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CNN Sunday Morning
Searching for Shipwreck Survivors; Battle for South Carolina; Making Divorce Easier
Aired January 15, 2012 - 08:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ANNOUNCER: From CNN's world headquarters, bringing you news and analysis from across the nation and around the globe, live from Studio 7, this is CNN SUNDAY MORNING.
DEB FEYERICK, CNN ANCHOR: From CNN Center, this is CNN SUNDAY MORNING. It is Sunday, January 15th, 8:00 a.m. in Atlanta, 7:00 a.m. in Chicago, 5:00 a.m. in L Angeles.
Good morning, everyone. I'm Deborah Feyerick.
Search crews are back out this morning, looking for more than a dozen people after a cruise ship ran aground, killing three. We'll take to you Italy for the latest.
Plus, Mitt Romney digs in his pocket and hands over some cash to a woman he doesn't know. We'll tell you why and hear what the woman has to say.
We start with the rescue from that Italian cruise ship that's sitting on its side right now. There are as many as 17 people still missing. One who isn't missing anymore is one of the ship's crew found in a restaurant on the ship this morning. This comes more than 24 hours after the ship hit a sandbar, ripped a hole in its hull, and rolled over.
Earlier, we heard from some of the survivors.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The crew member ran through the lobby yelling, abandon ship.
MARIO LOFARO, SURVIVOR: We were in the theater when we heard the noise of the ship hitting the rock, and we felt a shudder in the ship. It was a magic act actually at the time, and the performers did a disappearing act. They just ran off the stage and took off. There was no communication at all about what was going on.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FEYERICK: Two other people were found huddled in a cabin overnight. Journalist Barbie Nadeau is near the island of Giglio in Italy, and she joins me by phone.
First of all, Barbie, what do we know about this Korean couple who was rescued this morning in their cabin?
BARBIE NADEAU, JOURNALIST (via telephone): The Korean couple were on their honeymoon, and they were trapped in their room. It took about 45 rescuers. It took them 90 minutes to get them out of their room.
The rescuers have been going door to door, banging on doors, looking for signs of life, to see if just anyone was trapped in the wreckage. And they cried out for help.
They described to rescuers, who then described to journalists on the ground here that -- they heard helicopters above and they heard the banging of metal below, and they were just hoping someone would find them alive. They took -- the Korean couple then was taken to a hospital for observation because they were obviously very cold, hadn't eaten, and they were in a condition that was obviously very distressful for them.
Then there was the rescue of an Italian purser who was found in the restaurant section of the ship. He was suffering from hypothermia. They lowered a doctor in to him early this morning, around 7:00 a.m. local time, and then lifted him to safety around noon local time here. It was very dramatic to see him being lifted from the ship in a helicopter.
FEYERICK: Is the rescue effort -- are there rescuers still on the boat going from cabin to cabin? Are they still looking, especially in the area near the hull where some crew members still potentially could be?
NADEAU: Yes. There are rescuers up above. Fifty percent -- let's start with 50 percent of the ship is underwater. So, there are two phases of rescue operation going on. There are rescuers above the water going door to door looking for survivors, looking for people who may be trapped in their cabins.
Then there are divers with the Italian coast guard who are scanning the area below, the underwater area, which is a huge segment of the ship at this point. The problem for them is the ship is not secure yet -- which means if there's a heavy wave -- it's been very calm seas. If the weather changes for any reason, the ship could actually slide. They're very, very concerned for the safety of these divers.
So, they're in limited numbers and underwater for a limited period of time. But they're scanning this gigantic ship to see if there are any bodies below.
The mayor of Giglio and the port authority here has confirmed there are 17 people still missing. The number of people that came forward in Rome and other cities over the last 24 hours to identify themselves, including four Japanese tourists in Rome who said, wait, we were on board that ship, and nobody knows that we're alive. So, they were taken off the missing list and now are accounted for.
Seventeen, though, are still officially unaccounted for.
FEYERICK: All right. And, Barbie, you know, for all intents and purposes, this is a criminal investigation now. Italian authorities speaking to the captain and interviewing passengers to find out specifically what happened. What's going on with the captain?
NADEAU: The captain of the ship, the first officer of the ship are basically in custody and being questioned separately, we understand, on two charges. Charges of manslaughter and charges of abandoning ship because they both got off the ship before the last of the passengers and crew, and that is a serious maritime offense. We expect on Monday morning or Tuesday, when the offices of the judiciary open back up, that we'll have a magistrate make some sort of ruling on whether or not they can be kept in custody and to see what's happening with the investigation.
Presumably, they'll apply to be out during the investigative phase of this. Both of these officers have -- the captain and the first officer have lawyers in place that are ready to defend them. But it is a criminal investigation, manslaughter and abandonment of the ship.
FEYERICK: All right. Barbie Nadeau reporting to us from Italy there -- thank you so much. We'll check back in with you in just a little while.
