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CNN Saturday Morning News
California Fire Investigation Could Go Beyond Arson Probe To Include Murder Charges; October Is Fourth Deadliest Month Since Iraq War Started; New Questions About Administration Policy After Cheney's Controversial Torture Comment; President And First Lady Both On Campaign Trail Trying To Rally Republican Voters
Aired October 28, 2006 - 07:00 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, firefighters are still working around the clock trying to gain the upper hand on a deadly wildfire near Palm Springs, California. It's pushed by high winds. The fire has already scorched about 40,000 acres and fire officials say it's about 25 percent contained.
Let's get you straight now to Reynolds Wolf for a quick check of the weather outside.
They really need some help -- Reynolds.
REYNOLDS WOLF, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Oh, they really do. And I mean it is not -- they're not going to get any cooperation from Mother Nature today. They've got red flag warnings there in effect, which means really, really low humidity and strong wind gusts. That should continue easily through the evening hours.
Meanwhile, in parts of the Northeast, we have just the opposite -- really damp conditions with flood watches that will be in effect through much of the day.
We'll give you the full details of what you can expect across the country. That's only in a few moments -- back to you.
NGUYEN: We'll be waiting.
Thank you, Reynolds.
Let's get you on the campaign trail now. President Bush stumps for Republican candidates 10 days before the elections. He attends a rally in Indiana today and a Republican Party dinner in South Carolina tonight.
We're going to have more on the president's agenda in just a few minutes, and complete election coverage, well, that's throughout the day.
A month of misery. October is now the fourth deadliest month for U.S. forces in Iraq since the war started. Ninety-eight U.S. troops have been killed. The latest death, a Marine in the Anbar Province, west of Baghdad. We have a live report from the Iraqi capital in just about 10 minutes. T.J. HOLMES, CNN ANCHOR: Palestinian militants say they're closer to a deal allowing the release of a captive Israeli soldier in exchange for the freedom of Palestinians now in Israeli custody. That's according to a Reuters News Agency report.
Corporal Gilad Shalit was captured in Gaza back in June. Israel has not yet responded to the proposal.
And you've just go to believe. I believe the series might be competitive, but I was wrong. But St. Louis fans, they believe in their Cardinals. They're celebrating their World Series win over Detroit last night, of course.
NGUYEN: Didn't I pick the Cardinals?
I think I did pick the Cardinals.
HOLMES: No, you went with Detroit, actually.
NGUYEN: Are you sure about that?
HOLMES: We will roll the tape.
NGUYEN: OK.
HOLMES: But a record crowd was there to witness the 4-1 series win by the Cardinals. Forty-six thousand showed up at Busch Stadium at the St. Louis Cardinals beat Detroit 4-2 last night. And they are World Series champions.
Of course, we run-down the top stories for you every 15 minutes here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.
We've got in-depth coverage for you all morning long and your next check of the headlines coming up at 7:15 Eastern time.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WHITNEY LINGAFELTER, FIREFIGHTER'S GIRLFRIEND: I just want him back. That's all I want. I want him back. I'm angry at whoever -- whoever started this fire. I'm so angry at them because they killed him.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: You can see it, you can feel it and you can hear it -- unbearable grief and anger from a woman who lost her firefighter boyfriend in that deadly blaze that you see here in California.
From the CNN Center, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING.
It is October 28th.
Good morning, everybody.
I'm Betty Nguyen. HOLMES: And I'm T.J. Holmes.
Thank you so much for being here with us.
NGUYEN: We want to go to our top story right now.
Again, that deadly wildfire still burning in Southern California.
Here's what we know about the Esperanza Fire right now.
That fire has already scorched more than 62 square miles. Firefighters working around the clock are starting to get a foothold, with the fire now about 25 percent contained. Investigators, well, they believe the fire was deliberately set. A $500,000 reward is being offered in the search for a possible arsonist.
And federal investigators have joined the arson investigation and it could go beyond the arson probe to include murder charges. Four firefighters were killed battling this windswept wildfire. A fifth is in critical condition this morning.
CNN's Gary Tuchman has more now from Riverside County, California.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GARY TUCHMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A fire truck destroyed by fire, caked in soot, now a sobering memorial to firefighters who died when fast moving flames overtook them while they were in the truck.
They had just arrived at a home in the path of the fire, hoping to save it. But that home and others in this mountainous area west of Palm Springs were destroyed.
Mark Loutzenhiser was the engine captain -- 44 years old with 21 years of service. Jess McLean -- 27 years old, with five children. Jason McKay was 27 years old, four years as a volunteer firefighter. And Daniel Hoover-Najera, only 20 years old. It was his second season of firefighting. He also died.
Authorities say their deaths could be homicides because this huge fire was started by arson. And a $500,000 reward is now being offered for information leading to a capture and a conviction.
GOV. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER (R), CALIFORNIA: We are searching for the arsonist. We will find them and we will punish them.
TUCHMAN: A fifth firefighter is in the hospital. Doctors say his prognosis is poor.
DR. DAVID WONG, ARROWHEAD MEDICAL CENTER: His degree of burns is one of the most severe.
QUESTION: You say how much of his body is burnt?
WONG: Ninety percent.
ALLISON STEWART, U.S. FOREST SERVICE: Keep your thoughts and prayers for these folks and their families at this time, and, also, their colleagues on the forest. There's a lot of pain right now.
TUCHMAN: It has already spread extraordinarily rapidly since it began Thursday morning, climbing up mountain sides and igniting dry brush as the 40 mile per hour gusts help propel it along.
The fire still smolders at this house, one of at least 10 homes that have been destroyed.
Alex McKenzie actually saw his house being burned on the news after he evacuated.
ALEX MCKENZIE, RESIDENT: Paintings, statues, titles for cars, paperwork, everything but my beds and couches was in that storage trailer out there. Now it's all gone. Gone.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, man, look at that.
TUCHMAN: Hundreds of more homes are vulnerable. Thousands of people have evacuated. Life is still in danger, as loss of life is mourned.
Gary Tuchman, CNN, Riverside County, California.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: More now on those fallen firefighters. Four men died doing the job they loved.
Hal Eisner now of CNN affiliate KTTV talked to the grief stricken families.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GLORIA AYALA, FIREFIGHTER'S MOTHER: I want my baby back.
HAL EISNER, KTTV CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Gloria Ayala is talking about her 20-year-old son Danny, one of the four firefighters killed when wind driven flames overran them while they were protecting a home.
LINGAFELTER: I just want him back. That's all I want. I want him back. I'm angry at whoever -- whoever started this fire. I'm so angry at them because they killed him.
EISNER: Wendy Lingafelter says her boyfriend was so proud of being a firefighter.
LINGAFELTER: He loved it. It was his dream.
EISNER: But that dream turned into a nightmare for all of those who loved Danny, for all of those who loved the four firefighters from Engine Company 57. STEWART: There's a lot of pain right now.
EISNER: This was a day filled with emotion. Announcing the names of the firefighters who were killed was understandably tough for the U.S. Forest Service.
STEWART: Mark Loutzenhiser was the engine captain.
