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CNN Sunday Morning
George McGovern Dead at Age 90; Obama and Romney Face Off Monday
Aired October 21, 2012 - 08:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RANDI KAYE, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): From the CNN world headquarters in Atlanta, this is CNN SUNDAY MORNING.
Polls say the score is 1-1, so will Monday night's debate be the tiebreaker? We'll break down what to expect from the final presidential debate.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He cheated and cheated, you know, beyond many people's beliefs or imaginations.
KAYE: A catastrophic week for a fallen hero. Now, Lance Armstrong is expected to speak out at today's Livestrong event. We'll take you there live.
And cult no more. That was the decision this week from Reverend Billy Graham about Mormonism. Change of heart or political stunt?
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KAYE: Good morning, everyone. I'm Randi Kaye. It's 8:00 in Boca Raton, Florida, site of tomorrow night's final presidential debate. It's 7:00 in Austin, Texas. Thanks for starting your morning with us.
ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.
KAYE: We begin this morning with breaking news in political world. George McGovern, the three-term Democratic senator who sought his party's presidential nomination twice has died. He entered hospice care earlier this week.
Host of CNN's "STATE OF THE UNION", Candy Crowley, joins me now to talk more about this.
Candy, good morning. A big loss for the political world no doubt. What are your memories of George McGovern?
CANDY CROWLEY, CNN CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, he was a candidate, a Democratic candidate for presidential election in 1972, ran against Richard Nixon, against the war. As you would call it at that time, the Vietnam War drove all the politics.
And George McGovern, although he was an Army fighter pilot during World War II and won the Distinguished Cross, was an unabashed dove. He wanted the war ended right away, and he ran on that platform, and he got smoked by Richard Nixon.
I was amazed looking back at the numbers in that 1972 race -- 60.7 percent went to Richard Nixon, 37.5 percent went to George McGovern. So it was -- that was quite a race, and quite a landslide for Richard Nixon, and the rest is history, as we say.
George McGovern was an unabashed liberal voice in the U.S. senate. He was a gentleman -- I know that sounds a little strange in the harshness of politics, but personally I always found him to be quiet. What you would think of as South Dakota. He was born and raised in South Dakota. He was certainly in some ways out of step with that state's presidential politics at the very least. He didn't even win the state in his own presidential race.
But he was unabashed liberal, loved his home state, and was just kind of a quiet, gentle guy, but fiercely liberal in his politics.
KAYE: Candy Crowley, thank you. We'll be checking in with you again with much more on this later on this morning.
His family issued a statement saying that he passed away at 5:15 this morning. They said, "We are blessed to know that our father lived a long, successful, and productive life, advocating for the hungry, being a progressive voice for millions and fighting for peace. He continued giving speeches, writing, and advising all the way up to and past his 90th birthday, which he celebrated this summer."
He passed away surrounded by family and life-long friends.
Our Martin Savidge has this look back now at George McGovern's life and legacy.
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MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): George McGovern lived a fascinating life. America's leading liberal came from Republican parents, an outspoken critic of war, who was a World War II hero. He earned a PhD in history and then went on to make history.
McGovern first went to Washington in 1957, representing South Dakota in the House and later in the Senate where he served 18 years. He was among the first to challenge America's involvement in Vietnam.
GEORGE MCGOVERN, FORMER U.S. SENATOR: I resent the president running this war on his election timetable. I don't think you ought to be playing a numbers game with human lives. And that's what this administration has done.
SAVIDGE: His opposition to the war would become a trademark.
Lesser known, his work helping to reform the Democratic Party nomination process, significantly scaling back the role of party officials and insiders, and increasing the role of caucuses, primaries and delegates. It's the system use by both parties today.
It was McGovern's own run for president in 1972 most people remember. It didn't go well. Already a long shot against President Nixon, it didn't help when his acceptance speech to the Democratic Convention was delayed until 2:30 in the morning, long after the huge television audience had gone to bed.
And then, McGovern was forced to dump his running mate, Thomas Eagleton, after it was learned he had a history of psychiatric problems.
Nixon won by a landslide.
Despite the defeat, his campaign attracted the political, young Turks of the day, boosting the careers of Gary Hart and a then unknown Bill Clinton. McGovern would try again in 1984, only to drop out after poor primary showings. But his words still resonate.
