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Obama Honors Volunteers; Iowa Couple Honored For Volunteer Service; Prosecution Critiqued

Aired July 15, 2013 - 14:00   ET

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


BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Since 1989, the number of Americans who volunteer has grown by more than 25 million. Service is up across age groups and across regions. It's now a graduation requirement in many high schools and colleges. It's imbedded in the culture of businesses, large and small. And speaking for my family, volunteering has brought joy and meaning to Michelle and me and our daughters over the years. And I know that's the case for many of your families, too.

This national tradition may seem perfectly ordinary to many Americans, especially those who've grown up during this period, but, in fact, it reflects tremendous progress. And today we can say that our country is a better and a stronger force for good in the world because more and more we are a people that serve. And for that we have to thank President Bush and his better half, Barbara, who is just as committed as her husband to service and has dedicated her life to it as well.

The presidents who followed President Bush have had the good sense to continue this work, and not just because one of them called him dad. Even after leaving office, President Clinton and both President Bushs have come together to help people affected by natural disasters here at home and around the world. A reminder that service is not a Democratic or a Republican value, but it's a core part of being an American.

And at the White House today, we're proud to carry forward that legacy. I created the Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation to find new ways to use innovation to strengthen service. We expanded the office of faith based and neighborhood partnerships originally created by President George W. Bush, which works closely with religious and community organizations across the country to help Americans in need.

And today I want to announce a new task force with the represents from cabinet agencies and other departments across the government to take a fresh look at how we can better support national service. In particular, on some of our most important national priorities, improving schools, recovering from disasters, mentoring our kids. And this task force will be led by my team here at the White House, along with Wendy Spencer, who's here, the CEO of the Corporation of National and Community Service, who previously led the volunteer commission in Florida for Governor Jeb Bush. So we've got a whole family thing working.

You know, in times of tight budgets and some very tough problems, we know that the greatest resource we have is the limitless energy and ingenuity of our citizens. And when we harness that energy and create more opportunities for Americans to serve, we pay tribute to the extraordinary sample set by President Bush. And just to close on a personal note, Mr. President, I'm one of millions of people who've been inspired by your passion and your commitment. You have helped so many Americans discover that they, too, have something to contribute, that they, too, have the power to make a difference. You've described for us those 1,000 points of why (ph) all the people in organizations spread out all across the country who are like stars brightening the lives of those around them.

But given the humility that's defined your life, I suspect it's harder for you to see something that's clear to everybody else around you and that's how bright a light you shine. How your vision and example have illuminated the path for so many others. How your love of service is kindled a similar love in the hearts of millions here at home and around the world. And, frankly, just the fact that you're such a gentleman and such a good and kind person, I think, helps to reinforce that spirit of service.

So on behalf of all of us, let me just say that we are surely a kinder and gentler nation because of you. And we can't thank you enough.

So it is now my great pleasure to join President Bush and all of you in presenting this extraordinary award to an extraordinary couple who've done so much for so many people. We are very grateful to them. Floyd and Kathy, will you please step up and receive your award.

(END LIVE COVERAGE OF PRESIDENTAL SPEECH)

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: There you see the president of the United States making this Thousand Points of Light award to this couple that's done amazing work. And you saw the tribute to the former president, George H.W. Bush, 89 years old. He's back in the White House there. They're going to take a little photo with the former president of the United States. His wife Barbara's in the audience. We congratulate him. We congratulate all of those who volunteer to help make the country and the world a little bit better.

We'll continue to watch what's going on. They're there in the East Room of the White House. CNN and the CNN NEWSROOM continues with Brooke Baldwin right now.

BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN ANCHOR: It's 2013, but in America the issue of race is hitting a fevered pitch, mostly because of two words, "not guilty."

I'm Brooke Baldwin. The news is now.

George Zimmerman disappears. But for how long? And where? Plus --

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DON WEST, GEORGE ZIMMERMAN DEFENSE ATTORNEY: I think the prosecution of George Zimmerman was disgraceful.

VINNIE POLITAN, HOST, "HLN AFTER DARK": One word to describe George Zimmerman?

ANGELA COREY, FLORIDA STATE ATTORNEY: Murderer.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: The verdict doesn't stop the bickering between legal teams. So does that threaten the peace?

And the hunt for answers about a young star's final night alive.

Good to see you on this Monday afternoon. I'm Brooke Baldwin.

