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CNN Sunday Morning

Clinton Releases Memoir; Interview With Treasure Hunter

Aired June 20, 2004 - 07:00   ET

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

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


DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: From the CNN Center in Atlanta, this is CNN SUNDAY MORNING. It's June 20. Good morning, I'm Drew Griffin.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: And Father's Day -- Happy Father's Day to you, Drew. I'm Betty Nguyen. Thanks so much for being with us on this Father's Day.

Want to give you a look now at some of the things that we are working for you this morning. We'll go live to Riyadh, where Nic Robertson will update us on the latest fallout in the killing of American hostage Paul Johnson and the search for his body. Former President Clinton is laying his life on the line. And by that, we mean lines of print. We want to know if you'll be lining up to get a copy of his new book. And a treasure hunter joins us. We'll find out if a pirate's bounty is really out there for the taking.

GRIFFIN: News at this hour, a plane loaded with Americans is landing in New York on a flight out of Saudi Arabia. Some American workers are leaving Saudi Arabia, following the terror killing of Paul Johnson. Others are sending their families back to the U.S., but no major exodus is reported there.

Insurgents tried but failed to assassinate Iraq's minister of health last night. So they attacked police responding to the scene. A 45 minute gun battle sent seven police officers and 10 Iraqi civilians to hospitals.

In Saddam Hussein's hometown, Tikrit, a councilman was killed when gunmen open fire on his car. The councilman's driver and bodyguard were wounded in that attack.

NGUYEN: Our top story now, an al Qaeda cell in Saudi Arabia is vowing revenge for the killing of its leader, Abdel Aziz al Muqrin in a firefight with security forces. Al Muqrin's group claimed responsibility for the grisly killing of American hostage Paul Johnson.

CNN's senior international correspondent Nic Robertson is covering the story. And he joins us by telephone from Riyadh.

Nic, what is the latest there?

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Betty, the headlines in the newspapers in Saudi Arabia today perhaps give the best idea of what many people are thinking. The headlines are "Big Blow to al Qaeda," "Qaeda Cell Wiped Out." And on the front of these newspapers, pictures of Abdel Aziz al Muqrin, the head of the terror group that was behind Paul Johnson's killing. His picture of him on a morticians slab to show people here that he was in fact killed and is dead.

Also on the front of some of the newspapers, pictures of three other people who were killed with him in that shootout with Saudi police. What we can see from looking at these pictures is that the three accomplices with al Muqrin were much younger than he was. He is in his mid 30s. They appear to be perhaps in their teens or early 20s and very bloody and graphic pictures.

But the comments in the newspapers today here and the comments I've had from Saudis here is that they do not think that the al Qaeda threat has gone away. They say are very pleased that Saudi security forces have been able to tackle this particular group, but they don't believe that the al Qaeda problem here is dealt with. Indeed, that is backed up, as you say, by those threats on an al Qaeda site -- Betty?

NGUYEN: Nic, as you mentioned along those lines, do you suspect some are saying, you know, what now? It is time to take al Muqrin's place. And others within the al Qaeda group are stepping up into that position.

ROBERTSON: What has -- that is exactly what Saudi security sources say has happened in the past when one leader of one group is killed, that somebody else tries to take on the mantle of leader and build themselves up to be a big character. That's what al Muqrin did.

And according to sources we talked to, they say that they do believe that the Saudi security forces have made significant steps here. They've arrested 12 other significant people. Some of them heads of operational al Qaeda units. They say they think they'll get more intelligence information that may lead to further arrests or killings, but they do acknowledge that there are other al Qaeda operatives out there. They -- some of them have taken quite prominent roles in other actions before some of these people, they're still at large.

So while they -- while Saudi security sources say they think that it may take some time for the al Qaeda to regroup, that is very likely what they're going to try and do. They say also Saudi security forces committed to trying to track them down. And there are ongoing security operations, police checkpoints, on all the major roads into this city, the capital -- Betty?

NGUYEN: Nic Robertson in Riyadh this morning. Thank you for that update.

Some in Washington are surprised by a finding from the 9/11 Commission regarding terror financing. The commission said it could find no evidence that the government of Saudi Arabia or any senior Saudi officials ever gave any money to al Qaeda. A joint congressional inquiry in 2002 implied that Saudi Arabia had a role in financing terrorism, something officials have always denied. A Saudi spokesman says the 9/11 Commission's finding in his words "vindicates what we've been saying all along."

GRIFFIN: Former President Bill Clinton says he still supports President Bush's decision to go to war against Iraq. In a "TIME" magazine interview due out tomorrow, Clinton suggested the possibility that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction posing a real threat, but he said Mr. Bush made a mistake by not waiting until U.N. inspectors completed their work.

In part, Clinton says quoting here, "so I thought the president had an absolute responsibility to go to the U.N. and say look guys, after 9/11, you have got to demand that Saddam Hussein let us finish the inspection process. You couldn't responsibly ignore the possibility that a tyrant had these stocks."

Clinton's memoir, "My Life," will be on bookstore shelves on Tuesday. Excerpts from the book, read by Clinton, have been released in advance of the book's release.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BILL CLINTON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.: In the spring of 1967, daddy's cancer had worsened. And he went to the Duke Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina for several weeks of treatment. Every weekend, I would drive the 266 miles from Georgetown to see him, leaving Friday afternoon, returning late Sunday night. It was one of the most exhausting, but important times of my young life.

I would get into Durham late Friday night, then go get daddy and spend Saturday with him. We'd spend Sunday morning and early afternoon together. And I'd head back to school and work.

On those weekends, daddy talked to me in a way he never had before. Mostly it was small talk about my life and his, mother and Roger, family and friends. Some of it was deeper, as he reflected on the life he knew he would be leaving soon enough.

But even with the small stuff, he spoke with an openness, a depth, the lack of defensiveness I had never heard before. On those long, languid weekends, we came to terms with each other. And he accepted the fact that I loved and forgave him.

If he could only have faced life with the same courage and sense of honor with which he faced death, he would have been quite a guy.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRIFFIN: You can catch Bill Clinton's first live prime-time interview on his new book Thursday night on CNN's "LARRY KING." Mr. Clinton will take your phone calls. That is at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time. And it brings us to this morning's e-mail question, are you going to buy Bill Clinton's book? E-mail us now at wam@cnn.com.

NGUYEN: Some of the other stories now making headlines across America this morning. The Olympic torch is heading to Montreal after a tour of all five New York City boroughs. Runners in New York included former Olympic athletes and 9/11 survivor, and CNN's own Paula Zahn as you see there. A ceremony at the United Nations was part of those celebrations. The torch is making its way across the globe to the summer Olympics in Athens.

Jade and Erin Buckles are waking up in separate beds for the first time in their lives. The four-month old twins are recovering, after being successfully separated at children's hospital in Washington. Doctors say the surgery went more smoothly than anticipated. The girl's parents say it is the best Father's Day present ever.

Enron's former chairman could be indicted in the next few weeks. Legal sources say Ken Lay will likely face charges that include conspiracy for his role in the accounting scandal at the energy trading company. Federal prosecutors had been investigating whether Enron execs lied about the company's finances before it collapsed into bankruptcy.

A National Guard helicopter plucked two stranded hikers off Washington's Mount Rainier two days after they called for help. Rescuers took their time rescuing the two because they had plenty of food and shelter. Rescuers also recovered the body of another hiker and looked for his missing partner, who is presumed dead. It's believed those two were caught in an avalanche.

(WEATHER REPORT)

GRIFFIN: Well, it's a definite no from Hillary Rodham Clinton and John McCain. So who has a shot at getting on the John Kerry ticket? Your morning dose of politics in the next half hour of CNN SUNDAY MORNING.

NGUYEN: Plus, after the world's longest service, this World War II era submarine is on a well deserved retirement.

GRIFFIN: But up next, treasures of the sea that can let you retire right now if you can get to that ocean floor safely.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: In a major step to protect the wreckage of the Titanic from salvagers, U.S. officials sign a four nation treaty to preserve what's left of that legendary ocean liner this weekend. In the agreement with Britain, France, and Canada, visitation to the cruise ship would be regulated. There have been countless trips to the Titanic by deep sea subs, carrying sightseers. And that's taking a toll on the ocean liner's structure. So the U.S. joined Britain in signing the treaty Friday. France and Canada have yet to sign it.

Well, the lure of the Titanic certainly sparked an interest in sunken treasures. And now a recent find off the barrier reefs of Jamaica brings more images of a priceless prize waiting on the ocean floor. This latest discovery merges the mystery of the deep with the marvels of modern technology.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) GRIFFIN (voice-over): The island of Jamaica, known for its rich cultural background and ability to lure tourists. But it's not just the music and beaches that possess powers of seduction. The country's offshore waters are prime targets for undersea treasure hunters.

HOWARD COLLINGWOOD, TREASURE HUNTER: We have a permit in the Pedro Bank for 2,000 square miles. It is an exclusive permit. It was negotiated with the government of Jamaica. And we share 50/50.

GRIFFIN: A permit not so easy to get for Admiralty Corporation, a band of treasure hunters headquartered in Atlanta.

Jamaica had outlawed underwater salvage because divers were damaging the fishing beds and coral reefs, but Admiralty promised that by using a new invention called the Atlas, there would be no environmental destruction. Designed by a Georgia Tech physicist for Admiralty, Collingwood says the Atlas uses electronic pulses to detect a difference between gold, silver, lead and other metals before any item is ever touched.

COLLINGWOOD: A typical treasure hunter, every time they get a hit, they're going to dig it up. We offer an advantage in that firstly, all of these are not going to be gold and silver. So if you're digging up things that you really don't want, you're disturbing the bottom unnecessarily.

GRIFFIN: So Jamaica said yes to the diving permit in 1999. Besides half of all treasures found, Jamaica also keeps all non precious artifacts.

Yet, it's still controversial for some Jamaicans, who question Admiralty's profit motive. And some think the permit might violate United Nations rules.

COLLINGWOOD: This is a little bit lighter vintage. It's in the 1700s, but the ships that we're looking at are 1500, 1600s and maybe into the early 1700s.

GRIFFIN: Earlier this year, Collingwood says the team was able to locate wreckage from several bounty laden Spanish ships missing since the 16th century. The treasure hunter says it was in 1691, when a fleet of 21 Spanish ships that look a lot like this one were passing south of Jamaica, headed for friendly faces in Havana, Cuba.

Ship manifests say it was at night when four of the vessels crashed into the Pedro Bank, a barrier reef south of Jamaica. The ships sank slowly to the ocean's floor. If Spain's naval records are right, Admiralty Corporation has struck gold literally.

COLLINGWOOD: We think that each ship was carrying at least $400 million in today's terms. And in some cases, there are some ships that we believe are lost in this general area that are worth close to $1 billion.

GRIFFIN: He adds that records show there could be 300 ships beneath the waters off the coast of Jamaica, ships that carried huge amounts of jewels, sugar, rum, precious metals, and slaves.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: Admiralty's expected to start bringing some of what they found to the surface early next year. And joining us now to talk more about treasure hunting is the man responsible for getting the license to dive off the coast of Jamaica, Clarence Lott.

Thanks for joining us. $400 million to $1 billion a ship, and you're talking about six ships there, at least?

CLARENCE LOTT, III, ADMIRALTY CORP.: At least. Probably a lot more. It's estimated to be over 300 ships on the Pedro Banks.

GRIFFIN: We saw the piece about the technology, but the big story here was number one, finding it. Number two, convincing the government of Jamaica to let you dive?

LOTT: Well, that was a difficult task, but at the same time, it was easy simply because the reason that they had outlawed treasure salvage in this type was because there was so much damage done to the environment, plus the fact there were a lot of people that were doing it were unscrupulous. They were absconding away in the middle of the night with what they had found, not letting the government know.

