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Romney Begins Day In South Carolina; Boston Globe Endorses Huntsman; Santorum Booed In New Hampshire; Independent New Hampshire Voters Feeling Ignored; Unemployment Slips to 8.5 Percent; 200,000 Jobs Created In December; Three Cadets Accused Of Sexual Assault; Alleged Oklahoma Intruder Free On Bail; Violent End To Police Chase; Syria Blames Terrorists For Blast; Mary Kaye Huntsman Interview

Aired January 06, 2012 - 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: It's the top of the hour. Thanks for joining us. We begin with presidential politics.

GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney is so confident of his lead in New Hampshire that he begins his day in South Carolina. That's the primary battleground that follows.

Joe Johns is there in Conway, South Carolina for us. You were at a Romney event this morning. What kind of reception did he get?

JOE JOHNS, CNN SENIOR CORRESPONDENT: I have to tell you, a lot of energy for him. He also came sort of with all his big guns in South Carolina. He had John McCain, the senator from Arizona who ran last time, actually won the primary here in South Carolina.

Also had the governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley who has already endorsed Mitt Romney and even taking a little bit of heat for that. One thing that's very interesting about Mitt Romney in both of his stops here in South Carolina, he really didn't discuss his chief rival for the nomination at this stage.

That would be Rick Santorum, but he kind of left that to John McCain who went after it with glee. Let's listen to what John McCain said about Rick Santorum. The issue, of course, is earmarks, which is something that Santorum was very much engaged in when he was in the United States House and the Senate. So listen to this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint have joined with me time after time to go to the floor of the Senate to fight against the earmark pork barrel corruption that goes on in Washington, D.C. Earmarks are a gateway to corruption and I can tell you that neither Mitt Romney nor Rick Santorum share that view.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

JOHNS: It didn't quite get the delivery of that last line just right. Actually, I don't think he wanted to say that Mitt Romney more or less shared the view. Still, the other half of that sound bite and probably the most important thing he said out here was he brought Newt Gingrich into the picture.

The rest of the sound bite said when Newt Gingrich was speaker of the House, earmarks exploded. When Rick Santorum sponsored earmark after earmark, he said went to the floor and fought against those.

So not only is John McCain out here going after Rick Santorum and his earmarking when he was in the United States Congress, he's also now including Newt Gingrich in that as well.

So the other thing I have to say about John McCain, it's important to mention him here in South Carolina because you know he is seen as a war hero. Got a very warm reception among the people I saw in the audience here, some of whom were veterans of the military.

So it looks like the Romney campaign is betting that John McCain is going to help them increase the numbers of people who support the Romney campaign as we get closer to the primary. Kyra, back to you.

PHILLIPS: OK, Joe Johns. Thanks so much. We'll continue to talk with you obviously throughout the day especially as these live events take place with the candidates.

Just four days before the New Hampshire primary, Republican candidates are blitzing the state, as you know. Right now long-shot candidate Jon Huntsman is wrapping up his event in Concord. He ignored Iowa and has gambled big on New Hampshire.

Poor showing there could doom his campaign, but today Huntsman has a big endorsement too. The "Boston Globe" actually chose him over former Massachusetts governor saying, quote, "While Mitt Romney proceeds cautiously, strategically trying to apiece enough constituencies to get himself the nomination, Huntsman has been bold. Rather than merely sketch out policies, he articulates goals and ideals."

Jim Acosta is in Concord for us. So, Jim, let's talk about how important and how surprising really is this endorsement?

JIM ACOSTA, CNN POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: It's a big endorsement for Jon Huntsman. I mean, this could his moment. It could be coming at just the right time for him. I mean, it's, you know, just a few days before the New Hampshire primaries.

So better late than never, but I have to tell you, Kyra, just a few moments ago, I can't even show you the video, I wish we could, we just couldn't feed it to you in time because it just happened, we were all chasing Jon Huntsman out of this room here inside this ballroom that we're standing in.

This was the largest media scrum that I've seen around Jon Huntsman since the beginning of this campaign. It goes to show you what an endorsement from "The Boston Globe" can do. It sort of changes the game in that it brings a lot of media attention.

It says, wait a minute. Maybe this candidate might be for real after all. He was giving some pretty fiery comments in his remarks just a moment ago. He was asked about the corporations are people too line from Mitt Romney. Jon Huntsman said, who would say such a thing? You know, he repeated this comment that he has made from time to time on the campaign trail telling this young audience of college students, you're getting screwed, in his words, because of what's happening with the national deficit.