EISNER: Mark Loutzenhiser was 44, had 21 years of service, lived in Idlewild, was certified as an EMT.
STEWART: Jess McLean was the fire engine operator.
EISNER: Jess McLean was 27, lived in Beaumont, had worked for the Forest Service for seven years.
STEWART: Jason McKay was the assistant fire engine operator.
EISNER: Jason McKay was also 27, lived in Phelan, had worked for the Forest Service for five years, was a certified EMT, had gotten a degree in fire science.
And then there was Danny.
STEWART: Daniel Hoover-Najera was a firefighter who was 20 years old and was in his second season of firefighting.
EISNER: Danny's mother doesn't understand why her son was assigned to structure protection.
G. AYALA: He was too new. He was too green to be in there. He only started October 4th. He was doing temp work before. I don't know. I need to know if that was right or wrong.
EISNER: Nonetheless, Danny's family, siblings and girlfriend mourn.
MONICA AYALA, FIREFIGHTER'S SISTER: My brother was amazing. I looked up to him. He was my hero. I'm going to miss him a lot.
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: He's gone, but I'll always remember him.
G. AYALA: And as the ash is coming down, I keep thinking that's part of my baby coming down on me.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: Again, that report from our Hal Eisner of CNN affiliate KTTV in Los Angeles.
NGUYEN: Just such a difficult, difficult situation out there. And we talked to Reynolds a little bit earlier about the weather outside -- Reynolds, I know that we want to get an update now. I mean it just doesn't look like it's going to get any better any time soon, but give us some kind of positive outlook, if you could. WOLF: Well, some positive outlook is that we're expecting the winds to eventually begin to decrease. And winds are really a huge factor when we're talking about these fires out in parts of the West.
You've heard them referred to as Santa Ana winds. Well, the reason why these winds are so dangerous out there is because they do a couple of things. For one, they dry out a lot of foliage. But at the same time, they help spread the flames, especially up into the high hills, where you have really dry foliage, chaparral trees, as well.
And then when these trees begin to ignite, the winds continue and they push the embers from the top of the trees. The crowning effect takes place and then you have those embers falling right back down the hillside near populated areas or places that are unpopulated. But you see this process repeat itself over and over and over again.
Now, what we're going to be dealing with today, strong winds. But they should begin to subside by the time we get to this evening, around 9:00 or so Pacific time. So that will give them quite a break.
I know it should remain dry out there. They're not going to see any significant rainfall, which is what they're really hoping for. But at least with the winds dropping, they're going to get a little bit of help.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HOLMES: Rallying Republicans -- President Bush hits the campaign trail this morning. First stop, the Hoosier State. He's heading to Indiana. He's going to attend a rally for a GOP congressman. It is the president's first open rally of the 2006 campaign. Until now, he's only spoken at fundraisers.
Later today, the president visits troops at Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina. And then tonight he'll be at a Republican National Committee dinner, also in the Charleston area.
Tax cuts, the economy and the war in Iraq -- those are the subjects of the president's weekly radio address today and the Democratic response. President Bush will tout his tax cuts as a boost to the economy. U.S. Senate candidate Jim Webb of Virginia delivers the Democratic response. He'll focus on Iraq.
We'll have more on Webb's bitter campaign fight with Senator George Allen a little bit later in this hour.
Republican Senator John McCain repeats his call to send more U.S. troops to Iraq. And to do that, McCain says the size of the U.S. military needs to expand.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: First of all, we have to increase the size of the Army and the Marine Corps to reduce the strain on the Guard. But I would say roughly you need another 20,000 troops in Iraq. But that means expanding the Army and Marine Corps by as much as 100,000 people.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: McCain, as you may have heard, is considering another run-for the White House. He's been campaigning on behalf of Republican candidates in the mid-term elections.
NGUYEN: Ninety-eight U.S. troops killed in Iraq during October. That makes this the fourth deadliest month since the war started.
Let's get the latest now on the violence and efforts to stop it, more importantly.
CNN's Michael Ware joins us live from Baghdad -- Michael, the numbers are so apparent, 98 U.S. troops killed, the fourth deadliest month since the war began. The violence keeps escalating with all the sectarian violence that's going on.
What is all of this doing to U.S. troops morale there?
It's got to be having some kind of an effect.
MICHAEL WARE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, the troops certainly know, Betty, that they are in a war. I mean most of these young men who are out in the field -- and women to be included in that, also -- are professional soldiers. Many of them signed on for this or many of them were at least in active duty units. I mean, this is what they do.
Now, there may be some growing skepticism amongst the troops about just how much they're achieving or whether they'll ever actually win over the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people.
Nonetheless, they stick to their jobs. So even if they have doubts, they pull together and at the end of the day, what this war is about for them, like all conflict for a soldier, it's about the people around them -- their friends, their mates -- getting through it in one piece.
So they may be toughing it out, but they're sticking to the line -- Betty.
NGUYEN: Well, they do have a job to do. But another thing, you know, you're talking about the people around them. We're getting yet more reports this morning of some 20 bullet riddled bodies in and around Baghdad. Iraqis have to be fearful beyond belief.
What are they saying on the streets of Iraq about a solution to all of this sectarian violence?
WARE: Well, that's a great thing. They're looking for a strong government. And, quite simply, they don't have that. Indeed, this government is all but an apparition. Beyond the prime minister and the national security adviser's office, it really is in the hands of the militias from there on in.
But this is something else. And the development of those efforts you discussed of trying to pull back some of this violence.
As we speak right now, according to an aide of the Iraqi prime minister, the prime minister was due to have a videoconference with President Bush. Now, from this aide, we see a further distancing of the Iraqi prime minister from the U.S. line. This entangled relationship that we've seen going through painful twists and turns this week.
Today, this aide said that the prime minister and the U.S. ambassador met yesterday. And he made it clear the prime minister said that any U.S. timelines are suggestions only. He's been forced by the Americans to make difficult decisions too quickly. And while he remains a friend of America, he is not their man.
So we see again this divide being defined -- Betty.
NGUYEN: You talk about difficult, you know, decisions very quickly, but let me ask you about this. U.S. troops have been there for many years now, and there has been this push to get the Iraqi security forces up and ready to take over this country and protect themselves.
What is taking so long? Why haven't they been put in place and ready to secure this country so that U.S. forces can start to begin a pullout?
WARE: Well, it's a simple question -- a simple answer, really. I mean, you know, the Americans had set benchmarks early on to build the Iraqi security forces to a certain number, just over 300,000 trained and equipped troops and they will be able to take care of themselves.
Well, Betty, we're just about at that point now. Those numbers have just about been reached and look at the situation.
Why is that?
It's because the fundamental issues have not been addressed -- actually, breaking down the militias; external influences the U.S. ambassador pointed to, particularly from Iran; really tackling al Qaeda, which is not being done. They're not being confronted head-on, face-to-face.
The U.S. Marine general who owns Anbar Province, the al Qaeda front line, has said he does not have enough troops to win against the al Qaeda-led insurgency. He's only got enough troops to train Iraqis.
