Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Newsroom

Weaker Winds to Help Arizona Fire Crews; Secretive U.S. War in Yemen; Democrats to Weiner: Resign Now; Alleged Weiner Nude Photo Surfaces; Sugar Ray Leonard's New Book; Report: Giuliani to Run for White House; Shania Twain Announces Comeback

Aired June 09, 2011 - 10:00   ET

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

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Thanks for joining us, everyone. I'm Kyra Phillips.

In Arizona, firefighters are hoping that today's weaker winds will help them battle historic wildfires. Nearly 400,000 acres have burned, the biggest fire has moved into the town of Greer, which has already evacuated.

This morning, a grim new measure of the economy, last week the number of Americans filing their first claims for unemployment benefits rose to 427,000 that's 1,000 more than the week before.

And country superstar, Shania Twain, took a tumble at last night's CMT Music Awards. She was fine though and in fact, is in the midst of a big comeback. We're going to have that story just a little bit later.

This morning, reports of a secret U.S. war in Yemen, as the important U.S. ally teeters near collapse. U.S. ally is a hot bed of terrorism and growing instability.

"New York Times" is reporting the White House is ratcheting up airstrikes against al Qaeda targets there. Rebels badly wounded. Yemen's president, he's now recovering in Saudi Arabia, rather. The U.S. is taking advantage of the power vacuum that's been left behind. Strikes are further testing the full resources of our military.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PETER BERGEN, CNN NATIONAL SECURITY ANALYST: It is interesting that Panetta goes to testify on the Hill but essentially, the United States military is actually involved in five separate wars in five Muslim countries, fairly unusual moment in American history.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Now according to the "New York Times," stakes are high. Reports, quote, "Al Qaeda's affiliate in Yemen is believed by the CIA to pose the greatest immediate threat to the United States," more so than even al Qaeda's senior leadership believed to be hiding in Pakistan. Our Mohammed Jamjoon live in Abu Dhabi. Mohammed, why the strikes now? MOHAMMED JAMJOOM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Kyra, there's so much concern right now that Yemen is on the verge of all-out civil war. You have so much strikes, so much chaos, so many different flash points, fighting that's going on right now within the country.

One of the reason there's so much concern by the U.S. is because al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula uses Yemen as its hub. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula is deemed to be the most active, the most threatening, and the most dangerous wing of al Qaeda that currently exists.

In the past couple of years, they have been able to try to launch spectacular attacks against the west, against the U.S., very sophisticated types of attacks as well even though they only have between 700 to 1,000 fighters within that country.

Because there's so much strife right now because there's a vacuum, there's a power vacuum that's going on, the U.S. thought this is the best time to try and go in there and try to start dealing with the al Qaeda problem, because they don't believe there's anybody in Yemen right now.

That there's no real leader who's able to help them in the fight on terror so by all accounts in Yemen, they seem to think the U.S. is doing this right now because they are very concerned about al Qaeda, and they don't think there's an effective leader who can help them in their fight. Kyra.

PHILLIPS: You know, the CIA, other high-ranking members of the military have talked about Yemen as a tremendous threat to the U.S., has it gotten worse from the last time we were talking about this, nearly six months ago?

Looks like we lost our connection with Mohammed there in Abu Dhabi, but we will continue to follow this story, of course, as new developments continue in this covert war reportedly being waged by the U.S.

Now another country - in uprising in Libya, embattled leader, Moammar Gadhafi vowing to fight to the death and today, an international coalition is looking beyond. That meeting is in Abu Dhabi, considering plans for Libya without Gadhafi in charge.

That includes building international support, transitional government that would succeed him. If you're wondering why we're focusing on the video right here, you can see that that is the wife of embattled Congressman Anthony Weiner, Huma Abedin is the wife of the embattled congressman.

New reports surfacing today that she is pregnant. She is traveling with the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. As we've reported, one of Clinton's closest aides. Former president -- actually Kate Bolduan on Capitol Hill now, as she's monitoring the pressure that seems to be growing by the minute.

Now we're getting this statement from Representative Schwartz, came and talk about this earlier this morning. Coming forward, saying he should definitely resign. Let's talk about why her call to action, we shall say is so significant right now.

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes. This is a congresswoman from Pennsylvania and our viewers may not know her so much, Kyra, on the national stage, but she is significant in this regard, in this aspect and her calling for Congressman Weiner to resign because of the role she holds.

She is in charge of recruiting Democrats to run for the House in the 2012 cycle. She's very aware of her position, of course, and very aware that her statements, the message, perhaps that her statement could bring.