MCGOVERN: The question is not -- are we better off than we were four years ago? The question is -- where will America be four years from now? What is the American future? What kind of America do we want to be?
SAVIDGE: Later in life, the man from the South Dakota prairie refocused on cause he worked on in the Kennedy administration, using America's agricultural strength to feed families at home and eventually around the world. It would be the legacy he prided most.
One expert summed it up best, saying the same trait that cost McGovern the White House would become the same quality many later admired. George McGovern's ability to say what others would not.
Martin Savidge, CNN.
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KAYE: Other news this morning, the White House says it would welcome talks with Iran to keep that country from becoming a threatening nuclear armed power, but the Obama administration insists that a "New York Times" report that it has agreed to one-on-one negotiations with Iran is not true.
A national council spokesman said, quote, "The president has made clear that he will prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, and we will do what we must to achieve that. It has always been our goal for sanctions to pressure Iran to come in line with its obligations. The onus is on the Iranians to do so. Otherwise, they will continue to face crippling sanctions and increased pressure."
"The New York Times" reports that the agreement to talk one-on- one was the result of secret negotiations between Iran and the U.S., and it reported, quote, "There is still a chance the initiative could fall through, even if Mr. Obama is re-elected. Iran has a history of using the promise of diplomacy to ease international pressure on it. In this case, American officials said they were uncertain whether Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had signed off on the effort."
The White House rivals are staying most of out of sight today as they get ready for tomorrow's third debate. President Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney are hunkered down for their final face-off. Final preparations are also being made at tomorrow's debate site. That's Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. You see it there.
The verbal duel will focus this time on foreign policy. Wednesday, Mr. Obama plans to pull an all-nighter both in key battleground states to launch a whirlwind tour of six swing states, starting in Iowa and he'll cast his vote early in Chicago on Thursday.
Romney, meanwhile, held his final formal fundraising event last night. He's raised more than $361 million in his latest bid for the White House.
President Obama has secured the endorsement of Ohio's largest newspaper. "The Cleveland Plain Dealer" says Obama has fumbled the economic recovery but it also says he has led the nation back from the brink of depression. Ohio in particular has benefit from his bold decision to revive the domestic auto industry. It was unpopular, but gutsy, and it worked. Ohioans today are making cars in Lordstown and Toledo. They're making parts and steel for Ford, Honda and other automakers. They're back on the job. That's leadership that deserves a chance to finish the job."
Mitt Romney is picking up an endorsement from a paper in another key swing state. That's Nevada.
The Reno "Gazette Journal" says, quote, "Based on our current fiscal condition, a still weak economy and a Congress deeply divided along party lines, our next president will continue to face a daunting challenge, one that must be met for the good of the country. Four years later we find ourselves in need of change yet again."
Now, let's take a look at where the candidates stand in those pivotal swing states. In Florida, you can see here Mitt Romney has passed President Obama in a CNN/ORC poll, 49 percent of voters say they will vote for Romney, 48 percent of the president. That's 1 percent difference, and it's well within the margin of error.
Heading north to Ohio now, a FOX News poll found a similar split in the Buckeye State. President Obama, you see there, in the lead of 46 percent of likely voters, Mitt Romney with 43 percent.
And Paul Ryan campaigning in that swing state getting a warm reception before speaking at a rally in Belmont. The Republican candidate is taking on the traditional V.P. role of attack dog. Here he is earlier Saturday in Pennsylvania, telling an audience why they should not vote for the president.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) REP. PAUL RYAN (R-WI), VICE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE: President Obama four years ago when he was running for president said if he had no fresh ideas, use stale tactics to scare voters. If you don't have a record to run on, paint your opponent as someone people should run from, make a big election about small things.
That's what he said when he ran for president four years ago. That's exactly what he has become now that he is president, and he has no record to run on.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAYE: Vice President Biden took the campaign to the swing state of Florida where he didn't miss a beat after his speech got an unexpected interruption.
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JOSEPH BIDEN, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: They decimate education. They eliminate help for middle class families who want to send their kids to college -- like that beautiful baby over there.
