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CNN Saturday Morning News
President Bush Continuing Last '06 Campaign Push; Rev. Ted Haggard Now Admits Buying Drugs From Male Escort; Marketing Consultants Cater To Political Clients By Creating Political DNA
Aired November 04, 2006 - 09:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RANDI KAYE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Kovanna and Rick Tandon have two children, drink gourmet coffee, shop online, and drive a Toyota Camry. May not mean much to you, but to Republicans and Democrats knowing that could mean the difference between a victory and a loss.
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T.J. HOLMES, CNN ANCHOR: Tracking your political DNA, Randi Kaye explains how both parties are targeting you as potential voters. Privacy experts say politicians being a bit nosy there.
Hello, there. From the CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm T.J. Holmes and this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Well, good morning, T.J.
HOLMES: Good morning to you. Doing pretty good?
NGUYEN: Yes. It's a good morning. It's a crisp autumn morning for us here in Atlanta. Down right cold, I'll tell you that. But folks around the nation, we'll get your weather in a minute. In the meantime we want to thank you for joining us today. I'm Betty Nguyen. We have that story just ahead, plus a check of the headlines this hour.
"Now in the News": A prominent evangelical pastor admits buying meth from a gay male escort. But Reverend Ted Haggard denies having sex with the man. And says he threw the drugs away. His accuser maintains that they had sex but he failed a polygraph test. And a question about that, specifically.
The latest live from Colorado Springs in about three minutes.
Well, this just in to CNN: The Baghdad Airport will close at 6 a.m. local time, Sunday and remained closed until further notice. That move ahead of tomorrow's expected verdict in the Saddam Hussein trial. A 24-hour curfew will be put into place around the capital city. This curfew also bans all vehicle and pedestrian traffic near Baghdad.
HOLMES: A military editorial says Donald Rumsfeld must go. The editorial to be published Monday in "Army Times." It says Rumsfeld has lost the support and respect of the military leadership.
A whirlwind last minute campaign push, President Bush in Colorado today stumping for a Republican candidates. From Colorado the president heads to his Texas ranch to celebrate his wife's 60th birthday.
NGUYEN: Let's see what kind of day is it shaping up to be outside. Reynolds Wolf joins us with a quick check of the weather.
(WEATHER REPORT)
NGUYEN: We do run down the top stories every 15 minutes right here on Saturday morning, with in depth coverage all morning long. So, your next check of the headlines is coming up at 9:15 Eastern.
HOLMES: A pastor's confession, a prominent evangelical minister admits buying drugs from a gay male escort. But he denies the two had sex. Reverend Ted Haggard is an influential figure among conservative Christians. Until he stepped down this week, Haggard was senior pastor of the 14,000-member New Life Church in Colorado Springs. He's 50 years old, married with five children. In his role as leader of 30 million evangelical Christians, Haggard took part in conference calls with the White House.
First Haggard denied knowing his accuser, now he admits contacting him for a massage.
Hey, there -- here I am. A little more of T.J. than you wanted to see this morning.
We will go to CNN's Sean Callebs, who has more on the confessions and his denials.
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SEAN CALLEBS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A man of God, the Reverend Ted Haggard admits to succumbing to temptation. He admits buying crystal meth through Mike Jones, a one-time Denver prostitute. Jones recorded calls between he and Haggard.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hi, Mike. This is Art. Hey, I was just calling to see if we could...
CALLEBS: Haggard says he never used the drugs, insisting he threw them away. Jones also alleges he and Haggard had a three-year sexual relationship, but he failed a lie detector test on the subject.
MIKE JONES, MALE ESCORT: I don't understand why I did failed the part about, when they asked me if I've had sex with Haggard. Because that's the reason he contacted me.
CALLEBS: Haggard denies a sexual relationship. The evangelical minister says he did contact Jones for a massage after a Denver concierges recommended him as a masseuse.
This much is true. The allegations forced Haggard to step down as head of the 14,000-member New Life Church in Colorado Springs. And he resigned as president of the politically powerful National Association of Evangelicals, which boast 30 million members.
REV. TED HAGGARD, FMR. PASTOR, NEW LIFE CHURCH: Both of those roles are based on trust. Right now my trust is -- questionable.
CALLEBS: Haggard's accuser says this is case of hypocrisy from an influential leader of the religious right.
JONES: You know, look at the position he's in. What I think is unfortunate is the more denial that he gives, the messier it looks. I think what would be best is if he would just admit it, and move on.
CALLEBS: Haggard was at the top of his profession, one of a handful of ministers taking part in a weekly conference call with President Bush, or top White House officials. Jones chose the timing just before Tuesday's midterm election to show what he calls the hypocrisy of Haggard, and others, in the religious right.
