Return to Transcripts main page

EARLY START

Ferguson on Edge; Hope Fading for Iran Nuke Deal; Benghazi Report Slammed

Aired November 24, 2014 - 04:00   ET

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


DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN ANCHOR: Ferguson on edge. The grand jury meets again today after no decision was reached over the weekend on whether to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of unarmed teenager Michael Brown. The city and nation bracing for protests.

Deal or no deal. The U.S. and world powers are trying to reach an agreement with Iran to curb its nuclear activities by tonight's deadline. Could an extension be in the works?

And a top Republican is outraged by new House report on Benghazi, clearing the Obama administration of wrongdoing. Why Senator Lindsey Graham won't accept it, calling it, quote, "full of crap".

Good morning and welcome, everyone, to EARLY START. I'm Deborah Feyerick. John Berman and Christine Romans are off. It is Monday, November 24th. It is 4:00 a.m. in the East.

Up first: tension and building by the hour in Ferguson, Missouri. The grand jury in the shooting death of Michael Brown is meeting one more time today. After that, we could find out whether Officer Darren Wilson, the Ferguson cop who shot and killed the unarmed teenager is indicted for murder or cleared.

We get more from CNN's Don Lemon in Clayton, Missouri, where the grand jury has been meeting.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DON LEMON, CNN ANCHOR, CNN TONIGHT: Good morning, Deb.

The grand jury met on Friday, did not come to a decision. So, it is expected that they will reconvene today, sometime tonight, not exactly sure what time and possibly come to a decision. Now, it had been said that each side or everyone would get a 48-hour notice as to when there was going to be a decision and to -- when they announce the decision.

But we are hearing now from justice correspondent Evan Perez, through a source, that they may not give that 48-hour notice. That as soon as they reach the decision of some sort, that a representative or an official might come out and say what that decision is. And, of course, we are talking about whether Officer Darren Wilson will be indicted or not in the shooting death of teenager Michael Brown. As far as the community here, one might think that the streets of

Ferguson were on fire if you look at some of the media coverage. But that, indeed, is not the case. Yes, there are still protests going on. There are still some angry protesters. Not much violence, though.

A few people arrested in the course of those protests, sometimes daily, sometimes not. Usually 30 or 40 people have protests here every single night since the shooting happened. But from the media coverage, you might get a different sort of idea of what is going on here on the streets of Ferguson.

Of course, people are watching very closely as to when the decision is going to come and when that decision is going to be. And, of course, the people in charge of keeping everything safe here, they said they are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. But that decision from the grand jury could come at anytime after they reconvene again today.

Deb, back to you.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FEYERICK: Don Lemon, thank you.

Well, a close call for a "Los Angeles Times" reporter covering the Ferguson case. Matt Pearce was monitoring last night's protests in south St. Louis when he was hit in the head and knocked to the ground. Witnesses say some people nearby were seen throwing rocks.

Listen to Pearce moments after the incident.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MATT PEARCE, REPORTER, LOS ANGELES TIMES: I didn't see anybody throw anything. I didn't see what it was. It's felt like a conk on the head. So, as of right now, I'm not woozy or anything. I think I'll make it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FEYERICK: It's not clear whether Pearce was the intended target. No one was arrested for the incident.

Hopes for nuclear deal with Iran are all but gone this morning. The six nations sitting at the table with the Iranians reporting, quote, "serious gaps", unquote, between the two sides. But the deadline for an agreement expiring today.

So, can anything get accomplished before time runs out?

Well, let's begin with senior correspondent Nic Robertson. He's in Vienna this morning, monitoring the talks.

And good morning, Nic. Iran wants both to maintain its ability to make nuclear fuel and also have economic sanctions lifted. Western nations essentially want inspectors to have unrestricted ability to monitor the facilities.

How close are the two sides?

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Significant gaps remain is the best information we have at the moment. But the Iranian delegation and what we're being told by the State Department. Talks are centering now around how to extend these talks. Not clear what sort of time frame of extension is being discussed, but there's been a flurry of meetings this morning. The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang flew in this morning.

