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Debate: Christie, Paul Face Off on Government Surveillance; Interview with Presidential Hopeful George Pataki; Hillary Clinton Not Only Democratic Candidate; Chuck Schumer Deals Blow to Obama's Iran Nuclear Deal; Jon Stewart Signs Off "The Daily Show". Aired 1:30-2p ET

Aired August 07, 2015 - 13:30   ET

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

[13:30:00] JEFF ZELENY, CNN SENIOR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT: To the Libertarians out there, who believe there has been government overreach, Rand Paul was music to their ears. But if we weren't talking so much about Donald Trump, if that wasn't a bit of center stage, this would be one of the central arguments going on in this campaign about these civil liberties.

BRIANNA KEILAR, CNN ANCHOR: David, you saw Senator Paul. He was feisty. He was angry. He jumped in on other candidates' questions. Check out this exchange he had with Donald Trump.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. RAND PAUL, (R), KENTUCKY & PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: News flash, the Republican Party's been fighting against a single- payer system for a decade. So I think you're on the wrong side of this if you're still arguing for a single-payer system.

DONALD TRUMP, (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE & CEO, TRUMP ORGANIZATION: I don't think you heard me. You're having a hard time tonight.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KEILAR: David, translate that moment for us.

DAVID CHALIAN, CNN POLITICAL DIRECTOR: First of all, just how dismissive Donald Trump was. It wasn't a great moment for Rand Paul. Rand Paul said going into this debate that he wanted to mix it up. He was clearly doing that. No question about that.

Back to the debate with Chris Christie, Brianna, that you were talking about with Jeff, that was one of the most predictable debates. These guys have been squaring off the civil liberties versus national security debate that's raging inside the Republican party for months for a the better part of a year now in media appearances, so getting them on the stage and airing that out where they each got to sort of preach to their choir, that was a moment that I think was probably one of the more predictable ones of the evening.

KEILAR: Certainly was. And it was fascinating to watch.

I want to talk about the other candidates. You had Governor Kasich, Ben Carson, former Governor Huckabee. They had zingers. Let's listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. BEN CARSON, (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE & NEUROSURGEON: Thank you, Megyn. I wasn't sure I'd be able to talk again.

(LAUGHTER)

MEGYN KELLY, DEBATE MODERATOR: We have a lot for you. Don't worry.

MIKE HUCKABEE, (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE & FORMER ARKANSAS GOVERNOR: -- Social Security and Medicare because the money paid at consumption is paid by everybody, including illegals, prostitutes, pimps, drug dealers, all the people freeloading off the system now.

CARSON: Well, I haven't said anything about me being the only one to do anything so let me try that. I'm the only one to separate Siamese twins --

(LAUGHTER)

-- the only one to take out half of a brain, although you would think, if you go to Washington, that someone had beaten me to it.

(LAUGHTER)

HUCKABEE: We change the policy to be pro-life and protect children instead of rip up their body parts and sell them like they're parts to a Buick.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KEILAR: I want a quick reaction from both of you.

David, first, especially as we saw those zingers, but Ted Cruz, Scott Walker, maybe not having as memorable a moment?

CHALIAN: Scott Walker seemed to disappear into the fabric on stage last night. He did not seem interested in trying to have a dominant moment. He had a good line about hick that got notice but for the most part he wasn't there. No one will say this field of candidates is without characters. Some of that Carson stuff and Huckabee stuff, this is appeal. And I this we saw in the focus groups.

KEILAR: Jeff, what did you think?

ZELENY: I think David is right. We have such a big broad interesting, interesting field but no question that Ted Cruz is probably the most practiced debater on that stage from his college years. It's clear that actual debate, actual trained debate style does not necessarily translate into a political debate like last night. He's known as a good debater and I'm not sure he shined as much as he would have hoped?

KEILAR: I think you're right there.

Jeff Zeleny, David Chalian, thanks, guys. Really appreciate it.

CHALIAN: Thanks, Brianna.

KEILAR: And coming up, we turn to the kids' table debate where the seven lowest-polling candidates had it out. We'll talk live with former New York Governor George Pataki about how he will try to break through this campaign noise. Stay with us for that.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[13:38:36] KEILAR: Let's talk now about the debate before the debate. Last night's under card. The top-10 in the polls took part in the prime-time debate. The other seven faced off in the same arena several hours earlier.

Joining me now on the phone to talk about this is one of those early debaters, former New York Governor George Pataki.

Governor, we saw coming out of this earlier debate there was focus on the performance of Carly Fiorina and I wonder having been through this process now, how do you look forward to try to grab some of that spotlight and really have people talking about you so it's your moment?