The issue of gay marriage is on the ballot in Colorado and several other states. Haggard and evangelicals are fighting gay marriage tooth and nail.
It's been a series of stunning developments for many in the New Life Church. The Associate Pastor Rob Brendle says Haggard has been a mentor to him for the past 10 years.
REV. ROB BRENDLE, ASSOC. PASTOR, NEW LIFE CHURCH: We know all of us, except for the grace of God, are one step away from that darkness temporarily defining our lives as well. So, it doesn't surprise me to see this.
CALLEBS: Brendle says he expects to play a videotaped message from Haggard at church services Sunday. Meanwhile an oversight committee has launched an investigation which could very well determine Haggard's future.
(on camera): Do you think he will ever preach from this pulpit again?
BRENDLE: I don't have any way of knowing.
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HOLMES: And our Sean Callebs joins us live now from Colorado Springs.
Sean, you spent time at Haggard's congregation, can't imagine what a lot of folks are saying around there, right now?
CALLEBS: Exactly, T.J. We were here last night, two regularly scheduled prayer meetings were going on. We had a chance to speak with some parishioners, as well some members of the hierarchy of the church.
And a lot of people simply surprised. It's very difficult for people here to comprehend right now. But they believe forgiveness is in their hearts and are confident that the church will continue to tend to the spiritual needs of people in this area.
And a bit about Colorado Springs; it really is the epicenter of the evangelical movement. There are more than 100 evangelical organizations and other religious organizations here in Colorado Springs.
A couple things: The oversight committee has asked Haggard not to make any more statements to the media. And secondly, this is also now got the attention of the Denver Police Department, which says it is looking into the allegations and plans to reach out to the parties involved -- T.J.
HOLMES: All right. Our Sean Callebs on the story for us. Thank you so much, Sean.
NGUYEN: One last big push. America votes Tuesday. And that's got President Bush on the campaign trail this last weekend before the midterm elections, working to energize the party faithful, in what looks to be some tight races. Right now, both the president and vice president are out West. President Bush is in Greeley, Colorado, and the vice president is headed for Wyoming. CNN's Elaine Quijano is traveling with the president and she joins us now from Colorado.
Good morning, Elaine.
ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Betty.
That's right. President Bush is beginning -- or continuing -- his last '06 campaign push with a stop here in Greeley, Colorado. He is stumping for GOP candidates, including Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave.
Now, yesterday he was in Iowa, speaking to a crowd of about 4,500 of the GOP's faithful, trying to fire up the GOP's conservative base. His message? That America economy is in good shape thanks to Republican supported tax cuts. He pointed to the new unemployment rate of 4.4 percent, as evidence of that.
He also defended his Iraq policy and at all his stops including the one in Missouri, campaigning for Senator Jim Talent, who is in a neck-and-neck race with Claire McCaskill, the Democratic challenger. President Bush accused Democrats of not having a plan to win the war on terror.
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GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: If you listen carefully to what the Democrats say about Iraq, you think about what they are saying about their plan for success? There isn't one. This is a major political party that has no plan for success in Iraq. As a matter of fact, their only plan is to leave before the job is done.
(END VIDEO CLIP) QUIJANO: Now, it is, of course, Iraq that weighs down the president's approval ratings, continuing to do so, his approval ratings in the 30s. Iraq also the issue that makes his fellow Republicans quite nervous.
Nevertheless, the president has not shied away from talking about it on the campaign trail. The White House, though, still very keenly aware of the political effect of this. The president is campaigning in states that he actually won back in 2004 in the presidential election -- Betty.
NGUYEN: Elaine, today the president is going to be delivering his radio address as he usually does on Saturdays, but this time it is going to be televised. Tell us about this. Is it out of the ordinary? Which it seems it is.
QUIJANO: It's a live radio address, Betty. And you are right. The president normally tapes these ahead of time, the weekly radio addresses. And we have a sense typically of what the subject matter is going to be. Now, what we anticipate is that the president might include in his message today, promoting the economy, really.
Those low -- that low unemployment rate, those job numbers -- to basically make the case that if Republicans are reelected that, in fact, that good economic news can be expected to continue.
Now at the same time, of course, there has been a lot of criticism aimed at the president for his policies in the war on terror. So, wouldn't be surprised if we hear that as well.
But certainly an unusual move for the president to do that. We should also note, Betty, he's got, after that radio address, which will be live in a few hours, the president will also be meeting with small business owners. Again, expect to hear a message about the economy -- Betty.
NGUYEN: The final push before election day. Elaine Quijano, thank you for that.
HOLMES: As we are saying that final push, voters got three shopping days left before you get to make your pick next Tuesday. At issue, of course -- at stake, really, the balance of power in Washington. And at the center of the fight races that from Montana to the Mason-Dixon. CNN National Correspondent Bob Franken explains.