And like I said, until the building blocks of Iraqi politics are addressed, the Iraqi Army is almost meaningless -- Betty.
NGUYEN: That's a good point there, the problems, they are very complex and they are deep-seated.
Michael Ware, thank you for spending a little time with us this morning.
We appreciate it.
And we do have more on the Iraqi government's struggle with militias a little bit later today. Join CNN's John Roberts for a special edition of THIS WEEK AT WAR from Baghdad. That's tonight at 7:00 Eastern and again tomorrow at 1:00 Eastern.
HOLMES: And we're going to take a bit of a turn to sports. Of course, we're talking the World Series. We've got football, hockey...
NGUYEN: Oh, you're in heaven, aren't you?
HOLMES: ... throw in some NASCAR and some basketball and I'm loving it, yes.
This is a big week for sports fans and we've certainly got enough reasons to go Beyond The Game with our favorite sports guru, Rick Horrow. Here's coming up in about 10 minutes.
NGUYEN: Plus, an unfolding sexual scandal around the Democrat James Webb -- or is it an effort by his Republican opponent to gain ground on the Virginia Senate race?
That's a question. The story about sex, books and campaigning, all wrapped up, just 30 minutes from now.
Plus, on a lighter note, find out how far pumpkins can fly.
Have you tried this?
All of this and much more right here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: Now in the news, strong winds still fanning the flames of a growing wildfire in Southern California. The Esperanza Fire has already chewed up more than 62 square miles near Palm Springs. Investigators think the fire was deliberately set.
On the campaign trail now, President Bush stumps for Republican candidates 10 days before the elections. He attends a rally in Indiana today and a Republican Party dinner in South Carolina tonight. Keep it here for complete election coverage throughout the day.
And a month of misery -- October now the fourth deadliest month for U.S. forces in Iraq since the war started. Ninety-eight U.S. service members have been killed. The latest death, a Marine in the Anbar Province west of Baghdad.
NGUYEN: Well, it's a somber response from President Bush to reports that Iran is plowing ahead with its nuclear program. The president says he cannot confirm Iran has begun-a second uranium enrichment process, but he is not pleased at the prospect. The president told reporters that Iran with a nuclear weapon would be "unacceptable."
Afghanistan's president says his government is willing to negotiate with Taliban leader Mullah Omar if it leads to peace in the country. But President Hamid Karzai made clear that he deplores the Taliban and its activities. A news report also stresses that President Karzai is not offering amnesty to the Taliban.
We do run-down the top stories every 15 minutes right here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING, with in-depth coverage all morning long. Your next check of the headlines, that is coming up at 7:30 Eastern.
Well, St. Louis celebrates its first World Series since 1982. And we are going Beyond The Game with sports guru Rick Horrow in about three minutes.
HOLMES: Also, the controversy surrounding the vice president's comments about torture. And now his wife standing up for her husband. That story coming up in about 18 minutes.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: Well, I'm sure some of you Cardinals fans out there still haven't been to bed just yet. Great game five last night, if you're a Cardinals fan. We saw the Cardinals win the World Series with a 4-2 win over the Detroit Tires at -- Tires? I'm sorry Tiger fans, the Tigers. And, of course, the party got started right after that. Cards fans have been waiting for this more than 20 years. The last Series win came in 1982.
You might call it a perfect storm for sports fans out there. The big five professional sports all in play this week. You've got the World Series, or you had the World Series in baseball. Football, hockey in full swing, as well. NASCAR -- love some NASCAR -- it's entering the home stretch of the chase for the Nextel Cup. And basketball tips off Tuesday night. It's the only time of the year all these major sports intersect.
And so, we're going to go Beyond The Game now for more on this treat -- not trick or treat, really. These are all treats for the sports fans.
Our favorite sports guru and author of "When the Game Is On the Line," Rick Horrow, is in North Carolina this week, Raleigh, North Carolina with the Tarheel hat on. How appropriate -- how are you doing, sir?
RICK HORROW, CNN SPORTS BUSINESS ANALYST: Well, I'm doing OK.
It's parents' weekend for me and I promised my daughter I'd wear a UNC Carolina hat. Hey, but they're one in six, so that's enough of that, OK? We're done with that. Let's get down to the real sports, right?
HOLMES: Yes, but what was the deal?
We waited 160 something games for the whole season and we got a 4-1 World Series.
What's the deal? HORROW: Yes, well, when we talk about the relative health of sports, we've got to put baseball up there, though. The 4-1 series is great. It's great for the Cardinals. But major league baseball is now a $6 billion industry. Their salary caps are working because the parody means the Tigers were 14th. But the Cardinals were 11th payroll. And the bottom line is unprecedented labor peace for 16 straight years because of a collective bargaining agreement that was done.
So when you rate them, it's a home run. Then, of course, you go to the NFL, which is another great sport right now because their revenues are up to $6 billion when Commissioner Goodell took over for Paul Tagliabue...
HOLMES: Yes?
HORROW: ... the average value of the franchise was $800 million compared to $50 million when the predecessor took over for Pete Rozelle. The bottom line there is a salary cap and revenue sharing. They're even going international now, which is a big deal, two games every single year.
The verdict for the NFL -- touchdown.
And, finally, you've got NASCAR.
HOLMES: Oh, welcome NASCAR.
HORROW: ... with $1.5 billion growth rate, 90 percent. And now it's worth $10 billion versus that $1.5 billion in 1990. A 40 percent increase in television revenues and television rights. The only problem with NASCAR is the last time I checked, a seven to 11-year-old can't drive the family car. They've got marketing, they've got promotion. International -- Colombian Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya went over to NASCAR. And there's a major marketing effort there.
So the verdict -- green flag.
HOLMES: OK.
Well, it sounds like everybody is doing great. You named three at least there.
So who's not doing so well out of the big five?
HORROW: Oh, we've got two more.
First of all, the NHL.
HOLMES: Yes.
HORROW: They were given up for dead a few years ago, by the way. But they have a $2 billion revenue play. And the founder of Blackberry just paid $175 million for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Their problem is they're on a fairly obscure network called Versus, previously OLN. And if they get to the 80 million homes they think they will, then it's going to be great. But the jury is still out. So the verdict with the NHL, a tied game.
Finally, the NBA. They have a salary cap of $50 million. Everybody seems to be fitting that well. Hey, but tell that to the Knicks. A $125 million payroll for the New York Knicks. They're still not real good. They've wrapped up their superstars, the league has, Lebron James, Carmello Anthony, Duane Wade. But they've got a bit more to go. They've got image issues. David Stern, the commissioner, in a speech last week said, hey, guys, please leave your guns at home.
And, of course, the key is going to be is the fan going to watch the NBA in October and November?
We'll see, because they tip off on Halloween night. And the verdict with the NBA? Jump ball.
HOLMES: We kind of got that speech around here, too. They tell us to leave our guns at home before we come to work.
HORROW: I'm not getting into that, OK?
It's your call, your business. You deal with it the way you want.
HOLMES: All right.
Well, tell me, we've got, of course, the fair ball/foul ball.
