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NYPD Increases Security In Jewish Communities Amid Attacks; LeBron James Won't Say If He's Been Vaccinated; Ohio Republican Tries To Stop State's Vaccine Lottery. Aired 7:30-8a ET

Aired May 24, 2021 - 07:30   ET

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

[07:30:00]

JOSEPH BORGEN, VICTIM OF ANTI-SEMITIC ATTACK IN TIMES SQUARE (via Skype): By 48th Street by Broadway -- you know, where 7th and Broadway kind of come together.

I was walking down the street. I see out of the corner of my eye someone chasing me with their arm back like they want to punch me. Before I could even react I was surrounded by a whole crowd of individuals who -- yes, as you mentioned -- proceeded to kick me, punch me, hit me with flag poles, crutches.

And then towards the end of the assault -- I mean, I thought they were urinating on my face but it was actually pepper spray -- once they were pepper-spraying me for upwards of a minute. And that was probably the most pain I've been in quite a long time.

BRIANNA KEILAR, CNN ANCHOR: I mean, I know that watching that video you actually feel lucky. It's so clear that this could have ended -- that you could have died. It's very clear that this is something that ultimately, you could have died.

I wonder if you feel -- do you feel like things have changed because the reports of incidents of anti-Semitism are on the rise since the conflict?

BORGEN: Yes. So I personally noticed a lot more awareness brought to this issue than I've ever seen in my entire life. We've all heard the cliche that what happens everywhere happens there, happens here.

But thankfully, I've been in New York my entire life. I've been in New York City for the past decade and I don't even remember anything like verbal, physical, or any sort of threat being directed at me or ones at me because of my Judaism.

So I've seen in the city people have been sending me pictures of -- it says -- like, there's ads. It was a big one in Times Square not far from where this took place -- #nohateagainstJews.

I saw some sports organizations like the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks release statements in solidarity with what's going on.

And as long as more and more awareness can be brought to this issue, hopefully, some positive change can be made. Maybe that requires strengthening up the hate crime laws to discourage future individuals from taking place in such violent acts. But I'd love to sit down with some lawmakers. I mean, I've not heard from the mayor or the governor yet, so I'd love to hear from them and organizations that could potentially help in addressing that issue.

KEILAR: Well, I do just want to mention one of your attackers was charged in court Saturday with the assault in the second degree as a hate crime.

BORGEN: Yes.

KEILAR: So that is where things stand.

We're going to keep an eye on this, Joseph. We are so glad that you are well and recovering and we thank you for joining us this morning.

BORGEN: Thank you so much. Thank you for having me and I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you guys.

KEILAR: NBA star LeBron James refusing to say whether he's been vaccinated, raising questions about following the NBA's strict protocols.

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: And sex sells, even when it comes to vaccines. We'll tell you about the new pop-up site -- I guess no pun intended -- in Las Vegas.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[07:36:55]

KEILAR: Overnight, India becoming the third country after the U.S. and Brazil to cross 300,000 coronavirus deaths.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., signs of dramatic improvement. The average number of new cases is at its lowest point in almost a year. Hospitalizations are around 27,000 and falling, with nearly 40 percent of the country fully vaccinated.

Cities are ramping up their efforts, including in some unexpected venues.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PAUL VERCAMMEN, CNN REPORTER (on camera): I'm Paul Vercammen in Los Angeles where among other things, they're offering unique incentives for people to go ahead and get the COVID-19 vaccine. They were offering three pairs of tickets to the musical "Hamilton" at the Pantages Theater for anybody who strolled in and got a shot.

And then in Las Vegas, they were offering a unique incentive. People were going into a strip club to get the vaccine in the dimly-lit corners and beneath the disco ball.

All of this part of a strategy to sort of downsize from the mega vaccine sites, such as Dodger Stadium, and get out into the community in whatever way possible.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: All right. The NBA's biggest star, LeBron James, will not confirm or deny whether he has received the COVID-19 vaccine -- listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LEBRON JAMES, LOS ANGELES LAKERS: Anything I do off the floor is predicated to my family for the majority -- for 99.9 percent of that. So, it's about the health and safety of my family, and that's what it came down to. Me being available to my teammates on the floor is me taking care of my body.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And do you mind me asking if you're confirming that you did get the vaccine?