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BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In some cases they're taking money from one pocket and putting it into others. Republicans withholding resources, for instance, from Ohio Senator Mike DeWine, who has fallen behind. By contrast, both sides are sparing no expense in Missouri's Senate race where incumbent Jim Talent is in a fight truly too close to call.
In Montana, where the GOP's Conrad Burns is in the battle for his political life, President Bush tried to help Thursday. In Virginia, where the incumbent George Allen is still neck and neck with the Democrat, in spite of one campaign blunder after another. In Tennessee, where the crucial race is sometimes clouded by the issue of the issue of race.
In the battle for the House, Democrats need 15 seats to take control, and they're spreading their wealth, and hopes, to a growing number of districts; as many as 60 now gearing up for a final push, including this one here in Ohio. A genuine toss up.
(CAMPAIGN ADS)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm Deborah Pryce, and this is my message.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm Mary Jo Kilroy, that is where I stand, and why I approved this message.
FRANKEN: But this goes way beyond the TV ads. Here, there, and everywhere, the ground war is spreading.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thanks again. We appreciate your support.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is a Democratic household.
FRANKEN: Supporters of Democratic candidates, like Mary Jo Kilroy here, are going door to door trying to keep step with the Republicans in their highly successful 72-hour program to get out the vote.
MARY JO KILROY, (D) CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE: All of us together can counteract this 72-hour program the Republicans are always bragging about.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We'll need you another couple of nights.
FRANKEN: It has made a difference for GOP candidates across the country, like Deborah Pryce.
DEBORAH PRYCE (R), CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE: We have the mechanism on the ground. We have it all locked and loaded. We just need to get the people to do the job.
FRANKEN: Much of that job is done out of sight, in direct mail centers, and in phone banks. They're calling from both parties.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Can we count on you for some volunteer time to help elect Mary Jo?
FRANKEN: One of the most interesting races of all is the one taking place in the West Palm Beach, Florida District that used to be a lock for the GOP's Mark Foley, the same Mark Foley whose e-mail scandal is causing problems for Republicans everywhere. A nearly $2 million GOP cash infusion on behalf of the write-in replacement seems to have paid off, incredibly, it's now a tossup.
(END VIDEOTAPE) FRANKEN: And that sound you will be hearing this weekend, and on into Tuesday is that very, very, very large get out the vote machinery. It's made up of thousands of human parts, and it's financed by millions of dollars -- T.J.
HOLMES: All right. Thanks. And you have a big piece of machinery there behind you as well, hanging out with the election express. Thanks so much, Bob. We'll see you.
NGUYEN: So, if you think you know a lot about the candidates this campaign season, just wait until you hear what the candidates know about you. They are tracking and using your political DNA.
HOLMES: And next hour, a protest songs for modern times, Singer- Songwriter Doug Levitt joins us to talk about his new CD, "Greyhound Diaries." But first Gerri Willis has a preview of today's "OPEN HOUSE."
GERRI WILLIS, CNN ANCHOR: Coming up at 9:30 a.m. Eastern, "Open House," a special election edition. I am here in Minneapolis at a polling station where people are already voting in the November 7th election. In today's show we talk about election issues important to you, property taxes, the housing market, and energy prices. That's "Open House" 9:30 a.m. Eastern right here on CNN.
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NGUYEN: "Now in the News": He admits buying drugs but denies having gay sex. Evangelical leader Reverend Ted Haggard said he bought crystal meth from a gay male escort, but he threw the drugs away. His accuser, Mike Jones alleges he and Haggard had a sexual relationship. Jones failed part of a polygraph test.
President Bush rallies his party's faithful just three days before critical midterm elections. The Republican control of Congress could be at stake. The president is stumping for GOP candidates in states that supported his re-election base two years ago.
Later this morning he will deliver his weekly radio address on television. CNN will carry it live just after 10:00 Eastern.
HOLMES: Calling it quits: Ohio Republican Bob Ney turns in his resignation weeks after some in his own party threatened to expel him. Ney pleaded guilty last month, admitting he took trips and gifts from disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff in exchange for officials favors. Ney could face more than two years in prison.
We run down the top stories every 15 minutes for you right here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING. With in-depth coverage all morning long. Your next check of the headlines, 9:30 Eastern Time.
NGUYEN: Before you vote next Tuesday consider this -- both political parties may know much more about you, than you know about them.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) RANDI KAYE, CNN CORRESPONDENT, CNN SATURDAY MORNING (voice-over): Micro targeters know what you read, what kind of coffee you drink, even if you have caller I.D.
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HOLMES: Up next, Randi Kaye explains why what you drive, what you eat, or where you live, matters in this election. Plus, what is says about your political DNA.