Which one you want to start with?
Go right ahead.
HORROW: Well, let's go with the fair ball, because it segues back to St. Louis.
HOLMES: All right.
HORROW: You know, they opened their new Busch Stadium this year. It's a great public/private partnership. And, of course, the television ratings, they say, were terrible this year, as the Cardinals won their first Series since '82 in five games.
Look at the big picture for baseball -- $3 billion in the next seven years. Their rights fees are up 18 percent. All the discussion about television baseball, they're still doing OK.
HOLMES: All right, who was your foul ball this week?
HORROW: Sean Merriman, the NFL top 10 player...
HOLMES: Oh, man. HORROW: ... for the San Diego Chargers. Just when the NFL thought they were through their steroid drug controversy, the guy is suspended for four games. Terrible for the Chargers and not that great for the NFL, either.
HOLMES: And he always seemed like a clean kid.
HORROW: Yes, well, you never know about the NFL. But everybody still watches it.
HOLMES: Yes.
HORROW: Now I'm going to go watch some college football this afternoon, OK?
HOLMES: Enjoy yourself. And put that hat back on. You're in North Carolina for a -- it won't hurt. They're one in six. They could use some support. Go right ahead.
HORROW: When my daughter sees me, she'll see me with the hat. She won't know the difference.
HOLMES: All right, well, Rick, thanks so much.
Always good to see you.
We'll see next weekend.
HORROW: See you next week, man.
HOLMES: All right -- Betty.
NGUYEN: Thanks, guys.
We do have some sad news to tell you about, about a friend of our show. You may recall we talked to Jeff Newbauer this summer, on his national ballpark tour. Well, Jeff, a baseball fan, and a cancer patient, wanted to visit all 30 Major League stadiums this season while raising money to fight childhood cancer.
He made it to 26 and would have been at the World Series this week but didn't make it due to his failing health. Jeff Newbauer died on Wednesday at the age of 22.
His mission, though, do want to tell you about that; it is to strike out cancer. That mission goes on and you can learn more about Jeff's remarkable life at his Web site, Jeffsballparktour.com. We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: Now in the news: Firefighters, they are still working around the clock. You can see why. Their trying to gain the upper hand on a deadly wildfire near Palm Springs, California. Pushed by high wind the fire has already, get this, scorched about 40,000 acres. Fire officials say it's about 25 percent contained. Rallying Republicans: With 10 days to the midterm elections President Bush will be on the campaign trail today. His first stop a rally in Indiana. Later he'll visit U.S. troops in Charleston, South Carolina, and then attend a Republican Party dinner nearby.
Well, the death toll, speaking of troops, four of those troops in Iraq this month, it rises to 98. That makes this the fourth deadliest month for U.S. forces since the war began. A Marine killed in Anbar Province, west of Baghdad, is the latest fatality. Four Marines and a sailor were killed earlier this week.
HOLMES: A somber response from President Bush to reports that Iran is plowing ahead with its nuclear program. The president says he cannot confirm Iran has begun a second uranium enrichment process, but said he's not pleased at the prospect. The president told reporters Iran, with a nuclear weapon, would be, quote, "unacceptable."
And it is that time again. Most of us -- most of the U.S. going to begins Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 a.m. Sunday morning. So if you've got somewhere to go tomorrow morning -- do you, Betty? Possibly?
NGUYEN: I've done that before. I've arrived at church way too early sitting in an empty parking lot all by myself going, where is everybody?
HOLMES: You could probably use the extra hour at church, Betty.
NGUYEN: You know what -- wait, I didn't get that.
HOLMES: I'm kidding.
NGUYEN: Yes, I probably could, praying for you, that is.
HOLMES: But again -- yes, and I do appreciate it. We're just telling you to set your clock back before you head to bed this evening.
NGUYEN: Yes, so enjoy your Halloween parties this evening. Stay out an extra hour.
HOLMES: An extra hour. Of course, we'll be running down the top stories every 15 minutes. Got in depth coverage all morning long, the next check coming up in about 15 minutes.
NGUYEN: Causing me grief this morning.
(LAUGHTER)
HOLMES: Just got a little scolding there during that little graphic spot.
NGUYEN: You did not. Don't tell them stories.
HOLMES: Welcome back to you-all. Good morning, I'm T.J. Holmes.
NGUYEN: Good morning, I'm Betty Nguyen. Thank you for starting your day with us.
HOLMES: We want to turn now back to Southern California and that fire that we've been telling you about. Crews are still on the front lines of that deadly wildfire. This is the Esperanza Fire. It's about 25 percent contained now, but the danger hasn't gone anywhere. Four fighters have been killed and a fifth in critical condition this morning. CNN's Thelma Gutierrez has more from Riverside County, California.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
THELMA GUTIERREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT, CNN SATURDAY MORNING (voice- over): Monstrous flames towering in the near distance to where a fire crew is stationed.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, I'm down at the bottom end of -- from the truck trail. It does look like it's coming pretty hard. I don't know if it's heading for you, 3361, or not. Also, I guess, did you guys notice you've got power lines running behind the structures there?
GUTIERREZ: The raging fire forced more people to evacuate their homes Friday. Several houses have already been destroyed and hundreds are threatened. Officials believe the fire was deliberately set.
SCHWARZENEGGER: We've decided that the state will add $100,000 to the reward of finding the arsonists of the Esperanza Fire.
GUTIERREZ: President Bush offered his condolences to the families of the firefighters who were killed in the line of duty.
TONY SNOW, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: He also praised the special work that firefighters do, their compassion for others, going into harm's way and risking their lives and said that their work is an indication of the compassion of Americans. He said the families are in his and Laura's prayers; and asked that all the firefighters know that they're in his prayers and Mrs. Bush's prayers.
GUTIERREZ: State and county officials in California are now offering up a $400,000 reward leading to any information that would lead to the arrest and the conviction of the person, or persons, who started this deadly fire. In Riverside County, California. I'm Thelma Gutierrez. Back to you.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: Since Thelma filed that report, the reward has been upped to $500,000, $100,000 each pledged by Riverside and San Bernardino counties, the state of California, the Marango Band of Mission Indians and a separate private donor.
NGUYEN: If only the weather would cooperate. Reynolds Wolf joins us now with a look at that.
(WEATHER REPORT) NGUYEN: Well, it's a question of torture. There are new questions about the Bush administration's position on torture after a controversial comment by Vice President Dick Cheney this week, apparently about a practice which simulates drowning. CNN's White House Correspondent Suzanne Malveaux reports.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A firestorm has erupted over comments the vice president made over whether he would endorse an interrogation technique that some consider torture, called water-boarding.
QUESTION: Would you agree a dunk in water is a no-brainer if it can save lives?
DICK CHENEY, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Well, it's a no-brainer for me, but I -- for a while there, I was criticized as being the vice president for torture. We don't torture.
MALVEAUX: It's the no-brainer that's got a lot of people thinking, what did the vice president mean? His office in the White House insists he was not talking about a torture technique known as water-boarding, in which a detainee is subjected to a simulated drowning.