To give you some perspective of all of this, the Costa Concordia is three times as large as the Titanic. It measures 3 1/2 football fields. It was at cruising speed, which means it may have been moving around 25 miles an hour. And when it hit the reef, it appears to have come to a dead stop.
When it was christened in 2006, it was believed to be the biggest cruise ship in all of Italy. It's owned by a company called Costa Cruises, whose parent company is Miami-based Carnival, the biggest cruise line in the world.
Costa did not have a good year in 2010. One of its cruise ships slammed into a cargo ship in China, injuring three people. And another Costa ship slammed into a dock in Egypt, killing three passengers.
The help has finally arrived for people who live in Nome, Alaska, the city of 3,500 residents was dangerously close to running out of fuel. But a massive fuel tanker and icebreaker were able to chop through frozen waters and make it to the city on the edge of the Bering Sea. The scheduled fuel shipment last fall was canceled.
This is the first time a delivery like this has been made through the winter ice to a western Alaska town. An American icebreaker led a Russian fuel tanker to Nome. Soon, they'll start pumping the 1.3 million gallons of petroleum products.
And to politics now.
(MUSIC)
The South Carolina Republican primary is less than a week away. And that means there's going to be a lot of action on the campaign trail this week. There are two debates coming up, and today, two major Tea Party groups kick off their first state convention.
CNN political reporter Shannon Travis joins me now from Myrtle Beach, the site of the Tea Party gathering.
And, Shannon, what are you seeing? And what can we expect?
SHANNON TRAVIS, CNN POLITICAL REPORTER: Well, right now, we're not seeing much activity at this spring beach resort behind me. They're going to kick off in a few hours from now.
But what you can expect are a few things. You can expect this to be political. You're going to have two presidential candidates here, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum.
You're also going to have Governor Nikki Haley, the governor of South Carolina. She's a big Tea Party booster. As well as Senator Jim DeMint.
But you can also expect, Deb, is for the Tea Party to basically say, you know what? We're still relevant.
We used to see the rallies and them out in the streets, but you don't see that much anymore. They're trying to move into a new phase, a lot of back door meetings. This meeting here is private, is not open to the public.
So, basically, they want to be power brokers heading into this 2012 race. And that's what you'll see, some politics, but also the Tea Party movement saying, you know what? We're still power brokers in politics right now -- Deb.
FEYERICK: And so, they're really on some levels trying to prove their relevance. Are they also trying to get behind a single candidate?
TRAVIS: Yes. I mean, the Tea Party movement not as much. I mean, the Tea Party movement likes to say we're all grassroots, you know, we're from the bottom up, not top down.
However, you have seen some Tea Party leaders kind of come out and publicly endorse some different candidates. You saw yesterday some Christian evangelicals, and you can find of argue there's commingling between evangelicals and Tea Party movements.
But you saw 150 evangelical leaders yesterday say that they should coalesce around Rick Santorum. So, that's pretty interesting because a lot of them don't like Mitt Romney. They feel he's too moderate. And so, they're trying to corral the conservatives around one person to take on Romney. And at least according to those leaders, it should be Rick Santorum, Deb.
FEYERICK: All right. Thanks so much out there. We're going to be checking back in with you in just a little bit, getting the latest.
Well, an interesting moment on the campaign trail in South Carolina. While shaking hands after a rally in Sumter, Mitt Romney took out his wallet and gave the woman about $50. He actually met the woman earlier in the week. She'd told him she had no job and was having trouble paying her bills.
Here's what she told CNN political reporter Rachel Streitfeld after yesterday's rally.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RUTH WILLIAMS, ROMNEY SUPPORTER: He was kind to me. He held onto me and he made Governor Haley come about me.
(INAUDIBLE)
WILLIAMS: At the rally. He stopped doing everything. (INAUDIBLE) Governor Haley come to see me and to really help people really find a job.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FEYERICK: And as I said, she first met Romney earlier in the week, and she says God told her to pray for him. After that first meeting, she started working as a volunteer at Romney's campaign office in Columbia, South Carolina.
She also tells CNN that South Carolina's state treasurer personally paid her electric bill.
Well, Rick Santorum has picked up some high profile backers in the Republican race. A group of leading Christian conservatives picked Santorum over Newt Gingrich. The group includes Tony Perkins from the Family Research Council and Focus on the Family founder James Dobson.
So, a boost for Rick Santorum less than one week before the South Carolina primary.
Well, joining me now is Patricia Murphy, founder and editor of "Citizen Jane Politics".
And, Patricia, how important is this endorsement from Christian conservatives.
PATRICIA MURPHY, CITIZEN JANE POLITICS: It's very important. It's very good news for Rick Santorum. But it's no guarantee that conservatives in South Carolina are going to follow the lead of these leaders. South Carolina conservatives really march to their drummers.