We're told that her coming out publicly, along with about half a dozen other House Democrats is really a sign of a new stepped-up effort to force Congressman Weiner to resign. One Democratic source telling that it's a signal that represents growing concern among the caucus.

And it also says a lot quite frankly, how Democrats are feeling that this scandal is hurting them politically. That seems like that's one of the reasons why there seems to be -- there is a growing number of Democrats, House Democrats, which is significant calling for a member of their own party to step down. Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right. Kate Bolduan on the Hill. Kate, thanks.

Meanwhile, an x-rated photo surfaces supposedly of Anthony Weiner. It's all over the web now thanks to shock jocks Opie and Anthony. Conservative blogger Andrew Breitbart - radio show and flashed the image apparently on his cell phone.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GREGG "OPIE" HUGHES, SHOCK JOCK: One of the video cameras that was on our - that was on during the show today captured what was on Andrew Breitbart's phone as it was making its way around the room.

It was a race to see who could tweet the picture the fastest. I think Andrew Breitbart is not too happy with us right now.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Breitbart says that he did not intentionally go back on his word to not release that photo. Here's what he actually said last night on CNN's "In the Arena."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ANDREW BREITBART, BREITBART.COM: My web site refuses to publish this photo. They have admitted that they took this surreptitiously. They said they did it without my knowledge. They even said that there were no cameras there.

(END VIDEO CLIP) PHILLIPS: Breitbart says that he got the photo from a woman who claims Weiner sent it to her. The congressman has admitted that such an x-rated photo of him could exist.

Checking international headlines now, a phone-hacking scandal expands in Britain, among the alleged victims, Kate Middleton and former Prime Minister Tony Blair.

CNN's Max Foster has the low down from London. Max, tell us what it's all about?

MAX FOSTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, this story is very complicated. It's long running. Not for the first time it was mention in parliament yesterday forcing the prime minister to come out with the response not for the first time.

But it all goes back about four years when Prince William suspected some of his aides' phones had been hacked as a result of a police investigation. The royal correspondent, the news of the world ended up in prison.

And since then, there's been a whole host of other accusations of phone hacking, involving the news of the world and celebrities of all times. Sienna Miller, for example, did get a big payout from "News International" that runs the news of the world.

The later set of accusations though, comes from the "Guardian" newspaper, unsubstantiated claims, a game involving the news of the world. Listing a whole load of other people who have had breaches of courtesy, as freelancers effectively dig to find stories and Kate Middleton was allegedly one of the victims of that, although they're not making a comment on it.

And the metropolitan police, the lead investigator saying they are looking at new allegations of breaches of privacy. "News International" saying there's no truth in any of this. So far they say they're not involved.

PHILLIPS: Max Foster, live from London. Max, thanks.

Sugar Ray Leonard, he knew how to beat up other guys in the ring, but fighting his own demons was a different story. The champ joins me live to talk about his bouts that he didn't get to see.

And Rudy Giuliani, is he going to run for president or not? One report says he's going to do it. We're going to talk to a guy who knows the former New York mayor well.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, over his 20 years as a pro boxer, Sugar Ray Leonard was a lot of things, but he was never boring, November, 1979. Remember this? His first World Title at the age of 23. How sweet it is.

And a year later, November 1980, the Roberto Duran rematch. It will be a war. April of '87, the Super Fight against Marvelous Marvin Hagler and yes, Sugar Ray's win was a shocker.

Now fast forward a decade, March 1997, coming out of retirement at the age of 40 and still a warrior. Sugar Ray writes about all of this and much more in this new autobiography, "The Big Fight, My Life In and Out of the Ring."

He joins us live from Washington. Great to see you, Champ.

SUGAR RAY LEONARD, BOXING LEGEND: Well, thank you so much, Kyra.

PHILLIPS: You bet, well, you know, as we saw right there. We showed a lot of the highlights from your career and how sweet it was for sure.

But at the beginning of the book, you actually point out that there was Sugar Ray and then there was Ray. Sugar Ray was fearless. Ray was full of fear. You know, has there always been two Rays?

LEONARD: Not necessarily, Sugar Ray came when I was 14. My goal was to win the Olympics, not become a professional fighter, be special in the ring and outside of the ring and those things did come to fruition.

But as Sugar Ray started getting more famous and wealthier, there was a conflict at some point because I believe in the hype too much of who I was, and was kind of a split personality. But you know what, Kyra, I want people to know that my life is not a fast story.

I've had a wonderful career. I had wealth. I have fame. I had obstacles that I had to overcome and this book was so cathartic and so therapeutic that it released me of things that I kept on my chest for so, so long. I was hurting inside big time for 30 some years.

