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Showbiz Tonight

The Women of "Sex and the City" on Sarah Palin; The Ryan O`Neal Family Drama; Tom-Kat Protest; Sarah Palin-Michelle Obama Style Showdown; Why Do Men Cheat?

Aired September 19, 2008 - 23:00   ET

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

A.J. HAMMER, CO-HOST: Now on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, Sarah Palin and "Sex and the City." The most stylish women in Hollywood, the stars of "Sex and the City" tell SHOWBIZ TONIGHT what they think of Sarah.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SARAH JESSICA PARKER, ACTRESS: I think it`s important to talk about substance and not about the simplicity of someone`s, you know, style.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: The fired-up "Sex and the City" stars on Palin and the campaign style war, just as Michelle Obama is named one of "People" magazine`s best- dressed celebrities. Tonight, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the Sarah Palin- Michelle Obama style smackdown.

The Ryan O`Neal family drama, after he and his son were arrested on drug charges. Tonight, brand-new developments. Where was Farrah Fawcett when the arrests went down?

Plus, Tom-Kat protest. Tom Cruise with Katie Holmes, as she makes her Broadway debut. But why were angry protestors saying "Free Katie"?

TV`s most provocative entertainment news show starts right now.

(MUSIC)

Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.

ANDERSON: Hi, there, everyone. I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you tonight from Hollywood.

And tonight, Oprah Winfrey ignites a heated debate about men who cheat on their women, just as Elizabeth Edwards speaks out for the first time about her private pain. That is coming up.

HAMMER: But first, Sarah and "Sex and the City." Tonight, the stars of "Sex and the City." We`re talking to women who have become style icons. They are telling SHOWBIZ TONIGHT what they think about Sarah Palin`s style and her substance. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was right there for the premiere party for the "Sex and the City" DVD and the ladies did not hold back on the woman and the story that really is gripping America and the world. And it`s all making news right now.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice over): She could be the next vice president of the United States. But Sarah Palin has emerged as something else - a major style icon.

AMY PAFFRATH, HOST, "E! NEWS NOW": There is a woman that could possibly be our vice president. So people are going to focus on things like the way she looks, her style, her glasses. She definitely has a very distinct look to her.

HAMMER: So SHOWBIZ TONIGHT went and talked to the political observers most qualified to judge whether this dynamic political figure qualifies as a true American style icon.

PARKER: Just four girls talking politics.

HAMMER: The girls of "Sex and the City." At the DVD release party for the "Sex and the City" movie, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT asked the movie`s stars about Palin and her style.

PARKER: She`s a complicated woman.

CYNTHIA NIXON, ACTRESS: I think there`s a lot of substance there.

KIM CATTRALL, ACTRESS: I think it`s going to be an interesting race. I`m just so proud that women are on the forefront of it.

PAFFRATH: There are four women that had a very influential show when it comes to fashion, when it comes opinionated strong women. Who better to ask than the women of "Sex and the City?"

HAMMER: We couldn`t agree more. So watch as SHOWBIZ TONIGHT and the "Sex and the City" ladies get political for a change.

CATTRALL: I don`t believe in the Republican Party or the Democratic Party. I just believe in parties.

PARKER: I think that it`s very exciting that the Republican Party has finally, after all these years, you know, put a woman in a potential national position.

HAMMER: Sarah Jessica Parker tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT that even though she herself is supporting Barack Obama, it`s unfair for critics to call Palin a triumph of style over substance.

PARKER: You can`t diminish a person by just saying a person`s style over substance. You know, she`s somebody who I have very different political ideological and philosophical differences with. But that`s the beauty of living in a democracy and that`s the beauty of voting - is that you have a voice.

NIXON: I`m not a fan, but I think that`s not giving her credit.

HAMMER: Cynthia Nixon also tells us Palin deserves to be taken seriously.

NIXON: I think there`s a lot of substance there. There`s a lot of very strong viewpoints. It`s not a viewpoint that I like. But I think to dismiss her as a fashion item or a well-packaged - no, I mean, she`s a political being.

CATTRALL: I always vote for candidates according to their looks.

HAMMER: And even though Samantha was a tad superficial in her political views, the actress who plays her, Obama supporter Kim Cattrall, tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT that Palin is one to watch.

CATTRALL: My generation came from the `60s and the `70s, you know, which in some ways, was a very confusing time. You know, how do you compete in the workforce? You know, how do you get ahead? You become a man. No, the question is you remain incredibly female and strong and smart and you stick to what you feel is right. That`s what this election, you know, has been pointing towards. And I hope that we make the right choice.

PAFFRATH: They think there`s a lot of substance there. They may not agree with what she has to say but they`re all in agreement that we should give her a chance.

