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CNN Wolf Blitzer Reports

Is Wisconsin Dean's Last Stand?; Do Same-Sex Newlyweds Face Anullments?; Is There Link Between Antibiotics, Breast Cancer?

Aired February 17, 2004 - 17:00   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.


(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): Wisconsin windup. Is it Dean's last stand?

HOWARD DEAN (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I'm going to do everything I can to win this nomination. And this isn't done yet.

BLITZER: Mass matrimony. Do San Francisco's newlyweds face mass annulments?

MAYOR GAVIN NEWSOM (D), SAN FRANCISCO: They know the limitations, they know the challenges, they know the hurdles.

BLITZER: Hostage hell. Behind the scenes of a prison standoff.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) they're all going to die.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, we don't want.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One more breach, everybody goes.

BLITZER: Antibiotics and breast cancer. Is there a link? New research you need to know about.

ANNOUNCER: This is WOLF BLITZER REPORTS for Tuesday, February 17, 2004.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Up first, the Democratic showdown in the Wisconsin primary. That's under way right now. The focus is on the front runner John Kerry, and his two main rivals, John Edwards and Howard Dean. We have reporters covering the candidates in Wisconsin. We'll get to them.

First, though, we're getting this just into CNN right now, what voters are saying as they're coming out of the polling stations. Joining us for that, our senior political analyst Bill Schneider. What are we learning?

WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: Well what we've seen so far in the exit polls is an amazing consistency. Kerry swept has Democrats, independents, liberals and moderates. We'll see if he does that in Wisconsin. What's behind it? Not really the issues. these primaries have not been driven by the issues, but by the personal qualities of the candidates. And that's true here today in Wisconsin.

As in previous states, Howard Dean voters in Wisconsin say they're looking for a candidate who stands up for what he believes in, first and foremost.

John Edwards voters, they like the fact their guy has a positive message and he cares about people like the voters.

John Kerry voters have one thing and only really one thing on their minds -- they're looking for a candidate who can beat George Bush.

Now all the major candidates make the claim that they can beat Bush. But Kerry has the unique that voters find convincing. Namely, he has experience. He military experience, he has experience in national security. And voters in most states have found that claim credible.

So that seems to be the issue, electability, that's driving these primaries.

BLITZER: All of them, going right back to Iowa, the caucuses and the primaries. Bill Schneider will be with us all night. We'll be watching and waiting to see what happens. The polls in Wisconsin close 9:00 p.m. Eastern, 8:00 p.m. Central.

Let's move on now. CNN's complete coverage of the battle for voters. Our national correspondent Kelly Wallace is in Middleton covering the Kerry campaign in Wisconsin. Our correspondent Dan Lothian is in Milwaukee with John Edwards' campaign. And our national correspondent Bob Franken also in Milwaukee, with the latest on the Howard Dean campaign.

Kelly, let's begin with you.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, John Kerry's aides heading to this night, fairly optimistic believing another victory is possible, what would be the senator's 16th victory if you count Democrats overseas.

But the public line from the campaign is they are taking nothing for granted. And that is why the senator was out shortly after sunrise, receiving the formal endorsement from 19 labor unions and their five million members. This labor coalition had originally backed Dick Gephardt but now is formally throwing support behind John Kerry.

As for the expectations, if John Kerry wins but John Edwards or Howard Dean pull off a strong second, the Kerry campaign says in order to win this nomination, you have to win contest, not come in second.

From here, John Kerry heads tomorrow to Ohio, one of the ten states holding contests two weeks from today on Super Tuesday, and one of the states expecting to be a key battleground in the general election campaign.

With the Kerry campaign, I'm Kelly Wallace, CNN, reporting live from Middletown.

DAN LOTHIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Dan Lothian at the Edwards' headquarters in Milwaukee. Senator Edwards say that he's sensing momentum in his campaign. He's been sensing that over the last couple of days. And he says even if he doesn't have a strong showing here in Wisconsin, that he will still stay in this race.

The campaign looking to have a pair-up between Senator Edwards and Senator Kerry, believing they can do well, if indeed that does occur.

Senator Edwards was out this morning at a diner here in Wisconsin, shaking hands and greeting supporters. The he went to the University of Wisconsin where he met with some students there. And he urged them to get out and vote and vote for him.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOHN EDWARDS (D-NC), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: So please, go out to the polls, touch as many people as can you today, get them to the polls.

We've enormous energy and excitement around this campaign over the last several days, overflowed crowds everywhere we gone. I appreciate what all of you have done, but our work is not done. We still have enormous work to do.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LOTHIAN: Senator Edwards is hoping that his positive message will resonate with voters.

Dan Lothian, CNN, Milwaukee.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I'm Bob Franken in Milwaukee where the state of Wisconsin is looking to decide the fate of Howard Dean, that is at least one interpretation.

Of course Dean is acting like a candidate who is very much interested in winning this nomination. He toured a diner, he toured a root beer factory this afternoon. Dean is trying to convince people that Wisconsin can live up to legacy and come up with a surprise which will once again propel him into the running.

Of course, there's an awful lot of pressure for Dean to be pulling out of the race, but a candidate who is Still running is not about to admit that he is thinking of pulling out. So when the question comes up as it so frequently does, he has an answer. He's still in.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DEAN: I will tell you this, we are interested in winning. And if I don't win, we are interested in having a Democratic president in the White House. And that is what I intend to do.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: After the results are tallied in Wisconsin tonight it's back to the home in Vermont to decide what these result meant, and exactly where the Dean campaign should go if anywhere -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Bob Franken in Milwaukee. Thanks, Bob, very much.

And we'll very much more on the Howard Dean campaign and the Wisconsin primary just a few minutes. I'll speak live with Dean's former campaign chairman, Steve Grossman.

But joining us now with his take on the candidates and their chances in the Wisconsin primary, our CNN political analyst Carlos Watson.

If Howard Dean doesn't do well tonight in Wisconsin, means he hasn't won any state so far, must he drop out or can he continue another two weeks through Super Tuesday?

CARLOS WATSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: I think one, he can stay in. Obviously, he's been able to raise a significant amount of money.

Many people don't know this, but since the beginning of the year, Wolf, John Kerry's raised about $7 million. No. 2 is not John Edwards but rather it's Howard Dean who's raised $5 million. So could he raise more money and have a Jerry Brown-like campaign? Remember Jerry Brown, '92? Sure.

What do I think will happen, and none of us really know. But I suspect he will drop out. I don't think he'll endorse John Kerry right away. Instead, if you recall in 2000, John McCain took two months to endorse George Bush, Bill Bradley took longer. He took four months.

But I do think you'll start to see the some of staffers, junior staffers at first, but later more senior staffers join the John Kerry campaign, again, assuming a loss in Wisconsin.

BLITZER: What about John Edwards? How well does he have to do tonight in Wisconsin to really remain a viable candidate?

WATSON: You know, I'm going to be honest with you, Wolf. I don't think John Edwards is a viable candidate anymore for the actual nomination. Again, absent some major scandal a la what we saw with Gary Hart in 1988.

But I do think he can both help himself and interestingly enough he actually can help John Kerry, the front runner. He can help himself because again he has an opportunity in California, New York, Ohio. And if you move beyond there to March 9 states, which we haven't talked a lot about, Texas and Florida, he gets a chance to showcase his skills as a possible vice presidential nominee.

Or if for some reason the Democrats don't win in 2004, maybe he has a trial run for 2008.

On the other hand, the great thing he does for John Kerry is he probably helps Kerry sharpen his message, and he allows Kerry, frankly, to get free media, maybe $5, $10, maybe as much as $15 million's worth in these key states to the extent that there still is a race.

Remember, if he were to drop out and Howard Dean were to drop out, you and I and others wouldn't be covering this in the same way. And Kerry would lose a lot of important free media.

BLITZER: So there is some silver lining for John Kerry in the fact that he still has opponents in the race. Carlos Watson will be with us throughout the night as well. Thanks, Carlos, very much.

And to our viewers, an important programming note. Please join us tonight for live coverage of the Wisconsin primary. That begins with a special edition of "LARRY KING LIVE" at 9:00 p.m. Eastern, 6:00 p.m. Pacific. That's 8:00 p.m. Central time when the polls actually close in Wisconsin.

That will be followed with "NEWSNIGHT" with Aaron Brown at 10:00 p.m. Eastern. And then I'll be back at 11:00 p.m. Eastern anchoring a special hour, "AMERICA Votes 2004."

High priority. The U.S. military reenergizing efforts to catch Osama bin Laden with new tactics on the ground in Afghanistan. We're live from the Pentagon.