PHILLIPS: Yes, and, you know, I'm going to get to the most uncomfortable part in just a second. But, you know, you talked about also being under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Yes, I guess these Rays, kind of overlapped at times.

Was there ever a point when you were at the top of your game that you were under the influence, or when the Sugar Ray -- when he was winning, when he was fighting and smiling, that Sugar Ray that we remember growing up, were you totally 100 percent under the adrenaline?

LEONARD: Never -- I never use, or did anything, when I was training, when I had a fight in front of me, when I was structured, training camp. I did all these things. This only started to escalate when I retired back in 1982, my first retirement of many.

But, you know, I was 25, I think 26 years old, at the top of my game. I am retired because of a detached retina and I was in the state of limbo. I wanted to continue and I resorted to a band- aid, which was cocaine and alcohol, a lot, a lot.

I became less of a father, less of a husband and I don't blame the alcohol or drugs, or how I treated my first wife, Juanita. I was just a jerk. I believed the hype too much. I had too many yes-men behind me.

My mother and father are still living. My dad is 89 years old today. My mother is 83. I had people who loved me. I had wonderful people, who orchestrated my career. I had good people. I had my assistant for life for 37 years. I had a wonderful life.

But because I hadn't boxing and because of what happened to me when I was 15, 16, of the people who I trusted, I was hurting inside, big time.

PHILLIPS: If you don't mind, I want to ask you about that. You probably knew, when you finally talked about this. That it was going to come out in the media. This was very uncomfortable. It was very unsettling for me to read about because I remember you a certain way. Your fans remember you a certain way.

But you revealed that you were sexually abused by a coach. Here's how you put it in your own words. I cringe when I read this, Ray. You say before I knew it, he had unzipped my pants then put his hand and mouth on an area that has hunted me for life.

I didn't scream. I didn't look at him. I just opened the door and ran. You had to know that this was a subject. It would get a lot of attention when this book came out. Are you OK with that right now? Why had you included this? Has this been therapeutic for you?

LEONARD: I had to get that out because it was killing me inside. I was dying inside. I told no one. I kept this to myself for 37 years. I said that to my first wife, Juanita, but I said it under the influence of alcohol because a guy don't talk about those things.

Especially me as a fighter, I could have kicked their butts, but I didn't. It was just hard. It was killing me and I'm so glad that I'm releasing this, as painful as it is. It's OK. I learned to surrender through my program. I'll be sober five years in July, you know, that's my -- that is indeed my biggest accomplishment.

PHILLIPS: Agreed, agreed and that man should burn in hell. I'm going to turn the corner, Ray, because you're absolutely right. You are a fighter, you continued to be a fighter outside of the ring, and called that one of the most haunting times of your life.

Let's get to one of the best times of your life. You loved "Dancing with the Stars." I'm going to take you from tears of pain to tears of fun here, OK? You said you were going to stick with dancing, too. That you loved ballroom dancing.

So I was thinking, how about I help you edit a video, and we can go from the boxing ring, to the ballroom. Maybe a DVD, right hook rumba, tango TKO. What do you think?

LEONARD: That's doable. I think that's very doable. The only thing about "Dancing with the Stars," I'm so glad I did that with Anna Trebunskaya, my feet hurt so bad. Especially in heel so I don't envy women who wear heels.

PHILLIPS: I think I'd rather still see you in boxing shoes, don't go into the heels. You were very graceful. I mean, have you continued on with the ballroom dancing?

LEONARD: I just do the stretching part because the ballroom dancing is totally opposite of what I've done for 30 years. I'm down, my shoulders are down, my chin is down. Ballroom dancing is just the opposite. Expose your chest. Your chin is up in the air, to be knocked out. It doesn't go together. It doesn't mesh.

PHILLIPS: Well, Sugar Ray Leonard, "The Big Fight, My Life In and Out Of The Ring." It's a pretty compelling book. As I told you before, my grandfather was a boxer and we both admired you so much.

I still do. Matter of fact, I admire you even more. What an honor to spend time with you today and to interview you about this book. You're a brave, brave man. Thanks, Ray.

LEONARD: Thank you so much.

PHILLIPS: You bet.

Let's check some other stories cross country now. Police in Oakland, California searching for this man. They say that he burglarized a woman's home Tuesday morning before sexually assaulting her. Investigators hope that the 13 seconds of video that the victim was able to capture will actually help catch him.

