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The Situation Room
Ariel Sharon On Life Support; Five U.S. Soldiers Killed In Iraq; Bush Gets Opinions On Iraq From Unlikely Sources; Randal McCloy Transferred To Pittsburgh Hospital; Gearing Up For Alito Confirmation Hearings; Fire Burning North Of San Antonio; Dan Kurtzer Interview; Daniel Ayalon Interview; Arnold Schwarzenegger Attempts To Revive Public Support
Aired January 05, 2006 - 16:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Thanks very much, Ali. And to your viewers, you're now in THE SITUATION ROOM, where new pictures and information from around the world are arriving all the time.
Happening now, it's 11:00 p.m. here in Jerusalem where the Israeli prime minister, Ariel Sharon, is clinging to life after a massive stroke. Israelis and Palestinians alike face the end of an era and an uncertain future.
In Iraq, it's midnight where there's been slaughter again in the streets. Scores of Iraqis die in suicide attacks. And a roadside bomb rips through a U.S. patrol.
And it's 4:00 p.m. in West Virginia, where a note left behind by one of the doomed miners gives a clue to their final moments. This, as a sole survivor, battles on in a hospital. I'm Wolf Blitzer and to our viewers around the world, you're in THE SITUATION ROOM.
I'm reporting tonight from Jerusalem with the latest information we're getting in on the Israeli prime minister. He lies gravely ill in a Hadassah University Hospital in stable condition, but on life support after a severe stroke.
His departure from the scene would leave a tremendous and potentially dangerous political vacuum for Israel, for the Palestinians, and for the region. Sharon was a long-time hard liner, but also a pragmatist who recently took a stunning step toward a peace arrangement with the Palestinians.
Israelis and their neighbors face the end of an era. In fact, only moments ago, the president of the United States spoke about Ariel Sharon over at the State Department in Washington.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: At first, our nation sends our deepest sympathies to Ariel Sharon. He lies immobilized in an Israeli hospital. We pray for his recovery. He's a good man, a strong man, a man who cared deeply about the security of the Israeli people and a man who had a vision for peace. May God bless him.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLITZER: For the very latest on Ariel Sharon's condition, let's go straight to the Hadassah Medical Center here in Jerusalem. CNN's Fionnuala Sweeney is standing by. Fionnuala?
FIONNUALA SWEENEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well thanks, Wolf. When Ariel Sharon wrote his autobiography, he decided to call it "Warrior." And now this former soldier turned statesman is fighting the battle of his life, for his life in the hospital behind me.
A few hours ago, the latest word we have came from the hospital's director. He said Ariel Sharon's situation and position was severe, but stable. However, he did say he was in a medically-induced coma and would remain in one for at least 24 hours.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DR. SHLOMO MOR-YOSEF, DIRECTOR, HADASSAH MEDICAL CENTER: Mr. Sharon is under sedation, anesthesia, and ventilation. This is the main treatment he receive. And the treatment -- the purpose of this treatment is to reduce the intracranial pressure in the prime minister's brain.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SWEENEY: Well the hospital director also saying that Ariel Sharon was in good condition and that his vital signs remained stable. When they showered light into his eyes, his pupils did react, which gave an indication of independent brain activity.
However, it would be difficult to predict the outcome for Ariel Sharon for at least 48 hours, said the hospital director. During this time, they're going to start to wake him up cautiously and slowly. This will be a critical time.
And while the hospital is unwilling to give any prognosis for Mr. Sharon, the hospital director did say that any return to his former post as prime minister is looking increasingly unlikely. Wolf?
BLITZER: Fionnuala, how much second-guessing is there going on at the hospital right now? Reporters asked some very tough questions to the physicians who've been treating him, especially in the aftermath of that minor stroke about two and a half weeks ago. The blood thinner that he was given, the -- perhaps the complicating factor that resulted from that leading to this massive stroke. How much second-guessing is going on?
SWEENEY: There is a lot of second-guessing, especially since the moment Ariel Sharon arrived in this hospital just some 24 hours ago now. You will recall at the time, Wolf, he was given blood thinners on December 18th. That was to thin his blood.
But we as now know, independent medical experts are saying that in itself can lead to the kind of cerebral brain hemorrhage which Mr. Sharon suffered yesterday. The hospital very quick to defend their actions, saying Mr. Sharon received exactly the appropriate treatment he should.
And saying that all was well as far as they was concerned when he was released from hospital a couple of days later following that minor stroke. But I should say that perhaps the update that we are looking for here in 24-hour news are not necessarily compatible with the kind of news that the hospital wants to give.
So we hear rumor and rumor, immediately followed by a statement from the hospital. Wolf?
BLITZER: Fionnuala Sweeney over at the Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem. Thank you, Fionnuala, we'll check back with you as we get more information.