HAMMER: So the votes are in. The ladies of "Sex and the City" think Palin is too serious a political figure to join their ranks as style icons. But maybe, just maybe, Palin can join them all for martinis. Now that would be a political party worth joining.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

Well, do the stylish stars of "Sex and the City" really speak for a lot of women out there?

Joining me tonight for a fired-up debate in New York, the always fired-up Carolina Bermudez who is senior editor for "In Touch Weekly." In Hollywood tonight, there she is - Jane Velez-Mitchell, who is an investigative journalist and author of this book, "Secrets Can Be Murder." We`re showing you the hard copy but it`s now available in paperback.

And Jane, I`m going to start with you. What do you think? We just heard from the stars of "Sex and the City." Do you think what they`re saying really does reflect what a lot of people are thinking?

JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL, INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST: Absolutely, A.J. I think a lot of women, Democrat or Republican, admire Sarah Palin`s grit, her self- confidence to come out of nowhere and jump on the world stage and hold her own. We all have to agree she is a very effective communicator.

I think a lot of women are concerned about what she is communicating and many wonder, is she a Trojan horse representing a male agenda while packaged in a female form. I point to the fact that she appeared on the cover of a national news magazine holding a rifle, the fact that she`s enthusiastically in favor of the aerial hunting of wolves. And some women wonder, hey, is that what women, who are now coming to the table, should be bringing that to the table in terms of an agenda or should we be more compassionate and more loving?

HAMMER: Let me throw this over to Carolina Bermudez. You also heard what the ladies from "Sex and the City" had to say about Sarah Palin. Do you think they`re on track there?

CAROLINA BERMUDEZ, SENIOR EDITOR, "IN TOUCH WEEKLY": Absolutely. Thank you, ladies, because, you know what? Normally people are more apt to listen to celebrities than they are to actual politicians. And here`s the thing. Whether you agree with her or not, Sarah Palin - she`s a bad ass. And that is what we need right now, OK? And for somebody to be representing women out there in politics, this is fantastic for us.

HAMMER: And to a point we`ve been discussing, something Sarah Jessica Parker told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is really sticking in my mind, that even though she supports Obama, there is more to consider. Listen to this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PARKER: I think it`s important to talk about substance and not about the simplicity of someone`s, you know, style.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: So Jane, back to you on this. I know you`re not a huge fan of Sarah Palin as you`ve kind of alluded to before on this program. But you can at least agree with Sarah Jessica Parker on that, it sounds like.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Absolutely. And look, I think women are coming from various, different perspectives. Not all women have the same opinion. There are red state-mentality women and blue state-mentality women. I`ve talked to some women who say, "I heard her speech. I support her. I don`t need to know anything more about her." I`ve heard other women say, "I`ve despised from the moment we saw her."

I think the crucial voter that we`re looking at in terms women is those Wal-Mart moms. And I think with them, the whole Palin bump may be flattening as we learn more about her and her complex story of, "Yes, I was for the bridge for nowhere before I was against it," and that kind of thing. So, you know, the more we learn about somebody, the more the blush goes off the rose sometimes.

HAMMER: We are starting to see all this unfold a little bit. And we saw Cynthia Nixon a moment ago who, of course, played Miranda on "Sex and the City." And she said she`s not a big fan of Palin but she says it`s not all just about style. Listen to her.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NIXON: I don`t know. I think that`s not giving - I`m not a fan. But that`s not giving her credit. I think there`s a lot of substance there. There`s a lot of very strong viewpoints. It`s not a viewpoint that I like. But I think to dismiss her as a - just a, you know, a fashion item or a well-packaged - no, she`s a political being.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: So Cynthia Nixon really reinforcing something we`ve been talking about here, Carolina. She gives her credit where credit is due. Do you think a lot of women are feeling that way - you know, give Sarah credit, at least, you know, forgetting where she is, even if they`re, as Cynthia Nixon stated, she`s not a fan?

BERMUDEZ: You know, I hope so because she is an accomplished woman. She`s an educated woman. And whether or not you agree with her views, this is a major, major step for women everywhere around the world. So I think that it`s a big, big plus. And like Cynthia Nixon said, she doesn`t - she`s not backing her, she doesn`t really like what she stands for. But the fact that she`s giving people a run for her money, she`s out there and representing us, I think it`s fantastic.

HAMMER: I`ve got to throw this out there quickly. Obviously, a lot has been made about Sarah Palin`s glasses and her style. We know "Sex and the City" - it`s all about style.

Jane, I`m going to give you 10 seconds to answer this. This may not be something people like to hear, but do you think that there are some people out there who make their decision based, if not partially, perhaps largely on how the candidates look?