Seventy seven Air Force ROTC cadets recovering after lightning bolts struck a camp. We're talking about Hattiesburg, Mississippi. No one was hurt, but four people were close to that lightning when it struck.

And some students across Connecticut are not sweating the sweltering temperatures at least not in class. The heat couple with a lack of airconditioning in some buildings has prompted early dismissals in a number of districts state wide.

All right, new developments in the run for the White House and it's a name that we all know very well, Rudy Giuliani. The "Weekly Standard" is reporting that he's going to give it another go in 2012.

He already went to New Hampshire and took a little of Mitt Romney's thunder. So let's talk about it more with John Avlon. He is with the "Daily Beast" and he wrote speeches for Giuliani as we know. So John, when could he make this announcement? What do you think? Will it make any of his competitors nervous?

JOHN AVLON, THE DAILY BEAST: I think Bill Crystal got a little bit ahead of himself with that piece in the "Weekly Standard," but he laid out the rationale correctly. What Rudy said and it's always a good idea to take Rudy in his word, is that he's keeping the door open and he seriously considering a run.

As the CNN poll just did the other week showed, he would do very, very well. In fact that CNN poll showed him on top of the Republican field. So I think there's a lot of compelling reasons for him to consider this and a lot of reasons why New Hampshire might be a good state with open primaries and independent voters.

PHILLIPS: All right now, last time though that he gave it a go, didn't pan out so well. So how will he change his strategy this time around, knowing him as well as you do?

AVLON: Well, I think he would probably spend more time focusing on New Hampshire. Last time, John McCain really has moved in New Hampshire and that did very well. New Hampshire is unique in the early primary states because it's not only an open primary state, where independent voters can vote.

But also independent voters outnumber Democrats and Republicans in that state. The last time, they were all folks on their Democratic side of the field. This time the only game in town is the Republicans.

I also think, you know, when folks take a look at Rudy's fiscal record, which I don't think has been adequately appreciated, his record of success as fiscal conservative, cutting tax and balancing budgets.

That's a compelling message that not only - the Republican, but connects with independent voters so given a crowd field, I think you see a rationale for a strong center right candidate with a high name I.D. like Rudy Giuliani if he were to decide to run, which he hasn't decided yet.

PHILLIPS: All right, but if he decides to, which GOP candidate who read this news today or seen this right now with you and me, is shaking in their boots, you think?

AVLON: Well, you know, shaking in their boots --

PHILLIPS: Or is nobody worried?

AVLON: None of them would cop to that.

PHILLIPS: I want you to cop to it.

AVLON: This field is wide open right now. You see a Republican Party that's moved further and further to the right. It's very factionalized party right now. So nobody should dismiss the possibility of a Rudy Giuliani run with his high name I.D., with his ability to speak to a record of success when it comes to governing, turning around a city.

That's a record of effectiveness in office that we haven't seen a lost precedence for in recent years. So I think any candidate should take it very, very seriously, while most candidates are busy running to the right.

I think Rudy is going to have an ability to be a bridge and unite different factors of party that are currently being ignored right now. So no one should count them out, take them for granted and should view the prospect with wide open eyes.

PHILLIPS: Thanks, John. Good to see you.

AVLON: Good to see you.

PHILLIPS: Well, she was one of country music's hottest stars then anxiety over her cheating husband actually took her voice away. But she's back. Shania twain says come see me in Vegas.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: She was country music's "it" girl for much of the '90s and beyond. Every time Shania Twain fell down, she got right back up. Last night was no different. Isn't that right, A.J.?

A.J. HAMMER, HOST, "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT": Kyra, you just can't keep Shania down. She was at the CMC Music Awards to present the trophy for male video of the year. She was on her way to do that when she slicked on what looked like a pretty slick walkway and it had to hurt.

But she's a true pro, she got right back up. She went to the stage and presented the award. The crowd gave her a big standing ovation of support, which was nice.

But Shania called it one of the most embarrassing moments of her life. If that's how you feel you're doing pretty good. She tweeted out a video response after the show. Let's take a look at what she said.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SHANIA TWAIN: I didn't hurt myself. I have a bit of a sore thumb, and I -- I am going to auction off those shoe, as soon as I can. I never want to see those shoes again or maybe I should keep them as a souvenir. Think about that one. I don't know.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HAMMER: Shania says, Kyra, she thinks she made a complete fool of herself. I think we here can reassure her that she shouldn't worry given all the stories that we cover. Tripping at an award show, hardly embarrassing by comparison, right?

PHILLIPS: Absolutely. If you're a fan of Shania Twain, I sure am. I listened to her music for such a long time and just knowing what she's been through, from her parents to her ex-husband, she's a true fighter.