Well, we changed all of that, because one, our technology allows us specifically locate and specifically excavate without doing unnecessary damage to the ecology. And two, because of all of -- we're a public traded company. You know, we have monitoring bodies looking over our shoulders. Plus the fact that we allow the government of Jamaica to have observers on board our vessels at all times, at least two from the Jamaican Coast Guard, from fisheries, from Nethel, which is their environmental -- from the Jamaican National Heritage Trust, which is over their culture.

So if they have people on board our ships that know exactly what we're doing...

GRIFFIN: And we're taking a look at the pictures. This is a guy who's swimming. And he's actually got a magnetometer, isn't that true?

LOTT: That's a cesium magnetometer. It's not just a magnetometer. That magnetometer is about 1,000 times stronger than any magnetometer that's on earth. And we have the only two. The one that you see is a handheld magnetometer. We have the only two handheld magnetometers in the entire world.

GRIFFIN: This is -- the Pedro Banks notorious back in the day for just destroying and wiping out ships. I think I read 300 possible wrecks. How did you find out that some of these ships carried what they carried?

LOTT: Well, we spent an awful lot of time preliminarily to going in the water on archival research.

GRIFFIN: History books.

LOTT: History books. In Seville, Spain, we have a lady, Victoria Staples Johnson, who is working for us on a regular basis every day. And she is able to read the old text in Spanish, the old Spanish text, interpret it for us, give us witness accounts, survivor accounts of shipwrecks, which led us to the specific sites that we went to in Jamaica originally, the first sites that we went to, the ones where it took us only 14 days total time from leaving port, to getting back to port, to find four ships.

GRIFFIN: Clarence, when do you start bringing up the gold?

LOTT: The end of this year, early next year after hurricane season returns.

GRIFFIN: And -- good idea. And more ships down the way?

LOTT: Plenty. They're all -- there are so many ships out there. And with our technology, the Atlas technology that we have, which actually identifies, locates, identifies, and quantifies specific metals. So that is an advantage that no other salvage company has.

GRIFFIN: All right, Clarence Lott, high tech treasure hunter, thanks for joining us -- Betty?

LOTT: Thanks for having me.

NGUYEN: Fascinating stuff there.

Shifting gears now, conflicting reports on the discovery of the body of former hostage Paul Johnson. Today's top stories are just ahead. Plus, we know it's Bush versus Kerry in November. Now Beltway speculation grows about who will become Kerry's running mate. A look at the contenders right here on CNN SUNDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Well, good morning, Clearwater Beach, Florida. What a beautiful Father's Day. Your weather forecast in just a minute.

Welcome back. I'm Betty Nguyen. First, here's a look at our top stories this morning. In Saudi Arabia, there are conflicting reports on whether the body of slain American hostage Paul Johnson has been recovered. A Saudi official in Washington said Saturday the search is still under way.

In Iraq, Prime Minister Iyad Allawi announced the formation of elite military units to combat insurgents, calling the insurgents groups "the evil enemy," Allawi said they have nothing to offer the Iraqi people, except death, destruction and the slaughter of innocents.

And in New Delhi, diplomats from India and Pakistan are discussing safeguards against nuclear conflict. India and Pakistan have waged three wars since 1947 and staged back to back nuclear tests in 1998. (WEATHER REPORT)

GRIFFIN: Another one for the always growing stupid criminal file. Yes, a bank robber in Beaverton, Oregon got the cash, but he didn't plan on a getaway car. He decided to improvise, took car keys from a bank customer, and he couldn't figure out how to get the car open. So he goes back into the bank and asks for help. Finally drives off, but was arrested, of course, a few minutes later. Police say the robber told them it was his first heist.

NGUYEN: Big surprise there. Well, the longest serving submarine in the world returns home.

GRIFFIN: And he's only 33, but he's done it all. Law career, FBI, National Guard, hear the story of this hero just back from Afghanistan. That's next on CNN SUNDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: The USS Razorback is back home in home waters. And we welcome you back. I'm Drew Griffin.

NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen. That story in just a moment. But first, here's a look at headlines at this hour.

A live look now at the memorial in Washington. Many sons and daughters of Vietnam veterans, those who came home from the war and those who did not, are honoring their fathers this morning at the Vietnam Memorial. Others are remembering the ones who died in the war in Iraq. Personal messages are being attached to 1200 roses that will be placed at the base of the memorial's wall.

Two formerly conjoined twins are now recovering in a Washington hospital. The nearly four-month olds, Jade and Erin Buckles, were successfully separated after a six hour surgery yesterday. The girls had been connected from the chest to the stomach and had shared a liver.

Government authorities in Saudi Arabia say the body of beheaded American Paul Johnson has not been found, but they continue to search for it. And al Qaeda cell in Saudi Arabia confirms it's top leader was killed in a gun battle with security forces Friday and vows revenge.

GRIFFIN: Religious ministers in Johnson's home state of New Jersey are preparing sermons about him this Father's Day. The community grieving, but also showing support for Johnson's family.

CNN's Alina Cho has that report.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Father, we pray for the Johnson family today and Lord, we pray a peace upon them. We pray...

CHO: Today began with a prayer at a local firehouse. Then, an annual charity lawnmower race that on any other day would be strictly fun and games. Just two days, earlier a prayer vigil was held here back when residents still had hope. Now, there are questions....

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How do you (UNINTELLIGIBLE) something like that?

CHO: ...and grief...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I guess we're devastated.

CHO: ...for the family of a native son.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It hits home.

CHO: As the family of Paul Johnson remains in seclusion, residents in small town, America are showing their support in a big way, including the mayor.

MAYOR JIM PINE, EAGLESWOOD TOWNSHIP, NJ: There is a lot of emotions running through the community. At times, you feel anger. You're -- we're frustrated by what took place. There's no doubt. We're deeply saddened and now we're just going to continue to pray for the Johnson family.

CHO: There are signs offering prayers at churches, businesses, even Johnson's high school where flags are flying at half-staff. One angry sign called his killers cowards.

Back at the firehouse...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hi Cody, you got a ribbon, honey?

CHO: Volunteers handed out yellow ribbons in Johnson's memory...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I got a ribbon.

CHO: ...even to those too young to know what happened. For those who know the family....

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And my heart and my sympathy deeply goes out to them.

CHO: A source tells CNN Johnson's family remains in the area for now. Through an FBI spokesman, they have asked the media to respect their privacy as they continue to deal with their loss.

Alina Cho, CNN, Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: Amid a growing surge of deadly attacks, Iraq's interim prime minister today announced a restructuring of the country's security forces. At a news conference just a few hours ago, Iyad Allawi said all of Iraq's resources would be directed toward defeating terrorism.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

IYAD ALLAWI, IRAQ'S INTERIM PRIME MINISTER: The enemy we are fighting is still evil. They have nothing to offer the Iraqi people, except death and destruction and the slaughter of innocents. Having suffered under tyranny for so many years, the Iraqi people are determined to establish a democratic government that provides freedom and equal rights for all of our citizens.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Allawi also appealed for international help in fighting terrorism. The handover of power to Iraq's interim government is, of course, on June 30th.

Allawi's comments come amid fresh rounds of violence in Iraq. In Baghdad, 17 Iraqis, including police officers and civilians, were hurt after insurgents tried but failed to assassinate Iraq's health minister. Officials say a roadside bomb exploded as his convoy passed by. That attack was followed by a 45 minute gun battle between police and insurgents -- Drew?

GRIFFIN: Back here in the States, the USS Razorback sitting in the Mississippi River this morning, retired as the longest serving submarine in the world. After two stints, World War II and Vietnam, the U.S. sold this 312 foot submarine to Turkey in 1970. Well, just recently, submarine enthusiasts convinced Turkey to sell the vessel back to the U.S. for $1.

In about three weeks, the Razorback will be pushed by tug to its final destination. And that'll be in Arkansas.

Turning now to a story about help, healing, and one man's commitment to saving lives. As CNN's Casey Wian reports while the post Taliban Afghanistan is still a very dangerous place, one military medic considers it his duty to stay and help those in need.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CASEY WIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Major Jim Bibb's life is a full one. At 33, he's been in the National Guard for 15 years, and become an accomplished helicopter pilot. He's also an attorney, and with wife Kristina, is raising five children. He just got back from nearly a year in Afghanistan, flying medivac.

MAJ. JIM BIBB, NATIONAL GUARD: The second night we were there, our compound was rocketed and that was a wakeup call that you're not in friendly territory anymore.

WIAN: Bibb led a team that rescued injured coalition soldiers, but it was an incident involving a civilian that he can't forget.

BIBB: We were called in the mountains of central Afghanistan to rescue an 11-year-old boy who was a gunshot victim in the middle of the night, low illumination. We did the mission. It was very rewarding.

WIAN: The boy recovered and was sent back to his village.

BIBB: Within a few days of being sent back to his village, he was strung up by the town leaders. It was a very pro al Qaeda town. Mentally, that messes with you, because I risked my life and my crew to do something I felt was very rewarding, only to have that happen to that boy. So once that happened, I knew mentally I had to toughen up, because we were in for a long haul.

WIAN: Bibb had an opportunity to transport many more Afghan children to U.S. hospitals with better results.

BIBB: Obviously, we were there to support our own servicemen, but to actually give something back to the kids by helping them out, and that helped take away the sting of being separated from my kids.

WIAN: For Bibb's growing family it was a long year.

BIBB: My 4-year-old just wants his daddy back. He understands that people need to be taken to the hospital, but after a while, he was wondering why someone else couldn't take people to the hospital so daddy could come home.

WIAN: Home just over a month, Bibb says he'll stay in the National Guard to train his medical unit so it's ready for its next deployment. Casey Wian, CNN, reporting.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: We bring you hero stories every week on CNN SUNDAY MORNING -- Betty?

NGUYEN: Can you hear me now? Something heard often on the other end of the cell phone. Not a good thing if you're on a road trip, but never fear. High technology to the rescue. Next hour, new gadgets and gizmos just in time for your family vacation.

Plus, "House call" has Father's Day advice for the man who hates to go to the doctor. That's at 8:30 a.m. Then at 9:00, Bill Clinton was the first to two termed Democrat to serve as president in nearly five decades. "Newsweek's" look at his upcoming autobiography this morning, again at 9:00 Eastern.

And next, who will be John Kerry's number two on the Democratic ticket in November? A look at the contenders right here on CNN SUNDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Welcome back to CNN SUNDAY MORNING. I'm Betty Nguyen.

The search for a vice presidential running mate for Senator John Kerry made headlines this week because of who reportedly turned it down. Senator John McCain apparently joins Hillary Rodham Clinton on the list of politicians who are not interested in the number two slot on the Democratic ticket. Some of the names who may still be in the running are Senators and one-time presidential candidate John Edwards and Dick Gephardt. And here's a new name, former Senator Sam Nunn.

Also reportedly still under consideration, Wesley Clark, Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson.

The name game and guessing game surrounding Kerry's potential pick has just about everyone in Washington talking. But there's something else to talk about this week, as former President Bill Clinton's book arrives in bookstores on Tuesday.

Here with some of her own words is Andrea Seabrook, congressional correspondent for NPR.

Good morning to you.

ANDREA SEABROOK, NPR CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Betty.

NGUYEN: We'll get to the former president's book in just a moment, but let's talk about these vice presidential picks for John Kerry. A lot of names on the tables. Who's, you know, top of the list in the running here?

SEABROOK: Well, you know, everyone in America, journalists and everyone else, seems to think that it's John Edwards, the North Carolina senator who was the last one after -- before Kerry to bow out of the primary election races.