You do get the sense that the former governor of Utah is kind of going for broke, putting all his chips in because he realizes a bad showing in New Hampshire means he might be out of this race. So I think he's trying to do everything he can at this point to sort of rachet up the energy around his campaign -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Now Rick Santorum, as you know, Jim, surged in Iowa, but got a pretty frosty reception in New Hampshire. Tell us about that.

ACOSTA: Well, you know, I will say that his crowds have been pretty big. I would say, you know, state wide he's gotten a pretty good reception here in New Hampshire, but there was an incident that happened at this very sight when we were standing here yesterday listening to former Senator Santorum talk to some college students here and the issue of same-sex marriage came up.

As you know, Santorum has made some controversial comments about homosexuality in the past. It gave an interview where it sounded like he was comparing it to bestiality. He's compared it to polygamy and again, he made the comparison to polygamy yesterday. I just want to play for you a little bit of that sound because it was not a good reception. He was booed as he was leaving the podium.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RICK SANTORUM (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Let me thank you all very, very much for being here, for your time and attention. Thanks.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ACOSTA: Now something else is very interesting that's happening with the Santorum campaign right now. We're all sort of wondering what's going on here. Out in Iowa, Kyra, there is a local station, KCCI.

That is reporting that one of those precincts may have miscounted one of the ballots in one of those precincts that may affect the overall vote count or the overall total in the Iowa caucuses and may tip the end result to Rick Santorum.

Now Santorum did an interview on Fox News late last night saying he doesn't think it's going to tip-in his direction but, you know, as has been the case throughout this campaign, Kyra, it's sort of buckle your seat belts. You never know what's going to develop next.

So it's going to be interesting to watch happens out of Iowa. Perhaps Rick Santorum won that caucus after all. It's not clear that he did, but those questions are starting to be raised. Of course, that might have an impact on what's happening here in New Hampshire as well -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right, Jim Acosta. Thanks so much.

Later this hour, Jon Huntsman's wife, Mary Kaye, is going to join me. She's been helping him out on the stage in New Hampshire. We're going to ask her why many voters don't seem to see what she and "The Boston Globe" see in her husband. That live interview coming up.

New Hampshire's large group of independent voters often decides elections in the state, but many of them are just not fired up about Tuesday's primary. They say the candidates haven't even connected with them. Dan Lothian is in Manchester, New Hampshire, with more. Hi, Dan.

DAN LOTHIAN, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: You know, you're hearing that frustration when you talk to people out on the streets. You hear it on talk radio as well. Not only independent voters, but all voters here, they really pride themselves in being able to get up close and personal with the candidates.

They like to feel them. They like to experience them. It really is retail politics, classic retail politics. But some of these voters this time around feel like they're being ignored.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LOTHIAN (voice-over): For the Republican presidential hopefuls, New Hampshire is the second stop on the road to the White House, but unlike the first stop in Iowa, independent voters who make up about 40 percent of the electorate are in the driver's seat.

Most come to the table with strong partisan views according to the University of New Hampshire's Andrew Smith.

ANDREW SMITH, UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE: Some of them are Democrats. Some of them are true independents. Most of them are really Republicans.

LOTHIAN: But Elizabeth Ossoff from New Hampshire's Institute of Politics says don't call them renegades.

ELIZABETH OSSOFF, NEW HAMPSHIRE'S INSTITUTE OF POLITICS: I wouldn't call them renegades as much as I would call them fiercely independent in the sense that they're going to make up their own minds.

LOTHIAN: What happened in Iowa or what the pundants predict doesn't necessarily sell in New Hampshire. Voters here relish the vetting process. Large town hall meetings are a kind of appetizer to the real meal, that up close encounter on Main Street.

But New Hampshire radio host, Paul Wescott says some of his listeners feel like some contenders have tuned them out.

PAUL WESCOTT, RADIO HOST: The candidates, they came. Some of them have spent a lot of time here.

LOTHIAN: Like Jon Huntsman, Mitt Romney, and early on Rick Santorum, but --

WESCOTT: It just didn't happen as much. The candidates kind of stayed away.

LOTHIAN: Their daily planners were packed with a lot of debates, visits to Iowa and national media interviews. In an election cycle where Republicans are having a difficult time rallying behind one candidate, some independent voters here are still scratching their heads.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The Republican field, I'm not too impressed.

LOTHIAN: Mitt Romney, the former governor from neighboring Massachusetts, has consistently maintained a 2:1 lead over his closest opponents, the clear frontrunner in the granite state. But Smith says it's not a warm embrace.

SMITH: Romney may not like it too much, but probably the guy with the best chance. So I think that's the kind of dynamic that's going on as well.

LOTHIAN: Former Senator Rick Santorum is getting a second look after his near victory in Iowa. Newt Gingrich is attacking the front-runner who cost him his fortunes in Iowa.