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Not only some people, a lot of people. A whole bunch of people want to go with their gut and they want to go with charisma. And she has a sincere smile. I don`t care what politician you`re talking about, let`s talk about ideas. Let`s talk about policies. Let`s not talk about clothes and hairstyles, and especially not glasses.

BERMUDEZ: Go Jane, go Jane. Yes.

HAMMER: I appreciate you both being here, Jane Velez-Mitchell and Carolina Bermudez. Thank you very much. There is a brand-new way for you to get in touch with us and be on TV.

ANDERSON: That`s right, A.J. Now you can give us a ring and let us know what you think about anything on your mind.

HAMMER: The number to call - 1-888-SBT-BUZZ; 1-888-728-2899. Leave Brooke and me a voicemail. We`re playing some of your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

ANDERSON: Hey, A.J. There is a whole new debate happening right now over men who cheat.

HAMMER: Yes, Brooke. It`s Oprah that we have to thank for that. Things really heated up when Oprah tackled the topic of why men cheat. And get this - it`s coming at the very same time Elizabeth Edwards is finally speaking out about John Edwards cheating on her. This is a debate not to be missed, coming up.

ANDERSON: Also, a brand-new revelation in the O`Neal family drama. After Ryan O`Neal and his son were arrested on drug charges, there could be a Farrah Fawcett connection. I`ll tell you where Farrah may have been when the arrest happened. Coming up.

HAMMER: And Katie Holmes hits Broadway with Tom Cruise by her side. But why were angry protestors saying "Free Katie. Free Katie"? You`ll find out because it`s still to come on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

Now, remember, you can watch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT video anytime. We are posting new stuff for you to check out all the time. Where do you find it? Right there on our Web site. Just look at this - CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. And among the videos you`ll find now playing, Britney`s mom tells all. Lynne Spears` first big on-camera interview about her family troubles. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is coming straight back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANDERSON: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood.

Tonight, two of Hollywood`s biggest stars are at the center of big controversies. The explosive developments that are new right now. First up, the surprising connection between Farrah Fawcett and the Ryan O`Neal family arrest for drugs Ryan now claims weren`t his.

Also new right now, big drama at Katie Holmes` Broadway debut and not just on stage. Why protestors chanted outside the theater holding signs reading "Free Katie."

With me tonight from New York is April Woodard who`s a senior correspondent for "Inside Edition." And in Hollywood, pop culture and legal expert Russell Wetanson or "PopSquire.com."

April, Russell, we all know - I want to begin with this lady, Farrah Fawcett. We all know that she has been fighting a very long and public battle cancer. And as if she doesn`t have enough to worry about, it turns out she was in the house and asleep upstairs when police arrested her ex, Ryan O`Neal and their 24-year-old son, Redmond, on suspicion of drug possession. April, this has got to be devastating for her.

APRIL WOODARD, SENIOR CORRESPONDENT, "INSIDE EDITION": It really does. I mean, they`ve had a rough road with her cancer - Farrah Fawcett fighting cancer. And then, not too long ago, Tatum O`Neal being caught buying crack, and now this. So it just, you know, goes to show, unfortunately, when it rains, it pours. And I feel sorry for this family.

ANDERSON: I do, too. It is very unfortunate. And today, for the very first time, Ryan O`Neal is actually speaking and claiming that the drugs police found in his bedroom weren`t his. His attorney tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT in part, quote, "Those were not his drugs, they never were. He is not a drug user. This is a big mistake and a big misunderstanding by the police."

It has been reported that Ryan actually had confiscated the drugs from his son who was on probation from an earlier arrest. Russell, what do we know about Ryan`s relationship with his son?

RUSSELL, WETANSON, POP CULTURE AND LEGAL EXPERT, "POPSQUIRE.COM": Well, we know from the outside looking in that the O`Neals don`t look like the Cosbys or the Cleavers. That`s for sure. Ryan O`Neal has a history of not-so-great relationship with his kids. We know that Tatum O`Neal wrote a book detailing what she described as abuse. And we know that he was also arrested for suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon regarding a gunshot in the presence of his son Griffin during an argument with him.

And in this case, it looks like he`s throwing his son, Redmond, under the bus a little bit by saying it wasn`t his drugs. Who else could they have been? Not Farrah`s probably. So he looks like he`s throwing his son under the bus, so that relationship can`t be too strong.

ANDERSON: Oh, that family just cannot escape troubles. Hopefully, this will signal possibly a turnaround for them all.

All right. Moving to something else, new right now, Katie Holmes made her Broadway debut Thursday night. And hubby, Tom Cruise, was inside for Katie`s debut in "All My Sons." But outside, anti-Scientology protestors chanted "Scientology kills" and held up signs that read "Free Katie." April, do you think that Katie and Tom even give a hoot?

