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Pope to Deliver Historic Address to Congress; Interview with Congressman Sean Duffy of Wisconsin; Poll: Trump Maintains Lead as Rivals Rise; Interview with Commissioner of New York City Police, Bill Bratton. Aired 6:30-7a ET

Aired September 24, 2015 - 06:30   ET

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


[06:30:00] ERROL LOUIS, POLITICAL ANCHOR, NY1: They want to hear it on talk radio. They want to hear it from the candidates. They want to send it around on Facebook, to all of their friends. They love to talk about this.

He's really faced, Donald Trump is, with a really important choice. Do you just play to that base and stay at 25 percent and watch everybody blow past you eventually? Or do you try to expand, or do you try -- you know, actually disavow some of them or try to build a winning campaign? A very tough choice he has to make.

ALISYN CAMEROTA, CNN ANCHOR: We'll talk about all of this when Donald Trump joins us like on NEW DAY at 7:00 a.m. Eastern.

Sara, Errol, thank you so much, for setting us up like that.

All right. Let's go to Washington, D.C. and talk more about the Pope's visit. Chris Cuomo is there.

Hey, Chris.

CHRIS CUOMO, CNN ANCHOR: Boy, you couldn't plan it any better at the time we're seeing all this, Alisyn, going on in our political culture, how negative it is, how divisive it is, here comes the Pope.

Now, no Pope has ever addressed Congress. In a short while, we won't be able to say that anymore. Pope Francis is going to talk tolerance and unity in a place that is in, let's say, short supply. What will he say that will unite, but also potentially divide? We'll have it for you, ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[06:35:23] CUOMO: Can you feel it? That's excitement.

In just a few hours, Pope Francis is going to make history as the first pontiff to address a joint meeting of Congress right here at the U.S. Capitol building. His speech is expected to take on some tough issues. We heard that already on the south lawn at the White House but what will the priorities be? What will be the things that it up off Republicans and Democrats. Both could end up uneasy here.

Interesting number here, 83 Catholic Republicans split evenly between the parties. Who knew?

Congressman Sean Duffy told me that -- he is here -- of Wisconsin.

REP. SEAN DUFFY (R), WISCONSIN: Good to see you, Chris.

CUOMO: Thank you very much.

What an interesting difference, 83 split evenly.

DUFFY: Yes, it's a unique thing in that, you used to have a major Democratic wing of the Catholic contingency. But now, you're seeing more Republican Catholics elected. And now we sit at 83 and 83, it's a good number of Catholics in the House of Representatives.

CUOMO: So, you had an audience with the Pope?

DUFFY: I did. About five months ago, we were at the Vatican, had a chance to quickly chat with him. Not a long conversation I had with the Pope, but a wonderful guy. If you look at what happened yesterday in Washington, D.C., you have the seams bursting with joy that the pontiff has arrived.

I mean, it's really cool. It's a reception that you get for a president on inauguration day. Taylor Swift doesn't get this kind of reception. You'll see it up in New York, and Philadelphia, it's great to see the pontiff, the Catholic Church get so much energy out of people. It's fantastic.

CUOMO: Duffy putting the high bar of Taylor Swift out there.

DUFFY: The Pope with Taylor Swift, that's right.

(LAUGHTER)

CUOMO: That's a little bit of an unfair challenge you may be putting out there.

So, when he comes and he speaks, we know he's going to touch on things that are fundamental to his catechism, to the Catholic catechism but inherently political. Do you think the prioritization will be the same as we saw on the south lawn, the global warming, what talk about most specifically there? Or do you think he's going to have a different priority with you all?

DUFFY: So, first of all, I think it's important to talk about the church's teaching, right? So, when you look at the dogma of the church, the doctrine of the church, that's issues of life and marriage, and religious liberty and freedom. That's the law of the church.

There are other things that are up for judgment, potential judgment that Catholics have a right to disagree or debate with the Pope. And that's in the space of pollution or climate change. How we defend our borders, what kind of immigration systems we have in place. Those are all up for debate.

And so, I think he'll touch on all of them put but I think it puts Democrats in a tough spot with regard on the issues of life and marriage which are the true teachings of the church.