And just as we saw in 2008, they are not a monolithic group. They don't go with the same candidate every time. But there is a worry among candidates in South Carolina, that as happened in 2008, the conservative vote split between -- the conservative vote split and eventually ended up having John McCain become the winner in South Carolina. They felt like that opened the door for him to walk through over their objections.
About 60 percent of voters in South Carolina are evangelical, and they want to use that power to keep Mitt Romney from becoming their nominee. FEYERICK: Which is really fascinating when you think about it because it's not just sort of the evangelicals but also the Tea Party. They're having a state convention now that kicks off in Myrtle Beach, and they also are trying to figure out who do they get behind? And can they just get behind one person without splitting that vote?
MURPHY: Well, that's a big question for them and that's what they're trying to do going into Saturday's vote. They don't know if they can do it. They're desperate to beat Mitt Romney, but they don't know how -- and they're splitting their vote right now between Rick Santorum, who puts all the family issues front and center.
He begins all of his rallies and begins all of his town hall meetings with a prayer. He puts his anti-abortion record right out there for people to coalesce behind.
But conservatives in South Carolina are also fiscal conservatives, and the Tea Party appeals to them. The Tea Party seems to be getting behind Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul. So, there's a lot of candidates for them, but are they going to do themselves a disservice by splitting their vote and letting Mitt Romney walk through the door? That's what they're really worried about.
FEYERICK: All right. Patricia Murphy, thank you so much.
Also quite interesting because Rick Perry was in town hoping to get the conservative Christian vote. Obviously, they probably went to somebody who was a little bit more electable, or nominatable, if that's a word.
MURPHY: Some conservatives are still supporting Rick Perry. And again, that's just a bigger part of their problem. They can't get behind one person.
FEYERICK: Terrific. Patricia, thanks so much. Appreciate it.
MURPHY: Thank you so much.
FEYERICK: Well, be sure to tune in to CNN Thursday night to hear the candidates in their own words. The ads have been pretty nasty, but will the candidates keep up the pressure face to face? The CNN Southern Republican Leadership Conference debate comes your way Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.
And there's been a big push to legalize same-sex marriage in the U.S. So, why do some same-sex couples say they want a divorce also, and they can't get it?
Regrets but no bitterness. Joe Paterno opens up in a new interview talking about the Penn State abuse scandal and his role in the aftermath.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
FEYERICK: Well, a big happy birthday to Muhammad Ali.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CROWD: Happy birthday dear Muhammad, happy birthday to you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FEYERICK: That's what greeted the champ at his 70th birthday party in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. That's his wife Lonnie and his sister-in-law with him, helping him enjoy the day. Ali is battling Parkinson's disease, but it didn't stop him from joining the party. The three-time world champ's birthday actually falls on Tuesday. There were around 350 guests at the private party, which doubled as a fund-raiser for Ali's cultural and education center.
And to the NFL now, in an end to Tim Tebow's season, he just didn't have it late last night against the New England Patriots. The Patriots dominated the game from the first drive. With Tom Brady definitely overshadowing his Broncos counterpart. Brady threw for six touchdowns. Tebow had none.
It was a real thriller in the other Saturday game, though. Boy, this was a nail biter. The San Francisco 49ers scored with less than 10 seconds left in the game to beat the New Orleans Saints. They will move on to play the winner of the Packers-Giants game later today. The Ravens and Texans square off in today's other playoff game this afternoon.
And we are now hearing some of the first words from Joe Paterno on the sexual abuse allegations that ended his 46-year coaching career at Penn State. Paterno is back in the hospital. His family says he's having minor complications with his cancer treatment.
The 85-year-old Paterno has lung cancer. Before going back to the hospital, he spoke to "The Washington Post" about the scandal and about his reaction to the original allegations against his assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
JOE PATERNO, FMR. PENN STATE HEAD COACH: I called my superiors, and I said, "Hey, we got a problem I think. Would you guys look into it? Because I didn't know, you know. I had never had to deal with something like that, and I didn't feel adequate."
(END AUDIO CLIP)
FEYERICK: Paterno was essentially fired for his handling of the Sandusky scandal and the original allegations. In the interview, Paterno said he thought he told the right people who would follow up on the situation. He also says he's not bitter about the way things ended.
After "The Post" published the interview, CNN got this statement from Jerry Sandusky's attorney. He says the Sanduskys are "extremely saddened by the events which have occurred since Jerry's arrest. We have been greatly dismayed by the kneejerk reaction of the Penn State board of trustees in summarily dismissing coach Paterno. Sandusky faces more than 50 charges in the case. He has denied doing anything wrong.
Half a dozen U.S. states recognize same-sex marriages, but can same- sex couples divorce after they tie the knot? You might be surprised with what they found out. We are exploring this just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
FEYERICK: Let's get back to our top story now.