OSSOFF: I think it's dangerous to make predictions in New Hampshire. I really do and I think you have to wait until the last possible minute.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LOTHIAN: In the most recent poll, the Suffolk University poll, Mitt Romney continues to hold a big lead over his closest competitor, Ron Paul. Rick Santorum is seeing a little bit of a bump as well.

But the big number we're paying attention to, 15 percent still undecided. So that's why you're seeing these candidates working very hard holding those town hall meetings, running those ads on television trying to make that final pitch in these final days -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Dan, thanks.

Some good news in our economy. New sign the recovery is actually gaining some traction. This morning we've learned that 200,000 jobs were created in December. That number better than expected. Christine Romans is here to break it down for us. So how big is this really?

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: You know, 200,000 jobs in one month, you know, I mean, this is good. This shows the economy is moving forward, but we lost a lot of jobs, Kyra. So it still really hurts. We want to see what the trend is like overall and if it's sustainable.

We need more months like this. Let me show you the trend. I want to walk away and show you the trend here because you can see over the past year, we've finally have some jobs gains. You can see that for the year we added 1.6 million jobs.

This is December, the final number for December. Things sort of picked up speed in the end of the year. This is the middle of the year. Remember we kept talking about double dip recession? This was a very troubling time in the economy.

We were worried that things weren't going to get going again, and there you have that. I want to take a bigger, broader look though. This is the perspective. This is what the jobs market has looked like since all the way back in 2008.

This is the beginning of all of our financial problems, financial crisis then a recession. I mean, if you look, Kyra, at this right here, this was a horrible moment, a horrible series of moments for the United States economy and for the American worker.

Then you had some stimulus. You had some census hiring and then slow and steady improvement with some steps back since then. So this is the overall trend. Taking just one month, Kyra, one month of a trend is sort of difficult.

I'll tell you why because even the White House says you can't just look at one month and say this is the way the economy is going to be. We have a lot of concerns. We have a lot of people still out of work.

In fact, when I say things are slowly improving and hiring is up, I get all this e-mail for people saying not for me. I don't feel this.

PHILLIPS: Where are the jobs?

ROMANS: So the jobs we saw in the end of last year, we saw jobs in warehousing, package delivery, retail, in hotels, in restaurants. This is probably a lot of seasonal-type hiring, doing a lot more online shopping. Anything that has to do from putting a package from a warehouse on to a truck, we saw jobs there. For the year we saw 280,000 government jobs lost. That's a trend that will continue.

I mean, the government is going to be losing jobs and losing a lot of jobs over the next few years as we tighten these budgets. That's something that's going to be a drag on the economy. But health care, mining, manufacturing, we did see jobs gains at the end of the year in those areas.

PHILLIPS: Thank you, Christine.

New violence in Syria today. State media says that a suicide bomber attacked a Damascus neighborhood, but an opposition figure blames the blast on the government. More on that story just ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Let's take a look at stories cross-country now. Three Air Force academy cadets charged with sexual assault. The academy says the three separate cases actually happened over a 15-month period on the academy's campus. Two of the alleged victims were fellow cadets.

An Oklahoma man accused of breaking in the home of a young widow is out on bail. Dustin Lewis Stewart is charged in the shooting death of his alleged accomplice who was actually shot and killed by the homeowner. Prosecutors say that Stewart is the one responsible since the death happened during a crime.

And a frightening end to a police chase in Oklahoma City. Watch as the four burglary suspects in a car actually collide with the truck and a van then the suspects flee. Three of them were later captured, one still on the loose.

A suicide bombing in a densely populated area of Damascus, Syria, kills at least 25 people. That's coming from state media which is blaming terrorists for the attack.

CNN's Arwa Damon following that story from Beirut, Lebanon. So, Arwa, what exactly are you hearing now?

ARWA DAMON, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, according to state television, it was a suicide bomber at a traffic light that exploded at around 11:00 in the morning.

Now this is a neighborhood that is not just densely populated, but it is in the very heart of the capital. Let's remember from the onset of this uprising the Syrian government has been blaming armed terrorist gangs for the violence saying that it's quite simply cracking down on them.

We also saw massive pro-government demonstrations across the entire capital. People are chanting their support for the Assad regime. But the activists are saying this violence was actually carried out by the government itself because, they say, the government wants to force them off the streets, tarnish their reputation.

And make a point to the Arab League that it is, in fact, targeting armed gangs, which activists are saying is not true. When it comes to this particular neighborhood, it's one of the phi neighborhoods in the heart of the capital that's seen regular demonstrations since this uprising began.

One activist we spoke to who was 22 years old said even after the explosion, after hundreds of security forces were in that particular area they still took to the streets.