Some Palestinians have taken to the streets to cheer Ariel Sharon's illness. But from their elected leadership, there are fears for the future without their adversary-turned-peace partner.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SAEB ERAKAT, CHIEF PALESTINIAN NEGOTIATOR: I was asked by President Abbas to convey our best wishes and for his speedy recovery, and we did. And about the replacement of Mr. Sharon on the stage, we have some concerns.
The competition to replace Mr. Sharon may be through the escalation of more settlement activities, more wars, more insurgents, more -- you know, fete accompli policies of Israel. And we really have concerns about this.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLITZER: Ariel Sharon's powers have been transferred to his vice prime minister Ehud Olmert, who now serves as the acting prime minister. A long-time fixture on the Israeli political scene, Olmert began his career as a conservative Knesset member. He went on to become the mayor of Jerusalem.
But like Sharon, he's a pragmatist. Ehud Olmert was elected mayor of Jerusalem in 1993. In 1999, he made his own run for the Likud Party leadership. He failed at that time. In 2003, he was appointed the vice prime minister of Israel. Olmert recently left the Likud Party to join Sharon's new centrist faction.
With Sharon gravely ill, what's the prognosis for Middle East peace and what does this mean for the United States? Coming up, I'll speak with the former United States ambassador to Israel, Dan Kurtzer.
But let's move on to other important stories we're following right now. The religious broadcaster, Pat Robertson, today suggested -- listen to this -- that Ariel Sharon's stroke is some sort of divine retribution for uprooting Israeli settlements on the West Bank and parts of the Gaza Strip -- excuse me, from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank.
Listen to what Pat Robertson said on his "700 Club" program. Robertson said, let me quote, "For any prime minister of Israel who decides he going to carve it up and give it away, God says, no, this is mine."
And Robertson went on to say and I'm quoting, "He (referring to Ariel Sharon) was dividing God's land and I would say woe unto any prime minister of Israel who takes a similar course."
So that's the statement from Pat Robertson. A spokesman for Pat Robertson says that he was simply referring to what is in the Old Testament's Book of Joel and not showing any personal antagonism towards Ariel Sharon. The spokesman, in fact, says Reverend Pat Robertson knows Sharon and likes him personally.
We're going to have much more on what the Reverend Pat Robertson said. That's coming up during our 7:00 p.m. hour here in THE SITUATION ROOM. And I said, we're going to have a lot more coming up with the former U.S. ambassador to Israel, Dan Kurtzer. That's coming up as well.
But let's move on to Iraq right now and the deadliest day there in almost four months. A string of attacks has left at least 134 people dead, including five American soldiers. About 50 miles south of Baghdad in Karbala, 45 people were killed and over 80 were hurt after a suicide bomber set off explosives near two Shiite shrines.
Officials say it happened in a mall area frequented by shoppers. Less than an hour later in Ramadi, a suicide bomber strapped with a vest of explosives killed at least 80 people, wounding about 70 others. It happened near an Iraqi police recruitment center where officials say about 1,000 people were waiting to apply for the police force.
Among today's casualties as I said, five American soldiers. Our senior Pentagon correspondent Jamie McIntyre is in Washington. He's got more on that. Jamie?
JAMIE MCINTYRE, CNN SENIOR PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, this just goes to show how these powerful roadside bombs that are used by the insurgents are able to penetrate even armored Humvee's with little trouble. Five U.S. soldiers killed, their identities have not been released. That makes six U.S. service members killed so far this year, and brings the total number of dead in Iraq to 2,187 U.S. troops killed so far since the invasion in March of 2003.
Today here at the Pentagon, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Peter Pace, predicted that in the coming months, the violence will subside. He said he believes, as the Iraqi government takes more control, there will be fewer places for the insurgents to hide and to launch attacks. But, again, he stressed he doesn't have a crystal ball and in the short term, the insurgency seems very vital -- Wolf.
BLITZER: All right, Jamie, thank you very much. What a horrible day in Iraq.
Today, the president gathered an unlikely group beyond his tight inner circle of advisers to ask about their views on Iraq. Let's go over to the White House. Our correspondent Dana Bash is standing by -- Dana.
DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, the president is well-aware by now that the wrap on him from friends and foes is that he doesn't listen enough, reach out enough, to those who are opposed to him, particularly when it comes to Iraq.
Some say that is a problem of his on Iraq. And that is exactly why he invited more than a dozen former secretaries of state and defense here to the White House, some of whom opposed the war in Iraq to begin with.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BUSH: Not everybody around this table agreed with my decision to go into Iraq, and I fully understand that. But these are good, solid Americans who understand that we've got to succeed now that we're there. And I'm most grateful for the suggestions that have been given. We take to heart the advice.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BASH: Now, in addition to veteran Republicans who were here, some who advised his father, for example, there were some Democrats like former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright under the Clinton administration, and Robert McNamara who, of course, was the Pentagon chief during Vietnam, an era which he has very publicly said that he regrets, of course, an era that some are comparing to the situation now in Iraq.