On the record on gay rights issues. A sensitive political topic. We'll take a closer look at Democratic front-runner John Kerry's voting record.

Plus, this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If I can be married to Susie (ph) for a day, it's worth standing out here in rain, snow, doesn't matter.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Countdown in California. The state mulls a halt to the mass matrimony, a developing story. We're waiting to hear possibly this hour from the court, and we'll bring you any decisions live. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Same-sex marriages. Will a California judge put the brakes on the mass matrimony? We're waiting to hear live from the court, possibly this hour. Plus this...

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's proved stronger than any of the risk factors that we know.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Cancer connection? Is there a link between antibiotics and breast cancer? There's new information you need to know.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Unfinished business, that's how our top U.S. commander describes the hunt for Osama bin Laden as American forces prepare for a spring offensive in Afghanistan. They're already getting some help. Let's go live to our Pentagon correspondent, Barbara Starr -- Barbara.

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, today the head of all U.S. military forces in Afghanistan offered an unprecedented look at the hunt for the world's most wanted man. Lieutenant General David Barno telling reporters from his headquarters in Bagram, that the Pakistani military is now moving out through its tribal areas in an unprecedented fashion, trying to essentially pry the al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden out of the areas where they may be hiding. Here's a little bit of what General Barno had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LT. GEN. DAVID BARNO, U.S. ARMY: We do have confirmed reports that over the last six or eight weeks that the Pakistani military and their local paramilitary elements in the tribal areas have been undertaking a very serious effort, working with the tribal leadership to uncover and disrupt terrorist organizations that may be living and operating in their midst.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STARR: The whole idea, Wolf, is that those military forces will pressure the al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden to begin moving, and if they move, the hope is that the U.S. military may be able to spot and catch them. General Barno also confirming reports that if Pakistani villagers don't cooperate, they may face pressure from the military. At the same time today, President Bush at Fort Poke, Louisiana, as you see, meeting with National Guard troops that are about to go over to the war in Iraq. But he also making comments about progress against the al Qaeda.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Nearly two- thirds of al Qaeda's known leaders have been captured, or otherwise dealt with. Terrorists are on the run, with good reason to fear what the night might bring. Thousands of very skilled and determined military personnel are on an international manhunt, going after remaining killers who hide in caves and cities.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STARR: Of course, a lot of optimism today, but certainly it's worth remembering, Osama bin Laden has slipped the net before -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Barbara Starr at the Pentagon. Thank you very much.

Let's move on to Haiti right now, the government of Jean-Bertrand Aristide is appealing for outside help. An armed revolt led by a former right-wing militia chief is spreading boosted by the return of exiled gunmen. Dozens of people already have been killed. The Bush administration is limiting itself so far to appeals for calm.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: There is frankly no enthusiasm right now for sending in military or police forces to put down the violence that we are seeing.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: The White House today said it's up to the Haitian people to decide whether President Aristide should remain in power.

Shocking allegations involving the University of Colorado's football program. The only woman to play for the team is now speaking out. We're live from Boulder.

Inside a hostage situation. Hear the newly released dramatic audiotapes from the Arizona prison standoff. Plus this...

Is this singing falling on deaf ears? We're waiting to hear from the court, possibly this hour. We'll have a live report from San Francisco on gay marriage, that's coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: In San Francisco this hour, a court hearing on the city's move to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, more than 2,500 since Thursday. At a hearing earlier today, another judge put off any decision on an injunction against the city until Friday at earliest. CNN's Miguel Marquez joins us live. What's the latest on this second court hearing?

MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The latest is that it's under way. The superior court judge, James Warren is hearing a lawsuit brought to stop the city from issuing same-sex licenses, marriage licenses to same-sex couples. At question is whether or not it also asks to void those licenses that have been granted already, the judge saying this morning he's putting off his hearings until later this week, this judge could decide the issue for everyone -- whichever way it's decided though, it's likely that there will be appeals to come. At this point there was no line outside at the city hall for the first time in about five days, that's because everybody was taken inside. So far only 75 couples have been processed today. They are waiting to see what happens at 2:00 p.m. Pacific time before they do more -- Wolf.

BLITZER: We'll be watching and if there's a development we'll go right out live to you in San Francisco. Miguel Marquez, thank you very much. A very important story we're following. There could be developments this hour.

Many observers predict gay rights could become a major issue as we approach the November election. With his homestate of Massachusetts on the verge of legalizing gay marriage, Democratic presidential front-runner John Kerry faces frequent questions about his record on gay rights. CNN's congressional correspondent Joe Johns has been looking into that. He's joining us live. Joe, what's the story?

JOE JOHNS, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, polls show narrow majority of Americans supports the idea of a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. But the issue could be controversial right up to election day.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHNS (voice-over): Scenes like this in San Francisco could appear in Massachusetts soon, forcing Massachusetts Senator John Kerry to spell out his position on gay marriage. He says he opposes it.

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I personally believe that marriage is between man and a woman.

JOHNS: And supports legal protections for gays.

KERRY: Protecting people's rights and I'm for partnership rights and civil unions.

JOHNS: But he's been accused of inconsistency. Eight years ago in the U.S. Senate Kerry voted against the defensive marriage act even though he agreed with its provision that marriage should be between a man and woman, then he said he objected to the debate calling it fundamentally ugly, political and flawed.

KERRY: I don't approve of the gay bashing on the U.S. Senate.

JOHNS: His home state's highest court legalized gay marriage in November and the legislature is again considering banning it. Kerry once opposed such a measure because he said it would have eroded existing legal rights for gays. Now he says he might favor one depending on the wording.

KERRY: I'd have to see what language there is.

JOHNS: Republicans are trying to define Kerry, Massachusetts, and the Democratic party as out of the mainstream.

SEN. BILL FRIST (R), MAJORITY LEADER: Same-sex couples from across the nation will go to Massachusetts to get married. They'll return to their home states whether it be Tennessee, Alabama, Wyoming or Ohio.

JOHNS: One political strategist sees political opportunities and some risk.

SCOTT REED, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: There is not any need to go reenergize the base, the base is already energized about this president. The secret is to go after those swing voters in a varying, tolerant and understanding way.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

JOHNS: The Kerry campaign argues he's not consistent at all. That he's always said gays should have partnership rights but not be allowed to marry. Republicans are unlikely to let it go at that.

BLITZER: This controversy could be a while. Thanks, Joe Johns for that.

Here's your chance to weigh in on our important story. Web question of the day is this. "Should same-sex couples be allowed to marry?" You can vote right now, go to CNN.com/wolf. We'll have the results later in this broadcast.

Talking to the troops. With questions still remaining over his own service, President Bush visits troops in the Louisiana National Guard. Hear what they had to say.

Dean's decision, if he fails to make a splash in today's Wisconsin primary, could the former front-runner be out of race? I'll speak live with his former national chairman, Steve Grossman.

And keeping telemarketers away. Another win for advocates of the "Do Not Call" registry.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Gruesome case, several men accused of feeding a co- worker to lions in South Africa.

Plus, fuel tank safety. New requirements aimed at preventing deadly explosions aboard airplanes. We'll have all of that, stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back to CNN. I'm Wolf Blitzer in Washington. Big decision for Howard Dean and his campaign. Will the Democratic candidate continue his run for president? I'll speak live with his former campaign chairman, Steve Grossman. We'll get to that. First a quick check of the latest headlines.

A federal appeals court is upholding the national "Do Not Call" registry which lets consumers block their phone numbers from telemarketers. An industry group challenged the registry saying it violated free speech, but the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals called it a valid commercial speech regulation.

In Arizona, a jury convicted the former bishop of Phoenix in a deadly hit and run. Thomas O'Brien is believed to be the first Roman Catholic bishop in U.S. history convicted of a felony. He was removed from his post shortly after the accident. O'Brien could spend more that three years in prison. Attorney General John Ashcroft is being sued by one of his own employees. An assistant U.S. attorney from Michigan alleges, Ashcroft and other Justice Department workers interfered in a terrorism case, leaked the name of a confidential informant, and failed to provide proper resources. The Justice Department isn't commenting on the case.

A Vermont judge says former Governor Howard Dean's gubernatorial records are not necessarily privileged. The Democratic presidential candidate arranged with the state to prevent public access to the documents, citing executive privilege. A public interest group sued to forced to release the records, which the judge says should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Still battling controversy over his Iraq policies and questions over his own National Guard service, President Bush today took his case to the troops, including a National Guard unit bound for Iraq.

Let's go live to our senior White House correspondent, John King -- John.