The greatest news that we're going to hear now is that her future is looking bright. She had lost her voice over anxiety, over her tumultuous divorce, but she's making a comeback.

HAMMER: In a big way, she's going to Vegas. She actually just announced that she's going to be the headliner for a two-year run in the coliseum at Caesar's Palace that, of course, following in fellow Canadian Celine Deon's footsteps.

Deon, a coliseum veteran, Shania says that she thinks Celine is going to be very helpful in preparing her for the gig. The show is called "Appropriately Still the One" after her big hit song. It's going to open on December 1st, 2012. But I think her fans will and can wait and are thrilled about it.

PHILLIPS: Agreed. I know she'll sell out. All right, we got more Kardashian drama, boy.

HAMMER: Yes, this is getting a whole lot of attention. Top trending this morning, Kyra, NFL player, Bret Locket seems to be telling everybody he had a relationship with Kim while she was dating her fiancee, NBA player Kris Humphries.

Now Kardashian is denying the story. TMZ has posted a letter from her attorney telling Lockett, if he doesn't retract his allegations, they'll take him to court. Listen to what the letter from the attorney says.

To put it very plainly and clearly, and as Mr. Lockett knows there is not now and never has been such a relationship. Miss Kardashian does not know and has never even met Mr. Lockett.

Lockett is not backing down so I don't know what's going on here. He's given an interview to TMZ. He's told them he has physical evidence that the pair had a relationship including phone records, text messages and cell phone pictures.

Kardashian and Humphries only dated for around six months, Kyra before they announced their engagement a couple of weeks ago along with flaunting of that 20-karat engagement ring.

I got to know, do you give back that engagement ring if he calls off the engagement over something like this? I mean, is that an exception the 20-karats? I don't know.

PHILLIPS: Boy, I just think the ring is over the top, A.J. I don't get it. The drama continues and so is the bling. Great to see you, A.J.

If you want information on everything breaking the entertainment world, A.J. has always got it. Check him out every night, HLN, 11:00 p.m. on "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT."

All right. From 30 Rock to Gracie Mansion, well, in the wake of Weinergate, Alec Baldwin - run for New York mayor. Our political buzz panel has cast their votes next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) PHILLIPS: Well, in the midst of his sexting scandal, Congressman Anthony Weiner called Bill Clinton to say sorry. And you better believe late-night comedians having a field day.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CONAN O'BRIEN, HOST, "CONAN": This is true, he did call President Clinton to apologize. And when Bill suggested he also called Hillary. Weiner said, don't worry, I just sent her a text.

(LAUGHTER)

JON STEWART, HOST, "THE DAILY SHOW": What?! The congressman had a sex scandal and had to apologize to Bill Clinton? For what? Copyright infringement?

(LAUGHTER)

STEWART: A (INAUDIBLE) violation?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Yes, Congressman Wiener is still topping our "Political Buzz." Our rapid-fire look at the hottest political stories of the day. Each of our brilliant political observers will now get 20 seconds to answer three probing questions.

Cornell Belcher, our contributor who leans to the left. Will Cain, our contributor who leans to the right. And John Avlon, our senior political columnist for "Newsweek" who shoots the middle.

All right, question number one. Comedians are still laughing, but the Weiner scandal actually takes a pretty sad turn this morning. Pretty gut wrenching. Reports out now that his wife is pregnant, and Weiner still has a job. So, guys, what do Dems do now?

CORNELL BELCHER, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: This is what Dems should do. Are we paying attention? The only thing stopping the Republican Paul Ryan plan from ending Medicare is Barack Obama and Senator Harry Reid. Think about that, American public, as we enter the election season. That's what Democrats should do.

PHILLIPS: OK, you're taking a different turn here. Will.

WILL CAIN, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: They should run. Run fast, run away from Anthony Weiner, that's what they're doing, asking him to resign. Force him to resign.

Hey, Kyra, I think the better question, though if that's so obvious, what does Anthony Weiner do now? I would suggest to my friend Cornell down there, I think the world of liberal cable news punditry just got more competitive.

(LAUGHTER)

PHILLIPS: Oh! John. JOHN AVLON, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: Look, as long as Weinergate keeps getting weirder, which it will, this story is going to keep dominating headlines. That's just the reality. And it has gone from stupid and obscene to sad with the news of his wife's pregnancy. But this continues to be a distraction. That's the reality -

PHILLIPS: Yes, that's true.

AVLON: -- unless he announces resignation.