TONY SNOW, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: He wasn't referring to water-boarding, he was referring to using programming of questioning -- not talking about water-boarding.
MALVEAUX: The president also weighed in.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: This country doesn't torture. We're not going to torture. We will interrogate people we pick up off the battlefield to determine whether or not they've got information that will be helpful to protect the country.
MALVEAUX: Cheney has consistently advocated that the administration should have the flexibility to use the most aggressive interrogation techniques for the most dangerous prisoners. But some Republican lawmakers, led by Senator John McCain, have argued water- boarding goes too far. Last month Congress passed legislation banning certain interrogation methods for detainees, which some lawmakers believe includes water-boarding.
JOHN MCLAUGHLIN, CNN NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR: I can understand how loose talk about dunking people in water can make listeners uncomfortable. But as I listen to congressmen and senators, they clearly are saying that that is not permissible.
MALVEAUX: But the law also leaves room for the president, as chief executive, to decide on a case-by-case basis whether some techniques are legal. The administration repeatedly refuses to identify which ones it believes are permitted under the new law.
MCLAUGHLIN: The vice president's comment really doesn't matter here, because there is now legislation that makes clear what the limits are. And those limits are quite clear in the minds of intelligence professionals.
MALVEAUX (on camera): Some Republican strategists say Cheney's tough talk may have been just throwing red meat to his Republican supporters. But there's some human rights advocates who are quite concerned that this could be a sign of a slippery slope in condoning abuse. Suzanne Malveaux, CNN, the White House.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: And Lynne Cheney, not too excited about the criticism of her husband. The vice president's wife says the criticism part of a wider distortion of the Bush administration. Her remarks came in an exclusive interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LYNNE CHENEY, WIFE OF VICE PRESIDENT DICK CHENEY: That's a complete distortion. He didn't say anything of the kind.
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR, "THE SITUATION ROOM": Because of the dunking, using the water and the dunking.
CHENEY: You know, I understand your point. It's kind of the point of a lot of people right now to try to distort the administration's position. And if you really want to talk about that, I watched the program on CNN last night, which I thought, it's year 2006 voter program -- which I thought was a terrible distortion of both the president and the vice president's position on many issues.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: Well, that brings us now to our e-mail question of the morning. The women of the White House, First Lady Laura Bush and, of course, as you just saw there, the vice president's wife. Do they have any impact on your vote?
You can e-mail us at Weekends@CNN.com and we'll read some of your responses, right here, a little later in the newscast.
NGUYEN: Another person fired up, besides Lynne Cheney, as we get closer to election, is our own Lou Dobbs. He's always fired up, though. I recently spoke to Lou about what's got him so upset.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LOU DOBBS, CNN ANCHOR: Neither of these parties is serving the interest of the largest group of people in this country, the middle class. Until they do so, I think the people ought to tell -- serve notice on both parties, that they're not going to be taken for fools any longer. Register as independents.
NGUYEN: So as people go to the polls, what should they really be thinking about? We have so many issues on hand? We have the war on the middle class, which you talk about. We have immigration issues. We have many issues -- the war in Iraq. What do you think is really going to resonate with voters? And what is going to make them place that vote for a particular person?
DOBBS: The short answer is, I don't know, Betty. But I do know this. That they should not be casting votes based on wedge issues, "under God," in the Pledge of Allegiance, abortion, gun control, gay marriage, stem cell research. The fact of the matter is, each of these issues is divisive. It is a distraction for middle class voters.
What they should be worrying about, in my opinion, instead, is the war in Iraq and the conduct of this war. What they should be worrying about is the state of the economy. What they should be worrying about is the failing public education system. Those public schools are a great equalizer in this society, critically important. And they should be worrying about the rising healthcare costs in this country. Those are the issues that will most affect their lives.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: And Sunday night at 7:00 Eastern, 4:00 Pacific, Lou Dobbs takes an in-depth look at the vulnerabilities of electronic voting machines. In fact, we're going to talk about that a little bit later today. Will your vote be counted? That's a big question. 7:00 Eastern tomorrow only on CNN.
HOLMES: It's all about voting these days. Midterm elections, as you know, 10 days away. Veronica de la Cruz tells us what she's watching for us online.
Good morning, Veronica.
VERONICA DE LA CRUZ, CNN INTERNET REPORTER: Good morning, Betty and T.J.
This week we have taken the time to compel the hottest video available to you, as America heads to the polls on November 7th. We'll show you next on the "Dot Com Desk".
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: "Now in the News": Still watching that Southern California wildfire that is still gaining ground. Now more than 62 square miles have been destroyed. Firefighters have been working around the clock building up those fire lines to protect hundreds of homes still in the fire's path.
To the campaign now. Rallying Republicans: 10 days until the midterm elections. And President Bush is on the campaign trail. His first stop today will be a rally in Indiana. Later he'll visit U.S. troops in Charleston, South Carolina, and attend a Republican Party dinner nearby.
NGUYEN: The death toll for U.S. troops in Iraq, this month, well, it rises to 98. And that makes this the fourth deadliest month for U.S. forces since the war began. A Marine killed in Anbar Province, west of Baghdad, is the latest fatality. Four Marines and a soldier were killed earlier this week.
We run down the top stories every 15 minutes right here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING with in depth coverage all morning long. The next check of the headlines coming up at the top of the hour.
HOLMES: Other stories "Across America". In Broward County, Florida, five students were arrested for their alleged involvement in a sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl on a school bus last month. The boys ages 11 to 14 were caught on the surveillance video. All five are suspended from school and could be expelled. The bus driver resigned.
In Georgia, talk about some luck here, an employee of the Hapeville Ford Motor plant stopped for gas, bought a $5 instant game lottery ticket, scratched it, won.
NGUYEN: No way!
HOLMES: What did he win? A lot of gas money, $225,000.
NGUYEN: He could take a year off, yes.
HOLMES: That might get you through a year.
NGUYEN: If you use it wisely.
HOLMES: The store attendant said the man was so excited he actually drove off without pumping the gas he had just paid for. Lucky lottery winner, Jerome McGuinness (ph) was on his way to this place, the Ford Motor assembly plant outside of Atlanta, his last day of work there, because the plant closed yesterday.
NGUYEN: The irony in that.
HOLMES: It all works out.
NGUYEN: It sure does, doesn't it?
HOLMES: Ready, set, and you launch them. Young folks making a sport out of playing with their food. We've been doing this for a long time, all of us really. This is the Illinois Institute of Technology, though.
NGUYEN: That didn't go very far.
HOLMES: The Pumpkin Launching Competition. Students break into teams and construct these launchers, as you're seeing. That was not the winner. The team with the longest pumpkin launch won $200.
NGUYEN: I always like it when the splash.
DE LA CRUZ: It's all about picking the perfect pumpkin, though.
NGUYEN: Is it?
DE LA CRUZ: Some of them were there -- just a little bit too -- NGUYEN: They were too firm to just go splat.
DE LA CRUZ: Yes.
NGUYEN: Although, I like seeing that happen.
DE LA CRUZ: I know, I know.
