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CNN Saturday Morning News
President Bush Leaves Pakistan; Bomb Explodes In Downtown Baqubah; Randy "Duke" Cunningham Sentenced To Over Eight Years In Prison; Last Minute Spring Break Trips
Aired March 04, 2006 - 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: Now in the news, President Bush is set to leave Pakistan in just a few hours. Mr. Bush and Pakistan's president, General Pervez Musharraf have been discussing issues of mutual interest such as the war on terror and al Qaeda suspected infiltration of the northwest provinces. The two have also weighed earthquake relief and Pakistan's efforts in democracy.
Well these men had something to say but they were kept far away from President Bush's entourage. Thousands of protesters took to the street voicing the disdain for the Bush administration. Pakistani authorities are trying to limit more protests by detaining people known to oppose the government.
Now to Iraq. A bomb explodes in downtown Baqubah, killing a child and wounding eight people, while a mortar hit a market in Baghdad. More than 500 people have died since the February 22 bombing of a Shiite mosque as observers fear the nation is teetering on a religious civil war.
Back here at home former Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham is waking up in prison this morning. He was sentenced yesterday to more than eight years behind bars for taking upwards of $2 million dollars in bribes. The sentence is related to a criminal conspiracy that involved at least three defense contractors. The sentence is the highest ever for a former member of Congress.
TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, good morning. From the CNN Center. This is CNN SATURDAY MORNING. March 4, Betty, 9:00 a.m. here at the CNN Headquarters in Atlanta, 7:00 p.m. in Islamabad, Pakistan. I'm Tony Harris.
NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen. We want to thank you for being with us today.
HARRIS: Well, President Bush should be leaving Pakistan in the next few hours as he wraps up the visit with counterpart General Pervez Musharraf.
Let's go to CNN's Elaine Quijano, who is traveling with the president in Islamabad. And, Elaine, it's evening where you are but good morning from Atlanta. My first question is, honestly speaking here, what kind of pressures are on the two presidents going into this Summit?
ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, good morning to you, Tony. A lot of pressure, really. It's been more than four years since 9/11 attacks and, of course, Osama Bin Laden has still not been captured and in many ways President Bush's visit here underscores that fact.
So certainly the pressure continues to be on President Bush and in turn then pressure also on General Musharraf Pakistan's leader to do more to try to hunt down terrorists. It's believed Osama Bin Laden may be hiding somewhere in Pakistan near the Afghanistan border. So certainly the pressure on the terrorism front continues to be quite strong.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PRESIDENT PERVEZ MUSHARRAF, PAKISTAN: Empowerment of women. It is the first time that we have empowered the women of Pakistan by giving them a share in the political view of Pakistan. Today there are over 30,000 women in the political hierarchy of Pakistan.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
QUIJANO: Tony, what that was actually talking about another issue that was on the agenda for the two leaders today here in Pakistan and that is the issue of Democratic reform. There has been much criticism from some who say that General Pervez Musharraf has not done enough, has not taken steps to implement Democratic reforms.
There you heard part of President Musharraf's defense. In fact he has done things that have gotten Pakistan to the point where they are seeing the essence of Democracy ace put it, other things he cited very liberal and free media.
Now, another issue that was very interesting to note within that answer about Democratic reform, President Musharraf raised the issue of his dual role as the military leader and president. Now, he, of course came to power not in a Democratic way but in a coup and pledged years ago he would give up his military post. He hasn't done that.
Because of that, President Bush, as well, has been criticized by some who say he's turning a blind eye to that because of the cooperation and he is getting from Musharraf on the terrorism issue. That -- to that, Musharraf said, well, the Pakistan constitution allows me to do this, to have this dual role and so he continues to do just that.
Now, one other topic we should mention, of course, that deal that President Bush announced early this week between India and the United States, on civilian nuclear technology, of course, some critics say that opens the door for other countries to ask whether or not they can have the same treatment. President Bush making clear when it comes to Pakistan the situations are vastly different.
The president said the two countries have different situations and different histories. President making a clear reference to the fact that the father of Pakistan's nuclear technology is responsible or believed to have been responsible for the proliferation of nuclear technology to North Korea -- Tony. HARRIS: CNN's Elaine Quijano traveling with the president in Islamabad, Pakistan. Elaine thank you.
NGUYEN: The U.S. marshals have a new lead in their hunt for a run away dad. Byron Perkins and his girlfriend may be in Mexico. Perkins got out of jail by duping authorities by saying he was going to donate a kidney to his aliening son. Returning from Mexico a Washington state couple said they hung out with fugitives but only realized it when they saw the photographs on CNN's airport TV. They spoke by phone with our Anderson Cooper.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (on phone): My husband happened to glance over his shoulder and saw the photos that you are running with your story. And turned to me and said couldn't believe who I just saw on television. And we had to jump on the plane at that point but as soon as we got back into Washington State we got on line and sure enough the photos matched exactly with a couple that we had spent several evenings with on the beach.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Now, if you have a tip on the fugitive couple calls the number on the screen. Here are the pictures up again so you can see what they look like. The number is 1-877-wanted2. All this leads to our e-mail question of the day. How would you punish the fugitive father? Would you even call him a father?