WOODARD: I don`t think they even skipped a beat, I mean, considering that these people are protesting with masks and their name is anonymous. Tom and Katie are probably thinking, "Come up with a real name."

ANDERSON: Well, you know, I can`t imagine that protestors like this are going to hurt Katie`s play. Russell, could it have the opposite effect and maybe actually increase interest?

WETANSON: Brooke, everyone loves a little drama. So those protestors will definitely increase interest. But at the end of the day, it`s going to be substance that`s going to have to win. Katie Holmes has got a lot of criticism and is under a lot of heat. So she`s got to deliver when it comes to this Broadway play. And if she`s as good as Tom is saying she is, she might just deliver and we`ll see a lot of people going to this play.

ANDERSON: Well, speaking of Tom, you know, for the longest time, it seems that Katie`s been overshadowed by Tom. April, starring on Broadway now, Katie is really coming into her own, isn`t she?

WOODARD: She`s doing her own thing. I mean, she`s got the new do. She`s on Broadway. Katie, just keep it up.

ANDERSON: Yes, Russell, what do you think? She`s really out there. She`s independent of Tom and making a name for herself as an actress, regardless of what Tom does and he accomplishes, right?

WETANSON: Yes, that`s right. Going on to a Broadway show is a great move for Katie Holmes. It establishes real acting chops and it`s something that she`s needed to do after coming under such criticism. Let`s remember that Katie Holmes, in her early days, a lot of people considered her to be a up- and-coming very good actress. After "Dawson`s Creek," we had "Pieces of April." She`s well accepted ...

WOODARD: That`s true.

WETANSON: ... and people are forgetting that.

ANDERSON: Well, I hope she has a great run on Broadway. And I agree with you, April, they probably didn`t bat an eyelash about those protestors. They`ve got thick skins. April Woodard, Russell Wetanson, thank you both.

HAMMER: You know, Brooke, Oprah has ignited this whole new debate about men who cheat.

ANDERSON: It`s true, A.J. Everybody`s talking about the show she did about why men cheat and the thing is, this is just as Elizabeth Edwards is opening up for the first time about John Edwards cheating on her. That`s coming up.

HAMMER: Also, did you hear about this? There are all these rumors over the Internet that two of Paris Hilton`s dogs were killed by a coyote. Now, I`m not a huge Paris Hilton fan, but that would make me very sad. But is it true? I will set the record straight, coming up next.

Also this -

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHRISTIAN SLATER, ACTOR: I like the fact that she wore Jimmy Choos when she spoke at the Republican Convention. I thought that was a good choice.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: From Sarah Palin`s shoes to Michelle Obama`s suits, it`s a style smackdown. Michelle has just been named one "People" magazine`s best- dressed celebrities and everybody is going bananas over Sarah`s look. So who will win the style smackdown? That`s still to come on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

First, the SHOWBIZ Emmy extra. The Emmys are really a family affair. Over the 60-year history of the Emmys, nine celebrity husbands and wives have both won an award and nine parents and children have also won. Among them, "Desperate Housewives" star Felicity Huffman and her husband William H. Macy, Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue, and the legendary Hollywood couple, Joanne Woodward and Paul Newmann.

Now, among the parents and children who both have won, Lucille Ball and her daughter, Lucie Arnaz, Carl and rob Reiner, Donald and Kiefer Sutherland and Danny, Marlo and Tony Thomas.

That`s your SHOWBIZ Emmy extra. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is back after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Here are some more stories that are new right now.

A-Rod and his ex-wife have settled their nasty divorce battle. Lawyers for Alex and Cynthia Rodriguez say they`ve amicably resolved their divorce. When Cynthia filed for divorce back in July, her lawyer said an affair of the heart with Madonna was the last straw. Terms of the divorce settlement are not being released.

ANDERSON: Britney Spears is going to trial for driving without a valid California license. Britney`s attorney tried to get the case dismissed but the judge wasn`t having it. The attorney says Britney is being treated more harshly because she`s famous and that most people would pay a $10 fine and be done with it. Britney doesn`t have to attend the trial because it`s a misdemeanor.

HAMMER: And don`t believe everything you read online. Paris Hilton`s dogs are alive. There were these Internet rumors floating around that Paris` dogs were eaten by a coyote. But her rep tells "People" magazine the dogs are alive and well and happy as can be in their doggy mansion, Brooke. And by the way, this just handed to me, no truth to the rumor that Paris herself was eaten by a coyote.

All right. Moving on now, Oprah has ignited this whole new debate about men who cheat, Brooke.

ANDERSON: It`s true, A.J. Everybody is talking about the show she did about why men cheat. And the thing is, this is just as Elizabeth Edwards is opening up for the first time about John Edwards cheating on her. That`s coming up.