And you know, he's charming. He's young. He's -- you know, this exuberant. He's from the south. He's got all of these wonderful qualities that would make him a fantastic VP pick.

One problem, he's also from the Senate, which is not always a great idea for a presidential campaign, a presidential candidate to pick someone form the same sort of ball field that he's from.

Then again, there are all kinds of people from the Senate that he's been thinking about. So who knows what he's going to do on this one.

NGUYEN: Still a guessing game, but what about Gephardt? It seems that Kerry really trusts him. And it appears that Kerry's looking for someone who's not going to upstage him...

SEABROOK: Yes.

NGUYEN: ...if he does become president.

SEABROOK: That's true. And that's one reason that I think that maybe Mr. Senator John McCain not taking Kerry's offer might not have been a bad thing for Kerry. I think that could have set up that kind of situation.

Gephardt's entirely different situation. We're talking about a congressman here, somebody who is used to compromise. And he was a minority leader, the majority leader in Congress for years. And he knows how to work with people without being the big guy in the middle of things.

He's very popular with labor unions. They're staunchly supportive of him. And that could really add something, especially since he's from Missouri, the center of the country. You know, something that -- a place he'd like to shore up, given the fact that he's from Massachusetts. Some people think of him as a Massachusetts liberal.

So that's a possibility as well. Though I have to say that he's also a congressman. Again, he's from the ball field as Kerry's from. And I think probably a smarter place that we all should be looking, all of us pundits and journalists and -- is the governor's mansion around the country.

NGUYEN: A lot of people are looking forward to the book being released on Tuesday, of course, President Clinton's book called "My Life." How is that going to play into this race? Is he going to overshadow Kerry?

SEABROOK: I don't think for very long, though, you know, Clinton must have been bottled up for all of those eight years. I mean can you imagine a guy like Clinton not being able to tell how he feels, what his side of the story is. And here it comes, 957 pages worth, right?

And I think that people -- we are all going to be pretty obsessed with reading that and finding out all of these incredible details. When you hear about the, you know, the Lincoln bedroom and all kinds of things in the White House, but you never hear that the president was sleeping on the couch, right?

So we're all going to be obsessed with these things for a while. But I don't think it'll upstage Mr. Kerry for very long. These are things have passed. And it's very exciting to read them, but it's not quite news news.

NGUYEN: Quickly, Andrea, Gore didn't really use Clinton to his advantage in 2000. Should Kerry look at this as a good thing in this race for the presidency?

SEABROOK: You know, it depends on the strategy that Kerry takes. I mean, if he chalks up this election as being one that has divided America already between him and Bush, between the right and the left, then it might be OK to work with Clinton a little bit, because Clinton tends to be somewhat of a polarizing force as well.

But if he's trying to unite people, it might do him some good to sort of stick towards the middle.

NGUYEN: Andrea Seabrook, NPR congressional reporter, thank you very much.

SEABROOK: My pleasure.

NGUYEN: Drew? GRIFFIN: Betty, I think we all secretly knew Bill Clinton was on the couch. Bill Clinton's book is out Tuesday. And we're asking you this morning if you are going to buy it. E-mail us at wam@cnn.com.

But first, you won't believe what these little guys have been through, a whole lot.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Just to keep you ahead of the curve now, here's a look at what's coming up this week. Hearings scheduled for Monday for three soldiers charged with abuse. The Abu Ghraib prison scandal pre- trial hearings expected for Staff Sergeant Ivan Frederick, Sergeant Javal Davis, and Specialist Charles Graner.

And Fort Bragg is now confirming a preliminary hearing will begin Tuesday for Private First Class Lynndie England.

Also Monday, it's blast off for the world's first commercial manned space vehicle. If all goes well, SpaceshipOne will rocket into sub orbit space for a short cruise. Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen has teamed with aviation technologist Burt Rutan to get the project off the ground and into space.

And Wednesday begins a new round of six nation talks over North Korea's nuclear program in Beijing. North Korea says it will freeze its nuclear program in return for economic aid and will only dismantle the program if the U.S. promises not to invade.

NGUYEN: And now to a story that may just prove that cats really do have nine lives. You might call it an amazing kitten caper that ends with a perfect fetch.

Stacey Hendler of CNN affiliate KGO has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

STACY HENDLER, KGO NEWS CORRESPONDENT: Eric Witsky crushes cars for a living. But recently, he got the surprise of his life when he noticed what was inside one of the car's that went through this.

ERIC WITSKY, PNC AUTO WRECKERS: Well, it's about, you know, three-quarters the way up the load, about 13 feet up, and here's there little heads popping up out of a door.

HENDLER: Meet Milo and Lila, the miracle kittens.

WITSKY: Who were crushed once. They weren't crushed twice. They were crushed three times.

HENDLER: And they came out unscathed?

WITSKY: They came out unscathed. You know a little dirty and mangy looking, but they were babies. And they were doing pretty good.

HENDLER: Three little kittens survived this harrowing experience. One was adopted by an employee at PNC Auto Wreckers. The other two, since named Milo and Lila, were sent to the Humane Society to hopefully also find homes.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The little boy, Milo, he was so severely underweight and dehydrated, we were worried he wouldn't last through the weekend, but he's shown that besides surviving being squished in a car, he's a survivor all the way around.

HENDLER: Ward suspects the kittens had been abandoned by their mother inside the car. It's a time of year when the agency gets stray kittens by the truckload. They'll receive up to 2,000 between now and October.

And officials try to drive home the importance of having animals spayed and neutered.

As for Eric Witsky, he's a hero to animal lovers. In fact, he's partial to furry little creatures himself.

WITSKY: It's a little disheartening. I mean, you hate to think that you, you know, that you crushed, you know, anything living.

HENDLER: And luckily, he didn't.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: Aw, again that was Stacey Hendler of CNN affiliate KGO. It's a good thing they were small, or they really may have been crushed.

GRIFFIN: Wonder how many don't make it in those crushing yards now that I think about it.

NGUYEN: Yes, crushed three times. The chances of that, hmm.

GRIFFIN: Well, we asked you earlier this morning if you were going to buy and read former President Clinton's book.

NGUYEN: We'll read what you wrote. That is next on CNN SUNDAY MORNING. Our address is wam@cnn.com.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Good morning to Baltimore, Maryland. Looks like a beautiful day coming up there. We'll have the full forecast in a minute. We welcome you back to CNN SUNDAY MORNING.

I'm Drew Griffin. Checking our top stories, government authorities in Saudi Arabia say the body of beheaded American Paul Johnson has not been found. A massive search is underway today for his remains.

In Iraq, the new interim prime minister announced a restructuring of Iraq's security forces, attempt to clamp down on the rise in terrorist attacks there. And back in this country, the New York leg of the Olympic torch relay is over. The torch heads to Montreal today. Then it's overseas ahead of the Athens games.

(WEATHER REPORT)

GRIFFIN: Our e-mail question this morning is really polarizing. Are you going to buy the book or are you not going to buy the book? And President Clinton continues to divide the nation even in bookstores.

"Yes, absolutely, yes," write Michael of Stanford, Illinois. In spite of his immoral action, he is one of the greatest, most effective, most successful, most intelligent presidents we've ever had.

NGUYEN: Mara writes, "I will definitely not buy the book or listen to any interviews. It is a staged attempt to recreate his life."

As you mentioned, Drew, a lot of folks on opposite ends here. Really no gray line. They either like it or they don't. And here's our e-mail question again for those writing in. Are you going to buy former President Bill Clinton's book? Please e-mail us your thoughts at wam@cnn.com.

The next hour of CNN SUNDAY begins right now.

From the CNN Center in Atlanta, this is CNN SUNDAY MORNING. It is June 20, Father's Day. Good morning. I'm Betty Nguyen.

GRIFFIN: And I'm Drew Griffin. Thanks for being with us on this morning. Here is a look at some of the things we're working on for you this morning. Family and friends remembering slain American hostage Paul Johnson this Father's Day. Former President Clinton telling his life story in a new book, but just how personal does he get? And the Swiss army knife won't get through airport security, but we've got some other cool gadgets that can make your next trip a little easier. They won't get you stopped at the gate either.

In Iraq, Prime Minister Iyad Allawi vows the evil enemy will be stopped. Allawi announced the formation of an elite military unit to combat insurgents. Insurgents tried but failed to assassinate Iraq's health minister last night, so they attacked police responding to the screen. A gun battle sent seven police officers and 10 Iraqi civilians to hospitals.

And in New Delhi, diplomats from India and Pakistan are discussing safeguards against nuclear conflict. The two countries have waged three wars since 1947 and staged back-to-back nuclear tests in 1998.

GRIFFIN: We start this news hour in New Jersey, where Paul Johnson's family remains in seclusion. CNN's Alino Cho is live at a local church in Egg Harbor, New Jersey. Good morning, Alina. CHO: Good morning to you, Drew. Paul Johnson's sister, Donna Mayeux, joined this church just two weeks ago, and while the family may not be here today, the minister tells us today's service will include a prayer for Paul Johnson and his family. The community here is really coming together supporting this family of this native son. Along the main highway in Johnson's hometown, there are signs offering prayers at churches, businesses, even Johnson's high school where the flags are flying at half-staff. More than once we heard residents call this small town America. They are coming together for this family in a very big way.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There is a lot of emotions running through the community. At times you feel angered or frustrated by what took place, there is no doubt. We're deeply saddened. Now we're just going to continue to pray for the Johnson family.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They're just great people. His mom is a great person. His brother is a great person. And my heart and my sympathy deeply goes out to them.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHO: A reminder that this is Father's Day. Paul Johnson was a father of two. His son had earlier pleaded tearfully for his father's return by this Father's Day. Of course, that did not happen. Now his family remains in seclusion in this area trying to deal with this terrible loss -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Alina, yesterday we thought his body was discovered. Today we found out it is not. How is this playing in the community and the family?

CHO: Well, of course, we don't know if the family has truly gotten word of this. Of course, through the news, they have watched this and probably have seen this. But the community really has not talked much about this. They have talked more about Paul Johnson the person. One person yesterday saying to us that he was really considered the cool kid in town because of the baby blue Mustang he drove. They remember Paul Johnson very fondly. This, of course, is going to make this terrible loss even more terrible for the family and the community -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Alina Cho in Egg Harbor, New Jersey, thanks for joining us this morning, Alina.

NGUYEN: In Saudi Arabia, the terrorist cell responsible for Paul Johnson's death is vowing to fight on under new leadership. The cell's leader, Abdul Aziz al-Muqrin, was killed along with three other terrorists in a shootout with Saudi security forces. More now on the Johnson killing and its aftermath from senior international correspondent Nic Robertson, who is on the phone now from Riyadh -- Nic.

ROBERTSON: Well, Betty, images, some of them quite gruesome as the results of that shootout, a picture on the front of many of the newspapers here in Saudi Arabia today of Abdul Aziz al Muqrin, who headed that group. Also a picture of three of his younger associates killed in that shootout, the pictures very bloody.

The dominant view here in the newspapers and supported by what I have been able to find out talking to people -- talking to people here is that they feel -- they feel that this has been a good action for the Saudi security forces, showing that they are trying to crack down on the al Qaeda groups here. The headlines saying, "big blow to al Qaeda," "Al Qaeda cell wiped out."

However, people here are expressing concern that they don't think this is the end of al Qaeda. Indeed, al Qaeda threatening on their Web site to get revenge for the killing of Abdul Aziz al Muqrin. And certainly the people that I've talked to say that they don't know how many supporters he may have in the community here, how small the number is, how big the number is.