Two words here, "Not guilty." Those are the words that ended a trial that absolutely captivated the country, the George Zimmerman murder case, bringing to the surface some pretty tough questions about justice and race. His acquittal sparking protests across the country. People taking their anger and their frustration there to the streets, chanting. And in Sanford, even flag burning.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CROWD (chanting): No justice, no peace. No justice, no peace. No justice, no peace.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: No justice, no peace. Those are the chants you hear there in Oakland, California. But on the whole, the protests across the country have been mostly peaceful. The worst of it happening in Los Angeles. Police firing off bean bag rounds after some protesters pelted them with rocks and concrete. The loud cry for justice demanding one thing, federal prosecution of George Zimmerman over the death of Trayvon Martin. Attorney General Eric Holder reacting to the news just moments ago.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ERIC HOLDER, ATTORNEY GENERAL: I want to assure you that the department will continue to act in a manner that is consistent with the facts and the law. We are committed to standing with the people of Sanford, with the individuals and families affected by this incident, and with our state and local partners in order to alleviate tensions, to address community concerns, and to promote healing.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: No mention there that the Justice Department will pursue new charges. So what happens next for Zimmerman really remains to be seen here. All we know right now is that as the judge said, he has no further business with the court. Folks, he is a free man. His lawyer, Mark O'Mara, telling CNN's "New Day" today that Zimmerman is being wrongfully vilified as a symbol of racial injustice.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MARK O'MARA, GEORGE ZIMMERMAN'S ATTORNEY: And we have a lot of conversations to have. I've been an advocate for the fact that black youth in America are not treated well by the criminal justice system. And we need to have that conversation. My fear is that we polarize the conversation because we attach it to a self-defense verdict that they have nothing to do with.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: The jury's findings clearly still stinging the prosecution. Want you to take a look at this snippet. This is from this interview on "HLN After Dark," which airs tonight 10:00 Eastern Time. Watch this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

VINNIE POLITAN, HOST, "HLN AFTER DARK": One word to describe George Zimmerman.

ANGELA COREY, FLORIDA STATE ATTORNEY: Murderer.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: Need to pull away from this just a moment. President George H.W. Bush here being honored at the White House. Let's dip in.

GEORGE H.W. BUSH, FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT: First, of course, thank president and Mrs. Obama for this wonderful hospitality. It's like coming home for Barbara and me, with the rest of you just coming to this magnificent house, greeted by this superb hospitality knows no bounds. So thank you all very much. Now Neil.

NEIL BUSH, FORMER PRESIDENT BUSH'S SON: Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, Mr. President.

For -- as dad is being moved to his seat, he may not be parachuting anymore, but he's taken up a new hobby, and that is he's trying to be a style setter. I don't know if you noticed the socks there. "GQ" man we're calling him instead of 41, but -- dad, you have said that if one wants to pursue a life of meaning and adventure, the way to do so is to find dignity -- the dignity and goodness in every person, to help others in need and to become part of something bigger than ourselves. You and mom have lived incredibly meaningful and adventurous lives. Thank you for inspiring so many to become Points of Light. That's an applause line.

On behalf -- on behalf of the entire Bush family, a special thanks to you, Mr. President, and Michelle, for inviting us to this most special place, and for your outstanding work to promote the service movement as a national priority. You understand and you spoke of the fact that service is one of the things that truly brings our nation together. It transcends politics and addresses problems that government alone cannot solve. We are so blessed in America to have two occupants that are true Points of Light in your own ways, and we thank you for your leadership in this area.

Today we are celebrating the 5,000 daily Points of Light who represent the 65 million Americans who engage themselves in the lives of others every year. These Points of Light are what my dad calls the soul of America. Years ago, dad asked us to imagine what would happen if all the Points of Light award winners decided to leave their hometowns and to move together into one place in America. Imagine if Estella Pyfrom, who taught 50 years and then used her retirement funds to start Estella's Brilliant Bus, taught all the children in the town computer schools, and the pro football player Israel Idonije's foundation got them all reading books, and Kathy and Floyd helped feed and nurture the young people, and Pastor's Glory (ph) and Ray Hammond mobilized the forces of good to intervene with troubled youth. And Teach for America arrived. And corporations, faith, youth and senior groups, organized volunteers to work with charities, to tutor, to clean, to feed, to mentor, to serve as Points of Light. Regardless of its problems, a community like this, one where every person, every group, every institution gave even a small part of their time and service to others, would be truly, utterly, transformed.

That is our mission, to turn every place in America into a community of light. To deepen the culture of service that drives change. That is the power of the daily point of light program.

Dad, before you left the White House, you spoke to all of the award winners and you said, if I could leave but one legacy to this country, you brought up the "l" word, which he never does in private, but it would not be in treaties signed or wars won. It would be a return to the moral compass that must guide America through the next century. I'm talking about a respect for the goodness that makes this country great. A rekindling of that light lit from within to reveal America as it truly is, a country of millions of Points of Light.

