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Clinton & Trump Battle For New Hampshire; Justice Dept. Sends Election Monitors To 28 States; Big Latino Turnout In Early Voting States; Springsteen, Bon Jovi And Lady Gaga Turn Out For Clinton; Democratic VP Nominee Tim Kaine Casts His Vote. Aired 5:30-6a ET
Aired November 08, 2016 - 05:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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[05:32:50] ALISYN CAMEROTA, CNN ANCHOR: OK, so it's a tight race in New Hampshire. Both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton hitting the stump hard in a final flurry in that battleground state, and CNN's Chris Frates is live in Manchester where polls open in less than half an hour. Chris, what's the latest?
CHRIS FRATES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, good morning, Alisyn. Well, I am back here in New Hampshire where just nine short months ago this whole election started with the first primary votes and they're back in the political spotlight, again.
Now look, New Hampshire's a pretty small state, only four electoral votes, but it's mighty. To give you a sense of that, if Al Gore had won this state 16 years ago he would have become president, even with George W. Bush winning Florida.
And it's with that history and tightening polls that the Clinton campaign really redoubling here in the Granite State. In fact, the CNN Poll of Polls showing Hillary Clinton up by just three points. So they got out the vote in a big way this weekend. Twelve thousand volunteers fanning out across the state. At one point, one million door knocks, two million phone calls, and they're hoping they can keep this in the Democratic column.
Now, on the Republican side, Donald Trump -- he's been here eight times since the convention. He's trying to make sure he can take this battleground state. They've done 1.8 million door knocks, 1.7 million phone calls. And it's really going to come down to Independents. There's more Independents in New Hampshire than registered Democrats or registered Republicans.
Back in 2012, 43 percent of those folks who cast a ballot, cast a ballot and they were Independent. They broke for Barack Obama. Hillary Clinton hoping they break for her this go around. Donald Trump trying to win this battleground state, Chris.
CHRIS CUOMO, CNN ANCHOR: Young Chris Frates, I have a tip for you. In my experience, there's often nice pastry brought to polling places up there in New Hampshire, especially that first wave of voters, so keep your eyes peeled.
FRATES: It's very hospitable here in the Granite State.
CUOMO: All right, Chris, thank you very much.
FRATES: I'll do it, Chris. Take care, man.
CUOMO: So, concerns about securing this franchise, making sure that everybody gets to exercise their right. The Department of Justice is on it. They're deploying more than 500 monitors and observers today to watch polling sites in 28 states. They're going to be looking for any voting rights violations, specifically discrimination on the basis of race or spoken language.
[05:35:00] CAMEROTA: So, Latino voters turning out in record numbers in key battleground states, as we've seen. We're going to take a closer look at what Donald Trump predicted a few years ago about how to win. It is fascinating to hear it now and it's next on NEW DAY.
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CAMEROTA: So, early voting results show record turnout among Hispanics in several key states. Now, in 2012, after Mitt Romney's loss, Donald Trump predicted that Latinos would be key in the next race and he had a suggestion for how to win them over.
Let's discuss this and more with CNN political commentator and Democratic strategist, and Hillary Clinton supporter, Maria Cardona. And, CNN political commentator and Donald Trump supporter, Scottie Nell Hughes. Ladies, we've made it to the virtual finish line.
MARIA CARDONA, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: Buenos dias.
[05:40:00] CAMEROTA: Ola. We're going to conduct this all in Spanish. Great to see you guys. It was fascinating to go back -- you know, at a moment like this it's always interesting to be a little retrospective. So, it's come to light some of the things that Donald Trump said after Mitt Romney's loss, and what Donald Trump said was going to have to happen with Republicans if they wanted to win the next time around.
Let me just read to you this interview in "Newsmax" that he gave. He says, "The Democrats didn't have a policy for dealing with illegal immigrants, but what they did have going for them is they weren't mean-spirited about it. They didn't know what the policy was but what they were is, they were kind."
And he went on to say, "The GOP has to develop a comprehensive policy to take care of this incredible problem we have with respect to immigration. With respect to people wanting to be wonderful, productive citizens of this country."
Scottie, what's happened since 2012? Why did he, then -- if that was what he believed in 2012 cost Mitt Romney the election, why did Donald Trump, then, begin his campaign with the, you know, Mexicans are sending their worst people?
