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CNN Saturday Morning News

Live 8 in City of Brotherly Love; Justice O'Connor Set to Retire;

Aired July 02, 2005 - 09:00   ET

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

BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: A small number of missing Special Forces in the Afghan mountains are the subjects of an intense search today. The U.S. military says it is using all available assets to locate the troops. They've been missing since Tuesday. A military helicopter crashed trying to reach the area, which killed all 16 people aboard.
In Baghdad now, a police recruiting center was the target of a suicide bomber this morning. At least 12 people were killed in that blast. Officials say the bomber appeared to have been dressed as a police commando.

And this is the view right now in Edinburgh, Scotland, one of the main venues of today's Live 8 events. Concerts taking place around the world today aim to put pressure on next week's G8 summit to take action against global poverty.

And now on CNN.com it is offering a whole new way to get the headlines. Just log on to our Web site and click on "Video" to check out the most popular stories. It's all free on CNN.com.

It is 3:00 p.m. in Johannesburg, South Africa, 9:00 a.m. in Palm Beach, Aruba. Good morning, everyone. From the CNN Center here in Atlanta, I'm Betty Nguyen.

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Tony Harris. Good morning, everyone. Thanks for starting your day with us.

NGUYEN: Our top story right now, recording history with musical notes. Today's G8 concerts are epic in proportion, extravagant in promotion and exceptional in purpose.

Nine cities on four continents are backdrops for 150 bands and billions of eyeballs. The impressive list of talent reads like a who's who in a galaxy of top stars. Mariah Carey in London; Tim McGraw in Rome; Shakira in Paris and Green Day in Berlin.

HARRIS: And the only U.S. city to take part is the City of Brotherly Love. Pictures here now from Philadelphia. Not live. These are taped pictures from a few moments ago, where the artists performing there may include Jay-Z -- wow -- Bon Jovi, The Dave Matthews Band, Destiny's Child, and Maroon 5.

In about 15 minutes, music mogul Russell Simmons, helping to produce the show, will join us live from Philadelphia. They're all united in music and united in a movement to lend their voices to Africa's voiceless poor. Live 8 comes days before the G8 summit in Edinburgh, Scotland. Live 8 organizers hope to pressure world leaders to help end poverty on the African continent.

Among cities playing host to Live 8 is Johannesburg, South Africa. For an idea of the music and mood there, we turn to CNN's Jeff Koinange.

Jeff, how are you?

JEFF KOINANGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Tony, doing good. Doing good. And the crowd is upbeat on this Saturday afternoon in Johannesburg.

Live 8 officially under way here in Africa. You can see several thousand people. And on stage, Tony, is world famous reggae recording artist Lucky Dube. And you can see the crowd is starting to hop.

It is party time in Johannesburg. Estimates so far about 20,000 to 30,000, and more still streaming in. But the message, Tony, because Johannesburg seemed to be a last-minute addition to the concert, you can see the crowd is here, you can see the artists on stage. Maybe not Africa's biggest artists, but artists no doubt.

They want to send a message to reverberate not only across the African continent, all the way to the G8 summit in Scotland, telling the leaders there that these are the folks who they're singing about, that' they're talking about. Live 8 happening right here in Johannesburg -- Tony.

HARRIS: Jeff Koinange. The music behind him, it looks good. It looks like a great scene. Jeff, we appreciate it. Thank you.

With the spotlight on poverty in Africa, tonight CNN will air a primetime special on the economic situation there. CNN's Christiane Amanpour goes beyond the headlines about the upcoming summit, talking with Tony Blair and looking at the epidemic of global poverty. "Can We Save Them" is only on CNN tonight at 7:00 Eastern.

NGUYEN: And we get you the latest developments out of Aruba in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway. The three young men being held in her disappearance face another hearing Monday. It could determine whether they can be held in custody for another two months.

CNN's Chris Lawrence has the latest now from Palm Beach, Aruba.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In an exclusive CNN video, two of the three suspects are led away after a recent interrogation, handcuffed together. Officials tell us police have been secretly monitoring the young men to see if they would see anything to each other.

But investigators may not have many opportunities left to questioning Joran van der Sloot and two brothers, Satish and Deepak Kalpoe. On Monday, a judge will look at the evidence and decide to keep one or all of the suspects in custody, or set them free. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't believe the people from Aruba did something to that girl.