Some things he heard, did he not like. Some things he heard he did like, that from several of the dignitaries coming out of the White House today. But in a very colorful exchange with some of us here on the White House driveway, Wolf, Secretary of State Eagleburger made clear that some of the criticism he got -- most of it -- was pretty mild.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LAWRENCE EAGLEBURGER, FMR. SECRETARY OF STATE: You have to understand when you're in the presence of the president of the United States, I don't care if you've been a devout Democrat for the last 100 years, you're likely to pull your punches to some degree.
Now there was some criticism, but it was basically you haven't talked to the American people enough. And it was very mild. I don't think the president can come out of that meeting with any sense that they were a bunch of bureaucrats who were about to revolt. You have to understand as well, we're all has beens anyway.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BASH: Now, some of the suggestions, we were told, ranged from trying to find yet a better battle plan against the insurgents in Iraq and still to better communicate more than he has been, even though he has been trying they admitted with the American people about what is going on on the ground in Iraq -- Wolf. BLITZER: And Dana, we're going to get some more insight on what happened in that meeting. The former Defense Secretary William Cohen will join us during hour next hour, 5:00 p.m. Eastern. And the former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will join us here in THE SITUATION ROOM during our 7:00 p.m. hour Eastern.
What else are you hearing, Dana, over at the White House about the illness -- the very grave illness -- of Ariel Sharon and the impact it could have on not only U.S.-Israeli relations but on the peace process?
BASH: Well, you heard at the top of the show, President Bush, just a short while ago, came out and made his public statement of the day about Ariel Sharon, keeping it very specific, very general to the fact that he considers Ariel Sharon a man of courage, and of course, praise for him.
But I can tell you behind the scenes, Wolf, reality is beginning to set in that Ariel Sharon is possibly, even probably, not going to be the prime minister in Israel, that they are going to deal with from here on in the future. Of course, he has been the only one by and large that they have been dealing with.
They are being very careful though in public not to talk about the impact on the peace process, to say, in fact, that they hope that no matter what happens, that the peace process will continue.
But it goes without saying that Ariel Sharon has been somebody that Mr. Bush has relied on from the very beginning to really take control of things over in Israel while President Bush, many say -- many critical of him say -- that he has been dealing elsewhere in the middle, particularly in Iraq, Wolf.
BLITZER: Dana Bash reporting from the White House. Dana, thanks very much.
Let's go up to New York. Jack Cafferty is standing by with "The Cafferty File." Yesterday, I was in Washington, Jack. Right now I'm in Jerusalem. It's amazing how fast people can travel around the world.
JACK CAFFERTY, CNN ANCHOR: You know, the "Today Show" made a lot of money out that feature they call where's -- what's that kid's name who calls with Katie Couric? Maybe we could start that on THE SITUATION ROOM.
BLITZER: That would be Matt Lauer. That would be Matt Lauer.
CAFFERTY: Yes, we could call it, you know, "Where's Wolf" and you could like pop up in a different global hot spot every day here on the -- but that's tough duty going that far around the world in a short period of time. I'm glad you arrived safely, and THE SITUATION ROOM is not quite the same when you're not in Washington, D.C.
Anyway, that meeting today in Washington at the White House -- three years after invading Iraq, President Bush is suddenly seeking opinions from an unlikely source. That would be anybody except Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld, I suppose.
This is not been Mr. Bush's style. Au contraire. In fact, his critics have accused him of being isolated, reluctant to admit mistakes, and indifferent for the most part to other people's opinions.
Now all of a sudden, this magnanimous gesture calling of a meeting of the minds, old political adversaries, members of the opposition party from administrations past. You wouldn't see these people at a White House dinner, never mind counseling the president on what he's doing right and wrong in the war in Iraq. So what gives?
Here's the question: "What's the significance of President Bush meeting with leading members of past administrations? You can e-mail us your thoughts on this at caffertyfile@cnn.com, and we'll read some of the responses a bit later.
And we're also going to talk later, Wolf, about the impact of the absence of Ariel Sharon from the world stage when it comes to the subject of peace in the Middle East. That's coming up in one of the later hours here on THE SITUATION ROOM.
BLITZER: All right, Jack. Thanks very much. Jack Cafferty in New York.
I'm in Jerusalem, and we're going to have much more coming up on this unfolding story that we're watching, Ariel Sharon's condition. He's gravely ill at Hadassah Medical Center here in Jerusalem.
In a moments from now, I'll speak live with the immediate past U.S. ambassador to Israel.
