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CNN Saturday Morning News

A Live Reports the Latest on Afghan Election; A Recap of Last Night's Debate

Aired October 09, 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.


(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: The president didn't find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, so he's really turned his campaign into a weapon of mass deception.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: For a while he was a strong supporter of getting rid of Saddam Hussein. He saw the wisdom until the Democratic primary came along.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ERICA HILL, CNN ANCHOR: A fiery exchange in St. Louis last night. We'll have highlights of the second presidential debate, in case you missed it.

Coming to you from CNN Center Global Headquarters, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

It's October 9, 7:00 a.m. in Atlanta, 6:00 a.m. in St. Louis.

Good morning, everyone.

I'm Erica Hill in today for Betty Nguyen.

DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Drew Griffin.

Thanks for being with us.

Let's get right to the news, shall we?

Voter lines very long in Afghanistan, but the country's first post-Taliban election may have a balloting problem. A glitch developing over the ink used to prevent voters from casting more than one ballot. The U.N. claiming the problem has now been corrected but 14 of 16 presidential candidates there have charged fraud. They have announced that they are boycotting this election.

There's word of a deal this morning to end violence in a Baghdad slum. A spokesman for Muqtada al-Sadr says the radical cleric's militia plans to disarm in Sadr City. The militiamen say they will hand over their weapons to Iraqi police starting Monday as part of a deal with Iraqi and U.S. officials who are working on that.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld arriving unannounced this morning in Bahrain, headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet. Rumsfeld will fly to the U.S. aircraft carrier Kennedy in the Persian Gulf to meet with other defense officials from 18 different countries, most of them with troops in Iraq or Afghanistan.

In Israel, an Israeli helicopter fired a missile into a Palestinian refugee camp in northern Gaza this morning. One person reported dead. Earlier, troops fired a rocket into another refugee camp in southern Gaza. Hospital sources say two Palestinian security officers were killed there, six people wounded.

HILL: Among the important issues we're covering this Saturday morning, you heard the candidates speak, but what did they actually say with their posture, gestures and facial expressions? An expert will offer some insights on the winning body language.

And just ahead, a live report from Kabul. Amid this historic moment in Afghan history, rumblings of fraud in the country's first ever direct election.

And then in sports, will the late inning drama in the American League pennant race translate into a late season ratings rally for major league baseball? CNN sports analyst, business analyst Rick Horrow examines that question, plus the handicaps in today's college football when we go "Beyond The Game."

GRIFFIN: Ink is causing a bit of a mess in Afghanistan's first Democratic election. There have been delays in some polling stations as thousands of Afghans cast their ballots.

Our chief international correspondent, Christiane Amanpour, joins us from Kabul with the very latest on the flap -- Christiane.

CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Drew, I don't know if you can pick it out over my shoulder, but the line is very, very short over my shoulder and there is a half an hour to go before the polls close here.

What began as a very exciting day early this morning, we were here as these polls opened, there were literally thousands of people lining up to cast their vote, men and women really eager to take advantage of this historic moment. But what began as so exciting and with such enthusiasm is turning into the very disappointing showing.

Why? Because shortly after the voting began, there were immediate allegations of fraud by the opposition candidates. They started to point out that the ink that was being used on the fingers of the voters to prevent fraud was easily washed off. In other words, it was not indelible.

And then this afternoon, even as the U.N. had brought more batches of ink here, they ran out of ballots at this particular polling station and all the women left about 15 minutes ago and weren't able to cast their vote. What happened, in the mid-afternoon 14 members of the opposition candidates banded together, held a press conference and said that they were going to call for this election to be null and void.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is completely, completely prearranged fraud. We showed it to the whole world two and a half months ago that Mr. Karzai must resign, the election commission must be replaced. Nobody listened to us. They were telling us that we are just saying lies. Now, thank god today was the proof of our request and for our recommendation.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

AMANPOUR: To us here, it looked as if it was quite organized, this boycotting. We saw agents of the political parties come here, announce to the U.N. supervisors, the local Afghans who are here, that the ink was unacceptable and the doors closed at this polling station and many others around this city for several hours, until new batches of ink were brought.

Now, at the moment, the U.N. and the U.S., which is obviously heavily involved in these elections here, officials are in crisis talks, trying to see whether they can resolve this. As one election official said to me, one U.N. official, to see whether they can save the day.

If, indeed, this turns out to be a disputed day; if, indeed, the opposition candidates are allowed to claim this victory of postponing these elections and calling this day null and void, this is going to have a very negative effect. Certainly this election has been watched around the world, in the United States. It's also been one that is highly anticipated by the people of Afghanistan. They have been so eager to vote and the interview that we showed you with the opposition candidate, he is one that represents the old warlords and that is what these people have been trying to get rid of -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Christiane Amanpour from Kabul, interesting.

No violence, but an ink problem developing in Afghanistan on their first vote.

Thank you for that report.

HILL: The top question this morning, who won presidential debate number two? It's an easier question to ask than it is to answer. A CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup flash poll taken after the battle of St. Louis gave John Kerry a 2 percentage point edge over George W. Bush. That's well within the poll's 4 point margin of error. Five hundred fifteen registered voters who watched the debate were asked which candidate did the better job. 47 percent said Kerry; 45 percent said Bush.

Last night's debate covered a wide range of topics, but the Iraq war dominated, as CNN's Judy Woodruff reports.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

JUDY WOODRUFF, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The ground first trod was familiar -- Iraq. George W. Bush kept a theme, accusing his challenger of blowing with the political winds. BUSH: I don't see how you can lead this country in a time of war, in a time of uncertainty, if you change your mind because of politics.

WOODRUFF: And John Kerry charged the president rushed to war, fracturing international alliances in the process.

KERRY: The world is more dangerous today. The world is more dangerous today because the president didn't make the right judgments.

WOODRUFF: Iraq consumed just over a third of the wide ranging debate, as uncommitted voters in the town meeting posed questions on topics ranging from the environment to stem cell research. No surprise, the economy was a favorite focus, with Kerry noting the latest not so rosy jobs figures.

KERRY: Now, the president has presided over the economy where we've lost 1.6 million jobs, the first president in 72 years to lose jobs.

WOODRUFF: As Bush painted his rival as a died in the wool liberal full of promises he wouldn't be able to pay for without raising taxes.

BUSH: Now, either he's going to break all these wonderful promises he's told you about or he's going to raise taxes.

WOODRUFF: Prompting a pledge from Kerry on middle class taxes.

KERRY: Right into the camera, yes. I am not going to raise taxes.

WOODRUFF: The format gave both men a chance to showcase their personal skills, addressing questioners by name, roaming freely around the stage.

BUSH: That answer almost made me want to scowl.

WOODRUFF: But he didn't, at least not much. He smiled a lot and even winked once. The fighting words flew, but the fighting faces were not on display.

Judy Woodruff, CNN, St. Louis.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

HILL: The candidates are back on the campaign trail on this morning after.

National correspondent Frank Buckley is with the John Kerry campaign in Elyria, Ohio -- good morning.

FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Erica.

This is not going to come as breaking news to anyone, but Kerry campaign officials believe that John Kerry won the debate last night. Their view is that Senator Kerry, in the first debate on foreign policy, had to establish his credentials, connect with the voters and show them that he could be commander-in-chief. In last night's debate, they believe that he began to make the case on just how he would lead.

After the debate, Senator Kerry attended a rally with supporters at the St. Louis Art Museum. There he fired up his troops with just three and a half weeks to go before election day.

He also gave us a preview of sorts of the arguments he'll be making in the days ahead and in the next presidential debate coming up next week -- this week.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KERRY: My friends, we need a president of the United States who understands what's happening to the middle class in America with wages that are going down, prices are going up, health care is up, tuitions are up, the gasoline prices are up, the prescription drugs are up, but the wages are down and George Bush thinks everything's OK. I don't and we're going to change that on November 2.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BUCKLEY: And that is part of the argument that Senator Kerry will continue to make, that is, that President Bush can't fix problems if he won't acknowledge them.

Now, we're told that the Kerry campaign last night did their own focus group. You've seen the people with the meters and they've been able to react instantly as they're watching. They believe that Senator Kerry did well on Iraq and they said on some specific domestic issues he did especially well, on his tax pledge, not to raise taxes for people who make less than $200,000 a year and on the making it possible to import prescription drugs from Canada. Those were two particularly high points, they said, in their own metering. As one aide put it, "Our dials are out of the control on domestic issues."