But past experience has shown them that even after such a significant attack as this killing, a number of senior operatives of Saudi officials also saying they've taken into custody up to 12 other members of Abdul Aziz's group, Abdul Aziz al Muqrin's group. People here saying that they still expect this group could regroup, could find a new leader and could stage more attacks -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Nic, yesterday the U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia was asking all in the country to help find these terrorists, to report whatever they know, whatever they see. Are you seeing any cooperation since that announcement?

ROBERTSON: Certainly, there is -- the people that I've talked to have said that they agree with this news, that they -- that there is wide spread support for catching these groups. Many people here are worried about -- are shocked and horrified at the nature of the attacks. They don't approve and don't agree with what this -- with what al Muqrin and his fellow terrorists were doing, and for that reason they say they will support the authorities here.

It is -- it does appear very much that al Muqrin was in a minority. Nevertheless, that minority was able to strike, and that's what concerned Saudi authorities. Now they've established a hotline here for people to call in with information. And that's what they say people have been doing, calling in and offering -- and offering information when they suspect something may be going on.

What one Saudi explained to me earlier today, he said, look, we're a very trusting society. In the past, we've been -- had a very open-door policy, you know, neighbors can come in. We trust people. But now he said we're having to relearn, we're having to relearn in our communities that there are people that are willing to carry out despicable acts and that we need to be much more vigilant about it and report these things. But there is widespread revulsion at the nature of these attacks -- Betty.

NGUYEN: CNN's Nic Robertson on the phone from Riyadh, thank you very much for that. A Saudi spokesman and foreign policy adviser says the terrorists suffered a setback whether their leader was killed and a dozen suspects were captured. And Adel Al-Jubeir says the terrorists have switched tactics now from big, spectacular attacks, to individuals targeted in killings.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ADEL AL-JUBEIR, SAUDI FOREIGN POLICY ADVISER: I don't believe that the situation has reached a panic point yet, but we have to be vigilant and people have to be careful. We believe with this blow to al Qaeda in Saudi Arabia yesterday, we have substantially weakened their organization. We will continue to pursue them with vigor until we eliminate them from our midst.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Meanwhile, the U.S. commission investigating the attacks of September 11 has found no evidence that the Saudi government or any of its senior officials have played any role in financing al Qaeda -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Former President Bill Clinton says President Bush should have waited for U.N. inspectors to complete their work before waging war in Iraq. In a "Time" magazine interview due out Monday, Clinton says -- quoting here -- "so I thought the president had an absolute responsibility to go to the U.N. and say, look, guys, after 9/11, you have got to demand that Saddam Hussein let us finish the inspection process. You couldn't responsibly ignore the possibility that a tyrant had these stocks, weapons stocks."

Also out there this week, the two-term president's autobiography, "My Life." It hits bookstores Tuesday. Clinton talks about it tonight with Dan Rather on "60 Minutes." CNN's Brian Todd takes a look at what this is all about.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Fever building, media horses at the proverbial starting gate. This is what we get as our first excerpt of Bill Clinton's memoir, "My Life," on his famous meeting as a teenager with John F. Kennedy.

BILL CLINTON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I was in the front. And being bigger, and a bigger supporter of the president than most of the others, I made sure I'd get to shake his hand, even if he only shook two or three. It was an amazing moment for me, meeting the president whom I had supported in my ninth grade class debates and about whom I felt even more strongly after his two and a half years in office.

A friend took a photo for me, and later we found film footage of the handshake in the Kennedy Library. Much has been made of that brief encounter and its impact on my life. My mother said she knew when I came home that I was determined to go into politics. TODD: The clip was released by AOL, a component of CNN's parent company, Time Warner. AOL's online adviser, who has heard other excerpts, made a promise.

REGINA LEWIS, AOL: They get more personal from here. And that's what's really driving the buzz. One word -- suspense.

TODD: Presidential historian Douglas Brinkley, who is reviewing the book for "The Financial Times" says it's interesting that Clinton and his publishers chose that as the first excerpt. He says it shows Clinton is trying to reinforce his connection to a popular president, and maybe take the heat off his affair with Monica Lewinsky.

Clinton's former White House counsel Lanny Davis also finds the excerpt consistent with the man he knows.

LANNY DAVIS, FORMER WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL: Because I know the inspiration of that moment, when he shook President Kennedy's hand, had a great impact on him. And I think he's trying to tell us by putting that out first about the importance of that incident to his commitment to public service.

TODD: On its own this media campaign reveals just how divisive Bill Clinton remains.

An ad just released by the conservative group Citizens United will run in some parts of the country during Clinton's interview Sunday on "60 Minutes".

ANNOUNCER: Here's what you might miss in Bill Clinton's new book. When terrorists bombed the World Trade Center in 1993 what did Clinton do?

TODD: Here's what Clinton is doing right now. Before one book hits the store shelves "My Life" is the number one best seller on Amazon.com based on pre-orders alone.

(on camera): Another interesting number that political observers were looking for? An AOL official tells us Bill Clinton is outselling Hillary Clinton's book, seven to one.

Brian Todd, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: And a program note, former President Bill Clinton will be a guest on "LARRY KING LIVE" Thursday night at 9; he will be taking your calls. And that is Thursday evening at 9 Eastern, 6 Pacific.

That brings us to this morning's e-mail question. Are you going to buy Bill Clinton's book? E-mail us now at wam@cnn.com.

NGUYEN: Well, are you worried about travel security this summer and keeping your belongings safe and sound? We'll show you some luggage that security officials can get into, but the common thieves cannot. That's ahead. GRIFFIN: Plus, why this boat won't float. Or will it? You're watching CNN SUNDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WEATHER FORECAST)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Yes, we've seen all those gadgets. James Bond and a high-tech car with devices that challenge the imagination, but some of the super secret inventions that you see on the big screen are not all that farfetched. A few of the futurist contraptions are now reality.

We welcome you back. I'm Drew Griffin. So if you are getting ready to head off on a summer trip there are a few high-tech toys you can take along with you and "Popular Science" magazine has them covered this month. Eric Hagerman is senior editor at the magazine and joins us now with the inside story on this.

Eric, good morning.

ERIC HAGERMAN, SENIOR EDITOR, "POPULAR MECHANICS": Morning, Drew.

GRIFFIN: You know you have this cell phone that works anywhere -- I'd like a cell phone that works in West L.A. or Lower Manhattan. You have one that works in Africa.

HAGERMAN: Well, yes. This is a new sort of true world phone. It is the first true world phone that we've seen. A lot of people think of GSM phones as world phones, because they work both in Europe and North America. But there are other frequencies in places like Korea and South America and parts of Africa, called CDMA, and this works on both GSM and CDMA networks.

So, if there are dead spots out there somewhere, that have no cell phone coverage, it is not a magic phone. It is not going to get you coverage there, but anywhere there is any sort of signal, this will work.

So, it is a nice thing for business travelers who need to depend on cell phone service wherever they are. And it also happens to be a camera phone, so...

GRIFFIN: All right, another travel security option you have. A lot of us in the airports have taken our locks off our suitcases.

HAGERMAN: Right. This is a great idea from Samsonite. It is a security lock that allows transportation security administration officials to get into your luggage when it is -- you know, if you check your luggage. But it won't let thieves get in because you can set you own combination. Airport employees have their own special universal key that will get into the lock but other people can't. So it is a really good idea in post-9/11 climate, travel. So.

GRIFFIN: What else have you got that is cool?

HAGERMAN: This is a great new idea from Sony. It is called a photo vault. When you are traveling with a digital camera, you are taking pictures, you are filling up your memory card. And what happens is your memory card will fill up and then you can't take any more pictures.

So, this allows you to burn photos directly to a mini CD that is in here. So you can keep a library of CDs. Clear out your card and start taking more pictures wherever you are traveling. So it's a really nice...

GRIFFIN: The other thing that you had that I thought was pretty neat was this (UNINTELLIGIBLE) travel guide.

HAGERMAN: Yes.

GRIFFIN: Because nobody wants to walk through a town looking like a tourist.

HAGERMAN: Yes, exactly. So now you don't have to have the book out. You can look like a business traveler with a PDA. It has a map on it. The nice thing about it is we've had digital guides before but this one combines MapQuest-like walking directions. You can get step by step directions to wherever you are going, but it also combines with that, recommendations for restaurants and entertainment options. And places you should go for some of the major cities around the world. And you can download it from the web for like $20 or something like that. It is a really nice thing to have and it will work on any PDA.

GRIFFIN: Terrific. Eric Hagerman from "Popular Science". Thanks for getting up this morning with us.

HAGERMAN: You're welcome.

NGUYEN: We want to take you live now, to Washington, D.C., where there is a rose ceremony in remembrance of those who served in the Vietnam War. It is a Father's Day event. And we want to listen in to what some of the men and women have to say.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: William Chris, it is on the wall. Dad, it has been 39 years since I gave you the last hug on Father's Day and there is still not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. You will be pleased to know that I have made contact with so many vets this past year and they can feel you in the warmth of their hugs.

I love you in all our heart and find comfort in that one day that I know I'll meet you again. Love, Cathy. (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is in memory of Thomas Peterson (ph). We miss you everyday. Love, Mom and Missy.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is in memory of Robert T. Smith. Bob, your daughter is a wonderful woman. You can always be proud. She still loves you very much and you are always remembered. We all love Don. From the men and families of Company D Ranger Company 151st Infantry Division.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is for Milton E. Arlament (ph), from his mother, Virginia P. Hutton (ph) says: My heart goes out to these people. I had a son who was there also. I know how I cried every night and prayed so hard for him to come home. When he did come home, he was real sick and still is, but at least I have him home with me.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is in memory of Carl Alan Harris. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. Love, your sister, Sharon.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is in memory of Gary W. Purcell (ph), 68-E # 6. Many years have passed, I will still never be whole again. I love you so much, my oldest son. Tears flow. Love, Mom.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is in memory of John Collin Hollander (ph), an In Memory Inductee, and my late husband. My husband, I promised I would love you forever and always. We could have made beautiful children together. You would have been a great daddy. I will miss you everyday and I will always be yours. Love forever and always. Your wife, Cindy.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: God bless all our (AUDIO GAP).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: March 11, 1969. Dad, even after 35 years I still miss you and I'm sorry for all that you have missed. Graduations, weddings, grandchildren, and watching your youngest grow up. I will always love and miss you. I hope you and Mom are having a wonderful reunion. Love...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is in remembrance of Daniel Villagas (ph). Actually, this really for all veterans who died in defense of freedom and left a wife and young children to remember him and his sacrifice. I served with him at Fort Dix, New Jersey in 1967. And I will not forget him.

NGUYEN: And that was a very touching tribute, as you can see still going on in Washington, from the sons and daughters of Vietnam veterans to celebrate and remember on this Father's Day.

We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WEATHER FORECAST)

GRIFFIN: Our e-mail question this morning: Are you going to buy that book by former President Bill Clinton? Man, this guy is polarizing our viewers. Yes or no?

And the first one is, "No. I will not be buying the book. If I want to read fiction," says Joe, "I will check that out at the local library."

NGUYEN: But Alice has a different opinion. She says, "I will buy his book. It is refreshing to hear a president tell the truth." GRIFFIN: Well, it is Father's Day and up next, "Weekend House Call" is all about men's health, from prostate cancer and heart disease to osteoporosis and hair loss. Dr. Sanjay Gupta and his guest will cover it all.

At 9 a.m. Eastern, dinosaurs, the first major auction for the prehistoric creatures takes place this week. And we're going to take you to that sale and tell you what is on sale.