Secretary Kerry due to meet with the Chinese foreign minister in the next few hours. Secretary Kerry will have his second bilateral, his fifth meeting in total meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Zarif, who's heading the Iranian delegation here. And after that, Secretary Kerry expected to meet with his partners from the P5-plus-one, the Germans, the French, the British, of course, the Russians and the Chinese will all be in the room together.

The sense here very much is that no comprehensive agreement is possible at the moment. Those gaps are too big. So, the discussion does seem to center on an extension of talks, but under what conditions and what sort of framework will be laid out for that -- Deb.

FEYERICK: And, Nic, some U.S. allies have called this a deal with the devil. What does the U.S. gain by going through with this?

ROBERTSON: If it is a successful deal and the terms can be adhered to, that is essentially a deal that stops Iran on a weaponized nuclear path, stops a pathway to a bomb, if you will, that diffuses tensions in the region which are already high due to many different issues.

Also, the thought is, as well, if you make a deal with the moderates like President Rouhani and his delegation here, Foreign Minister Zarif, that strengthens their hand in Iran over the hardliners, that there is an aspiration among many people in Iran to see a different, more moderate leadership, and this successful deal enabling the moderates with a stronger hand is a pathway to that. Not clear that is really what could happen. That's the aspiration, Deb.

FEYERICK: OK, Nic Robertson in Vienna for us -- thanks so much. We'll check back with you.

And overnight, a security scare at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. The Army base was put on lockdown for several hours last night after a driver failed to stop at the entrance checkpoint. That driver is now in police custody. He was captured after a brief manhunt. An explosives team was brought to the scene and nothing was found in the suspect's car. Police say he was alone and they are not revealing a possible motive.

And in the wake of a bruising midterm, President Obama is acknowledging the American people are ready for a fresh start. The president appearing on ABC's "This Week", likened himself to a used car while looking ahead to 2016. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: You know, you've got some dings and --

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS, ABC: You don't mind absorbing a few more if that's what it takes?

OBAMA: No, you know, I think the American people, they want that new car smell. They want to drive something off the lot that doesn't have as much mileage as me.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FEYERICK: Well, the president went on to say he believes Hillary Clinton would be a formidable candidate and a great president if she decides to run.

Twelve thousand U.S. and NATO troops will be allowed to remain in Afghanistan through next year now that the country's parliament has approved a new agreement with the West. The troops are there to support Afghan forces in their fight against al Qaeda and the renewed offensive by Taliban. The deal so means the U.S. can conduct air support in the region if needed.

No one is claiming responsibility for a deadly suicide bomb attack at a volleyball tournament in Eastern Pakistan. It happened Sunday in Paktika region. Authorities say 45 to 60 people were killed. They're expecting that number to climb higher. Dozens more were injured, 89 people were killed in the same province in July four months ago when a bomb went off in a crowded market.

Three civil rights workers killed by the Ku Klux Klan in Mississippi in 1964 will be honored posthumously today with the presidential Medal of Freedom. That's the nation's highest civilian honor presented for meritorious contributions to the security or national interest of the United States. The president is awarding 19 medals in all this afternoon. Among those honored, actress Meryl Streep, singer Stevie Wonder, and journalist Tom Brokaw.

First, the big dig, and now comes big melt. Evacuation plans are in place in the city of Buffalo this morning with temperatures approaching 60 degrees today. Erie County officials expect heavy flooding into Tuesday, with up to six feet of water predicted in some areas. That's after the city was buried by seven feet of snow last week, seven feet. The governor is warning everyone to move valuables out of basements and prepared to leave on very, very short notice.

Now, let's get an early look at the forecast with meteorologist Jennifer Gray.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JENNIFER GRAY, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Deb, we are looking at rain across portions of western New York, Buffalo picking up a little bit of rain, less than an inch total but we are still going to see that pushing into that area. Sunny in the southeast for today. Temperatures around 65 in Atlanta, 74 in D.C., 67 in New York, Chicago at 45. Your temperature will drop as we get closer to Thanksgiving.