HAMMER: Also, Michelle Obama has been named one of "People" magazine`s 10 best-dressed celebrities. I`ve got to tell you, I think she looks great. And a lot of people think the same thing about Sarah Palin, loving the glasses and the hairdo. Coming up, it`s a Palin-Obama style smackdown.

We will also have this -

(VIDEO CLIP OF MOVIE)

ANDERSON: You`re not going to want to miss this. A girl caught in the middle of her two parents who are split over the election. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has your first look at a new movie, coming up.

HAMMER: But first, a reminder you can always stay on top of the most provocative entertainment news by checking out the daily SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsletter. Get it over at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. You can subscribe by clicking on the "sign up for newsletter" link. We keep that link at the bottom of the page. That`s where you find it. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is coming straight back.

(NEWS BREAK)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HAMMER: Now, on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the outrage over infidelity. An explosive Oprah show reignites the cheating debate just as Elizabeth Edwards speaks out for the very first time about the pain of dealing with her husband`s cheating confession. Why do men cheat and is there a right way to respond? SHOWBIZ TONIGHT with the fiery debate.

Also, the campaign style war. Michelle Obama named to "People`s" top 10 best-dressed women. Plus, the frenzy over Sarah Palin`s style literally goes global. Why what they`re wearing is making waves everywhere. It`s a style smackdown campaign edition.

TV`s most provocative entertainment news show continues right now.

(MUSIC)

Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It`s 30 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer, broadcasting tonight and every night from New York City.

ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson, coming to you tonight from Hollywood. Tonight, the Michelle Obama-Sarah Palin style smackdown. This is not just about the race for the White House. Who will win the all-important battle for style supremacy? "People" magazine has just put Michelle Obama on its list of the top 10 best-dressed celebrity women.

But not to be outdone, Sarah Palin`s rimless glasses have become a global sensation with a two-month wait list. Tonight, the Michelle and Sarah style war.

With me from New York, is Lola Ogunnaike. She`s the entertainment correspondent for CNN`s "American Morning." And also in New York, Carolina Bermudez. She`s the senior editor for "In Touch Weekly."

Ladies, "People" magazine calls Michelle Obama`s style classic and confident. And Michelle has some seriously stylish company on that best- dressed list. There`s Kate Hudson, Sarah Jessica Parker and Rihanna to name a few. Carolina, explain to me how Michelle is up there with the likes of these big-time stars?

BERMUDEZ: Well, it just makes sense, Brooke. I mean, here`s the - Michelle could be possibly the next first lady of the United States of America. She may not be making million-dollar blockbuster pictures but people are paying attention to her. And they got it right on the money. She is classic, she is confident and a lot of people are just seeing what kind of style moves she makes before, you know, the big race to the White House.

ANDERSON: Yes. She`s very elegant always. And she`s actually professed her love for shopping at Target or should I say target - and the dresses she wore on "The View" earlier this year sold out after her appearance.

Lola, do you think that`s part of the reason "People" magazine picked Michelle is because, "Hey, she`s buying stuff off the racks just like the rest of us and she looks great"?

LOLA OGUINNAIKE, ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT, "AMERICAN MORNING": Brooke, absolutely. I think she`s makes style accessible to the masses. You don`t have to have a lot of money to be stylish and she makes that very clear. The dress she wore on "The View" was only $148. She shops at Target. She shops at The Gap. And she`s also experimental. She`ll use unknown designers in places like Chicago, her hometown.

The dress she wore for her big night was only $795. I know people with handbags and shoes that cost way more than that. And I think that`s the great thing about her. She lets the masses know, "Look, I`m one of you. I can shop on a budget, but I can still look very chic."

ANDERSON: Yes. That girl also like to shop at H & M. She knows how to find a good deal. It`s wonderful. It makes her relatable.

And then you have Sarah Palin`s signature style - the up-do, the rimless glasses. Now, she hasn`t made any best-dressed list yet. But her Japanese-made glasses are a global sensation. Carolina, is there more to Sarah Palin`s style, though, than just those glasses, just that up-do?

BERMUDEZ: Well, definitely. I mean, I think Sarah Palin has got the sexy librarian thing going on right now. And if she kind of loses a little bit of the frump, she could really put herself out in the forefront as far as style and fashion go.

But I think that there`s a lot more to what she is. We know her as a beauty queen. We know her as a very powerful woman. So if she just gets those things together, she could really make her mark on the fashion world.

ANDERSON: She`s got that no-nonsense look going on. And, you know, the competition doesn`t stop at best-dressed list. An online cosmetics company is selling power pink lipstick in honor of Sarah Palin. They`re even donating a dollar of the profits to the McCain-Palin campaign from each sale. Lola, there`s the up-do, the glasses, now the lipstick. Advantage, Sarah Palin?