LAWRENCE: Some people on the island don't believe the accusations. Others say they're ready to move on.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: For us in Aruba, that's over, man. No Natalee Holloway. She's not here. It's like, boom.

LAWRENCE: This man calls himself Free, and he told me he thought the search should have ended weeks ago.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They brought all those guys from the states, all those dogs, the helicopters, everything, sophisticated stuff here. And wow, still they can't find her. So, it's like: Boom, mystery, mystery in Aruba.

LAWRENCE: The kind that's played out every night on Aruban TV newscasts, at every morning in its papers. Some local reporters say the longer it takes, the more Aruba's residents think the suspects may be innocent.

DILMA ARENDS, "BON DIA" NEWSPAPER: For instance, in our newspaper we had an editorial that stated that many people feel that the investigation has to look in other directions.

LAWRENCE: Investigators have already looked at four other suspects, including Paul Van Der Sloot. Joran's father was arrested last week and set free by same judge who will hear the case on Monday.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LAWRENCE: Now, the judge ruled that there wasn't enough evidence to detain Van Der Sloot. And this time prosecutors are trying to hold these suspects for up to 60 days. So that's going to require an even higher burden of proof -- Betty.

NGUYEN: We'll have to wait until Monday to see. Chris Lawrence in Aruba. Thank you, Chris -- Tony.

HARRIS: Well, police are investigating more than 125 -- police are investigating more than 125 tips from the public in the disappearance of a 4-year-old Oregon boy. Matel Zachary Sanchez vanished from his home in Milwaukee on Wednesday.

A massive wildfire in Arizona is getting closer to one community near Phoenix. Crews are using backfires and heavy air tankers to try to slow the fast-moving blaze. The front lines are just miles off Black Canyon City, a town of 4,500 people. So far more than 214,000 acres have been charred.

The FBI has intensified its investigation into the dealings between California Congressman Randy Duke Cunningham and defense contractor MZM. Authorities searched both Cunningham's house in California and a boat in the D.C. area where he's been living. Investigators are looking into details of a home sale between Cunningham and the contractor. The boat is also owned by the founder of the company.

NGUYEN: The big question around Washington is who will replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor? O'Connor says she'll step down from the high court once her successor is confirmed.

O'Connor was nominated by President Reagan back in 1981 and became the first woman on the high court. She's been a moderate voice in her 24 years as a justice. The White House says it may be a week before President Bush names a nominee to replace her. Working in secret, Bush advisors had already stepped up their search for replacement in recent weeks.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CLIFF SLOAN, NEWSWEEK.COM: The president is concerned about his legacy, there's no question. He knows this is one of the most important, longest-lasting things he can do. And every president is keenly interested in it. Now, what they want to do with the choice varies very much.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Justice O'Connor says she will step down from the bench when her successor is confirmed by the Senate.

HARRIS: So who is the most likely successor? It might seem like Alberto Gonzales would have a leg up since he's already attorney general, but Gonzales reportedly is considered a wildcard.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

STUART TAYLOR, "NATIONAL JOURNAL": He doesn't have a very clear record on issues like abortion, affirmative action. To the extent that he does, he looks kind of moderate, at least to the conservatives who are worried that he wouldn't be what they want.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Some points perhaps in his favor. Gonzales is a former White House counsel and a long-time Bush advisor.

Well, we would like to know what you think. Does the Supreme Court need a moderate, conservative or liberal to replace justice Sandra Day O'Connor? What do you think? E-mail us your thoughts at WEEKENDS@CNN.com.

NGUYEN: Well, if you haven't heard by now, Live 8 is taking place all across the world today. The only U.S. venue? Philadelphia.

We want to go live now to one of the organizers, Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records, among so many other things.

Russell Simmons, welcome to the show. We appreciate your time today. I know you're very busy, so let's get right to it.

Unlike Live Aid 20 years ago, where the public was asked to donate to this effort, this year you're not asking for that. Tell me what you're hoping to accomplish with this show tonight in Philadelphia.

RUSSELL SIMMONS, LIVE 8 ORGANIZER: Well, the idea is to bring up the American and world consciousness so that we can get our leaders to make the donation. We need an additional $25 billion, and I believe it's a drop in the bucket when you consider that we spend $2 billion a week in Iraq alone.

The fact is, America can do much, much more. And the world can do much more.

I am very happy that this president has done more than any president in the history of the world, and of course, of America, for Africa. But the fact is, there's a lot more we can do.