PHILLIPS: And let's see what happens. Everybody saying that could be very close.

All right. I think it's pretty safe to say that Weiner's hopes of becoming New York's mayor are toast. So, let's talk about Alec Baldwin, shall we? He's saying that he's not really ruling out a run for that job. So, can he move from "30 Rock" to city hall? Will?

CAIN: Yes, yes he can. I mean, I think it's quite obvious now that the perfect political training is being given, what, like 20, 30 chances to read a cue card right and playing make believe all day. I mean, I've got the governor of California, a senator of Minnesota - and a senator - and a governor of Minnesota evidence.

Hope I didn't burst any bubbles there. You know, wrestling is acting.

PHILLIPS: Oh! Cornell.

BELCHER: You know, Will is right. This perplexes me, because, you know, to run a city like New York, it should take a skill set. It's not like senator where you could probably get away with not doing much. But to run a city like New York actually takes a skill set.

That said, if he runs as Democrat or an independent, he should hire me because I could probably get him elected.

(LAUGHTER)

PHILLIPS: John?

AVLON: Look, celebrity candidates have a high-name ID (ph). He would do very well in a crowded Democratic primary or as an independent. He'd have to show he's serious and understands the issues.

But look, we've got a long list of actors who run successfully for high office, especially Republicans in recent years. So, it's something if he considers, he'll continue to get a lost attention for.

Well, Jim Acosta and I decided if it really doesn't happen, that we are going to see an episode of "30 Rock" of this exact scenario. And he'll probably win.

OK, all right. The Buzzer Beater time, guys. Ten seconds only. A new Hillary Clinton comic book is hitting stores. So here's my question. What adventure, would you guys want to read about. Cornell?

BELCHER; Actually, she's used her platform to elevate women's rights across the globe. And, frankly, I think that's a really good thing. I think more of our kids should know about that.

PHILLIPS: There you go. Will.

CAIN: I want to read about the super power that transforms a jilted first lady of Arkansas into the first lady of the United States, a senator, a presidential candidate and the Secretary of State.

(LAUGHTER)

PHILLIPS: Okay. And, John, wrap us up.

AVLON: I'm going to go look for a more recent chapter. The adventure of Hillary's and Huma's trip to Africa. The conversation they had after Weinergate broke.

PHILLIPS: Oh, that would sell out within five minutes across the United States. That's for sure. Guys, thanks so much, it's always fun.

All right. Let's check our top stories as we go just past the half hour. Protests and violence raging on in Yemen. U.S. said it resumed air strikes in the country. And a military official tells CNN the U.S. believes that it's killed a top al Qaeda insurgent there.

And in Washington, the deficit front and center. Vice President Biden will hold his sixth meeting with the bipartisan lawmakers, hoping to hammer out a long-term plan to cut the deficit.

And the Casey Anthony murder trial. Anthony's brother took the witness stand this morning. He gave differing accounts how Caylee was kidnapped in an Orlando park. Casey Anthony faces seven counts of the death of her two-year-old daughter, Caylee.

We've got iPads, iPhones, now iPads and now iSpaceship? Steve Jobs unexpectedly shows up at a city council meeting to pitch his latest idea.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: The ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and a military operation in Libya. That's likely the top of the agenda at Leon Panetta's Senate confirmation hearing taking place right now. He's President Obama's pick to be the next secretary of defense. Panetta is described as one of the experienced, smartest players around with 40 years of public service.

Here's a quick snapshot of his background. Former Army intelligence officer, former California congressman. He was the director of the Office of Management and Budget during the Clinton administration. He also served as Clinton's chief of staff. Currently the 72-year-old is the director of CIA. Apple is known as being the head of the curve, and now the company's latest idea is for new headquarters that actually look like a spaceship. CEO Steve Jobs actually went to a city council meeting to pitch the plan himself.

Alison Kosik, how did that go? Probably a lot of shocked people in the room.

ALISON KOSIK, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: They were, Kyra. You know why? Because Jobs wasn't scheduled to be there, so it really was a big surprise when he walked in.

What he's looking to do is build a new Apple headquarters right in Cupertino, California, kind of near where the headquarters is right now. What happened was so many employees have been added to Apple, that they really outgrew their current building in Cupertino. They've rented extra offices.

But take a look at this new building. It's round, it's got a whole Kind of looks like a doughnut if you ask me. But if you ask Jobs, he'll say it looks like a spaceship. He wants to build this building that doesn't, as he says, look boring like these other office parks.

