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CNN Saturday Morning News
Chavez to Obama: 'I Want To Be Your Friend'; Texas Governor's Secession Talk Stirs Furor; Rescued Captain Credits Navy's Heroics; Ashton Kutcher Marks Twitter 'Turning Point'
Aired April 18, 2009 - 06:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
T.J. HOLMES, CNN ANCHOR: Well, from the CNN Center, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING for this April the 18th. I'm T.J. Holmes.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, everybody. I'm Betty Nguyen. Thanks so much for starting your day with us.
All right. It is 6:00 a.m. Eastern, and in Trinidad, where the President Obama is...
HOLMES: Eh, a little something going on there. It's called the Summit of the Americas. He is actually working hard to maybe warm up some of those tense relations between the U.S., Cuba as well as Venezuela.
And we've got the picture of the day for you: a handshake. Also a welcoming conversation and a couple of smiles exchanged between two leaders of two countries that have had tense relations for quite some time.
NGUYEN: It was pretty friendly, wasn't it?
HOLMES: Quite friendly. Several pictures, yes.
NGUYEN: Wait till you the picture of that.
And, you know, they say everything is big in Texas. I like to talk about that...
HOLMES: Texas, yes. Of course.
NGUYEN: ...because I grew up in Texas. So the question is, is it that big that it doesn't have to be part of the United States? Well, Governor Rick Perry hints that if Washington keeps poking into Texas' business...
HOLMES: What you going to do?
NGUYEN: ...the state may pack up and leave the Union.
So here's a question for you this morning -- weigh in on this: could a Texas secession really happen? Send us your thoughts. You can go to our Facebook pages; you can reach us on Twitter; weekends@cnn.com. Plenty of ways to reach out, but we want to hear from you this morning. HOLMES: You know, I bet we could come up with people in the 49 other states who wouldn't mind if you guys just go on and went your own way.
NGUYEN: Just left, huh?
(LAUGHTER)
HOLMES: (INAUDIBLE) -- we will be talking about that. Hot topic this morning.
Also, take a look at this here:
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(CHEERS)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: Yes, Wii -- Nintendo Wii helping to rehabilitate. That is a wounded veteran there.
NGUYEN: Wow.
HOLMES: And you do not want to mess with him on the Wii bowling.
NGUYEN: He is tearing it up. I love that story. All right.
HOLMES: Absolutely is. We'll get into that here in just a bit.
NGUYEN: Looking forward to it.
HOLMES: But as we mentioned, Betty, the handshake...
NGUYEN: Mm-hmm.
HOLMES: ...heard round the world. There it is, folks. New pictures show President Obama shaking hands with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, the man who once called President Bush "the devil." Also really called President Obama an "ignoramus."
But here you are, the pictures to show you this morning. The two met briefly in a hotel lobby before the beginning of the Summit of Americas (sic), which is of course going on right now in Trinidad and Tobago. Could this be a sign of cooling tension between Washington and Caracas?
Chavez reportedly also told our president, President Obama, "I want to be your friend."
NGUYEN: Well, back here in the United States, a small plane has slammed into a house in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It happened yesterday, killing a pilot. Just look at this video. Officials say the plane had just taken off from a nearby airport when the pilot reported engine trouble. There you see it up in flames. Second later, the twin-engine Cessna plowed into a house. You see it right there, virtually slicing it in two. Three people who lived in that house, luckily, were not home at the time.
HOLMES: All right. Six weeks in a row, markets have ended on the plus side. This week's gains attributed to Citigroup, General Electric and Google reporting better-than-expected earnings. Dow Jones industrial average gained six points; S&P picked up four points; the Nasdaq composite gained two points.
NGUYEN: Well, it is the 89th day of the Obama administration, and right now, the president is in Trinidad, attending the Summit of the Americas. At 8 this morning, President Obama is expected a meeting with the Union of South American Nations. Then at 11:45, he's scheduled to get his picture taken as part of the official heads-of- state photo, always see that.
And at 8:00 tonight, an official dinner, followed by a cultural show.
HOLMES: Well, repairing U.S. relations overseas was at the top of the president's agenda yesterday at that Summit of the Americas.
NGUYEN: Yes, it was. And during his address to member nations as they gathered there, the president pledged to change U.S. policy toward Latin America, starting next door, in Cuba.
CNN White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux has the story from Trinidad.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Shaking off the past, a handshake between the leaders of two countries that would have been unthinkable just 100 days ago.
President Obama walks over to Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez and introduces himself. According to Venezuelan officials, and not disputed by the White House, Chavez says, "With this same hand, I greeted Bush eight years ago. I want to be your friend."
This from the man who once called President Bush "the devil."
Minutes later, the president of Nicaragua spent nearly an hour in a tirade against previous U.S. presidents' treatment of Latin America.
Mr. Obama made a joke of it to lighten the mood.
BARACK H. OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I'm grateful that President Ortega did not blame me for things that happened when I was three months old.
MALVEAUX: President Obama is pledging change with Latin America, and so far both sides seem to be embracing it.
OBAMA: That's part of the change that has to take place. MALVEAUX: At a summit in Trinidad with Latin American leaders, Obama also said he wants the cold war between the U.S. and Cuba to end.
OBAMA: The United States seeks a new beginning with Cuba.
MALVEAUX: Mr. Obama's message was in direct response to the offer by Cuba's President Raul Castro to engage in unconditional talks with the U.S.
RAUL CASTRO, PRESIDENT OF THE CUBA (through translator): We are ready when they want to discuss everything: human rights, freedom of the press, political prisoners. Everything, everything, everything they want to discuss. But on equal terms.
MALVEAUX: But Mr. Obama also made it clear: He wants to see action on those issues from Cuba, not just talk.
OBAMA: Now let me be clear: I'm not interested in talking just for the sake of talking. But I do believe that we can move U.S.-Cuban relations in a new direction.
MALVEAUX (on camera): This weekend, the leaders of 34 countries are gathered for the Summit of the Americas. Cuba is the only country in the Western Hemisphere that is not invited, and many of the leaders here are pressing the United States to bring Cuba back into the fold, to normalize relations and to lift the embargo.
Suzanne Malveaux, CNN, Trinidad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: All right. This is just one of our hot topics we'll be talking about today. You can get with us on Facebook, also Twitter. But the question about the thawing of the relations, Cuba...
NGUYEN: Yes.
HOLMES: ...and also with -- with Venezuela there.
What do think? Is this a -- a fresh start, a good start? By all means, hit Betty and I up on that topic.
Other topics as well, of course, Texas -- we'll get into that story in a second. But your state...
NGUYEN: Yes, should it secede from the Union? There's a lot of talk about that. Is it just talk, or could it really happen? We have a lot of really good topics...
HOLMES: (INAUDIBLE)
NGUYEN: ...this morning. Check out our Facebook pages; check out our Twitter pages, because there's a lot for you to weigh in on. And we are going to be reading those responses throughout the morning. HOLMES: All right, and also, just a bit, CNN's Havana bureau chief Morgan Neal, he'll have more reaction to the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba when he joins us. That's, again, at the bottom of the hour, talking to people on the streets there in Cuba.
NGUYEN: And -- well, we do want to tell you about this: the American captain who was held hostage by Somali pirates for several days -- well, he is finally home.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: Well, you've heard his name for awhile now. We're finally seeing his face, seeing him moving around, and you see his daughter there holding on pretty tight to dad as Captain Richard Phillips -- that's again (ph), stepping off the plane in Vermont yesterday. His family holding on to him really, really tightly.
A minute after he touched down, Phillips thanked the U.S. Navy SEALs who rescued him. He called what they did "the impossible," and also called them "superheroes."
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thirty seconds.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CAPT. RICHARD PHILLIPS, MAERSK ALABAMA: I'm out of here all -- it jut -- it just floors me about the -- everything I've read and -- and shown the support that -- that -- that -- that -- that you've done.