I will also go live to West Virginia for an update on the condition of that sole survivor of the mine disaster.
And Samuel Alito gets ready to take the hot seat on Capitol Hill. We'll explore just how hot that seat might get. You're in THE SITUATION ROOM.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: Welcome back to THE SITUATION ROOM. I'm Wolf Blitzer reporting tonight from Jerusalem. We'll have much more on the grave condition of the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. He remains in a hospital here in Jerusalem. But first, let's get caught up on some other important news.
CNN's John King standing by in Washington. John, I understand there's a developing story?
JOHN KING, CNN CHIEF NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Wolf. Back to you in Jerusalem in just a few minutes. But just in to CNN, new developments regarding the condition of Randy McCloy. He, of course, is the only one of the 13 men who survived that West Virginia coal mine disaster. Doctors at the West Virginia hospital where he was being treated spoke earlier today about his condition. But just now, some new developments in that case. We want to take you live immediately to Chris Huntington standing by in Morgantown. Chris?
CHRIS HUNTINGTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: John, thank you. Doctors here have decided to transport Randal McCloy to a hospital near Pittsburgh. Allegheny General Hospital, where there is a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. In other words, an oxygen chamber that can with extra pressure, force more oxygen into his bloodstream.
The doctors feel that that's the best treatment to try to improve Randy McCloy's neurological responses. That's the one area where they weren't seeing the kind of response that they wanted to see. Earlier today, at a press conference, they told us they were pleased with the progress that he was making in recovery of his vital organ systems, that he was showing improvement in his lungs.
His left lung that had been collapsed is no longer collapsed. His lung capacity, much better. Heart pumping well, liver and kidney function improving. But they had not seen improvement in his neurological responses, and that's where they are most concerned.
So he has already left the hospital with a medical team, en route now to Pittsburgh to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. This just announced moments ago, John. So this is what obviously the best medical minds available here believe is the best treatment for Randy McCloy.
He's 26-years-old, he's a tough sturdy guy. And clearly, his basic physical constitution has held up and responded well to treatment. But they are ultimately concerned about how long he was starved of oxygen, how long his brain was starved of oxygen. And they have not seen the type of neurological response that they would like to. He is still in a coma, John. And that's what is concerning the doctors.
KING: And Chris, they seemed quite concerned about that this morning. You mentioned an upbeat prognosis about his basic physical condition. But yesterday they said he had responded to his wife being in the room, apparently some movements of his hands or something, but no additional responses. That seems to be what has them worried, is that right?
HUNTINGTON: Absolutely. The tenor of the reports from the doctors here has, I would say, changed, but to quite a strong degree from yesterday to today. Today, we heard two things that were not mentioned at all yesterday, coma and brain damage.
Yes, the doctor here, the dean of all the medical services here at West Virginia University this morning, Dr. John Prescott said he believes that Randy McCloy may have suffered some brain damage.
I personally pressed him on that and I said, "Doctor, that's a strong statement. There's a lot to still to uncover here. Do you want to qualify that?" All he said, "No, we just don't know at this point." But he does believe that brain damage may be possible. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment they think is the best treatment for that right now. Back to you, John.
KING: Chris Huntington on the scene for us in West Virginia, obviously tracking that breaking news development. We will continue to track it throughout the day here on CNN. The sole survivor, Randal McCloy, now transferred from West Virginia, en route now we understand to a hospital near Pittsburgh. CNN will continue to track this developing news.
Now we've learned that some of the men who died in the mine left behind notes to their loved ones. Relatives say the notes indicate the men were, quote, "Just going to sleep." That would be consistent with carbon monoxide, which was found at high levels inside the mine. Relatives say it's comforting to know the victims didn't suffer.
A candlelight service was held last night near the mine. And officials are now planning a memorial service for the 12 men who died. Officials say it will be held this Sunday at the chapel at nearby West Virginia Wesleyan College, which can hold 1,500 people.
Here in Washington, confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito begin in just four days. Groups on both sides of this fight rallying their troops, grass-roots efforts, also expensive efforts on the air waves. CNN congressional correspondent Ed Henry live for us tracking that story on Capitol Hill. Ed?
ED HENRY, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: John, we thought the focus would be social issues like abortion. But Democrats now think they've got some new ammunition over this NSA domestic spying controversy. They think that might help them stop this nomination of Judge Samuel Alito, who is often pushed for a muscular executive branch.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SEN. CHARLES SCHUMER (D-N.Y.), JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Does he believe in any checks in presidential power? Does he believe that warrant less wiretapping of Americans is constitutional? And if so, when?
HENRY (voice-over): Democrats point to Alito's days in the Reagan Justice Department, especially a 1984 memo arguing the attorney general should be immune from prosecution for authorizing illegal wiretaps.