JAMES: It's not a big deal.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: Joining me now, family medicine physician Dr. Adrian Burrowes. Thanks so much for being with us, Dr. Burrowes.

Look, this has been an ongoing issue with LeBron James where has refused to say whether he was vaccinated. And one of the reasons people care is because LeBron James isn't afraid, in many instances, to stand up and take stands on issues and serve as a leader.

So when he says it's no big deal, what do you think?

DR. ADRIAN BURROWES, FAMILY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN: Well, I think that LeBron James is executing his right to privacy and I understand that. But he's an iconic athlete with a lot of influence. And I think that when he says it's not a big deal it becomes a huge deal because it makes it seem like he hasn't been vaccinated -- and that doesn't help, especially in the African American population.

BERMAN: Where there is hesitancy, correct? I mean, that's the other part of this is that -- is that the African community is one area where there is concern -- where the rates aren't as high.

BURROWES: Absolutely. And so, for African Americans and for Latin Americans they are three times more likely to be hospitalized with coronavirus, two times more likely to die from coronavirus.

LeBron James has been very vocal in social justice matters and he has tremendous influence -- much more than Dr. Fauci even -- on this topic. So he has the ability to influence many people -- not only African-Americans but globally. A lot of people in the younger demographic.

BERMAN: And there is one more element to this, which is he posted video of himself on Instagram basically breaking the NBA coronavirus protocol rules. He was out at a promotional event behaving in ways that are simply not allowed. Not going to be sanctioned, I understand by the NBA.

[07:40:15]

What message does that send?

BURROWES: It's a terrible message. I mean, that's reckless behavior from an iconic athlete.

And, Adam Silver has been a pretty good commissioner of the NBA, but on disciplinary matters, very weak. When you violate the health and safety protocol you should be suspended.

BERMAN: All right, other big news. We learned just moments ago -- I'm just looking at my computer to get an update on this -- but New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced just moments ago that next fall, September, New York City schools will open in full, in person -- no remote learning option.

And while part of me thinks wow, that's big news -- but I'm wondering at this point what justification would there be for schools not to reopen fully in person next fall with no remote option? It seems like that, at this point, should be the default -- yes?

BURROWES: Agreed. I think that this vaccine fatigue across the country is definitely here. Everyone wants to get back to normal.

We're doing wonderfully as Americans continue to get vaccinated and we continue to have protocols put in place where, hopefully, children can be vaccinated as well. And I think that this is a sign, hopefully, that this will all be done by the time school -- the school year starts.

BERMAN: Let's get kids back in school. Education is so important.

Dr. Adrian Burrowes, thanks so much for being with us this morning. Appreciate your insight.

BURROWES: Thank you, John. Appreciate you.

So, Ohio now just days away from awarding its first million-dollar prize. The vaccine lottery you can only enter if you're vaccinated. We'll tell -- we're going to talk, though, to one state lawmaker who says it's all a waste of money.

KEILAR: And hours from now, Arizona's bogus election audit resumes as questions mount over who's paying for it.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[07:46:20]

KEILAR: In just a couple of days in Ohio, one lucky and vaccinated person will win the first drawing in the state's million-dollar vaccine lottery. Anyone over 18 who has gotten their shots is eligible to register. But critics, like Ohio State Rep. Jena Powell, say that the lottery is a waste of taxpayer money. Representative Powell is with us now. Good morning to you. Thank you

so much for being with us.

Tell me what your opposition is to this lottery. Is it the spending of money or it is -- do you have opposition to the vaccinations themselves?

JENA POWELL (R), OHIO STATE REPRESENTATIVE, TRYING TO STOP VACCINE LOTTERY: You know, the Vax-a-Million lottery is a gross misuse of taxpayer dollars and people on both sides of the aisle in the state agree with that and that's what we're really honing in on.