Also, I want to thank my crew. We did it. I told you it wasn't going to be if, it's going to be when. And we did what -- what -- what we trained to do. We're just seamen; we do the best with what we got, and my -- my crew did an excellent job. And I'm so proud of them that they're all home, and they are with their loved ones.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: And you can actually see in some of that video -- don't know if you caught it there, but actually rope marks on Phillips' arms. Of course, he was held captive, were (ph) tied up by the pirates for some time.
We'll have more on Phillips' speech, what he said there after getting off that plane, in the next half hour.
NGUYEN: And you know, it has been an unbelievable two weeks for the crew of the Maersk Alabama and their families. And you know, it's safe to say that everyone is absolutely relieved that it is over.
The rest of the crew arrived back in the U.S. on Thursday at Andrews Air Force Base. They touched down a chartered jet from Kenya just hours after the USS Bainbridge, with Captain Phillips aboard, docked in Kenya.
The captain and crew were supposed to meet up and fly home together, but the Bainbridge was diverted to protect another U.S. ship.
HOLMES: And of course, we know in that rescue, three pirates were killed. But there were four all together. One was actually captured. Now, the one that's captured expected to be taken to New York to stand trial. He's currently in custody on a U.S. Navy ship headed to Djibouti.
NGUYEN: When he gets there though, he's going to board a helicopter to a U.S. base in France, and that is where he is going to be transferred into the custody of the U.S. Justice Department.
HOLMES: Meanwhile, we've been getting a lot of iReports from a lot of you about that attack on the Maersk Alabama. It seems like it's been the story that has captivated this country at least, and parts of the world as well for the past week or so.
NGUYEN: Well, I mean, just -- just all the details of it, captured by pirates, trying to escape. You got Navy SEALs, snipers, all of that. I mean, it's really intriguing.
And many people, in fact, praising the actions of the captain, and offering support for the crew and their families.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JIMMY DEOL, CNN IREPORTER: Captain Phillips, your courage is why Americans like to say, "the land of the free and the home of the brave." Thank you for your bravery, for risking your own life for your crew and the -- the courage to stick it out despite difficult odds.
The free world salutes you, sir. Welcome home.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Welcome home indeed.
You know, if you'd like to share your thoughts, send us an iReporter. The address right there on your scream -- screen, too.
HOLMES: Yes.
NGUYEN: IReport.com. Don't scream at us in those iReports. It's hard to hear you.
HOLMES: Just -- just 6:10. You're -- you're excused on this one, Betty. Still early.
Well, we'll talk more about these Navy SEALs, how they pulled off that rescue tonight in the "CNN NEWSROOM." Don Lemon takes you inside that mission to save that captain. A behind-the-scenes look at the elite U.S. Navy SEAL training program, including those snipers.
Tonight, "CNN NEWSROOM," 7:00 and 10:00 Eastern time.
Well, it seems like, as always here on the weekends, we have some severe weather to talk about.
NGUYEN: I know.
HOLMES: Severe storms rocked Texas this week. Damage all over the place.
Reynolds Wolf, good morning to you, sir. He is keeping an eye on things for us.
REYNOLDS WOLF, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, certainly am.
We're seeing some scattered showers now developing in parts of central and south Texas. Spots like Houston, they've just been inundated by some heavy rainfall. Rains going to be falling hard there today, possibly a chance of flash flooding there. And we're talking about some heavy snow in parts of the Rocky. Even in this time of year, we could see up to a foot, maybe up to three feet in some locations.
We'll talk about that coming up.
NGUYEN: All right. Thank you, Reynolds.
And the governor of my home state, Rick Perry, suggesting that Texas secede from the Union? Really?
HOLMES: Bye. Bye.
NGUYEN: Can they do it? Stop it, T.J.
That's our Facebook question today: do you think they really should? Are you like T.J.? 'Yes, go ahead. We're done.'
We want to hear from you, see what you think. Facebook, Twitter, weekends@cnn.com. Lots of ways to reach out, and send us what you're thinking.
HOLMES: Hey, if you don't want to be with us, Betty.
NGUYEN: I didn't say anything. This is just talk that's going on in Texas. And the governor has said, 'You know, hey, stop meddling in our business.'
HOLMES: All right, Betty.
NGUYEN: So that's what's on the table.
HOLMES: All right. We'll -- we'll turn to Ashton Kutcher now.
NGUYEN: Uh huh.
HOLMES: I'm embarrassed, OK?
NGUYEN: That CNN didn't win.
HOLMES: That a guy who made a career out of playing an idiot on TV in "The 70s Show" (sic)...
NGUYEN: "Punk'd" -- well, he's also on "Punk'd" as well.
HOLMES: "Punk'd." And he punk'd us on this one, all right?
NGUYEN: Oh, big time.
HOLMES: Ashton Kutcher takes us to task here at CNN. We couldn't beat one guy in a Twitter duel.
NGUYEN: Well, technically.
HOLMES: Mm hmm.
NGUYEN: We'll get into that after this.
HOLMES: All right.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: (INAUDIBLE) Really? OK.
All right. Well -- sorry. That was Reynolds and I getting updated on our music selections.
We need to show you this, out of Texas yesterday. In Lubbock, an area got hit pretty tough with some storms.
And Reynolds, I don't think they're out of the woods yet. Still Texas under the gun a bit today.
WOLF: Yes.
HOLMES: This is some hail video from -- from yesterday.
WOLF: Hail, yes. You're absolutely yes.
You know, I'll tell you, the -- the heaviest precipitation now moving to parts of the southeastern corner of the state. And you know, I got to tell you one thing, T.J.: If you have any experience in -- in Texas, I know Betty knows this very well -- that in parts of -- not necessarily Lubbock, but in Houston, flooding is a tremendous issue, especially along parts of the I-10 corridor. The underpasses seem to really stack up with water, and that could happen again today. But Lubbock should be in the clear. But certainly rough times in Texas.
Also, some heavy snow out to the West. We're going to talk about both those things.
But first let me show you, again, this map back here of the United States.
HOLMES: That one? Yes. WOLF: Yes, we're going to make it move around a little bit.
(CROSSTALK)
HOLMES: Now Texas is still with us. They have succeeded (ph) (sic) from the Union just yet (INAUDIBLE)
(CROSSTALK)
WOLF: To the best of the knowledge, it has not happened.
HOLMES: OK.
WOLF: Yes. And we're -- we're -- yes, it's -- but I'll you what, the rain that we're seeing right now in -- this morning. I mean, some people may be wishing they were someplace else, because it is going to be especially hard.
You go west of San Antonio, back to the Balcones Escarpment, back into those hills, you're going to be dealing with some heavy rainfall. But as this storm system moves a bit more to the East, and as temperatures begin to -- to increase, especially along parts of the coast, you could see those storms really intensify. Heavy rainfall possibly, especially in areas like -- just west of Houston.
Let's see, you have the Blue Bell ice-cream factory right here along -- near -- near 1-10. You could see some heavy rainfall there today, especially those lying -- low-lying areas that we were talking about near 1-10, along 1-10, you could really see that water begin to stack up. I say between the hours of 3 and 6 is where the showers and storms could get especially heavy.
As we pull away a little bit, you're going to be noticing something else. You're going to be seeing the storm system that's bringing the heavy rainfall to parts of Texas. But then back into the Rockies, we're also going to see the back half of the system, which is going to be still pulling in that moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. But it's also going to be bringing in a lot of cold air from the north. So when you have that cold air, a nice, shallow base right over those mountains, that overrunning moisture, you're going to get more snow. Could see up to 1 to 3 feet of snow before all is said and done.
Scattered showers also possible for the Great Lakes. But in much of the Southeast, we wrap things up. Plenty of sunshine, a few scattered clouds, life is beautiful. Same story out on the West Coast.
That is a look at your forecast. Guys, let's send it back to the desk.