Adding fuel to the fire is the Republican chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Arlen Specter, who has warned Alito he will aggressively question him at the confirmation hearings about whether President Bush has the authority to, quote, "Conduct domestic surveillance on international communications without first obtaining a search warrant."
SCHUMER: If Judge Alito refuses to answer these questions, I believe it will be extremely difficult to vote for him. Indeed, I believe it could jeopardize his nomination. HENRY: Alito's supporters insist the Reagan memo has little relevance to the current spying flap and say the nominee's qualifications will trump the attacks, especially after the American Bar Association gave him their highest rating for competent and integrity.
WENDY WRIGHT, CONCERNED WOMEN FOR AMERICA: The portrait that is drawn of him by those who know him and know his writings is of a man of great intelligence, integrity, fairness, humility, and justice.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HENRY: This NSA spying controversy guarantees that there will be tough questions for Judge Alito and it might not be the slam-dunk the White House was waiting for and hoping for. But the bottom line is, it's going to be tough for the Democrats to filibuster. And at this point, Judge Alito appears to be in good shape, John.
KING: Appears to be in good shape. Now Ed Henry on Capitol Hill for us. Those hearings scheduled to begin on Monday. CNN will bring you live coverage of those hearings throughout the day and indeed throughout the week next week.
Also want to update you on a developing story in Texas, north of San Antonio. Bexar County, I believe we have some live pictures of a fire burning there. We want to show you those pictures if we can get them to you -- here you go. Officials on the scene of this fire unable to get much information right now on the scope of this fire, but it is in Bexar County, north of San Antonio.
Our Jacqui Jeras telling us that at the moment, the conditions there are quite open to have a fire. Winds gusting at 17 miles-an- hour. There is a red-flag warning in place, which means there is a high risk of fires.
You see here, the smoke coming up from the scene. You also see some flames here. Firefighters on the scene. We will continue to track this developing story, as well. Again, this Bexar County, north of San Antonio, Texas.
And still ahead, much more on the Supreme Court battle over Alito. Torie Clarke and Donna Brazile face off in today's "Strategy Session."
But next, Israeli's prime minister clings to life. How will Ariel Sharon's grave condition affect the security and political situation in the Middle East? We'll head back to Wolf in Jerusalem. Stay with us. You're in THE SITUATION ROOM.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BLITZER: You're back in THE SITUATION ROOM. Welcome back, I'm Wolf Blitzer reporting tonight from Jerusalem. Take a look at this. These are live pictures we're getting in from the Hadassah Medical Center here in Jerusalem. Inside, Ariel Sharon. He's in grave condition after suffering a massive, massive stroke. He was in surgery for hours. Blood hemorrhaging situation had developed in his brain. He's right now in critical condition in an intensive care unit at the Hadassah Medical Center.
Joining us now from Princeton, New Jersey, is Dan Kurtzer. From 2001 until last year, he was the United States ambassador to Israel. He's now a professor of Middle East policy studies at Princeton's University Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.
Mr. Ambassador, thanks very much for joining us. I want to make it clear, you spent a lot of time here in Israel. You know the medical center. You know these Israeli doctors. There's no question in your mind that Sharon was getting first class, world class, medical treatment, is there?
DAN KURTZER, FORMER UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO ISRAEL: Absolutely. Hadassah is a world class medical institution. And that's the place where Ariel Sharon wanted to be treated.
BLITZER: You know Israeli-American relations about as well as anyone. By almost all accounts, I've been in Israel now for a few hours now. Everyone I've been speaking to agrees that even if he survives, he's almost certainly not going to be prime minister given the grave nature of his health. What does this mean for the United States?
KURTZER: Well, you know, Sharon became prime minister at about the same time that President Bush became president. And the two of them developed an incredibly close and mutually trusting relationship.
It went through a series of ups and downs, obviously, as two countries are likely to have some differences of view. But we also were able to build some very important alliances together during that period, including ways to advance the peace process through the road map and through the disengagement plan.
So after four years of such close working relations -- or five years actually -- it's now going to be required to build a new relationship with the new Israeli leadership.
BLITZER: Is it clear who will emerge? The Israeli elections are scheduled for the end of March. Do you have a sense what's going to happen in this country?
KURTZER: Well, the polls are already showing that the party that Mr. Sharon has been forming, the Kadima Party, the center party, is likely to continue to enjoy support, at least for the period ahead.
The difference, though, is that the party is going to have to earn that support now. Sharon had built up a tremendous reservoir of trust and confidence among the Israeli people for his efforts against terrorism and for his commitment to move forward in the peace process.
The leadership of that party, of the Kadima Party, Mr. Ehud Olmert, the acting prime minister, Tzipi Livni, the justice minister, Shaol Mofaz. These are people who are well-known to the Israeli public, but they're going to have to build trust in the way they comport themselves over the next few months.