SCOTTIE NELL HUGHES, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: Well, I think those are the words -- those are wonderful words and I think he still stands by those words. I think when he gave that speech, initially, you have to realize the parents that he's talked to. He's talked to Kate Steinle's parents. He has talked to several folks who have been affected badly by illegal immigrants in this country.
CAMEROTA: So he's shifted. So, something from 2012, his perspective shifted.
HUGHES: But, I -- that still stands today. I think he believes in all Americans. He wants to give all Americans, including Hispanic- Americans -- he wants us all to have a great chance at education, a great chance at jobs. But let's take care -- let's grow responsibly together. It's been the same message all along. That first time out was a little bit -- definitely a little bit more rocky --
CAMEROTA: Sure.
HUGHES: -- in the way he phrased it.
CAMEROTA: But, I mean -- but you'll admit that he didn't exactly reach out to Hispanics in this campaign.
HUGHES: I think he's tried to reach out to all Americans. Could he have done a better job, absolutely. But I think when it comes to it, everybody should be caring about the same thing, providing for their families and protecting their communities. And that's why there -- whatever your diversive team might be, Mr. Trump has talked about it.
CAMEROTA: Maria, what do you think has changed since he felt this way and said that they were going to be key to winning this time around?
CARDONA: Well, you know what's interesting is that it seems like both Mr. Trump, as well as the Republican Party, lived in an ultimate reality from what happened in 2012. Let's not forget that the whole Republic Party wrote a whole report -- the autopsy in 2012 -- that said exactly what Mr. Trump said there. And even more specifically, said that they had to take immigration off the table.
CAMEROTA: Yes -- but, by the way, that's what Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio --
CARDONA: Yes.
CAMEROTA: -- and everybody were going to stand for, but they didn't win.
CARDONA: Well, in fact, Marco Rubio was part of the Gang of Eight, as you know, and yes, that was used against him during the Republican primary by people like Donald Trump, right.
CAMEROTA: So, in order words, it sounds like the country was not ready for this. Donald Trump decided that the country was not ready, based on what he saw happening with Marco Rubio, for this sort of conciliatory feeling.
HUGHES: No, and Marco Rubio probably would be our nominee today if it was not for that Gang of Eight bill because he's an excellent man. I think he's got a bright potential. I think the Gang of Eight bill was something that took him out because that was not what conservatives wanted. They welcome -- in fact, I think it's fantastic that we've got such a great surge in Hispanic voters. I love when any group gets engaged.
CAMEROTA: But are they the ones who are going to, ultimately, bring -- if Donald Trump does not win today, will it be because he alienated Hispanic voters?
HUGHES: Well, I think Donald Trump will win today. But then, I think --
CAMEROTA: But if he doesn't?
HUGHES: But I think it goes to -- I think a lot of Hispanic voters -- and these are to the moms right now that are going to the voting booth and say I want to ask you, when your kids go to school are they already in overstuffed classrooms? Do they have books? Do we have playgrounds? Do we have jobs in your communities? What has Hillary Clinton said she's going to do for your community besides a pathway to citizenship?
CAMEROTA: Yes, but what does that have to do with the Hispanic vote?
HUGHES: It's wonderful because right now the Hispanic community, just like the rest of Americans, need jobs. They need their school systems better.
CAMEROTA: Yes.
HUGHES: They need to have school choice.
CARDONA: Let me tell you, guys, that message completely falls flat coming from the Republican Party and, especially, Donald Trump. First of all, Hispanics are doing better today, financially, than they were when we were losing 850,000 jobs a month when Barack Obama took office. They are doing much better today and they have a much more hopeful future for their children, number one.
Number two, when you talk to them, by calling Mexican immigrants rapists and criminals --
CAMEROTA: Yes.
CARDONA: -- and you talk about the deportation force, and you talk about getting rid of --
(CROSSTALK)
CARDONA: Getting rid of birthright citizenship. Getting rid of birthright citizenship --
CAMEROTA: Yes.
CARDONA: -- they are not going to listen to you on anything else. CAMEROTA: Right.
CARDONA: So, moving forward, Donald Trump and the Republican Party have zero paths to the White House because if you don't appeal to at least 40 percent of the Hispanic vote --
HUGHES: OK. We can't do anything about a bankrupt country. America first.
