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The Situation Room

Graham Platner Holds Event in Maine Ahead of Tuesday's Primary; Oklahoma Governor Weighs Special Session on A.I. in Political Ads; Trump: Israel and Iran Must Immediately 'Stop Shooting'. Aired 11:30- 12p ET

Aired June 08, 2026 - 11:30   ET

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

[11:30:00]

PAMELA BROWN, CNN ANCHOR: Happening now, an urgent manhunt is underway right now in Ohio. Police are looking for suspects who opened fire right near a festival in the historic district of Toledo. At least a dozen people were injured there.

Plus, Pope Leo calling war a, quote, "painful defeat" of negotiations and saying violence has plunged the world into a profound crisis as Israel and Iran traded strikes. This was all part of his speech to the Spanish parliament. He's in Spain for a week. About half a million people welcomed him to Madrid over the weekend, as you see here in this video.

And rescue efforts are underway in the Philippines. After a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the southern part of the country, at least 32 people were killed. The quake triggered tsunami warnings. Officials say that threat has largely passed, but still urge people to stay alert. Wolf.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: And, Pamela, Democrat Graham Platner is trying to shore up his Senate campaign just ahead of tomorrow's primary voting in Maine.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Please join in welcoming my friend.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: An enthusiastic crowd greeted Platner. He's considered the frontrunner to face Republican incumbent Susan Collins in November. But Platner's controversial past is also drawing a lot of attention. The New York Times has reported an ex-girlfriend's allegations that he repeatedly grabbed her by the shoulders during arguments and once twisted her arm behind her back. Platner has denied claims of physical violence.

CNN's chief national affairs correspondent, Jeff Zeleny, is here with us in the Situation Room. Jeff, in this town half-style event, Platner -- this town hall event, Platner was asked a few questions about his past and focused more on his policies and his priorities if he's elected to the U.S. Senate. Is that a surprise? JEFF ZELENY, CNN CHIEF NATIONAL AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: I don't think it's much of a surprise, Wolf, because Maine is so important to the overall Senate picture here. Look, if Democrats want to win control of the Senate, they need to pick up four seats, and Maine is at the center of that strategy. I mean, there's no doubt there are many questions about Platner's background and other matters, but he also talked to voters last night in Portland, talking about his outsider status and how he believes that's a strength, not a weakness.

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GRAHAM PLATNER (D), MAINE SENATE CANDIDATE: In a moment like this in history, if we can show that a regular person from the regular world who simply comes out with a message saying that we all have to work together to push back against all of the structures of power that have been exploiting and oppressing us for generations, if we show that that works, we get to show this country the way forward.

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[11:35:00]

ZELENY: Look, there's no doubt that Platner is trying to move beyond the controversy, but the question is, has the controversy moved beyond him? And that is very much an open one. So, even after the primary tomorrow, which she's widely expected to win, even though Janet Mills, the sitting governor who has suspended her campaign, she's still on the ballot, there are many concerns about his overall electability. But I was talking to one Maine Democrat over the weekend, and she said it's vital to keep our eye on the prize. And that, of course, is the fall race there.

But the big question hanging over all this, is there another shoe to drop here? Is there more information to come out about him? We shall see.

BLITZER: How big of a deal is the Nazi tattoo on his chest?

ZELENY: I mean, that certainly has been out there for many months now. Last fall he covered it up, and he said he was not aware that it was a Nazi tattoo. But look, some voters are just tuning into this. So, I think for some voters it very much is a concern. But he has answered the questions.

And so, in Maine, I think it's important to think how Maine voters are viewing this, not necessarily just how national observers are viewing it, because it's the Maine voters, obviously, who vote. And he's met with a lot of them.

BLITZER: Certainly has. I want to ask you about the mayor's race in Los Angeles right now. The former reality TV star Spencer Pratt, a registered Republican, may be losing his grip on the all-important second spot in the primary. The top two move on. What can you tell us about that?

ZELENY: Look, they are still counting the votes in California. It takes a very long time because of the mail-in votes. But CNN over the weekend and just overnight has projected that Karen Bass, of course, is the leader. She will go into the final. But in the second spot, Nithya Raman, who is a liberal challenger to the mayor, has slightly overtaken Spencer Pratt. But look, all the votes are still not counted. Only 75 percent or so are. But that is very significant that Spencer Pratt is no longer in the second position as of now. But we will see as more votes come in this evening here. But look, all eyes are going to be on Los Angeles because of the very important mayor's race.