BLITZER: We only have time for another question. I just was curious to get your thoughts because you know the story so well. You spent a great deal of time in this part of the world. The Reverend Pat Robertson suggesting that Ariel Sharon may have brought on God's wrath by dividing the land of Israel, giving up Gaza, parts of the West Bank. What do you make of this kind of statement?
KURTZER: I think it's absurd. And I'm really surprised that any responsible person, let alone a religious leader, would make such a statement. Sharon faced some very difficult challenges as the prime minister of the state of Israel. And as the leader of the Israeli people, he was the one empowered and trusted to make decisions that were good for Israel's security.
The United States agreed that the disengagement was good for Israel and good for Israeli security. And the prime minister carried that out. And for that, we and the rest of the world supported him and applauded him.
BLITZER: The former U.S. ambassador to Israel, Dan Kurtzer. Earlier, he served as the United States ambassador to Egypt. He's now a professor at Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. Mr. Ambassador, thanks very much for joining us. And thanks for your good work over the many years. We'll speak to you often.
And coming up here in THE SITUATION ROOM, much more on this developing story and how it could affect Middle East peace. In a few moments, I'll speak with the Israeli ambassador to the United States.
But up next, President Bush reaches out on Iraq. As the violence there soars, Torie Clarke and Donna Brazile standing by in today's "Strategy Session." We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: Back to Wolf in Jerusalem in just a moment. But first, politics here at home. In our "Strategy Session" today, President Bush calls a meeting of former secretaries of state and defense. What advice did they offer on U.S. policy in Iraq? Should the president make this meeting a regular event?
Plus, the interest groups already out swinging over the Samuel Alito nomination. What can we expect to see in the confirmation hearings scheduled for next week? Joining us in THE SITUATION ROOM, CNN political analyst Democrat Donna Brazile, former Pentagon spokeswoman, Torie Clarke, the only two luminaries not invited to that meeting at the White House today as the president sought strategy.
Let's begin with that meeting. This is a president often criticized as being in the bubble, as they say here in Washington, someone who doesn't listen to criticism, someone who only listens to his small circle of advisors, including your former boss, Don Rumsfeld.
I want to play a bite quickly before we have a discussion. This is former secretary of state Lawrence Eagleburger, who served under the former President Bush. Very colorful man. This is what he said outside the meeting.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
EAGLEBURGER: He's got to be more open, and I mean by that, he's got to talk about it more with the American people in terms of details than has been the case in the past.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: Been the case in the past. Torie, the president's been talking about this almost every other day for the past few weeks.
TORIE CLARKE, FORMER PENTAGON SPOKESWOMAN: I agree and disagree with the secretary. And he is fabulous. I think the president has been forthright and straightforward. As people have heard me say many times in this room, I wish he'd do more of it. I wish he'd be out there more communicating with the American people on a regular basis, communicator-in-chief. I think meetings like today were great. He needs to do more of them.
KING: Donna, if you were in the room, and everyone says even those who oppose the war and are very critical of this administration were somewhat timid in their criticism. Maybe that happens when you're around the president. I know it wouldn't happen with you. If you were in that room, what would you tell him he needs to do now?
DONNA BRAZILE, DEMOCRATIC STRATEGIST: Well first of all, I think the president should be applauded for calling this meeting. I call them oldies but goodies. These are experienced people that know a little bit about the world. They've been in the hot spot before. And so I'm sure that they leveled with the president. They told him exactly what he should do.
But it also appears that there was some consensus that came out of the meeting where they agreed that the Iraqi security forces should be beefed up and strengthened so that our troops perhaps can come home. But I think the president should do more of this, should reach out across the aisle, out to people, you know, even inside his own party, as Mr. Eagleburger is one of his own Republicans.
KING: I want to move on to the Alito nomination, but just one more point on the Iraq thing. For all the meetings he has, and all the outreach he does, there's not much he can do to change public opinion here if every time he has one of these meetings, you have violence. More than 130 people died today in Iraq, including five more U.S. troops. That is the fact, the reality, that in the end is going to dictate public opinion, is it not?
CLARKE: Well, if that's all they see and that's all they hear about, sure. But the effort ought to be to give them a complete comprehensive picture of what's going on, the bad things certainly, but also the good things. Some of the toughest critics of the president came out today and said there has been some progress over there, and we should feel good about it.
BRAZILE: Senator Warner said several weeks ago, the Republican chair of the Armed Services Committee, he said, "The president should do more fireside chats." We need more of that, perhaps, over the coming weeks as the president prepares for the state of the union.
