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CNN Wolf Blitzer Reports

Bush's Stem Cell Decision Proves Divisive; Is Israel Inviting More Violence With Military Action?; Is Gore Making a Political Comeback?

Aired August 10, 2001 - 20:00   ET

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

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
WOLF BLITZER, HOST: Tonight, President Bush wins praise and draws criticism for approving limited federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. We'll track the reaction and look at the impact on the scientific community. Does his decision open the door wide enough for medical breakthroughs?

Israel begins burying the victims of a devastating suicide bombing, but Palestinians say Israel's takeover of their Jerusalem headquarters invites more bloodshed.

He lost his home state in the presidential election. Now Al Gore will begin mending his Tennessee fences with an appearance this weekend, his first after months of political hibernation. Is this the start of a comeback? Is he keeping his beard? I'll ask former Clinton White House press secretary Joe Lockhart and conservative political strategist Bay Buchanan.

Good evening. I'm Wolf Blitzer, reporting tonight from Capitol Hill.

The criticism comes from both sides of the debate. Some conservatives, especially those who oppose abortions, accuse President Bush of going too far in approving a limited form of embryonic stem cell research. They say he's tampering with human life.

But others, especially in the scientific community, say he didn't go far enough in opening the door to potential cures for diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and spinal cord injuries. White House aides say President Bush is very comfortable with his decision, which effectively positions him in the middle ground of this debate. And that's our top story.

For more on the possible political fallout from the president's decision, let's go live to CNN White House correspondent Kelly Wallace. She's in Crawford, Texas, where the president is vacationing.

Kelly, tell us what the reaction is down there.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, aides spent the day assessing that political fallout, working the phones and doing a little bit of what you could call damage control. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice-over): The selling of President Bush's decision in full swing as top aides go before television cameras and reporters, explaining why Mr. Bush chose to back federal funding of research on stem cells already extracted from human embryos.

KAREN HUGHES, COUNSELOR TO THE PRESIDENT: He feels he has arrived at a solution that both offers the hope of great scientific progress without crossing a threshold moral line.

WALLACE: But Catholics, whom the president has been targeting to boost his reelection chances, accuse Mr. Bush of crossing that line.

CARDINAL THEODORE MCCARRICK, WASHINGTON: The president's decision unfortunately allows the allotment of federal funding, the money we pay in our taxes, for something that many of us feel are -- is morally wrong.

WALLACE: And angry conservatives said the president reneged on his campaign pledge.

KEN CONNOR, FAMILY RESEARCH COUNCIL: We believe that it flies in the face of his promise not to engage in stem cell research that involves the destruction of live embryonic human beings.

WALLACE: Not true, says top aide Karen Hughes.

HUGHES: One of the things you learn as president is that you're not able to make all people happy all the time.

WALLACE: And that's also the case with some supporters of the research, who argue Mr. Bush should have gone further in backing science they believe could lead to breakthroughs in fighting diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WALLACE: Aides say this decision was not based on politics. Still, Mr. Bush could end up scoring some points with moderates but could also alienate some conservatives, and that is why senior Bush advisers have been reaching out to the right -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Kelly, the House majority whip, Tom DeLay, issued a carefully worded statement. As you know, he had opposed any embryonic stem cell research.

He said this, "Last month at the White House, President Bush looked me in the eye and told me that he would make a decision on stem cell research from his heart, not from politics or polls, and I believe he has. However, I'm still disappointed that the federal government will fund embryonic stem cell research, even though the proposed research will take place upon embryos that have already been destroyed."

That seems to be a relative muted reaction. Is that the sense that they're -- the White House aides are getting as well?

WALLACE: Absolutely. In the words, Wolf, of one senior administration official, they feel that by Mr. Bush taking this approach he may have "threaded the needle," if you will, that he is basically sort of appeasing some of the strongest conservatives in the U.S. Congress. Certainly if he backed more -- a broader approach when it comes to embryonic stem cell research, they might have been very, very angry.

And on the other side, you have heard members of Congress, including Senate majority leader Tom Daschle, offering the president a little bit of praise for his decision. So Mr. Bush likely to face lawmakers who are going to try and push legislation in the fall. But right now, it appears he in some way has satisfied, at least a little bit, both sides -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Kelly Wallace in Crawford, Texas, thank you very much.

And is the limited federal help allowed by the president enough to help pave the way toward medical breakthroughs? To help us gauge the scientific impact of this stem cell decision, let's turn to CNN medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen once again in Atlanta.

Elizabeth, how are the scientists reacting to this compromise decision by the president?

ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, in some ways they're relived, because they feared that he would say no federal funding for any kind of embryonic stem cell research. So in a way, they said, Oh, phew, at least it wasn't what we feared it would be.