KEILAR: OK, so I just want to look at this. What -- you look at the cost here. It's a million dollars. That is a lot -- I will give you that. There's been a lot of debate over whether it is right to pay to incentivize people but we've seen the vaccine rate actually jump in Ohio because of this.

The cost -- we looked at this. The cost of an ICU stay with a ventilator, on average -- and this is the low end here -- is about $30,000. So that would be 32 stays in the ICU is what a million dollars will get you. And the cost of this lottery is less than a dime per Ohioan.

What do you see as a better way to spend this money? How could you get to herd immunity for a better return of less than a dime on each person in your state?

POWELL: You know, to begin with, correlation is not always causation, so there's a lot of reasons why we've seen vaccine intake continue up in our -- in our state. You know, there's a lot of ways that we can inform Ohioans and have them work with their healthcare provider to see what's best for them in taking the vaccine and how to protect the most vulnerable in our state.

KEILAR: Are you -- let me ask you. Are you trying to --

POWELL: And when you --

KEILAR: Do you think people should take the vaccine?

POWELL: Oh, absolutely. If they work with their personal healthcare provider and they figure out that's what's best for them and their health, then I absolutely endorse people having the personal health decision to choose that.

KEILAR: OK. So then how is this a waste of money if you're looking at this from just being conservative with money? You didn't address my concern on cost here. I mean, the cost of this is less than a dime per person in your state. What is your plan for herd immunity that is less than a dime per person in your state?

POWELL: Again, I would say that correlation is not causation. We're taking a big leap in saying that money is directly the product of an increase in vaccines in our state.

KEILAR: What do you think -- what do you think has caused the jump?

POWELL: There are a lot of reasons --

KEILAR: What do you think has caused the jump? Because mostly what we've seen actually is that vaccinations have gone down recently in the absence of incentives. I mean, what are you saying is responsible for it because it seems pretty clear here?

POWELL: You know, I think -- I think there are a lot of things. We see more clinics popping up around Ohio. We have a larger window for people to be able to get the vaccine. It's been around a little bit longer so people are more comfortable. They've been able to work with their personal healthcare provider to see what's best for them.

So I think there are a lot of reasons. There's more talk about it around the United States. More information for people to make an informed decision. So I think all of those things come into play for people to be able to make the best decision for themselves and their family.

KEILAR: So you're trying -- you're actually -- your argument here is that even though there's been this increase in vaccinations, especially among young people, in Ohio since the governor instituted this lottery, you're saying actually, no -- that's not -- that has nothing to do with it even though we've seen -- we've seen this jump.

[07:50:04]

I get what you're saying about correlation is not causation --

POWELL: You know --

KEILAR: -- and that is true in many cases. But I have to say, Representative, I think it's pretty clear what's happening in your state.

POWELL: You know, I think that's a big jump to take. Again, I say correlation is not always causation.

But the bottom line is that people in our state, whether it be the most liberal lawmakers, the most conservatives, and Ohioans holistically understand that the Vax-a-Million program is a gross misuse of taxpayer dollars. And that's what we're really honing in on this bill and saying we don't believe that Ohio wants gimmicky programs to get the vaccine. It feels like a bribe to Ohioans.

Ohioans that have worked with their personal healthcare provider have the ability to take the vaccine and that's incredible. But, Ohioans don't want gimmicky programs.

KEILAR: It's really not that much money -- less than a dime per person in your state. I mean, you're looking -- you know what the cost -- the cost in your state has been incredible and I'm not just talking about the money. I'm talking about human lives. So how do you quantify that? POWELL: You know, I understand to many people that might not be a lot of money when it comes to the holistic spending in our state, but as a representative of the people, every single dollar matters. And when we see a gimmicky program that's misusing $5 million then we have to look out -- look at that and speak out at it.

And additionally, we can use that money for a lot of different things. And there's two areas in our state that have been hurt very badly by COVID-19, one of which is small business. And there -- the money could then go to the small business COVID relief fund --

KEILAR: Yes, but don't vaccinations -- don't --

POWELL: -- or additionally --

KEILAR: Don't vaccinations help, Representative, with reopening business so that you have herd immunity?