The search for survivors from that crippled Italian cruise ship and the investigation into what went wrong.
Joining me now from Rome are Amanda and Brandon Warrick. Both were on that ship when it hit ground and both are here to talk about it.
Amanda, tell us first of all what happened when you realized something was terribly wrong.
AMANDA WARRICK, CRUISE SHIP SURVIVOR: Basically, I looked to my brothers, and we kind of just went into survival mode and headed to our rooms, got our life jackets and anything that we could grab as soon as possible and just waited for further instruction from any of the crew or anyone to tell us what to do.
FEYERICK: Brandon, did you hear an announcement made over the P.A. system? We understand that initially the passengers were told that there was an electrical problem, but then there was a scraping sound and the lights went off. What were you told? What were you led to believe?
BRANDON WARRICK, CRUISE SHIP SURVIVOR: It was pretty much like that. Everything was fine. They said there were electrical problems but then that their technicians were sorting it out and that we should be fine in no time. I mean, that's one of the reasons I had almost like nothing when I got off the ship because I thought we were going to get to go back to our rooms, but that's when panic happened.
FEYERICK: Do you feel on some levels that the crew -- that they lied to you, underplaying, or playing down the situation?
BRANDON WARRICK: The crew -- I don't think the crew did. I think the fact that the captain abandoned ship and everything. He wasn't informing anybody. The crew actually, they did really well in evacuating people in a situation where their leader or their boss was gone. And we -- like our rescue ship was actually really helpful.
FEYERICK: Looking around you -- and, Amanda, looking around at what was going on the moments where you sort of got upstairs and tried to get off the ship, did you see certain people and think, oh, my God, you know, they're going to die? Was there that sense of panic that people were just trying to get off as fast as they could?
AMANDA WARRICK: Yes. As soon as we saw people gathering in the muster stations, we knew that, OK, maybe we should start getting outside into life boats. And so once we did, that was when -- those were the most chaotic moments because everyone was pushing, shoving each other, trying to get on a life boat. It was chaos.
FEYERICK: All right. Well, Amanda and Brandon, thank you so much. We really appreciate you both joining us. I know you were heading to meet your parents. Hopefully, you will meet your parents soon, and I'm sure they're very much relieved to know that you and your other brother are very safe this morning. Thank you so much.
BRANDON WARRICK: Yes.
FEYERICK: Well, members of the Washington, D.C. City Council want to make it easier for same-sex couples to divorce. It turns out couples who got married in the nation's capital then moved somewhere else are being denied divorces because those jurisdictions don't recognize the marriages.
D.C. Councilman Phil Mendelson proposed the bill. He's joining us now.
What are you hearing from these couples and their attorneys? Why not just return to Washington, D.C.?
PHIL MENDELSON, WASHINGTON, D.C. COUNCILMAN: Well, in order to return to Washington, you have to establish residency for six months, and that sort of residency requirement is not unusual in states in their requirements for divorce. And, you know, couples that have moved someplace, even though they are breaking up, they don't want to have then moved somewhere else, establish residency for six months just to get a divorce.
FEYERICK: So same-sex couples can get married in Washington. That went through back in 2010. Can they get married, though, without establishing that residency? So is it a little bit different in terms of what's required?
MENDELSON: Correct. The law in the district is that one has to have resided in the district for at least three days. There's a waiting requirement of three days. That's not unusual in states.
And we've seen this in other states. There was a court case in Rhode Island, a couple that had married in Massachusetts, I believe, in 2003. Their marriage fell apart.
And several years later, they tried to get divorced in Rhode Island, where they were living, and they went up to the Rhode Island Supreme Court, which said, no, you can't -- we don't recognize same-sex marriage, and therefore, you can't dissolve a same-sex marriage. You want to get divorced, move to another state.
FEYERICK: So, for the cultural perspective, do you find it a little bit interesting, given how new same-sex marriages are in terms of being acknowledged legally, do you find it interesting that divorce is sort of close behind?
MENDELSON: Well, it's an unfortunate fact in American life that there's a high incidence of divorce among married couples. That's straight couples, heterosexual couples. It's not surprising that would be true with gay couples. It's unfortunate.
And it's because the law has changed. There are a half dozen states that permit same-sex marriages. There are a number of countries, Canada, for example, that permit same-sex marriages.
So, we have this period in American history where couples can get married in some states. Other states don't recognize those marriages, and then these couples are caught in a no man's land if the marriage falls apart.
FEYERICK: All right. Well, Phil Mendelson, thank you so much. The law is very much evolving with respect to all aspects of same-sex marriage and divorce and relationships. Thanks so much. Appreciate it.
MENDELSON: Thank you.
FEYERICK: Well, watch out, Hollywood. Some Christian films are raking in millions of dollars. A pastor and director of one of the highest grossing faith films ever talking to CNN, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) * FEYERICK: Checking our "Top Stories" for you.