NGUYEN: All right, Reynolds.
You know, you lived in Texas for a little while. In fact, Austin specifically. And I'm sure you've been listening to a lot of talk about of the great state of Texas...
WOLF: Absolutely. NGUYEN: ...regarding seceded from the Union. You know, state pride does run rampant in Texas.
WOLF: They are independent-minded. You better believe it.
HOLMES: He would have to change his maps if you all seceded from the Union.
NGUYEN: Yes, you absolutely would.
You know, speaking of that pride and those maps, many say Texas could be its own country again.
What do you think, Reynolds?
WOLF: You know, I mean, let's think back to 1836. These are the people that fought in the Alamo.
NGUYEN: Yes.
WOLF: I mean, these are the -- they -- they've always been independent-minded. They've -- they've...
NGUYEN: Strong-willed.
WOLF: They really are.
And you know, many people in Texas have always considered themselves Texans first, Americans second. But still...
HOLMES: Hey.
WOLF: ...some of the greatest people you'll ever meet, certainly (INAUDIBLE)
NGUYEN: Yes, there are even bumper stickers that say, "I wasn't born here, but I got here as fast as I could."
WOLF: And they're serious when they say, 'Don't mess with Texas.'
NGUYEN: Oh yes.
WOLF: There's no question about it.
But I mean, wonderful people. Great state. But (INAUDIBLE)
NGUYEN: It's a mentality. It's a state of mind.
HOLMES: What is wrong with you people? Man.
NGUYEN: I guess you have to have grown up or, you know, been born in Texas to understand.
HOLMES: OK, well, we'll miss you guys if you do happen to secede. All right. We're going to be talking about that. Our Facebook question...
NGUYEN: Yes.
HOLMES: ....getting a lot of response, of course, about that story today. So we'll be sharing those.
Also, Josh Levs here. Earth Day coming up. Talking about green cars.
Good morning to you, Josh.
JOSH LEVS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, good morning to you guys.
This is some really good news. A lot of people know, I hate going to the gas station. And this is what we found out today: The ideal greeting car actually is about to be here, this one expert tells me.
And it's going to be affordable, too. We are going to show you how to get it.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: Earth Day takes place next week, on Wednesday. You know, cities all over the world will be holding events about the environment.
HOLMES: Yes, one thing they'll be focusing on: greener cars. Can we do that? Environmentally friendly cars? Is that right around the corner for us?
Josh Levs joining us with a look at this green thing. Good morning, Josh.
LEVS: Yes, good morning to you guys.
And apparently, good news. You know, we didn't know we were going to get that when we -- we dove into this, starting looking at this green cars. And -- and I'll tell you something, we reached out to one of the top experts in the world on green cars. And I asked him, 'Is a truly green car really close?'
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DERON LOVAAS, LEADS SMART-GROWTH, OIL-SECURITY PROGRAMS: We're actually very close. Plug-in hybrid vehicles that can run on electricity and therefore help get us off oil and help jump-star the economy by going into electricity that we can manufacture domestically are a big part of the future.
LEVS: So let's break this down, because when people think about green cars, they think electric. There are theories that you could have a car that runs on water, vegetable oil, ethanol.
What is the future? What's the best hope at this point? LOVAAS: Imagine that you're able to get into your car, and it is a -- what is called a flex-fuel, plug-in hybrid vehicle. And that means that it can run on a variety of fuels, including ethanol in liquid form. And it can run on electricity, which means you squeeze more and more miles per gallon of gasoline that you use.
LEVS: So the ideal is a combination ethanol and electric car?
LOVAAS: That's right. That's right.
LEVS: And ethanol -- we've heard in the past there have been some problems with ethanol. For example, the plants that churn out the ethanol were actually causing pollution, and some people weren't sure it's even any better than gasoline.
Is ethanol moving in a direction in which it will be truly green?
LOVAAS: Yes, at -- thanks to actually a new energy law that Congress passed in 2007, ethanol is headed in the right direction.
LEVS: How many years are we from having a car that is in this sense truly green? How many years?
LOVAAS: Well, we're only a few years away. That's -- that's the good news. Actually, Ford has already come out with a -- an -- an -- an Escape flex-fuel, pluggable hybrid.
And the Prius is going to be pluggable away. And you have the Chevy Volt out there as well.
These cars are going to be in the showrooms in just a few years. I think both domestic and foreign car makers are going to be out at the forefront, because I think everyone now has seen on the writing on the wall. You know, it's just, like -- it's not just groups like mine. It's most of the -- the American public, and it's also the car makers. They realize that this is the future, and to be competitive and to keep generating jobs and to stay -- stay solvent, they need to invest a lot more in cleaner and more efficient technology.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LEVS: So really (ph) a lot of optimism there. Not a bad way to kick off the weekend here.
I want to show you a couple Web pages where you'll be able to go learn about the latest one.
First of all, the NRDC that you were just seeing, Natural Resources Defense Council. They have a Web site called "Beyond Oil." They talk about green cars here, and the green -- the greenest cars currently available, plus what's going to be coming up.
Also, the EPA has its own section, at epa.gov. They talk about the greenest cars available.
Coming up with Earth Day, I want to let you all know, since you're going to spend a lot of time on the Web, too, about something you can do here at cnn, cnn.com/Impact. We're hooking up with Earth Day. And if you check out our main page right now, cnn.com/Impact, you're going to see ways that you can involved in environmental issues, all sorts of things you can do in conjunction with Earth Day 2009.
When you click on that right there, check out this mega list, Betty and T.J. I mean, look at that. We hook you up with all these different groups. For environmental activities, if you want to take part in Earth Day, CNN style, cnn.com/impact.
And we'll have more on that next hour.
NGUYEN: Absolutely. In fact, we're going to be speaking with the president of Earth Initiatives. And so we'll be talking about that later on in the show.
Thank you for that.
LEVS: Awesome. Thanks.
HOLMES: Well, it is the historic handshake between President Obama and Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez. Can this one handshake and a smile really change the course of future relations between the two countries?
NGUYEN: Plus, Governor Sarah Palin back in the spotlight. We're going to show you why that is energizing many Republicans.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JAY LENO, HOST, "THE TONIGHT SHOW": Well, he fired up an anti- tax tea party this week by saying that Texas has the right to secede from the Union if it wants to.
On the plus side, if Texas did secede from the Union, we could then invade them for the oil.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(LAUGHTER)
HOLMES: That's not a bad idea.
NGUYEN: That's pretty tough.
HOLMES: I mean, leave it to Jay Leno to put a -- a ...
NGUYEN: You are all for this secession, aren't you?
HOLMES: You know, I mean -- will you have to go back?
(LAUGHTER)
NGUYEN: You're going to get rid of me?
(LAUGHTER)
NGUYEN: See you, folks.
HOLMES: But you know, if you all don't want to be with us...
NGUYEN: You saying "you all."
HOLMES: No, you're a Texan. You're talking about this stuff.
NGUYEN: Grew up in Texas, yes. Absolutely.
Reynolds, you spent a lot of time in Texas.
WOLF: Absolutely. Absolutely.
NGUYEN: And -- and you've heard of this talk. You know, the governor of Texas, Rick Perry, suggesting, 'Hey look, if the federal government keeps messing in Texas' business, we might want to just, you know, secede from the Union.'
WOLF: They've done it before. I mean, it was February 1 of 1861 they did it. That was, obviously, different circumstances with the Civil War and whatnot. But this time, a little bit different.
But Texas -- I mean, come on. They're very independent-minded. They really are.
NGUYEN: It is. It is a state of mind, for sure.
HOLMES: But still, we'd have to go to -- what? -- 49 states on the flag now.
NGUYEN: Yes.
HOLMES: That would cause some problems. A lot of flags out there.
NGUYEN: You -- you'd need a...
WOLF: Well, look at the Texas flag. They have one big star.