I saw America and the world stand up on December 26 and show their heart. I think the greatest foreign policy that America could put in is love. The fact is, if we were to give something significant to Africa -- 20,000 people die a day of extreme poverty, 6,000 from malaria, 7,000 from HIV. And the fact is, for 45 cents a day we can save the lives of some of these individuals who have HIV.

We need to reach a little deeper. And I'm sure that Americans, if they knew that they gave away much less of their money than other countries are giving, then they would give more.

Americans' perception that they give so much is wrong. I think some of the politicians need to hear from America that they want their politicians to support this effort to save the lives of millions of people. This concert will go a long way.

NGUYEN: Now, the effort is $25 billion by the year 2010. Let me ask you, you're trying to get the attention of eight of the world's wealthiest countries. But specifically, when we talk about America, in giving this money, will we have to see programs cut at home in order to afford that?

SIMMONS: Well, again, we give a few billion dollars a year, but we spend $2 billion a week in Iraq. The best foreign policy is to give out love, and a small investment to show our love.

This is a great opportunity for America to lead the world and to promote a better world through a better consciousness. And there needs to be an awareness that Americans and world investment in Africa will make a dramatic difference.

People have a sense of helplessness or hopelessness when it comes to the continent of Africa. The fact is, their investments will make a tremendous difference and will save the lives of millions of people, and we won't even know it. It's a very small investment. And again, on December 26 I mentioned we showed the world...

NGUYEN: The tsunami.

SIMMONS: ... how giving we can be. For the tsunami. Imagine that a tsunami happens every week.

And these deaths are preventable. That's the key. These deaths are preventable. And we should do something. And I believe that America, when we understand this idea fully, we will stand up.

NGUYEN: A lot of people on this venue today, which kicks off at noon Eastern. I understand you were called in the middle of the night to do this job and you said, I'm the man. I'll be there to do it.

But let me ask you something today as we have learned about the death of Luther Vandross. Your comments on the man, the legend.

SIMMONS: Luther Vandross was a great singer, great songwriter, and a wonderful human being. We'll all miss him.

It's sad, but it's our truth. Today I think a lot of the artists will make a statement about him, and I think that he was a wonderful person. And many artists loved him, and we're all gonna miss him.

NGUYEN: Well, Russell Simmons, we appreciate your time and what you're doing for poverty and Africa. And we thank you for being on the show today. Have a great time today. Best of luck to you.

SIMMONS: Thank you.

NGUYEN: Tony.

HARRIS: Well, can he prove once again he's the man to chase? Lance Armstrong bikes his final race today. That and more when we go global straight ahead.

NGUYEN: And later, Luther, the legend. One of R&B's most well- known voices goes silent.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Well, Tokyo kicked off the marathon of Live 8 concerts today. Hundreds of artists are taking to the stage in nine cities around the world to raise awareness of poverty in Africa.

In the Middle East, Mahmoud Abbas has invited the militant group Hamas to join his cabinet. He hopes the group can help forge a peaceful takeover of Gaza after Israel pulls out this summer. Israel calls Hamas a terrorist group and denounces the move.

There's still no news on the whereabouts of Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway in Aruba. The three men held in her disappearance head to court Monday for a hearing to determine whether they can be held for another 90 days.

NGUYEN: Time now to check some of the other major stories making news around the globe.

HARRIS: And for that, let's go to the international desk and CNN's Hala Gorani.

Hala, good morning.

HALA GORANI, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: Good morning, Tony. And good morning, Betty.

Let's start our look around the world in Iran. Now a denial coming directly from the Iranian president-elect that he did not take part in the 1979 hostage crisis at the U.S. embassy in Tehran. "The New York Times" is reporting that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad denied that he was the hostage-taker seen on the right in this 1979 photo widely publicized this week.

You'll remember some American hostages, five in total, said they recognize Ahmadinejad as one of the hostage-takers. But The Associated Press is also reporting that U.S. investigators do not think that he is the militant seen in the photos.

Now, in Afghanistan, it looks like the insurgency there is flaring up. The U.S. has bombed suspected Taliban positions. This as the military says it is devoting "all available assets" to finding a team of Special Forces that has been missing since Tuesday. The bodies of 16 servicemen who died when their helicopter crashed in Afghanistan on a mission to re-enforce the missing unit have been flown back to the United States.