OGUNNAIKE: I`m going to have to say yes in this regard. I think Sarah Palin really understands her face. She wears those glasses, but the glasses are clear to show off her almond-shaped eyes. The lipstick is always impeccable. She knows how to work the perfect glosses. And she`s got great cheekbones. And so she`s never over the top. She`s never too garish, but she`s never too understated also. She walks that perfect line between being attractive but not overbearing. And I think that`s why a lot of women can relate to her, because women want to be beautiful but they want to be taken seriously in the workplace. And her visual gives you that and more.

ANDERSON: And listen to this, her style is even being talked about by the most unlikely people. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT caught up with Danny Bonaduce and Christian Slater last night in Hollywood and they give Sarah top marks. Listen to this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DANNY BONADUCE, ACTOR: I said, neat. I like her hair. I like her glasses. I think she`s kind of bad ass. I like that.

CHRISTIAN SLATER, ACTOR: I like the fact that she wore Jimmy Choos when she spoke at the Republican convention. I thought that was a good choice.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: What? And of course, I do want to say the ultimate White House style icon was Jackie Kennedy. Carolina, do you think either Michelle Obama or Sarah Palin have a shot at making that kind of lasting impact?

BERMUDEZ: Oh, let`s not get too ahead of ourselves just yet, Brooke. You know, Jackie Kennedy is a legend. And unless somebody gets behind them, like a designer that they can - maybe a Valentino or an Armani - somebody like that that can really give them and define their style. That`s what I think that`s really going to take them to the next level. But right now, I think they`ve got a lot of work to do.

ANDERSON: Well, you know, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT viewers have also been talking about that Jackie Kennedy comparison calling into the "Showbiz On Call" phone line, including this from Jane in Missouri -

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

JANE, CALLER FROM MISSOURI: I think her dressing is matronly to me. I think she should do better. She is no comparison to Jackie Kennedy.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Obviously Jane has a strong opinion there. So, ladies, what do you think? Lola, who`s got the better style, Michelle or Sarah?

OGUNNAIKE: I think I`m going to have to go with Michelle in this regard. I feel like Michelle tends to have a little more fun. You never know what she`s going to wear. Is it going to be sleeveless? Is she going to have a (UNINTELLIGIBLE)? Is she going to do something that`s high or low? Is she going to wear flats? Or is she going to wear high heels? I feel like she`s a bit more experimental. Sarah tends to have a uniform. And frankly, I want her to mix it up a little more. She`s a young woman - have a little fun.

ANDERSON: Carolina, 10 seconds - your thoughts, who`s better at good style?

BERMUDEZ: I agree completely with Lola. Come on, Sarah. Have a little bit of fun. You don`t have to be so serious about it. You know, we`ll listen to what you have to say, but just, you know, put it together a little bit better. For both, yes.

ANDERSON: They`re pretty sharp dressers. I`ll leave it there. Lola Ogunnaike, Carolina Bermudez, thank you both. Good to see you.

And now, we want to hear from you. It`s our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day - "Michelle Obama Named Best Dressed: Is she a style icon?" Keep voting at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. E-mail us at showbiztonight@cnn.com.

A.J., the "Showbiz On Call" phone lines have been flooded with reactions to celebrities backing Barack Obama.

HAMMER: Yes, Brooke. Part of our phone bank actually melted. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT viewers with a lot to say about it. In fact, Bert from Georgia says celebrities do have every right to push their candidate, especially if that celebrity has to be Barbra Streisand. Listen.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

BERT, CALLER FROM GEORGIA: I say, kudos to Barbra Streisand. If I had her fame and money, I would do exactly the same thing. I would promote Obama as much as I could. So I say thank you to her.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

HAMMER: And we say thank you, Bert from Georgia. Remember, call us anytime, 1-888-SBT-BUZZ. Numerically, that`s 1-888-728-2899. Leave a voicemail. We`re playing your calls right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

ANDERSON: A.J., Oprah`s explosive show on cheating really hit a chord.

HAMMER: Yes. It really has, Brooke, and the debate is spreading like wildfire. The outrage over infidelity. It started with Oprah`s show and now it seems women everywhere are just fired up. This as Elizabeth Edwards speaks out for the very first time since her husband, former presidential candidate, John Edwards, came out with his cheating confessions. Her emotional words, coming up next.

Also this -

(VIDEO CLIP OF A MOVIE)

ANDERSON: A little girl whose momma is for Obama and whose daddy is for McCain. It`s a hilarious film that parodies a kid caught in the middle of the presidential race, straight ahead.