But he said that once again they were fired on and that he personally witnessed a 10-year-old child so severely wounded, he says the child was unconscious when security forces took him away -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right, Arwa Damon. We'll stay on the story. Thank you.

Straight ahead, Blue's singer Etta James is out of the hospital. We've got the latest on her condition.

Plus Tiger Woods' ex-wife not so happy with her $12 million home. So we'll show you just how unhappy coming up in showbiz headlines.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Legendary singer Etta James has been released from the hospital. "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" host, A.J. Hammer is joining us live from New York with all the details -- A.J.

A.J. HAMMER, HOST, HLN'S "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT": Well, Kyra, I wish it was better news. Even though Etta James has been released from the hospital, she is terminally ill. She is currently in stable condition.

She's at home with her husband and family by her side, but an attorney for her sons telling CNN that she is, as they put it, nearing the end of her time. The legendary singer has spent the last two weeks in the hospital battling the final stages of leukemia and dementia.

So at least she's home now and she's resting comfortably. Kyra, I am a huge Etta fan. I always will be, truly a legend and of course, revered as one of the greatest singers of all time. She's won multiple Grammy awards.

She's a member of the rock and roll hall of fame and of course, Kyra, her version of "At Last" that's the one that made the song a classic. And of course, we will have that forever.

PHILLIPS: And such a remarkable background, broke so many barriers. A.J., I am with you on that.

Well, much different story, shall we say. Tiger Woods' ex-wife wanting to get rid of the old and bring in the new.

HAMMER: Yes, she had a house that she was going to do some work on and instead called in the bulldozers. This was supposed to be a complete remodel. Instead, it turned into what I am coming to call extreme home makeover millionaire divorcee edition.

The house that's no longer wasn't too shabby, 17,000 square feet, eight bedrooms, had an elevator, all kinds of stuff. Elin bought it about a year ago. According to the "Palm Beach Post," she had planned to renovate the mansion.

It was built in 1932. Well, after construction got underway there was a change of heart. Now, she's going to be building her dream home on the property with some of her reported $100 million divorce settlement from Tiger Woods.

But Kyra, kind of makes you wonder if maybe she was picturing anyone in particular's face as the wrecking ball was swinging into the house?

PHILLIPS: I think you just named a new reality TV show in addition to the regular extreme makeover. I get divorced and decide to bulldoze my home makeover. HAMMER: Look, we may be on to something. They did cancel that show. It's not on regularly anymore. Maybe this could be the next phase of that.

PHILLIPS: There you go. A.J., thanks. Have a great weekend.

If you want all information breaking in the entertainment world, A.J.'s got it, every night "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" 11:00 Eastern on HLN.

Still ahead, Jon Huntsman's wife, Mary Kaye, is joining us live. She says that he married way above himself so we're looking forward to talking with her. We're going to ask about the man that she knows better than anyone else and what she knows that voters don't.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Checking top stories now. The so-called underwear bomber goes back to court in Detroit for a pre-trial hearing. Umar Faruk Abdul Mutallab is representing himself and that could actually delay things. He's accused of trying to blow up a Detroit-bound plane with 290 people on board Christmas Day in 2009.

And we now know that Jakadrien Turner's family plans to sue several U.S. agencies for mistakenly deporting her to Colombia. The family's lawyer would not give CNN a dollar figure. Diplomats in Colombia have started the process of sending Jakadrien home.

And boxer, Floyd Mayweather heads to prison in Las Vegas. He'll serve a 90-day sentence for battery. Mayweather pleaded guilty in a domestic violence case in 2010 during an attack on his ex- girlfriend while their children watched.

Good news on the state of the economy, 200,000 jobs were added in December and the unemployment rate fell to 8.5 percent. Alison Kosik is at the New York Stock Exchange with the take away from this report. Hi, Alison.

ALISON KOSIK, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Kyra. You know what the big take away from this report is, it's that 2011 was a year of big improvement, especially when you look at how the second half of the year did.

As you look at the whole year though, 1.6 million jobs were added last year. Want a little more perspective on this? Look at the big picture view. In 2008 and 2009 more than 8 million jobs were lost. Poof, they went away.

But then you go ahead and look at 2010, you saw that come back starting. It really picked up last year. Other positives for you, there are fewer people working part time now for economic reasons, possibly because they're finding full-time jobs.

Also the job gains that we're seeing from this report that just came out are widespread. Now the government in this report measures almost 20 major sectors and when you look at it closely, only one of those sectors cut jobs, government. Glass half full, my friend. Glass half full.

PHILLIP: All right, well, if the economy is improving, then why aren't we seeing a big rally today on Wall Street?