BLITZER: Jeff Zeleny, thanks very much for coming into the Situation Room.

ZELENY: You bet.

BLITZER: All right. Pamela.

BROWN: All right. Wolf, now to our series here in the Situation Room, Decoding A.I. We are examining the impact of artificial intelligence, both the good and the bad, and then the in-between, where we don't really have that certainty.

And joining us is the governor of Oklahoma, who is weighing a special session of the state legislature to address the use of A.I. in political ads. Kevin Stitt issued the warning after Oklahoma lawmakers ended their previous session without taking any major action on the issue. The state's ethics commission says it is exploring the possibility of creating regulations.

So, Governor Stitt joins us now. Thank you so much for coming on the show. Why do you think this A.I. issue is urgent enough for a special legislative session?

GOV. KEVIN STITT (R-OK), CHAIR, NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION: Yes. Well, first off, about half the states in our country have some kind of A.I. disclosure. Oklahoma doesn't at this point. And when I started seeing some A.I.-generated ads politically attacking people, putting them in different situations with people, I just thought, listen, we need to make sure that the voters have accurate information. The truth still matters in Oklahoma, and we need transparency. We want to make sure that the voters aren't confused about what they're seeing.

And so, that's why I'm, like, really digging in, saying, hey, we've got to really think about this because people are being confused by some of the ads that are being run.

BROWN: And we saw a slew of A.I. ads being used in that primary race for the mayor of Los Angeles in recent weeks. And I'm just curious, how do you regulate it when -- you know, how do you put the genie back in the bottle, per se?

STITT: Yes. You know, I mean, well, first off, a disclosure is fine. And if you're going to put a T-shirt on someone and call them a liberal or conservative, you know, that kind of stuff's OK. You can have a disclosure. But when you start putting people in awkward situations, like, you know, we have revenge porn is illegal. And let's say you put your political opponent on a beach with Epstein, and you had him looking like he's buddies, and they're hanging out, and there's girls around. And that is confusing for the people. So, I think that's really a line in the sand.

When you start making it look like they're friends, or there's certain things that are happening that are just totally not true, that's where we have to draw the line and say, that's not right in a political advertisement, because people need to be -- they need to know that the truth matters. They need to know that what they're seeing is accurate.

BROWN: Yes, because we're getting into this age where it's tough to know what's real and what's not. And so, then how do you reliably prove what's A.I. and what isn't as it pertains to these ads, right?

[11:40:00]

STITT: Oh, that's exactly right. And, you know, I really believe that the voters need confidence that when they go to the ballot box, let's really have a debate about ideas and what direction you want to take the state or the country or your city in.

And, you know, when people are seeing stuff, I mean, my parents, your parents, your grandparents, people out there, a lot of the older generation don't understand that that's A.I.-generated or that's not true. And we're having that happen in the politics in Oklahoma right now. And that's where you have to draw the line. You have to say, listen, we've got to make sure that we don't portray them within an awkward situation with someone that's just totally fabricated.

Just -- I mean, your imagination can run wild with you. And we want to make sure that that doesn't happen in our in our, you know, political elections here in Oklahoma.

BROWN: And of course, the concerns around A.I. go beyond just political ads. I want to ask you about this new A.I. powered program that you were part of. And it helps teach math to young students that that -- you know, that need help, right. But there was this poll from the Walton Family Foundation and the Gallup found that six in 10 teachers use an A.I. tool in the 2024, 2025 school year. And I'm wondering what your concern is about A.I. replacing real jobs, especially in a space like education where face to face instruction is so crucial to kids' development. What do you think about that?

STITT: You know, well, first off, I think there's always going to be a spot for a teacher in the classroom, whether you caught whether they're teaching that specific subject or their guides, they're motivating and they're challenging and they're pushing those students. So, that's great. There's always going to be room for that teacher.

But using A.I. to take a kid in the classroom, let's say you're teaching eighth grade math, and we know not every kid is exactly at the same level. So, with A.I., maybe one kid needs to have ninth grade math and maybe some other kid needs to go back and get a refresher on fifth grade fractions. And so, with A.I., you can literally customize those learning plans per student. And I think it's going to be a great tool for our teachers. But of course, we always need teachers and that human interaction A.I. cannot replace.

BROWN: Yes.

STITT: And so, I'm not as worried about it as some people, because we will need that human interaction and those guides that are helping and motivating the young people.