And at 9:30, "Giving the Gift of Life", a Marine on duty in Iraq comes home and gives his best friend a kidney. They both will joins us live, ahead, when CNN SUNDAY MORNING continues.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired June 20, 2004 - 07:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: From the CNN Center in Atlanta, this is CNN SUNDAY MORNING. It's June 20. Good morning, I'm Drew Griffin.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: And Father's Day -- Happy Father's Day to you, Drew. I'm Betty Nguyen. Thanks so much for being with us on this Father's Day.

Want to give you a look now at some of the things that we are working for you this morning. We'll go live to Riyadh, where Nic Robertson will update us on the latest fallout in the killing of American hostage Paul Johnson and the search for his body. Former President Clinton is laying his life on the line. And by that, we mean lines of print. We want to know if you'll be lining up to get a copy of his new book. And a treasure hunter joins us. We'll find out if a pirate's bounty is really out there for the taking.

GRIFFIN: News at this hour, a plane loaded with Americans is landing in New York on a flight out of Saudi Arabia. Some American workers are leaving Saudi Arabia, following the terror killing of Paul Johnson. Others are sending their families back to the U.S., but no major exodus is reported there.

Insurgents tried but failed to assassinate Iraq's minister of health last night. So they attacked police responding to the scene. A 45 minute gun battle sent seven police officers and 10 Iraqi civilians to hospitals.

In Saddam Hussein's hometown, Tikrit, a councilman was killed when gunmen open fire on his car. The councilman's driver and bodyguard were wounded in that attack.

NGUYEN: Our top story now, an al Qaeda cell in Saudi Arabia is vowing revenge for the killing of its leader, Abdel Aziz al Muqrin in a firefight with security forces. Al Muqrin's group claimed responsibility for the grisly killing of American hostage Paul Johnson.

CNN's senior international correspondent Nic Robertson is covering the story. And he joins us by telephone from Riyadh.

Nic, what is the latest there?

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Betty, the headlines in the newspapers in Saudi Arabia today perhaps give the best idea of what many people are thinking. The headlines are "Big Blow to al Qaeda," "Qaeda Cell Wiped Out." And on the front of these newspapers, pictures of Abdel Aziz al Muqrin, the head of the terror group that was behind Paul Johnson's killing. His picture of him on a morticians slab to show people here that he was in fact killed and is dead.

Also on the front of some of the newspapers, pictures of three other people who were killed with him in that shootout with Saudi police. What we can see from looking at these pictures is that the three accomplices with al Muqrin were much younger than he was. He is in his mid 30s. They appear to be perhaps in their teens or early 20s and very bloody and graphic pictures.

But the comments in the newspapers today here and the comments I've had from Saudis here is that they do not think that the al Qaeda threat has gone away. They say are very pleased that Saudi security forces have been able to tackle this particular group, but they don't believe that the al Qaeda problem here is dealt with. Indeed, that is backed up, as you say, by those threats on an al Qaeda site -- Betty?

NGUYEN: Nic, as you mentioned along those lines, do you suspect some are saying, you know, what now? It is time to take al Muqrin's place. And others within the al Qaeda group are stepping up into that position.

ROBERTSON: What has -- that is exactly what Saudi security sources say has happened in the past when one leader of one group is killed, that somebody else tries to take on the mantle of leader and build themselves up to be a big character. That's what al Muqrin did.

And according to sources we talked to, they say that they do believe that the Saudi security forces have made significant steps here. They've arrested 12 other significant people. Some of them heads of operational al Qaeda units. They say they think they'll get more intelligence information that may lead to further arrests or killings, but they do acknowledge that there are other al Qaeda operatives out there. They -- some of them have taken quite prominent roles in other actions before some of these people, they're still at large.

So while they -- while Saudi security sources say they think that it may take some time for the al Qaeda to regroup, that is very likely what they're going to try and do. They say also Saudi security forces committed to trying to track them down. And there are ongoing security operations, police checkpoints, on all the major roads into this city, the capital -- Betty?

NGUYEN: Nic Robertson in Riyadh this morning. Thank you for that update.

Some in Washington are surprised by a finding from the 9/11 Commission regarding terror financing. The commission said it could find no evidence that the government of Saudi Arabia or any senior Saudi officials ever gave any money to al Qaeda. A joint congressional inquiry in 2002 implied that Saudi Arabia had a role in financing terrorism, something officials have always denied. A Saudi spokesman says the 9/11 Commission's finding in his words "vindicates what we've been saying all along."

GRIFFIN: Former President Bill Clinton says he still supports President Bush's decision to go to war against Iraq. In a "TIME" magazine interview due out tomorrow, Clinton suggested the possibility that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction posing a real threat, but he said Mr. Bush made a mistake by not waiting until U.N. inspectors completed their work.

In part, Clinton says quoting here, "so I thought the president had an absolute responsibility to go to the U.N. and say look guys, after 9/11, you have got to demand that Saddam Hussein let us finish the inspection process. You couldn't responsibly ignore the possibility that a tyrant had these stocks."

Clinton's memoir, "My Life," will be on bookstore shelves on Tuesday. Excerpts from the book, read by Clinton, have been released in advance of the book's release.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BILL CLINTON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.: In the spring of 1967, daddy's cancer had worsened. And he went to the Duke Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina for several weeks of treatment. Every weekend, I would drive the 266 miles from Georgetown to see him, leaving Friday afternoon, returning late Sunday night. It was one of the most exhausting, but important times of my young life.

I would get into Durham late Friday night, then go get daddy and spend Saturday with him. We'd spend Sunday morning and early afternoon together. And I'd head back to school and work.

On those weekends, daddy talked to me in a way he never had before. Mostly it was small talk about my life and his, mother and Roger, family and friends. Some of it was deeper, as he reflected on the life he knew he would be leaving soon enough.

But even with the small stuff, he spoke with an openness, a depth, the lack of defensiveness I had never heard before. On those long, languid weekends, we came to terms with each other. And he accepted the fact that I loved and forgave him.

If he could only have faced life with the same courage and sense of honor with which he faced death, he would have been quite a guy.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRIFFIN: You can catch Bill Clinton's first live prime-time interview on his new book Thursday night on CNN's "LARRY KING." Mr. Clinton will take your phone calls. That is at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time. And it brings us to this morning's e-mail question, are you going to buy Bill Clinton's book? E-mail us now at wam@cnn.com.

NGUYEN: Some of the other stories now making headlines across America this morning. The Olympic torch is heading to Montreal after a tour of all five New York City boroughs. Runners in New York included former Olympic athletes and 9/11 survivor, and CNN's own Paula Zahn as you see there. A ceremony at the United Nations was part of those celebrations. The torch is making its way across the globe to the summer Olympics in Athens.

Jade and Erin Buckles are waking up in separate beds for the first time in their lives. The four-month old twins are recovering, after being successfully separated at children's hospital in Washington. Doctors say the surgery went more smoothly than anticipated. The girl's parents say it is the best Father's Day present ever.

Enron's former chairman could be indicted in the next few weeks. Legal sources say Ken Lay will likely face charges that include conspiracy for his role in the accounting scandal at the energy trading company. Federal prosecutors had been investigating whether Enron execs lied about the company's finances before it collapsed into bankruptcy.

A National Guard helicopter plucked two stranded hikers off Washington's Mount Rainier two days after they called for help. Rescuers took their time rescuing the two because they had plenty of food and shelter. Rescuers also recovered the body of another hiker and looked for his missing partner, who is presumed dead. It's believed those two were caught in an avalanche.

(WEATHER REPORT)

GRIFFIN: Well, it's a definite no from Hillary Rodham Clinton and John McCain. So who has a shot at getting on the John Kerry ticket? Your morning dose of politics in the next half hour of CNN SUNDAY MORNING.

NGUYEN: Plus, after the world's longest service, this World War II era submarine is on a well deserved retirement.

GRIFFIN: But up next, treasures of the sea that can let you retire right now if you can get to that ocean floor safely.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: In a major step to protect the wreckage of the Titanic from salvagers, U.S. officials sign a four nation treaty to preserve what's left of that legendary ocean liner this weekend. In the agreement with Britain, France, and Canada, visitation to the cruise ship would be regulated. There have been countless trips to the Titanic by deep sea subs, carrying sightseers. And that's taking a toll on the ocean liner's structure. So the U.S. joined Britain in signing the treaty Friday. France and Canada have yet to sign it.

Well, the lure of the Titanic certainly sparked an interest in sunken treasures. And now a recent find off the barrier reefs of Jamaica brings more images of a priceless prize waiting on the ocean floor. This latest discovery merges the mystery of the deep with the marvels of modern technology.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) GRIFFIN (voice-over): The island of Jamaica, known for its rich cultural background and ability to lure tourists. But it's not just the music and beaches that possess powers of seduction. The country's offshore waters are prime targets for undersea treasure hunters.

HOWARD COLLINGWOOD, TREASURE HUNTER: We have a permit in the Pedro Bank for 2,000 square miles. It is an exclusive permit. It was negotiated with the government of Jamaica. And we share 50/50.

GRIFFIN: A permit not so easy to get for Admiralty Corporation, a band of treasure hunters headquartered in Atlanta.

Jamaica had outlawed underwater salvage because divers were damaging the fishing beds and coral reefs, but Admiralty promised that by using a new invention called the Atlas, there would be no environmental destruction. Designed by a Georgia Tech physicist for Admiralty, Collingwood says the Atlas uses electronic pulses to detect a difference between gold, silver, lead and other metals before any item is ever touched.

COLLINGWOOD: A typical treasure hunter, every time they get a hit, they're going to dig it up. We offer an advantage in that firstly, all of these are not going to be gold and silver. So if you're digging up things that you really don't want, you're disturbing the bottom unnecessarily.

GRIFFIN: So Jamaica said yes to the diving permit in 1999. Besides half of all treasures found, Jamaica also keeps all non precious artifacts.

Yet, it's still controversial for some Jamaicans, who question Admiralty's profit motive. And some think the permit might violate United Nations rules.

COLLINGWOOD: This is a little bit lighter vintage. It's in the 1700s, but the ships that we're looking at are 1500, 1600s and maybe into the early 1700s.

GRIFFIN: Earlier this year, Collingwood says the team was able to locate wreckage from several bounty laden Spanish ships missing since the 16th century. The treasure hunter says it was in 1691, when a fleet of 21 Spanish ships that look a lot like this one were passing south of Jamaica, headed for friendly faces in Havana, Cuba.

Ship manifests say it was at night when four of the vessels crashed into the Pedro Bank, a barrier reef south of Jamaica. The ships sank slowly to the ocean's floor. If Spain's naval records are right, Admiralty Corporation has struck gold literally.

COLLINGWOOD: We think that each ship was carrying at least $400 million in today's terms. And in some cases, there are some ships that we believe are lost in this general area that are worth close to $1 billion.

GRIFFIN: He adds that records show there could be 300 ships beneath the waters off the coast of Jamaica, ships that carried huge amounts of jewels, sugar, rum, precious metals, and slaves.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: Admiralty's expected to start bringing some of what they found to the surface early next year. And joining us now to talk more about treasure hunting is the man responsible for getting the license to dive off the coast of Jamaica, Clarence Lott.

Thanks for joining us. $400 million to $1 billion a ship, and you're talking about six ships there, at least?

CLARENCE LOTT, III, ADMIRALTY CORP.: At least. Probably a lot more. It's estimated to be over 300 ships on the Pedro Banks.

GRIFFIN: We saw the piece about the technology, but the big story here was number one, finding it. Number two, convincing the government of Jamaica to let you dive?

LOTT: Well, that was a difficult task, but at the same time, it was easy simply because the reason that they had outlawed treasure salvage in this type was because there was so much damage done to the environment, plus the fact there were a lot of people that were doing it were unscrupulous. They were absconding away in the middle of the night with what they had found, not letting the government know.