Rescue crews are back in the water searching for at least 17 people still missing in Friday's deadly cruise ship disaster off Italy's coast. Just a few hours ago, the ship's purser was rescued. He'd been trapped in the vessel's restaurant.
Overnight searchers also reached a South Korean couple who were trapped in their cabin for more than 24 hours. Passengers say they had to crawl their way through the ship in darkness after it ran into rocks and then turned on its side.
Iran is threatening the U.S. and Israel over the death of an Iranian nuclear scientist who was killed by a bomb blast last week. Tehran says both nations will suffer a punitive response at an opportune time. Washington has denied any involvement in the bombing.
Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum has picked up some high profile backers. He has won the endorsements of a group of leading Christian conservatives. Santorum meanwhile has a message for South Carolina voters days ahead of Saturday's primary there. He says rival Mitt Romney will be a sure loser against President Obama in November if Romney wins the GOP nomination.
In a rural South Georgia town, there's a small church whose message reaches millions of people around the word, but it's not coming from a pulpit. It's all on film. Sherwood Baptist Church's fourth and latest film "Courageous" brought in more than $34 million, making it one of the highest grossing faith-based films ever.
Our Nadia Bilchik spoke to Alex Kendrick the co-pastor of Sherwood Baptist. He also directed, co-wrote and co-starred in the movie. And it's really quite fascinating.
NADIA BILCHIK, CNN EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: It's quite fascinating and I have spoken to many people whose lives have been so positively impacted by these films. They tell me that "Fireproof" saved their marriage. "Courageous" have made them a better dad. So let's hear from Alex Kendrick about what his vision and purpose is for these films.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ALEX KENDRICK, FILMMAKER: Whatever theme we're dealing with, when someone walks out of the movie theater, if they say, you know what, I've got issues in my own life, and I want to deal with it the way I saw it in the movie. I want to put it in their hands to say, hey this is the next step if you want to become a better dad, or a better husband, a better wife.
BILCHIK: So we know "Courageous" is about fatherhood. What and where did you draw the inspiration for the film?
KENDRICK: All of us operate either from the approval of our father or for approval from others. If we felt like we were loved and accepted when we were young, we don't constantly have to seek it everywhere else. If you didn't get it when you were young, you feel like I've got to get approval from somewhere. And certain people are chasing all their lives.
And so we're reminding dads you are so crucial and instrumental in loving your children in their formative years. Every kid should hear from their father, "I love you. I'm proud of you. I'm grateful you're my child." And when we hear that, it makes all the difference in our identity.
BILCHIK: Now Alex, what was your father like?
KENDRICK: When we were growing up, my dad did his best. And he wasn't a perfect dad, but he did his best to say, Alex, do what God designed you to do with excellence. And because I knew he loved me and was proud of me, it was easier for me to believe God loves me.
When people don't have that from their dad it's harder for them to believe that God loves them. So there's the direct correlation there. So I'm grateful that I had a dad who was there for me.
BILCHIK: "Flywheel" really is a morality tale. And "Facing the Giants" more inspirational and "Fireproof" about marriage, "Courageous" about fatherhood; are you going to be making a film about women, about mothers?
KENDRICK: You know, we want to explore all of those areas we want to tell stories that people can directly relate to. Not just fantastical stories or fantasy stories, we want -- we want stories that people look up on the screen and say that's me. And help them through some of the issues, bring inspiration, bring faith into the equation in hopes that they can get through these things.
Well, camera, roll sound. Ready and action.
BILCHIK: Where are you going? And what's next for Sherwood Films?
KENDRICK: Well between each movie we've got what we call season of prayer, basically saying God, what do you want the next movie to be about? What's the theme and as we pray through that, we all seem to come to a unity of this is what we believe God wants us to do next. And so that's the path we head down and so we're in that season now.
BILCHIK: Alex, we look so forward to the next faith-based film. I hope there's something about women.
KENDRICK: Yes.
BILCHIK: Thank you very much for joining us here on CNN SUNDAY MORNING.
KENDRICK: Thank you Nadia. Thank you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BILCHIK: And I'm in awe of Alex Kendrick because he's a really good actor. There are some very poignant scenes. He's superb. They have raised a lot of money. They've built a huge 80-acre park in Albany, Georgia. They've opened three churches. They support missionaries and clinics.
Him and his brothers do own the rights to all the books and the DVDs and the various other things that spin-offs from the movies. But a remarkably talented man and the movie "Courageous," the DVD version comes out on the 17th.
FEYERICK: And so he's writing the scripts for this and also financing? Or is he getting financing from outside? I mean, if a movie like that makes $34 million, one would think he's putting that back into other films.
(CROSSTALK)
BILCHIK: The movies have refinanced themselves.
FEYERICK: Ok.
BILCHIK: But he's rather extraordinary because you said he acts in it. He edits it. He writes it. He directs it. Oh and he's a pastor on the side.