CUOMO: There's a presumption that global warming will bother Republicans. But you're right, on a moral sense, right, those are political issues, what to do with them. But morality is something that the Democrats have had to deal with the Pope. This is a different Pope that talks a different way, and there will be pressure on them as well. However, what matters most in politics perhaps is tone.

DUFFY: That's right.

CUOMO: You know that very well. The Pope's tone is almost definitely going to be positive, inclusive and looking to do better. What difference will that make?

DUFFY: Well, I think the tone of the Pope is really important because he's going to talk about tough issues that will hit both sides. And I think what we have to do as Congress is actually listen to him. I think we're called to do better in all of these places.

I mean, I'm from Wisconsin, I love the forest, the clean air and water. Make sure we preserve that for the next generation. It's great that the Pope is going to come and talk about that.

Sometimes, I get -- I hope there's not a whole lot of discussion on economics. He has a different economic opinion or view. He comes from Argentina. He's actually said he's allergic to economics.

And I hope we're not going to a more social economic system. I'm not saying that's where he comes from, but when we talk about redistribution, and it relates to the poor I think the American style of economics has done for more people in poverty, and up in the middle class. When you look at Cuba and Venezuela, people are stuck in poverty because of the economic system.

So, I hope he doesn't go into economics, but he sticks with faith and morals which I think will resonate very well with Congress.

CUOMO: He's going to comment, almost certainly, on the level of do better. You know, you're not going to compare America to Cuba. He's going to say you guys have the most money. You shouldn't have poor like anywhere else.

DUFFY: That's true. But we also spend $1 trillion a year whether it's federal, state or local money to actually serve the poor. And I think you can't discount that.

HAYES: Right.

DUFFY: We do a lot as Americans to look out for the poor, to lift people up. But, also, you want to make sure you preserve a system that's done more for the poor than any system known to man, better than any out that's there, knows how to lift the people up, try to mimic or mock the system because it's worked so well.

[06:40:00] CUOMO: Now, you have a little bit of a personal onus on you, you're a member of his flock. You're going to have to listen to what he says.

DUFFY: So are you.

CUOMO: But -- well, I'm a journalist. We believe in nothing, nothing.

(LAUGHTER)

CUOMO: So, here's the thing -- do you think it will matter to members of Congress? It's a big occasion, there's no question about that. It's even bigger I think than we anticipated. But do you think the Pope has the ability to speak to members of Congress, and that they may think differently about anything?

DUFFY: You know, I think he can move the needle in small ways. I think -- you know, in regard to immigration, I think you have to get immigration reform done. And talk about people, immigrants and migrants who come to our country where families are separated, I think that touches a lot of people's hearts in regard to how we treat people.

Now, how we deal with our border, inhumanity of border, and should it be secured so we don't have, you know, parents send kids on a long journey where some die, some of them are raped and abused, I think that side can touch people's hearts. So, yes, I think he can move the needle as he talks to Congress as long as he, you know, doesn't make it too political.

He doesn't get political, I know.

CUOMO: It's going to be political.

But I appreciate it, Congressman Sean Duffy, thank you for taking the time and I look forward to your reaction after we heard the remarks.

DUFFY: Absolutely. Thanks, Chris.

CUOMO: Appreciate it.

Alisyn, back to you.

CAMEROTA: OK. Thanks so much, Chris.

Donald Trump ratcheting up the heat on his rivals and FOX News. What is the Republican front-runner asking? We're going to ask him when he joins us at 7:00. Stick around.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[06:45:24] MICHAELA PEREIRA, CNN ANCHOR: In just a few hours' time, Pope Francis will make history once again when he speaks to a joint meeting of Congress. Republicans are likely bracing for the possibility of some tough love, given the Holy Father's comments on immigration and the environment at the White House Wednesday. The Pope, however, will skip lunch with Congress afterward, instead, will serve and then dine with the homeless.

CAMEROTA: Well, this morning, a new Quinnipiac poll shows Donald Trump is still leading his Republican rivals with 28 percent support, but that lead maybe slightly slipping. While Ben Carson and Carly Fiorina's numbers are on the rise.

Meanwhile, FOX News is apparently in Trump's crosshairs again. He says he's boycotting the network, claiming they're treating him unfairly. He's also lashing out at Hillary Clinton and demanding Senator Rand Paul withdraw from the race. So, we will find out what else do Republican frontrunner has to say when he joins us live at 7:00 a.m. Eastern.