So, of course, that's the Kerry view of the debate. We suspect it's a very different view from the Bush side -- Erica.

HILL: It likely is.

Frank Buckley live for us this morning in Ohio.

We appreciate it.

Thanks.

And speaking of President Bush, he is campaigning today in three Midwestern states, beginning with a Republican breakfast in Missouri. Now, Bush has two rallies this afternoon, the first one in Waterloo, Iowa. The second is in Scott County, Minnesota.

Last night, the president had this assessment of the second presidential debate. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: We had a good debate tonight. There's clear differences of opinion. One thing I hope you could tell is I know what I believe. I know where I need to lead this country to make this world a safer place and a more hopeful place.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HILL: White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux is with the Bush campaign. She'll join us with a live report at 9:00 Eastern on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

GRIFFIN: Well, we really don't care what the Bush or Kerry camps think. But we do care what you think and we hope you'll e-mail us this morning. Our question, in your opinion, who was the winner of last night's debate and why? We've been getting them unsolicited already. Wam@cnn.com. We're going to try to weed out those who are affiliated with the campaigns from the real folks out there.

And while your online, cast your vote for a debate winner on our Web site, cnn.com, under quick vote. We'll be checking the results there.

HILL: So everybody wants to know who the winner was among the undecided voters watching last night's presidential debate. It turns out the results may surprise you.

GRIFFIN: And we have a heartbreaking story about a broken heart. A double tragedy striking a family that already made an ultimate sacrifice.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Here's our top stories at quarter past the hour.

The presidential candidates hitting the campaign trail again today after their second debate last night. A CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll of debate watchers shows Senator Kerry won by a very narrow margin.

Afghanistan holding its first direct Democratic election since the U.S.-led forces ousted the Taliban. President Hamid Karzai favored to win, but other candidates claiming widespread fraud and asking the United Nations to void the election.

British hostage Kenneth Bigley has been beheaded by his captors in Iraq. U.S. officials believe it came after Bigley tried to escape.

Well, how safe are you as schools? The FBI now downplaying a discovery in Iraq on the security of some schools.

Details in our "Terror Watch" later this hour.

HILL: We often hear about someone suffering a broken heart, but it's usually in a movie or a romance novel. Friends and family, though, say they believe an Arizona woman has actually died of a broken heart after her son was killed in Iraq. The two were buried side by side yesterday.

Elizabeth Vall of Tucson affiliate KOVA reports.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

ELIZABETH VALL, KVOA CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's hard to fathom this family's grief, first to lose 25-year-old Army Specialist Robert Unruh, killed in combat in Iraq. Then, only a few days later, to lose his mother, so devastated she collapsed and died.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Both heroes in their own rights and casualties of war.

VALL: Her family says Karen Unruh-Wahrer died of a broken heart. Ironically, her son was part of the 44th Engineering Battalion, whose official crest is a broken heart.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: With a mother and a son dying at the same time, under any circumstances, but especially in this circumstance, our hearts go out and not just from the Army, but I think from the nation.

VALL: In this interview after her son's death, Karen shared how proud she was of her son's service and sacrifice while holding tightly to family pictures and memories.

KAREN UNRUH-WAHRER: And I like this picture because it does show the love between a mother and a son.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He did often speak of his mother. So I'd say her unconditional love had a lot to do, just as it does in my case and other soldiers' cases, with their ability to soldier on.

VALL: The cremated remains of Specialist Unruh were honored side by side with the remains of his mother. After a 21-gun salute, the brigadier general presented Specialist Unruh's Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal. Then the grief stricken family privately interred the remains of mother and son.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: And we say good morning to the White House and Washington this morning.

The first lady hosting a national book festival.

But the big weather is probably going to be in the Gulf of Mexico.

Rob Marciano here with a forecast that is again looking at some kind of tropical blob.

(WEATHER REPORT)

HILL: Time now for our weekly "Rewind" of stories that made headlines this week.

On Tuesday, the closing of a vaccine producing plant in Britain sent ripples across the pond. That plant produces about half the flu vaccine used in the U.S. Officials here are now urging healthy Americans to pass up their influenza shots this year to cope with the vaccine shortage.

On Wednesday, U.S. inspectors issued a final report to Congress on Iraqi weapons. The findings? Saddam Hussein didn't have weapons of mass destruction at the time of the U.S. invasion in 2003, but the report also says Saddam was looking to revive his weapons programs.

Also on Wednesday, scientists lowered the alert level at Mount Saint Helens, saying a major eruption is no longer imminent. Seismic activity at the volcano has dropped.

On Thursday, a series of bombings at an Egyptian resort area killed at least 29 people. Several are still missing. The Sinai resorts are popular with Israeli tourists. Israel had warned its citizens not to go to the area because of potential terror attacks.

And tomorrow, we're going to head in the other direction, fast forwarding to the week ahead and stories to keep an eye out for.

GRIFFIN: Undecided voters weighing in. Their impact on the November vote.

HILL: And the candidates communicate even if they're not talking. What they're saying when CNN SATURDAY MORNING continues.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

HOLLY FIRFER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Stylish sunglasses may be the latest Hollywood trend, but eye doctors warn wearing sunglasses without U.V. protection is actually worse than wearing none at all. Sunglasses block light, which causes pupils to dilate and allow in more harmful rays. Ultraviolet light can contribute to vision problems like cataracts and even skin cancer.

To get the best pair of shades, check for the label to ensure U.V. protection. And don't be fooled by a dark colored lens. It's a clear chemical coating, not a tint, that's responsible for blocking those U.V. rays.

Holly Firfer, CNN, Atlanta.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: If you are watching, you heard what the candidates told you last night. Find out what they did not put in words.

Welcome back.

I'm Drew Griffin at CNN Headquarters in Atlanta.

HILL: And I'm Erica Hill.

A look at the body language in last night's debate in a minute.

But first, our top stories.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is in the Middle East to meet with his counterparts from 18 countries aboard an aircraft carrier in the Gulf. They'll be talking about the security situation in Iraq prior to the planned January election.

There is new violence in northern and southern Gaza. Palestinian security forces say one person was killed when an Israeli helicopter fired a missile into a Palestinian refugee camp in northern Gaza. Earlier, the Israeli military fired a rocket in southern Gaza, killing two Palestinian security members. Israel says it is targeting Palestinian terrorists.

Now, the U.S. presidential debate. A CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll of debate watchers shows Senator Kerry was the winner by a very slim margin. 47 percent of viewers said Kerry did a better job. 45 percent picked President Bush. The pollster says that is actually a statistical tie.

Tropical storm Matthew is dumping rain and causing flooding in parts of Louisiana. Matthew is about 270 miles east-southeast of Brownsville, Texas. It's packing 45 mile an hour winds and could make landfill along the Alabama coast Monday morning.

GRIFFIN: Now back to the presidential debate.

As you heard, a snap poll shows John Kerry did a slightly better job than President Bush last night. But what exactly connected with voters, especially those who say they haven't made up their minds yet?

Well, CNN's Bill Hemmer watched the debate with some undecideds, measuring their reactions.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): On the campus of Ohio State University, 24 mostly undecided men and women formed their own town hall meeting. Among them, retired teachers and homemakers, a jeweler, a student and a landscaper.

Rating the candidates on a scale from one to 10 using handheld meters, the women were registered in yellow, the men in blue.

The president received a significant spike when he was asked about the draft.

BUSH: We're not going to have a draft, period. The all volunteer army works. It works particularly when we pay our troops well. It works when we make sure they've got housing, like we have done in the last military budgets. HEMMER: Several minutes later, Senator Kerry impressed our voters when he made a promise directly to the camera.

KERRY: I am not going to raise taxes. I have a tax cut and here's my tax cut. I raised the child care credit by $1,000 for families to help them be able to take care of their kids. I have a $4,000 tuition tax credit that goes to parents and kids, if they're earning for themselves, to be able to pay for college.

HEMMER: Throughout the 90 minute format, men in general gave Senator Kerry higher marks and the women rated President Bush higher. Some say they were swayed by the candidates. Others, though, still needed to hear more.

JON MORRIS, EMOTIONAL RESPONSE MODELING: We find that the people are very, very either negative against Bush or very positive for Bush. On the other hand, with Kerry, we find about four different distinct groups. People are positive, some are a little less excited about him, some people are negative about him.