GEORGE PATAKI, (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE & FORMER NEW YORK GOVERNOR (voice-over): I think she did well and I think pretty much everyone did well and I honestly think when you compare the first debate to the second there was a lot more substance. There was a lot more true discussion than what was kind of a reality show for the first half of the second debate. Basically the difference is that there are a lot of people saying they're going to do this or that. There are not a lot who have done it and particularly in a blue state with a Democratic legislature. And we've heard talk about how we're going to do this or that in Washington for so long and it seems like nothing happens and nothing changes, because you can't do it by dividing and gaining partisan support. You have to do it by getting enough Democrats or enough Republicans to get things through. So I know I could do that and that's a message that people who want the country to work together, confront its problems and solve them, will believe in.

[13:40:14] KEILAR: There is another Republican in this field who has worked -- been elected, been reelected in a blue state, worked with Democratic legislatures. That is Chris Christie. How do you break out when you have someone that fits that category?

PATAKI: When you look at the records of the two states during the different time frame there is isn't a comparison. I worked in New York that was -- basically people had lost confidence in it. One in 11 of every man, woman and child was on welfare and when I left we had the lowest unemployment rate, the lowest crime rate, over 600,000 more jobs and, by the way, we had a million fewer people we were able to move from welfare to opportunity. So that's the record that I don't know can compare with. Certainly not when you're dealing with a legislature where you had to get Democrats to support your agenda.

KEILAR: The next debate is going to be right here on CNN. For Republicans, it's September 16. What are you planning to do to make sure you're in the top ten?

PATAKI: I think American people want solutions and to bring people together. They're tired of talk. And they want someone who has gotten things done and can get things done across party line. You see a lot of partisan rhetoric, you see a lot of things like that on the other side as well but you don't move forward as a country without solving problems. Brianna, we're one America and elections can be problems but to govern successfully you have to create a consensus behind common sense solutions. I'll make that case and hopefully people will listen.

KEILAR: If you don't make it into that top 10, do you think maybe I'm not going to stay in the race?

PATAKI: No, Brianna it's very early in the process. There are a lot of people that look good but between now and then they'll have their backgrounds checked, their records scrutinized and they'll be under the microscope. So far, it's just been this is my vision. That won't be the case forever.

KEILAR: Governor George Pataki, thank you so much for coming on. We appreciate it very much.

PATAKI: Thank you, Brianna. Nice being on with you.

KEILAR: To learn more about George Pataki and all the candidates, head to over CNNpolitics.com.

Joining me next, Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, joining me to talk about last night's debates, Hillary Clinton's strategy and a possible Joe Biden run.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

[13:47:27] SEN. MARCO RUBIO, (R), FLORIDA & PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Hey, how is Hillary Clinton going to lecture me about living paycheck to paycheck?

TRUMP: With Hillary Clinton, I said be at my wedding and she came to my wedding.

CARSON: If Hillary is the candidate, which I doubt, that would be a dream come true.

KASICH: People like Hillary Clinton think you grow the economy by growing Washington.

PAUL: I'm the only one that leads Hillary Clinton in five states.

HUCKABEE: And, of course, I'm talking about Hillary Clinton.

(LAUGHTER)

(END VIDEO CLIP) KEILAR: Hillary Clinton was a popular subject during last night's Republican debate. She is the front runner for Democrats, by far. And if you listened to the debate, you might think she's the only one running in the Democratic contest.

Joining me now from New York is Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. She's the chair of the Democratic National Committee.

Thanks so much for being with us, Congresswoman.

REP. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, (D), FLORIDA & CHAIRWOMAN, DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE: Thanks for having me.

KEILAR: And when you look at this debate last night, and Hillary Clinton is the singular target for Republicans, do you think that's part of the issue with having someone who's such a strong front-runner in the polls right now?

WASSERMAN SCHULTZ: I think it's very clear by the focus on Hillary Clinton last night that the Republicans understand what kind of appeal she has and that all of our candidates have to Americans and there's a dramatic contrast to any of the 17 Republican candidates on those two stages last night and Hillary Clinton, Martin O'Malley, Jim Webb, Lincoln Chafee or Bernie Sanders. And that is that our candidate is going to fight to make sure this that people have opportunities to reach the middle-class. And as all you saw, all Republicans singing off the same song sheet, a tired Republican play book that takes care of the wealthiest, most fortunate Americans and to heck with the middle-class.

KEILAR: But you kind of get shifted into this general election mode even before you have a nominee, right?

WASSERMAN SCHULTZ: We here in the midst of a Democratic primary as well and I expect that we will go through a robust primary nominating contest as the Republicans are, and when we come out the other side, our nominee, lined up against their nominee, I think there will be a is stark contrast. Look at last night. Let's start out with the beginning of that debate in which Donald Trump made misogynistic sexist remarks. And not a single Republican on that stage called him out for them, criticized him. How are they appealing to women when they think of women in that way? When they don't try to say, hold on a second, you shouldn't say those things because it's unacceptable, because it's not unacceptable in the Republican Party today. It's actually where their base is.

[13:50:10] KEILAR: And I do want to mention that you are near where a bunch of kids are playing. That's probably obvious to our viewers.

WASSERMAN SCHULTZ: That's right.

KEILAR: It's beautiful there.

WASSERMAN SCHULTZ: Outside the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame here in Cleveland.