PEREIRA: A major breakthrough in peace talks between Colombia and FARC rebels. The two sides signing a commitment Wednesday, setting the groundwork for six months. The agreement establishes peace tribunals and reconciliation commission to justice for victims related to 50-year long conflict. Pope Francis encouraged the deal during his recent trip to Cuba.

All right. It's time to talk money with chief business correspondent Christine Romans in the money center with the latest on this huge government hack. What's the latest?

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN CHIEF BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Yes, even bigger than we thought. Hackers who stole security files from millions of Pentagon government employees, they got away with 5.6 million fingerprints. That's much more than the original estimate of 1.1 million. And U.S. officials suspect China is responsible.

Volkswagen's CEO is out, Martin Winterkorn says he didn't do anything wrong but he will resign for the good of the company. VW admits it cheated on emissions tests. A secret software allowed up to 11 million cars to run clean only when they were being tested. The stock has been decimated by his widening emission scandal, losing a third of the value of stock up just a little bit today on his resignation -- Michaela.

PEREIRA: All right. We'll be watching that. Thanks so much.

Unprecedented security to protect the pontiff. Commissioner Bill Bratton said the NYPD is up for the challenge when the Pope arrives today. We'll talk with him about preparations in Manhattan, coming up next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[06:51:45] PEREIRA: The visit of Pope Francis to the United States is proving to be one of the biggest security challenges American officials have ever faced.

Here in New York City, where the pontiff will arrive this afternoon, some 6,000 police officers and an undisclosed number of Secret Service agents to protect the Pope during all of his stops throughout the city.

Joining us now is commissioner of New York City Police, Bill Bratton, live outside where the Pope will be staying in New York.

Good to see you this morning.

I can imagine, this is probably the busiest day of the year for you, given all the things going on in our beautiful city. We also know that your department has said there are no credible threats against the Pope. Is that still the case?

WILLIAM BRATTON, NEW YORK POLICE COMMISSIONER: That's the case happily. And actually tomorrow, Michaela, would be the bigger day, with multiple events. This afternoon, we have the arrival of the Pope. And then he travels to St. Pat's.

But tomorrow, the multiple events. On top of it all, by the way, we have that little event down the street. U.N. 70th year anniversary event.

PEREIRA: Yes, 170 world leaders converging on Manhattan in its own rite would be a challenge. So, let's discuss that, the convergence of all of these events, I think we also heard Beyonce is doing a concert in Central Park. The president is going to be in the city as well, as well as the Pope. Any one of those things would be a bit of a security nightmare, but all of them happening at once.

Is that stretching our resources here in the city?

BRATTON: Well, actually, we are department for the department, 35,000 officers that we're so large, that we can do it all. We've put a number of our personnel on 12-hour shifts, a lot of overtime. But 7,000 officers that we'll be using on Friday will not actually impact the policing of the rest of the city. If you're not in Manhattan, other than watching television, you're not going to know anything is happening.

PEREIRA: That's a very interesting point of view. So, let's look at some of the resources. You corrected us saying closer to 7,000. Police are being assigned to both the Pope and the U.N. 773 police cars, 818 tons of concrete block, 37 miles of barriers and fencing.

Add to it, we heard no selfie sticks are allowed near the Pope. Drones are being banned. Postal service is being stopped in some areas. No stone is being left unturned, Commissioner.

BRATTON: Well, we're doing our best to ensure, certainly, the safety of the Pope, all those heads of state, but also maintaining safety for New Yorkers and the many, many thousands of visitors that will be coming literally from all over the country, hoping to participate, hoping to get a glimpse.

But a security perspective, unfortunate that the videos of secured venues in the sense if you're close to the Pope, you're going to have to be ticketed, you'll have to go through screening. All of the security aspects this, we're in very, very good shape.

PEREIRA: We understand there are 48 agencies banning together to make sure this is a secured series of event. So you mentioned that, and I want to drill deeper on that. Protecting the Pope is one aspect.

But it's protecting the large, vast quantities of people exuberantly coming to see the Pope.

[06:55:01] That is a big concern for you, because we know a large people gathered is a particularly vulnerable spot.