KOSIK: You know what, call it human nature. You know, since things are improving, Kyra, expectations are rising. You know, the economy has kind of taken off its training wheels at this point. But we really haven't seen it move into the fast lane where everybody wants it to be.

You know, Wall Street wants to see the U.S. economy and especially this job creation really pick up more speed, but you have to be realistic. Normal could be three to four years away. Also, many people who are coming back into the work force are taking lower paying jobs.

That doesn't do much for consumer confidence. Not helping consumer confidence either, Europe. Europe's debt issues, those are still simmering in the background and we're likely going to see that sort of way over the mark. It's going to limit any rally that you're likely to see -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Alison, thanks so much.

All right, let's talk presidential politics, shall we? Rick Santorum delivered a winning message in Iowa rallying the support of conservatives and Evangelicals coming within eight votes of winning the caucuses.

Now as he head to South Carolina, he faces more skepticism even from the base that ignited his new momentum. CNN's David Mattingly explains.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAVID MATTINGLY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Game on. Rick Santorum may have surged on a wave of Evangelical support in Iowa, but now he has to show South Carolina conservatives he's not just a one-state sensation. They're looking for someone who can beat President Obama.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's what they're saying, that's right.

MATTINGLY (on camera): They're looking for a winner.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's exactly right.

MATTINGLY (voice-over): Across the crowded Republican field, conservative positions on social issues like gay marriage and abortion are a given. Southern politics and religion expert James Guth says Santorum can't win South Carolina on faith alone.

(on camera): When it comes to values, he's in.

JAMES GUTH, SOUTHERN POLITICS AND RELIGION EXPERT: I think he's in good stead with South Carolina Republicans.

MATTINGLY: And then he's got to show them he's got what it takes on the economy?

GUTH: He's got to be more than one-issue or two-issue candidate.

MATTINGLY: And defense?

GUTH: Defense is very important here.

MATTINGLY (voice-over): South Carolina Evangelicals are more politically diverse than they were in 2008 when they gave one-time Baptist Minister Mike Huckabee a strong second place finish, their priorities changing with the times.

(on camera): What's the number one issue to you?

(voice-over): At the weekly fellowship dinner at the Millbrook Baptist Church in Aiken, I find people ready to vote first with their wallets.

GAYLE CROSWELL, SOUTH CAROLINA VOTER: Jobs.

MATTINGLY (on camera): The economy, jobs?

CROSWELL: Jobs. More people need jobs. More people have got training for jobs they just can't find.

MATTINGLY (voice-over): But faith is still an issue. And in these matters, Evangelicals tell me they are looking for consistency.

HAL STEVENSON, PALMETTO FAMILY COUNCIL: We divide the lines about who's the most pure sometimes and so --

MATTINGLY: What do you mean?

STEVENSON: Well --

MATTINGLY: Purely conservative?

STEVENSON: Purely on the social issues dependable. So last time Huckabee was very dependable from that and he's a Baptist pastor.

MATTINGLY: Well, who would be that dependable this go round?

STEVENSON: It would be Santorum I believe at this point.

MATTINGLY (voice-over): It's a start but no guarantee. Santorum still has to prove to South Carolina's Evangelicals and social conservatives he has a plan to govern and the ability to win it all.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: David Mattingly joining us now live from Greenville, South Carolina. So David, how much will Santorum have to tailor his message? MATTINGLY: Well, as we've heard from Evangelicals and conservatives here, they already trust his record as far as how he stands on family values and things like that. He's got to show them that he can lead and that he can win.

Everyone here very anxious to find a front-runner that they believe can beat President Obama in November.

PHILLIPS: David Mattingly. Thanks so much.

Well, Jon Huntsman is the one Republican flavor who hasn't had a month. He's the underdog and he knows it.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JON HUNTSMAN (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I'm the underdog in this race. I don't make any bones about that. But you know what, New Hampshire loves the underdog. The underdogs come into this state willing to work it hard with a message that connects with real people.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: But he still isn't connecting with voters. He's near the bottom in New Hampshire. But his daughters sure have connected. From the "Jon 2012 Girls" music videos to their 20,000 plus Twitter followers, now you're going to meet his most prized secret weapon, Mrs. Huntsman, Mrs. Underdog.

Mary Kaye Huntsman joining me live from Manchester, New Hampshire. Good to see you, Mary Kaye.

MARY KAYE HUNTSMAN, JON HUNTSMAN'S WIFE: Mrs. Underdog. That's right.

PHILLIPS: All right.

M. HUNTSMAN: How are you?

PHILLIPS: It's good to see you.

Listen, you -- you've known your husband for -- you've been married to him for 28 years. He's got quite an impressive resume. He's intelligent, he's talented, he's got a great sense of humor. He was just endorsed by "The Boston Globe" this morning. So why is he an afterthought in the minds of Republican voters nationwide?