Now, Jobs is known for his pickiness, innovation and his designs. This building definitely shows that. Now, the parking is expected to be underground. That would free up space for landscaping. And guess what, Kyra? He plans to put an apricot orchard right in that doughnut hole. Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Oh, gosh! All right, well, we hear he also had some fighting words for the city council, right, if they don't approve his plans? What exactly happened?

KOSIK: Well, you know, the council asked him how the facility would benefit the town, why should we go ahead approve this building? Jobs responded with a bit of a threat. Listen to what he said.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

STEVE JOBS, CEO, APPLE: We're the largest taxpayer in Cupertino, so we'd like to continue to stay here and pay taxes. That's number one.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Okay.

(LAUGHTER)

JOBS: Because if we can't, then we have to go somewhere like Mountain View, and we take our current people with us -

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KOSIK: Ouch. So Mountain View, by the way, Kyra, is right where Google is, so them are fighting words, if you ask me.

PHILLIPS: Oh, yes.

KOSIK: So, the reality on this, the council is likely to go along with this. I mean, it can't risk losing all those jobs, all of that taxpayer money. Hey, even the city council made some comments about this building, calling it spectacular and elegant. Who wouldn't want apple in their back yard, right, Kyra?

PHILLIPS: Yes. I was going to say. The orchard, that's an interesting twist.

KOSIK: Yes. I'll go there just to visit.

PHILLIPS: Exactly. All right. Alison. Thanks.

In today's "Daily Dose," autism experts want scientists to take a new look at the possible connection between chemicals in the environment and the increasing numbers of children being diagnosed with autism. Research suggests that genetics plays a big part, but environmental health experts say toxic chemicals could also be factors in the neurological equation, especially during pregnancy. Roughly 1 in every 110 kids in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism.

Well, warning about some video that you're about to see. Two elephants went on a rampage this morning, and the images are pretty graphic. At least one person was killed in India. A little bit more on this pretty bizarre story, coming up next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, a frightening scene in southern India this morning. And I want to warn you that the video is pretty graphic.

Here's a look. Several elephants actually went wild, rampaging through city streets and killing at least one person and injuring three others. Now, authorities were finally able to stop them with tranquilizers. The animals apparently came into the city from a nearby forest.

Joining us now, Animal Planet's large predator expert, Dave Salmoni. So, Dave, I guess our first question, we're used to see elephants at the circus and not being violent in anyway whatsoever. Is this behavior normal for elephants in any way?

DAVE SALMONI, ANIMAL PLANET LARGE PREDATOR EXPERT: You know, unfortunately, it is pretty common. I think when you deal with such a big animal, I always say their ability to become aggressive is based on how smart they are. And elephants are one of the top. They are very, very intelligent. And when they get pushed to their limit, whether based on fear or just based on them being in a situation they don't want to be in, that aggression can be very violent.

PHILLIPS: Is there anything that could have prevented this or limited the danger to people there?

SALMONI: Of course, any time you work with dangerous animals -- I've been working with dangerous animals for about 15 years, you have to see this happen before it happens. You have to watch the animals' behavior and start to understand when it's starting to get uncomfortable and what's making it uncomfortable so you get out of that situation.

Unfortunately, as you see from the footage, once they start going - you know, rampaging, you will not stop them. They are way too big, way too aggressive and way too physically capable. You have to stop them before it starts.

PHILLIPS: So, stopping them with the tranquilizers, was that the best way to ham the sideways in your eyes?

SALMONI: You know, it certainly helps that they didn't shoot it. I think in North America, a rifle would have come out long before a tranquilizer. Unfortunately, for tranquilizers, they take three to five minutes to work. So I'm glad the authorities chose to use a tranquilizer. I know in India it's illegal to shoot an elephant because they are revered as a god. So, that might be some reason why they didn't kill it.

I'm happy that the animal was left (ph) because the animal was just acting naturally, the way it normally does. Unfortunately, it just conflicts with being in the middle of a city.

PHILLIPS: Dave, you bring up a good point. You're talking about the god Ganesh, which is supposed to be the protector of all of the obstacles. And quite a different twist when you saw what happened in India.

All right "Animal Planet's" Dave Salmoni got a new show coming out June 23. And you'r going to join us at the end of the month and tell us about it, right?

SALMONI: Sure will. Thanks very much!

PHILLIPS: You bet. We look forward to it. Thanks, Dave.

SALMONI: Bye-bye.

PHILLIPS: Well, the GOP's crowded presidential field. Lots of names and so far, very little glitz. Will a star be born? Our Candy Crowley gives us a rundown.