HOLMES: One big star, yes.
NGUYEN: And that's all you need, right?
WOLF: Lone Star State.
NGUYEN: But if it did happen -- what -- would you need a passport to travel out -- what? West of Louisiana?
HOLMES: I wouldn't. I wouldn't come to Texas anyway.
(LAUGHTER)
NGUYEN: You wouldn't come?
HOLMES: No. No.
NGUYEN: I'd invite you. You could be my guest.
All right. So we've been talking a lot about this, and we want to get some responses from you. You know, could this really be the situation? Send your e-mail thoughts to us, Twitter, Facebook, whatnot. We're going to read that after this.
But in the meantime, Samantha Hayes has taken a look into whether this could truly happen. Could Texas really secede from the Union?
Here's what she filed:
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GOV. RICK PERRY (R), TEXAS: Texas is a unique place. When we came into the union in 1845, one of the issues was that we would be able to leave if we decided to do that.
There is absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the -- at the American people, you know, who knows what may came may came -- or may come out of that?
SAMANTHA HAYES, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The governor's words, according to University of Texas law professor Sanford Levinson amount to nothing more than bravado.
SANFORD LEVINSON, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, GOVERNMENT AND LAW PROFESSOR: The notion that this could actually be a live issue, he can't be serious. The people around him can't be serious. The people around him can't be serious. It's, you know, the cheapest sort of demagoguery.
HAYES: Texas is known for asserting its independence and size. The Texas Capitol Building is second only to the U.S. Capitol and almost 15 feet higher.
On the state grounds, there are three statues of Confederate soldiers. There's even a movement of sorts that claims the state is not part of the Union.
And, of course, there's that Texas swagger.
But reporter Jason Embry with the "Austin American Statesman" says when it comes to the governor's comments, consider the politics.
JASON EMBRY, "AUSTIN AMERICAN STATESMAN": Governor Perry has a very serious re-election challenge facing him in less than a year in the form of United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, who is going to run against him in the Republican primary for governor.
HAYES (on camera): The offices of Senator Hutchison and former President George W. Bush declined to comment. But Texas Democrats are calling on Governor Perry to disavow any talk of withdrawing from the United States.
Samantha Hayes, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: Well, good morning, everybody. Welcome back to CNN SATURDAY MORNING. I'm Betty Nguyen.
HOLMES: Hello to you all. I'm T.J. Holmes. Glad you could be here with us this morning.
NGUYEN: Have you seen it?
HOLMES: Oh, yes.
NGUYEN: I know have been talking about it. That handshake heard around the world. We do have some new pictures showing President Obama shaking hands with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, the man who once called President Bush the devil, and recently called Obama an ignoramus. The two met briefly in a hotel lobby before the beginning of the Summit of the Americas, which is going on, right now, in Trinidad.
So, could this be a sign of cooling tension between Washington and Caracas? Well, Chavez reportedly told Obama, quote, "I want to be your friend."
All right. So making good on his pledge to change U.S. policy toward Latin America President Obama is making it easier for Cuban Americans to visit or to send money to relatives who live in the Communist country. That is good news for many Cubans who call the U.S. home, but how do Cuban residents feel?
Well, Morgan Neill, our bureau chief in Havana, hit the streets to get their reaction.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MORGAN NEILL, CNN HAVANA BUREAU CHIEF: Here on the streets of Havana Cubans haven't yet had time to see the latest remarks of President Raul Castro saying he's open to talk about anything with the United States, including political prisoners, and press freedoms.
(Voice-over): But people have now had time to digest the latest moves from President Obama loosening restrictions on Cuban Americans who want to travel and send money to family here.
"I think that's a sign he's open to dialogue," says this student. "Restrictions of Bush, its been shown they didn't do anything."
We found Carman in line for ice cream.
"The way it's developing with Obama," she said, "it seems maybe we won't find a definitive solution, but at least we'll see an improvement.
Wilfredo runs a newsstand.
"Well, the problems with the relations between the U.S. and Cuba doesn't depend on Cuba," he said. "It depends on the United States."
This young woman was more optimistic.
"It seems to me that the disposition to talk is the most important thing," she said.
(On camera): So as you can see a real mix of opinions on just what's coming next, but above all there's a sense here that we have not seen for some time. There's a real possibility for improvements between Cuba and its neighbor to the north.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: That is our Morgan Neill there reporting for us in Havana.
Well, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, it has not all been peaches and cream lately, for her. A bit of a public spat with the father of her grandchild, and also friction with state lawmakers. However, she got some warm receptions not too long ago. She went and talked to some of the GOP faithful.
CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser joins us now live from Washington.
Paul, always Good to see you, sir. Now, she got in front of a really familiar and comfortable crowd in a lot of ways, if you will. She was almost preaching to the choir. Explain to us who she was talking to.
PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN DEPUTY POLITICAL DIRECTOR: She was talking to what's billed as the largest rights to life annual dinner in the United States. It took place the other night in Evansville, Indiana.
T.J., you are right. They sold out the place when they heard she was going to be speaking. They sold out. There was an overflow crowd. You're right. Listen, if Sarah Palin, who was the Republican vice presidential nominee last year, if she wants to run the next time around for the presidency, for the Republican nomination, these are the kind of people you want to talk to early on, the core constituency, social conservatives, T.J.
HOLMES: Is it impossible right now to gauge how popular she might - of course, it's so far out. But you know if she goes and speaks to a group that we know is going to be very receptive to her message, this doesn't really tell us much of anything about her future aspirations or her chances down the road?
STEINHAUSER: Well, yes and no. Remember, these are the kinds of people who vote and vote quite heavily and dominate in the Republican primaries, which is the first step towards eventually getting to the White House, if you are a Republican. We did a poll here at CNN, a few months ago, and she was pretty much tied right up there at the top with Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney. You know, an early look at the next race for the White House. But at this time, T.J., it is name recognition. People know her and she finds a way to get into the news, doesn't she?
HOLMES: Oh, she does. I'm surprised more people aren't talking about this, in particular, or maybe they will. She spoke of -- at this particular event, about her family and her son Trig. I'm going to take a listen, I'm going to ask you about it on the other side. Let's listen first.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GOV. SARAH PALIN, (R-AK) FMR. VP CANDIDATE: I wasn't sure if my heart could hold what this baby would need. So I prayed that my heart would be filled up. What else did I have? I had to call upon my faith and ask that my heart be filled up. I'll tell you, the moment he was born, I knew for sure that my prayer was answered. And my heart overflowed with joy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: OK, she's there talking about her son Trig there, which a lot of people know has Down's Syndrome; but she also talked about other family members, her daughter as well, coming to her, telling her she was pregnant. But she spoke in front of this group and talked about it crossed her mind for a moment, abortion. What was that moment like? How was that being received, that it actually crossed her mind for a moment?
STEINHAUSER: This was the first time I have ever heard of this. She did not use the word abortion. She said she was tested. And then she said, of course, it came to her that having this child was the right thing to do. It was very interesting her letting us in on this. And she was very emotional at that time of the speech.
But, T.J., this crowd ate her up. They loved her. She was also critical of Barack Obama, President Obama, on abortion and she was critical of the stimulus. She said all the things that social conservatives and other conservatives want to hear. And they enjoyed it. Again, it is a long, long away from the 2012 presidential nomination, but maybe this is -- maybe, the first step.
HOLMES: Go ahead. It gives us something to talk to you about every weekend.
(LAUGHTER)
Paul Steinhauser, a friend of our show here on CNN SATURDAY and SUNDAY MORNING. We'll see you a couple more times throughout the morning. Talk to you soon, here, Buddy.
STEINHAUSER: Thank you, T.J.
HOLMES: All right, Betty.