M. HUNTSMAN: I don't think he's an afterthought. Really I think that what's happening is people are coming around as we're seeing here in New Hampshire. I mean, every event that we're going to is growing with enthusiasm, with energy. I think when he got into this race he was immediately dismissed because he had crossed party lines and taken the job to work as United States ambassador to China.

As a wife I'm very proud of that because he stood up to serve his country. We have two boys serving in the United States Navy. And the commitment to service has always been something very important in our family. And I'm -- I'm proud of him for standing up and serving.

I think what has happened is the Republican Party is beginning to take full circle around and come being back and looking for the first time at him and realizing that they forgot to notice that he is the most conservative of -- the most consistent conservative, actually, in the race.

And he is a consistent man in all things that he does. Genuine, a realist; common sense; sane. Honest. These are the things that people come up and say to us after, genuine.

PHILLIPS: Well, Mary Kaye, but he's still the one who hasn't broken through and hit the top with voters. Why isn't he connecting? What do you think it is?

M. HUNTSMAN: I think that we've just gotten through the silly season of the early stages of the primary where people are lighting their hair on fire and making sound bytes. That's not who Jon is. And as people begin to sit and listen to him, I cannot tell you the feeling that we have here in New Hampshire when they walk out from an event, holding his signs, taking his bumper stickers. They would all come and say we had no idea what he is all about.

He is the real deal. And I think as people get to know him more and more I find that they find that he is genuine. He is dependable. He is a leader and he can win.

PHILLIPS: What do you say to those Republicans that say that your husband is running for the wrong party?

M. HUNTSMAN: I say that the reason that they feel that way honestly is because he has the ability to unite people. He's not an extremist. He's never going to be on the extreme fringe of any party. But what he's going to be is a realist and he's going to bring people together.

I think this country has an entire huge carved out middle that has no home right now. Jon represents that. And the people that come up to him that are just common sense, good-hearted Americans, recognize that and see that for what it is.

PHILLIPS: Mary Kaye, his conservative credentials aren't of tremendous importance in New Hampshire. But what is he going to do in South Carolina where Evangelicals make up a huge part of the electorate? How is he going to convince them that he is that real deal, that he is a real conservative?

M. HUNTSMAN: I think the more people get to know him they see that he's genuine. And to me that is important. You have to look at the things that you look for in a candidate and I think that you're going to look for someone that has had government experience, preferably running a state. Someone who's had business experience and can get this economy back on track. Someone who has extensive foreign policy, which I think everybody knows, there's no one quite like Jon when it comes to foreign policy. And someone who has the ability to unite this country together that has never been so divided. If you put those four things together, I think Jon comes out on top. I just hope that the American people are able to look at those things in him, recognize that, and I know that when they do that, they're going to know they have a winner.

PHILLIPS: Mary Kaye, if you don't mind staying with me. I want to take a quick break. I've got a couple more questions for you.

M. HUNTSMAN: No problem.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: And we're back with Jon Huntsman's wife, Mary Kaye. Mary Kaye, a big part of winning the nomination is electability, and -- and not only is your husband pretty much off the map right now, but many Republicans have said that there's not enough of a contrast between him and Obama.

So how could he ever beat Barack Obama?

M. HUNTSMAN: I think if you look at Jon's record, you look at his background, you look at how he governed as a governor in Utah and you see his consistent record as a conservative, they are very -- there very much is a contrast. I think what he's running on is unique to all the candidates and to President Obama as well, and that is he's running on this trust deficit that we have in our country.

He says that obviously we need to have term limits. Nobody's talking about that. He's talking about closing the revolving door and letting Congress go and be lobbyists saying, no more. And saying that, you know, we have banks that are too big to fail. He's the only one that is bold enough to talk about that.

Today the Boston Globe endorsed him. And that was one of the things they talked about. He's bold and he is courageous in the fact that he is not afraid to stand up and say what he feels is right. That's what I think people are growing to love about him. And that is that he always will stand up for what he feels is right whether it is popular.

I will tell you he is not a politician. He's a states man. He's a gentleman. He's thoughtful and he thinks through each of the issues. And I think people that have been around him understand that he has incredible judgment and wisdom. I think these are things that are very important. I think there's a contrast when you look at what he brings to the table versus some of the others.

PHILLIPS: You mentioned this morning's endorsement. You know, he dissed Iowa saying Iowa picks corn, New Hampshire picks presidents. Of high profile endorsements now, he has said who cares. Do you think he's being too cavalier here with party tradition?

M. HUNTSMAN: I think what he's talking about is the fact that here in New Hampshire people want to shake your hand. They want to know your heart and your soul. We have been through this state through and through, and we have met the people of this great state. He has done the groundwork.