LARRY BOBB, INSURANCE AGENT: I think there again Bush stuck with what he said he was going to do, what his message has been all along. And I think Kerry, there again, was on a negative attack.

WESLEY CLARKSON, CLERICAL WORKER: He straight up lied to the American people tonight, like he did on the war in terrorism.

HEMMER: In the end, 11 in our group said Senator Kerry won this debate, 11 said President Bush won and two said it was a tie, a sample that mirrors the tight race across the nation.

Bill Hemmer, CNN, Columbus, Ohio.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

HILL: If you're still undecided or if maybe you spent your Friday night some other way or just want another look, you can watch CNN's encore presentation of the second presidential debate. We'll re-air it today at 2:00 p.m. Eastern.

GRIFFIN: What can we learn about the candidates from their gestures, their expressions, body language?

The author of "Complete Confidence" is here with some answers.

That is the book of Sheenah Hankin.

And she joins us from our studios in New York.

Good morning, Sheenah.

SHEENAH HANKIN, AUTHOR, "COMPLETE CONFIDENCE": Good morning, Drew.

GRIFFIN: You stayed up and watched, I assume.

HANKIN: Oh, every second. Every second.

GRIFFIN: I missed the last seconds, I must admit. But, you know, this was really an interesting class in acting. These guys got up there waving their arms. It was like who could control the room more than the other.

HANKIN: Yes, it really was. And I think they both did much better. They got higher grades on who owns the room, who's the most friendly. You know, undecided voters want to like the person they vote for. That's what matters most.

We trust people we like. It's not always the right decision, but we feel better about it.

GRIFFIN: Debate number one, the president was seen off camera scowling and in this debate, he had a little answer to that. He said that answer almost made me scowl, as he was smiling. He learned from the first debate?

HANKIN: Yes, and he learned to bring back his humor, for which he's known. There were three things he didn't do that was much better, and the same for Kerry. He didn't narrow his eyes and sort of, you know, scowl like he does. He didn't lick his lips. If anyone ever notices, you'll see it on the campaign, George Bush licks his lips when he's anxious. That is a clue. And he didn't, he didn't forget that, you know, he is trying to be a nice guy instead of scowling and looking angry.

Kerry didn't do something that I really think took some training to make him give up. He failed a couple of times. He didn't point his very large fingers, huge hands, you know, right in your face. I think that's kind of scary. He didn't look down. He's a very tall, commanding man, like a principal telling us what to do. And he did manage to sort of look healthier. You know, he tends to look tired and that tan and that white shirt, he looks a lot less fatigued.

GRIFFIN: The other thing I saw John Kerry doing more and more and more as the debate went on, with as the thumbs up finger when he's making a point. Maybe he was doing that instead of pointing.

HANKIN: Yes, he was doing a lot of, you know, things are better and things are worse and using the fist rather than, you know, a finger. And it was interesting with Bush, because he looked like Tony Soprano. Did you notice that? Nodding his head and really sort of reaching for us and putting his hand on his gut in that kind of Italian warm manner when it really came from the heart.

GRIFFIN: Well, who do you want leading the country, a mob boss or a professor from Harvard is the question?

HANKIN: Good question.

GRIFFIN: Overall, was it a tie in terms of who was using the body language to their advantage?

HANKIN: Very much so. I think it's really going to come down to who you like the most. And I don't think anyone could say who won this debate. Both got an A from me, anyway, on doing better.

GRIFFIN: Terrific.

Sheenah Hankin, thank you so much for joining us from New York and good luck with your book.

HANKIN: Thank you so much.

GRIFFIN: Bye-bye.

HILL: Some news just coming into us now out of Iraq. We're hearing the Mahdi Army in the Sadr City neighborhood of Baghdad is going to hand over their weapons.

Joining us now with more on this developing story is CNN's Brent Sadler live in Baghdad -- good afternoon to you there.

BRENT SADLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Erica.

Yes, information coming confirmed by the Iraqi interim government that Monday should see the beginning of the hand over of weapons by the Mahdi Army, led by Muqtada al-Sadr, the renegade Shia cleric.

Now, this initiative has been accepted by the government. It's come from Muqtada al-Sadr's side. And it would see, over a five day period, thousands, it's hoped, of weapons, mortars, rocket propelled grenades, heavy machine guns and explosives being handed over to the central government of Iraq.

Sadr City home to about two million Iraqi Shias on the slum district, on the outside of the Iraqi capital. There's been intense fighting there over many, many weeks. And this deal should go ahead in terms of the acceptance of this initiative would really be, in the words of the national security adviser here, Kassem Daoud, a breakthrough and a big achievement, he says, toward consolidating national unity in Iraq.

In exchange for an end to the weeks of bitter fighting, the Mahdi Army could enjoy an amnesty deal in terms of those who do not have blood on their hands. And it would also see Iraqi police and Iraqi security forces in the form of the army taking control of that rebel stronghold.

So a breakthrough development here expected to start in 48 hours affecting fighting in Sadr City -- Erica.

HILL: Brent, though, the main question I have for you is why now? What prompted the Mahdi Army now to say OK, let's make a deal?

SADLER: Well, this deal -- and it's not being called a deal. It's an initiative from one side. The government isn't signing up to anything. It's accepting an initiative. But weeks of pressure, military pressure, has been applied to Sadr City, eroding the fighting strength of the Sadr militants in that city and also attempts, very serious attempts by the government to engage Muqtada al-Sadr into political dialogue in the mainstream here. So a carrot and stick approach, they believe, has now borne fruit.

HILL: And we'll be seeing more of it, as you said, in the next 48 hours.

Brent Sadler live for us in Baghdad.

Thanks.

GRIFFIN: Interesting developments there.

But should we go on to our e-mail question. In your opinion, who won the debate last night and why? That is our e-mail question. You can send your response to wam@cnn.com. And while online, why not go to cnn.com and cast a quick vote for the debate winner? We'll report on the results later on.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, COURTESY CBS/WORLDWIDE PANTS)

DAVID LETTERMAN, HOST: Tonight's topic for the debate was domestic policy. And George W. Bush was very proud about this one point. He took credit for toppling Jay Leno.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: It's been going on for three months, still going. Our legal analysts weighing in on Scott Peterson's trial next hour on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: That's a live shot of St. Louis, Missouri this morning. Do a good job conserving energy there, as they have a lights dimmed a bit after a spirited debate last night. It's going to be quiet and sunny maybe for you this weekend. We'll have the forecast 15 minutes from now.

Now, the latest terrorism related developments.

A U.S. grand jury indicted a British computer specialist. Babar Ahmad, accused of using U.S.-based Web sites to recruit terrorists. He is being held at a London area prison. In a letter published in a British newspaper, Ahmed didn't comment directly on the case, but suggests the U.S. would abuse his rights if he is extradited.

The FBI downplaying now a recent discovery in Iraq. The U.S. military found computer disks containing data on schools in six U.S. states. The FBI says there's no direct threat and no evidence of any terror plot involving those schools.

Egyptian and Israeli officials still searching for victims after a series of bombings in the Sinai Peninsula. The Thursday attack struck an Egyptian resort that's popular with Israeli tourists. At least 29 people are dead, more than 30 missing. U.S. officials say several American citizens were also injured. They're still trying to account for all the Americans who might have been in that area at the time.

HILL: Here are the other stories in the news this morning.

Anguish and anger spelled out in 625 pages. Newly released documents concerning rape allegations against Kobe Bryant. Within the document, the day after the alleged incident, the alleged victim tearfully told her mother the NBA player raped her. While criminal charges against Bryant were dropped last month, the woman is still planning to pursue a civil suit.

Putting flu vaccine in the hands of those who need it -- the maker of Flu Mist, a new nasal influenza preparation, says it will nearly double the doses it makes because of this year's shortage of shots. Medimmune says it will supply two million doses of the non- needle vaccine. The extra product could be available to the public by late November. Flu Mist, by the way, is only approved for healthy people between the ages of five and 49.

In California, just what is the meaning of matrimony? In a legal opinion aimed at appeasing both sides in the gay marriage debate, the state's attorney general says laws limiting marriage to a man and a woman do not violate California's constitution. But the state's top lawyer also said voters or the state legislature could choose to change the traditional understanding of matrimony.