NGUYEN: Well, the American captain who was kidnapped by pirates is home. And what he said during his first public appearance is coming up here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: A little "Sweet Home Alabama" for you, a tribute to the crew of the Maersk Alabama. That music was played from the deck of the USS Bainbridge as it docked in Kenya on Thursday. The Bainbridge is the naval ship that Captain Richard Phillips was on after he was rescued from the pirates.
So, from Kenya Captain Phillips flew home to Vermont. And he arrived yesterday afternoon. As you can imagine, it was an emotional reunion for him and his family.
HOLMES: Right now the family is asking to be left alone, but Captain Phillips did say a few words to the media yesterday after he had landed. Here he is.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CAPT. RICHARD PHILLIPS, USS MAERSK ALABAMA: Thank you for coming out here. I just have a few things to say, I don't have much. I just want to thank you for your prayers and support of my family while I was gone. I really appreciate that. I was not here to do it and a lot of people who'll I'll mention were good for that.
I am just a bit part in this story. I am a small part. I'm a seaman doing the best he can like all the other seamen out there.
The first people I want to thank are the SEALS. They are the superheroes. They are the titans. They are impossible men, doing an impossible job. And they did the impossible with me. I just want to let you know that they are out there. They are every day people. We will not recognize and I will not divulge. But they did an excellent job and they saved me. They are at the point of the sword every day doing an impossible job, of which we cannot comprehend.
Second, the military, the Navy, the Marines, the Air Force, I have never been around a better group of young, more dedicated professional, capable people in my life. I have been on the Boxer and the Bainbridge. All you Bainbridge boys out there, I really appreciate the time there. I cannot speak enough about the people, the men, the women on those ships and the dedicated service they give to us every day.
Also, the Boxer, I was on. And, again, you have two captains on there, with the Boxer and the Bainbridge, who are the two most-coolest cucumbers I have ever met and are doing an admiral job. And they are just proud to be leading the people, the men and woman they have out there. I just want to thank them.
If you see the military, thank them for me. If you are in the airport having a meal, down on the street, thank them. They are doing an impossible job. I wouldn't be here without them.
Third, I would just like to thank Maersk, and in particular, Mr. Moeller (ph), for doing everything he has done for me, since day one, since this started early in the morning of the 8th. I can't stress enough how much they have done for me, for my family, for my kids, for my Aunt Maria, my mother. And I am just impressed to work for a company like that who has done so much for me. Mr. Moeller (ph), especially for going all out and doing everything for me that he's done.
I would like to thank my community, my fellow Vermonters, for showing support.
(APPLAUSE)
I guess is was an unbelievable outpouring, I appreciate that. I really do. It's really showing -- you really show your stuff.
For all the support of my fellow Americans, I can't believe this. I'm not a hero. It just floors me about the -- everything I've read and the shown support that you have done.
Also, I want to thank my crew. We did it. I told you it was not going to be if, it was going to be when. And we did what we trained to do. We are just seamen we do the best with what we got. My crew did an excellent job and I'm so proud of them that they are all home and they are with their loved ones.
I want to thank my other company, LMS, for everything they have done for me and the opportunities they have given to me.
Lastly, I want to thank my family, Andrea, Mariah, Danny, my mother, Virginia, for the support. They have been there. It was all worth it to them.
Again, thank you. I'm not the hero. The military is the hero. Thank them.
Thank you.
QUESTION: (OFF MIC)
PHILLPS: Excuse me?
QUESTION: (OFF MIC)
PHILLIPS: Indescribable. Once again, I'm not a hero, the military is. Thank them, whenever you see them. The military did it. Thank you. God bless America.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: There you have it. He is not a hero, the military is.
HOLMES: But he had to put up a fight out there.
NGUYEN: Yes, he did.
HOLMES: He had to hang tight.
NGUYEN: He said, hey, take me. Let my crew go. So, very heroic efforts there.
HOLMES: A lot of people are wondering how in the world did the Navy SEALS pull this off? You know, that lifeboat was covered. They were floating a little ways away on the back of the U.S. Navy ship and shot the three pirates through a little windows in that lifeboat.
So, how did they do it? Don Lemon is going to be looking into that tonight. "The Mission to Save Captain Phillips." He'll go behind the scenes of that elite U.S. Navy SEAL training program, including those snipers. Tonight in the CNN "NEWSROOM" 7:00 and 10:00 Eastern.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: All right, take a look at the Cheyenne River. It is kind of a far away picture right now, but as you zoom in and get a little closer, we have some major flooding going on there.
WOLF: We still do. I mean, there's a common frame we have seen just over the last couple of months. Parts of the Cheyenne River, feeds into the Red River of the north. It has been really a rough time. What's bad, I'll tell you, is they expect the waters to rise much, not just along this stretch of river, but back into the Red River, where we were just in Fargo and Moorhead, where we were just a short while ago.
Betty, nobody has moved a single sandbag.
NGUYEN: Really?
WOLF: They are just ready and waiting for the waters to rise once again. I'll tell you things should be a little better in parts of the nation.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HOLMES: Another story that we are not so happy about around here at CNN, we lost.
NGUYEN: Yes, we did.
HOLMES: We lost out to the ...
NGUYEN: But just barely.
HOLMES: I don't know, a loss is a loss.
NGUYEN: Just by 30 minutes or so.
HOLMES: Still, we lost.
NGUYEN: We are talking about the Twitter award. Ashton Kutcher said, look, I bet I beat CNN when it comes to reaching 1 million followers on Twitter. If you are not familiar with Twitter, you can send out messages that people can also follow you, so they can see what you are saying, really, on a minute-by-minute basis if you want it. And Ashton Kutcher won. HOLMES: He won. We will hear from the newly crowned Twitter king and us, the losers, coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: All right. This is a challenge for charity, that's a good thing. We would have liked to have won this challenge. But the challenge was who could attract 1 million followers on the site Twitter. The fastest? Would that be us, the most trusted name in news, this powerhouse, of CNN. Or one little ol' dude named Ashton Kutcher.
NGUYEN: We'll he's a popular dude. Check it out.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ASHTON KUTCHER, ACTOR, TWITTER KING: Today we have done something extraordinary special. We have shown the world that the new wave is here. It is present and it is ready to explode. You guys are all of it, because I can't follow me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: All right, Kutcher. OK, you won.
NGUYEN: As he celebrates there.
HOLMES: OK, please.
NGUYEN: Well, deserved.
HOLMES: But the million mark. The million mark was at 2:13 a.m. Eastern Time. That was about 30 minutes before we actually crossed the 1 million mark. So as part of the challenge, Kutcher will donate 10,000 mosquito bet nets to charity for World Malaria Day later this month. CNN will donate nets as well.
NGUYEN: But you know, Rick Sanchez brought up something that really is important, yesterday. Yes, you know we send everyone to this one CNN web site, but if you would have pooled all the followers from all of our separate Twitter sites, mine, yours, Sanchez's, Anderson Coopers, any of them, we might have beat him a little bit quicker than we did.
HOLMES: Still just one guy.
NGUYEN: I know. Look, the power of Ashton Kutcher. And he's done a great thing with it. Thank you for participating, everybody.
HOLMES: Yes. And we are all on it. Betty and I are part of the Twitter world as well. You can take a look at our Twitter pages any time and respond to us. Give us your feedback. We'll be using it throughout the morning. You can also hit us on Facebook and e-mail us at weekends@cnn.com.
NGUYEN: Well, President Obama extending an olive branch to Venezuela's president. So, how this weekend's summit is actually create new relationships. We'll delve into that.
HOLMES: Although you are familiar with the Nintendo Wii. A lot of you are. It is doing more than just entertaining folks these days.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(APPLAUSE, CHEERING)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: It is actually helping some disabled folks with their physical therapy.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: OK. You know, there's always been a lot of talk about those video games that can really get children off the couch and playing, physically, doing something the Wii games. There's bowling, there's tennis.
HOLMES: They have the Wii Fit with the board.
NGUYEN: Right.
HOLMES: That people use to work out with.
