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Trump Launches Direct Attack On McConnell A Month Out From Midterm Elections; Venezuela Frees 7 Jailed Americans In Swap For Two Maduro Relatives; Gabby Petito's Family Slams Lifetime Movie On Her Murder. Aired 7:30-8a ET

Aired October 03, 2022 - 07:30   ET

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

[07:30:00]

BRIANNA KEILAR, CNN ANCHOR: What a fascinating look at that race. What was the biggest takeaway for you?

DANA BASH, CNN CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT, CO-ANCHOR, "STATE OF THE UNION": The biggest takeaway is that so many voters that I talked to didn't always have a way to articulate how anxious or how, sort of, blah they feel. But that was definitely the takeaway from a lot of voters I spoke with whether they were voting for Luria, whether they were voting for Kiggans, or more specifically, whether they were undecided.

There is that feeling, which a lot of people can't -- understandably, can't really define that is out there when it comes to economic and other worries in people's everyday lives.

ALEX MARQUARDT, CNN ANCHOR: And then, Dana, yesterday on "STATE OF THE UNION," you also spoke with Florida Sen. Rick Scott. And you asked him about this post on the former president's social media platform, Truth Social, in which the former president wrote about Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, saying that he has a death wish. And he mocked McConnell's wife, who is also Trump's former Transportation secretary, Elaine Chao. Let's listen to that clip.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. RICK SCOTT (R-FL): As you know, the president likes to give people nicknames. You can ask him how he came up with the nickname. I'm sure he has a nickname for me.

But here's what I know. We've got to watch how we spend our money. We've got to stop this inflation. And I don't condone violence and I hope any -- no one else condones violence.

BASH: Nicknames are one thing but this is -- this appears racist. Is that OK?

SCOTT: It's never, ever OK to be a racist. It's -- look, I think you always -- you have to be careful --

(END VIDEO CLIP) MARQUARDT: So, in that post, the former president had called Elaine Chao "Coco Chow" and that's what you were referring to. And it seems there that Sen. Scott is kind of trying to have it both ways. Dismiss it as a nickname but also then condemn racism.

BASH: Coco Chao, and called Elaine Chao Mitch McConnell's China- loving wife. Like, it's racism. There's no other way to look at it.

And the way that Sen. Scott answered and, sort of, didn't answer the first time -- eventually, he condemned racism -- is -- it really encapsulates the political handcuffs that so many Republicans who are on the ballot or who are leading committees, like he is -- he's in charge of electing senators to Congress this year -- feel. Handcuffs put there by Donald Trump. If you defy me, you are going to pay.

And I had Scott Jennings on "STATE OF THE UNION" afterwards, who worked for Mitch McConnell for a long time and who is very close with him, who did not mince words, calling it outrageous. I mean, that sort of racism is one thing. The death wish which he put in all caps -- Scott Jennings and others took as basically a green light to go after Mitch McConnell in a violent way.

I mean, this is a former president. I know we've become numb to this but this is a former president using racist terms and using violent language, talking about the leader -- Republican leader of his -- of the Senate. His fellow Republican leader.

KEILAR: Who has watched people commit violence in his name. He knows they'll do it and here he is raising the specter.

Dana, great interview.

BASH: Thank you.

KEILAR: Thank you so much for being with us this morning.

BASH: Good to see you guys.

KEILAR: Seven Americans are now free from Venezuela after the latest prisoner exchange that the Biden administration negotiated. We're going to speak to the daughter of one of those freed prisoners, next.

MARQUARDT: And meet Optimus. It's Tesla's new humanoid robot that one day could be on the market. And we'll show you what Optimus can do. That's coming up.

(COMMERCIAL)

[07:37:47]

MARQUARDT: This morning, the seven Americans who were wrongfully detained in Venezuela are back in the United States. President Joe Biden announcing Saturday the return of the hostages. Five of them were part of the so-called Citgo Six. They were -- are oil executives who were detained for more than four years. They were freed in exchange for the release of two nephews of Venezuela's first lady. They were convicted on drug charges.

All of these releases add to the growing list of American hostages freed under the Biden administration.

Joining me now is Alexandra Forseth. Her dad, Alirio Zambrano, and uncle Jose Luis Zambrano were among the seven released from Venezuela. Alexandra, thank you so much for joining us this morning. We, of course, are thrilled that you are getting your father and uncle home.

Tell us about that moment that you learned that they were being released.

ALEXANDRA FORSETH, DAD AND UNCLE RELEASED AFTER BEING IMPRISONED IN VENEZUELA (via Webex by Cisco): It was like the biggest relief and feeling of euphoria that, like, I could ever describe. I had, ironically, turned my phone off for like 30 minutes to go do some exercise and get my mind off of things. And, of course, in that 30 minutes, we were finding out about what was happening.