JOHN KING, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: And, Wolf, on that trip, an opportunity for the president to say thank you to some of the units who have or will soon serve in Iraq, and also a chance today for a little sparring between the president and his likely opponent in the fall campaign.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KING (voice-over): A pep talk for the troops and a defiant defense of his decision to go to war in Iraq.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We had a choice of our own, either take the word of a madman or take action to defend America and the world. Faced with that choice, I will defend America every time.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

KING: The president is both commander in chief and a candidate for reelection determined to use the power of incumbency, made-for-TV backdrops, a focus on what the Bush team believes is a critical strength, leadership at a time of crisis.

BUSH: My resolve is the same as it was on the day when I walked in the rubble of the Twin Towers. I will not relent until this threat to America is removed.

KING: Fort Polk is in Louisiana, a must-win state for the president come November and one of the many military communities in the South, where the White House believes Democratic front-runner John Kerry's Senate record on defense issues would prove a tough sell. It is a debate Vietnam veteran Kerry says he more than welcomes.

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: If he wants national security to be the key issue of this campaign, we do have three words for him we know he understands. Bring it on!

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KING: Senator Kerry accused the president of walking away from promises to the troops and also of -- quote -- "not keeping faith with America's veterans." The Bush-Cheney campaign quickly fired back, saying the senator at least 12 times has voted against legislation that included military pay raises -- Wolf.

BLITZER: John King at the White House -- thanks, John, very much.

Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean may face a big decision tonight. If he fails to do well in the Wisconsin primary, there will be heavy pressure on him to drop out of the race.

Campaign chairman Steve Grossman left the Dean camp this week. He is joining us now live from our Boston bureau.

Steve, thanks very much for joining us.

STEVE GROSSMAN, FORMER DEAN CAMPAIGN CHAIRMAN: Thanks for having me, Wolf.

BLITZER: Assuming he doesn't do well tonight in Wisconsin, what do you think Howard Dean will do?

GROSSMAN: I think Howard will go back to Burlington. He will think long and hard about how he can play the most significant role between now and November.

He told me over the weekend that he has two overarching priorities, first, to elect a Democratic president and second of all to grow and nurture and develop this army of activists that he created. I think Howard Dean has revolutionized American participatory politics. Maybe since 1968 or '72, I don't think we've seen its like.

And I think, to the extent that he decides to play a leadership role between now and the fall elections, he can be a powerful vehicle for maximum turnout. We're going to need every last one of those voters and those potential voters in order to beat George Bush.

BLITZER: But does he do that formally dropping out as a presidential candidate or does he do it, at least in the next few weeks, through Super Tuesday two weeks from today, as a presidential candidate?

GROSSMAN: It wouldn't surprise me if Howard went out to some of the Super Tuesday states and talked to voters about these issues and energized those men and women whom he has really built a partnership with.

There are millions of them out there who see Howard Dean as having defined this debate right from that first speech he gave to the Democratic National Committee in February of last year right to this moment. So, Howard has made an enormous contribution to this debate, to this party, to participatory politics. He'll continue to do that.

What form it takes, I don't think any of us can predict. But I believe that John Kerry, should be the nominee of the party, is going to need every last one of those voters. And my goal in joining John Kerry, should Howard Dean not win tonight, would be to help build some bridges and to make sure that the maximum amount of energy and passion is in the Kerry campaign all the way to November from the Dean side of the fence.

BLITZER: Have you already had some communication, some contact with either John Kerry or some of his supporters?

GROSSMAN: I really wanted to wait until after the Wisconsin primary. I've not met with anybody. I've not spoken with John Kerry. There's plenty of time for that.

And I'll come to John and, say, look, John, I know I didn't support you for the presidency. I supported Howard Dean. I believed in his courage. And I think Howard Dean truly showed extraordinary courage, both in Vermont in the civil unions battle, taking on the president. But if I can help in some way, John, to build relationships -- we've known each other for 34 years. I co-chaired his campaign against Bill Weld for the Senate in '96.

If he wants me to help, I'm happy to do that. Building those bridges will be task No. 1, I believe.

BLITZER: One final question, Steve, before I let you go.

GROSSMAN: Sure.

BLITZER: If he decides to stay in at least another couple weeks, even if he doesn't do well in Wisconsin, does he risk marginalizing himself and undermining his credibility, as opposed to leaving with at least some degree of dignity, if you will? That's what some of the critics are suggesting: He should get out while he still has his chin high.

GROSSMAN: I think it depends on the rhetoric and the tone of his speeches.

I think you saw in the debate the other night a lowering of the rhetoric. I think the fire, the rhetoric will be trained on George Bush. That's the appropriate target. We need to reorder American priorities. And I think you will not see it directed towards John Kerry.

Howard Dean has a critical leadership role to play. He can be a statesman in this party. He can be a powerful asset to John Kerry, should he be the nominee. That's what I expect. And I'm going to do everything I can to make that happen.

BLITZER: All right, Steve Grossman, thanks very much for joining us.

GROSSMAN: Thanks, Wolf. Thank you. BLITZER: Allegations of assault and rape. A female football player comes forward with accusations against her male teammates. We'll go live to the University of Colorado.

Plus, this:

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One more breach, everybody goes. I don't give a (EXPLETIVE DELETED)

(END AUDIO CLIP)

BLITZER: Held hostage, a tense standoff at the Arizona State Prison. Now startling audiotapes released what was actually going on inside.

And cancer connection? An alarming study reveals a possible link between antibiotics and breast cancer. It's information you need to know right now. We'll get to all of that.

BLITZER: First, though, a quick look at some other news making headlines around the world.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Gruesome accusation. In a court case with racial overtones, a white South African farmer is accused of strangling a man and ordering black farm workers to throw the dead body to lions. One of the workers says the farmer threatened to shoot him if he didn't comply. The alleged strangling victim was himself a recently fired farm worker.

Back in Beirut, former hostage Terry Waite is in Lebanon for the first time since his release by the Islamic Jihad 12 years ago. A Church of England envoy, Waite was held more than four years as a spy before gaining his freedom. He says he has no plans to see his former captors, but wouldn't object to a meeting.

New Zealand floods. Heavy storms have damaged homes and caused widespread flooding. Two deaths are reported and hundreds of people have been evacuated, amid fears a pair of dams could collapse.

Big gain. How's this for extreme sports? Fans pack their trunks and travel to Sri Lanka for the fourth annual Elephant polo tournament. You can't deny its heavyweight competition. And unlike most pro sports stars, these athletes work for peanuts.

And that's our look around the world.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: She is the only woman ever to play football for the University of Colorado. Now, in the wake of assault allegations against team members by three other women, kicker Katie Hnida is coming forward with a story of unimaginable abuse, including rape at the hand of her former teammates.

CNN's Josie Burke is in Boulder, Colorado. She's joining us now live with these details.

This is truly, Josie, a shock story.

JOSIE BURKE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes.

This has been going on for weeks, all the different allegations, Wolf, coming out about the football program here, and today really a bombshell. Back in 1999 Katie Hnida was a freshman here at the University of Colorado and she was also a walk-on on the football team. She was a place-kicker.

And in this week's issue of "Sports Illustrated," she alleges that, during her season on the football team, she was routinely harassed by her teammates. And she also alleges that one of those teammates, during the summer of 2000, raped her. Hnida did not report the alleged crime at the time. She is currently a student at the University of New Mexico.

And today, she released a statement explaining why she is talking about her story now. And that statement said, in part: "The recent allegations into the football program at the University of Colorado have caused me to come forward with the details of my own experiences at C.U. I did this because I hope no one else will have to deal with the horrors I've endured over the past few years."

She also went onto say that she had been in contact with Boulder County authorities here, but that she's not looking to press charges at this time. We're also, just in the last few minutes, getting reaction right now from the University of Colorado. The president of the university and the chancellor issued a joint statement.

And it said in part: "We are vigorously investigating all of these allegations." And we also just moments ago got a statement from the head football coach here at the University of Colorado, Gary Barnett. He was coach in 1999, when Hnida was here.

And I want to read you part of that statement. It says: "I have since Monday had numerous calls and conversations with both male teammate and female staff members about Katie's time here. And, to date, no one can substantiate her allegations" -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Josie Burke, with a horrible, horrible story -- thanks very much, Josie, for that story. We'll continue to monitor developments. "Sports Illustrated" having an important article on their Web page right now, for those of you who want more details.

And we're learning more details about what it took to end a tense hostage drama at an Arizona prison. Phone calls were recorded between negotiators and two prisoners who held two guards hostage.

CNN's Brian Todd has the story. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At the Arizona State Prison complex in Buckeye, an escape attempt gone bad, two dangerous inmates holed up in a guard tower, two correctional officers held hostage at gunpoint, a man and a woman, every minute crucial.

At one point, an ominous exchange when an inmate finds out a fence has been cut.