I don't -- I don't blame her from crying. I don't blame that baby for crying. That baby -- that baby -- that baby knows what's in store for him or her if Romney wins.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAYE: But it wasn't all laughs. Biden also took Romney to task over his investment record and used the president's new line Romnesia.
All eyes are on Boca Raton, Florida, where President Obama and Mitt Romney will face off tomorrow. Romney shined in the first debate. President Obama re-emerged in the second. So, who will it be in third? We'll take a closer look.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE) are low and high if you ask me. So, how come you don't do nothing about that? All right. Thanks. All right.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, Eugene, obviously we need to do everything we can to become energy independent.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh really? Then why have you cut drilling permits on federal land by half?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's not true.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So how much did you cut?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Not true.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You didn't cut anything? You're not going to cut anything?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm about to cut you.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, I'd like to see that. I'd like to see that.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let me at him, dad.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No. Come on, sit down, Tagg. Not now.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Gentlemen --
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAYE: Oh, that is good stuff. All laugh there, of course, on "Saturday Night Live", but it will be serious business tomorrow evening once again at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida.
That is where President Obama and Mitt Romney will debate each other for the third and last time. The focus: foreign policy, and the recent attack that killed the U.S. ambassador in Libya will likely take center stage.
CNN's Athena Jones takes a look at who might have the edge in their final verbal duel.
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ATHENA JONES, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The third and final face-off between President Obama and Governor Romney will focus entirely on foreign policy. From Afghanistan and Pakistan, to Israel, Iran, and the changing Middle East --
(CROSSTALK)
JONES: -- the candidates will spar over America's role in the world, the new face of terrorism, and how to deal with a rising China.
With polls showing the president's advantage over Romney on foreign policy has narrowed since the summer, Mr. Obama tried to highlight one of his biggest foreign policy accomplishments at a light-hearted charity dinner in New York.
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: And Monday's debate is a little bit different because the topic is foreign policy. Spoiler alert: We got bin Laden.
(APPLAUSE)
JONES: He also used his speech to poke fun at his opponent.
OBAMA: Of course, world affairs are a challenge for every candidate. After --some of you guys remember, after my foreign trip in 2008, I was attacked as a celebrity because I was so popular with our allies overseas. And I have to say I'm impressed with how well Governor Romney has avoided that problem. (LAUGHTER)
JONES: For his part, Romney could try again to bash the president for his administration's messy response to the attack in Libya last month, and link it to what he says is a failed approach to the region.
MITT ROMNEY (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: This calls into question the president's whole policy in the Middle East. Look at what's happening in Syria, in Egypt, now in Libya. Consider the distance between ourselves and Israel, the president said that he was going to put daylight between us and Israel.
JONES: Both candidates face a challenge Monday night.
JON ALTERMAN, CSIS, DIR., MIDDLE EAST PROGRAM: The challenge for President Obama is going to be defining the Middle East strategy going forward. I mean, he's had some successes. He's had some things that are still pretty murky.
JONES: Romney's task could be bigger.
ALTERMAN: I think for Romney, there's a broad challenge and that is how do you drill down into specific policies. The Republican Party hasn't really figured out what a Republican foreign policy looks like after the Bush administration. I think Romney's been uneager to really delve in that.
JONES: Still, while important to many voters, foreign policy ranks far below the economy.
RYAN LIZZA, THE NEW YORKER: With Mitt Romney, every second you're talking about foreign policy is wasted, which might mean that Romney tries to break out of that and tries to bring home some of the foreign policy issues to domestic economic issues.
JONES: With time running out, this is their last chance to make their case to millions of voters in a single night.
(on camera): Governor Romney is spending this weekend preparing for the debate down in Florida, while President Obama is doing his debate prep at Camp David -- Randi.
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KAYE: Athena, thank you very much. And you can watch the showdown over foreign policy between President Obama and Mitt Romney tomorrow night right here on CNN. Live coverage of the last presidential debate begins 7:00 Eastern from Boca Raton, Florida.
Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. is speaking out -- hospitalized for depression, but still on the ballot. Hear what he has to say.
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KAYE: Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. is speaking out publicly for the first time since going on medical leave in May. The nine-term Democrat who represents Chicago's South Side has been getting treatment at the Mayo Clinic for depression.
In a recorded message to constituents, Jackson says he hopes to return to Capitol Hill, but isn't quite ready yet.