So thanks to all of you in this room. I could call you out by name, but mom admonished me in church yesterday and dad just told me, keep it short, so I won't. But thanks to all of you in this room who are Points of Light and everyone across the country. Those that we recognized with the daily point of light award and the millions more who have not found recognition, but who are solving the biggest challenges facing our nation. To all of them, we say thank you.

You're cutting into my time. You're cutting -- mom's looking at me, so stop the applause.

Now it is my pleasure as chair of the Points of Light, and I'm truly honored to serve with such an outstanding board, to introduce the CEO of Points of Light, a true leader of the national service movement, Michelle Nunn.

MICHELLE NUNN, CEO, POINTS OF LIGHT: Thank you, Neil, for your boundless optimism and your incredibly gracious spirit and leadership.

I think we share a number of things in common. One of them is that we have no nonsense mothers. And my mother also -- her only guidance was, keep it short, as well.

So thank you, President and Mrs. Bush for your lives of service.

BALDWIN: So the optimism and the sense of celebration there in what looks to be a pretty capacity room, the East Room there at the White House, is pervasive as is clearly the sense of humor in the Bush family. You have been watching it was Neil Bush who is the chair of the largest volunteer organization helping, you know, millions, as he mentioned, millions of people, Points of Light, which was first established by his father, George H.W. Bush, back in 1989. And so, really, this is an opportunity in the White House. And you saw them. They're now friends, President Obama and his former Republican predecessor, really celebrating a sense of volunteerism, celebrating the volunteers at Points of Light. And so that is what's happening in the East Room of the White House. We just had to go back. We had to show you and hear from the former president.

Have to take a quick break here this afternoon, but when we come back, we're going to bring you back to those two words, "not guilty," in the George Zimmerman murder trial out of Sanford, Florida. I have two attorneys sitting next to me here in Studio Seven. We're going to look at the legal ramifications of this case. Was he initially overcharged? And what about some of the remarks made in those press conferences once the verdict was read? Both the defense and the prosecution, the words, the nuance, the tone. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BALDWIN: The not guilty verdict ended the trial but plenty of questions, legally speaking, remains. We've brought in two criminal defense attorneys to be our guides. Darren Kavinoky and Tanya Miller join me here in Studio Seven.

Good to see both of you.

TANYA MILLER, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Hello.

DARREN KAVINOKY, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Thanks for having me.

BALDWIN: My, what a weekend makes in this whole thing. I want to talk about the attorney general's remarks out of Florida in just a little bit. But first, the comments we have heard from prosecutors and the defense. And, guys, tell me in my ear, since we went back to the White House, if we have the sound. I think it's important to set up the sound before I ask the question. Do we have the sound from Angela Corey and De La Rionda? OK. Have you heard the sound from either of them?

MILLER: Yes, I have.

BALDWIN: What did you make of that? Because -- let me just for folks who don't know what I'm talking about, Angela Corey, who was the person who came in initially and said this should be a murder two case, called George Zimmerman a murderer. De La Rionda calls him lucky.

MILLER: Yes. I mean she has to believe that. I mean think about it, she charged him with second-degree murder. She's the prosecutor in this case. She is the one that evaluated this evidence and fully believed, as she should have before she charged it, that he was a murder. And I think the -- BALDWIN: Despite what the jury decided?

MILLER: Despite what the jury decided. And, fortunately, that's our system. But as the prosecutor, she has to go with the highest charge that she believes she can prove. And she can't just because she lost the case now say that she didn't believe that. She believed it then. She believed it now. And I think millions of people believe that as well.

BALDWIN: Jump in.

KAVINOKY: Well, look, the prosecutor has a duty to file charges that they believe they can prove beyond a reasonable doubt at the time that they filed the charges and they're wondering -

BALDWIN: I'm going to walk back, even when the jury says not guilty?

KAVINOKY: Yes. Well, absolutely. But what my wondering is, is where was the evidence? There were strong suspicions. There were notions. There were theories. But -- and I think what the jury verdict spoke to was a fundamental lack of evidence. And if I may, Brooke, the one thing that for me is one of the biggest takeaways in all of this, as we're doing the Monday morning quarterbacks on this case -

BALDWIN: Yes.

KAVINOKY: Thank God there were cameras in that courtroom.

BALDWIN: Why? What do you mean?

KAVINOKY: Because - well, because if - if we just judged this case based on the headlines that a 17-year-old boy was killed and the killer walks free, we'd have a very different view of the case than by watching it day in and day out, seeing how the witnesses actually performed on the stand. We have -- we have now a much deeper understanding and are able to have a much different conversation as a nation, as a result.

BALDWIN: So even if you went into this trial, perhaps, and had a preconceived notion of what should be based up on just very superficial evidence, you may think one thing but because of the cameras in the court, that sort of notion deteriorated. You disagree, though.