RICKY WASSENAAR, PRISONER: They're all going to die.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, we don't want that. And you know that.

WASSENAAR: One more breach, everybody goes. I don't give a (EXPLETIVE DELETED) woman.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I understand that.

(CROSSTALK)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I hear you. I hear you.

WASSENAAR: She's only 21, just 21.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I know.

WASSENAAR: (EXPLETIVE DELETED) tears in his eyes. I'm getting ready to (EXPLETIVE DELETED) splatter brain matter all over everywhere.

TODD: The male hostage released seven days into the standoff. The female victim continues to held by these men, Ricky Wassenaar, 40 years old, serving 28 years for aggravated assault and armed robbery, Steven Coy, 39, serving more than 100 years, among his convictions, armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, sexual assault. Coy's uncle is brought in to negotiate.

BOB COY, UNCLE OF STEVEN COY: What's the one thing, Steve, keeping you there?

STEVEN COY, PRISONER: Not knowing. Not knowing the end.

B. COY: Then trust me. Trust me, Steve.

S. COY: I do trust you.

B. COY: I came all the way here. I will meet you there at the tower. I told you that.

TODD: Another moment. Coy answers the phone with a joke.

S. COY: Domino's. Can I take your order?

B. COY: Hi, Coy, How are you? TODD: We tried unsuccessfully to reach three of the police and sheriff's officials who spoke to the inmates. CNN's Mike Brooks is a former hostage negotiator with the FBI and Washington, D.C. Police.

MIKE BROOKS, CNN LAW ENFORCEMENT ANALYST: Some people are asking, they heard laughing during this. Well, my opinion, if they're laughing, they're not killing anyone.

TODD: The two-week standoff ends February 1, the inmates coaxed out with promises of transfers to out-of-state prisons, the female hostage released.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You guys are coming out, right?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, most definitely.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Most definitely. Very good.

TODD: Brian Todd, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Arizona correction officials tell us they granted the inmates' demands for transfer because the two men now have intimate knowledge of the security system at Buckeye, making them even more dangerous.

Preventing deadly explosions, new safety rules designed to avoid another incident like the one aboard TWA Flight 800.

Making the link? Can antibiotics increase a woman's risk of getting breast cancer? Medical news every woman will want to hear.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Do antibiotics cause breast cancer? It's too soon to say, but a new study does show a link. And that's prompting new concerns about the way women use antibiotics.

CNN's Jennifer Coggiola is here. She's joining us with more -- Jennifer.

JENNIFER COGGIOLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, among the known high risks associated with breast cancer, like hormone replacement therapy, family history and alcohol abuse, a new possible red flag for women.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: it would be about 1972 that I started.

COGGIOLA (voice-over): Joan Dressler (ph) had been taking antibiotics for more than three decades and has a family history of breast cancer. So when a new study suggested there may be a link...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I was quite surprised. There was nothing in my mind that prepared me for it. COGGIOLA: According to the new study published by "The Journal of the American Medical Association," heavy use of antibiotics may increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.

The study looked at 10,000 women over eight years and found that those that took the highest amounts of antibiotics the longest faced twice the risk of developing breast cancer than those that didn't.

DR. ROBERTA NESS, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH: It's as strong as any of the risk factors that we know. I mean, to put it in perspective, the risk for developing breast cancer from hormone replacement use is about a 30 percent increase, 30 to 40 percent increase in risk. And here, we're talking about a doubling of risk for those women who are using chronic antibiotics.

COGGIOLA: Health experts caution that the findings do not prove that antibiotics use is a cause of breast cancer and stress that women should not stop taking antibiotics.

DR. CHRISTINE VELICER, GROUP HEALTH COOPERATIVE: But if a woman really needs antibiotics and she and her doctor believe that's the best course of action to go, that definitely is an appropriate outcome at this point in time.

COGGIOLA: For Ms. Dressler who takes them for her adult acne, she says she has no plans on cutting back and will take a wait-and-see approach.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I not at this time going to change anything that I've been on. It's working. And I'm comfortable with that.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COGGIOLA: Now, researchers in the study caution that the new data only shows there's only an association between the antibiotics and cancer and that the study should be repeated, with the results duplicated, before we draw any conclusions -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Jennifer, what about women who are watching this right now and they're taking antibiotics? What immediate steps, if any, should they be taking?

COGGIOLA: Doctors said, continue your regime, you know, continue with breast cancer screening and mammograms. Also, talk to your physician before you start any antibiotic care. And, lastly, if you're concerned, just talk to your doctor.

BLITZER: Good advice. Jennifer Coggiola, thanks very much for that.

The Federal Aviation Administration says it will order modifications to 3,800 commercial airliners to avoid fuel tank explosions. Exploding vapors from an empty fuel tank are blamed for the 1996 crash of TWA Flight 800 off New York's Long Island. The FAA says airlines will be required to install pumps designed to fill empty fuel tanks with nonflammable nitrogen-enhanced air. The pumps would be installed gradually over several years.

Meanwhile, there's new information about another aviation disaster. A documentary that airs tonight on many PBS stations looks at the 1998 crash of Swiss Air Flight 111 en route from New York to Geneva. All 229 passengers and crew members were killed when the MD- 11 jetliner went down off the Canadian coast. The PBS series "Nova" got full access to the investigation, including the process of reassembling the plane.

Peter Goelz is a former managing director of the National Transportation Safety Board. He's joining us to now discuss this development.

They don't really know for certain what brought down that plane, how the fire started.

PETER GOELZ, FORMER NTSB MANAGING DIRECTOR: No, they don't know at Swiss Air what ignited the insulation. What they do know is that the backing on the insulation blankets was an accelerant to the fire.

BLITZER: So the fire really spread because of that insulation?

GOELZ: Absolutely. And it was located above the pilot's had. It grew in intensity, despite what the pilots were -- shutting down power to various parts of their aircraft. Eventually, some speculate, it drove at least the pilot out of seat to fight it.

BLITZER: I was surprised to learn that smoke detectors are not necessarily routine throughout all commercial aircraft?

GOELZ: No, they're not. They're located in the lavatories. That came about after a Canada Air accident some years ago, where the fire burned on the runway. And they're located in the cargo holds. But they are not in the passenger fuselage or in the cockpit area.

BLITZER: I got the statement from a spokesman from the FAA, who says all aircraft must be compliant with the new insulation flammability standards by next year. What exactly does that mean?

GOELZ: Well, it means they've been taking out the offending insulation. They've been pulling it from the aircraft.

They've been replacing it with insulation that does not have this flammable, metalized backing. They were given an extension of a year because of the slowdown in the airline industry. The planes haven't been coming in for maintenance as quickly. But this should be solved in about a year. There's also new procedures for pilots. They're to put their plane down quickly when they have smoke in the cockpit.

BLITZER: Well, that raises the question again. Why not simply have smoke detectors all over the place? What's the downside of doing that?

GOELZ: There is no downside. The idea of putting detectors in, in some cargo planes -- there was an accident in Newburg, New York, some years ago. The pilots were able to see the fire actually advancing because they had detectors in their fuselage. They put the plane down. They got out. The plane was destroyed, but no lives were lost.

BLITZER: Bottom line, has Swiss Air or any other airline for that matter made all the changes they need to make based on this tragic Swiss Air disaster?

GOELZ: All of the changes have not been made. They're moving towards it, but they haven't been made yet.

BLITZER: Peter Goelz, as usual, thanks very much.

GOELZ: Thank you, Wolf.

BLITZER: Let's hope they make all those changes and move on.

Carnival like you've never seen it before. A wild celebration goes to the dogs -- that and the results of our hot "Web Question of the Day," all of that when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Canine Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, it's our picture of the day.

The city's famous Carnival celebrations don't start officially until Friday. But some dog owners and their pets got an early start with this party on Copacabana Beach. Costumes were encouraged. And proof of vaccination was required to take part. A good time was had by all.

Here's how you're weighing in on our "Web Question of the Day." Should same-sex couples be allowed to marry? Look at this: 45 percent say yes; 55 percent say no. This is not, remember, a scientific poll.

Let's get to some of your e-mail.

Bill writes this: "With Wisconsin, a full third of the states have voted in primaries. Kerry is the obvious winner. It is time for the Democrats to get together, support the nominee and conserve resources for the negative onslaught of the Republicans."

Art sends us this: "No candidates should leave the race until more of the delegates have been confirmed by Democratic voters. Those who have not had primaries yet are not second-class citizens that get ousted before the final pay."

I'll be here throughout the night for coverage from Wisconsin, and including a complete wrap-up, 11:00 p.m. Eastern.