(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)
REP. JESSE JACKSON JR. (D), ILLINOIS: For the past few months, I've undergone medical treatment to address some serious health issues. Like many human beings, a series of events came together in my life at the same time and they've been difficult to sort through. I am human. I'm doing my best, and I am trying to sort through them all. I'm starting to heal.
The good news is my health is improving, but my doctors tell me the road to recovery is a long one. I'm anxious to return to work on your behalf, but at this time, it's against medical advice.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
KAYE: Jackson, the son of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, is running for re-election in his Chicago district. "The Chicago Tribune" reports that Jackson could be headed back to the Mayo Clinic, this week, in fact.
Now to California where police believe a shooting suspect is now dead after setting fire to his home. Desmond John Moses is accused of gunning down his next door neighbors. A father who tried to shield his children from the bullets is dead. So is his 4-year-old son. Two other children and a man's wife are in critical condition this morning.
Moses was reportedly being evicted from his home after not paying rent for years. Neighbors described him as, quote, "really weird." Police are still working to identify what they believe are Moses' remains.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LT. JAMES MADIA, INGLEWOOD POLICE: We also are still continuing our search of the structure that was damaged in the fire. The individual appeared to have been a hoarder. There's a lot of material in there, and the roof collapsed, so we've had to bring in a backhoe to dig through the rubble to determine whether or not the individual is still in there, Mr. Moses is in there. We do not know.
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KAYE: Two more people have died from fungal meningitis infections, raising the total number of deaths now to 23. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 13 new infections yesterday. More than 280 people have been sickened with fungal meningitis in 16 states.
Health officials believe they were infected with contaminated steroid injections, which is not contagious, but thousands of people may have been exposed to the disease through those shots.
Mormonism as a cult, that's no longer the stance of one of the world's most famous religious leaders. But is it a change of heart, or possibly a political stunt?
But, first, a very good morning to Washington, D.C. You see the Capitol there. Looks like a lovely, sunny day on tap for folks there.
Glad you're with us. Glad you're starting your morning with us here on CNN SUNDAY MORNING.
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KAYE: Welcome back to CNN SUNDAY MORNING. I'm Randi Kaye.
A very busy morning here. Here are some stories that we're watching for you:
Three-term senator, Democratic presidential nominee and advocate for hunger issues, just three of the many titles held by George McGovern, the South Dakota congressman who died this morning after entering hospice care earlier this week. He helped shape the way we nominate our presidents today, but maybe best known for losing in a landslide to Richard Nixon back in 1972.
McGovern addressed the defeat just three weeks ago in an op-ed for "The Washington Post," writing in part, quote, "I can say that losing the presidency was one chapter in a long, complex, and richly happy life, in which I learned that you can't always control all the outcomes." George McGovern was 90.
There is new fall-out over Libya and the release of documents related to the September 11th attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi that killed the U.S. ambassador.
The chair of the House Oversight Committee Congressman Darrell Issa says the American people have the right to know what happened. His spokesman is defending the committee's release of sensitive State Department cables, but Senator John Kerry slammed the release saying, quote, "This is irresponsible and inexcusable and perhaps worst of all, it was entirely avoidable. It is profoundly against America's interests in a difficult region. It's bad enough that it's becoming a political sideshow presumably driven by the calendar of Monday's upcoming presidential debate, but even worse is that in their rush to make news, they've exposed Libyans who are working side-by-side for America."
This hour in Texas Lance Armstrong is expected to speak in front of participants in the LiveStrong challenge. Today we expect that he'll even jump on his bike. It will be his very first public ride since resigning as the chairman of the LiveStrong Charity. The cyclist and cancer survivor faces charges from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency that he used performance-enhancing drugs. We'll bring you his comments as soon as we get them in here. We're expecting them just a few minutes from now. The TSA has been removing its controversial x-ray body scanners from several major airports. The criticism now has been two-fold, too much radiation and, of course, too little privacy. Replacing those scanners in airports like JFK and LAX are new millimeter wave scanners. These apparently rely on lower energy radio waves and display generic cartoon-like images. The TSA says they decided swap out the scanners not because of safety concerns, but to speed up those checkpoints.