Well, we changed all of that, because one, our technology allows us specifically locate and specifically excavate without doing unnecessary damage to the ecology. And two, because of all of -- we're a public traded company. You know, we have monitoring bodies looking over our shoulders. Plus the fact that we allow the government of Jamaica to have observers on board our vessels at all times, at least two from the Jamaican Coast Guard, from fisheries, from Nethel, which is their environmental -- from the Jamaican National Heritage Trust, which is over their culture.

So if they have people on board our ships that know exactly what we're doing...

GRIFFIN: And we're taking a look at the pictures. This is a guy who's swimming. And he's actually got a magnetometer, isn't that true?

LOTT: That's a cesium magnetometer. It's not just a magnetometer. That magnetometer is about 1,000 times stronger than any magnetometer that's on earth. And we have the only two. The one that you see is a handheld magnetometer. We have the only two handheld magnetometers in the entire world.

GRIFFIN: This is -- the Pedro Banks notorious back in the day for just destroying and wiping out ships. I think I read 300 possible wrecks. How did you find out that some of these ships carried what they carried?

LOTT: Well, we spent an awful lot of time preliminarily to going in the water on archival research.

GRIFFIN: History books.

LOTT: History books. In Seville, Spain, we have a lady, Victoria Staples Johnson, who is working for us on a regular basis every day. And she is able to read the old text in Spanish, the old Spanish text, interpret it for us, give us witness accounts, survivor accounts of shipwrecks, which led us to the specific sites that we went to in Jamaica originally, the first sites that we went to, the ones where it took us only 14 days total time from leaving port, to getting back to port, to find four ships.

GRIFFIN: Clarence, when do you start bringing up the gold?

LOTT: The end of this year, early next year after hurricane season returns.

GRIFFIN: And -- good idea. And more ships down the way?

LOTT: Plenty. They're all -- there are so many ships out there. And with our technology, the Atlas technology that we have, which actually identifies, locates, identifies, and quantifies specific metals. So that is an advantage that no other salvage company has.

GRIFFIN: All right, Clarence Lott, high tech treasure hunter, thanks for joining us -- Betty?

LOTT: Thanks for having me.

NGUYEN: Fascinating stuff there.

Shifting gears now, conflicting reports on the discovery of the body of former hostage Paul Johnson. Today's top stories are just ahead. Plus, we know it's Bush versus Kerry in November. Now Beltway speculation grows about who will become Kerry's running mate. A look at the contenders right here on CNN SUNDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Well, good morning, Clearwater Beach, Florida. What a beautiful Father's Day. Your weather forecast in just a minute.

Welcome back. I'm Betty Nguyen. First, here's a look at our top stories this morning. In Saudi Arabia, there are conflicting reports on whether the body of slain American hostage Paul Johnson has been recovered. A Saudi official in Washington said Saturday the search is still under way.

In Iraq, Prime Minister Iyad Allawi announced the formation of elite military units to combat insurgents, calling the insurgents groups "the evil enemy," Allawi said they have nothing to offer the Iraqi people, except death, destruction and the slaughter of innocents.

And in New Delhi, diplomats from India and Pakistan are discussing safeguards against nuclear conflict. India and Pakistan have waged three wars since 1947 and staged back to back nuclear tests in 1998. (WEATHER REPORT)

GRIFFIN: Another one for the always growing stupid criminal file. Yes, a bank robber in Beaverton, Oregon got the cash, but he didn't plan on a getaway car. He decided to improvise, took car keys from a bank customer, and he couldn't figure out how to get the car open. So he goes back into the bank and asks for help. Finally drives off, but was arrested, of course, a few minutes later. Police say the robber told them it was his first heist.

NGUYEN: Big surprise there. Well, the longest serving submarine in the world returns home.

GRIFFIN: And he's only 33, but he's done it all. Law career, FBI, National Guard, hear the story of this hero just back from Afghanistan. That's next on CNN SUNDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: The USS Razorback is back home in home waters. And we welcome you back. I'm Drew Griffin.

NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen. That story in just a moment. But first, here's a look at headlines at this hour.

A live look now at the memorial in Washington. Many sons and daughters of Vietnam veterans, those who came home from the war and those who did not, are honoring their fathers this morning at the Vietnam Memorial. Others are remembering the ones who died in the war in Iraq. Personal messages are being attached to 1200 roses that will be placed at the base of the memorial's wall.

Two formerly conjoined twins are now recovering in a Washington hospital. The nearly four-month olds, Jade and Erin Buckles, were successfully separated after a six hour surgery yesterday. The girls had been connected from the chest to the stomach and had shared a liver.

Government authorities in Saudi Arabia say the body of beheaded American Paul Johnson has not been found, but they continue to search for it. And al Qaeda cell in Saudi Arabia confirms it's top leader was killed in a gun battle with security forces Friday and vows revenge.

GRIFFIN: Religious ministers in Johnson's home state of New Jersey are preparing sermons about him this Father's Day. The community grieving, but also showing support for Johnson's family.

CNN's Alina Cho has that report.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Father, we pray for the Johnson family today and Lord, we pray a peace upon them. We pray...

CHO: Today began with a prayer at a local firehouse. Then, an annual charity lawnmower race that on any other day would be strictly fun and games. Just two days, earlier a prayer vigil was held here back when residents still had hope. Now, there are questions....

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How do you (UNINTELLIGIBLE) something like that?

CHO: ...and grief...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I guess we're devastated.

CHO: ...for the family of a native son.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It hits home.

CHO: As the family of Paul Johnson remains in seclusion, residents in small town, America are showing their support in a big way, including the mayor.

MAYOR JIM PINE, EAGLESWOOD TOWNSHIP, NJ: There is a lot of emotions running through the community. At times, you feel anger. You're -- we're frustrated by what took place. There's no doubt. We're deeply saddened and now we're just going to continue to pray for the Johnson family.

CHO: There are signs offering prayers at churches, businesses, even Johnson's high school where flags are flying at half-staff. One angry sign called his killers cowards.

Back at the firehouse...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hi Cody, you got a ribbon, honey?

CHO: Volunteers handed out yellow ribbons in Johnson's memory...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I got a ribbon.

CHO: ...even to those too young to know what happened. For those who know the family....

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And my heart and my sympathy deeply goes out to them.

CHO: A source tells CNN Johnson's family remains in the area for now. Through an FBI spokesman, they have asked the media to respect their privacy as they continue to deal with their loss.

Alina Cho, CNN, Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: Amid a growing surge of deadly attacks, Iraq's interim prime minister today announced a restructuring of the country's security forces. At a news conference just a few hours ago, Iyad Allawi said all of Iraq's resources would be directed toward defeating terrorism.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

IYAD ALLAWI, IRAQ'S INTERIM PRIME MINISTER: The enemy we are fighting is still evil. They have nothing to offer the Iraqi people, except death and destruction and the slaughter of innocents. Having suffered under tyranny for so many years, the Iraqi people are determined to establish a democratic government that provides freedom and equal rights for all of our citizens.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Allawi also appealed for international help in fighting terrorism. The handover of power to Iraq's interim government is, of course, on June 30th.

Allawi's comments come amid fresh rounds of violence in Iraq. In Baghdad, 17 Iraqis, including police officers and civilians, were hurt after insurgents tried but failed to assassinate Iraq's health minister. Officials say a roadside bomb exploded as his convoy passed by. That attack was followed by a 45 minute gun battle between police and insurgents -- Drew?

GRIFFIN: Back here in the States, the USS Razorback sitting in the Mississippi River this morning, retired as the longest serving submarine in the world. After two stints, World War II and Vietnam, the U.S. sold this 312 foot submarine to Turkey in 1970. Well, just recently, submarine enthusiasts convinced Turkey to sell the vessel back to the U.S. for $1.

In about three weeks, the Razorback will be pushed by tug to its final destination. And that'll be in Arkansas.

Turning now to a story about help, healing, and one man's commitment to saving lives. As CNN's Casey Wian reports while the post Taliban Afghanistan is still a very dangerous place, one military medic considers it his duty to stay and help those in need.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CASEY WIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Major Jim Bibb's life is a full one. At 33, he's been in the National Guard for 15 years, and become an accomplished helicopter pilot. He's also an attorney, and with wife Kristina, is raising five children. He just got back from nearly a year in Afghanistan, flying medivac.

MAJ. JIM BIBB, NATIONAL GUARD: The second night we were there, our compound was rocketed and that was a wakeup call that you're not in friendly territory anymore.

WIAN: Bibb led a team that rescued injured coalition soldiers, but it was an incident involving a civilian that he can't forget.

BIBB: We were called in the mountains of central Afghanistan to rescue an 11-year-old boy who was a gunshot victim in the middle of the night, low illumination. We did the mission. It was very rewarding.

WIAN: The boy recovered and was sent back to his village.

BIBB: Within a few days of being sent back to his village, he was strung up by the town leaders. It was a very pro al Qaeda town. Mentally, that messes with you, because I risked my life and my crew to do something I felt was very rewarding, only to have that happen to that boy. So once that happened, I knew mentally I had to toughen up, because we were in for a long haul.

WIAN: Bibb had an opportunity to transport many more Afghan children to U.S. hospitals with better results.

BIBB: Obviously, we were there to support our own servicemen, but to actually give something back to the kids by helping them out, and that helped take away the sting of being separated from my kids.

WIAN: For Bibb's growing family it was a long year.

BIBB: My 4-year-old just wants his daddy back. He understands that people need to be taken to the hospital, but after a while, he was wondering why someone else couldn't take people to the hospital so daddy could come home.

WIAN: Home just over a month, Bibb says he'll stay in the National Guard to train his medical unit so it's ready for its next deployment. Casey Wian, CNN, reporting.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: We bring you hero stories every week on CNN SUNDAY MORNING -- Betty?

NGUYEN: Can you hear me now? Something heard often on the other end of the cell phone. Not a good thing if you're on a road trip, but never fear. High technology to the rescue. Next hour, new gadgets and gizmos just in time for your family vacation.

Plus, "House call" has Father's Day advice for the man who hates to go to the doctor. That's at 8:30 a.m. Then at 9:00, Bill Clinton was the first to two termed Democrat to serve as president in nearly five decades. "Newsweek's" look at his upcoming autobiography this morning, again at 9:00 Eastern.

And next, who will be John Kerry's number two on the Democratic ticket in November? A look at the contenders right here on CNN SUNDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Welcome back to CNN SUNDAY MORNING. I'm Betty Nguyen.

The search for a vice presidential running mate for Senator John Kerry made headlines this week because of who reportedly turned it down. Senator John McCain apparently joins Hillary Rodham Clinton on the list of politicians who are not interested in the number two slot on the Democratic ticket. Some of the names who may still be in the running are Senators and one-time presidential candidate John Edwards and Dick Gephardt. And here's a new name, former Senator Sam Nunn.

Also reportedly still under consideration, Wesley Clark, Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson.

The name game and guessing game surrounding Kerry's potential pick has just about everyone in Washington talking. But there's something else to talk about this week, as former President Bill Clinton's book arrives in bookstores on Tuesday.

Here with some of her own words is Andrea Seabrook, congressional correspondent for NPR.

Good morning to you.

ANDREA SEABROOK, NPR CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Betty.

NGUYEN: We'll get to the former president's book in just a moment, but let's talk about these vice presidential picks for John Kerry. A lot of names on the tables. Who's, you know, top of the list in the running here?

SEABROOK: Well, you know, everyone in America, journalists and everyone else, seems to think that it's John Edwards, the North Carolina senator who was the last one after -- before Kerry to bow out of the primary election races.