But first, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just released a list of the highest rates of driver deaths. Top five, Nissan, 350z, two-door. Nissan Titan crew cab, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Cobalt and Nissan Titan extended cab.

We're going to show you the study's safest cars right after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, before the break, we showed you the five most dangerous vehicles, according to the latest ratings by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Now here's the vehicles with the lowest rates of driver deaths. The Audi A6 four-door four wheel drive. Also the Mercedes E-class four-door, four wheel drive. Toyota Sienna.

All right. Let's look ahead at some stories making headlines today.

Coming up at noon, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and others are expected to call on the government to stop providing subsidies to oil and gas companies.

Then at 12:30 Eastern, Vice President Biden will hold his sixth meaning with the bipartisan group of lawmakers tasked with hammering out a long-term plan to cut the deficit

And at 4:45, President Obama will hold a White House meeting with his counterpart from the African nation of Gabon.

Coming up in the next hour of NEWSROOM with Suzanne Malveaux, just when you think thins couldn't get worse for Anthony Weiner, a full frontal photo of the congressman is leaked by two radio shock jocks. Will he be forced out of office? We'll be taking a look at that next hour.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Presidential race, 2012. Republicans have a pretty diverse field with seemingly a candidate for every taste. CNN's Candy Crowley actually takes closer look for us.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CANDY CROWLEY, CNN CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: No arguing the field has breadth. There is Mitt Romney, the former Republican governor of liberal Massachusetts who needs to convince primary doubters of his core conservativism.

MITT ROMNEY (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Now, we're going to return responsibility and authority to the state force dozens of government programs. And that will begin with a complete repeal of Obamacare.

CROWLEY: And there is Texas Congressman Ron Paul on his third run at the Oval Office. Sometimes referred to as the "intellectual godfather of the Tea Party," he'll need to convince doubters he's more than a conversation mover.

RON PAUL (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: There are many who would like to belittle this effort, but let me tell you, there is an old saying. Three's a charm.

(APPLAUSE)

CROWLEY: It's largely a field of formers, not a contemporary marquee name nor a perfect fit in the bunch.

QUESTION: When are you going to announce?

NEWT GINGRICH (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: 9:00 tonight.

CROWLEY: Former house speaker Newt Gingrich, a conservative big- idea guy who often careens off message and carries some personal baggage.

GINGRICH: If we want a new and better direction, we're going to need a new and better president.

CROWLEY: Former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty. Chief executive material, he maneuvered his way through two terms in one of the bluest states in the country, but he'll have to defend that record to a conservative base and work on upping his campaign skills to the national level.

TIM PAWLENTY (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Who are you, Mr. President, to say that you and your administration should take 40 cents out of every dollar and borrow it from future generations to prop you up?

CROWLEY: Former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum, a fave of social conservatives whose first pressing problem is convincing people he has a shot at powerhouse Team Obama.

HERMAN CAIN (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Hope and change is not a solution. Hope and change is not a job.

CROWLEY: And the former CEO of Godfather's Pizza, Herman Cain. A conservative radio host dismissed by Republican stalwarts as entertainment. He has nonetheless found some poll traction.

Almost 40 percent of Republicans say, they're not satisfied with this field. Critics have called it weak, but a top Republican strategist thinks it's more like wide open, American-style.

ED GILLESPIE, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: People like to have a lot of choices. When they go into the grocery store and looking at cereals, they want a lot - a big array of choices. The same is true for activists and others. They want a lot of choices. And that's the case until things are settled.

Tea Party star Congresswoman Michele Bachmann and former Utah governor and U.S. ambassador to China Jon Huntsman are two of the premier unsettled pieces of the Republican puzzle. But they need to get in now if not earlier. People are choosing sides. Campaign money is finite, and time is almost up.

GILLESPIE: The (INAUDIBLE) straw poll is less than three months away, which is the first, you know, real event of the primary cycle. So, yes, time is beginning to -- the counter is beginning to accelerate.

CROWLEY (voice-over): Just 516 days until the 2012 election.

Candy Crowley, CNN, Washington. (END VIDEOTAPE)

PHILLIPS: And our Suzanne Malveaux takes it from here.

You were a White House correspondent. You've got to be excited about the election.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN ANCHOR: Can hardly wait for this election.

PHILLIPS: Yes, this is your thing.

MALVEAUX: This is going to be fantastic, and it's interesting. It's very interesting, a wide range of candidates. And of course there's Obama on one side and all the Republicans on the other.

PHILLIPS: There you go. And all these new names tossing their hat into the ring.

MALVEAUX: Yes. All right. Have a great afternoon, Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Thanks, Suzanne.