KING: OK, next week the confirmation hearings for Samuel Alito scheduled to begin. It was a lovefest for the new chief justice John Roberts. Democrats are saying expect a very different tone when it comes to Samuel Alito. Fifteen years on the bench, some very controversial views. Let's listen to a Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, Senator Chuck Schumer.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER (D), NEW YORK: Judge Alito has more to answer for than any other Supreme Court nominee in memory. That's because the obligation increases when a nominee has spoken out in a clear and direct way on a particular issue.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: Two weeks ago, Donna Brazile, it appeared at least the left, the abortion rights forces, wanted the Democrats to focus on that, this man's frequent statements saying he opposed Roe v. Wade, opposed abortion rights. They seem to be backing away from that. Why?
BRAZILE: Well, because I think they want to focus on a number of other issues, including Judge Alito's position on unitary executive or the supremacy of executive powers in light of what has happened and transformed with the president's decision to have these warrantless searches. Democrats may use the hearings to try to pull more information about Judge Alito's views on executive powers.
CLARKE: I think the rhetoric's a little overheated. Not a surprise. I think if they try to make the nomination just about Judge Alito, eminently qualified, the American Bar Association said so, gave their highest qualification. What you see is kind of shifting sands. They keep trying to make it a platform to talk about some other issues they don't like. It's not going to work. He's going to get confirmed.
KING: He's going to get confirmed, she predict. I need to stop you from jumping in. Donna Brazile...
BRAZILE: The jury's still out.
KING: The jury's still out. Fair enough. Democrat Donna Brazile, Republican Torie Clarke. We call you former Pentagon spokesman. I think you're still a Republican, as well.
CLARKE: Last time I checked. KING: Thanks for joining us in the "Strategy Session." Now back to Wolf Blitzer in Jerusalem, who of course is tracking the developing story, the prime minister of Israel, still hospitalized -- Wolf.
BLITZER: Thanks very much, John. Good discussion with Torie and Donna. Coming up, we're going to have much more on Ariel Sharon's condition. I'll speak with Israel's ambassador to the United States about the prime minister's current state and the road ahead.
Also this, the California governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, set to tell Californians the state of their state. After last year's big political setbacks, what's on the governor's agenda for this year? You're in THE SITUATION ROOM.
BLITZER: Welcome back to THE SITUATION ROOM. I want to show you a live picture of the Hadassah Medical Center here in Jerusalem. Ariel Sharon's condition grave right now. He remains in intensive care following a massive stroke.
What would the prime minister's departure from the scene mean for the peace process and Israel's relationship with the United States? Joining us now from Washington is the Israeli ambassador to the United States, Daniel Ayalon. Mr. Ambassador, thanks very much for coming into THE SITUATION ROOM. How important is Ariel Sharon personally as far as the peace process between the Israelis and Palestinians is concerned?
DANIEL AYALON, ISRAELI AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES: He's very important. You know, he really changed the parameters. He really changed the landscape in the Middle East, and I hope he will continue to do that. But, Wolf, at the outset, let me thank you and through you the entire American people for the outpouring of support and affection and concern for the prime minister.
In the last 24 hours here at the embassy in Washington, and know you are in Jerusalem, here we received hundreds of phone calls from ordinary Americans from coast to coast, and of course from elected leaders in the Senate and Congress.
We are very touched by the words, the very kind and good words of President Bush and Secretary Rice, which is very encouraging and the strengthening us. And I think it really is a true reflection of the relationship, the alliance, between Israel and the United States at this very difficult moment.
BLITZER: Is there another leader right now, the acting prime minister, the vice prime minister Ehud Olmert -- is it your sense that even in advance of the scheduled elections at the end of March, he will continue basically the approach put forward by Ariel Sharon?
AYALON: I don't think, Wolf, it's appropriate to talk about personalities, but about the process. And Israel, as you know, is a vibrant democracy with very strong institutions, with long lasting traditions, rule of law. And what is important that it is a seamless transition of power. Hopefully, only temporarily. We've been tested before, you know, the Jewish people have been tested for more than our share for the last 3,000 years. We are a strong people, a strong country. The people certainly unite now behind the leader, the prime minister, and wishing him well.
And as for the future, we're just hoping for full recovery. We don't know yet. It's still a serious condition, but we're still hopeful and praying. But what is important is that this is a functioning country with institutions and the policy and the vision of the prime minister. And this is what is very important. This was the watershed, and I think nobody can take it away and change it for the future.
BLITZER: We just spoke with the immediate past U.S. ambassador to Israel, Daniel Kurtzer, who's now at Princeton University. I asked him about these latest comments, which some are already calling outrageous, by the Reverend Pat Robertson, suggesting that Ariel Sharon brought this stroke on himself by going ahead and dividing up the land of Israel, and he was experiencing God's wrath in the process.