It is a big travel week for a lot folks, and good news is tomorrow, most of the country is looking good. We do see some thunderstorms pushing into South Florida. Sunny across much of the south. Mountain snow in the Rockies and rain pushing into the Pacific Northwest. We could see lake-effect snow across the Great Lakes.

As far as high temperatures go tomorrow, 55 in Atlanta, 30 in Chicago, 55 in D.C., New York at 50. We will see temperatures at 60 degrees in Dallas -- Deb.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FEYERICK: All right, Jennifer.

Well, let's get an early start on your money.

Business correspondent Cristina Alesci is here.

U.S. stock futures are up.

(CROSSTALK)

CRISTINA ALESCI, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Nothing but good news for the average investors as you said. Stock futures are up right now, coming off highs for the Dow and S&P 500 on Friday.

Now, just to put this into context. Friday's moves put S&P in record territory for the 45th time this year. Investors were so excited to see central banks in China and Europe ready to boost growth. That's good news in the short-term, but it also raised a lot of questions about the health of the global economy, and a big week for the largest oil producers in the Middle East.

On Thursday, they meet to decide how to react to plunging oil prices. So far, countries have not scaled back production although supply is driving prices down.

Now, this all comes down to Saudi Arabia and many experts are expecting the country to cut back.

FEYERICK: Interesting. You know, it's funny. I'm finding a wild fluctuation in prices and I'm still not saving money yet actually.

(CROSSTALK)

ALESCI: You haven't started saving yet? You are not going to the right station.

FEYERICK: That's my fault.

All right. Cristina Alesci, thank you.

Well, a top Republican slamming a new House report on Benghazi. Why Senator Lindsey Graham is calling it, quote, "full of crap", unquote.

And a miraculous rescue. A newborn baby abandoned in a storm drain for five days before he was found and saved. Hear from the people who found the infant just in time.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

FEYERICK: No conspiracy, no cover up. This is the conclusion of the House intelligence report over the handling of the deadly attack in Benghazi. It's an investigation that was spearheaded by Republicans and at least one top ranking Republican is calling the findings, quote "crap", unquote.

Erin McPike has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ERIN MCPIKE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Deb, the House Intelligence Committee released its report on Friday afternoon about what the Obama administration did in the aftermath on of attacks of the U.S. consulate in Benghazi in September of 2012. And they found that the administration didn't intentionally mislead the public.

Well, South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham was completely dissatisfied with this report and he slammed it yesterday on CNN's "STATE OF THE UNION."

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM (R), SOUTH CAROLINA: I think the report is full of crap.

GLORIA BORGER, CNN CHIEF POLITICAL ANALYST: Why?

GRAHAM: Quite frankly.

BORGER: Why?

GRAHAM: To say that Mike -- well, the deputy director of the CIA, when I asked him who changed the talking points with Senator Ayotte and McCain, and Susan Rice sitting by his side, said the FBI changed the talking points. Only later did we find out through a lawsuit that Mike Morrell was deeply involved in changing the talking points, the deputy director of the FBI, when he was sitting in front of the congressional panel, and he was asked, does anybody know who changed the talking points, he sat silent.

BORGER: OK. But this --

GRAHAM: So, no, the intel community through him lied.

MCPIKE: But Adam Schiff, a Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, says that this report vindicates the administration and he thinks it is politically motivated that the Republican-controlled committee released this report late on the Friday afternoon so it did not get enough attention.

Listen here to both comments. REP. ADAM SCHIFF (D), CALIFORNIA: I think it is exonerated. I mean, certainly not in the sense that it shows there was adequate security at the diplomatic facility. There wasn't. There's been no contesting that. But in terms of whether there was an effort to cover up or spin or illegal trafficking of arms by the CIA or any of those conspiracies, they have been completely vindicated.

MCPIKE: Schiff also predicted that if a different committee, the House Select Committee on Benghazi, came up with a similar report with similar findings that vindicated the administration, they would release that report on Christmas Eve, he suggested perhaps jokingly -- Deb.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FEYERICK: All right, Erin McPike.