And in Boston, they're bringing out the brooms. The Red Sox sweep their series with the Anaheim Angels 3-0. This monster mash from David Ortiz in the 10th inning gave Boston an 8-6 victory. Next up, after a three day rest, the Red Sox will play the winner of the Minnesota Twins series. They, of course, are facing off against the New York Yankees.

GRIFFIN: We won't know until then who the Red Sox will play, but one thing is certain. The TV ratings here are spiking. A smiling Rick Horrow will join us "Beyond The Game." He's next on CNN SATURDAY MORNING -- hey, Rick.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HILL: All right, time now to go "Beyond The Game" for a deeper look at sports.

CNN sports business analyst Rick Horrow is the author of "When The Game Is On The Line."

Rick joins us every weekend to go "Beyond The Game."

And good to have you with us again this Saturday.

RICK HORROW, CNN SPORTS BUSINESS ANALYST: Good morning.

How are you? HILL: I'm doing well.

And I have a feeling some other folks around the country are going to be doing very well if their teams win. This is a huge day for college football.

HORROW: Well, it's the earliest big time teams play each other in college football history, all of those games. And it's exciting. The Red River shootout in Dallas, with Oklahoma and Texas, a $30 million impact on the Dallas economy, two grand a ticket on eBay and $600 for a golf tournament if these guys want to play each other on the links.

Then you've got a game over in the West, where Southern Cal is playing and entertaining California, which is also great because of the dollars that are being spent at the coliseum for their stadium. It may also help them land an NFL team. A sell out is not going to hurt either. Finally, on the East Coast, where Tennessee plays Georgia, it's a big game for a renovation of their stadium, but also fans are coming five, seven, nine miles away to part. That explains the $50 ticket for R.V. parking.

A $5 billion business in college football. This kind of weekend it's easy to see why.

HILL: Absolutely incredible. Let me tell you, having some neighbors in Atlanta, it's easy to see why, too, all those Georgia fans that I've met.

HORROW: Of course.

HILL: Baseball playoffs also pretty exciting. The Sox have won. A lot of people out there are hoping for a Sox-Yankees match up.

HORROW: Well, that may come later. But it's a $2.5 billion reason why baseball is excited. That's the TV number that comes in. And this is a season on the brink -- a 24 percent decrease in World Series ratings last year. These ratings are pretty good.

The Cubs, though, didn't make it. The Dodgers are teetering. But people are looking for the Red Sox-Yankee win -- or match up. But you know who's winning? It's the kids and the people that want to watch baseball again. Ortiz's home run, that happened about 8:00 Eastern time last night. It invigorated people and now the Red Sox are halfway home to the World Series.

HILL: Prime ratings time for that one.

All right, we know you have some major debating credentials there, Rick. So we have to ask you, how did the candidates do last night?

HORROW: Before we do it, let me get intellectual here, all right? That's important.

HILL: You look much smarter with the glasses. HORROW: Well, does that sound -- are you saying I look dumb without it?

HILL: No, no. Not at all. Not at all.

HORROW: We'll have to talk about that later on.

Well, here is the bottom line. The candidates clearly went to the school of rehearsing barbs. Look at the senator's comment about weapons of mass deception for the president. The president talking about a flip-flop statement making him scowl. Notwithstanding, beyond that, it was a victory for the process -- two minutes, a minute and a half rebuttal. And we all know that when we get worked up about arguments and we face each other, it's a lot clearer. So we're going to hear pundits talk about experience, engagement, high spirited debate. The stakes are higher. That's a big deal, as long as it's clear, people understand it. I think the process won last night. And from an entertainment perspective, it was a home run.

HILL: It was very entertaining, I'll definitely give you that.

All right, take the glasses off.

Back to sports for just a minute.

HORROW: Got it.

HILL: We need you to check in with the "Foul Ball" and the "Fair Ball" of the week.

HORROW: An unfortunate "Foul Ball," Ken Caminiti, the former Houston Astor MVP, maybe the best player in the history of that team, was convicted of cocaine possession, went on probation. He admitted he relapsed. He just served 180 days. It's kind of unfortunate because the Braves and the Astros are playing in the playoffs at Minute Maid Park today and it's just not one of those things that's good for baseball, honestly.

HILL: And our "Fair Ball?"

HORROW: Well, the "Fair Ball" is a good comment, a good story. It's the NFL. They just signed a couple of deals, including Monster Cable, a four year, $6 million deal to rename Candlestick Park for the 49ers who, by the way, are 0 and 4. So, clearly, the NFL drew that deal to a conclusion, not the Niners. On the heels of tomorrow, by the way, the New England Patriots are going to beat the consecutive game winning streak at 19 against the hapless Miami Dolphins, my team, tomorrow, probably. What happens is the NFL celebrates another victory story in Boston, a new stadium leads to excitement and that's what the NFL is all about, as well.

HILL: All right, well, keep your fingers crossed for your boys, the Pats, there.

Rick, good to have you with us.

The glasses work either way. It's up to you.

HORROW: I'll talk to you next week.

HILL: Thanks.

GRIFFIN: All right, you two, pardon us for trotting out this tired catchphrase one more time. But who let the dogs out, huh? Who? Who? As you'll see when we return, it's a relevant question at a London animal shelter.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RASCAL FLATTS: It feels like today, I know. It feels like today...

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HILL: If you haven't heard his name yet, it won't be the first time. It's Rascal Flatts. His title song, "It Feels Like Today" tops the Billboard chart this week. Also making the top five, Hillary Duff, Ciara, I think that's how you say her name, Green Day and Nelly.

GRIFFIN: Today's "Wows of the Week" begin in London. A flash pillow fight -- dozens of people heeded the secret e-mails and text messages to meet at an appointed place at a certain time and then, well, have a pillow fight. Kind of weird. They did it in New York a little while ago.

In Ukraine, high notes deep down -- the magnificent acoustics of a large salt mine struck a chord with classical music buffs at a benefit concert outside Kiev -- the cavernous hall nearly 1,000 feet below ground. Bring a sweater. Working out the logistics of getting instruments, musicians and audience down there took more than a year.

Finally, the cunning canine caper one last time. Workers at an animal shelter in Britain couldn't understand who let the dogs out. So they set up a surveillance camera. It turns out one particularly clever pooch had masterminded the locking mechanism. As soon as the coast was clear, Red would let his pals loose and they'd all trot out and raid the pantry.

HILL: Smart guy, that Red, huh?

GRIFFIN: Clever, I think we'd call it.

HILL: Rather clever, yes, rather.

GRIFFIN: Well, Rob Marciano, can you top that?

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: You know, that's almost like something you'd see in an animated movie or a cartoon or something.

GRIFFIN: Wasn't there a movie set -- like a Disney thing. "Pooch and the Hound," or something like that? MARCIANO: No. I think it was...

HILL: "Lady and the Tramp."

MARCIANO: Is that what happened?

GRIFFIN: "Lady and the Tramp." Also known as "Pooch and the Hound."

HILL: Yes, yes.

MARCIANO: You're showing your age there, Drew.

HILL: Why don't we toss it over to you -- Rob.

MARCIANO: All right, guys, good morning again.

(WEATHER REPORT)

HILL: Well...

GRIFFIN: Yes.

HILL: Checking a little on the e-mail, shall we?

GRIFFIN: Let's do it.

HILL: We asked you who you thought -- what you thought of the presidential debate last night, if you watched it.

And we're hearing from some of you this morning.

H.R. Inman tells us well, they thought the debate was pretty intense, good questions, mostly on important issues, saying Bush did a lot better this time around. Technically, probably, saying that Kerry won, but Bush's performance was the best I ever saw him do in a debate situation. Keep it coming.

GRIFFIN: We're getting flooded with these e-mails, I must tell you.

This is from Durham, North Carolina. Kim says: "Kerry absolutely won this debate. He was firm, intelligent, charismatic and seemed truly enthusiastic about his plans for the future. Kerry in a landslide," so says Kim in Durham, North Carolina.

And we encourage you to keep on writing to us at wam@cnn.com. And you can check out our instant poll there of who won the debate, right there on our Web site, cnn.com. Just click on there and you get a poll result that is not readable at this moment.

HILL: It looks like John Kerry 70 plus percent. But that's with me squinting, so, you'll just have to go to the Web site to check it out folks.

The next hour... GRIFFIN: A non-scientific poll.

HILL: Non-scientific is right.

GRIFFIN: That's right.

HILL: But we appreciate the votes all the same.

The next hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING begins right now.

