that, no, it wasn't the state. It was the city.

Well, it wasn't the city because they had no power. Or it was the EPA. It's a preposterous argument. But it is what we're going to hear today.

We will hear people from the state, representing the state trying to say it was not the state of Michigan. There will be the new director of the Department of Environmental Quality, Keith Gray, who is a good guy. But he wasn't there when any of the decisions were made. He is in no position to testify on behalf of the state about what they knew and when they knew it.

So, in many ways, this is an opportunity for us to tell Flint's story --

PEREIRA: Right.

KILDEE: -- but we won't hear from the people who were responsible for what happened in Flint.

PEREIRA: What's frustrating is when an event gets so politically criticized, the story of the most people affected and affected for life, will get forgotten. How much longer do you think the people in Flint can take what is happening to their water? This is dire.

KILDEE: Well, they've had it. This is terrible. I mean, even the state acknowledges that they knew this at the end of last summer. They didn't start using corrosion control, for example, to restore the pipes until December.

Everything the state has done has been focused on their public relations problem and not actually trying to fix the problems in Flint. They need to help the health of the people of Flint above their reputations. And so far, they have not done that.

PEREIRA: Well, you have quite a day ahead of you. CNN will be watching this. And, hopefully, as you said, the story of the people of Flint will be told and we're glad that you're there to make sure that happens. Congressman, thanks for joining us today.

KILDEE: Thanks, Michaela.

PEREIRA: Certainly following a whole lot of news on this Wednesday, including how the candidates are making their case in New Hampshire. So, let's get to it.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SEN. TED CRUZ (R-TX), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Look us in the eye and determine who is telling the truth and who is blowing smoke.

SEN. MARCO RUBIO (R-FL), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: If I'm our nominee, we are going to beat Hillary Clinton. And it won't be by the flip of a coin. I promise you that.

DONALD TRUMP (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I'm putting up my own money. And I don't know that the voters appreciate it.

HILLARY CLINTON (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I think the people of New Hampshire will get a chance to really evaluate both of us. And I feel good about my prospects.

SEN. BERNIE SANDERS (I-VT), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We are going to win next Tuesday. And with your help, that's what will happen. Thank you all.

PEREIRA: Bill Cosby back in court today.

CUOMO: A judge must decide whether there was an unwritten agreement back in 2005 not to prosecute Cosby that precludes the current charges.

ANNOUNCER: This is NEW DAY with Chris Cuomo, Alisyn Camerota and Michaela Pereira.

(END VIDEOTAPE)