CARDONA: -- it's done.
CAMEROTA: Fine. Last words, ladies. We have to see what happens today. Maria, Scottie, thank you very much for being here with us -- Chris.
CARDONA: Thanks, Alisyn.
CUOMO: All right. Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, pulling out all the stops on the last day of campaigning and, also, unleashing a final ad blitz. What does each of these individuals want you to believe in the last moment?
And, here's a look at some of you exercising your right to vote. Exercise the franchise. Keep yourself coming. Use your Instagram. You can use the hashtag "myvote" and we'll keep putting you up just like this. I like a sticker in the middle of the head -- good look.
[05:45:10] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CUOMO: This is it. This is the day. After a long trail of celebrities, and attack ads, and massive rallies, decision day is here for Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Both candidates releasing their final campaign ads. Here's a taste.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HILLARY CLINTON (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I love this country and I'm convinced our best days are still ahead of us if we reach for them together. I want to be a president for all Americans, not just those who support me in this election -- for everyone.
DONALD TRUMP (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: The political establishment that is trying to stop us is the same group responsible for our disastrous trade deals, massive illegal immigration, and economic and foreign policies that have bled our country dry.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
[05:50:15] CUOMO: All right, let's bring in our media experts. CNN senior media correspondent, Brian Stelter and CNN media analyst, Bill Carter. Brian, of course, the host of "RELIABLE SOURCES". I don't want to leave that out.
So, Brian, they end where they began. Hillary Clinton arguing an extension of the promise of Obama's tenure and that our better days are ahead. Donald Trump, things have never been worse. BRIAN STELTER, CNN SENIOR MEDIA CORRESPONDENT: And breaking with the past. Almost a 'burn the house down' message from Donald Trump, which has been on message --
BILL CARTER, CNN MEDIA ANALYST: Yes.
STELTER: -- the whole time. You know, Trump did, at the end of this campaign, what Clinton has been doing to him the whole time -- using his own words in ads. So, Trump cut this ad that's a version of one of his speeches in October. He's running it. He believes it's a positive message. It's actually a pretty bleak message --
CARTER: Very bleak.
STELTER: -- about how terrible --
CARTER: Yes.
STELTER: -- the political establishment is. Meanwhile, Clinton running a positive ad last night. But let's be honest, her ads have been fiercely negative --
CARTER: Yes.
STELTER: -- mostly using Trump's own words.
CAMEROTA: Well, you can call it a bleak message from Trump, but it's actually tapping into the anger that so many people feel.
STELTER: It is.
CARTER: It is, but it's also sending a message, literally, saying America is the laughing stock of the world. Telling the people that the country is a laughing stock -- I've never heard a candidate do that before. Talk about going down with people and giving them a negative image. Where she's like, literally, in white, you know, and presenting this upbeat message. His thing with dark music and all of that --
STELTER: But he says "only I can fix it."
CARTER: Yes.
STELTER: Every Trump supporter knows that line.
CAMEROTA: Yes. I mean, it remains to be seen which one is more effective, you know. Tapping into the anger or attempting to, at the end, harness, sort of, the optimistic view.
CARTER: But it's also interesting that the ad -- Trump's ad did get some reaction from some Jewish people that it was a little over the line in the subtext. Even the Anti-Defamation League came out against the ad.
CAMEROTA: Why? What part did they see --
CARTER: Because it presented George Soros, Janet Yellen, and Lloyd Blankfein, and --
STELTER: Talking about global elites.
CARTER: -- talking about global elites and international banking and Wall Street. That message has an undercurrent for some Jewish -- I didn't see it, myself, but then I read about it.
CUOMO: Because your head isn't there.
CARTER: My head isn't there.
CUOMO: If you head is there, it leads you to Jew-S-A, Jew-S-A --
CARTER: Yes, that's right.
CUOMO: -- chanted --
STELTER: It's not the loudest dog whistle.
CUOMO: -- by some jerk.
CARTER: And whoever thought we -- in this day and age we have that kind of thing in a campaign where someone's yelling Jew-S-A and it seems really appalling that -- isn't it? I mean, it's only -- that's a factor that someone is worried about that.
STELTER: Well, this gets to what happens with Trump and his movement if he wins or loses tonight, you know. This speech that they cut the campaign ad based on, it was his most controversial, conspiratorial speech of the campaign.