E-mail us at WEEKENDS@CNN.com. We got a lot of responses; some people say that father should be in quotes there? How would you punish this man? Send us your thoughts WEEKENDS@CNN.com.
HARRIS: And here is a look at other stories making news across America this morning. A funeral is scheduled today in Boston for a 24-year-old New York college student found dead last week. A $42,000 reward is offered for the information that leads to the arrest of the killer. Police say she was raped and strangled by an attacker after she left a New York bar.
Two Georgia sheriff's deputies are out of a job. They are accused of endangering lives during a three county car chase and beating up the suspect. Look at these pictures; it was all captured on a squad car's dashboard camera. No word yet on whether the deputies or the suspect have hired attorneys.
Here's an eyeful from Oregon whether the feathers were flying last night. Look at this. A number of students apparently answered an e-mail call to arm themselves with pillows. Meet outside then proceed to knock the stuffing out of one another. Of course, the pillows.
NGUYEN: That's a real pillow fight. They are not messing around. Oh, gosh, hopefully no one got hurt.
HARRIS: No. NGUYEN: Well picking up the pieces along the Gulf Coast ...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't know what I would have done. When they start something, they bring a group and they get it done. They don't play around.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Yes, they do. Ditching Mardi Gras celebrations volunteers give their time and heart for those in need.
HARRIS: The Oscar goes to you. Coming up, who would you think if you had your hands on the Golden statue Bonnie.
(WEATHER REPORT)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: Take it upstairs now to the CNN Weather Center with Bonnie Schneider keeping an eye on the situation in Hawaii. We have mudslides; we have some homes flooded and hoping for some improvement, Bonnie.
(WEATHER REPORT)
NGUYEN: Would you stop with the reminders already? Thank you, Bonnie.
Hammers, saws, just plain muscle. It's all needed in the rebuilding of dozens of towns and cities all along the Gulf Coast. Six months after hurricane Katrina slammed ashore. Most communities are still relying on volunteers to help neighbors pick up the pieces. CNN's Kathleen Koch introduces us to these helping hands.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The sounds of progress echo through the Biloxi home of 73-year-old Arcell Magee, a Baptist minister. It's come a long way since nine feet storm surge swept through August 29.
REV. ARCELL MAGEE, BILOXI HOMEOWNER: The yard was full, trees all over. Furniture upside down. It was a mess.
KOCH: Magee has no insurance.
MAGEE: I didn't know where to go. I didn't know where to get help. In comes this little lady and to check on me. Asked what was I doing. Did I want help? I told her yes.
KOCH: That the little lady was Samantha Brann, a 28-year-old founder of an organization called Grass Roots. It connects homeowners in need with volunteers willing to help and rebuild. Even during the week that Mardi Gras is being celebrated up and down the Gulf Coast. SAMANTHA BRANN, GRASSROOT'S FOUNDER: If they are here for a week, they want to help for a week. They do not want to take off period.
KOCH: Ray Hebert, one of six Canadians who drove south to help, says they were tempted to join the Mardi Gras revelry.
RAY HEBERT, CANADIAN VOLUNTEER: I tell you, frankly. We were turned off. All the drinking and what is going on in the streets. These people should be out here help.
KOCH: Help is more than rebuilding. Volunteers do work families can't bear to.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's a good thing. Lots of cock roaches.
KOCH: An 83-year-old woman died in this house.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We found wrapped Christmas gifts and I guess her grand babies will never get.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We pulled out 50, 60 pieces of ceramics with her name at the bottom.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Felt like we want to treat her with respect. And you take her things and we drag it to the street and ...
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: For everybody too-to-see. To be thrown away.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It broke my heart. We were both crying.
KOCH: Magee hope to be living in his house in two to three months.
MAGEE: If it wasn't for Grassroots I don't know what I would have done. When they start something they bring a group and they get it done.
KOCH: But eventually they do go home. The good-byes are not easy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It was worth the trip simply because we can help people. That's the only reason why we're here.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think we feel blessed.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Absolutely.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That we were able to come and help just a little.
KOCH: Kathleen Koch, CNN, Biloxi, Mississippi.
(END VIDEOTAPE) HARRIS: Whether you have seen the movie or not. You probably heard the jokes. "Brokeback Mountain" is up for an Oscar. We'll have a details after this short break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: Find out what people are watching on line. Veronica De La Cruz joins us now from the Dot-com desk with the most popular videos and CNN.com. Good morning.