BROWN: Yes. I mean, I think that's a perfect example of how it can really help, right, and help kids. But also, there is this concern out there, and I'm sure you're hearing it from residents in your state, about jobs and their jobs being fully replaced by A.I. And no one really knows what that landscape is going to look like in a one-year ahead, two-year ahead -- two years ahead.

I want to ask you about something else, Governor, while we have you in the domestic politics sphere. We are entering another week without a peace deal. The war in Iran continues to impact Americans and their everyday lives. Before the war began, Oklahoma had the lowest state average gas price at $2.47 per gallon. Now, the AAA average price per gallon sits at $3.64. And I know on the other side, the higher oil prices could actually benefit some residents in your state.

But I'm curious, from your on the ground perspective, how are Oklahomans feeling about the war and its impact here at home?

STITT: Well, I'm glad you pointed out we have the lowest gas prices and I think we're still probably one of the lowest in the country because of our free market policies. But sure, I mean, working families, it -- we want those prices to come down. And I think all Americans do. We want an end to this war as quickly as possible. But at the same time, there are legitimate threats to our country, our national security that have to be addressed.

And so, we're in this situation and let's make sure we finish it appropriately. Let's make sure we protect our interests. And I think that's -- the president has a really tough job in navigating that and all of his generals and all of his advisers. And, you know, we want to get this over as quickly as possible. But we want to do it through strength and we want to do it through the long-term view of American security.

And I think that's something we can all agree on, that that Iran is a threat to all of us in the free markets that we all enjoy. And we need to put a stop to it right now.

BROWN: All right. Governor Kevin Stitt from Oklahoma, thank you so much for coming on the show.

STITT: Thank you very much.

BROWN: Wolf.

BLITZER: And coming up, the Stanley Pup is back. Thirty-two adorable rescue puppies hit the ice to promote pet adoptions. Coming up next, some four-legged friends will join us here in the Situation Room, and we'll bark all about it. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[11:45:00]

BROWN: If there's anything more exciting than watching the Stanley Cup Final, it is watching man's best friend having a fall at the third annual Stanley Cup. You guys know we love puppies here on The Situation Room.

BLITZER: We do.

BROWN: And tonight's ferocious lineup will feature 32 rescue puppies representing each of the 32 NHL teams. They will face off at a pup- sized hockey rink to showcase their possum puck handling skills. Here's a preview.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The fight for the cup demands everything. Heart. Grit. Sacrifice. And a whole lot of belly rubs.

[11:50:00]

It's the third annual Stanley Pup. Prepare for powerful passes. Snout to snout scrubs. A lot of belly rubs. It's the third annual Stanley Pup. Prepare for powerful passes, snout to snout scrubs, fierce fur checks and bulldozing breakaways.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Bragging rights. Absolutely on the line.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The event of the hockey season --

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: -- all for a good cause.

JOEL MCHALE, ACTOR: Oh, hi, Stanley Pup. It's me, Joel McHale.

DEVIN COOLEY: Hey, everyone. It's Devin Cooley.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hi, I'm Michael String (ph).

JEAN SMART, ACTRESS: I'm Jean Smart.

ANTHONY ANDERSON, ACTOR: I'm Anthony Anderson.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let's go, Stanley Pups.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Rescue.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, boy.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've got kitten-ized crews cruising the ice. Goats singing the national anthems. And bunnies busting moves in VIP. Rivalries. Update on Stanley Pup alumni.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You've got the head tilt.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And true heroic dogs.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I noticed that our garage was on fire. For sure, he saved our house.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Today is the day that you've been training for your whole life. Show the world what it means to be a rescue dog. Let's go.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Is there nothing this pup can't do? Goal.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Everything you've chased and chewed and zoomed for all comes down to this moment right here. The 2026 Stanley Pup.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BROWN: I mean, they have referees. They have coaches. The Stanley Pup has it all. And here in the Situation Room is the Stanley Pup executive producer, Michael Levitt, with some adoptable four-legged friends that you see. And they are so adorable. And I'm not going to adopt another puppy on the show.

But you can if you would like to. And you're going to tell us more about that, Michael. But first off, how did this all come together? Because you have this background in television producing. And you have such a big heart for rescue dogs.

MICHAEL LEVITT, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, THE STANLEY PUP: Well, it started for me when several years ago my sister was sadly dying of cancer. And it was at that time that I knew I needed a dog in my life. So, my partner and I rescued a pity mix named Trooper. And he rocked our world. And I learned firsthand the adage, who rescued who.