HAMMER: Plus Suzanne Somers lays it all out on the line, and how she`s managed to keep her relationship strong after more than 40 years in the spotlight. Suzanne telling me the secrets to lasting love, coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. Tonight, Elizabeth Edwards` cheating pain. Elizabeth is opening up about being cheated on even as Oprah Winfrey sparks a new debate about cheating. Elizabeth Edwards, wife, of course, of Sen. John Edwards, reveals startling, frank revelations about how she`s coping with the fact that her husband cheated on her. And this is on the heels of an explosive new Oprah show on why men cheat that has Hollywood in a great debate. It`s the woman`s fault? Really?

Joining me tonight in Hollywood, Jane Velez-Mitchell, who is an investigative journalist. And tonight in New York, it`s Dr. Judy Kuriansky who`s a clinical psychologist and author of "The Complete Idiot`s Guide to a Healthy Relationship." Guys, we all know that jaws dropped when in August, Sen. John Edwards admitted that he cheated on his wife of 31 years. Remember that news when it came down? Elizabeth, of course, his wife and she`s suffering from breast cancer, and she`s been silent until now.

But you`ve got to listen to what she told the "Detroit Free Press Online" about why she chose to stay in the marriage -

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

ELIZABETH EDWARDS, WIFE OF SEN. JOHN EDWARDS: And you talked about trust - when you mention trust, I think that`s probably the most difficult to hurdle. But for me, this process has been one where I`m in a fairly unique set of circumstances. But where the decisions I make are based entirely on what`s the best thing for my children.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: Now, Elizabeth has actually been criticized for staying with John because of her three children. I just think that`s nuts. Jane, is it really fair to criticize her decision at all?

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Absolutely not, A.J. Last time I checked, it was her life. It`s her marriage. If she still loves this man or she wants to stay there for the kids, that`s her decision to make. And I think it`s outrageous that anybody would second-guess her. Frankly, I think she`s handled this whole situation, which is a very inappropriate set of circumstances, very appropriately.

She`s being real. She`s not giving him a total pass. She`s talking about betrayal saying trust issues are coming up. But yet she`s doing what she says she wants to do and that`s her right.

HAMMER: Yes. It`s been crazy when I see people standing in judgment of that. I really haven`t understood that.

That`s not the only discussion that`s had women riled up about cheating, not just the whole John Edwards situation. Oprah Winfrey has now devoted two entire shows on why men cheat. I`ve got to tell you, this has some women raging mad. The show featured the author of a book with what is a very controversial claim about why men cheat. I want you to watch what Whoopi Goldberg said about that theory on "The View."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

WHOOPI GOLDBERG, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": The author of "The Truth About Cheating," marriage counselor M. Gary Newman who was on "Oprah" says the number one reason men cheat is because they feel unappreciated.

SHERRI SHEPHERD, CO-HOST, "THE VIEW": I don`t think that`s funny.

GOLDBERG: I do. I think it`s very funny when there are women who are running around, raising four kids, working two jobs and the man is feeling unappreciated? Please! I`ll bite my neck bone.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: All right. Dr. Judy, right off that medical term "bite my neck bone," what do you think? Does Whoopi Goldberg have a point here - the idea that men cheat because they feel unappreciated is just nuts?

DR. JUDY KURIANSKY, CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST: Well, that`s one factor, A.J. But there are others, too. First of all, men cheat because it`s in their genes. Not the ones they`re wearing, but the ones that are in their body. Genetically and anthropologically, guys want to propagate their species. And so that`s one reason.

It`s also in that little brain - I know you tease me about that, but that brain, little one out there, overruns the reasons, that`s another reason. And their ego, as John Edwards has, is another good reason why men cheat. Sometimes it`s a problem in the relationship, built-up angers that don`t get resolved. And sometimes it`s about sex. If they`re not getting it and they need it, then sometimes they look elsewhere. So it`s a bunch of factors, not just that they`re unappreciated. The woman`s often unappreciated.

HAMMER: Well, we appreciate that clinical standpoint, Dr. Judy. Jane Velez-Mitchell, from, you know, the layman`s point, what do you think? Is the theory a little nuts as Whoopi Goldberg pointed out?

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Well, I think he was actually trying to make a valid point but he made it in a very politically incorrect way. The fact is that a lot of men, the vast majority of men, really seek women`s approval. And we women sometimes forget how important that is for them. That really almost everything they do is to get some form of approval and appreciation from women. This is a huge source of their self-esteem.

And that`s why some women can actually manipulate men, not because they`re gorgeous, but because they know how the mind works and they make those men feel very appreciated and important.

HAMMER: All right. Hold on. Let me get a man`s point of view in here. Hold on. We had Josh Lucas and David Schwimmer were on "The View" today, and they gave their own unique insight as to why men cheat. You`ve got to watch them.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOSH LUCAS, ACTOR: Men cheat because they can.