Well, authorities in Cleveland are investigating the fatal shooting of a 12-year-old boy by a police officer who mistakenly thought that the boy had a real gun. The victim, 12-year-old Tamir Rice, was shot outside a neighborhood rec center.

Officials say police responded to a 911 call about a juvenile scaring people with a gun. They said that the officer fired at the boy after he pulled the replica gun from his waistband.

Student leaders at the University of Virginia expected to speak out about an apparent gang rape on campus. The horrifying allegations were revealed in a "Rolling Stone" article which describes a cavalier attitude by the school when it comes to student rape claims. One student reports she was sexually assaulted by seven frat members. UVA has now suspended all fraternity activities until January 9th.

Bicyclists in Australia make a disturbing find in a storm drain, a new born baby boy. They made the discovery Sunday when they lifted the slab off a storm drain. They could hear the baby's cries even though he was more than eight feet underground.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HAYLEY OTTE, CYCLIST WHO FOUND BABY: We felt sick.

DAVID OTTE, CYCLIST WHO FOUND BABY: We still feel sick.

HAYLEY OTTE: Yes, we just wanted that baby, to know and see its face it was OK.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FEYERICK: Well, the-week-old boy is a fighter. Investigators say that they believe he was placed in the drain the day after he was born. He is in the hospital in serious condition. His mother has been charged with attempted murder.

Week 12 in the NFL featured more of the same from Tom Brady and New England Patriots. Brady leading the Pats to their seventh straight win. They crushed the Detroit Lions 34-9.

The Sunday night game featured one of the greatest catches you will ever see. Look at that. Odell Beckham Jr. making an incredible one- handed grab to score a touchdown. The Giants though lost the game to the Dallas Cowboys 31-28.

And it's official. Katy Perry will be the halftime headliner at this year's Super Bowl. The NFL making the announcement Sunday night after weeks of rumors. The pop star acknowledged the performance via Twitter from Australia, where she's currently on a world tour, saying that she has some insane ideas. Super Bowl XLIX will be played February 1st in Arizona.

And Russia's President Vladimir Putin making a big announcement about his future. How long does he intend to stay in office? And they are called the American Music Awards, but stars from across the pond picked up some of the biggest honors. We're going to bring you those highlights, straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

FEYERICK: Welcome back, everyone. It is 23 minutes after the hour.

Vladimir Putin says he will not be Russia's president for life, but it does appear he is not going anywhere anytime soon. In an interview for Russian news agency, the 62-year-old Putin says he will step down with the Russian constitution. He is eligible for a fourth term and he has not ruled out running in 2018, which could extend his presidency to 2024. Putin says staying beyond 2024 is, quote, "in no way interesting."

President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder among the many sending their condolences to the family of former Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry who died Sunday at the age of 78. Barry was an iconic and controversial figure in local Washington politics for decades. He had been released from the hospital a day earlier. And spokesman says he collapsed outside of his home. The woman who donated her kidney to Barry several year ago says he will be missed.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KIM DICKENS, KIDNEY DONOR: Shock. Unbelievable. Hasn't really sunk in yet.

REPORTER: Obviously, you thought a lot of him?

DICKENS: Yes, I loved him so much. We all did.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FEYERICK: Well, the medical examiner says Barry died of natural causes due to heart trouble.

And today, Honda will have to supply federal officials with documents related to air bag incidents. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has started investigating whether the Japanese automaker failed to report deaths or injuries caused by airbag malfunction. Millions of cars have been recalled by dozens of manufacturers worldwide after at least four people were killed because of defected airbags.

And some of the brightest stars in the music world were shining as the American Music Awards were handed out in Los Angeles last night. One Direction took home three awards, including the night's biggest prize, Artist of the Year. Australian star Iggy Azalea, who had a leading six nominations won for favorite rap hip hop album and another British sensation, Sam Smith, walked away with the Best Male Rock Pop Artist. American Taylor Swift opened the show performing her new single "Blank Space" for the first time on live television. She was also honored with the first ever Dick Clark Award of Excellence.

And another tragedy in Ferguson as one woman preparing for possible violence lost her life in a startling accident. Details, ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)