For this week's "Faces of Faith", we're looking into a sudden change from one of the nation's most revered pastors. After Evangelical leader Billy Graham met with Mitt Romney last week at his home in North Carolina an article on Graham's Web site vanished. That article had listed Mormonism as a cult, and as you know, Romney is Mormon. The chief of staff for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association acknowledged the change saying, in part, "We removed the information from the Web site because we do not wish to participate in a theological debate about something that has become politicized during this campaign."
With us this morning is Joanna Brooks, a Mormon author, blogger and Obama supporter in Salt Lake City. Joanna, good morning to you.
JOANNA BROOKS, BLOGGER, ASKMORMONGIRL.COM: Good morning, Randi.
KAYE: So let me ask you about this do you believe Billy Graham has really changed his stance on Mormonism or is he just staying out the theological debate -- staying out of it?
BROOKS: That's -- that's a good question. I'll take Reverend Graham at his word. I think it's a small but significant stride that call -- which most Americans recognize as a pejorative was taken down from Reverend Graham's Web site after Mitt Romney met with him to ask for his support. It's important.
KAYE: Could it be, though, do you think a possible political stunt to maybe align the church with Romney's campaign?
BROOKS: Well, you know, this has been a fascinating year watching historically difficult relationships between Evangelical Christians and Mormons have been ironed out towards the end of electing Mitt Romney to be president. Earlier this fall a number of conservative Christian leaders issued a letter to their followers asking them please vote on matters of policy, not theology, and that's significant too.
There is still Evangelical Christian voters who harbor deep suspicions about Mormonism, but most seem to be lining up behind Romney anyways.
KAYE: Let me share with you earlier this week Graham took out a full page ad in major newspapers and it says, in part, this. "As I approach my 94th birthday, I realize this election could be my last. I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles. I urge you to vote for those who protect the sanctity of life and support the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman."
So is this a not so subtle endorsement for Mitt Romney?
BROOKS: I think there is no question that Reverend Graham has all but endorsed Mitt Romney. He hasn't used those words, but clearly the full page advertisement telegraphs his support for Governor Romney. I mean, there are different ways to live one's biblical values, of course. As a Mormon, I was raised with the Book of Mormon scripture that says you know, "Whoever believes in God can (inaudible) help for a better world." How we interpret that ranges from Republican to Democrat.
KAYE: And if Romney wasn't running for President, do you think Graham would have changed his views on Mormonism?
BROOKS: That's a terrific question. I mean Romney has been very reticent to talk about his faith in the public eye. It's still a difficult subject for him to bring up and feel a sense of ease and confidence talking about, but I do think his candidacy and his quiet, steady example of his faith has driven new conversation among Evangelicals and Mormons.
You know, I don't know that -- that Evangelical Christians will ever recognize us Mormons as fellow Christians. There are theological difference that matter, but for this election at least there is a thaw.
KAYE: I want to talk to you a little bit about the Mormon faith. I mean some people look at the Mormon Church and they think of polygamy. They certainly think of former leader Warren Jeff, the FLDS, the child brides. Do you think that's the cult aspect that Reverend Graham was referring to?
BROOKS: Well, actually, anti-Mormonism and stereotypes about Mormonism, including polygamy, which is not practiced by mainstream Mormons like me, by the vast majority of Mormons in the U.S. -- those ideas about Mormonism date back to the 19th century to mob violence against Mormon communities in the Midwest and the south and that was anti-Mormon sentiments actually drove the movement of Mormons westward to Utah and they've been around a long time.
And some of those stereotypes and misconceptions do persist, but I've seen great changes in media coverage of Mormonism in the last year. And more people are getting to know Mormons as just an important part of the American story.
KAYE: Well, you're certainly helping us do that as well. What about Romney's public embrace of his Mormonism? I mean, he spoke a lot about it at the convention. I mean do you think that has changed people's perception at all?
BROOKS: Actually, I think Romney has been very, very quiet on Mormonism. He did bring it up at the election, but he didn't talk about Mormon history or about his own, you know, ancestors and the faith. He had members of his congregation attest to his personal character as a Mormon leader, but I think the conversation is changing to the efforts of everyday Mormons who are talking to their neighbors, people like me writing books for the mainstream, just trying to tell the story of our faith.