NGUYEN: In the meantime, though, I know Halloween is almost here. People have that on their minds, but they also have the election on their minds. Veronica de la Cruz is here, this morning, monitoring the situation. We are counting the days.
DE LA CRUZ: Yes, we are counting the days. Midterm elections right around the corner, November 7th the big day. Several of those races, as you know, are red hot. I've taken the time to gather the best political video of the week. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DE LA CRUZ (voice-over): This week we saw the race in Missouri get aggressive as Michael J. Fox, a victim of Parkinson's disease and a supporter of stem cell research, endorsed Democratic Senate Candidate Claire McCaskill and urged voters to vote against Republican Jim Talent, who is against it.
The ad drew backlash from radio host Rush Limbaugh who accused Fox of faking Parkinson's symptoms for the camera. Limbaugh later said that he learned Fox was not faking and apologized.
A few states are also holding gubernatorial races, most notably Texas, where a four-way race has a most diverse cast of characters. From incumbent Republican Governor Rick Perry and former Democratic Congressman Chris Bell, to musician comedian Kinky Friedman, and the so-called Touch Grandma Carol Keaton Strayhorn.
Our Bob Franken reports on these candidates, their chances, and the other cast of characters coming to Texas to speak on their behalf.
Those are just a few of the political videos available to you at CNN.com. We also have a special section devoted to the races. Point your browser to CNN.com/AmericaVotes.
I'll be back at 10 Eastern with our pick of the best "I-Report" of the week and we've got a brand new prize to give away. It's a date with Betty.
NGUYEN: Oh, no, no, no. That's not really a prize. That's really not. Trust me. You don't want to take me out to eat because I will ring up a bill. The girl can eat. All right, thank you, Veronica.
DE LA CRUZ: 10:00 a.m., straight ahead.
NGUYEN: Not surprised. Just want to remind you of that. Still ahead here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING: A babysitter who won't raid the fridge, or up the phone bill. Hey, that's a pretty good thing, right?
HOLMES: If they can only program it to change diapers, they may be on to something. We've got that story coming up in the "Watercooler."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: That lovely sound.
HOLMES: I haven't heard it in a while. We've been missing it the past couple of weeks. That means we take a short break from the big stories to share some of the odd ball news we found.
NGUYEN: I think odd ball is key.
HOLMES: Yes.
NGUYEN: Time for a quick trip down to the "Watercooler," shall we?
First up, high tech meets high fashion, of sorts. A renowned London designer created a line of elegant dresses that literally change their shape to suit the occasion.
HOLMES: Yes, this is a wardrobe malfunction just waiting to happen. One ever the creations was a flowing dress that completely retracted into a hat.
NGUYEN: The whole dress?
HOLMES: Completely, Betty.
NGUYEN: That could be dangerous.
HOLMES: I fought to show this video, but we can't show it because it left the model standing on the runway in her birthday suit.
NGUYEN: No! Why is it you saw that video and I didn't? I wonder what that was about.
HOLMES: I was involved in the editorial process on this one.
NGUYEN: I'm sure. Oh, look at this. Look at this, though.
HOLMES: I don't know what that is, but a lot of folks, of course, who were sitting there watching this amazing disappearing dress -- pretty amazed by that.
NGUYEN: Over and over and over again.
HOLMES: They want to demonstrate. It's a new fashion.
NGUYEN: I'm sure. All right, here's the future of child care, shall we say. The Japanese have developed a prototype robot babysitter, it's basically a nanny cam on steroids.
HOLMES: Yes. Biological parental unit interfaces with the robot by cell phone. Yes, you get it? The robot can even receive simple text messages and then repeat them to the child. Now, who's your daddy? It can't do that, I don't think.
Just one more way to ensure children of the future are raised without contamination from, you know -- parents and people.
NGUYEN: People, yes.
HOLMES: No interaction, its not needed.
NGUYEN: I love the name, the Biological Parental Unit. Yes, whatever.
So, we'll get back to our top stories in just a moment, which I'm sure you can't wait to see after all that.
HOLMES: But of course top stories have to include this, the massive wildfire happening in California. The flames continue to spread this morning.
NGUYEN: Plus, we will hear from First Lady Laura Bush. She's got a smile on her face, but she's talking tough on the campaign trail.
HOLMES: And we've got a reminder for you, speaking about the first lady. Talking about the women of the White House, how do they impact your vote, or do they even? E-mail us at Weekends@CNN.com.
NGUYEN: We'll read some of the responses when CNN SATURDAY MORNING returns. Don't go anywhere.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GLORIA AYALA, MOTHER OF FIREFIGHTER: As the ashes came down, I keep thinking, that's part of my baby coming down on me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: A mother's grief, her anguish at the loss of her firefighter son. He is one of four firemen killed in that fast-moving California wildfire that we're staying on top of for you.
HOLMES: Yes. They're still trying to get a handle on that thing out there.
And from here in Atlanta, from the CNN Center, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING. It is October 28th, 8:00 a.m. here at the headquarters, 5:00 a.m. in southern California, where crews are battling that Esperanza Fire.
NGUYEN: Still.
HOLMES: But hello to you all. I'm T.J. Holmes.
NGUYEN: Yes. Good morning, everybody. I'm Betty Nguyen.
More on that top story in just a moment, but first, a check of other headlines this hour.
A deadly month for U.S. troops in Iraq. A U.S. Marine has been killed in Anbar province, west of Baghdad, and that brings the toll for October to 98, the fourth highest monthly toll since the war started. Four Marines and a sailor were killed earlier this week.
The search for remains at Ground Zero could take more than a year. That's the word from a top New York City official who says if it is at all possible, remains will be found. And workers have found more than 200 bones, plus bone fragments since the search began last week.
HOLMES: NATO promises a full investigation into the death of about 70 Afghan civilians presumably killed Tuesday by NATO air strikes in Kandahar province. The pledge was given today by the Afghanistan president by NATO supreme commander General James Jones. NATO says it is satisfied the operation had targeted Taliban fighters but acknowledges some civilians were also killed.
Folks in St. Louis probably still partying right now after their Cardinals ended the World Series with a 4-2 win over the Tigers. It took just five games for the Cards to do it, and it's their first title since 1982.
NGUYEN: Boy, did they do it.
We run down the top stories every 15 minutes here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING, with in-depth coverage all morning long. Your next check of the headlines coming up at 8:15 Eastern.
HOLMES: We turn now back to our top story, the deadly wildfire burning in southern California. Here's what we know about the Esperanza Fire right now.
The fire has already torched more than 62 square miles. Firefighters working around the clock, starting to get a foothold, with the fire now about 25 percent contained.
Investigators believe the fire was deliberately set. A $500,000 reward is being offered in the search for a possible arsonist. Fire officials now say that person or persons will face murder charges.
The blaze killed four firefighters, and the fifth is in critical condition. One of those killed was 20-year-old Daniel Hoover Najera (ph). He's the one on the top left. His family, of course, now looking for answers.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WHITNEY LINGAFELTER, GIRLFRIEND OF FIREFIGHTER: I just want him back. That's all I want. I want him back. I'm angry at whoever -- whoever started this fire. I'm so angry at them because they killed him.