Well, these Wiis are being used as part of physical therapy for some Army veterans now. One of these Army veterans, at a facility, he really got the thrill of a lifetime. It was really showdown. He got to take on the director of the facility, quite the show. Check it out.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES (voice over): They arrived one after another. America's retired warriors, veterans from World War II, Korea and the Vietnam war. They all want to see one of their own take on the boss in a showdown of sorts. Atlanta's Veteran Affairs administrator James Clark oversees the medical care and rehabilitation of more than 70,000 veterans, but today he's taking on the challenge of this 76-year-old resident in a bowling match. But why?
JAMES CLARK, DIR., ATLANTA V.A. MEDICAL CENTER: It brings life to those who have lost their limbs. It has brought a quality to their life that they could never have done before this technology.
HOLMES: The technology is Wii. Yes, that one, Nintendo Wii. And Wii games are now being used by therapists everywhere.
CHAUNCY ROZIER, V.A. RECREATIONAL THERAPIST: Around the world, recreation therapists have gotten onboard with knowing that a Wii game is one of the greatest therapeutic activities, right now, that is going on in community living centers.
HOLMES: The boss warms up for his game.
CLARK: This is going to be a long gauge, ladies and gentlemen. HOLMES: Uh, yeah? Did you see the challenger? Mizanuel Phillips he has bowled seven perfect games, that's 300 points, all strikes, in every frame.
CLARK: Hey, champ. Give me five? All right. Nice pick up there, Champ.
MIZANUEL PHILLIPS, DISABLED VETERAN: Thank you. Right now we're running neck and neck.
CLARK: Oh! You got robbed.
HOLMES: Mr. Phillips game is a little off. The big crowd, the TV cameras, the photographers all has him a bit nervous.
(CHEERS, APPLAUSE)
HOLMES: And another perfect throw. And another.
CLARK: Where is that towel? I think I need a towel.
Oh, bow to the champion.
HOLMES: After a slow start, Phillips threw seven strikes in a row to win, 221 to 138.
CLARK: So how do you throw a perfect game with a hand that shakes?
PHILLIPS: I control it in my upper body. Relax the body. Relax the mind.
CLARK: As you have just seen, you can take a veteran who has lost both of his limbs, who is confined to a wheelchair, get up to the line and bowl a beautiful game.
HOLMES: With his victory comes a steak dinner for all 90 residents of the Eagle's Nest Community Center. And now there's a new boss in town.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: All right. You saw there, his hand is shaking. It is not Parkinson's. It is really unexplained, but still he is able to controlled it well enough to bowl a perfect couple of games there.
(LAUGHTER)
HOLMES: He lost both legs to diabetes and bone infections. But really, enjoying that Wii. And it is therapeutic for folks.
NGUYEN: What a great outlet that is. Not only is it fun, but you are getting a little bit of physical therapy as well. It is good for everyone. And for those watching, boy, was that entertaining, right? To see him beat the boss?
HOLMES: Yes.
(LAUGHTER)
NGUYEN: Yes, we are going to challenge the boss and hopefully win.
HOLMES: Congratulations there to Mr. Phillips.
Meanwhile, our next hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING starts right now.
From the CNN Center here in Atlanta, Georgia -- yes, CNN SATURDAY MORNING. It's 7:00 here in the east, 6:00 in the Plano, Texas, 4:00 in Palo Alto, California. Glad you could all be here. I'm T.J. Holmes.
NGUYEN: Yes, good morning, everybody. I'm Betty Nguyen. Thanks so much for starting your day with us.
You know, just in time for the upcoming Earth Day, the EPA proposes declaring greenhouse gas is a threat to public health. So, is this going to clear the way for new stricter regulations of cars, factories and plants? We're going to check into that.
HOLMES: Also, never mind that he's facing 16 federal charges that could land him in prison if convicted, but the former Illinois governor, Rod Blagojevich -- he's got a new job offer. Not in politics.
NGUYEN: Nope.
HOLMES: On television.
NGUYEN: But, of course, right?
HOLMES: Which network is now offering him a reality show?
NGUYEN: Do people really want another reality show?
HOLMES: It's hard to believe.
NGUYEN: That's the big question, right? Everyone seems to have one these days.
Also, we're going to talk about this just coming into CNN. Breaking news this morning. The "Associated Press" reports: a court in Iran has convicted an American journalist of spying and has sentenced her to eight years in prison. The 31-year-old woman was arrested for working without press credentials, but she was tried for spying. She has dual citizenship in Iran and the U.S. She's been living in Iran for the last six years.
Now, her lawyer says he is going to appeal the verdict. CNN is working on this story. Again, "A.P." is reporting, that being the "Associated Press." But we, as well, have calls out and we're going to get as much information on this and bring you the latest just as soon as we get it.
HOLMES: So there he is now on American soil. The cargo ship captain who was held hostage by Somali pirates -- he is finally home. Richard Phillips is the name. That was him stepping off the plane in Burlington, Vermont, yesterday -- to the cheers of some supporters out there. All those family members, they're greeting him on the plane.
He thanked the Navy SEALs and other members of the military who rescued him. His ship, the Maersk Alabama, was stormed by pirates off the coast of Somalia on April 8th.
NGUYEN: All right. So, let's get you to this -- the handshake seen around the world. We have new pictures showing President Obama shaking hands with Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez, the man who once called President Bush "the devil" -- there's the handshake right there -- and called President Obama an ignoramus. Well, the two met belief briefly in a hotel lobby before the beginning of the Summit of the Americas, which is going on right now in Trinidad.
So, could this be a sign of cooling tensions between Washington and Caracas? Well, Chavez reportedly told President Obama, quote, "I want to be your friend."
HOLMES: Well, it's day 89 of the Obama administration making friends. The president is in Trinidad, of course, attending that Summit of the Americas. At 8:00 this morning, President Obama is scheduled to attend a meeting with the Union of South American Nations. Then, at 11:45, he'll participate in the official heads of state photo. Then at 8:00 tonight, the official dinner and cultural show.
The president says he wants a new beginning with Cuba as well. It seems like Cuba is overshadowing the Summit of the Americas so far, even though the country hasn't been invited to that summit.
CNN deputy political director and friend of our show here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING, Paul Steinhauser -- he joins us again from Washington.
Paul, the president's policies toward Cuba. Cuba is the only nation in the hemisphere that's not invited, but still, they seem to be the topic of everybody's mind. So, how is that affecting things and how they are going about business at this summit?
STEINHAUSER: Oh, yes. It is the big topic. And I think the White House is hoping it wouldn't be the overarching issue, but it is. And, T.J., President Obama yesterday, upon arrival in Trinidad, said he wanted to end the Cold War between United States and Cuba. Listen, for 50 years now, we have strain relations with this country ever since the Castro revolution. It was earlier this week that Raul Castro, who's now running things down in Cuba, said he was ready to talk. He's ready for unconditional talks.
The president last night said, "Listen, I am definitely ready to talk, but not just for the sake of talking. I want to talk if there will be serious actions." And, you know, the president has already made some moves, T.J., towards loosening the trade embargo against Cuba.
HOLMES: Are the American citizens, everybody is onboard with what the president is doing right now?
STEINHAUSER: Yes, take a look at these numbers from CNN/Opinion Research Corporation, national numbers from about a week ago. And you can see right here, 64 percent say yes, the U.S. should lift the travel embargo to Cuba, for all Americans, what the president did was lift it for Cuban-Americans who have families back there.
And take a look at this number as well, when it comes to diplomatic relations. Should the United States have diplomatic relations with Cuba? More than seven-in-10 now say yes, we should reestablish relations diplomatic relations with Havana. That number has been rising over the last 10 years. That's pretty good support there among Americans for what he is doing, T.J.
HOLMES: All right. Hugo Chavez, boy, he just finds a way to get in there, doesn't he? I mean, this picture is just fascinating of the two leaders.