However, they're also saying that they too, like Tom DeLay, are disappointed, but for very different reasons. They say there are only 60 stem cell lines that they may have access to, and they say that just doesn't offer the kind of genetic variety that they need to come up with a variety of treatments for people of a variety of genetic backgrounds.

They also say, you know, these stem cells are sitting with private companies. How do we know they're going to be willing to give them up to the National Institutes of Health? Or maybe they're going to charge a lot of money, and that could be a problem.

There's also a bit of a technical problem that they see. They said that these stem cell lines were procured at private companies from all over the world. We've been told the United States, Israel, Sweden, Singapore, Australia, and probably other countries as well. And they say, How do we know that they were all done the right way? How do we know that they're all sterile, for example?

Dr. John Gearhart at Johns Hopkins University is a pioneer in stem cell research, and this is what he had to say on that topic.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN GEARHART, JOHNS HOPKINS MEDICAL SCHOOL: We hope that these lines were collected under the appropriate conditions, that they were cultured and maintained with the standards that were required for those in this country. But we know nothing about them, so at this point, we can't comment.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COHEN: So again, scientists said they're relieved that they got some federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, but they say it's not nearly enough.

BLITZER: Elizabeth Cohen, once again, thank you very much.

And in the Middle East today, the United States and Britain launched their largest attack on Iraqi targets in months, striking at air defense positions in the southern no-fly zone. The allies call it a response to Iraq's recent efforts to down their aircraft.

Fifty U.S. and British planes were involved in the strike. Targets included a communications center, a surface-to-air missile site, and a radar position.

On Wednesday, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein told the allies to leave the region if they don't want their pilots and aircraft harmed.

In Jerusalem, a series of funerals for the 15 victims of a Palestinian suicide bomber. The dead included a pregnant American woman and five members of one family. The Islamic militant group Hamas claimed responsibility for yesterday's blast. Israel responded with a missile strike on a West Bank police post and by seizing Palestinian offices in East Jerusalem, holding Orientals, a long-time emblem of Palestinian national hopes.

Israeli officials stressed their action was political, but chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat warns Israel is, quote, "inviting more bloodshed."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)

SAEB ERAKAT, CHIEF PALESTINIAN NEGOTIATOR: The mere sight of the Israeli flag over the Orientals, the symbol of Palestinian nationalism, statehood, capital, and peace, to be flying over the Orientals is telling the Palestinians, Your dreams are killed.

DAN AYALON, ISRAELI FOREIGN POLICY ADVISER: I think that the Palestinian terrorists have zeroed in Jerusalem for quite some time now, and I think that no political gains should be made out of terror. And here again, I think our response was very moderate, given the enormous tragedy.

(END VIDEO CLIPS)

BLITZER: The United States responded sharply to the latest Israeli move, saying it undermines faith in a negotiated settlement of the conflict.

After a long break, Al Gore is back. But does he have a political future? Does his beard have a future? I'll ask a couple of veteran campaigners, conservative political strategist Bay Buchanan and former Clinton White House press secretary Joe Lockhart.

Also, Chandra Levy's mother turns to the families of others who are missing.

Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back.

He won the popular vote last November, but he lost the electoral count, losing his home state, Tennessee, and that crucial count in Florida. He's been the invisible man lately, but Al Gore will appear at political events beginning this weekend.

Has he had his chance? Should he run again?

I'm joined now by two veteran political strategists, former Clinton White House press secretary Joe Lockhart -- he's been involved in several Democratic presidential campaigns -- and Bay Buchanan, who heads the American Cause group, ran her brother Pat's presidential efforts. She joins us from our Washington bureau.

Thanks to both of you for joining us.

And Joe, let me begin with you. Will Al Gore run for president once again?

JOE LOCKHART, FORMER WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: I -- the only person that matters in that decision is Al Gore, because he's got to come to that decision. And although I haven't talked to him, I can't imagine he's made that decision yet. He's been taking time off, he's been, I'm sure, reflecting on the past race, what it means for the future, and he hasn't made up his mind. He's not on the same schedule that all of us here in Washington, who think the presidential race starts the day after election day.

BLITZER: Well, let me ask the same question to Bay Buchanan. What do you think, Bay? Will Al Gore run for president in 2004?

BAY BUCHANAN, PRESIDENT, THE AMERICAN CAUSE: I believe he will, Wolf. I think there's no question he'd be a front runner. He'd be extremely strong. He's got organizations in 50 states, establishment would be behind him. His real problem, obviously, would be what the polls would show in those years -- two outs, because a lot of people think his first name is Clinton. And if he doesn't separate himself from Bill Clinton, I don't think he can be successful at beating a George Bush.

BLITZER: Joe, there's a new poll, relatively new poll, earlier this month, CNN-"USA Today"-Gallup poll, asked registered Democrats, only registered Democrats, if they want all Gore to run again for president. Seventy percent of those registered Democrats said yes, 24 percent said no. Does that suggest to you that if he decides to run, he can capture the Democratic nomination?