"LOU DOBBS TONIGHT" starts right now.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com




Face Anullments?; Is There Link Between Antibiotics, Breast Cancer?>


Aired February 17, 2004 - 17:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): Wisconsin windup. Is it Dean's last stand?

HOWARD DEAN (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I'm going to do everything I can to win this nomination. And this isn't done yet.

BLITZER: Mass matrimony. Do San Francisco's newlyweds face mass annulments?

MAYOR GAVIN NEWSOM (D), SAN FRANCISCO: They know the limitations, they know the challenges, they know the hurdles.

BLITZER: Hostage hell. Behind the scenes of a prison standoff.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) they're all going to die.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, we don't want.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One more breach, everybody goes.

BLITZER: Antibiotics and breast cancer. Is there a link? New research you need to know about.

ANNOUNCER: This is WOLF BLITZER REPORTS for Tuesday, February 17, 2004.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Up first, the Democratic showdown in the Wisconsin primary. That's under way right now. The focus is on the front runner John Kerry, and his two main rivals, John Edwards and Howard Dean. We have reporters covering the candidates in Wisconsin. We'll get to them.

First, though, we're getting this just into CNN right now, what voters are saying as they're coming out of the polling stations. Joining us for that, our senior political analyst Bill Schneider. What are we learning?

WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: Well what we've seen so far in the exit polls is an amazing consistency. Kerry swept has Democrats, independents, liberals and moderates. We'll see if he does that in Wisconsin. What's behind it? Not really the issues. these primaries have not been driven by the issues, but by the personal qualities of the candidates. And that's true here today in Wisconsin.

As in previous states, Howard Dean voters in Wisconsin say they're looking for a candidate who stands up for what he believes in, first and foremost.

John Edwards voters, they like the fact their guy has a positive message and he cares about people like the voters.

John Kerry voters have one thing and only really one thing on their minds -- they're looking for a candidate who can beat George Bush.

Now all the major candidates make the claim that they can beat Bush. But Kerry has the unique that voters find convincing. Namely, he has experience. He military experience, he has experience in national security. And voters in most states have found that claim credible.

So that seems to be the issue, electability, that's driving these primaries.

BLITZER: All of them, going right back to Iowa, the caucuses and the primaries. Bill Schneider will be with us all night. We'll be watching and waiting to see what happens. The polls in Wisconsin close 9:00 p.m. Eastern, 8:00 p.m. Central.

Let's move on now. CNN's complete coverage of the battle for voters. Our national correspondent Kelly Wallace is in Middleton covering the Kerry campaign in Wisconsin. Our correspondent Dan Lothian is in Milwaukee with John Edwards' campaign. And our national correspondent Bob Franken also in Milwaukee, with the latest on the Howard Dean campaign.

Kelly, let's begin with you.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, John Kerry's aides heading to this night, fairly optimistic believing another victory is possible, what would be the senator's 16th victory if you count Democrats overseas.

But the public line from the campaign is they are taking nothing for granted. And that is why the senator was out shortly after sunrise, receiving the formal endorsement from 19 labor unions and their five million members. This labor coalition had originally backed Dick Gephardt but now is formally throwing support behind John Kerry.

As for the expectations, if John Kerry wins but John Edwards or Howard Dean pull off a strong second, the Kerry campaign says in order to win this nomination, you have to win contest, not come in second.

From here, John Kerry heads tomorrow to Ohio, one of the ten states holding contests two weeks from today on Super Tuesday, and one of the states expecting to be a key battleground in the general election campaign.

With the Kerry campaign, I'm Kelly Wallace, CNN, reporting live from Middletown.

DAN LOTHIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Dan Lothian at the Edwards' headquarters in Milwaukee. Senator Edwards say that he's sensing momentum in his campaign. He's been sensing that over the last couple of days. And he says even if he doesn't have a strong showing here in Wisconsin, that he will still stay in this race.

The campaign looking to have a pair-up between Senator Edwards and Senator Kerry, believing they can do well, if indeed that does occur.

Senator Edwards was out this morning at a diner here in Wisconsin, shaking hands and greeting supporters. The he went to the University of Wisconsin where he met with some students there. And he urged them to get out and vote and vote for him.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOHN EDWARDS (D-NC), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: So please, go out to the polls, touch as many people as can you today, get them to the polls.

We've enormous energy and excitement around this campaign over the last several days, overflowed crowds everywhere we gone. I appreciate what all of you have done, but our work is not done. We still have enormous work to do.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LOTHIAN: Senator Edwards is hoping that his positive message will resonate with voters.

Dan Lothian, CNN, Milwaukee.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I'm Bob Franken in Milwaukee where the state of Wisconsin is looking to decide the fate of Howard Dean, that is at least one interpretation.

Of course Dean is acting like a candidate who is very much interested in winning this nomination. He toured a diner, he toured a root beer factory this afternoon. Dean is trying to convince people that Wisconsin can live up to legacy and come up with a surprise which will once again propel him into the running.

Of course, there's an awful lot of pressure for Dean to be pulling out of the race, but a candidate who is Still running is not about to admit that he is thinking of pulling out. So when the question comes up as it so frequently does, he has an answer. He's still in.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DEAN: I will tell you this, we are interested in winning. And if I don't win, we are interested in having a Democratic president in the White House. And that is what I intend to do.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FRANKEN: After the results are tallied in Wisconsin tonight it's back to the home in Vermont to decide what these result meant, and exactly where the Dean campaign should go if anywhere -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Bob Franken in Milwaukee. Thanks, Bob, very much.

And we'll very much more on the Howard Dean campaign and the Wisconsin primary just a few minutes. I'll speak live with Dean's former campaign chairman, Steve Grossman.

But joining us now with his take on the candidates and their chances in the Wisconsin primary, our CNN political analyst Carlos Watson.

If Howard Dean doesn't do well tonight in Wisconsin, means he hasn't won any state so far, must he drop out or can he continue another two weeks through Super Tuesday?

CARLOS WATSON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: I think one, he can stay in. Obviously, he's been able to raise a significant amount of money.

Many people don't know this, but since the beginning of the year, Wolf, John Kerry's raised about $7 million. No. 2 is not John Edwards but rather it's Howard Dean who's raised $5 million. So could he raise more money and have a Jerry Brown-like campaign? Remember Jerry Brown, '92? Sure.

What do I think will happen, and none of us really know. But I suspect he will drop out. I don't think he'll endorse John Kerry right away. Instead, if you recall in 2000, John McCain took two months to endorse George Bush, Bill Bradley took longer. He took four months.

But I do think you'll start to see the some of staffers, junior staffers at first, but later more senior staffers join the John Kerry campaign, again, assuming a loss in Wisconsin.

BLITZER: What about John Edwards? How well does he have to do tonight in Wisconsin to really remain a viable candidate?

WATSON: You know, I'm going to be honest with you, Wolf. I don't think John Edwards is a viable candidate anymore for the actual nomination. Again, absent some major scandal a la what we saw with Gary Hart in 1988.

But I do think he can both help himself and interestingly enough he actually can help John Kerry, the front runner. He can help himself because again he has an opportunity in California, New York, Ohio. And if you move beyond there to March 9 states, which we haven't talked a lot about, Texas and Florida, he gets a chance to showcase his skills as a possible vice presidential nominee.

Or if for some reason the Democrats don't win in 2004, maybe he has a trial run for 2008.

On the other hand, the great thing he does for John Kerry is he probably helps Kerry sharpen his message, and he allows Kerry, frankly, to get free media, maybe $5, $10, maybe as much as $15 million's worth in these key states to the extent that there still is a race.

Remember, if he were to drop out and Howard Dean were to drop out, you and I and others wouldn't be covering this in the same way. And Kerry would lose a lot of important free media.

BLITZER: So there is some silver lining for John Kerry in the fact that he still has opponents in the race. Carlos Watson will be with us throughout the night as well. Thanks, Carlos, very much.

And to our viewers, an important programming note. Please join us tonight for live coverage of the Wisconsin primary. That begins with a special edition of "LARRY KING LIVE" at 9:00 p.m. Eastern, 6:00 p.m. Pacific. That's 8:00 p.m. Central time when the polls actually close in Wisconsin.

That will be followed with "NEWSNIGHT" with Aaron Brown at 10:00 p.m. Eastern. And then I'll be back at 11:00 p.m. Eastern anchoring a special hour, "AMERICA Votes 2004."

High priority. The U.S. military reenergizing efforts to catch Osama bin Laden with new tactics on the ground in Afghanistan. We're live from the Pentagon.

On the record on gay rights issues. A sensitive political topic. We'll take a closer look at Democratic front-runner John Kerry's voting record.