AYALA: He was too new. He was too green to be in there. He only started October 4th. He was doing temp work before.
I don't know. I need to know if that was right or wrong.
I looked up to him. He was my hero. I'm going to miss him.
MONICA AYALA, SISTER OF FIREFIGHTER: My brother was amazing. I looked up to him. He was my hero. I'm going to miss him a lot.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He's gone, but I'll always remember him.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Well, the deaths of the four firefighters illustrates just how dangerous these wildfires can be. Their fellow firefighters are back on the line today, battling an unpredictable blaze. Video journalist Tim Walton is there by their side and sent us his account.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TIM WALTON, VIDEOJOURNALIST: This fire is building on this area, had been obviously moved through thousands of acres before. And -- and it was -- the wind was coming out of the north at what seemed like 35, 40 miles an hour.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's coming pretty hard. I don't know if it's heading for you or not.
(CROSSTALK)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: ... 53.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Go ahead.
WALTON: These firemen do what they do, which is line up with their engines at every one of these structures and look for a safety zone, a place to be -- that you could escape to, and watch these -- this fire come at you.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: 30 Charlie 53.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Go ahead.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: 30 Charlie 53.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Go ahead, 53. .
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, we picked the fire up and out of the storage area, but we have no lines in the storage area, back down to the community of Poppet Flats.
(CROSSTALK)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Go ahead.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Keep it coming.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: Reynolds joins us now.
Reynolds, let me ask you this...
WOLF: Absolutely.
NGUYEN: ... the winds are a big problem, but the lack of rain is just as much a problem, if not a bigger problem.
WOLF: Absolutely.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HOLMES: The president and the first lady both on the campaign trail today. They're trying to rally Republican voters just 10 days before America votes in the midterm elections.
White House Correspondent Elaine Quijano is joining us live now.
Good morning to you, Elaine.
ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, T.J.
Well, that's right, it is crunch time, and the final push is on. President Bush, as we've seen him do in recent days and weeks, is going to be hitting the campaign trail once again. His first stop, though, not a fund-raiser as we've seen. Instead, it will be a campaign rally, and that will take place in Indiana.
There he'll move on to Charleston, South Carolina, for a fund- raiser, and also a speech to rally the troops. But as you mentioned, it's not just the president.
The first lady, Laura Bush, will also be hitting the road. She will be heading to Rochester, New York, for an event there.
Now, the first lady, of course, has a lot of political appeal. She consistently polls higher, sometimes by twice as much than her husband when it comes to approval ratings. The White House fully recognizes this is and hopes that she can help reach out to moderate voters and pull them in, especially for some of these tight congressional races.
Now, amid this campaigning, there have been some questions raised about comments that Vice President Dick Cheney made in a radio interview. Critics say that Mr. Cheney seemed to endorse water boarding as an acceptable practice in interrogating terror suspects.
Well, yesterday, the vice president's wife, Lynne Cheney, vehemently disagreed in an interview with our Wolf Blitzer.
Here's what she had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LYNNE CHENEY, VICE PRESIDENT'S WIFE: Wolf, that is a mighty House you're building on top of that mole hill there. A mighty mountain. That's complete distortion. He didn't say anything of the kind.
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Because of the dunking of the -- you know, using the water and the dunking.
CHENEY: Wolf, you know, I understand your point, it's kind of the point of a lot of people right now, to try to distort the administration's position.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
QUIJANO: Now, meantime, as for President Bush today, aides say to expect him to drive draw distinctions between Republicans and Democrats. And as we've heard him do before, focusing on issues that are sort of tried and true topics for Republicans: tax cuts and national security -- T.J.
HOLMES: All right. Well, seeing that interview with Lynne Cheney, she was certainly standing up for her husband. And understandably so.
We're going to hear more from her in our 10:00 a.m. hour, that interview she did with Wolf Blitzer.
But Elaine, thank you so much from the White House this morning.
QUIJANO: Sure.
NGUYEN: Yes, it was a fascinating interview. In fact, we're going to get a larger chunk of that in the 10:00 a.m. hour. So stay tuned for that.
But in the meantime, the first lady is no stranger to the campaign trail. She's as tough as a campaigner just as her husband is. And as CNN's Ed Henry found out, when you push Laura Bush, she pushes back.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ED HENRY, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Another big day on the trail?
LAURA BUSH, FIRST LADY: Big day on the trail. Three stops.
HENRY (voice over): Morning in Minnesota. The first lady is wildly popular in swing states. And it's easy to see why.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mrs. Bush could literally be a Minnesotan because Minnesotans are nice.
HENRY: But ask about Bob Woodward's book claiming the president had not been straight with the American people about the level of violence in Iraq, and you see another side of Mrs. Bush.
BUSH: Well, absolutely I think that's wrong. Of course the president has been frank from the very, very first speech he gave to the Congress in September, after the September 11th attack, talking about this is a long war. The enemy can make a big show on television like they did for the last month for the bloody last month that we had in Iraq.
HENRY: The first lady bristles when pressed on Woodward's suggestion that she backed then White House chief of staff Andy Card' push to remove Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.
BUSH: Those quotes of mine were end (ph) quotes, and the author didn't call me and fact check. And it just didn't happen.
HENRY (on camera): You wanted Rumsfeld out.
BUSH: Are you going to continue to give the quotes that I said I didn't say?
HENRY: OK. Well, without any quotes, just in general, the book claims that you wanted to push Rumsfeld out?
BUSH: No, absolutely not. That it is absolutely not true.
HENRY (voice over): Mrs. Bush is so popular nationally that Republicans are deploying her to toss up House raises, figuring she can make the sale in places where her husband may be too radioactive.
(on camera): The first lady is like a rock star on the road, smoothing out the administration's rough edges, a soothing voice in a time of tumult that may help with female and Independent voters. But Mrs. Bush is not just out here stumping for candidates, she's also stumping for her husband's legacy.
(voice over): That's why she even feels an unlikely kinship with her predecessor, Hillary Clinton, who recently weighed in on the spat over which of their husbands did a better job fighting Osama bin Laden.
SEN. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON (D), NEW YORK: if my husband and his national security team had been shown a classified report entitled "Bin Laden Determined to Attack Inside the United States," he would have taken it more seriously.
BUSH: Well, she's just trying to defend her husband. And that's what I'm trying to do, too, as I go around here. I know what kind of job my husband does. And I know it's a great job. HENRY: It's a case that she will be making around the clock in the final two weeks, including stops this weekend in Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania, states where her husband is nowhere near as popular as she is.
Ed Henry, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: All right. Time to hear what you think this morning.
Do the women of the White House impact your vote?
E-mails us your thoughts. Here's the address, it's on the screen, Weekends@CNN.com. We'll read those replies on the air.
HOLMES: And be sure to keep it right here for the best political coverage on television.
Coming up tonight, a CNN "America Votes" special, "Broken Government: Judges on Trial". CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin examines the increasing influence of politics in the courts. Again, that is at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, only right here on CNN.