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NGUYEN: All right, so there are things some of your own friends might not even know about you, say, where you buy your coffee, the last time you voted.
HOLMES: But some politicians are willing to pay big bucks for that kind of information so they can decide if and how they should target you for a vote. Randi Kaye explains.
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KAYE (voice-over): Kovanna and Rick Tandon have two children, drink gourmet coffee, shop online and drive a Toyota Camry. May not mean much to you, but to Republicans and Democrats, knowing that, could mean the difference between a victory and a loss.
KOVANNA TANDON, PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENT: I don't know if it's necessarily such a good idea to categorize people and to say they are Democrats or Republicans based upon how many people are in their households and what they have a tendency to purchase.
KAYE: But the Tandons are categorized. They live in Folcroft, Pennsylvania, outside Philadelphia, one of the most micro targeted areas in the country, according to consultant Alex Gage.
ALEX GAGE, TARGETPOINT CONSULTING: It's a way to manage your voters as individual customers.
KAYE: The Republican Party pays Gage millions to figure out voters political DNA. The Democrats spend millions, too. The parties buy your personal data, just like any other company, but then cross- reference it with your voting habits, such as which elections you voted in. Their computer spits out a voter profile, your political DNA.
K. TANDON: Big brother maybe watching.
KAYE: Micro targeters know what you read, what kind of coffee you drink, even if you have caller I.D. These tidbits help political parties customize their message and bring it to your front door.
Did I mention micro targeters know where you live, too?
(on camera): Here in Folcroft, Pennsylvania who do micro targeters know which house is Democrat and which house is Republican? The Republican household's DNA includes a play set in the front yard, a minivan in the driveway, a computer that's a PC and more dogs than cats. Republicans also, according to micro targeters, watch football not basketball. Oh, and they don't smoke.
Their neighbor, the Democrat, has a very different political DNA. They are more likely to have a hybrid car, an Apple Computer and a Platinum credit card. They shop at upscale stores, buy gourmet wine and cheese, and own both dogs and cats.
(voice-over): Armed with tiny electronic databases, canvassers from both parties go door to door, pushing issues your political DNA tells them you care about. If you have been identified as a likely opponent of the Iraq war, Republicans may target you with message is about other issues, while Democrats may focus on the war.
GAGE: We can build all sorts of models. We can build models that say well, here are some Democrat voters that happen to be socially conservative, and are high-turnout voters. So if you want to go in and try and pull out and generate some defection, you can do that.
KAYE: In a sense, the politician is choosing you, instead of the other way around. After the canvassers get a sense of which way you are leaning, they rush that information back to the computer so you can be sliced and diced some more. Sound like dirty politics?
JACK HORN, PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENT: I think it's dirty. I really do.
KAYE (on camera): Is this dirty politics?
GAGE: I don't think so. It's about getting information. Now is it propagandized? Absolutely. Is it, you know, put together and argued in the most persuasive possible light from each side? Absolutely.
KAYE (voice-over): Privacy rights advocate Lillee Coney argues micro targeting manipulates voters instead of sticking to the issues.
LILLEE CONEY, ELECTRONIC PRIVACY RIGHTS GROUP: It's an undermining of the fabric of personal information, literally buying and selling lives.
KAYE: Voters, like the Tandons, think politicians should spend more time examining their own DNA. Randi Kaye, CNN, Folcroft, Pennsylvania.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: As you know, CNN is your election 2006 headquarters with the best political team on television. Tuesday night CNN's special election coverage begins at 7:00 Eastern with all these folks. You see them, there, Wolf Blitzer, Anderson Cooper, Paula Zahn, and Lou Dobbs. We have the races, the results, the ramifications. It all begins Tuesday night at 7:00, only on CNN. So, we expect you to be here. HOLMES: It would have been cool to put this next guy's picture up to their theirs, up there?
NGUYEN: Yes, we need to.
HOLMES: You all know this guy, Borat. You know him; he's on the big screen now. He's coming up next hour. Of course, you know he's bigoted and he's a bit backward.
NGUYEN: A bit?
HOLMES: Would you believe, though, also -- he's also Betty Nguyen's new best friend?
NGUYEN: Well, kinda, sorta.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BORAT: You are very nice! How much?
NGUYEN: I know you are not talking to me, because I am not for sale.
BORAT: Yes!
(LAUGHTER)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: We will tell you what price she actually quoted him.
NGUYEN: No!
HOLMES: No, not best friends, I assure you. But Betty did get a chance to talk to this guy. It was a blast. See how she handled and broke down Borat. That's coming up --
NGUYEN: He's going down next hour, be here.
HOLMES: Yes, next hour.
(LAUGHTER)
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