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 October 9, 2004 - 07:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: The president didn't find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, so he's really turned his campaign into a weapon of mass deception.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: For a while he was a strong supporter of getting rid of Saddam Hussein. He saw the wisdom until the Democratic primary came along.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ERICA HILL, CNN ANCHOR: A fiery exchange in St. Louis last night. We'll have highlights of the second presidential debate, in case you missed it.

Coming to you from CNN Center Global Headquarters, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

It's October 9, 7:00 a.m. in Atlanta, 6:00 a.m. in St. Louis.

Good morning, everyone.

I'm Erica Hill in today for Betty Nguyen.

DREW GRIFFIN, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Drew Griffin.

Thanks for being with us.

Let's get right to the news, shall we?

Voter lines very long in Afghanistan, but the country's first post-Taliban election may have a balloting problem. A glitch developing over the ink used to prevent voters from casting more than one ballot. The U.N. claiming the problem has now been corrected but 14 of 16 presidential candidates there have charged fraud. They have announced that they are boycotting this election.

There's word of a deal this morning to end violence in a Baghdad slum. A spokesman for Muqtada al-Sadr says the radical cleric's militia plans to disarm in Sadr City. The militiamen say they will hand over their weapons to Iraqi police starting Monday as part of a deal with Iraqi and U.S. officials who are working on that.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld arriving unannounced this morning in Bahrain, headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet. Rumsfeld will fly to the U.S. aircraft carrier Kennedy in the Persian Gulf to meet with other defense officials from 18 different countries, most of them with troops in Iraq or Afghanistan.

In Israel, an Israeli helicopter fired a missile into a Palestinian refugee camp in northern Gaza this morning. One person reported dead. Earlier, troops fired a rocket into another refugee camp in southern Gaza. Hospital sources say two Palestinian security officers were killed there, six people wounded.

HILL: Among the important issues we're covering this Saturday morning, you heard the candidates speak, but what did they actually say with their posture, gestures and facial expressions? An expert will offer some insights on the winning body language.

And just ahead, a live report from Kabul. Amid this historic moment in Afghan history, rumblings of fraud in the country's first ever direct election.

And then in sports, will the late inning drama in the American League pennant race translate into a late season ratings rally for major league baseball? CNN sports analyst, business analyst Rick Horrow examines that question, plus the handicaps in today's college football when we go "Beyond The Game."

GRIFFIN: Ink is causing a bit of a mess in Afghanistan's first Democratic election. There have been delays in some polling stations as thousands of Afghans cast their ballots.

Our chief international correspondent, Christiane Amanpour, joins us from Kabul with the very latest on the flap -- Christiane.

CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Drew, I don't know if you can pick it out over my shoulder, but the line is very, very short over my shoulder and there is a half an hour to go before the polls close here.

What began as a very exciting day early this morning, we were here as these polls opened, there were literally thousands of people lining up to cast their vote, men and women really eager to take advantage of this historic moment. But what began as so exciting and with such enthusiasm is turning into the very disappointing showing.

Why? Because shortly after the voting began, there were immediate allegations of fraud by the opposition candidates. They started to point out that the ink that was being used on the fingers of the voters to prevent fraud was easily washed off. In other words, it was not indelible.

And then this afternoon, even as the U.N. had brought more batches of ink here, they ran out of ballots at this particular polling station and all the women left about 15 minutes ago and weren't able to cast their vote. What happened, in the mid-afternoon 14 members of the opposition candidates banded together, held a press conference and said that they were going to call for this election to be null and void.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is completely, completely prearranged fraud. We showed it to the whole world two and a half months ago that Mr. Karzai must resign, the election commission must be replaced. Nobody listened to us. They were telling us that we are just saying lies. Now, thank god today was the proof of our request and for our recommendation.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

AMANPOUR: To us here, it looked as if it was quite organized, this boycotting. We saw agents of the political parties come here, announce to the U.N. supervisors, the local Afghans who are here, that the ink was unacceptable and the doors closed at this polling station and many others around this city for several hours, until new batches of ink were brought.

Now, at the moment, the U.N. and the U.S., which is obviously heavily involved in these elections here, officials are in crisis talks, trying to see whether they can resolve this. As one election official said to me, one U.N. official, to see whether they can save the day.

If, indeed, this turns out to be a disputed day; if, indeed, the opposition candidates are allowed to claim this victory of postponing these elections and calling this day null and void, this is going to have a very negative effect. Certainly this election has been watched around the world, in the United States. It's also been one that is highly anticipated by the people of Afghanistan. They have been so eager to vote and the interview that we showed you with the opposition candidate, he is one that represents the old warlords and that is what these people have been trying to get rid of -- Drew.

GRIFFIN: Christiane Amanpour from Kabul, interesting.

No violence, but an ink problem developing in Afghanistan on their first vote.

Thank you for that report.

HILL: The top question this morning, who won presidential debate number two? It's an easier question to ask than it is to answer. A CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup flash poll taken after the battle of St. Louis gave John Kerry a 2 percentage point edge over George W. Bush. That's well within the poll's 4 point margin of error. Five hundred fifteen registered voters who watched the debate were asked which candidate did the better job. 47 percent said Kerry; 45 percent said Bush.

Last night's debate covered a wide range of topics, but the Iraq war dominated, as CNN's Judy Woodruff reports.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

JUDY WOODRUFF, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The ground first trod was familiar -- Iraq. George W. Bush kept a theme, accusing his challenger of blowing with the political winds. BUSH: I don't see how you can lead this country in a time of war, in a time of uncertainty, if you change your mind because of politics.

WOODRUFF: And John Kerry charged the president rushed to war, fracturing international alliances in the process.

KERRY: The world is more dangerous today. The world is more dangerous today because the president didn't make the right judgments.

WOODRUFF: Iraq consumed just over a third of the wide ranging debate, as uncommitted voters in the town meeting posed questions on topics ranging from the environment to stem cell research. No surprise, the economy was a favorite focus, with Kerry noting the latest not so rosy jobs figures.

KERRY: Now, the president has presided over the economy where we've lost 1.6 million jobs, the first president in 72 years to lose jobs.

WOODRUFF: As Bush painted his rival as a died in the wool liberal full of promises he wouldn't be able to pay for without raising taxes.

BUSH: Now, either he's going to break all these wonderful promises he's told you about or he's going to raise taxes.

WOODRUFF: Prompting a pledge from Kerry on middle class taxes.

KERRY: Right into the camera, yes. I am not going to raise taxes.

WOODRUFF: The format gave both men a chance to showcase their personal skills, addressing questioners by name, roaming freely around the stage.

BUSH: That answer almost made me want to scowl.

WOODRUFF: But he didn't, at least not much. He smiled a lot and even winked once. The fighting words flew, but the fighting faces were not on display.

Judy Woodruff, CNN, St. Louis.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

HILL: The candidates are back on the campaign trail on this morning after.

National correspondent Frank Buckley is with the John Kerry campaign in Elyria, Ohio -- good morning.

FRANK BUCKLEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Erica.

This is not going to come as breaking news to anyone, but Kerry campaign officials believe that John Kerry won the debate last night. Their view is that Senator Kerry, in the first debate on foreign policy, had to establish his credentials, connect with the voters and show them that he could be commander-in-chief. In last night's debate, they believe that he began to make the case on just how he would lead.

After the debate, Senator Kerry attended a rally with supporters at the St. Louis Art Museum. There he fired up his troops with just three and a half weeks to go before election day.

He also gave us a preview of sorts of the arguments he'll be making in the days ahead and in the next presidential debate coming up next week -- this week.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KERRY: My friends, we need a president of the United States who understands what's happening to the middle class in America with wages that are going down, prices are going up, health care is up, tuitions are up, the gasoline prices are up, the prescription drugs are up, but the wages are down and George Bush thinks everything's OK. I don't and we're going to change that on November 2.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BUCKLEY: And that is part of the argument that Senator Kerry will continue to make, that is, that President Bush can't fix problems if he won't acknowledge them.

Now, we're told that the Kerry campaign last night did their own focus group. You've seen the people with the meters and they've been able to react instantly as they're watching. They believe that Senator Kerry did well on Iraq and they said on some specific domestic issues he did especially well, on his tax pledge, not to raise taxes for people who make less than $200,000 a year and on the making it possible to import prescription drugs from Canada. Those were two particularly high points, they said, in their own metering. As one aide put it, "Our dials are out of the control on domestic issues."