DAVID SCHWIMMER, ACTOR: It`s not about feeling unappreciated. I don`t think that`s why - it`s what you guys are talking about before. I think that`s a load of crap. I mean, I think it`s - I do think men are more hard-wired to - you know, monogamy is harder.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: Dr. Judy, it`s playing right into your clinical hands. I`ve got about 25 seconds for you. So monogamy is harder for men, right? A kind of total cop out.

KURIANSKY: Well, it`s harder for men and David Schwimmer is right about that. But guess what? There`s been research that even shows that it`s somewhat hard-wired for women, too. Guys got to really bone up and appreciate their women.

HAMMER: All right, so to speak. The debate will rage on. Dr. Judy Kuriansky, Jane Velez-Mitchell, thank you for being here tonight.

ANDERSON: Tonight, the heartbreaking, painful story of a little girl whose momma is for Obama and whose daddy is for McCain. And did I mention very funny? You`ve got to see this. "My Momma`s for Obama, My Daddy`s for McCain" is one of the entries in the CNN.com I-report film festival now going on, an online festival of short films about the presidential campaign and was submitted by a Chicago songwriter Gregg Opelka. Take a look.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: I`m leaving you, Momma. And you can just curl up with your Obama bumper sticker.

UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: Oh, I see. At least, it don`t snore!

UNIDENTIFIED ACTRESS: On a chilly Monday morning in our sleepy little town, instead of having breakfast, I had me a breakdown. Our daddy`s up and left us and my momma`s crying, and all because of politics and crazy fears. You see, my momma`s for Obama, but my daddy`s for McCain I`m twisted and tormented, how I hate this whole campaign It`s much too much for a little girl, I think, to comprehend And I just want my daddy home and mom to be his friend.

My mom and pop don`t never fight, now let me make that clear. Not even on their wedding night, which happened just last year. But now he calls her liberal. She calls him (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and other funny words we never learn in Sunday school. And yes, my momma`s for Obama but my daddy`s for McCain. And me, I`m in the middle, how I hate this whole campaign. It`s much too much for a little girl, I think, to understand. And I just want my daddy home here holding momma`s hand.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANDERSON: Well done, pretty funny. If you would like to submit a film, just go to iReport.com/filmfestival. That`s iReport.com/filmfestival. The deadline is October 12th.

HAMMER: Well, Suzanne Somers survived some pretty dramatic times in Hollywood and through it all, she has been with her husband for 40 years, unbelievable, particularly in Hollywood. Tonight, Suzanne Somers is giving up the secrets to her love life. My interview with Suzanne Somers is coming up next on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HAMMER: Thank you very much, Charles. Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. It`s time now for "Making It Work." This is where we spotlight star couples who are beating the odds and keeping their relationships on the right track.

Tonight, the lovely Suzanne Somers. Can you believe it? Suzanne, almost 62 years old. She has been with her husband now, a guy named Allen Hamil since she was in her early 20s. Been together since her days on `70s hit show, "Three`s Company." That is a long time.

Somers has since written 18 books. She`s battled cancer and through it all she says her relationship is better than ever. I asked Suzanne how she and Allen make it work.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SUZANNE SOMERS, ACTRESS: We fought for the first 10 years, violently. Not violently. But we, I got it all out. I don`t know. I just like him, and he likes me. And we - his strengths are not my strengths. My strengths are not his. But together, it makes for such a powerful force for the two of us. And we`re business partners and it is a 24-hour a day experience with him, 365 days a year. I`m rarely, rarely without him.

I really - the day I met him I called my mother and I said, "I met who I am going to marry." And I told my therapist, "I met who I am going to marry." She said, "Tell me about him." And then she said, "It will take ten years before he is ready." Ten years later we got married. He is who I am supposed to be with.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: And they`re both really good people. Suzanne`s latest book, "Breakthrough: Eight Steps to Wellness" is in bookstores right now.

ANDERSON: On, Thursday, we asked you to vote on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day. It was this - "`SNL` Spoof of Sarah Palin: Was it sexist?" Only 11 percent of you say yes. A whopping 89 percent say no.

The e-mails we received. Terrence from Florida writes, "The spoof was in no way sexist. `SNL` has been doing spoofs from the beginning, Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, it`s funny."

And Donna from Georgia says, "Why is it OK to spoof a mal in politics, but not a woman? The only thing that is sexist is those making a big deal of it."

We appreciate your E-mails. Keep them coming.

HAMMER: Man, we got a lot of votes on that one, too. People very fired-up about it.

Well, that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. We appreciate you watching. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.

ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. Remember, you can always catch SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on the 11:00s - 11:00 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, and in the morning, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern. The latest from "CNN HEADLINE NEWS" is next. Take care.

END