BRATTON: Well, ironically, the crowd situation would be much less than we would normally deal with. The biggest event we're dealing with is 90,000 in the Central Park procession. Then the concert that has about 80,000 people Saturday night after the Pope has left.

We are used to dealing, as you know with crowds in excess, Times Square on new year's eve. So the crowd situation is less than we deal with. The complexity of the moving parts, five to six venues and compounding of 60 or 70 heads of state, the worst nightmare is all the convoys coming together at one intersection at the same time. That would make of quite a bit of good luck.

PEREIRA: Yes, it would. And let's talk about probably the biggest moving part, and the biggest variable is the Pope himself. He is known and reputed to be the people's Pope. That is one of the most beautiful and beloved things about this pontiff. Is that he wants to interact with the people. And I'm sure that, alone, causes you some sleepless nights.

How do you protect a man who wants to interact? And you want to give him that gift with the American people and vice versa, but you have to make sure that everybody remains safe?

BRATTON: That's correct. The overall responsibility for the security of the Pope in this event, plus the Secret Service, we're in a support capacity, although a very large support capacity, and we have table-topped this in terms of exercises we've gone through the last number of months. We watched very closely what's going on in Washington, D.C. just describing his spontaneity.

So, we're prepared to deal with that. And to -- it's an additional complexity to events that are usually very tightly scripted. But you're correct. It's what makes this man so remarkable, that he does want to be accessible. And we will do all we can to accommodate his wishes.

PEREIRA: And that's a point. I think you have to be willing to improvise on occasion with somebody like the pontiff, Pope Francis. You talk about how heavily scripted his itinerary is. It has to be like clock work, I can imagine.

But this is a man who has rumored to disguise himself as a priest to sneak out of the Vatican to go and see the homeless people. I imagine that scenario is troubling to you. Are you prepared for every eventuality with this pontiff?

BRATTON: Yes, we'll be watching the back door. Again it is tightly scripted. Yesterday, as you saw in Washington, it stayed pretty close to script, timing, et cetera.

PEREIRA: It did.

BRATTON: We did have one unplanned event that he went to. Again, that we don't believe that we'll be able to handle. The public will have access. You and the media, as you know are going to have a lot of access to him, a lot of visuals for the public and around the world to see. Very exciting days in New York and the culmination in Philadelphia where he goes to that city where the crowds will probably be in the millions.

PEREIRA: Yes, Philadelphia is going to have an exciting day on Saturday. We look forward to that coverage as well.

Thank you, Commissioner Bratton for joining us.

BRATTON: OK. Great to be with you.

PEREIRA: We know the next 24 will be very busy for you and the other agencies involved.

We're certainly following a lot of news, so let's get right to it.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

POPE FRANCIS: The Creator does not abandon us.

CUOMO: You were in his presence, you were in the shadow of Peter, the rock of the church, the first Pope.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The Pope prepares be the first pontiff in history to address a joint session of the United States Congress.

REP. JOHN BOEHNER (R-OH), SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: He's not afraid to take on the status quo.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He's not going to appeal universally to either sides.

PEREIRA: A new poll shows Trump's lead is shrinking.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: FOX News is hitting back. They actually cancelled an appearance with Trump before he went on his boycott.

TRUMP: Hillary has become very shrill. She was the original birther.

Marco Rubio, he has no money, zero.

CARLY FIORINA (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I intend to beat Donald Trump.

CAMEROTA: Donald Trump joins us live.

ANNOUNCER: This is NEW DAY with Chris Cuomo, Alisyn Camerota and Michaela Pereira.

CUOMO: What a beautiful picture. Good morning. Welcome to your NEW DAY. Alisyn and Michaela are in New York.

The sun is coming up on history here at the U.S. Capitol building, where unity and tolerance will ring out as a message in a place where that is often barely a whisper. In about three hours, Pope Francis will become the first pontiff to address a joint meeting of Congress. One adviser calling today's speech the big one of the Pope's D.C. visit.

Now, if his comments are anything close to what he said on the South Lawn of the White House about immigrants, climate change, poverty, Republicans might get a bit uncomfortable. But his words may also put Democrats on the spot.

Now, listen to this, after the speech, he's going to forego lunch with members of Congress. What's the Pope going to do? He's going to head over to Catholic charities.