We're a young faith. You know, if you don't live west of the Rocky Mountains, you might not know any Mormons, but we are a Christian, you know, a Christian people who live our faith with great intensity. It gives us a great sense of belonging.
KAYE: How much weight do you think Reverend Graham carries? I mean, if he had maintained that Mormonism is a cult and didn't remove that article from his Web site, could that have hurt Mitt Romney, do you think?
BROOKS: Well, I think there will be still to the end of this campaign Evangelical Christians who owing to this century-long of anti-Mormon sentiment in the United States will have great reservations about voting for Romney, but Reverend Graham is a powerful and important figure and Evangelical Christians now face a decision point in American history.
Protestants are no longer the majority in the U.S. and so folks are going to have to get comfortable with people of different faiths playing faithful roles in leadership.
KAYE: Joanna Brooks, great to have you on the program again this morning. Thank you so much.
BROOKS: Thank you, Randi. Thank you.
KAYE: Have you decided yet? With just over two weeks ago until the big election, uncommitted voters can still turn the election upside down. Comedian Dean Obeidallah has some tips for the candidates on just how to win over these men and women.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Before you get our vote you're going to have to answer some questions. Questions like --
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When is the election?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What are the names of the two people running and be specific.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Who is the President right now? Is he or she running?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAYE: That was "SNL's" funny but certainly extreme twist on undecided voters. While only one percent of voters are undecided about eight percent of voters are actually still uncommitted; that is they are leaning one way but they say that they can still be swayed. And with just 16 days until the election, their vote in toss-up states from Colorado to Florida may very well decide the next President of the United States.
Comedian Dean Obeidallah joins me now for his own take on the uncommitted. Dean, good morning. so --
DEAN OBEIDALLAH, COMEDIAN: Good morning.
KAYE: So I guess I want to ask you, are you still uncommitted, or have you decided?
OBEIDALLAH: No. I have decided. I decided years ago. I make decisions way in advance.
(CROSSTALK)
KAYE: Years ago?
OBEIDALLAH: I don't even need evidence, I don't even need policy. I make decisions. I'm done. It's these other people, they scare me. The one percent of undecided, they hold the fate of our president and the leader of the free world in their hands. These are people who not have decisions if you know an undecided person don't ask them to pick a movie for you to got to see. It will be on DVD before you actually see the movie in the theater.
KAYE: Oh come on.
OBEIDALLAH: What are you waiting for?
KAYE: I'm not very good with decisions either, I'm not very good with decisions but you can't put it all on them. They really scare you.
OBEIDALLAH: They don't -- I'm not petrified by them. I'm wondering why they've not made a decision. The debates, all the media coverage, all the ads especially if you live in a swing state you're inundated with ads. What more will it take? What is going on to put them over the top? And part of it I mean, on a serious note, maybe they don't like either Obama or Romney and we're forcing them to make a decision between the two or are outrage when they won't make it. But I think part of it is that they might not be following or they're not good at decisions.
KAYE: Yes well that is part of it and some of them aren't hearing what they want to hear, apparently, according to those that we spoke with.
OBEIDALLAH: True.
KAYE: But you -- you've actually said that if you live in one of these swing states, you would love to pretend that you're undecided or uncommitted. Why?
OBEIDALLAH: Look, Randi, I like attention. I'm up early on a Sunday morning for attention. This is what -- I'm a comedian. I think it's -- you're the belle of the ball. Everyone wants to talk to the undecided. If I lived in Ohio, I'm not proud I would have -- in essence for my vote in eBay, I swear to you, and not legal, it's illegal. You can't sell your vote, but I would say like, hey, candidates, if my house happens to be painted when I'm out you give a little campaign literature, I know who did it, bingo, you've got my vote.
Why not try to take advantage of it and use it to your own advantage in the swing states.
KAYE: What about the campaigns? I mean what can they do then? We have 16 days left.
OBEIDALLAH: Yes.
KAYE: How should they reach these uncommitted voters to get that vote?
OBEIDALLAH: I think it's not about public policy anymore. We're going to give them the benefit of the doubt. They know the issues. They know the different candidates. I think our candidates have to go the extra yard. Take a page from reality shows, a little mini dancing with the presidential candidate. Obama-Romney dance-off, they can talk about policy while they're doing it, or maybe like a one day "Celebrity Apprentice" with Donald Trump to see their business acumen.