It had the fingerprints of Steve Bannon all over it. Steven Bannon, who as of tomorrow, goes back to Breitbart. He wants to have a movement -- a nationalist movement in this country whether Trump wins or loses. He believes he'll tap into that energy. So it's interesting for the final ad of the campaign they use the Bannon language about the global power structure holding America down.
CUOMO: The proposition is pretty simple. America has a history of rejecting harsh strength.
CARTER: Yes.
CUOMO: That is one of the things that -- you can be plenty angry in this country, and with good reason. Something that the GOP primary runners forgot. That you can attack Trump, don't attack the people who are upset about their own life. They made that mistake -- they paid the price.
Will America, once again, turn away from the harshness and towards what they see as a version of sweet strength? The question is do they see that as the alternative? Hillary Clinton -- does she size up as that alternative?
CAMEROTA: OK. CARTER: That's a big question, obviously. But I also think the positive message has always worked in the past, but this is a different election --
CUOMO: A different time.
CARTER: -- in so many different ways.
CAMEROTA: On a lighter note, let's talk about all the star power that turned out --
CARTER: Yes.
CAMEROTA: -- on Hillary -- Hillary Clinton brought out all the big guns. She had Bon Jovi, she had Bruce Springsteen.
CARTER: Bruce Springsteen.
CUOMO: Gaga.
CAMEROTA: She had Lady Gaga at her rally. Donald Trump -- well, here are some of her celebrity surrogates -- Jay Z, Beyonce.
CUOMO: She was in Ohio with LeBron.
CARTER: LeBron, yes.
CAMEROTA: Yes. Donald Trump said that Tom Brady --
CARTER: Tom Brady voted for him.
CAMEROTA: -- had called --
CARTER: All the same.
CAMEROTA: -- had called him.
CUOMO: And Kraft, the owner of the Patriots.
CARTER: No, Belichick, the coach.
CUOMO: Oh, was it?
CARTER: Coach sent the letter.
CUOMO: Oh, did he?
CARTER: Coach sent the letter, yes.
CUOMO: But, I think --
CARTER: I don't know what he said about Kraft, but I --
STELTER: Which does require some more fact-checking because it looks like Tom Brady is not actually registered to vote --
CAMEROTA: Yes.
STELTER: -- in the primary, but that's a separate matter. I think of all of these stars -- all of these Clinton stars -- as entry points into Clinton. What I mean by that is we look at their social media feed. Look at Lady Gaga's 60 million Instagram followers. She's promoting Clinton all day today and yesterday. These are entry points into the Clinton campaign.
CARTER: Right.
STELTER: If you might not be so passionate about Clinton but Lady Gaga's encouraging you --
CARTER: Yes.
STELTER: -- that's one more reason you might go and vote. And, by the way, that's why I think there's going to be a lot more enthusiasm tonight than we might expect. We've heard all about this --
CARTER: But she hasn't reached millennials very effectively and I think that's one of the other things a celebrity could do.
CUOMO: I don't even know if they've done an ad, as targeted as she's been with Trump's words, saying -- having him say that he doesn't believe in global warming. It's just a stand-alone ad, only for millennials.
STELTER: Yes, you're right.
CAMEROTA: Gentlemen --
STELTER: We've heard so much about like -- about voter disapproval, dissatisfaction. I think that changes tonight. I really do. I think when Americans see Trump and Clinton up on those podiums they're going to feel better about this race than they did for a year and one-half.
[05:55:10] CARTER: I don't know.
STELTER: Maybe I'm being too optimistic but I think the historic nature of the race --
CUOMO: All right, so let's take a look at some live pictures. We have Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine doing what he needs to do, exercising his right to vote in Richmond, Virginia, of course -- that's his home. He's the first one we've seen vote. He ain't the last. Stay with us.
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(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CLINTON: None of us want to wake up Wednesday morning and wish we had more.
TRUMP: Today is our independence day. We are going to win back the White House. BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Are you fired up?
Ready to go?
MIKEPENCE (R-IN), VICE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE: This presidential campaign has been going on for a long time, but now it's in your hands.
MICHELLE OBAMA, FIRST LADY OF THE UNITED STATES: With your vote, you can say that this country has always been great.