And you know, he's charming. He's young. He's -- you know, this exuberant. He's from the south. He's got all of these wonderful qualities that would make him a fantastic VP pick.

One problem, he's also from the Senate, which is not always a great idea for a presidential campaign, a presidential candidate to pick someone form the same sort of ball field that he's from.

Then again, there are all kinds of people from the Senate that he's been thinking about. So who knows what he's going to do on this one.

NGUYEN: Still a guessing game, but what about Gephardt? It seems that Kerry really trusts him. And it appears that Kerry's looking for someone who's not going to upstage him...

SEABROOK: Yes.

NGUYEN: ...if he does become president.

SEABROOK: That's true. And that's one reason that I think that maybe Mr. Senator John McCain not taking Kerry's offer might not have been a bad thing for Kerry. I think that could have set up that kind of situation.

Gephardt's entirely different situation. We're talking about a congressman here, somebody who is used to compromise. And he was a minority leader, the majority leader in Congress for years. And he knows how to work with people without being the big guy in the middle of things.

He's very popular with labor unions. They're staunchly supportive of him. And that could really add something, especially since he's from Missouri, the center of the country. You know, something that -- a place he'd like to shore up, given the fact that he's from Massachusetts. Some people think of him as a Massachusetts liberal.

So that's a possibility as well. Though I have to say that he's also a congressman. Again, he's from the ball field as Kerry's from. And I think probably a smarter place that we all should be looking, all of us pundits and journalists and -- is the governor's mansion around the country.

NGUYEN: A lot of people are looking forward to the book being released on Tuesday, of course, President Clinton's book called "My Life." How is that going to play into this race? Is he going to overshadow Kerry?

SEABROOK: I don't think for very long, though, you know, Clinton must have been bottled up for all of those eight years. I mean can you imagine a guy like Clinton not being able to tell how he feels, what his side of the story is. And here it comes, 957 pages worth, right?

And I think that people -- we are all going to be pretty obsessed with reading that and finding out all of these incredible details. When you hear about the, you know, the Lincoln bedroom and all kinds of things in the White House, but you never hear that the president was sleeping on the couch, right?

So we're all going to be obsessed with these things for a while. But I don't think it'll upstage Mr. Kerry for very long. These are things have passed. And it's very exciting to read them, but it's not quite news news.

NGUYEN: Quickly, Andrea, Gore didn't really use Clinton to his advantage in 2000. Should Kerry look at this as a good thing in this race for the presidency?

SEABROOK: You know, it depends on the strategy that Kerry takes. I mean, if he chalks up this election as being one that has divided America already between him and Bush, between the right and the left, then it might be OK to work with Clinton a little bit, because Clinton tends to be somewhat of a polarizing force as well.

But if he's trying to unite people, it might do him some good to sort of stick towards the middle.

NGUYEN: Andrea Seabrook, NPR congressional reporter, thank you very much.

SEABROOK: My pleasure.

NGUYEN: Drew? GRIFFIN: Betty, I think we all secretly knew Bill Clinton was on the couch. Bill Clinton's book is out Tuesday. And we're asking you this morning if you are going to buy it. E-mail us at wam@cnn.com.

But first, you won't believe what these little guys have been through, a whole lot.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Just to keep you ahead of the curve now, here's a look at what's coming up this week. Hearings scheduled for Monday for three soldiers charged with abuse. The Abu Ghraib prison scandal pre- trial hearings expected for Staff Sergeant Ivan Frederick, Sergeant Javal Davis, and Specialist Charles Graner.

And Fort Bragg is now confirming a preliminary hearing will begin Tuesday for Private First Class Lynndie England.

Also Monday, it's blast off for the world's first commercial manned space vehicle. If all goes well, SpaceshipOne will rocket into sub orbit space for a short cruise. Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen has teamed with aviation technologist Burt Rutan to get the project off the ground and into space.

And Wednesday begins a new round of six nation talks over North Korea's nuclear program in Beijing. North Korea says it will freeze its nuclear program in return for economic aid and will only dismantle the program if the U.S. promises not to invade.

NGUYEN: And now to a story that may just prove that cats really do have nine lives. You might call it an amazing kitten caper that ends with a perfect fetch.

Stacey Hendler of CNN affiliate KGO has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

STACY HENDLER, KGO NEWS CORRESPONDENT: Eric Witsky crushes cars for a living. But recently, he got the surprise of his life when he noticed what was inside one of the car's that went through this.

ERIC WITSKY, PNC AUTO WRECKERS: Well, it's about, you know, three-quarters the way up the load, about 13 feet up, and here's there little heads popping up out of a door.

HENDLER: Meet Milo and Lila, the miracle kittens.

WITSKY: Who were crushed once. They weren't crushed twice. They were crushed three times.

HENDLER: And they came out unscathed?

WITSKY: They came out unscathed. You know a little dirty and mangy looking, but they were babies. And they were doing pretty good.

HENDLER: Three little kittens survived this harrowing experience. One was adopted by an employee at PNC Auto Wreckers. The other two, since named Milo and Lila, were sent to the Humane Society to hopefully also find homes.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The little boy, Milo, he was so severely underweight and dehydrated, we were worried he wouldn't last through the weekend, but he's shown that besides surviving being squished in a car, he's a survivor all the way around.

HENDLER: Ward suspects the kittens had been abandoned by their mother inside the car. It's a time of year when the agency gets stray kittens by the truckload. They'll receive up to 2,000 between now and October.

And officials try to drive home the importance of having animals spayed and neutered.

As for Eric Witsky, he's a hero to animal lovers. In fact, he's partial to furry little creatures himself.

WITSKY: It's a little disheartening. I mean, you hate to think that you, you know, that you crushed, you know, anything living.

HENDLER: And luckily, he didn't.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: Aw, again that was Stacey Hendler of CNN affiliate KGO. It's a good thing they were small, or they really may have been crushed.

GRIFFIN: Wonder how many don't make it in those crushing yards now that I think about it.

NGUYEN: Yes, crushed three times. The chances of that, hmm.

GRIFFIN: Well, we asked you earlier this morning if you were going to buy and read former President Clinton's book.

NGUYEN: We'll read what you wrote. That is next on CNN SUNDAY MORNING. Our address is wam@cnn.com.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Good morning to Baltimore, Maryland. Looks like a beautiful day coming up there. We'll have the full forecast in a minute. We welcome you back to CNN SUNDAY MORNING.

I'm Drew Griffin. Checking our top stories, government authorities in Saudi Arabia say the body of beheaded American Paul Johnson has not been found. A massive search is underway today for his remains.

In Iraq, the new interim prime minister announced a restructuring of Iraq's security forces, attempt to clamp down on the rise in terrorist attacks there. And back in this country, the New York leg of the Olympic torch relay is over. The torch heads to Montreal today. Then it's overseas ahead of the Athens games.

(WEATHER REPORT)

GRIFFIN: Our e-mail question this morning is really polarizing. Are you going to buy the book or are you not going to buy the book? And President Clinton continues to divide the nation even in bookstores.

"Yes, absolutely, yes," write Michael of Stanford, Illinois. In spite of his immoral action, he is one of the greatest, most effective, most successful, most intelligent presidents we've ever had.

NGUYEN: Mara writes, "I will definitely not buy the book or listen to any interviews. It is a staged attempt to recreate his life."

As you mentioned, Drew, a lot of folks on opposite ends here. Really no gray line. They either like it or they don't. And here's our e-mail question again for those writing in. Are you going to buy former President Bill Clinton's book? Please e-mail us your thoughts at wam@cnn.com.

The next hour of CNN SUNDAY begins right now.

From the CNN Center in Atlanta, this is CNN SUNDAY MORNING. It is June 20, Father's Day. Good morning. I'm Betty Nguyen.

GRIFFIN: And I'm Drew Griffin. Thanks for being with us on this morning. Here is a look at some of the things we're working on for you this morning. Family and friends remembering slain American hostage Paul Johnson this Father's Day. Former President Clinton telling his life story in a new book, but just how personal does he get? And the Swiss army knife won't get through airport security, but we've got some other cool gadgets that can make your next trip a little easier. They won't get you stopped at the gate either.

In Iraq, Prime Minister Iyad Allawi vows the evil enemy will be stopped. Allawi announced the formation of an elite military unit to combat insurgents. Insurgents tried but failed to assassinate Iraq's health minister last night, so they attacked police responding to the screen. A gun battle sent seven police officers and 10 Iraqi civilians to hospitals.

And in New Delhi, diplomats from India and Pakistan are discussing safeguards against nuclear conflict. The two countries have waged three wars since 1947 and staged back-to-back nuclear tests in 1998.

GRIFFIN: We start this news hour in New Jersey, where Paul Johnson's family remains in seclusion. CNN's Alino Cho is live at a local church in Egg Harbor, New Jersey. Good morning, Alina. CHO: Good morning to you, Drew. Paul Johnson's sister, Donna Mayeux, joined this church just two weeks ago, and while the family may not be here today, the minister tells us today's service will include a prayer for Paul Johnson and his family. The community here is really coming together supporting this family of this native son. Along the main highway in Johnson's hometown, there are signs offering prayers at churches, businesses, even Johnson's high school where the flags are flying at half-staff. More than once we heard residents call this small town America. They are coming together for this family in a very big way.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There is a lot of emotions running through the community. At times you feel angered or frustrated by what took place, there is no doubt. We're deeply saddened. Now we're just going to continue to pray for the Johnson family.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They're just great people. His mom is a great person. His brother is a great person. And my heart and my sympathy deeply goes out to them.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHO: A reminder that this is Father's Day. Paul Johnson was a father of two. His son had earlier pleaded tearfully for his father's return by this Father's Day. Of course, that did not happen. Now his family remains in seclusion in this area trying to deal with this terrible loss -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Alina, yesterday we thought his body was discovered. Today we found out it is not. How is this playing in the community and the family?

CHO: Well, of course, we don't know if the family has truly gotten word of this. Of course, through the news, they have watched this and probably have seen this. But the community really has not talked much about this. They have talked more about Paul Johnson the person. One person yesterday saying to us that he was really considered the cool kid in town because of the baby blue Mustang he drove. They remember Paul Johnson very fondly. This, of course, is going to make this terrible loss even more terrible for the family and the community -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Alina Cho in Egg Harbor, New Jersey, thanks for joining us this morning, Alina.

NGUYEN: In Saudi Arabia, the terrorist cell responsible for Paul Johnson's death is vowing to fight on under new leadership. The cell's leader, Abdul Aziz al-Muqrin, was killed along with three other terrorists in a shootout with Saudi security forces. More now on the Johnson killing and its aftermath from senior international correspondent Nic Robertson, who is on the phone now from Riyadh -- Nic.

ROBERTSON: Well, Betty, images, some of them quite gruesome as the results of that shootout, a picture on the front of many of the newspapers here in Saudi Arabia today of Abdul Aziz al Muqrin, who headed that group. Also a picture of three of his younger associates killed in that shootout, the pictures very bloody.

The dominant view here in the newspapers and supported by what I have been able to find out talking to people -- talking to people here is that they feel -- they feel that this has been a good action for the Saudi security forces, showing that they are trying to crack down on the al Qaeda groups here. The headlines saying, "big blow to al Qaeda," "Al Qaeda cell wiped out."

However, people here are expressing concern that they don't think this is the end of al Qaeda. Indeed, al Qaeda threatening on their Web site to get revenge for the killing of Abdul Aziz al Muqrin. And certainly the people that I've talked to say that they don't know how many supporters he may have in the community here, how small the number is, how big the number is.