Plus, this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If I can be married to Susie (ph) for a day, it's worth standing out here in rain, snow, doesn't matter.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Countdown in California. The state mulls a halt to the mass matrimony, a developing story. We're waiting to hear possibly this hour from the court, and we'll bring you any decisions live. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Same-sex marriages. Will a California judge put the brakes on the mass matrimony? We're waiting to hear live from the court, possibly this hour. Plus this...

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's proved stronger than any of the risk factors that we know.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Cancer connection? Is there a link between antibiotics and breast cancer? There's new information you need to know.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Unfinished business, that's how our top U.S. commander describes the hunt for Osama bin Laden as American forces prepare for a spring offensive in Afghanistan. They're already getting some help. Let's go live to our Pentagon correspondent, Barbara Starr -- Barbara.

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, today the head of all U.S. military forces in Afghanistan offered an unprecedented look at the hunt for the world's most wanted man. Lieutenant General David Barno telling reporters from his headquarters in Bagram, that the Pakistani military is now moving out through its tribal areas in an unprecedented fashion, trying to essentially pry the al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden out of the areas where they may be hiding. Here's a little bit of what General Barno had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LT. GEN. DAVID BARNO, U.S. ARMY: We do have confirmed reports that over the last six or eight weeks that the Pakistani military and their local paramilitary elements in the tribal areas have been undertaking a very serious effort, working with the tribal leadership to uncover and disrupt terrorist organizations that may be living and operating in their midst.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STARR: The whole idea, Wolf, is that those military forces will pressure the al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden to begin moving, and if they move, the hope is that the U.S. military may be able to spot and catch them. General Barno also confirming reports that if Pakistani villagers don't cooperate, they may face pressure from the military. At the same time today, President Bush at Fort Poke, Louisiana, as you see, meeting with National Guard troops that are about to go over to the war in Iraq. But he also making comments about progress against the al Qaeda.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Nearly two- thirds of al Qaeda's known leaders have been captured, or otherwise dealt with. Terrorists are on the run, with good reason to fear what the night might bring. Thousands of very skilled and determined military personnel are on an international manhunt, going after remaining killers who hide in caves and cities.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STARR: Of course, a lot of optimism today, but certainly it's worth remembering, Osama bin Laden has slipped the net before -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Barbara Starr at the Pentagon. Thank you very much.

Let's move on to Haiti right now, the government of Jean-Bertrand Aristide is appealing for outside help. An armed revolt led by a former right-wing militia chief is spreading boosted by the return of exiled gunmen. Dozens of people already have been killed. The Bush administration is limiting itself so far to appeals for calm.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: There is frankly no enthusiasm right now for sending in military or police forces to put down the violence that we are seeing.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: The White House today said it's up to the Haitian people to decide whether President Aristide should remain in power.

Shocking allegations involving the University of Colorado's football program. The only woman to play for the team is now speaking out. We're live from Boulder.

Inside a hostage situation. Hear the newly released dramatic audiotapes from the Arizona prison standoff. Plus this...

Is this singing falling on deaf ears? We're waiting to hear from the court, possibly this hour. We'll have a live report from San Francisco on gay marriage, that's coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: In San Francisco this hour, a court hearing on the city's move to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, more than 2,500 since Thursday. At a hearing earlier today, another judge put off any decision on an injunction against the city until Friday at earliest. CNN's Miguel Marquez joins us live. What's the latest on this second court hearing?

MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The latest is that it's under way. The superior court judge, James Warren is hearing a lawsuit brought to stop the city from issuing same-sex licenses, marriage licenses to same-sex couples. At question is whether or not it also asks to void those licenses that have been granted already, the judge saying this morning he's putting off his hearings until later this week, this judge could decide the issue for everyone -- whichever way it's decided though, it's likely that there will be appeals to come. At this point there was no line outside at the city hall for the first time in about five days, that's because everybody was taken inside. So far only 75 couples have been processed today. They are waiting to see what happens at 2:00 p.m. Pacific time before they do more -- Wolf.

BLITZER: We'll be watching and if there's a development we'll go right out live to you in San Francisco. Miguel Marquez, thank you very much. A very important story we're following. There could be developments this hour.

Many observers predict gay rights could become a major issue as we approach the November election. With his homestate of Massachusetts on the verge of legalizing gay marriage, Democratic presidential front-runner John Kerry faces frequent questions about his record on gay rights. CNN's congressional correspondent Joe Johns has been looking into that. He's joining us live. Joe, what's the story?

JOE JOHNS, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, polls show narrow majority of Americans supports the idea of a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. But the issue could be controversial right up to election day.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHNS (voice-over): Scenes like this in San Francisco could appear in Massachusetts soon, forcing Massachusetts Senator John Kerry to spell out his position on gay marriage. He says he opposes it.

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I personally believe that marriage is between man and a woman.

JOHNS: And supports legal protections for gays.

KERRY: Protecting people's rights and I'm for partnership rights and civil unions.

JOHNS: But he's been accused of inconsistency. Eight years ago in the U.S. Senate Kerry voted against the defensive marriage act even though he agreed with its provision that marriage should be between a man and woman, then he said he objected to the debate calling it fundamentally ugly, political and flawed.

KERRY: I don't approve of the gay bashing on the U.S. Senate.

JOHNS: His home state's highest court legalized gay marriage in November and the legislature is again considering banning it. Kerry once opposed such a measure because he said it would have eroded existing legal rights for gays. Now he says he might favor one depending on the wording.

KERRY: I'd have to see what language there is.

JOHNS: Republicans are trying to define Kerry, Massachusetts, and the Democratic party as out of the mainstream.

SEN. BILL FRIST (R), MAJORITY LEADER: Same-sex couples from across the nation will go to Massachusetts to get married. They'll return to their home states whether it be Tennessee, Alabama, Wyoming or Ohio.

JOHNS: One political strategist sees political opportunities and some risk.

SCOTT REED, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: There is not any need to go reenergize the base, the base is already energized about this president. The secret is to go after those swing voters in a varying, tolerant and understanding way.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

JOHNS: The Kerry campaign argues he's not consistent at all. That he's always said gays should have partnership rights but not be allowed to marry. Republicans are unlikely to let it go at that.

BLITZER: This controversy could be a while. Thanks, Joe Johns for that.

Here's your chance to weigh in on our important story. Web question of the day is this. "Should same-sex couples be allowed to marry?" You can vote right now, go to CNN.com/wolf. We'll have the results later in this broadcast.

Talking to the troops. With questions still remaining over his own service, President Bush visits troops in the Louisiana National Guard. Hear what they had to say.

Dean's decision, if he fails to make a splash in today's Wisconsin primary, could the former front-runner be out of race? I'll speak live with his former national chairman, Steve Grossman.

And keeping telemarketers away. Another win for advocates of the "Do Not Call" registry.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Gruesome case, several men accused of feeding a co- worker to lions in South Africa.

Plus, fuel tank safety. New requirements aimed at preventing deadly explosions aboard airplanes. We'll have all of that, stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Welcome back to CNN. I'm Wolf Blitzer in Washington. Big decision for Howard Dean and his campaign. Will the Democratic candidate continue his run for president? I'll speak live with his former campaign chairman, Steve Grossman. We'll get to that. First a quick check of the latest headlines.

A federal appeals court is upholding the national "Do Not Call" registry which lets consumers block their phone numbers from telemarketers. An industry group challenged the registry saying it violated free speech, but the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals called it a valid commercial speech regulation.

In Arizona, a jury convicted the former bishop of Phoenix in a deadly hit and run. Thomas O'Brien is believed to be the first Roman Catholic bishop in U.S. history convicted of a felony. He was removed from his post shortly after the accident. O'Brien could spend more that three years in prison. Attorney General John Ashcroft is being sued by one of his own employees. An assistant U.S. attorney from Michigan alleges, Ashcroft and other Justice Department workers interfered in a terrorism case, leaked the name of a confidential informant, and failed to provide proper resources. The Justice Department isn't commenting on the case.

A Vermont judge says former Governor Howard Dean's gubernatorial records are not necessarily privileged. The Democratic presidential candidate arranged with the state to prevent public access to the documents, citing executive privilege. A public interest group sued to forced to release the records, which the judge says should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Still battling controversy over his Iraq policies and questions over his own National Guard service, President Bush today took his case to the troops, including a National Guard unit bound for Iraq.

Let's go live to our senior White House correspondent, John King -- John.