But in that case, I'm afraid that Trump will fire them both and go like I'm president. That's the only down side to that one.
KAYE: Maybe you could put them on "American Idol" and have the judges take.
OBEIDALLAH: American presidential idol, let them sing everyone goes, they sing a song. I think Obama might get the edge. But it will be an interesting thing to see how that works out. It would be fun.
KAYE: So -- so what do you think? What if they can't make up their minds, and they don't vote come Election Day? What do you make of that?
OBEIDALLAH: I think we taser them. That is my idea. No we can't taser them. I think if you do not vote on Election Day and you love reality shows, you're suspended for one year from voting for "American Idol" or "Dancing with the Stars" if you don't vote for president. There's going to be a teeny penalty to make you go out there and vote. It's too important -- either side, the future of the country.
I hate to say this cliche, it's at stake, but these guys are a stark contrast between the two and the visions of this countries, get out and vote on Election Day.
KAYE: Well, you know, politics is pretty serious. This election is certainly serious, but I appreciate the laughs that you've brought to it, Dean. Thank you.
OBEIDALLAH: Thanks Randi. I try my best. KAYE: That was fun.
OBEIDALLAH: Have a great day.
KAYE: You too.
OBEIDALLAH: Thanks.
KAYE: Now, this is serious money for any political candidate. The Super PAC created by comedian and Comedy Central host Steven Colbert has more than $776,000 in its coffers. Yes, you heard me right. The Super PAC Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow isn't revealing yet what it will do with all that cash.
Cyclist Lance Armstrong making a public appearance right now in Texas after his controversial fall from grace. We're bringing his comments coming up.
But first, a question for all you political junkies watching this morning, before the two major parties took control of the presidential debates in 1988 which group sponsored the debates? If you know the answer, you can tweet me @randikayeCNN; I'll be checking my Twitter feed. The answer right after the break.
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KAYE: Before the break I asked you if you knew the answer to this question. Before the two major parties took control of the presidential debates in 1988 which group sponsored the debates? The answer -- the League of Women Voters and some of you got it right. Check the feed here. The group sponsored the debates in 1976, 1980 and 1984. The very first debate in 1960 was sponsored by the broadcast networks.
And amid all the talk about President Obama and Mitt Romney's recent debate performances we at CNN are pretty darn proud of the performance of one of our own. It turns out the folks at "Saturday Night Live" are also taking notice.
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UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Good evening from Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. I'm Candy Crowley from CNN's "STATE OF THE UNION".
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAYE: Candy Crowley joins me now from Washington. Good to see you, Candy -- great job at the debate this week.
CANDY CROWLEY, CNN HOST: Thanks.
KAYE: "SNL" obviously thought so as well. Both the President and Governor Romney are in a final prep for debate focused on foreign policy. How do you think the attack on the Libyan consulate will shape what we see tomorrow and what we hear tomorrow night? CROWLEY: It definitely has to be sort of one of the major things that they talk about. It also was likely to be where you see a lot of conflict. Obviously, the more this goes on and more people find out about it, the more Republicans look at this and say something is really wrong here, and Democrats as you see, pushing back saying this is all political. The Republicans have been trying to make political hay out of the deaths of four Americans, et cetera. So it's huge.
And I must say that in some ways it makes this foreign policy debate -- a lot of people were complaining why are they having a foreign policy debate at the end when this is an election about the economy? It's still an election about the economy, but the fact is that foreign policy just has a way of cropping up when you least expect it, and certainly this tragedy is one of those ways.
I also expect there will be larger conversations about the role of the U.S. and the global village and Chinese currency and what's going on in Syria, et cetera.
KAYE: A lot to cover, for sure.
This weekend we have seen a slew of newspaper endorsements, as you know. Here's just a partial list showing their support for President Obama. We have the "Cleveland Plain-Dealer", "Salt Lake Tribune", and the "Denver Post"; and then for Governor Romney the (inaudible), the "Las Vegas Review Journal", the "Orlando Sentinel", and the "Dallas Morning News".
Candy, several swing states, Ohio, Colorado, Nevada, Florida, they're represented in these endorsements, but will they sway the voters? That's the question.