As we saw in Iowa, Rick Santorum did a lot of that there and it paid off for him. As we're doing here in New Hampshire, we're not looking at polls. We're not reading the news. All we're saying is we feel it on the ground and we feel an energy and an excitement. I think there will be a surprise on Tuesday as people see that he does better than expectations.

PHILLIPS: We saw a surprise in Iowa, that's for sure. We will be following this. I have to ask you two quick questions now. We've got the serious questions out of the way.

Your husband's very direct, straight to the point and genuine. Come on now, tell me, is this stressful? Is it hard doing these interviews and getting out there and being the wife to a candidate and having to do these interviews?

M. HUNTSMAN: You know what, when you believe in someone as I do in him, I know he's the real deal. And I know that he has been the most undiscovered leader out there. I think he's been the most undervalued stock and underestimated. So it is exciting to get out there and watch him.

That to me is thrilling as I watch him with a group. As I did last night at a town hall. People walk in and don't know him very well. And they walk out with a standing ovation saying where has he been? This is the guy we're looking for. And they take his signs and his bumper stickers out.

That says something about what he's able to do and that is to bring people -- it's something you feel. I think when you go to the voting booth you generally put down the way a candidate makes you feel. And he's inspirational. People feel good when they're around him.

I think he brings a sense of confidence and he's someone that you know without a doubt that you'd be in great hands. No one ever says that he's not experienced and he's not ready to lead this country.

PHILLIPS: Mary Kaye --

M. HUNTSMAN: They may say he crossed a party line, this or that, but they don't say those things.

KYRA: We'll see what happens. We enjoyed your daughters reaching out to the Romney boys. We liked the interesting flirtation that was happening via Twitter. Could we possibly see some dating possibilities between the Romney sons and the Huntsman girls?

M. HUNTSMAN: Well, I think the Romney sons are all married and taken. We've got one married and happily so and two others out on the prowl. So other than that, they're having a great time. They really are.

And I think that the kids of these campaigns are enjoying it. You're finding spouses more involved. You're findings kids more involved, families more involved. And I think that -- I think it's great. We all have a great time.

PHILLIPS: Well, your family's involved, that's for sure. Mary Kaye Huntsman, thanks for your time today --

M. HUNTSMAN: That's for sure.

PHILLIPS: -- I appreciate it.

M. HUNTSMAN: Thank you so much, Kyra.

PHILLIPS: You bet.

Straight ahead, the man once suspected in Natalee Holloway's disappearance but never charged goes on trial in Peru for murder. And his victim has a legendary name in south America.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, he's a familiar name, maybe a little too familiar. Joran Van Der Sloot, once suspected but never charged with Natalee Holloway's disappearance in Aruba. Now he's on trial for murder in Peru. And the victim's family's name is legendary.

Here's Rafael Romo.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RAFAEL ROMO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Joran Van Der Sloot has spent the past 18 months as an inmate at the Castro Castro prison in Peru's capital city of Lima. Some inmates see the 24-year-old Dutchman as a celebrity.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He's one of us. In these four walls, he has everything to do with us. We don't have nothing against him.

ROMO: After his arrest in Chile in June of 2010, he was sent back to Peru and taken to the Lima Prison to await trial in the robbery and beating death of 21-year-old Stephany Flores. This surveillance video shows Flores and Van Der Sloot playing poker at a local casino. Another video shows the couple entering Van Der Sloot's hotel room where the victim's lifeless body would later be found.

She had suffered multiple injuries, a broken neck, and was covered in blood. The killing happened on May 30th, 2010, exactly five years after Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway disappeared in Aruba after spending time with Van Der Sloot.

Though arrested as a suspect in Holloway's death, Van Der Sloot, then 17, was never charged due to a lack of evidence. In Peru Van Der Sloot, initially confessed to killing Flores.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So it is true and I'm going to ask you this. You can say yes or no. Did you kill Stephany Tatiana?

JORAN VAN DER SLOOT, ON TRIAL FOR MURDER OF STEPHANY FLORES: Yes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You killed Stephany Tatiana Flores, right?

VAN DER SLOOT: Yes.

ROMO: But Van Der Sloot later recanted. His attorneys say he was not given a translator during his interrogation. Peruvian authorities say they have done everything according to law.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): The statement given by the Dutch citizen where he declares himself convicted and confesses his crime was done according to the formalities of the law.

ROMO: Unlike other inmates at the prison, Van Der Sloot has a cell to himself. And he still has the support of his family and some friends.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What the media portrays him as is far from the truth. He's a good person and a good friend. He's not the serial killer sociopath psychopath you guys, the media makes him out to be.