LOCKHART: I think he starts with a lot of advantages, experience, having gone through this process the way the last one did, that gives him an advantage. But I think it would be wrong for anyone to think that he could just stand up and say, Well, I want it, so I deserve it.

Democratic primaries and caucuses are about earning it. The Republicans, I think, do it a little bit differently. I remember 1996 there was a feeling among the Republicans that it was Bob Dole's time, and the party sort of stepped aside. We don't -- we like to shake it up, you know, mix it up a little more in the Democratic Party.

So I think if he goes out and makes a case, earns the votes and the confidence of the people, he can do quite well.

BLITZER: Bay, another question we asked our -- in our poll, our CNN-"USA Today" poll, was this. Among registered voters overall, who do they prefer, Al Gore or George W. Bush? Look at this, Al Gore 49, 48 for Bush, statistically still a tie, even though he's been invisible all these months.

What does that say to you?

BUCHANAN: That's very impressive for the -- for Al Gore, I must say. The President Bush has been president for six months, and he's had some successes out there, and I think the people are warming up to him quite well. But I think it does show that a lot of people out there feel that Al Gore maybe should have been president. I don't think Al Gore -- I think he may have moved on, but I think a lot of other people may think that he really should be there and are giving him the benefit of the doubt.

I think there's a lot of time, though, Wolf, between now and that elect -- that campaign, and a lot of things will change.

BLITZER: Joe Lockhart, if you were still in the campaign business -- and maybe you will be one of these days -- what advice would you give Al Gore, assuming he still has that fire in his belly and wants to be president of the United States?

LOCKHART: I mean, that's the big question. If he decides after some time off and some reflection that this is really what he wants to do, he's got to go out and start connecting with voters again. He's got to get up to New Hampshire, he's got to get out to Iowa, he's got to...

BLITZER: Even as early as right now?

LOCKHART: No, no, no. I -- listen, I don't think he's going to make this decision this year. I doubt he'll make it next year. I think this will all shake out after the 2002 elections. That gives plenty of time for someone who is as well known as Al Gore to put together an organization, to run a good campaign. But the important decision, he's got to make this personal, which is -- he -- I think he'll do something that involves public service, but one of the things I think he's finding now is there's a lot of things you can do that are in the public interest that don't involve running for president.

BUCHANAN: You know, Wolf, I think -- I agree with Joe entirely, that he's got plenty of time. I think sometime in the next couple months, he's going to have to cut that beard off, or it might remain in the minds of the voter. But on the second thing is, I think he has to worry, he does have Clinton still on his back, so he's going to have to put himself some distance there.

But the Democrats, I think, and the American people may really be looking for a new face, and to take on the president of the United States, who's been there and now has a real record for several years, if he has a solid administration, George Bush can be tough, they may want somebody fresh and new to come in and challenge him, somebody a little more Clintonesque. And I think they'll be looking down there to John Edwards.

BLITZER: Bay, are you suggesting that someone with a beard can't be elected president of the United States, is that what you're saying?

BUCHANAN: I'm suggesting if they look like Al Gore with a beard, that beard doesn't match the hair. He's got to figure out some way to coordinate that. That's just a woman talking there, not a politician.

BLITZER: All right.

BUCHANAN: But I think he better listen.

BLITZER: You know, Joe, this whole issue of the beard, do you have any inside information? Has he already shaved the beard? We were told he wouldn't step foot back in the United States with a beard. We haven't seen him since he's come back.

LOCKHART: I suspect what you saw was a man who was on vacation who found out, you know a way to go to work for a day and then get right back on vacation. You know, I -- the beard is an interesting thing only because it shows our obsession with silly things in the political process.

We are three and a half years away from anyone voting, so we have to find these silly little things to talk about. The beard is next week's -- this week's, who knows what we'll talk about next week?

BLITZER: You were mentioning, Bay, some of these other fresh faces in the Democratic Party, John Edwards and John Kerry, Dick Gephardt, let's say, Tom Daschle. Who represents, in your opinion, the most serious Democratic threat standing in the way of Al Gore's becoming the Democratic nominee once again?

BUCHANAN: You know, as an outsider, obviously, to the Democratic Party, I look at Senator Daschle, and I -- he's obviously taking the role, as well he should, of attack dog. But I don't think that will wear well as a candidate. I know firsthand that the voters often don't like that person. They respect them in that he does his job for the party, but that they don't really move towards him.

And I think there's real excitement always for a new fresh face. If John Edwards doesn't get himself too overexposed in the next 18 months, he could be that new face. He's got a lot of money, he's got a real -- some charisma there and some flash. And I think that will stand above some of those other candidates.