STEINHAUSER: Come on, put it up again.
HOLMES: Yes, we're going to put it again of the two. There are several pictures actually.
Talk to us about a couple of things here. What is on the line here for President Obama, for President Chavez, and also about the fact that the Venezuelan government put these pictures out along with a little press release and saying some things? I mean, could this become a part of the propaganda for them?
STEINHAUSER: Yes. I mean, it was definitely interesting that that's where it came from. This was released by the Venezuelan government, as you mentioned, and they put out that Chavez came up to -- or spoke to President Obama and said, "I want to be your friend." And very interesting, of course, the relations was so strained between the previous administration, the Bush administration, and Chavez. The White House spoke about this last night and all they said was they would confirm what was said by the Venezuelan government.
So, the White House not taking a lead on this one. Thought, it was interesting, T.J., that it was President Obama who did walk over and initiate -- you know, start this conversation and this handshake with the Venezuelan president. Is this the beginning of an easing of the relationships between U.S. and Venezuela? I think it's a little too early for that, but maybe it's the first step, T.J.
HOLMES: It is -- it really is a fascinating picture and looked like he's even giving him some dap in there on one of the pictures.
(LAUGHTER)
HOLMES: It's just -- it's fascinating. Paul Steinhauser, as always, we appreciate you. We're going to be talking to you again here soon. STEINHAUSER: Thanks, T.J.
NGUYEN: Also this weekend, President Obama is bringing new health into his administration. He is naming businessman Jeffrey Zients to the post of chief performance officer. So, what does that mean? Well, his role is to find ways to cut government waste. The goal the president talks about in his weekly address.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, WHITE HOUSE VIDEO)
OBAMA: In the coming weeks, I will be announcing the elimination of dozens of government programs shown to be wasteful or ineffective. In this effort, there will be no sacred cows and no pet projects. All across America, families are making hard choices, and it's time their government did the same. That's why I have assembled a team of management, technology and budget experts to guide us in this work. Leaders who will help us revamp government operations from top to bottom and ensure that the federal government is truly working for the American people.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: The president is also naming Aneesh Chopra as chief technology officer. Chopra has been serving as Virginia's secretary of technology.
All right. So, when it comes to trimming the federal budget, Republicans say they couldn't agree more. They just don't believe that the president is really serious about it -- as California Congressman Kevin McCarthy says in the weekly Republican address.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, RNC VIDEO)
REP. KEVIN MCCARTHY, (R) CALIFORNIA: The Washington Democratic establishment has pushed all year for policies that spend too much, tax too much and borrow too much from our children and grandchildren. When I think of the future, I think of my 15-year-old son Connor and my 12-year-old daughter Meghan. I worry about their future because your kids are as important to you as mine are to me. And I am unwilling to leave our children with so much debt.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: McCarthy also announced a new Web site from House Republicans. Washington Watch is designed to track government waste.
All right. So, the environment is getting attention more than ever as Earth Day approaches. Within just the past 24 hours, the EPA did something that it's never done before.
HOLMES: Also, the Summit of the Americas, we are talking about that this morning. The president is there, President Obama. Josh Levs now following the important issues that the president is tackling this weekend.
Hello, again, Josh. LEVS: (INAUDIBLE) issues at the top of his agenda. And seriously, every one of them affects the cost of things we pay for -- from gasoline to groceries. We will show you.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(MUSIC)
NGUYEN: A little Van Halen this morning for you as they sing about "Right Now." And we talk about Earth Day, and a lot of people are urging people to take action right now.
HOLMES: The action I'd like to take is to stop using your playlist.
NGUYEN: That is -- why do you keeping us my playlist?
HOLMES: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Van Halen.
NGUYEN: Although, I don't mind a little Van Halen. What would you like to hear?
HOLMES: I can't say.
NGUYEN: Yes, I don't know if we can play what you enjoy on the air. We might have to bleep some of it.
HOLMES: All right. Reynolds ...
WOLF: Sorry, T.J., but Burl Ives or Barry Manilow are not part of your set this morning. They're not going to be playing here.
(LAUGHTER)
WOLF: No, I'm totally about the Van Halen, man, you've seen the parachute pants, and you know ...
NGUYEN: Oh, now, you had to have parachute pants, right?
(CROSSTALK)
NGUYEN: No?
HOLMES: No. Never.
NGUYEN: Oh, come on, T.J. You need to live a little, my friend.
WOLF: He steals my beating heart. That's what I'm talking about.
(LAUGHTER)
WOLF: Hey, guys, let's about what's being now down in parts of Texas. The heavy rain continues to pound parts of the landscape.
Let's go down to the I-35 corridor and look at the eruption of these storms get all that moisture coming in from the Gulf of Mexico. These storms have been pretty strong, not severe right now, but certainly, potential heavy rainmakers. And into the afternoon hours, we are going to be seeing that rain really pile up in spots like Houston. You had some flooding a few days ago. You could see more today.
And we are talking about precipitation in terms of rainfall, but check out this video that we have from Denver showing you the heavy snow. And the snow there is mainly west of the city. They could see anywhere from one to three feet of snow.
We are not talking inches but feet with the spring time snowstorm, great for skiers up in the mountains and places like Steamboat. They're absolutely loving the season. It's been incredible for them. But for those who drive through it, come on, we are talking about April, it's going to be tough times.
Let's go back to the weather computer and show you what you can expect today in terms of your temperatures. In Denver, 39 degrees. And I know it's well above the freezing point in terms of your high, but when you get back to the mountains, that cold air continues to come in from the north, that snow is going to go absolutely nowhere. For Chicago, 73, up by Wrigley Field; in D.C., 75; Atlanta, it's 72 degrees; and San Francisco with 72. Not a bad day to go out there, say, the (INAUDIBLE), listen to a little Van Halen, T.J.
Yes, that's right. Let's send it back to you, guys.
(LAUGHTER)
HOLMES: Yes, right.
NGUYEN: I'll get you the C.D. How about that?
HOLMES: I know that was your list. I know you have it.
NGUYEN: It was not. All right.
WOLF: T.J. loves David Lee Roth (ph). I mean, come on.
NGUYEN: Exactly.
WOLF: Exactly. Old school.
NGUYEN: Jock, what are the songs? We have some pretty good ones.
HOLMES: This is the only one. I know.
NGUYEN: It's something that I could think of right now.
HOLMES: I know.
All right. Thanks, Reynolds.
NGUYEN: But I do want to talk about this, and we all know a little bit about this: Earth Day. You know, the goal is to really put initiatives in place and do something. Everyone can do a little something to save the planet. Well, we are going to speak with an expert as to what we can do and will it be long lasting.
Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: All right. Do you want to know what 1 billion people will be doing on Wednesday? Well, probably something to protect the environment. And actually, you can take part in it as well.
We are kicking off our weekend Earth Day coverage with Kathleen Rogers. She is president of EarthDay.net. And she joins us live.
Good morning, Kathleen.
KATHLEEN ROGERS, PRESIDENT, EARTHDAY.NET: Good morning. How are you?
NGUYEN: I am doing great. In fact, you have put a challenge out there, a billion acts of green. What does that mean and how can people take part?
ROGERS: Well, this year, as in the past few years, we have noticed a huge upsurge in people who want to take an environmental action as part of their commitment to the earth. And at least a billion people are participating in Earth Day. So, we decided to accommodate them and help them to find a way to register their inclination and effort to protect the earth. And I think they are sort of in the vanguard ahead of the government in terms of protecting the world from climate change. So, we are happy to see it and accommodate them.
NGUYEN: Well, I want to talk about climate change, because yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency declared greenhouse gases a threat. I want to take a close listen to what EPA administrator Lisa Jackson had to say.
Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LISA JACKSON, EPA ADMINISTRATOR: Today's announcement is actually about science, and it's the government's recognition of something that many others have been saying for a long time -- which is that greenhouse gases unchecked endanger public health, they endanger our country's welfare.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: So, let me ask you this, Kathleen: Is this possibly the first step toward stricter regulations when it comes to power plants, refineries, the vehicles that we drive?
ROGERS: Absolutely. I don't see any other way to interpret it. We have been hoping for something like that for a really long time. It's pretty gratifying that they are announcing it around Earth Day, and I think, also in the wake of the introduction of a bill by Waxman and Markey, the hearings begin this Wednesday. There's the hope of that -- and I guess, I believe that Lisa Jackson's statement will certainly be accrued to move that along.
NGUYEN: You know, you say there's no other way around it. But, you know, with millions of people without a job and the possibility of stricter regulations that could lead to raising energy prices and maybe even costing more jobs -- is this the best time for this?
ROGERS: Well, first of all, I think we've reached a crisis point in terms of the climate change. Most scientists, and that number are in the hundreds of thousands, believe that if we wait much longer the economy will be the least of our issues. I also think that this administration and Congress and many corporations are working really hard to make it a positive gain for the economy as opposed to losing jobs or costing consumers more.
It's not going to be painless. None of us think that, but we are all working really hard -- particularly on the equity issues and the economic issues -- to make sure that our economy stays on top, that we turn this country into a green economy and move away from the filthy industrial age; and at the same time, create jobs, create technology, and provide a better place for our kids.
NGUYEN: All right. Kathleen Rogers, president of Earth Day Network. Thanks so much for your time today.
ROGERS: Thank you for having me.
NGUYEN: And good luck on Earth Day.
ROGERS: Thanks very much.
NGUYEN: You know, Earth Day does give us all the chance as individuals to make a difference not just for ourselves but for generations to come. To find out more about issues affecting the planet in ways that you can actually help, check out CNN.com/ImpactYourWorld. It's the tab all the way to the right of your screen on the homepage. But there's lots of good information right there for you at your fingertips.
HOLMES: Well, one man's trash is another man's cash. A New Jersey man we are going to introduce you to basically taking people's trash, the stuff you throw away, and he's turning them into every day things.
Also, we know the president is in Trinidad and Tobago. He's there for the Summit of the Americas. But exactly does that mean? What is he doing there? We'll explain.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: Now, the president, of course, is facing a series of major issues at the Summit of the Americas. All of them are affecting your wallet.
NGUYEN: Our Josh Levs joins us now to look at what's one the president's agenda.
Good morning, Josh.
LEVS: Hey. Good morning to you, guys.
Yes. Now, this is interesting. You know, we spoke with the international desk, kind of pulled our resources together here. We want to give you a really goody digest of what President Obama is doing there.
And what's really interesting -- you're about to see the major issues at the top of the agenda all affect our economy right here. Let's zoom in. I want you start seeing what we are talking about.
First of all, two major issues from Mexico: Drug violence -- we hear a lot about that. Also, immigration. Whenever we ask you, your top concerns -- immigration is one of the biggest ones you tell us about.
We're going to move over to Cuba now. Once he gets to -- the main issue focusing on Cuba or one of them is that a group of Latin America leaders plan to ask him to lift the embargo there. That can affect trade and can directly affect the cost of goods that we buy.
All right. Let's work our way down to South America now. I want you to see a few countries there. Venezuela, one of the top issues there is oil. And as you know, Venezuela can have a real impact on the cost of oil for any of us in the United States ultimately. It affects world oil markets.
Two more countries for you to look at. Take a look over here -- Colombia. One of the biggest issues throughout in Colombia is narco- terrorism. Now, drugs running rampant there and there's lot of concerns about how much control narco-terrorists have inside Colombia.
One more country for us to look at. We are going to zoom over a little bit and that's Brazil, one of the biggest countries there -- a major trading partner, a lot of trade questions. But that doesn't just limit itself to Brazil.
We're going to zoom back out. You know, the trade issue actually affects the entire continent. We are talking about South America up into Central America. You got the Central America Free Trade Agreement and the North America Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA, which President Obama himself slammed sometimes during the campaign. So, what we're going to see a lot of discussions about trade.
And, guys, ultimately, that all will directly affect how much we pay at the grocery stores and at the gas stations -- guys?
HOLMES: All right. A ton of big issues to tackle down there.
LEVS: Yes, a lot of stuff. HOLMES: All right. Josh, we appreciate you.
LEVS: Thanks.
HOLMES: Well, how exactly does a box of worms become a multi -- yes, you heard me right -- become multi-million dollar company?
NGUYEN: A box of worms? Well, we are told it begins with a New Jersey man whose vision takes recycling to a whole new level.
Melissa Long tells us about in how he got started.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MELISSA LONG, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Meet Tom Szaky.
TOM SZAKY, FOUNDER & CEO, TERRACYCLE: Hey, guys, how are you doing?
LONG: A man who says there's no such thing as garbage.
SZAKY: It's just a perception. We choose as humans to consider something as waste.
LONG: Using that idea, he created TerraCycle, a company that transforms trash like juice pouches, chip bags and cookie wrappers into new products.
But it all started with a box of worms eight years ago.
SZAKY: My friends in Montreal, they started feeding their plants worm poop, and the plants started thriving.
LONG: Tom knew they were on to something. He founded TerraCycle and dropped out of college to launch the company's first product: liquid plant food.
SZAKY: No one would invest in a 22-year-old dropout who's on the worm poop business, you know, go figure.
LONG: So, he took matters into his own hands, and entered contest, hoping to score backing and he won.
SZAKY: It turned out to be a million dollars of funding. Yet, the people who are putting the money up wanted us to change our model. After a lot of thought, we ended up turning the money down. And what we found is when company really gets into a crisis mode, when there is no money, when, you know, in two weeks, you are about to go broke, that is when the best innovation comes.
LONG: Now, a multi-million dollar company, TerraCycle's product lines has expanded. It includes things like clocks and frames made from vinyl records and circuit boards.
SZAKY: There's no limit on what we can do.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: All right. Well, 600 teachers are being laid off in the city of Detroit -- their school system. Seven thousand students are going to be forced to find new schools; about 23 schools are closing down; hundreds of millions in budget deficits. The problems there are massive.
So, we are going to have online this morning the mayor of Detroit. We'll talk to him about the economic turmoil there and what he plans to do about it -- how that city is going to back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: All right. So, we want to get some of your responses from our Facebook and Twitter pages, as well at Weekends@CNN.com. A lot of the talk this morning, Texas, the theory that may be, hey, it's going to secede from the union.
HOLMES: Knock yourself out, Betty.
NGUYEN: All right. Let's go to my Twitter page. Carlo says, "Texas could secede and make George W. its president. That way, they'll come running back to the rest of us, USA, in four years." Then down here it says, "No way Texas will secede. This is just blabber coming from Rick Perry." Rick Perry being the governor of Texas.
HOLMES: And we can turn to right there, my Twitter page as well. A lot of these are funny. Some people, like I was saying, Betty, just let you guys go. As you all did know, Betty is from Texas.
NGUYEN: That's what you would do.
HOLMES: But one saying, "If anything, it will make Texas more of an exotic vacation location."
(LAUGHTER)
HOLMES: "Seriously, though, I want to see it just for kicks."
And another George W. Bush reference just at the top says, "Why not? As long as they promise to keep an eye on W. and make sure he stays on their side of the border."
NGUYEN: Oh, and one last thing from our Facebook, from mine. It says, "Everything is bigger in Texas. I just guess that goes for stupid ideas."
Yikes! People are really kind of upset about it and some say, "Hey, see you later."
HOLMES: Take care.
(LAUGHTER)
HOLMES: Betty will be if she doesn't secede from the show. NGUYEN: I'll stay here.
HOLMES: We'll be back at the top of the hour.
But "HOUSE CALL" with Dr. Sanjay Gupta -- right now.