But past experience has shown them that even after such a significant attack as this killing, a number of senior operatives of Saudi officials also saying they've taken into custody up to 12 other members of Abdul Aziz's group, Abdul Aziz al Muqrin's group. People here saying that they still expect this group could regroup, could find a new leader and could stage more attacks -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Nic, yesterday the U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia was asking all in the country to help find these terrorists, to report whatever they know, whatever they see. Are you seeing any cooperation since that announcement?

ROBERTSON: Certainly, there is -- the people that I've talked to have said that they agree with this news, that they -- that there is wide spread support for catching these groups. Many people here are worried about -- are shocked and horrified at the nature of the attacks. They don't approve and don't agree with what this -- with what al Muqrin and his fellow terrorists were doing, and for that reason they say they will support the authorities here.

It is -- it does appear very much that al Muqrin was in a minority. Nevertheless, that minority was able to strike, and that's what concerned Saudi authorities. Now they've established a hotline here for people to call in with information. And that's what they say people have been doing, calling in and offering -- and offering information when they suspect something may be going on.

What one Saudi explained to me earlier today, he said, look, we're a very trusting society. In the past, we've been -- had a very open-door policy, you know, neighbors can come in. We trust people. But now he said we're having to relearn, we're having to relearn in our communities that there are people that are willing to carry out despicable acts and that we need to be much more vigilant about it and report these things. But there is widespread revulsion at the nature of these attacks -- Betty.

NGUYEN: CNN's Nic Robertson on the phone from Riyadh, thank you very much for that. A Saudi spokesman and foreign policy adviser says the terrorists suffered a setback whether their leader was killed and a dozen suspects were captured. And Adel Al-Jubeir says the terrorists have switched tactics now from big, spectacular attacks, to individuals targeted in killings.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ADEL AL-JUBEIR, SAUDI FOREIGN POLICY ADVISER: I don't believe that the situation has reached a panic point yet, but we have to be vigilant and people have to be careful. We believe with this blow to al Qaeda in Saudi Arabia yesterday, we have substantially weakened their organization. We will continue to pursue them with vigor until we eliminate them from our midst.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Meanwhile, the U.S. commission investigating the attacks of September 11 has found no evidence that the Saudi government or any of its senior officials have played any role in financing al Qaeda -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Former President Bill Clinton says President Bush should have waited for U.N. inspectors to complete their work before waging war in Iraq. In a "Time" magazine interview due out Monday, Clinton says -- quoting here -- "so I thought the president had an absolute responsibility to go to the U.N. and say, look, guys, after 9/11, you have got to demand that Saddam Hussein let us finish the inspection process. You couldn't responsibly ignore the possibility that a tyrant had these stocks, weapons stocks."

Also out there this week, the two-term president's autobiography, "My Life." It hits bookstores Tuesday. Clinton talks about it tonight with Dan Rather on "60 Minutes." CNN's Brian Todd takes a look at what this is all about.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Fever building, media horses at the proverbial starting gate. This is what we get as our first excerpt of Bill Clinton's memoir, "My Life," on his famous meeting as a teenager with John F. Kennedy.

BILL CLINTON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I was in the front. And being bigger, and a bigger supporter of the president than most of the others, I made sure I'd get to shake his hand, even if he only shook two or three. It was an amazing moment for me, meeting the president whom I had supported in my ninth grade class debates and about whom I felt even more strongly after his two and a half years in office.

A friend took a photo for me, and later we found film footage of the handshake in the Kennedy Library. Much has been made of that brief encounter and its impact on my life. My mother said she knew when I came home that I was determined to go into politics. TODD: The clip was released by AOL, a component of CNN's parent company, Time Warner. AOL's online adviser, who has heard other excerpts, made a promise.

REGINA LEWIS, AOL: They get more personal from here. And that's what's really driving the buzz. One word -- suspense.

TODD: Presidential historian Douglas Brinkley, who is reviewing the book for "The Financial Times" says it's interesting that Clinton and his publishers chose that as the first excerpt. He says it shows Clinton is trying to reinforce his connection to a popular president, and maybe take the heat off his affair with Monica Lewinsky.

Clinton's former White House counsel Lanny Davis also finds the excerpt consistent with the man he knows.

LANNY DAVIS, FORMER WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL: Because I know the inspiration of that moment, when he shook President Kennedy's hand, had a great impact on him. And I think he's trying to tell us by putting that out first about the importance of that incident to his commitment to public service.

TODD: On its own this media campaign reveals just how divisive Bill Clinton remains.

An ad just released by the conservative group Citizens United will run in some parts of the country during Clinton's interview Sunday on "60 Minutes".

ANNOUNCER: Here's what you might miss in Bill Clinton's new book. When terrorists bombed the World Trade Center in 1993 what did Clinton do?

TODD: Here's what Clinton is doing right now. Before one book hits the store shelves "My Life" is the number one best seller on Amazon.com based on pre-orders alone.

(on camera): Another interesting number that political observers were looking for? An AOL official tells us Bill Clinton is outselling Hillary Clinton's book, seven to one.

Brian Todd, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRIFFIN: And a program note, former President Bill Clinton will be a guest on "LARRY KING LIVE" Thursday night at 9; he will be taking your calls. And that is Thursday evening at 9 Eastern, 6 Pacific.

That brings us to this morning's e-mail question. Are you going to buy Bill Clinton's book? E-mail us now at wam@cnn.com.

NGUYEN: Well, are you worried about travel security this summer and keeping your belongings safe and sound? We'll show you some luggage that security officials can get into, but the common thieves cannot. That's ahead. GRIFFIN: Plus, why this boat won't float. Or will it? You're watching CNN SUNDAY MORNING.

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GRIFFIN: Yes, we've seen all those gadgets. James Bond and a high-tech car with devices that challenge the imagination, but some of the super secret inventions that you see on the big screen are not all that farfetched. A few of the futurist contraptions are now reality.

We welcome you back. I'm Drew Griffin. So if you are getting ready to head off on a summer trip there are a few high-tech toys you can take along with you and "Popular Science" magazine has them covered this month. Eric Hagerman is senior editor at the magazine and joins us now with the inside story on this.

Eric, good morning.

ERIC HAGERMAN, SENIOR EDITOR, "POPULAR MECHANICS": Morning, Drew.

GRIFFIN: You know you have this cell phone that works anywhere -- I'd like a cell phone that works in West L.A. or Lower Manhattan. You have one that works in Africa.

HAGERMAN: Well, yes. This is a new sort of true world phone. It is the first true world phone that we've seen. A lot of people think of GSM phones as world phones, because they work both in Europe and North America. But there are other frequencies in places like Korea and South America and parts of Africa, called CDMA, and this works on both GSM and CDMA networks.

So, if there are dead spots out there somewhere, that have no cell phone coverage, it is not a magic phone. It is not going to get you coverage there, but anywhere there is any sort of signal, this will work.

So, it is a nice thing for business travelers who need to depend on cell phone service wherever they are. And it also happens to be a camera phone, so...

GRIFFIN: All right, another travel security option you have. A lot of us in the airports have taken our locks off our suitcases.

HAGERMAN: Right. This is a great idea from Samsonite. It is a security lock that allows transportation security administration officials to get into your luggage when it is -- you know, if you check your luggage. But it won't let thieves get in because you can set you own combination. Airport employees have their own special universal key that will get into the lock but other people can't. So it is a really good idea in post-9/11 climate, travel. So.

GRIFFIN: What else have you got that is cool?

HAGERMAN: This is a great new idea from Sony. It is called a photo vault. When you are traveling with a digital camera, you are taking pictures, you are filling up your memory card. And what happens is your memory card will fill up and then you can't take any more pictures.

So, this allows you to burn photos directly to a mini CD that is in here. So you can keep a library of CDs. Clear out your card and start taking more pictures wherever you are traveling. So it's a really nice...

GRIFFIN: The other thing that you had that I thought was pretty neat was this (UNINTELLIGIBLE) travel guide.

HAGERMAN: Yes.

GRIFFIN: Because nobody wants to walk through a town looking like a tourist.

HAGERMAN: Yes, exactly. So now you don't have to have the book out. You can look like a business traveler with a PDA. It has a map on it. The nice thing about it is we've had digital guides before but this one combines MapQuest-like walking directions. You can get step by step directions to wherever you are going, but it also combines with that, recommendations for restaurants and entertainment options. And places you should go for some of the major cities around the world. And you can download it from the web for like $20 or something like that. It is a really nice thing to have and it will work on any PDA.

GRIFFIN: Terrific. Eric Hagerman from "Popular Science". Thanks for getting up this morning with us.

HAGERMAN: You're welcome.

NGUYEN: We want to take you live now, to Washington, D.C., where there is a rose ceremony in remembrance of those who served in the Vietnam War. It is a Father's Day event. And we want to listen in to what some of the men and women have to say.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: William Chris, it is on the wall. Dad, it has been 39 years since I gave you the last hug on Father's Day and there is still not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. You will be pleased to know that I have made contact with so many vets this past year and they can feel you in the warmth of their hugs.

I love you in all our heart and find comfort in that one day that I know I'll meet you again. Love, Cathy. (ph).

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is in memory of Thomas Peterson (ph). We miss you everyday. Love, Mom and Missy.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is in memory of Robert T. Smith. Bob, your daughter is a wonderful woman. You can always be proud. She still loves you very much and you are always remembered. We all love Don. From the men and families of Company D Ranger Company 151st Infantry Division.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is for Milton E. Arlament (ph), from his mother, Virginia P. Hutton (ph) says: My heart goes out to these people. I had a son who was there also. I know how I cried every night and prayed so hard for him to come home. When he did come home, he was real sick and still is, but at least I have him home with me.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is in memory of Carl Alan Harris. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. Love, your sister, Sharon.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is in memory of Gary W. Purcell (ph), 68-E # 6. Many years have passed, I will still never be whole again. I love you so much, my oldest son. Tears flow. Love, Mom.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is in memory of John Collin Hollander (ph), an In Memory Inductee, and my late husband. My husband, I promised I would love you forever and always. We could have made beautiful children together. You would have been a great daddy. I will miss you everyday and I will always be yours. Love forever and always. Your wife, Cindy.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: God bless all our (AUDIO GAP).

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: March 11, 1969. Dad, even after 35 years I still miss you and I'm sorry for all that you have missed. Graduations, weddings, grandchildren, and watching your youngest grow up. I will always love and miss you. I hope you and Mom are having a wonderful reunion. Love...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is in remembrance of Daniel Villagas (ph). Actually, this really for all veterans who died in defense of freedom and left a wife and young children to remember him and his sacrifice. I served with him at Fort Dix, New Jersey in 1967. And I will not forget him.

NGUYEN: And that was a very touching tribute, as you can see still going on in Washington, from the sons and daughters of Vietnam veterans to celebrate and remember on this Father's Day.

We'll be right back.

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GRIFFIN: Our e-mail question this morning: Are you going to buy that book by former President Bill Clinton? Man, this guy is polarizing our viewers. Yes or no?

And the first one is, "No. I will not be buying the book. If I want to read fiction," says Joe, "I will check that out at the local library."

NGUYEN: But Alice has a different opinion. She says, "I will buy his book. It is refreshing to hear a president tell the truth." GRIFFIN: Well, it is Father's Day and up next, "Weekend House Call" is all about men's health, from prostate cancer and heart disease to osteoporosis and hair loss. Dr. Sanjay Gupta and his guest will cover it all.

At 9 a.m. Eastern, dinosaurs, the first major auction for the prehistoric creatures takes place this week. And we're going to take you to that sale and tell you what is on sale.

And at 9:30, "Giving the Gift of Life", a Marine on duty in Iraq comes home and gives his best friend a kidney. They both will joins us live, ahead, when CNN SUNDAY MORNING continues.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com