FEYERICK: Right.
BILCHIK: So he's very multitalented. I asked him, what happens if Hollywood calls? And he said, well, it will be up to God. But he's not seduced by Hollywood, put it that way.
FEYERICK: Well not only that, because -- but he's also got control of the message right now. But -- and -- and these films themselves, they're not documentaries. I mean, these are really -- (CROSSTALK)
BILCHIK: No, they're dramas. Really, really dramas and "Courageous" is the story of four different fathers.
FEYERICK: Yes.
BILCHIK: And it really starts out rather dramatically because there's this car chase and you can't understand why the father is so absolutely intent on saving his car, but you realize his baby is in the back. So I won't tell you anymore, but its "Courageous" out on the 17th, DVD.
FEYERICK: Well that's wonderful. And it was a very good question you asked him because I do think that within the framework of things, you want to also know, sort of from a woman's perspective, how faith plays a role and how they deal with all the challenges that they face.
(CROSSTALK)
BILCHIK: Exactly.
FEYERICK: On any given day.
BILCHIK: At this point, I think he comes from his own point of view as a father.
FEYERICK: Sure.
BILCHIK: But I have no doubt there's going to be a lot more coming from Sherwood Films.
FEYERICK: You know they ought to try to get a percentage of that, and you put the idea in his head. Nadia Bilchik, thank you so much we appreciate it.
Well, for more on issues related to faith, go to our belief blog at CNN.com/belief. You can also share your thoughts.
And just months after its dedication, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial is already about to get a makeover. A controversial quote is being corrected. We'll talk about it when the head of the memorial foundation joins us live.
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FEYERICK: "STATE OF THE UNION" with Candy Crowley coming up right here at CNN, the top of the hour. The Republican presidential candidates stumping in South Carolina and Candy joins us live with the state of the GOP race.
And Candy, we're going to hear from Rick Perry on your show today, right? And he was expecting to get the Christian conservative vote, which apparently he didn't.
CANDY CROWLEY, CNN HOST, "STATE OF THE UNION": Well you know it's interesting because he -- this is a guy who came out of Texas. The whole reason he stayed in this race -- remember in Iowa he decided -- he said, Ok, I'm going to go home and reassess the campaign.
A day later, he said, I'm going to South Carolina. Why? Because his brand of social as well as fiscal conservatism is sort of made to order in South Carolina. He's a born again Christian. He is totally in sync with the issues of the social right, and yet he didn't get their vote. And when they came out and talked a little bit about it, it was very clear the reason that Rick Perry did not come out as the consensus candidate from this group of Evangelicals is that they don't think he can win.
This is not the kind of statement you want to have out there as your struggling campaign kind of moves into the next big vote, which of course is South Carolina next Saturday.
FEYERICK: Right, so they didn't want to split the vote essentially or at least didn't want to back somebody that would just make it difficult for everyone else to step, to I guess, fall in line. Senator John McCain also on your show, right?
CROWLEY: Yes. And he is now a Mitt Romney surrogate. He's been down in South Carolina campaigning with Romney. McCain has both lost and won in South Carolina, in the two different primaries he was there. So he knows a lot about it. He also had some interesting things to say about Bain Capital, which as you know, is Romney's company which is now sort of the source of all this controversy.
And when John McCain was running against Mitt Romney, he had some interesting things to say about Bain. So we're going to ask him about those things.
FEYERICK: All right, Candy, we're definitely looking forward to it. Thanks so much.
CROWLEY: Thanks Deb.
FEYERICK: And of course, everyone out there, keep it here for "STATE OF THE UNION" with Candy Crowley it starts in just 15 minutes at 9:00 a.m. Eastern, 6:00 a.m. Pacific right here on CNN.
And it's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. He would have been 83 years old today. Ahead, we will talk with the head of the memorial foundation in his honor as the nation prepares to mark MLK day.
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FEYERICK: It's Golden Globes time, and usually we're talking about the best movies, the prettiest dress, but this year the loudest buzz is about the host Ricky Gervais, who's one of the funniest comics out there. But remember last year many actors were angry with him. They accused him of being downright rude to presenters and nominees.
But if you expect that Gervais will be better behaved this year, here's what he has to say about that via his Twitter. Quote, "I keep having to write new jokes as I pick my victims, I mean targets, I mean presenters to introduce."
Some great people have confirmed, by the way. Speaking of the Golden Globes, remember this film that was nominated for best picture?
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is what we're after, Frank Costello.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You will not ever build the identity of undercover people.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Do you have anyone in with Costello presently?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Maybe.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Do you know who I am?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Maybe not.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm going to have my associates search you.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That was quick. You mean he's done already?
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FEYERICK: In that movie "The Departed" Jack Nicholson played Costello, a character loosely based on the infamous mob boss James "Whitey" Bulger, who was recently arrested. But I guess Whitey Bulger wanted a more accurate portrayal, at least his version.