And, in fact, we are going to have Jeff Toobin join us here in the 10:00 a.m. hour. He's going to have a preview for us of that special. So we'll see him then.
NGUYEN: In the meantime, seeing double times five. That's right. We're going to tell you more about this incredible South Carolina baby boom.
Plus, this...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He said, "Come, let me show you something." Then he showed me the ticket. He said, "Look at it. Here. I get it." I said, "Wow!"
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: I'd say more than wow!
HOLMES: Yes, that's a big deal.
NGUYEN: I'd say, "Can I cash this in? Thanks."
HOLMES: A Georgia man, he was laid off by Ford. No problem. He cashed in big time a short time later. Well, actually, it was before he even...
NGUYEN: Got to work on that last day.
HOLMES: Yes. So it was a good day.
NGUYEN: It's a great story.
HOLMES: We're going to have that for you. But first, we've got Dr. Sanjay Gupta. He has a preview of this morning's "WEEKEND HOUSE CALL".
DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN SR. MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: All right. Thanks.
Well, this morning we're talking about what some call brain attacks or stroke. More than 700,000 Americans are going to experience one this year. Do you know the signs? How should you react?
Learn about prevention and the latest treatments. All of that is coming up on "HOUSE CALL" at 8:30.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: "Now in the News," firefighters are working around the clock trying to gain the upper hand on a deadly wildfire near Palm Springs, California. Pushed by high winds, the fire has already scorched about 40,000 acres. Fire officials say it's about 25 percent contained.
North Korea may be preparing for another nuclear test. The South Korean military reportedly has seen activity as suspected test sites suggesting something is up. Another South Korean official says the test does not appear imminent. North Korea already faces U.N. sanctions over its claim of a nuclear test earlier last month.
NGUYEN: Well, the D.C. snipers may have been responsible for a shooting death in Tucson, Arizona, back in March of 2002. Tucson police say Lee Boyd Malvo confessed that he and John Allen Muhammad killed a 60-year-old man on a golf course with a single, long-range shot. The confession was prompted by a plea to Malvo from the victim's daughter.
We run down the top stories every 15 minutes here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING, with in-depth coverage all morning long. Your next check of the headlines coming up at 8:30 Eastern.
HOLMES: Very important information here. It's that time again. Most of the U.S. will begin Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 a.m. Sunday.
NGUYEN: Take notes, set your clocks tonight, because if you have somewhere to go tomorrow morning, don't forget. You'll get there -- you'll get there way too early if you don't set your clocks.
So, set your clocks back one hour before heading to bed.
Hey, this is good news. It means you get an extra hour of sleep. I love this time of the year, Reynolds.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HOLMES: And we'll stay with the fitness theme. We'll asked for your questions. And Jerry Anderson, he's ready to talk the talk with some answers to our problems. Keep those e-mails coming, and he's going to join us from L.A. next hour.
Also, this...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I thought I was going to faint. My right side started getting weak and my arm was getting weak and my leg felt a little wobbly.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: The symptoms are of a mini stroke, but there is nothing mini about it. CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta takes a look at diagnosing those growing health risks out there.
"Weekend House Call," that's coming up in 10 minutes.
CNN SATURDAY MORNING, well, that continues in just a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: Welcome back to CNN SATURDAY MORNING. I'm T.J. Holmes, alongside Betty Nguyen here.
A few stories making news "Across America".
Quite a memorial -- memorable...
NGUYEN: That, too.
HOLMES: It's all that stuff at the Greenville, South Carolina, Memorial Hospital. Five sets of twins born there within 15 hours of each other.
NGUYEN: That's amazing.
HOLMES: Now, the hospital staff there says usually when one set of twins is born, they can expect maybe one or two more sets the same week, just not on the same day.
NGUYEN: Really? I was going to say, they have their hands full.
Check this out. New Orleans kicks off its two-day Voodoo Music Festival. It was Friday night, prelude to the big event.
There are more than 65 artists on the bill, including the Red Hot Chilly Peppers, Duran Duran, and T.J. favorite ...
(CROSSTALK)
HOLMES: Oh, OK.
NGUYEN: Those are all great bands, though, truly.
HOLMES: We're going to head to Georgia now for another memorable, was that the word...
NGUYEN: Yes, sure.
HOLMES: ... for this guy. He's an employee of the Hapeville Ford Motor Plant. He...
NGUYEN: Or was an employee, yes.
HOLMES: Yes. They shut down, actually. More on that in just a second. But he stopped for gas, bought a $5 instant game lottery ticket, scratched it, and he won.
NGUYEN: Look at that.
HOLMES: He screamed, "I'm rich" -- $225,000 is what he won. The plant he was working at, that Hapeville plant, closing. So another lottery player says, hey, he's happy for the guy.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, fantastic. That is great. I mean, I am really -- I mean, he needed it and he won.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: That's a good point. I mean, you want to see someone who needs it actually win.
HOLMES: Actually win.
NGUYEN: And boy, luck was on his side that day.
HOLMES: That's a good day.
NGUYEN: Yes, it was.
Hey, this morning, we've been talking about first lady Laura Bush on the campaign trail. And second lady Lynne Cheney talking tough with our own Wolf Blitzer. And we asked you what you thought. Do the women of the White House impact your voice -- your vote, that is -- see, it's contagious, T.J.
HOLMES: I'm sorry.
NGUYEN: And so, with that question, boy, did viewers weigh in. Check this out.
Anthony in Atlanta writes, "If the women of the White House were divorced and in leadership, they would then impact my vote. I bet they would do a better job than their husbands."
HOLMES: All right, Anthony.
NGUYEN: OK.
HOLMES: Another here from Doug. "If you at CNN (Clinton news network) beat up on Mrs. Cheney, it will make me want to vote for the GOP. You showed your bias again."
NGUYEN: Of course he was referring to the interview yesterday on "THE SITUATION ROOM," a fiery one which we will play a little bit of in our 10:00 a.m. hour. Don't want to miss that.
And our last e-mail from Tammy in Canada, which basically is a question. "Will we be asking this question if/when Hillary runs?"
That is a big question. Wills he run? And if she does, will she win?
Well, our question this morning is this -- we're going to put it up again for you one more time -- The women of the White House -- how do they impact your vote? Do they?
E-mail us, Weekends@CNN.com. We'll read those responses on the air.
So, T.J., we asked that question. And here's a question for you. What's your problem?
HOLMES: Well, she's about this tall -- no.
NGUYEN: Her name is Maddy (ph).
Well, fitness guru Jerry Anderson wants to know what your problem is. So if you're trying to tighten up your jelly belly or drop those last 10 pounds...
HOLMES: Oh.
NGUYEN: ... hey, his words, not mine -- you'll want to be sure to tune in next hour. Jerry joins us live from L.A. with one-of-a- kind tips for getting in shape.
HOLMES: Yes. But first, before we talk jelly bellies, Dr. Sanjay Gupta takes a closer look at what you can do to recognize and prevent strokes.
"WEEKEND HOUSE CALL" is straight ahead.
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