So, of course, that's the Kerry view of the debate. We suspect it's a very different view from the Bush side -- Erica.

HILL: It likely is.

Frank Buckley live for us this morning in Ohio.

We appreciate it.

Thanks.

And speaking of President Bush, he is campaigning today in three Midwestern states, beginning with a Republican breakfast in Missouri. Now, Bush has two rallies this afternoon, the first one in Waterloo, Iowa. The second is in Scott County, Minnesota.

Last night, the president had this assessment of the second presidential debate. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BUSH: We had a good debate tonight. There's clear differences of opinion. One thing I hope you could tell is I know what I believe. I know where I need to lead this country to make this world a safer place and a more hopeful place.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HILL: White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux is with the Bush campaign. She'll join us with a live report at 9:00 Eastern on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

GRIFFIN: Well, we really don't care what the Bush or Kerry camps think. But we do care what you think and we hope you'll e-mail us this morning. Our question, in your opinion, who was the winner of last night's debate and why? We've been getting them unsolicited already. Wam@cnn.com. We're going to try to weed out those who are affiliated with the campaigns from the real folks out there.

And while your online, cast your vote for a debate winner on our Web site, cnn.com, under quick vote. We'll be checking the results there.

HILL: So everybody wants to know who the winner was among the undecided voters watching last night's presidential debate. It turns out the results may surprise you.

GRIFFIN: And we have a heartbreaking story about a broken heart. A double tragedy striking a family that already made an ultimate sacrifice.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: Here's our top stories at quarter past the hour.

The presidential candidates hitting the campaign trail again today after their second debate last night. A CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll of debate watchers shows Senator Kerry won by a very narrow margin.

Afghanistan holding its first direct Democratic election since the U.S.-led forces ousted the Taliban. President Hamid Karzai favored to win, but other candidates claiming widespread fraud and asking the United Nations to void the election.

British hostage Kenneth Bigley has been beheaded by his captors in Iraq. U.S. officials believe it came after Bigley tried to escape.

Well, how safe are you as schools? The FBI now downplaying a discovery in Iraq on the security of some schools.

Details in our "Terror Watch" later this hour.

HILL: We often hear about someone suffering a broken heart, but it's usually in a movie or a romance novel. Friends and family, though, say they believe an Arizona woman has actually died of a broken heart after her son was killed in Iraq. The two were buried side by side yesterday.

Elizabeth Vall of Tucson affiliate KOVA reports.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

ELIZABETH VALL, KVOA CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's hard to fathom this family's grief, first to lose 25-year-old Army Specialist Robert Unruh, killed in combat in Iraq. Then, only a few days later, to lose his mother, so devastated she collapsed and died.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Both heroes in their own rights and casualties of war.

VALL: Her family says Karen Unruh-Wahrer died of a broken heart. Ironically, her son was part of the 44th Engineering Battalion, whose official crest is a broken heart.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: With a mother and a son dying at the same time, under any circumstances, but especially in this circumstance, our hearts go out and not just from the Army, but I think from the nation.

VALL: In this interview after her son's death, Karen shared how proud she was of her son's service and sacrifice while holding tightly to family pictures and memories.

KAREN UNRUH-WAHRER: And I like this picture because it does show the love between a mother and a son.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He did often speak of his mother. So I'd say her unconditional love had a lot to do, just as it does in my case and other soldiers' cases, with their ability to soldier on.

VALL: The cremated remains of Specialist Unruh were honored side by side with the remains of his mother. After a 21-gun salute, the brigadier general presented Specialist Unruh's Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal. Then the grief stricken family privately interred the remains of mother and son.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: And we say good morning to the White House and Washington this morning.

The first lady hosting a national book festival.

But the big weather is probably going to be in the Gulf of Mexico.

Rob Marciano here with a forecast that is again looking at some kind of tropical blob.

(WEATHER REPORT)

HILL: Time now for our weekly "Rewind" of stories that made headlines this week.

On Tuesday, the closing of a vaccine producing plant in Britain sent ripples across the pond. That plant produces about half the flu vaccine used in the U.S. Officials here are now urging healthy Americans to pass up their influenza shots this year to cope with the vaccine shortage.

On Wednesday, U.S. inspectors issued a final report to Congress on Iraqi weapons. The findings? Saddam Hussein didn't have weapons of mass destruction at the time of the U.S. invasion in 2003, but the report also says Saddam was looking to revive his weapons programs.

Also on Wednesday, scientists lowered the alert level at Mount Saint Helens, saying a major eruption is no longer imminent. Seismic activity at the volcano has dropped.

On Thursday, a series of bombings at an Egyptian resort area killed at least 29 people. Several are still missing. The Sinai resorts are popular with Israeli tourists. Israel had warned its citizens not to go to the area because of potential terror attacks.

And tomorrow, we're going to head in the other direction, fast forwarding to the week ahead and stories to keep an eye out for.

GRIFFIN: Undecided voters weighing in. Their impact on the November vote.

HILL: And the candidates communicate even if they're not talking. What they're saying when CNN SATURDAY MORNING continues.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

HOLLY FIRFER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Stylish sunglasses may be the latest Hollywood trend, but eye doctors warn wearing sunglasses without U.V. protection is actually worse than wearing none at all. Sunglasses block light, which causes pupils to dilate and allow in more harmful rays. Ultraviolet light can contribute to vision problems like cataracts and even skin cancer.

To get the best pair of shades, check for the label to ensure U.V. protection. And don't be fooled by a dark colored lens. It's a clear chemical coating, not a tint, that's responsible for blocking those U.V. rays.

Holly Firfer, CNN, Atlanta.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: If you are watching, you heard what the candidates told you last night. Find out what they did not put in words.

Welcome back.

I'm Drew Griffin at CNN Headquarters in Atlanta.

HILL: And I'm Erica Hill.

A look at the body language in last night's debate in a minute.

But first, our top stories.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is in the Middle East to meet with his counterparts from 18 countries aboard an aircraft carrier in the Gulf. They'll be talking about the security situation in Iraq prior to the planned January election.

There is new violence in northern and southern Gaza. Palestinian security forces say one person was killed when an Israeli helicopter fired a missile into a Palestinian refugee camp in northern Gaza. Earlier, the Israeli military fired a rocket in southern Gaza, killing two Palestinian security members. Israel says it is targeting Palestinian terrorists.

Now, the U.S. presidential debate. A CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll of debate watchers shows Senator Kerry was the winner by a very slim margin. 47 percent of viewers said Kerry did a better job. 45 percent picked President Bush. The pollster says that is actually a statistical tie.

Tropical storm Matthew is dumping rain and causing flooding in parts of Louisiana. Matthew is about 270 miles east-southeast of Brownsville, Texas. It's packing 45 mile an hour winds and could make landfill along the Alabama coast Monday morning.

GRIFFIN: Now back to the presidential debate.

As you heard, a snap poll shows John Kerry did a slightly better job than President Bush last night. But what exactly connected with voters, especially those who say they haven't made up their minds yet?

Well, CNN's Bill Hemmer watched the debate with some undecideds, measuring their reactions.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): On the campus of Ohio State University, 24 mostly undecided men and women formed their own town hall meeting. Among them, retired teachers and homemakers, a jeweler, a student and a landscaper.

Rating the candidates on a scale from one to 10 using handheld meters, the women were registered in yellow, the men in blue.

The president received a significant spike when he was asked about the draft.

BUSH: We're not going to have a draft, period. The all volunteer army works. It works particularly when we pay our troops well. It works when we make sure they've got housing, like we have done in the last military budgets. HEMMER: Several minutes later, Senator Kerry impressed our voters when he made a promise directly to the camera.

KERRY: I am not going to raise taxes. I have a tax cut and here's my tax cut. I raised the child care credit by $1,000 for families to help them be able to take care of their kids. I have a $4,000 tuition tax credit that goes to parents and kids, if they're earning for themselves, to be able to pay for college.

HEMMER: Throughout the 90 minute format, men in general gave Senator Kerry higher marks and the women rated President Bush higher. Some say they were swayed by the candidates. Others, though, still needed to hear more.

JON MORRIS, EMOTIONAL RESPONSE MODELING: We find that the people are very, very either negative against Bush or very positive for Bush. On the other hand, with Kerry, we find about four different distinct groups. People are positive, some are a little less excited about him, some people are negative about him.