JOHN KING, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: And, Wolf, on that trip, an opportunity for the president to say thank you to some of the units who have or will soon serve in Iraq, and also a chance today for a little sparring between the president and his likely opponent in the fall campaign.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KING (voice-over): A pep talk for the troops and a defiant defense of his decision to go to war in Iraq.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We had a choice of our own, either take the word of a madman or take action to defend America and the world. Faced with that choice, I will defend America every time.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

KING: The president is both commander in chief and a candidate for reelection determined to use the power of incumbency, made-for-TV backdrops, a focus on what the Bush team believes is a critical strength, leadership at a time of crisis.

BUSH: My resolve is the same as it was on the day when I walked in the rubble of the Twin Towers. I will not relent until this threat to America is removed.

KING: Fort Polk is in Louisiana, a must-win state for the president come November and one of the many military communities in the South, where the White House believes Democratic front-runner John Kerry's Senate record on defense issues would prove a tough sell. It is a debate Vietnam veteran Kerry says he more than welcomes.

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: If he wants national security to be the key issue of this campaign, we do have three words for him we know he understands. Bring it on!

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KING: Senator Kerry accused the president of walking away from promises to the troops and also of -- quote -- "not keeping faith with America's veterans." The Bush-Cheney campaign quickly fired back, saying the senator at least 12 times has voted against legislation that included military pay raises -- Wolf.

BLITZER: John King at the White House -- thanks, John, very much.

Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean may face a big decision tonight. If he fails to do well in the Wisconsin primary, there will be heavy pressure on him to drop out of the race.

Campaign chairman Steve Grossman left the Dean camp this week. He is joining us now live from our Boston bureau.

Steve, thanks very much for joining us.

STEVE GROSSMAN, FORMER DEAN CAMPAIGN CHAIRMAN: Thanks for having me, Wolf.

BLITZER: Assuming he doesn't do well tonight in Wisconsin, what do you think Howard Dean will do?

GROSSMAN: I think Howard will go back to Burlington. He will think long and hard about how he can play the most significant role between now and November.

He told me over the weekend that he has two overarching priorities, first, to elect a Democratic president and second of all to grow and nurture and develop this army of activists that he created. I think Howard Dean has revolutionized American participatory politics. Maybe since 1968 or '72, I don't think we've seen its like.

And I think, to the extent that he decides to play a leadership role between now and the fall elections, he can be a powerful vehicle for maximum turnout. We're going to need every last one of those voters and those potential voters in order to beat George Bush.

BLITZER: But does he do that formally dropping out as a presidential candidate or does he do it, at least in the next few weeks, through Super Tuesday two weeks from today, as a presidential candidate?

GROSSMAN: It wouldn't surprise me if Howard went out to some of the Super Tuesday states and talked to voters about these issues and energized those men and women whom he has really built a partnership with.

There are millions of them out there who see Howard Dean as having defined this debate right from that first speech he gave to the Democratic National Committee in February of last year right to this moment. So, Howard has made an enormous contribution to this debate, to this party, to participatory politics. He'll continue to do that.

What form it takes, I don't think any of us can predict. But I believe that John Kerry, should be the nominee of the party, is going to need every last one of those voters. And my goal in joining John Kerry, should Howard Dean not win tonight, would be to help build some bridges and to make sure that the maximum amount of energy and passion is in the Kerry campaign all the way to November from the Dean side of the fence.

BLITZER: Have you already had some communication, some contact with either John Kerry or some of his supporters?

GROSSMAN: I really wanted to wait until after the Wisconsin primary. I've not met with anybody. I've not spoken with John Kerry. There's plenty of time for that.

And I'll come to John and, say, look, John, I know I didn't support you for the presidency. I supported Howard Dean. I believed in his courage. And I think Howard Dean truly showed extraordinary courage, both in Vermont in the civil unions battle, taking on the president. But if I can help in some way, John, to build relationships -- we've known each other for 34 years. I co-chaired his campaign against Bill Weld for the Senate in '96.

If he wants me to help, I'm happy to do that. Building those bridges will be task No. 1, I believe.

BLITZER: One final question, Steve, before I let you go.

GROSSMAN: Sure.

BLITZER: If he decides to stay in at least another couple weeks, even if he doesn't do well in Wisconsin, does he risk marginalizing himself and undermining his credibility, as opposed to leaving with at least some degree of dignity, if you will? That's what some of the critics are suggesting: He should get out while he still has his chin high.

GROSSMAN: I think it depends on the rhetoric and the tone of his speeches.

I think you saw in the debate the other night a lowering of the rhetoric. I think the fire, the rhetoric will be trained on George Bush. That's the appropriate target. We need to reorder American priorities. And I think you will not see it directed towards John Kerry.

Howard Dean has a critical leadership role to play. He can be a statesman in this party. He can be a powerful asset to John Kerry, should he be the nominee. That's what I expect. And I'm going to do everything I can to make that happen.

BLITZER: All right, Steve Grossman, thanks very much for joining us.

GROSSMAN: Thanks, Wolf. Thank you. BLITZER: Allegations of assault and rape. A female football player comes forward with accusations against her male teammates. We'll go live to the University of Colorado.

Plus, this:

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One more breach, everybody goes. I don't give a (EXPLETIVE DELETED)

(END AUDIO CLIP)

BLITZER: Held hostage, a tense standoff at the Arizona State Prison. Now startling audiotapes released what was actually going on inside.

And cancer connection? An alarming study reveals a possible link between antibiotics and breast cancer. It's information you need to know right now. We'll get to all of that.

BLITZER: First, though, a quick look at some other news making headlines around the world.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Gruesome accusation. In a court case with racial overtones, a white South African farmer is accused of strangling a man and ordering black farm workers to throw the dead body to lions. One of the workers says the farmer threatened to shoot him if he didn't comply. The alleged strangling victim was himself a recently fired farm worker.

Back in Beirut, former hostage Terry Waite is in Lebanon for the first time since his release by the Islamic Jihad 12 years ago. A Church of England envoy, Waite was held more than four years as a spy before gaining his freedom. He says he has no plans to see his former captors, but wouldn't object to a meeting.

New Zealand floods. Heavy storms have damaged homes and caused widespread flooding. Two deaths are reported and hundreds of people have been evacuated, amid fears a pair of dams could collapse.

Big gain. How's this for extreme sports? Fans pack their trunks and travel to Sri Lanka for the fourth annual Elephant polo tournament. You can't deny its heavyweight competition. And unlike most pro sports stars, these athletes work for peanuts.

And that's our look around the world.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: She is the only woman ever to play football for the University of Colorado. Now, in the wake of assault allegations against team members by three other women, kicker Katie Hnida is coming forward with a story of unimaginable abuse, including rape at the hand of her former teammates.

CNN's Josie Burke is in Boulder, Colorado. She's joining us now live with these details.

This is truly, Josie, a shock story.

JOSIE BURKE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes.

This has been going on for weeks, all the different allegations, Wolf, coming out about the football program here, and today really a bombshell. Back in 1999 Katie Hnida was a freshman here at the University of Colorado and she was also a walk-on on the football team. She was a place-kicker.

And in this week's issue of "Sports Illustrated," she alleges that, during her season on the football team, she was routinely harassed by her teammates. And she also alleges that one of those teammates, during the summer of 2000, raped her. Hnida did not report the alleged crime at the time. She is currently a student at the University of New Mexico.

And today, she released a statement explaining why she is talking about her story now. And that statement said, in part: "The recent allegations into the football program at the University of Colorado have caused me to come forward with the details of my own experiences at C.U. I did this because I hope no one else will have to deal with the horrors I've endured over the past few years."

She also went onto say that she had been in contact with Boulder County authorities here, but that she's not looking to press charges at this time. We're also, just in the last few minutes, getting reaction right now from the University of Colorado. The president of the university and the chancellor issued a joint statement.

And it said in part: "We are vigorously investigating all of these allegations." And we also just moments ago got a statement from the head football coach here at the University of Colorado, Gary Barnett. He was coach in 1999, when Hnida was here.

And I want to read you part of that statement. It says: "I have since Monday had numerous calls and conversations with both male teammate and female staff members about Katie's time here. And, to date, no one can substantiate her allegations" -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Josie Burke, with a horrible, horrible story -- thanks very much, Josie, for that story. We'll continue to monitor developments. "Sports Illustrated" having an important article on their Web page right now, for those of you who want more details.

And we're learning more details about what it took to end a tense hostage drama at an Arizona prison. Phone calls were recorded between negotiators and two prisoners who held two guards hostage.

CNN's Brian Todd has the story. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At the Arizona State Prison complex in Buckeye, an escape attempt gone bad, two dangerous inmates holed up in a guard tower, two correctional officers held hostage at gunpoint, a man and a woman, every minute crucial.

At one point, an ominous exchange when an inmate finds out a fence has been cut.

RICKY WASSENAAR, PRISONER: They're all going to die.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, we don't want that. And you know that.