And he really is what inspired me to get into rescue. I took a year off from producing just to save dogs. But then I kept getting kicked out of shelters because I would try and intervene when people were trying to surrender their animals. And I knew there had to be a better use of my skill set. So, I approached the NHL with this idea. They loved it. And the rest is history.

BROWN: Wow.

BLITZER: How does the Stanley Pup actually work, though? And what is its mission?

LEVITT: So, 32 rescue puppies, all provided by the wonderful Brandywine SPCA, represent every team in the NHL. They go head-to- head, or as we like to say, wolf snout to snout, in the cutest hockey game you've ever seen, vying for the Stanley Pup trophy, wagging rights. And as you were asking, the goal is to hopefully inspire all of you at home to go out and rescue your next dog.

BLITZER: So, important. And what are the names of our four little rescue pups over here?

LEVITT: Well, listen, we know you both are broadcast legends, but these four-legged cuties right here are also broadcast legends in their own right. I'd like to quickly introduce them. This one right here.

BLITZER: The one I'm holding.

LEVITT: Wolf, meet Wolf Blitzer.

BLITZER: Oh, really?

LEVITT: Oh, yes.

BLITZER: That's a cute name.

LEVITT: Yes, isn't it? Pamela, you have Democratic strategist Van Bones right there.

BROWN: Oh, my goodness, Van Bones.

LEVITT: Now, we have another broadcast legend. This Jimmy Kibble right here.

BLITZER: So, cute.

LEVITT: And last but not least, say hello to Anderson Cooper.

BROWN: Oh, my goodness. I love it. I love these names.

LEVITT: Yes.

BROWN: And they're all available for adoption, and they're so sweet and so calm. So, you know, you got the puppies playing on the ice, right? You got the coaches out there. You got the referees, as I said, which I think is, like, so adorable. What else can viewers expect?

LEVITT: So, first of all, SNL's Kenan Thompson and Flava Flav are our coaches this year, puppy coaches.

BROWN: OK.

LEVITT: We're inducting broadcast legend Doc Emrick into our Howl of Fame, but it will be his doggle ganger, a collie mix named Dog Emrick. We've got the GOAT of opera, literally the goat, a goat, singing the national anthem, Luciano Bavarotti. We've got a kitten ice crew on the Zamboni. I mean, it just goes on and on. The puns are off the charts.

And again, it's really just meant to show people that rescue dogs are not secondhand animals, which is often a misconception. It's usually people that fail them as to why they're in the shelter. And we just want to show people that every rescue dog deserves to be part of every family starting lineup.

BROWN: They bring so much joy and so much --

LEVITT: They do.

BROWN: I mean, listen, you know, Lucy Blitz is six months, so she's still a puppy. A lot of work, but so much, so much joy to our family. And like you said, you know, who rescues who with these puppies? BLITZER: She's got three kids too.

LEVITT: Well, they're all our kids, right?

BROWN: They all, Lucy Blitz is, I got five kids actually if you include the two dogs, Lucy Blitz Brown. That's right.

LEVITT: I love it.

[11:55:00]

BLITZER: What are the shelters facing right now and how people -- how can people who are watching us right now, potentially make a difference?

LEVITT: I so appreciate you asking me that, Wolf. We have such a crisis in our shelters. And that is because a lot of people don't really understand the importance of spay and neuter. They don't understand that it's important to fix your dog. So, we don't create more dogs that the world doesn't need.

If you are unable to take a dog into your home, you can always volunteer at a shelter. If you are a person that rents your home, if you could be kind enough to allow people to have animals, a lot of people give up their pets because their landlords don't allow them to have it. I mean, we all can do our part.

And I always tell people when you rescue a dog from a rescue org., you're actually saving two, the dog you bring home to be part of your family and that spot you open up for that rescue to save another dog. So, it is beyond rewarding when you actually adopt a dog.

BLITZER: You do really important work. Thanks so much for doing it.

LEVITT: Thank you so much. Thank you to all of you for being so friendly.

BLITZER: And we love all these Stanley Pups.

BROWN: We love puppies in the Situation Room. The Stanley Pups in particulars.

BLITZER: These Stanley puppies.

LEVITT: Thank you, Situation Room.

BROWN: So, don't miss the Stanley Pup tonight at 9:30 Eastern on true TV or HBO Max.

BLITZER: And to our viewers, thanks very much for joining us this morning.

BROWN: Inside Politics with our friend and colleague Dana Bash starts after a quick break. Have a great rest of your day.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) [12:00:00]