CROWLEY: I don't think there's any evidence that voters get swayed too much by the editorials in their newspapers. They tend -- I remember my father growing up, the newspaper in St. Louis would print an editorial about who to vote for. He would run right out and vote for the other person.
So I think in the end people kind of vote for the person they want to in their influences and certainly people read it and think, oh, that's a good point, et cetera. But I think by and large endorsements, whether they come from newspapers or whether they come from other elected officials or from celebrities, they're sort of tangential to the entire picture.
I think most people listen to those things, but they're not as influential as we think, but they do give good press, if you will, to the folks being endorsed. So that's, you know -- that is helpful along the way, particularly in the last 16 days.
KAYE: And also making news in those swing states, this new "USA Today"/Gallup poll where women voters say that abortion is their number one issue in this campaign; 39 percent saying that. I understand you'll be speaking with two female house members today as part of a segment on the women's vote for your show. CROWLEY: Indeed. And I find this fascinating. And because, as you know, folks -- the Republicans have been saying, look, when we talk to women, they're talking about jobs. But as I pointed out when we were looking at it from this morning, just because abortion is an important issue, doesn't mean that these are necessarily those who favor abortion rights. They might as well be women who don't.
So as you know, when you look at the polling on abortion, more people favor abortion in only selected and minimal circumstances or no abortions allowed at all than favor abortions under, you know, sort of broader circumstances, so I don't think it necessarily tells us something completely about how women are going to vote because women don't have a unified view of abortion.
KAYE: That is a very good point. You don't know where they stand even though 39 percent of them say it's their number one issue.
CROWLEY: Right.
KAYE: Candy, thank you.
CROWLEY: Thank you. Talk to you later.
KAYE: All right. And keep it here for "STATE OF THE UNION". It starts in about seven minutes from now, 9:00 a.m. Eastern time this morning.
It's the first public ride since his fall from grace. Find out what Lance Armstrong had to say in a LiveStrong event just moments ago in Austin, Texas.
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KAYE: Welcome back.
Lance Armstrong spoke just moments ago. He's at a charity ride in Austin, Texas, a ride for LiveStrong, the cancer charity that he started but stepped down from this week while surrounded by controversy over alleged doping.
And that's where we find Victor Blackwell this morning. Victor, good morning. So what did Lance have to say?
VICTOR BLACKWELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, he didn't say much, Randi, about the controversy, but he did give an encouraging message to the riders. We're about 30 minutes into this ride, and don't you know it on live television, there are no cyclists behind me, but they had been coming out in waves -- the 100 milers first and the 65 milers and then the people who are riding just 18 miles today.
Minutes before the start the founder of LiveStrong, the now former chairman, Lance Armstrong, gave a short message just about two or three minutes to the group. This is the first time that many of them have seen him since he stepped down as chairman, and also, since the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency made the announcement that they had overwhelming evidence that he doped during the seven Tours de France that he won. Here's a portion of what he said here in Austin.
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LANCE ARMSTRONG, CYCLIST: Obviously it's been interesting, as I said the other night -- at times very difficult two weeks. People ask me a lot how are you doing. And I tell them, I say, well, I have been better, but I have also been worse. And so with that, I'll leave you to have a great ride today. Please be safe. Thank you for your support; 4,300 riders -- the largest ride in Austin's history. So thank you all so much. Live strong, be safe.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: So that's reiterating what he said Friday night at a gala for LiveStrong, a fundraiser, just saying I've been better, but I have also been worse. Now, we've learned that today LiveStrong has raised $1.7 million from this ride. Add that to the $2.5 million they're reporting from Friday night's gala -- a very profitable weekend for the organization that Lance Armstrong was once the chairman of.
We'll find out tomorrow if the organization that governs cycling will indeed take the recommendation from the USADA and strip him of those seven Tour de France titles. We'll also have to hear from the Olympic board if they're going to strip him of his Bronze medal for the Sydney 2000 elections (SIC). And I think we have some cyclists coming in behind us now -- Randi.
KAYE: All right Victor, thank you very much for the update.
And thank you, everybody, for watching today. You can always continue the conversation with me on Twitter. You can find me @randikayeCNN. I hope you enjoy your Sunday.
"STATE OF THE UNION" with Candy Crowley starts now.