LARRY BOBB, INSURANCE AGENT: I think there again Bush stuck with what he said he was going to do, what his message has been all along. And I think Kerry, there again, was on a negative attack.

WESLEY CLARKSON, CLERICAL WORKER: He straight up lied to the American people tonight, like he did on the war in terrorism.

HEMMER: In the end, 11 in our group said Senator Kerry won this debate, 11 said President Bush won and two said it was a tie, a sample that mirrors the tight race across the nation.

Bill Hemmer, CNN, Columbus, Ohio.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

HILL: If you're still undecided or if maybe you spent your Friday night some other way or just want another look, you can watch CNN's encore presentation of the second presidential debate. We'll re-air it today at 2:00 p.m. Eastern.

GRIFFIN: What can we learn about the candidates from their gestures, their expressions, body language?

The author of "Complete Confidence" is here with some answers.

That is the book of Sheenah Hankin.

And she joins us from our studios in New York.

Good morning, Sheenah.

SHEENAH HANKIN, AUTHOR, "COMPLETE CONFIDENCE": Good morning, Drew.

GRIFFIN: You stayed up and watched, I assume.

HANKIN: Oh, every second. Every second.

GRIFFIN: I missed the last seconds, I must admit. But, you know, this was really an interesting class in acting. These guys got up there waving their arms. It was like who could control the room more than the other.

HANKIN: Yes, it really was. And I think they both did much better. They got higher grades on who owns the room, who's the most friendly. You know, undecided voters want to like the person they vote for. That's what matters most.

We trust people we like. It's not always the right decision, but we feel better about it.

GRIFFIN: Debate number one, the president was seen off camera scowling and in this debate, he had a little answer to that. He said that answer almost made me scowl, as he was smiling. He learned from the first debate?

HANKIN: Yes, and he learned to bring back his humor, for which he's known. There were three things he didn't do that was much better, and the same for Kerry. He didn't narrow his eyes and sort of, you know, scowl like he does. He didn't lick his lips. If anyone ever notices, you'll see it on the campaign, George Bush licks his lips when he's anxious. That is a clue. And he didn't, he didn't forget that, you know, he is trying to be a nice guy instead of scowling and looking angry.

Kerry didn't do something that I really think took some training to make him give up. He failed a couple of times. He didn't point his very large fingers, huge hands, you know, right in your face. I think that's kind of scary. He didn't look down. He's a very tall, commanding man, like a principal telling us what to do. And he did manage to sort of look healthier. You know, he tends to look tired and that tan and that white shirt, he looks a lot less fatigued.

GRIFFIN: The other thing I saw John Kerry doing more and more and more as the debate went on, with as the thumbs up finger when he's making a point. Maybe he was doing that instead of pointing.

HANKIN: Yes, he was doing a lot of, you know, things are better and things are worse and using the fist rather than, you know, a finger. And it was interesting with Bush, because he looked like Tony Soprano. Did you notice that? Nodding his head and really sort of reaching for us and putting his hand on his gut in that kind of Italian warm manner when it really came from the heart.

GRIFFIN: Well, who do you want leading the country, a mob boss or a professor from Harvard is the question?

HANKIN: Good question.

GRIFFIN: Overall, was it a tie in terms of who was using the body language to their advantage?

HANKIN: Very much so. I think it's really going to come down to who you like the most. And I don't think anyone could say who won this debate. Both got an A from me, anyway, on doing better.

GRIFFIN: Terrific.

Sheenah Hankin, thank you so much for joining us from New York and good luck with your book.

HANKIN: Thank you so much.

GRIFFIN: Bye-bye.

HILL: Some news just coming into us now out of Iraq. We're hearing the Mahdi Army in the Sadr City neighborhood of Baghdad is going to hand over their weapons.

Joining us now with more on this developing story is CNN's Brent Sadler live in Baghdad -- good afternoon to you there.

BRENT SADLER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Erica.

Yes, information coming confirmed by the Iraqi interim government that Monday should see the beginning of the hand over of weapons by the Mahdi Army, led by Muqtada al-Sadr, the renegade Shia cleric.

Now, this initiative has been accepted by the government. It's come from Muqtada al-Sadr's side. And it would see, over a five day period, thousands, it's hoped, of weapons, mortars, rocket propelled grenades, heavy machine guns and explosives being handed over to the central government of Iraq.

Sadr City home to about two million Iraqi Shias on the slum district, on the outside of the Iraqi capital. There's been intense fighting there over many, many weeks. And this deal should go ahead in terms of the acceptance of this initiative would really be, in the words of the national security adviser here, Kassem Daoud, a breakthrough and a big achievement, he says, toward consolidating national unity in Iraq.

In exchange for an end to the weeks of bitter fighting, the Mahdi Army could enjoy an amnesty deal in terms of those who do not have blood on their hands. And it would also see Iraqi police and Iraqi security forces in the form of the army taking control of that rebel stronghold.

So a breakthrough development here expected to start in 48 hours affecting fighting in Sadr City -- Erica.

HILL: Brent, though, the main question I have for you is why now? What prompted the Mahdi Army now to say OK, let's make a deal?

SADLER: Well, this deal -- and it's not being called a deal. It's an initiative from one side. The government isn't signing up to anything. It's accepting an initiative. But weeks of pressure, military pressure, has been applied to Sadr City, eroding the fighting strength of the Sadr militants in that city and also attempts, very serious attempts by the government to engage Muqtada al-Sadr into political dialogue in the mainstream here. So a carrot and stick approach, they believe, has now borne fruit.

HILL: And we'll be seeing more of it, as you said, in the next 48 hours.

Brent Sadler live for us in Baghdad.

Thanks.

GRIFFIN: Interesting developments there.

But should we go on to our e-mail question. In your opinion, who won the debate last night and why? That is our e-mail question. You can send your response to wam@cnn.com. And while online, why not go to cnn.com and cast a quick vote for the debate winner? We'll report on the results later on.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, COURTESY CBS/WORLDWIDE PANTS)

DAVID LETTERMAN, HOST: Tonight's topic for the debate was domestic policy. And George W. Bush was very proud about this one point. He took credit for toppling Jay Leno.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: It's been going on for three months, still going. Our legal analysts weighing in on Scott Peterson's trial next hour on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRIFFIN: That's a live shot of St. Louis, Missouri this morning. Do a good job conserving energy there, as they have a lights dimmed a bit after a spirited debate last night. It's going to be quiet and sunny maybe for you this weekend. We'll have the forecast 15 minutes from now.

Now, the latest terrorism related developments.

A U.S. grand jury indicted a British computer specialist. Babar Ahmad, accused of using U.S.-based Web sites to recruit terrorists. He is being held at a London area prison. In a letter published in a British newspaper, Ahmed didn't comment directly on the case, but suggests the U.S. would abuse his rights if he is extradited.

The FBI downplaying now a recent discovery in Iraq. The U.S. military found computer disks containing data on schools in six U.S. states. The FBI says there's no direct threat and no evidence of any terror plot involving those schools.

Egyptian and Israeli officials still searching for victims after a series of bombings in the Sinai Peninsula. The Thursday attack struck an Egyptian resort that's popular with Israeli tourists. At least 29 people are dead, more than 30 missing. U.S. officials say several American citizens were also injured. They're still trying to account for all the Americans who might have been in that area at the time.

HILL: Here are the other stories in the news this morning.

Anguish and anger spelled out in 625 pages. Newly released documents concerning rape allegations against Kobe Bryant. Within the document, the day after the alleged incident, the alleged victim tearfully told her mother the NBA player raped her. While criminal charges against Bryant were dropped last month, the woman is still planning to pursue a civil suit.

Putting flu vaccine in the hands of those who need it -- the maker of Flu Mist, a new nasal influenza preparation, says it will nearly double the doses it makes because of this year's shortage of shots. Medimmune says it will supply two million doses of the non- needle vaccine. The extra product could be available to the public by late November. Flu Mist, by the way, is only approved for healthy people between the ages of five and 49.

In California, just what is the meaning of matrimony? In a legal opinion aimed at appeasing both sides in the gay marriage debate, the state's attorney general says laws limiting marriage to a man and a woman do not violate California's constitution. But the state's top lawyer also said voters or the state legislature could choose to change the traditional understanding of matrimony.