Earlier this week Mark Wahlberg made a lot of people upset after he revealed to WFAA Radio that Whitey Bulger invited him to his jail to talk about a movie. Some families of alleged Bulger's victims' told the "Boston Globe" they're worried Bulger will be portrayed a hero. But there's no movie deal on the table yet.
Today is the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The civil rights leader would have been 83 years old. And to mark the national holiday in his honor, crowds are expected at the new MLK Memorial at the National Mall in Washington. The monument you see here started with a dream and a mission to honor the civil rights leader and inspire a nation to continue his mission.
It took more than 15 years and almost $120 million to make it a reality. But the massive monument now stands tall over the National Mall. And joining me: one of the key figures who helped make this happen, Harry Johnson, president and CEO of the MLK National Memorial Project Foundation. And thanks so much for being with us on this historic day.
First, what does it mean to you and the MLK family to finally have this monument open to the public on his birthday?
HARRY JOHNSON, PRESIDENT/CEO, MLK NATIONAL MEMORIAL PROJECT FOUNDATION: Well, it certainly means that Dr. King, I believe, is in his rightful place on our National Mall for everyone to come and see. We're delighted that this is the first anniversary of his birthday that people will come and see Dr. King on the mall with the other heroes of this great country.
FEYERICK: And so what special events are you going to have to mark this memorial?
JOHNSON: Tomorrow we're going to lay a wreath in his honor. Me and a few other folks will be with us as we do that at 8:00 in the morning. Then the memorial will be open for all the visitors to se Dr. King, see the memorial, read the quotations around the wall, and take pictures and then get on with their day of service.
FEYERICK: Now clearly, this is a beautiful monument. How has visitor turnout been? Have you seen larger crowds sort of veering to this direction? What kind of feedback are you getting?
JOHNSON: I think this has come to be the most visited memorial on the mall to date. I think right now about 1.5 million people since opening in August. So a huge, tremendous success; people are there all times of the day and night to see this wonderful memorial.
FEYERICK: Now, obviously, we would be remiss if we didn't mention the controversy over a quote on the memorial. It seems as if it was more of a synopsis of an idea. It says "I was a drum major for justice, peace, and righteousness." But King's original words really were, "If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice, say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness, and all of the other shallow things will not matter."
Critics such as Dr. Maya Angelou say that the quote as it really tarnishes the memory because it suggests a certain ego or pride or incorrectness. How is this going to be corrected?
JOHNSON: We're going to take a look at it and see. We told the Secretary of the Interior months ago that we will revisit it. That's exactly what we're going to do, bring a team of people together to talk about it. What should be there? How can it be corrected? If it can be corrected, and then do so.
We really want that not to be a distraction for anyone who comes to see this wonderful memorial. We want them to come and see, relish in Dr. King's words and the vision that Dr. King had for in this country and indeed the nation with no distractions. So we'll take a look at it and see how it can be corrected.
FEYERICK: Do you think people are making simply too big of a deal of it? Do you think that in fact it captures, in your opinion, the essence of what he was trying to convey?
JOHNSON: You know what; I think when people walk around the entire memorial, read the quotations on the quotations wall, which are quotations, I think they walk away with the feeling of what Dr. King meant and talked about. Whether they're making a big deal out of it, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
I'm an easy going guy. I can take it or leave it, but I want it to be correct for the people because I don't want it to be a distraction for people when they come and see this great memorial.
FEYERICK: And so what is your long-term vision of this memorial? Is it simply the statue you have there with the quotes? What do you see?
JOHNSON: I see it being just as it is, the statue and the quotes around the wall. It's a very serene place for people to come and see. It actually changes and asks people to come, sit, ponder and talk about what Dr. King really meant to this country and indeed the world.
We have seen time and time again people who come there for the first time, the same reaction for everyone. A lump will come up in your throat, a tear in your eye as you start walking around this memorial. So I think it's going to be one of the most visited memorials for some time to come.
FEYERICK: And just before we say good-bye, it is located where with respect to the Lincoln and the Washington?
JOHNSON: It is right between the Lincoln and Washington at 1964 Independence Avenue and right adjacent to the FDR Memorial.
FEYERICK: Ok. Thank you so much for joining us, sir. We look forward to it and honoring Dr. Martin Luther King today. Thanks so much.
JOHNSON: Thank you.
FEYERICK: In just one minute, why the Republican race for the White House could make history. We talk politics and we talk religion, coming up next.
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FEYERICK: The 2012 race for the Republican presidential nomination could make religious history. Our Josh Levs is here to tell us about it.
JOSH LEVS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes.
FEYERICK: So Josh, really, break it down for us, how this is sort of working.