So, once I turned my phone back on and got back to it, my brother-in- law called me and I was actually just like on a sidewalk, and I like fell over just crying tears of happiness. So it was maybe not where I wanted to find out but I was so thankful and I've just been thankful ever since. It's been amazing.

MARQUARDT: Did you know this was in the works? Did you know that this news was going to be coming?

FORSETH: We had some sense among the families in the morning that something was off. Some communications maybe that we regularly get from our family members, et cetera -- some things seemed a little off. Some food deliveries -- whenever we made the food deliveries where the guards were saying that they were no longer there.

So, it was several hours of a lot of confusion and concern, and hope. So we were so relieved to find out that this time they were really coming home.

[07:40:04]

MARQUARDT: What has it been like for your family to have your father and your uncle not just away but in captivity for all this time?

FORSETH: Oh, God. It's just been like one of the most traumatic things you could imagine. Not only are you just worried about their health and safety every single day -- their literal life -- but then you're trying to actually get them out of there and become an activist and a media person. So it's been quite a trial and tribulation but I'm just so thankful that we were able to get them home finally with the help of President Biden and Ambassador Carstens. So I'm just beyond thankful for that.

MARQUARDT: Ambassador Carstens is in charge of the office known as SPEHA at the State Department, who negotiates these releases.

Alexandra, you have been able to see your father. He's at a hospital right now. But has he discussed with you in that limited time that you've seen him how he was treated and what the conditions were in captivity?

FORSETH: You know, we did get to see him for about an hour yesterday, which was extremely amazing and it was longer than I thought I'd get because of the medical treatment and program that they're a part of right now to help get them back into normal life here. So we wanted to be mindful of that. But I can tell you that I think the past 24 to 48 hours have been just as crazy for him as it has been for us.

I think he is a man of faith and I think he has a lot of trouble condemning others for what he's gone through, and he's trying to focus on the gratitude of being home. But I could see home pain in his eyes as he discussed even the final moments of trying to get on the plane to come here. He was in shackles. His -- he was bound. They treated him like a prisoner until the very last moment. So I think he's very happy to be home and here with us.

MARQUARDT: And as we noted, these men -- these Americans held hostage were released as part of a swap. Two of the nephews of the first lady of Venezuela were handed back in exchange.

This is what Florida Sen. Marco Rubio had to say about this exchange. Let's take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. MARCO RUBIO (R-FL): Every time you do one of these deals -- and I wanted those people released as much as anybody, but every time you do this, now others know I can take Americans, I can hold them until I need something, as a bargaining chip. So what that has done has now sent a message to tyrants and dictators all over the world to go ahead and trump up some charges and arrests some Americans because when the time comes we'll be able to exchange them.

So I think seven innocent American hostages in exchange for two convicted drug dealers who happen to be the nephews of Maduro is a huge win for Maduro and unfortunately, puts Americans all over the world now in danger.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MARQUARDT: Alexandra, what do you feel when you hear that from Sen. Rubio?

FORSETH: I find that those comments were extremely unhelpful and misinformed. He is -- I'm disappointed that a leader in our country is perpetuating this myth that getting our people home actually puts Americans at risk.

And you know what I would ask Sen. Rubio is you supported getting them home. You have done absolutely nothing for me or my family or most of these men, and any of the families could tell you that. And he even had a constituent from his state that was released. And I would ask what did you do for his family and how have you been supporting them, and have you checked in on them instead of pandering to your constituency?

I find his comments unpatriotic and unhelpful.

MARQUARDT: Well, Alexandra Forseth, we have to leave it there. But, of course, we are so happy for you and for your family, wishing all of you the very best as your father and your uncle and the others settle back into normal life here in the United States. Wishing you all the very best.

FORSETH: Thank you so much for your time.

MARQUARDT: Take care.

Now, a new Lifetime movie dramatizing the final days of Gabby Petito's life is being met with, really, major criticism from the family, as well as social media. We'll be discussing that next.

KEILAR: And new reporting this morning about the lengths that Ukraine is going to convince the U.S. to send it new, long-range rocket systems. We'll speak to John Kirby from the White House ahead.

(COMMERCIAL)

[07:49:05]

KEILAR: Gabby Petito was the focus of national attention when she went missing in August last year during a cross-country road trip with her then-fiance Brian Laundrie. Her body was found later in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park.

And now, a movie about the death of Gabby Petito has premiered on Lifetime this weekend and it's receiving some criticism, including from her family.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

Clip from Lifetime's "THE GABBY PETITO STORY."

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KEILAR: Now, according to Newsweek, Petito's mother, Nicole Schmidt, released a statement through the AWARE Foundation saying, "We thought our followers should know that the Lifetime movie on Gabby Petito has no connection to the Petito family nor did they give their approval. Lifetime took it upon themselves to make the movie."

[07:50:10]

Joining me now is Headline News entertainment correspondent Melissa Knowles with more on this controversial movie. So soon after what happened -- I think that's the thing that strikes so many of us.