And in Boston, they're bringing out the brooms. The Red Sox sweep their series with the Anaheim Angels 3-0. This monster mash from David Ortiz in the 10th inning gave Boston an 8-6 victory. Next up, after a three day rest, the Red Sox will play the winner of the Minnesota Twins series. They, of course, are facing off against the New York Yankees.

GRIFFIN: We won't know until then who the Red Sox will play, but one thing is certain. The TV ratings here are spiking. A smiling Rick Horrow will join us "Beyond The Game." He's next on CNN SATURDAY MORNING -- hey, Rick.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HILL: All right, time now to go "Beyond The Game" for a deeper look at sports.

CNN sports business analyst Rick Horrow is the author of "When The Game Is On The Line."

Rick joins us every weekend to go "Beyond The Game."

And good to have you with us again this Saturday.

RICK HORROW, CNN SPORTS BUSINESS ANALYST: Good morning.

How are you? HILL: I'm doing well.

And I have a feeling some other folks around the country are going to be doing very well if their teams win. This is a huge day for college football.

HORROW: Well, it's the earliest big time teams play each other in college football history, all of those games. And it's exciting. The Red River shootout in Dallas, with Oklahoma and Texas, a $30 million impact on the Dallas economy, two grand a ticket on eBay and $600 for a golf tournament if these guys want to play each other on the links.

Then you've got a game over in the West, where Southern Cal is playing and entertaining California, which is also great because of the dollars that are being spent at the coliseum for their stadium. It may also help them land an NFL team. A sell out is not going to hurt either. Finally, on the East Coast, where Tennessee plays Georgia, it's a big game for a renovation of their stadium, but also fans are coming five, seven, nine miles away to part. That explains the $50 ticket for R.V. parking.

A $5 billion business in college football. This kind of weekend it's easy to see why.

HILL: Absolutely incredible. Let me tell you, having some neighbors in Atlanta, it's easy to see why, too, all those Georgia fans that I've met.

HORROW: Of course.

HILL: Baseball playoffs also pretty exciting. The Sox have won. A lot of people out there are hoping for a Sox-Yankees match up.

HORROW: Well, that may come later. But it's a $2.5 billion reason why baseball is excited. That's the TV number that comes in. And this is a season on the brink -- a 24 percent decrease in World Series ratings last year. These ratings are pretty good.

The Cubs, though, didn't make it. The Dodgers are teetering. But people are looking for the Red Sox-Yankee win -- or match up. But you know who's winning? It's the kids and the people that want to watch baseball again. Ortiz's home run, that happened about 8:00 Eastern time last night. It invigorated people and now the Red Sox are halfway home to the World Series.

HILL: Prime ratings time for that one.

All right, we know you have some major debating credentials there, Rick. So we have to ask you, how did the candidates do last night?

HORROW: Before we do it, let me get intellectual here, all right? That's important.

HILL: You look much smarter with the glasses. HORROW: Well, does that sound -- are you saying I look dumb without it?

HILL: No, no. Not at all. Not at all.

HORROW: We'll have to talk about that later on.

Well, here is the bottom line. The candidates clearly went to the school of rehearsing barbs. Look at the senator's comment about weapons of mass deception for the president. The president talking about a flip-flop statement making him scowl. Notwithstanding, beyond that, it was a victory for the process -- two minutes, a minute and a half rebuttal. And we all know that when we get worked up about arguments and we face each other, it's a lot clearer. So we're going to hear pundits talk about experience, engagement, high spirited debate. The stakes are higher. That's a big deal, as long as it's clear, people understand it. I think the process won last night. And from an entertainment perspective, it was a home run.

HILL: It was very entertaining, I'll definitely give you that.

All right, take the glasses off.

Back to sports for just a minute.

HORROW: Got it.

HILL: We need you to check in with the "Foul Ball" and the "Fair Ball" of the week.

HORROW: An unfortunate "Foul Ball," Ken Caminiti, the former Houston Astor MVP, maybe the best player in the history of that team, was convicted of cocaine possession, went on probation. He admitted he relapsed. He just served 180 days. It's kind of unfortunate because the Braves and the Astros are playing in the playoffs at Minute Maid Park today and it's just not one of those things that's good for baseball, honestly.

HILL: And our "Fair Ball?"

HORROW: Well, the "Fair Ball" is a good comment, a good story. It's the NFL. They just signed a couple of deals, including Monster Cable, a four year, $6 million deal to rename Candlestick Park for the 49ers who, by the way, are 0 and 4. So, clearly, the NFL drew that deal to a conclusion, not the Niners. On the heels of tomorrow, by the way, the New England Patriots are going to beat the consecutive game winning streak at 19 against the hapless Miami Dolphins, my team, tomorrow, probably. What happens is the NFL celebrates another victory story in Boston, a new stadium leads to excitement and that's what the NFL is all about, as well.

HILL: All right, well, keep your fingers crossed for your boys, the Pats, there.

Rick, good to have you with us.

The glasses work either way. It's up to you.

HORROW: I'll talk to you next week.

HILL: Thanks.

GRIFFIN: All right, you two, pardon us for trotting out this tired catchphrase one more time. But who let the dogs out, huh? Who? Who? As you'll see when we return, it's a relevant question at a London animal shelter.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RASCAL FLATTS: It feels like today, I know. It feels like today...

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HILL: If you haven't heard his name yet, it won't be the first time. It's Rascal Flatts. His title song, "It Feels Like Today" tops the Billboard chart this week. Also making the top five, Hillary Duff, Ciara, I think that's how you say her name, Green Day and Nelly.

GRIFFIN: Today's "Wows of the Week" begin in London. A flash pillow fight -- dozens of people heeded the secret e-mails and text messages to meet at an appointed place at a certain time and then, well, have a pillow fight. Kind of weird. They did it in New York a little while ago.

In Ukraine, high notes deep down -- the magnificent acoustics of a large salt mine struck a chord with classical music buffs at a benefit concert outside Kiev -- the cavernous hall nearly 1,000 feet below ground. Bring a sweater. Working out the logistics of getting instruments, musicians and audience down there took more than a year.

Finally, the cunning canine caper one last time. Workers at an animal shelter in Britain couldn't understand who let the dogs out. So they set up a surveillance camera. It turns out one particularly clever pooch had masterminded the locking mechanism. As soon as the coast was clear, Red would let his pals loose and they'd all trot out and raid the pantry.

HILL: Smart guy, that Red, huh?

GRIFFIN: Clever, I think we'd call it.

HILL: Rather clever, yes, rather.

GRIFFIN: Well, Rob Marciano, can you top that?

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: You know, that's almost like something you'd see in an animated movie or a cartoon or something.

GRIFFIN: Wasn't there a movie set -- like a Disney thing. "Pooch and the Hound," or something like that? MARCIANO: No. I think it was...

HILL: "Lady and the Tramp."

MARCIANO: Is that what happened?

GRIFFIN: "Lady and the Tramp." Also known as "Pooch and the Hound."

HILL: Yes, yes.

MARCIANO: You're showing your age there, Drew.

HILL: Why don't we toss it over to you -- Rob.

MARCIANO: All right, guys, good morning again.

(WEATHER REPORT)

HILL: Well...

GRIFFIN: Yes.

HILL: Checking a little on the e-mail, shall we?

GRIFFIN: Let's do it.

HILL: We asked you who you thought -- what you thought of the presidential debate last night, if you watched it.

And we're hearing from some of you this morning.

H.R. Inman tells us well, they thought the debate was pretty intense, good questions, mostly on important issues, saying Bush did a lot better this time around. Technically, probably, saying that Kerry won, but Bush's performance was the best I ever saw him do in a debate situation. Keep it coming.

GRIFFIN: We're getting flooded with these e-mails, I must tell you.

This is from Durham, North Carolina. Kim says: "Kerry absolutely won this debate. He was firm, intelligent, charismatic and seemed truly enthusiastic about his plans for the future. Kerry in a landslide," so says Kim in Durham, North Carolina.

And we encourage you to keep on writing to us at wam@cnn.com. And you can check out our instant poll there of who won the debate, right there on our Web site, cnn.com. Just click on there and you get a poll result that is not readable at this moment.

HILL: It looks like John Kerry 70 plus percent. But that's with me squinting, so, you'll just have to go to the Web site to check it out folks.

The next hour... GRIFFIN: A non-scientific poll.

HILL: Non-scientific is right.

GRIFFIN: That's right.

HILL: But we appreciate the votes all the same.

The next hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING begins right now.

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