LEVS: This is so interesting the way it's playing out this year. It could make some real history. And it plays out against all of American history, but especially what we've seen over the last several decades.
This could be, folks, the Republican Party's first non Protestant nominee in modern politics. And this says a lot about religion and politics in this country. This pack of GOP contenders is already historic.
Let's talk this through.
You've got Romney and Huntsman, front-runner Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman both Mormons. Either would be the first Mormon nominee for either major party in this country. Then we've got Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum, both Catholic, setting aside for now how Newt Gingrich came to Catholicism.
You know John F. Kennedy was a Democrat and a Catholic, and back then he had to overcome suspicion from some voters who feared he might take direction from the Pope.
They've also got two Protestants in the race this time around, Ron Paul and Rick Perry. Paul has been doing well so far, Rick Perry has not been much of a factor so far. He's hoping to turn that around in South Carolina.
And the story in the CNN belief blog, experts are telling us that the diversity of this group reflect some major changes in this country. And one of the changes is that the Republican Party has won over a lot of Catholics who were once a very solid Democratic voting bloc. And a big reason for that change was Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision on abortion nearly 40 years ago. Many Catholics ultimately flipped to the Republican Party because of opposition to abortion rights.
We also talk about Mormonism. It's a quickly growing religion. More and more people know someone Mormon. Americans are becoming increasingly comfortable with the idea of a Mormon president, but some still are not. So that could play out in this race as well.
And Deb, no matter what happens, the fact that Catholics and Mormons have such a legitimate chance this time around shows how much has changed in this country in the decades, especially since Kennedy.
FEYERICK: Thanks, Josh. And don't forget, you can see the Republican South Carolina debate live right here on CNN Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.
Checking top stories: Three people were found alive overnight inside a wrecked Italian cruise ship. Rescuers found a crew member trapped inside a restaurant, and a South Korean couple still inside their cabin more than 24 hours after the ship ran aground, which killed three people; many, many still missing. Passengers say they had to crawl their way through the ship after it ran into rocks and turned on its side. Listen.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Everybody got out into life boats. People were pushing, very panicky. It was a very difficult area. People were shouting and pushing. We kind of waited. They said there were more than enough life boats.
By the time all the life boats had left, there were 600 to 800 people on the boat. They only had rafts left, but the angle of the boat was so steep they couldn't get us out. They brought us to the down side of the ship, real close to the water, and they had a life raft they blew up. But it got caught under one of the cranes, and the boat started moving very quickly. There were maybe 200 people there.
And the life raft exploded because the boat was on top of the life raft. At that time, water was only two meters from us, so we jumped in and swam to shore.
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FEYERICK: Wow.
Well, the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon is calling for the Syrian president to stop the violence. The secretary general said at a conference in Lebanon, quote, "Today I say again to President Assad of Syria, stop the violence. Stop killing your people. The path of repression is a dead end." His request comes on the same day that Syria's state-run media reports that Al Assad has granted amnesty to anti-government demonstrators for all crimes committed since the uprising began last year.
And Queen Margrethe of Denmark is celebrating 40 years on the throne. Danes paraded through the street as the royal family appeared on the balcony. Today's royal jubilee day is filled with lots of pageantry, including ornate carriages led by the royal horse guard.
And now we take a look at weather. Meteorologist Alexandra Steele is in for Reynolds Wolf this weekend. What can we expect, Alexandra?
ALEXANDRA STEELE, AMS METEOROLOGIST: It's cold. That's what you can expect.
Good morning.
Syracuse, Rochester, Boston, take a look right now as you get outside and get "The Globe" 8 degrees for you. People still go outside and get the paper. You're online right in your cozy house.
9 degrees in Scranton, 2 in Albany but we've got a very cold, icy wind blowing. So with that it feels a lot colder. Even look at Albany, feeling right now like 15 below zero. That's what it feels like to the skin as you walk outside. Wind chill is a major factor.
Temperatures will warm up today but still about 10 to 15 degrees below average. You can see high in Portland, only 18; Boston only 22. You should be at 35 this time of year. So that kind of gives you the bigger picture of how much colder than average.
Tomorrow though we warm up, pick up about another 10 degrees.
Big story today, cold here in the northeast even in the mid-Atlantic; still warm here through Denver and Salt Lake, kind of the Rockies, pretty mild. But that will change because big snowstorm coming into the Pacific Northwest; Seattle, Portland, one to two inches of snow. Ok. That's not big. But it's the beginning of a pattern change.
So we're going to get into Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, an onslaught of moisture, Deb, both snow and rain but very beneficial, this area really needs it. So Cascades, Rockies, Bitterroot, all getting to see some great snow.
FEYERICK: All right. Alexandra, thanks so much.
Appreciate that. Bundle up.
I'm Deb Feyerick. Thanks so much for spending part of your morning here with us.
We now turn to Washington and "STATE OF THE UNION" with Candy Crowley and it start right now.