I know you've worked closely over the years, you and your Israeli colleagues, to generate support in the evangelical Christian community in the United States. But what's your reaction to what the Reverend Pat Robertson said?
AYALON: Well, Wolf, you have just summed it up, outrageous. I have not heard it personally, and I have not seen it. And I know very well Pat Robertson, he is a great friend of Israel and a great supporter of Prime Sinister Sharon himself. So I'm very surprised. I have not seen it, so I cannot comment.
But such things are very outrageous, and I would expect this only from people like Ahmadinejad in Iran, who is so outrageous and irresponsible. And I think that there were some comments like this from him. I wouldn't expect it from any of our friends.
BLITZER: Daniel Ayalon is the Israeli ambassador to the United States. Mr. Ambassador, thanks very much for joining us here in THE SITUATION ROOM.
AYALON: You're welcome.
BLITZER: And we'll have much more on this developing story coming up. I'll speak live with one of Sharon's top aides. I'll also speak -- I'll also bring you some of the interview I conducted last year with Prime Minister Sharon himself when he was in Washington, when he was at Blair House in Washington just across the street from the White House.
Also ahead, a former football Hall of Famer back in the game, in the political game this time. For details, stay with us because you're in THE SITUATION ROOM.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) KING: And now on our political radar as we show you a live picture of the state capital in Sacramento, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger looks to begin rejuvenating his public support tonight when he delivers his third State of the State address. Look for the governor to reach out to Democrats in that speech. He'll propose major works bond and additional funding for schools.
Governor Schwarzenegger suffered major setbacks on a series of ballot initiatives just this past November. We'll preview the governor's speech in a live report from California during our 7:00 Eastern hour.
Schwarzenegger's also looking to the White House for some help in turning around his political fortunes. Administration officials confirm to CNN's Dana Bash that Steve Schmidt, counsel to Vice President Dick Cheney, will manage Schwarzenegger's reelection campaign. Schmidt's got his hands full at the moment, managing White House communications for the Samuel Alito nomination. Schmidt, though, will leave for California after the confirmation process is complete.
He made the art of catching footballs look like ballet, but can former Pittsburgh Steeler Lynn Swann bring that magic to a political campaign? The NFL Hall of Famer launched his campaign for Pennsylvania governor yesterday in Pittsburgh. He's appearing throughout the state today and tomorrow. Swann's main rival for the Republican nomination is former Lieutenant Governor Bill Scranton.
And still to come, seeking advice in the most unlikely of places. Today, President Bush met about the war in Iraq with bright minds of foreign policy outside his tight inner circle. What do you think of that? Jack Cafferty has your email.
Also, Ariel Sharon's grave condition. Wolf will ask the former U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen about a possible future in Israel without the prime minister. That's in our 7:00 p.m. Eastern hour. He'll also speak with the former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KING: Want to show you important pictures just in to CNN. An important development in the legal front of the war on terrorism. Terror suspect Jose Padilla held as an enemy combatant, held by the military for more than almost four years now has been transferred now to civilian custody. We're showing you live pictures here. You see a security presence here in Miami.
There you see the pictures of Jose Padilla, again, a terror suspect held by the military as an enemy combatant for almost four years at a military brig in South Carolina, now being transferred to the civilian justice system. You see the transfer here.
This, a major legal development in the war on terror. His attorney still contesting his being held by U.S., but the Supreme Court allowing him to be handed over to the civilian justice system for now.
Last night, when I was here filling in for Wolf, Jack Cafferty was asking me the question, "Where is Wolf Blitzer?" Well, he knows the answer now. Let's go to Jack Cafferty with "The Cafferty File" in New York -- Jack.
CAFFERTY: Thank you, John. President Bush met today with more than a dozen former secretaries of defense and state at the White House talking about the war in Iraq. The question is, what's the significance of the president meeting with members of past administrations?
Lana in Finley, Ohio: "It's all for show. The president's all about the photo ops. He'll do exactly what he wants no matter what advice he gets. I can't believe the mainstream media's falling for a tactic meant to boost his poll numbers. Get real."
Barbara in Long Island writes, "It seems to me President Bush is damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. Why can't you idiots," I assume she means me, "just once try to see that President Bush is really trying to do the right thing for America and the American people."
Larry writes, "It's politics. An election year, the Abramoff crap hit the fan, the anti-war effort's got some speed, and maybe God talked to Bush again told him that he was wrong."
And finally, Mark in Fort Lauderdale, Florida: "There's a line from a tune in 'My Fair Lady' explaining what Bush is doing. The line is this: 'She'll beg you for advice, your reply will be concise. And she'll listen very nicely, and then go out and do exactly what she wants.' Enough said" -- John.
BLITZER: All right, it's me actually, Jack. I'm Wolf Blitzer, reporting tonight from Jerusalem.
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