POWELL: You know, the discussion here is not whether COVID -- or vaccines help small businesses or not. The pushback that I am having and many Ohioans are having is that the Vax-a-Million program seems like a bribe to Ohioans.

We're all about making the vaccine accessible to every Ohioan but we feel that it's a gross misuse of taxpayer dollars. And so we can't really correlate the two between the vaccine program and us not wanting vaccines to happen in our state. We want everyone to be able to receive a vaccine if that's what their personal healthcare provider has said.

But when it comes to $5 million that can do a lot of good when it comes to small business relief or for children's mental health. With schools shut down in our state --

KEILAR: So, that was my point. You're saying --

POWELL: -- there is a lot of difficulty --

KEILAR: You're saying that the money could go to small business. But if people are vaccinated that is a benefit to small business, no?

POWELL: Again, I have no problem with people being vaccinated if they work with their personal healthcare provider and that's what's best for them.

KEILAR: I'm asking you -- no, no. I'm asking you the question isn't that good? You want to reopen the economy. Americans want to reopen the economy.

Isn't vaccinating people -- I mean, look, we've seen -- we've seen sporting events where there's vaccinated and unvaccinated sections and people who are vaccinated -- more of them get to be in a space. They bring in more money. It's good business, no?

POWELL: You know, we do want to get to herd immunity and that's incredible, but the bottom line is my bill and my pushback is it's a gross misuse of taxpayer dollars to fund a Vax-a-Million lottery. And that's what a lot of Ohioans are pushing back on -- not whether or not the vaccine works or how many people we want to take the vaccine.

The pushback is it's a gross misuse of taxpayer dollars in our state that could be used for things like the COVID relief fund or small business funding, or mental health for children. There's been a lot of issues with children in our state when it comes to shutdowns and closures. So we feel that $5 million could be used more wisely in our state.

KEILAR: I'm not sure I track on the gross misuse when we see what it means per Ohioan and when we look at the cost to life and to how much it costs just to have one Ohioan in the ICU with a ventilator, but I certainly appreciate you coming on to talk with us. State Rep. Powell, thank you.

POWELL: Absolutely. Thanks for having me on.

KEILAR: A U.S. intelligence report is raising some new questions about the origin of coronavirus in China. Could it be that an accident in a Wuhan lab triggered the pandemic?

BERMAN: And a revealing look inside the Secret Service ahead of the 2020 election. Did pro-Trump agents help to promote the big lie?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[07:58:28]

BERMAN: With all the gridlock on Capitol Hill, one area of hope for bipartisan compromise has been policing reform. Is a deal there possible?

John Avlon with a reality check.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN AVLON, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: If we can't Republican support for a bipartisan commission to investigate an attack on our Capitol, then the prospects for reasoning together on any subject seem slim to none.

But there is one area where Senate bipartisanship is not yet dead. It's police reform -- that's right. Because there's actually good faith negotiation being led by Republican Tim Scott and Democratic Cory Booker in Senate to get something big done. And while the bill won't be done by President Biden's challenged deadline, the anniversary of George Floyd's death later this week, there are real signs of progress.

The horrific video that surfaced from the 2019 police assault on Ronald Greene in Louisiana is just another reminder though of why this issue can't wait. After two years, police body camera footage was obtained, first by the A.P., showing Ronald Greene did not die in a car crash as his parents say they were told. In fact, he was beaten and tased while restrained on the ground. And it follows a pattern we've seen far too often -- deadly abuse of police power covered up by misleading official reports.

So let's talk about solutions and where things actually stand with police reform. Meeting recently in a Senate room named after the late segregationist Dixiecrat Strom Thurmond, Sens. Scott and Booker, as well as Democratic Congresswoman Karen Bass, were able to hammer out some areas of agreement.

On the common ground side of the ledger, the draft bill would tentatively create federal standards for no-knock warrants. A ban on chokeholds, except in life-threatening situations. And limits on the equipment that the Department.