And finally, in the world of sport, will he make it seven in a row? American cycling super legend Lance Armstrong peddling off into the French countryside in the annual Tour de France today. The grueling cycling marathon starts in Paris this Saturday.

Now, if Lance does it again, he will set a new record for most Tour de France wins and make sporting history again. And this will be quite unbelievable, considering he's battled cancer and won, and he is almost 34 years old.

Now, if he does it, he will be able to retire on a high note, unlike other sporting legends who don't know when to hang up their boxing gloves or sort of return to the locker room or, you know, rest on their laurels as they should. Let's wish him luck, though.

NGUYEN: Yes.

HARRIS: And at 34, he's dusty. He's ancient. He's a relic. OK?

GORANI: I know. Retired at 34.

NGUYEN: He can do it. If anyone can, Lance can.

All right. Thank you, Hala.

(WEATHER REPORT)

HARRIS: But first, a CNN extra. Thirty-two countries in Sub- Saharan Africa are eligible to receive debt relief through the highly indebted poor countries program. Now, so far, 18 of them have completed the program, which eliminates two-thirds of their debt over the long term. Every year, Sub-Saharan Africa spends $30 billion repaying debts.

(END VIDEO CLIP) O

NGUYEN: Well, if you're ready to fire up the barbecue on this holiday weekend -- I'm still waiting for my invitation, by the way, Tony.

HARRIS: Well, we're not cooking out this year. We're just not. But if we were, you would have gotten the invitation.

NGUYEN: Right.

HARRIS: And Brad would have gotten, and everybody would have been invited.

NGUYEN: Everybody.

BRAD HUFFINES, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Actually, I did get the invitation, Tony.

HARRIS: You did?

HUFFINES: I think -- yes. We're just going to keep it from her.

HARRIS: Oh! Oh, Brad!

NGUYEN: I see how it works around here, Brad.

HUFFINES: Now remind me again what happens when 60-mile-an-hour winds hit your nine-foot umbrella on your back porch patio furniture?

NGUYEN: It takes off, gone.

HARRIS: Yes. You're not in Kansas anymore. That's what happens.

HUFFINES: So you're trying to tell me that meteorologists suffer storm damage, too?

HARRIS: That's right.

HUFFINES: I'm not sure who we're talking about here.

NGUYEN: You. You.

HARRIS: I'm quite sure.

HUFFINES: Oh shut up.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: Brad, thank you.

HUFFINES: Sure.

NGUYEN: Well, you don't want to go anywhere because straight ahead some of your responses to this morning's e-mail question. There it is on the screen. Does the Supreme Court need a moderate, conservative or liberal? Send us your thoughts

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(MUSIC)

HARRIS: How good is that? Fans say a soulful, silky voice has been silenced with the death of Luther Vandross.

The Grammy Award-winning singer died Friday at a New Jersey hospital. Vandross induced millions of fans with hits such as "Love Won't Let Me Wait," "Here and Now," "Any Love," "Wait for Love," "A house is Not a Home," "Nothing Better Than Love," with Greg Hines.

He sold more than 25 million albums. The cause of Vandross' death has not been released, but he never fully recovered from a stroke two years ago. Luther Vandross, dead at 54.

NGUYEN: I'm going to miss that sound.

Well, switching gears now, all morning long we have been asking you for your thoughts on our e-mail question. Let's put it up there again for everybody.

The question is about Sandra Day O'Connor, her resignation. So now we want to know, does the Supreme Court need a moderate, conservative or liberal? And here's what you're saying...

Kristy from Crawfordville, Florida, writes, "I think the choice should be a moderate. We need to keep some type of balance in the Supreme Court. Too much of a swing one way or the other would be harmful for this country. Keeping a balance will ensure that our rights and freedoms are not governed by one specific view, political party, or religious thoughts."

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Well, how about this from Bob from Ohio? Simple, straight to the point: "They need a judge." The parenthetical there could be "knucklehead." (INAUDIBLE) what it (INAUDIBLE) sounds like. "They need a judge, not a politician."

Thank you, Bob...

NGUYEN: (INAUDIBLE).

HARRIS: ... and thanks to everyone who wrote in this morning on our e-mail question. We appreciate it.

That's it. We're done.

NGUYEN: Out of time.

HARRIS: Thanks for joining us this morning.

NGUYEN: We'll see you again tomorrow morning.

"OPEN HOUSE" is next.

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