ROMO: The Flores family says it wants Van Der Sloot to be punished to the maximum extent of the law.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We need justice. He's psycho. A murderer. And he has to pay.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PHILLIPS: Rafael joining me live. Stephany Flores, the daughter of this racing legend. I mean this must have Peruvians extremely furious with him?

ROMO: That is right. The Floreses are a very prominent family. The father of Stephany Flores at one time was a race car driver and now he's a businessman. So when this happened, as you can imagine, the story generated all kinds of headlines.

And at this point Peru is really paying close attention to this trial that started about a half hour ago. Very prominent family. People are very much awaiting a verdict in this trial.

PHILLIPS: We'll follow it. Bring us the latest, ok?

ROMO: Absolutely.

PHILLIPS: Rafael, thanks.

ROMO: Sure.

PHILLIPS: Coming up, you're going to meet one amazing little girl. She raises funds for another little girl with a brain tumor, then learns she has one. We'll show you how she's inspiring everyone around her.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) PHILLIPS: Well, Tori Svenson is one amazing little girl. She was just seven when she heard about a little girl in her town with a brain tumor, and she wanted to help. So Tori competed in a relay for life beauty pageant to fund raise for 3-year-old Mattie Douglas (ph). But take a look at this twist. The day Tori brings Mattie all the money that she raised, Tori finds out that she has a brain tumor. But you know what; Tori fights on. And this time inspiring her nurses and now all of us.

Take a look at Tori in chemo lip-synching her favorite Christian singer, Francesca Battistelli.

(MUSIC)

PHILLIPS: Well, Tori joins me now live to talk about why she did this. You are one amazing young lady, you know that?

TORI SVENSON, INSPIRED BY CHRISTIAN POP STAR: Thank you.

PHILLIPS: Why did you pick this song and why did you decide to do it right there in chemo when it's so exhausting?

SVENSON: Well, I was feeling good that day, and I just wanted to sing a song. And my mom said, can I videotape it? And it just went on from there.

PHILLIPS: And everybody's been clicking on it and watching this. Let me ask you, have you ever met Francesca?

SVENSON: No, ma'am.

PHILLIPS: No? Would you ever want to meet her.

SVENSON: Yes ma'am.

PHILLIPS: What would you say to her if you had a chance to meet her?

SVENSON: Thank you for making this song and it inspires me and so much other children that are going through this. And thank you.

PHILLIPS: Do you want to tell her yourself?

FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI, CHRISTIAN SINGER: Hi, Tori. How are you? Can I have a hug? So nice to meet you. Are you surprised? Yes?

PHILLIPS: Why don't you stay close with her, Francesca. She's starting to shake. What did you think, Francesca, when you saw little Tori lip-synching your song in chemo.

BATTISTELLI: Oh, my gosh, I was blown away. Girl, you are born for the stage. It was just amazing obviously. My heart just was swelling the whole time. It was really, really cool.

PHILLIPS: What do you want to tell Francesca about that song, how it makes you feel, why you chose that song? SVENSON: Thank you for make the song. It inspires me so much and the other children going through this.

PHILLIPS: As a Christian, an award-winning Christian singer, a mom, is this what you pray your music does every day?

BATTISTELLI: Absolutely. This is what it's all about, right here. So I am the blessed one by you. Absolutely.

PHILLIPS: I'll tell you what, do you remember the words to the song?

SVENSON: Some of them.

PHILLIPS: Why don't you sing a little bit. I bet Francesca will join you.

SVENSON: I'll be an angel by your side I will get you through the night I'll be the strength you can't provide on your own.

PHILLIPS: We're going to let them keep singing. Let's take a break.

For more inspiring stories like this, go to our belief blog. CNN.com/belief.

BATTISTELLI: That was awesome. Good job.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KYRA: All right. Let's flash forward to some events happening later today.

11:40 this morning, President Obama visiting and speaking at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. He side-stepped congress to name Richard Cordray to run that agency.

And at 3:00 a soldier will tell a court hearing why explosives were found in his carry-on luggage at the Midland Texas airport last week. Trey Atwater says that he didn't realize they were in his bag after returning from a deployment.

Then at 6:30, Dorothy Burkhart has a court hearing on being extradited back to Germany where she's accused of fraud. Her son is accused of setting 52 fires in Los Angeles out of anger over his mother's situation.

That does it for us. We'll see you back here Monday. Hope you all have a great weekend.

But you don't have to go far. Suzanne Malveaux has lots more news to bring you.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN ANCHOR: And we have some good news. Good jobs numbers, good economic numbers --

PHILLIPS: There we go. That's the way to kick (ph)off the Friday.

MALVEAUX: All right. Thanks Kyra.

PHILLIPS: You bet.