BLITZER: Joe, as you well know, a lot of Democrats were disheartened by Al Gore's performance last time around, and "The New York Times" in an editorial not long ago, August 5, wrote this. I'll put it up on the screen.

"It is probably fair to say that a sizable chunk of his party would be perfectly happy if Mr. Gore stayed out of sight indefinitely. He is, after all, the man who wrested defeat out of the longest economic boom in American history, the champion debater who managed to go one for three against George W. Bush."

Is it true that a lot of Democrats would just as soon move on beyond Al Gore?

LOCKHART: I think there's some sense in the party that there should be a fresh face, that we should try something new. But the great thing about the political process and the caucuses and the primaries, it's a real test. People who look good on paper don't necessarily perform well when the bell rings and you have to go out and get votes.

So I think the Democratic Party, as we get close to Iowa and New Hampshire in 2004, will look at who's done well, and if Al Gore's in the race, they'll give him a look, and if he's connecting with voters, if he has a good platform, if he really offers some chance of defeating George Bush and taking back the White House, then I think he has as good a chance as anybody.

BLITZER: OK, Joe Lockhart, a Democrat, and Bay Buchanan, I guess you used to be a Republican, now you're just an independent, is that right, Bay?

BUCHANAN: Independent. Don't put "just" an independent. I love being an independent, Wolf.

BLITZER: Thanks for joining us. Give our regards to your brother as well.

BUCHANAN: I certainly will, thank you.

BLITZER: Appreciate it very much.

A vacation turns into a nightmare. The latest on the crash of a sightseeing helicopter is just ahead.

And the space shuttle "Discovery" blasts off with a fresh batch of hitchhikers. Details coming up. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back.

In other stories making news tonight, a tourist helicopter out of Las Vegas crashed this afternoon near the Grand Canyon, killing six people on board. A seventh person is seriously injured. No word yet on what caused the crash.

The mother of missing intern Chandra Levy is turning her personal agony into support. At a news conference with other families whose loved ones are missing, Susan Levy announced plans to form a support group.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SUSAN LEVY, CHANDRA LEVY'S MOTHER: These last 13 weeks have been, as you know, for -- total torture. I live the -- we live the Book of Job in our home, in a sense. But we need the support of friends and also other people who have been through this.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: And this now coming up after this program, there will be more on the Levy case on "THE POINT WITH GRETA VAN SUSTEREN." Among the topics, how far technology has come in solving missing persons cases.

A pending NASCAR report reportedly does not fault the seat belt in the death of racing legend Dale Earnhardt. "The Orlando Sentinel" quotes anonymous sources who say the investigation confirms an earlier report that found Earnhardt died of a sudden head whip when his car ran into a wall on the last lap of the Daytona 500.

The sources also say the report finds racing cars are not safe enough in crashes. The report is due out August 21.

Tonight on the Leading Edge, the space shuttle "Discovery" blasts off on another mission to the International Space Station. It left about five minutes early, ahead of approaching storms.

The shuttle is delivering a fresh crew of three to the station and will bring three residents back home.

The developer of a controversial face-scanning security system is calling on the federal government to pass laws to prevent privacy abuses. Critics say systems such as this one could be used to potentially track the movements of innocent people.

And a pricey Pentagon experiment that let overseas troops vote by Internet last year netted just 84 ballots. The cost to U.S. taxpayers, almost $74,000 per vote. The Pentagon says the experiment was a success because it worked. Critics argue it lacked basic guards against viruses and hackers.

Up next, I'll open our mailbag. Lots of reaction to the president's stem cell decision. And one of you says the issue is a no-brainer. But many others disagree. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back.

Time now to open our mailbag. Lots of reaction to President Bush's decision on stem cell research.

Kimberly from North Platte, Nebraska, writes this, "I am a type II diabetic, and I am firmly opposed to stem cell research even though I know it might help find a cure for diabetes. I would much rather poke myself four times a day to check my blood sugar levels and inject myself with insulin twice a day than sacrifice an embryo for my sake."

But Jim from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, writes, "The issue of stem cell research is a no-brainer. My grandmother has Alzheimer's. There is nothing I wouldn't give to have the woman who was my friend, confidante, and mentor back."

And this compliment for us from Sherri in Austin, Texas. "Thanks for giving us news in a no-nonsense, to-the-point and intelligent format. I need someone who will inform me in an honest and unbiased manner about current events, and I trust you to do so."

Thank you very much, Sherri.

Remember, I want to hear from you. Please e-mail me at wolf@cnn.com.

And you can read my daily online column and sign up for my e-mail previewing our nightly programs by going to my Web site, CNN.com/wolf.

Please stay with CNN throughout the night. Joan Crawford's daughter, Christina, is on "LARRY KING LIVE" at the top of the hour.

Up next, Greta Van Susteren, she's standing by to tell us what she has.

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