MELISSA KNOWLES, ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT, HLN: That's one of the things -- good morning, Brianna -- because it was just a year ago in September -- September 19 -- we'll bring the full screen up now so you can see this timeline -- of when Gabby Petito's body was found. And then just a little bit more than a month later -- that's when Brian Laundrie's body was found.

And not only is there criticism from Gabby Petito's family, but also from the general public saying whoa -- not only is it too soon, you don't have permission from the family to do this. This movie, just from the opening credits, is very tense. It can be very triggering for people who have been victims of domestic violence or people who've been in what's portrayed here as a toxic relationship. It's really disturbing to watch, Brianna.

KEILAR: And so, tell us how Petito and Laundrie are depicted in this movie. A lot of people are going to watch this.

KNOWLES: Certainly, they are, and I will say this. It does not paint Brian Laundrie in a good light whatsoever. He's shown as controlling, as someone who is very anxious. As someone who is prone to violent outbursts. Again, this is a fictional depiction from this Lifetime movie.

And you see Gabby Petito as this carefree, happy-go-lucky, 22-year-old who is excited about life. Who is excited about going on this cross- country trip. Who is hopeful. And there are moments where you feel real pain and anguish for her, or at least in this portrayal of who she was because you wonder what was going through her mind as she was experiencing some of the toxicity from this relationship with Brian.

KEILAR: Yes.

Melissa, I can't even imagine how tough this is for the family -- sort of being blindsided by this and it's all over T.V.

Melissa Knowles, thank you so much.

KNOWLES: You're welcome.

KEILAR: Many in Florida are still picking up the pieces after Ian left a path of destruction in its wake. We're going to hear from a pastor in Fort Myers Beach whose church is barely standing.

MARQUARDT: And members of Congress fearing for their safety as threats and violence against lawmakers skyrocket. We'll have a reality check, next.

(COMMERCIAL)

[07:56:34]

KEILAR: A dramatic spike in threats and violence against lawmakers has many on Capitol Hill concerned for their safety, some even fearing for their lives.

John Avlon has more in today's Reality Check.

JOHN AVLON, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: We're counting down to five weeks until Election Day while we're seeing a serious ratcheting up of violent political rhetoric. Now, there's an old saying that politics ain't beanbag, and a lot of

folks use that quote to shrug off whatever degradation democracy we're seeing at any given moment. But it's really important we don't lose perspective on how far from normal we are right now.

Listen to 5-term GOP senator from Maine, Susan Collins, after she told The New York Times that a window in her home was smashed. Quote, "I wouldn't be surprised if a senator or House member were killed. What started with abusive phone calls is now translating into active threats of violence and real violence."

Yes, that's different and we've got the data to prove it. Get this -- in the five years after 2016 when Donald Trump was elected president, there was a more than tenfold increase in the number of recorded threats against members of Congress, and that's according to the Capitol police.

Now, most of these threats don't result in arrests, but according to an analysis by The New York Times, more than one-third of the indictments were for Republicans or pro-Trump individuals threatening Democrats, while nearly one-quarter of the threats came from Democrats threatening Republicans. The rest they couldn't really determine a political party.

But if you look at the congressional spending on private security, the Times found that lawmakers of color spend more than the average white member of Congress, and Democrats more than Republicans.

For example, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has spent more than $120,000 on security since 2021. And she's been told she gets more threats than any House Democrats except Speaker Pelosi and Rep. Ilhan Omar. Another particular target, members of the January 6 House select committee.

So, it's not hard to figure out what the throughline is there on attracting such hatred. On the flip side, we've seen two prominent Republicans vocally embrace the politics of incitement in recent days.

Here's Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene just this weekend.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE (R-GA): I'm not going to mince words with you all. Democrats want Republicans dead, and they've already started the killings.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

AVLON: That's unhinged stuff and textbook aggressive defensiveness.

Likewise, ex-President Trump trolled new depths in a Michigan weekend speech where he said that Democrats were dangerous people who are willing to burn every American institution to the ground while saying I don't believe we'll ever have a fair election again.

And Trump also vented his spleen in the director of Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell on his social media site, declaring him to have a death wish, while personally attacking McConnell's wife, who was Trump's own former Transportation secretary, Elaine Chao. Now, McConnell's alleged sin, in this case, includes his strong support of the Electoral Count Act Reform, which is needed to stop future plots to overturn an election.

But the steady drumbeat of threats and intimidation are making it more difficult to recruit poll workers now. Some states passing laws to protect election workers while security is being bolstered all around. No wonder a recent CBS-YouGov poll found that 64 percent of Americans think political violence is going to increase.

Now, these threats are all part of an attempt to make people lose faith in democracy and we can't let that happen. Because across the world right now, we see authoritarian leaders denouncing liberal democracies as being outdated, even as some desperately try to hold onto power while their people protest for basic rights.

[08:00:00]