WASSENAAR: One more breach, everybody goes. I don't give a (EXPLETIVE DELETED) woman.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I understand that.

(CROSSTALK)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I hear you. I hear you.

WASSENAAR: She's only 21, just 21.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I know.

WASSENAAR: (EXPLETIVE DELETED) tears in his eyes. I'm getting ready to (EXPLETIVE DELETED) splatter brain matter all over everywhere.

TODD: The male hostage released seven days into the standoff. The female victim continues to held by these men, Ricky Wassenaar, 40 years old, serving 28 years for aggravated assault and armed robbery, Steven Coy, 39, serving more than 100 years, among his convictions, armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, sexual assault. Coy's uncle is brought in to negotiate.

BOB COY, UNCLE OF STEVEN COY: What's the one thing, Steve, keeping you there?

STEVEN COY, PRISONER: Not knowing. Not knowing the end.

B. COY: Then trust me. Trust me, Steve.

S. COY: I do trust you.

B. COY: I came all the way here. I will meet you there at the tower. I told you that.

TODD: Another moment. Coy answers the phone with a joke.

S. COY: Domino's. Can I take your order?

B. COY: Hi, Coy, How are you? TODD: We tried unsuccessfully to reach three of the police and sheriff's officials who spoke to the inmates. CNN's Mike Brooks is a former hostage negotiator with the FBI and Washington, D.C. Police.

MIKE BROOKS, CNN LAW ENFORCEMENT ANALYST: Some people are asking, they heard laughing during this. Well, my opinion, if they're laughing, they're not killing anyone.

TODD: The two-week standoff ends February 1, the inmates coaxed out with promises of transfers to out-of-state prisons, the female hostage released.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You guys are coming out, right?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, most definitely.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Most definitely. Very good.

TODD: Brian Todd, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Arizona correction officials tell us they granted the inmates' demands for transfer because the two men now have intimate knowledge of the security system at Buckeye, making them even more dangerous.

Preventing deadly explosions, new safety rules designed to avoid another incident like the one aboard TWA Flight 800.

Making the link? Can antibiotics increase a woman's risk of getting breast cancer? Medical news every woman will want to hear.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Do antibiotics cause breast cancer? It's too soon to say, but a new study does show a link. And that's prompting new concerns about the way women use antibiotics.

CNN's Jennifer Coggiola is here. She's joining us with more -- Jennifer.

JENNIFER COGGIOLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, among the known high risks associated with breast cancer, like hormone replacement therapy, family history and alcohol abuse, a new possible red flag for women.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: it would be about 1972 that I started.

COGGIOLA (voice-over): Joan Dressler (ph) had been taking antibiotics for more than three decades and has a family history of breast cancer. So when a new study suggested there may be a link...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I was quite surprised. There was nothing in my mind that prepared me for it. COGGIOLA: According to the new study published by "The Journal of the American Medical Association," heavy use of antibiotics may increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.

The study looked at 10,000 women over eight years and found that those that took the highest amounts of antibiotics the longest faced twice the risk of developing breast cancer than those that didn't.

DR. ROBERTA NESS, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH: It's as strong as any of the risk factors that we know. I mean, to put it in perspective, the risk for developing breast cancer from hormone replacement use is about a 30 percent increase, 30 to 40 percent increase in risk. And here, we're talking about a doubling of risk for those women who are using chronic antibiotics.

COGGIOLA: Health experts caution that the findings do not prove that antibiotics use is a cause of breast cancer and stress that women should not stop taking antibiotics.

DR. CHRISTINE VELICER, GROUP HEALTH COOPERATIVE: But if a woman really needs antibiotics and she and her doctor believe that's the best course of action to go, that definitely is an appropriate outcome at this point in time.

COGGIOLA: For Ms. Dressler who takes them for her adult acne, she says she has no plans on cutting back and will take a wait-and-see approach.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I not at this time going to change anything that I've been on. It's working. And I'm comfortable with that.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COGGIOLA: Now, researchers in the study caution that the new data only shows there's only an association between the antibiotics and cancer and that the study should be repeated, with the results duplicated, before we draw any conclusions -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Jennifer, what about women who are watching this right now and they're taking antibiotics? What immediate steps, if any, should they be taking?

COGGIOLA: Doctors said, continue your regime, you know, continue with breast cancer screening and mammograms. Also, talk to your physician before you start any antibiotic care. And, lastly, if you're concerned, just talk to your doctor.

BLITZER: Good advice. Jennifer Coggiola, thanks very much for that.

The Federal Aviation Administration says it will order modifications to 3,800 commercial airliners to avoid fuel tank explosions. Exploding vapors from an empty fuel tank are blamed for the 1996 crash of TWA Flight 800 off New York's Long Island. The FAA says airlines will be required to install pumps designed to fill empty fuel tanks with nonflammable nitrogen-enhanced air. The pumps would be installed gradually over several years.

Meanwhile, there's new information about another aviation disaster. A documentary that airs tonight on many PBS stations looks at the 1998 crash of Swiss Air Flight 111 en route from New York to Geneva. All 229 passengers and crew members were killed when the MD- 11 jetliner went down off the Canadian coast. The PBS series "Nova" got full access to the investigation, including the process of reassembling the plane.

Peter Goelz is a former managing director of the National Transportation Safety Board. He's joining us to now discuss this development.

They don't really know for certain what brought down that plane, how the fire started.

PETER GOELZ, FORMER NTSB MANAGING DIRECTOR: No, they don't know at Swiss Air what ignited the insulation. What they do know is that the backing on the insulation blankets was an accelerant to the fire.

BLITZER: So the fire really spread because of that insulation?

GOELZ: Absolutely. And it was located above the pilot's had. It grew in intensity, despite what the pilots were -- shutting down power to various parts of their aircraft. Eventually, some speculate, it drove at least the pilot out of seat to fight it.

BLITZER: I was surprised to learn that smoke detectors are not necessarily routine throughout all commercial aircraft?

GOELZ: No, they're not. They're located in the lavatories. That came about after a Canada Air accident some years ago, where the fire burned on the runway. And they're located in the cargo holds. But they are not in the passenger fuselage or in the cockpit area.

BLITZER: I got the statement from a spokesman from the FAA, who says all aircraft must be compliant with the new insulation flammability standards by next year. What exactly does that mean?

GOELZ: Well, it means they've been taking out the offending insulation. They've been pulling it from the aircraft.

They've been replacing it with insulation that does not have this flammable, metalized backing. They were given an extension of a year because of the slowdown in the airline industry. The planes haven't been coming in for maintenance as quickly. But this should be solved in about a year. There's also new procedures for pilots. They're to put their plane down quickly when they have smoke in the cockpit.

BLITZER: Well, that raises the question again. Why not simply have smoke detectors all over the place? What's the downside of doing that?

GOELZ: There is no downside. The idea of putting detectors in, in some cargo planes -- there was an accident in Newburg, New York, some years ago. The pilots were able to see the fire actually advancing because they had detectors in their fuselage. They put the plane down. They got out. The plane was destroyed, but no lives were lost.

BLITZER: Bottom line, has Swiss Air or any other airline for that matter made all the changes they need to make based on this tragic Swiss Air disaster?

GOELZ: All of the changes have not been made. They're moving towards it, but they haven't been made yet.

BLITZER: Peter Goelz, as usual, thanks very much.

GOELZ: Thank you, Wolf.

BLITZER: Let's hope they make all those changes and move on.

Carnival like you've never seen it before. A wild celebration goes to the dogs -- that and the results of our hot "Web Question of the Day," all of that when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Canine Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, it's our picture of the day.

The city's famous Carnival celebrations don't start officially until Friday. But some dog owners and their pets got an early start with this party on Copacabana Beach. Costumes were encouraged. And proof of vaccination was required to take part. A good time was had by all.

Here's how you're weighing in on our "Web Question of the Day." Should same-sex couples be allowed to marry? Look at this: 45 percent say yes; 55 percent say no. This is not, remember, a scientific poll.

Let's get to some of your e-mail.

Bill writes this: "With Wisconsin, a full third of the states have voted in primaries. Kerry is the obvious winner. It is time for the Democrats to get together, support the nominee and conserve resources for the negative onslaught of the Republicans."

Art sends us this: "No candidates should leave the race until more of the delegates have been confirmed by Democratic voters. Those who have not had primaries yet are not second-class citizens that get ousted before the final pay."

I'll be here throughout the night for coverage from Wisconsin, and including a complete wrap-up, 11:00 p.m. Eastern.

"LOU DOBBS TONIGHT" starts right now.

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Face Anullments?; Is There Link Between Antibiotics, Breast Cancer?>