VERONICA DE LA CRUZ, CNN.COM: Good morning to you. Good to see you. No big surprise. Everybody is logging on to watch all the buzz ahead of the Oscar Award ceremony, right?
HARRIS: Right.
DE LA CRUZ: They are starting with the late night talk show hosts. It seems they are all going for broke with "Brokeback Mountain" jokes. As you know, Tony, the best picture nominee "Brokeback Mountain" is a love story between two cowboys.
David Letterman used it a centerpiece for the infamous top ten the other night, which was called the "top ten signs you are a gay cowboy." And here is a sample: "number ten, your saddle is Versace. Number nine; instead of singing, 'Home on the Range' you sing 'It's Raining Men.'"
Jimmy Kimmel on his show had this to add: I think it's great that 'Brokeback' has led the way so those are guys you definitely don't want behind you." I thought it was funny. All right.
More Oscar buzz. This time coming from the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. They set up a new display for visitors ahead of the award show, you can now actually now hold Oscar in your hand and give an acceptance speech just for fun. Just don't forget to thank the academy.
Speaking of thanking the Academy, what does it take to get ready for the big night? Celebrities carry around a makeup artist, hairstylist, fashion designer publicist even a personal security guard. And listen to these even celebrities who aren't nominated like maybe Paris Hilton, drop the big cash and enlist a team they ensure they do look like a winner. It is going to be interesting to see who wears what tomorrow night.
HARRIS: That is going to be fun.
DE LA CRUZ: You can watch all the stories on line at CNN.com/video.
NGUYEN: He comes with an entourage every morning. It takes big bucks to have an entourage. No small operation here.
HARRIS: A special preview -- a special preview of the Oscars coming up on "Headline News" 5:30 tomorrow, Sunday, so watch that.
NGUYEN: And on Pipeline, as well.
HARRIS: Very good.
NGUYEN: Bring your entourage.
All right lets get to our e-mail question today. Totally different subject. This one here's a question. How would you punish the fugitive father. Let's do some resetting here. This fugitive father is a man who was in jail and was being let out so he could donate his kidney to his son who needed it very desperately. Well he got out and he took off. How would you punish the guy?
Rhiannon from Houston says, " When they find him they need to take his kidney, and then put him on death row to let him feel the way his poor son does. Let him have the feeling that he is going to die.
HARRIS: James writes, "The father should receive sentencing as approved by a proper judge. The system that allowed the man to get out of sight and therefore flee should be completely revamped and if any individuals were responsible for the flight, they should face court justice." Thank you, James.
NGUYEN: Bernie says, "First of all, you should make sure that you put the words "dad" and "father" in quotes whenever you use them to describe this guy. He doesn't deserve the title. His penalty should be the same one given to a person who escapes from prison, because that is what he did."
Keep those thoughts coming. Here's a question again. How would you punish the fugitive father? E-mail us WEEKENDS@CNN.com. We will keep reading your replies on the air.
Spring just around the corner, may not feel like it in some areas, but will the traditional season for selling homes be in full bloom. Coming up on "Open House" Gerri Willis has some advice if you're looking to buy or sell your home.
HARRIS: Again next hour Betty they were pioneers on and off the field. This year they will get baseball's highest honor coming up at 10:00 Eastern we'll tell you why this is one for the history books.
NGUYEN: Spring break is around the corner. If you're a procrastinator like many of us are here is some last minute advice.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: For much spring break means heading to the beach or hitting the ski slopes. If you still haven't booked your trips no worries. There is still hope.
CHRIS MCGINNIS, EDITOR, TRAVELSKILLS.COM: Wait until a week or two before your vacation and then go on line and look for some of the last minute deals and let the deal determine your destination.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Flexibility is key to this type of travel planning. So where do you find the deals? MCGINNIS: Go to the online sites like Expedia or Travelocity and look at their package deals. Because they buy in such large volume they can combine hotel and air and sometimes rental car into a package that's going to save you a lot of money.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: If you're still a little indecisive about where to go.
MCGINNIS: The big trend in online travel right now is user- generated information. People are going to sites to see what real people say about recent trips they had. One of the most popular travel sites is called Tripadvisor.com.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There is a lesson to be learned for next year.
MCGINNIS: If you really want a great deal you probably should have made the reservations before Christmas.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: Good morning everyone. President Bush is close to wrapping up his visit to Pakistan. Earlier today Mr. Bush and Pakistan's President Musharraf discussed the war on terror and other issues of mutual interest. And before leaving Islamabad President Bush got a crash course, you see this the sport of cricket. Cricket is similar to the American past time of baseball. Which Mr. Bush is quite familiar with. The president is the former owner of the Texas Rangers. Not bad.
In Iraq, a mortar exploded in a busy market just outside Baghdad early this morning. Seven people were killed, 15 others hurt. Several other bombings stuck a capital city killing two other people and wounding several others.
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