KEILAR: That's right.

(LAUGHTER)

CNN is hosting the first Democratic debate, October 13th, in Nevada. Five set candidates. I wonder, since Joe Biden, at this point, isn't one of them, has the DNC briefed him or his aides about the plans?

WASSERMAN SCHULTZ: We have, actually, throughout this process, been briefing and keeping up to speed potential and declared candidates for president. And we know all of our candidates were, at one point, a potential candidate. So, yes, we briefed the vice president's team. He has not ruled out the possibility of running for president. And he's the sitting vice president of the United States of America. Of course, he'll be welcome if he decides to run. But as I've said, he and his family have been through the most horrific tragedy that any parent can deal with and I know he's still mourning the loss of his son, Beau, and he takes all the time he needs, and I know he'll reach a decision that's right for him and his family.

KEILAR: I do want to turn now and ask you about Iran. I believe you have not decided whether you are going to side with President Obama on the Iran deal. Senator Chuck Schumer, a big name, last night, to come out against it. When are you -- are you going to decide soon where is your mind on this right now?

WASSERMAN SCHULTZ: Well, I'm actually about to take a vacation with my family and when I return home to my district, I'm going to spend some time talking with constituents about their concerns about the deal, about their -- you know, their view. I'm going to share with them what I've learned and I'm continuing -- I've had both classified and unclassified briefings. I've had a couple of top-secret briefings that I'll be going up to Washington to make sure that I receive and then I'll gather all of this information. This is the most consequential decision I've made in my legislative career and it's not one to make lightly.

KEILAR: We'll check in with you at the end of the August recess to see where you're heading on that.

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, thank you. Really appreciate it.

WASSERMAN SCHULTZ: Thanks, Brianna. Take care. I appreciate it.

KEILAR: And coming up -- you, too -- "The Daily Show" host, Jon Stewart, signing off. We'll show you some of the very familiar faces who stopped by to say goodbye.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[13:56:44] KEILAR: President Obama has been dealt a blow in his efforts to get congressional approval of the nuclear agreement with Iran. New York Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer says he'll oppose the deal. Schumer is in line to be the next Democratic leader in the Senate and he says his opposition is because, quote, "I believe Iran will not change and under this agreement, will be able to achieve its dual goals of eliminating sanctions while obtaining its nuclear and nonnuclear power."

Josh Earnest weighed in moments ago saying the decision is, quote, "not particularly surprising to anybody here at the White House."

The president continues to fiercely defend the nuclear deal with Iran. He raised eyebrows at his speech on Wednesday when he said that in opposing the deal, Republicans were making common cause with hardliners in Iran.

President Obama sat down with our Fareed Zakaria to justify his strong rhetoric. Take a look.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FAREED ZAKARIA, CNN HOST, FAREED ZAKARIA, GPS: In your speech at the American University, you made a comparison that Iran's hardliners were making common cores with Republican. It's come under criticism. Mitch McConnell says even Democrats who oppose the deal should be insulted.

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: What I said is absolutely true factually. The truth of the matter is, inside of Iran, the people most opposed to the deal are the Revolutionary Guard, the Quds force, hardliners who are implacably opposed to any cooperation with the international community. The reason that Mitch McConnell and the rest of the folks in his caucus, who oppose this, jumped out and opposed it before they even read it, before it was even posted, is reflective of an ideological commitment not to get a deal done.

(CROSSTALK)

OBAMA: And in that sense, they do have a lot in common with hardliners who are much more satisfied with the status quo.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KEILAR: Be sure to watch President Obama's full interview with Fareed Zakaria at 10:00 a.m. eastern. You'll hear a lot more there.

Thursday night was not just a big one for GOP candidates. It was also the last episode "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart. The long-time host ending his more than 16 year runs. And a slew of guests came in to say their fond or not so fond farewells, including our very own Wolf Blitzer. Take a look.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

(CHEERING)

JON STEWART, FORMER HOST, THE DAILY SHOW: Thank you very much! I've got big news. This is it! This is the final episode.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Jon, I just don't know what to say.

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM, (R), SOUTH CAROLINA & PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I'm sure you'll be missed by somebody.

JOHN KERRY, SECRETARY OF STATE: You know, there are a lot of things happening around the world that keep me up at night, which is why I've relied on you to put me to sleep.

(LAUGHTER)

BILL O'REILLY, FOX HOST, O'REILLY FACTOR: Have fun feeding your rabbits, quitter.

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN, (R), SENATOR: I'm Jon Stewart. I'm dumb, I'm stupid, nah, nah, nah.

(LAUGHTER)

So long, jackass.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(LAUGHTER)

KEILAR: He used his last appearance to raise money for his nonprofit. He raffled off two tickets to the final show. He raised over $2 million.

That is it for me. I'll be right back here at 5:00 p.m. eastern in "The Situation Room."

For our international viewers, "Amanpour" is next.

And for our North American viewers, CNN "Newsroom" with Poppy Harlow, filling in for Brooke Baldwin, starts right now.