MILLER: I agree with the -

BALDWIN: Because their -

MILLER: I agree with the premise that thank God that there were cameras in this courtroom.

BALDWIN: But for a much different reason.

MILLER: For a different reason. Look, the fact that there were cameras in this courtroom allowed the world to really see this evidence.

BALDWIN: And (INAUDIBLE) the world watched.

MILLER: They were allowed the - absolutely. And the world -- many people, no everybody, came to a starkly different conclusion than this jury.

BALDWIN: But let me - let me just jump to this because, you know, listen, the major defense attorney here, Mark O'Mara, here's the one who delivered the closing arguments a couple of days ago, he talked to Chris Cuomo on "New Day" today and I have to play this sound because he basically told Chris that this was about self-defense. This was not about race. So says O'Mara. Roll it.

KAVINOKY: Right.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MARK O'MARA, GEORGE ZIMMERMAN'S ATTORNEY: And we have a lot of conversations to have. I've been an advocate for the fact that black youth - black youth in America are not treated well by the criminal justice system and we need to have that conversation. My fear is that we polarized the conversation because we attacked it to a self-defense verdict that they have nothing to do with.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAVINOKY: Well, this case became about race in the court of public opinion. But in a court of law, personally, I always viewed Zimmerman as an equal opportunity budinsky. And I could perhaps even choose stronger words, but - but I won't.

BALDWIN: Thank you.

KAVINOKY: And from a legal standpoint, the judge also rejected notions that this was about race. Let's remember, the prosecution would --

BALDWIN: They couldn't say racial profiling. It was profiling.

KAVINOKY: Exactly. And they had to go criminal profiling. But obviously in the court of public opinion, in America, in the world, it became about race. And clearly we have unaddressed issues that we need to have a frank conversation about.

MILLER: But I don't think you can blame the media for why people view this case as a race case. I think that you have to look at the evidence in this case. George Zimmerman profiled Trayvon Martin because he was black. He also profiled him --

BALDWIN: But there is nuance in this because when you listen on the 911 call, he only said he was black in response to the dispatcher asking. It's a nuance.

MILLER: Well, I don't -

BALDWIN: I'm just pointing it out.

MILLER: Yes, but he was - the notion is, why is it that a young black male wearing a hoodie -

BALDWIN: Yes.

MILLER: Is suspicious enough for you to follow him with a gun, confront him and shoot him dead when he was doing nothing but walking home?

KAVINOKY: But he had the gun regardless of who was being followed. And this was - these were some of the issues, obviously, that were litigated in the case.

BALDWIN: We are going to have an entire half hour at 3:00 Eastern time on precisely sort of some of the points you guys were making. But since you are my legal minds, let me play - I want to play some more sound because this is from the -- a lot of people are perplexed, if I may, by the tone of the defense team during the news conference right after the verdict was read. So let's all be the judge. Roll this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DON WEST, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: We needed facts. Unlike what Ms. Corey said, they brought the facts, they didn't. Anybody that watched this trial knew the defense put on the case. We proved George Zimmerman was not guilty.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: There was much more to that as well. But I tell you, we went round and round in our editorial meeting talking specifically just about the tone. Did you sense anything? Did he take it a little too --

MILLER: I think some people viewed it as a little too jovial. A little too back slappy. A little too happy. While in their words they conceded that there were no winners in this case, you definitely got the sense from them that they felt like they were the winners and they were gloating a little bit. I think some people got that impression, whether they intended that or not.

KAVINOKY: Well, and also, look, there's a reason why jury trials are the ultimate in reality television. There is no pressure like going through the trial and then being in court when the clerk reads those words. You know, we the jury in the above entitled action -

BALDWIN: Find the defendant not guilty.

KAVINOKY: It's -- or whatever it is.

BALDWIN: Yes.

KAVINOKY: And so the idea that there would be a release of pressure and that might show up like gloating when it's actually relief. And from the defense perspective, they felt like they were fighting the righteous battle, that they had justice on their side, that it was the prosecution's witnesses that -- and we all saw this - that the prosecution witnesses became de facto defense witnesses. And from their perspective what that speaks to is that they believe they're representing an innocent man wrongfully accused. So I don't know that I have too much blame for them in that regard.

BALDWIN: OK, we have to leave it there. It's amazing. I've been on vacation the last week and let me tell you -

KAVINOKY: Welcome back.

BALDWIN: Thank you. But let me tell you, everywhere I went someone had something to say about this trial. It has been fascinating every which way. Darren and Tanya, thank you both very, very much.

KAVINOKY: Thanks, Brooke.

Bb: coming up here, we will continue this conversation about the George Zimmerman trial. But next we will focus on race. What message does this verdict send to African-American families in this country? Do not miss that discussion. Back in just a minute.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)