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Obama, Romney Trade Jokes; Obama Says Libya Attack Response Not Optimal; Sexual Abuse Alleged at Boy Scouts; Late Payment Alarm Clocks in Cars; Tigers Head to the World Series; Pastor Battles Same Sex Marriage; Gallup Poll: Abortion is Issue #1; Tigers Advance to World Series; Dog Stranded at Sea, Rescued
Aired October 19, 2012 - 09:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: "CNN NEWSROOM" with Carol Costello begins right now. I'll see you back here on Monday.
Hey, Carol. Good morning.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Soledad. Thank you. Stories we're watching right now in the NEWSROOM.
Campaign humor presidential style.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: So many of you guys remember after my foreign trip in 2008 I was attacked as a celebrity because I was so popular with our allies overseas. And I have to say I'm impressed with how well Governor Romney has avoided that problem.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama cracking jokes all in the name of charity.
Shocking accusations against the Boy Scouts this morning as newly released files show more than 1,000 Boy Scout leaders were banned because of accusations of sexual misconduct.
Plus. Hear that alarm? Your car payment is due. A device that reminds us in the most annoying way.
And.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is unheard of in the history of this game. In your opinion, how great were they?
JUSTIN VERLANDER, TIGERS PITCHER: It's why we're here right now.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Justin Verlander leads the cheers for Miguel Cabrera. The Detroit Tigers are bound for the World Series.
NEWSROOM starts now.
ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.
COSTELLO: And good morning to you. I'm Carol Costello. We begin this morning with breaking news out of the Middle East where a car bomb has rocked the city of Beirut. Details still coming into us but a Lebanese state news agency is reporting that at least five people have been injured. Three of them seriously in the attack.
CNN's own Nick Paton Walsh describing the scene as one of chaos. We will continue to monitor the story and we'll bring in any new developments.
On to politics now but not the kind you're probably used to. Take a deep breath and laugh. The presidential candidates and their wives skipped the campaign trail and hit the circuit. A new way perhaps to reach out to undecided voters.
Ann Romney went to "The View" to talk of her husband. Michelle Obama did the same with Kelly Rippa and Michael Strahan. That interview airs later this morning. But the biggest buzz came from New York City at a charity event. The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner. Its tradition? A roast featuring presidential candidates.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OBAMA: Earlier today I went shopping at some stores in midtown. I understand Governor Romney went shopping for some stores in midtown.
MITT ROMNEY (R), PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE: We're down to the final months of the President's term. As president's --
(APPLAUSE)
ROMNEY: As President Obama surveys the Waldorf banquet room with everyone in white tie and finery, you have to wonder what he's thinking. So little time. So much to redistribute.
OBAMA: Tonight is not about the disagreements Governor Romney and I may have. It's what we have in common beginning with our unusual names. Actually Mitt is his middle name. I wish I could use my middle name.
(LAUGHTER)
ROMNEY: The campaign can require a lot of wardrobe changes. We -- blue jeans in the morning perhaps, suits for a lunch fundraiser. Sport coat for diner. But it's nice to finally relax and to wear what Ann and I wear around the house.
(LAUGHTER)
OBAMA: After my foreign trip in 2008 I was attacked as a celebrity because I was so popular with our allies overseas. And I have to say I'm impressed with how well Governor Romney has avoided that problem.
(LAUGHTER)
ROMNEY: President Obama and I are each very lucky to have one person who's always in our corners, someone who we can lean on and someone who's a comforting presence without whom we wouldn't be able to go another day. I have my beautiful wife, Ann. He has Bill Clinton.
(LAUGHTER)
OBAMA: Tomorrow it's back to campaigning. And to the cities and towns across our great country. I hear the same thing everywhere I go. Honestly we were hoping to see Michelle.
(LAUGHTER)
ROMNEY: Usually when I get invited to gatherings like this it's just to be the designated driver.
(LAUGHTER)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Just think two days ago Obama and Romney were stalking each other during a contentious debate. Last night each helped to raise $5 million for needy kids in New York City.
President Obama also sat down with Comedy Central's Jon Stewart as he makes news on Libya.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OBAMA: We weren't confused about the fact that four Americans had been killed.
JON STEWART, HOST, "THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART": Sure.
OBAMA: I wasn't confused about the fact that we needed to ramp up diplomatic security around the world right after it happened.
STEWART: I would say even you would admit it was not the optimal response at least to the American people as far as us all being on the same page.
OBAMA: Well, here -- here's what I'll say.
STEWART: Yes.
OBAMA: If four Americans get killed it's not optimal.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: And those words "not optimal" are making the rounds on conservative Web sites this morning and I would guess will soon be fodder for Mitt Romney.
White House correspondent Dan Lothian joins us now to talk about that.
Good morning, Dad.
DAN LOTHIAN, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning. And you're right. I mean we have seen the Romney campaign really go after this White House on the issue of Libya, concerns that this administration has not been transparent, concerns that this president, they believe, has not been strong enough in addressing the issues of terrorism.
And concerned about the way that the administration has been slow to really roll out the real story on Libya. As of yet the Romney campaign officially has not released anything on this but Senator John McCain who is a surrogate for the campaign was on FOX News last night and he said, quote, "It's just so inappropriate and I'm sure that the families of those brave Americans are not amused."
I did reach out to a couple of officials here at the White House, trying to get some kind of comment, one official told me, that they would be getting back to me shortly. But so far nothing from the White House in response to the President's comments last night on the Jon Stewart show.
But I think there's kind of -- it's an indication of when you're in the campaign season even on a show like this where it's about having some fun that the President's words can be dissected and could get him into trouble -- Carol.
COSTELLO: You're right about that. Dan Lothian reporting live from the White House this morning.
As both campaigns fight for women and their votes they might want to take note of a brand new poll. According to Gallup 39 percent of the female registered voters in the 12 swing states say their top issue is abortion. The next four issues are jobs, health care, the economy and the quality. But it's abortion that Ann Romney talked about with the ladies on ABC's "The View."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARBARA WALTERS, CO-HOST: One of the things with your husband was that when he was a governor he was prochoice. And now is against abortions except in the case of rape and incest and the life of the mother. I wonder what your views are. Were you the same way when he was a governor? Have you changed? I'm sure you've had discussions about this.
ANN ROMNEY, WIFE OF MITT ROMNEY: You know, the good news is I'm not running for office and I don't have to say what I feel. But I am prolife. I'm happy to say that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: During the interview Ann Romney explains her husband's views on abortion changed when he was given a stem cell bill to sign while he was governor of Massachusetts. Foreign policy, that will be the topic for the final presidential debate on Monday night. CNN's live coverage will begin at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.
In other news this morning Jerry Sandusky's lawyers are asking for a new trial, they filed and appealed, arguing there wasn't enough evidence to convict Sandusky and they didn't have enough time to prepare.
Sandusky was sentenced to no less than 30 years in prison for sexually abusing 10 boys over 15 years. And now for the first time the victim whose accusations launched the investigation is speaking out. His name is Aaron Fisher. He is known as victim number one. He told "People" magazine, quote, "Saying sexual abuse has happened was hard, but I wanted to help people see that it's better to come forward and tell somebody than to be silent." End quote.
Fisher wrote a book about the abuse. It comes out next week.
The Boy Scouts, they're apologizing to some members and their families after the release of confidential files on accused child sex abusers. They showed the group banned more than 1,000 Boy Scout leaders and volunteers after they were accused of sexually inappropriate conduct involving boys.
Paul Vercammen has more.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
PAUL VERCAMMEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): One of the newly released files shows an Indiana scout leader was placed in the banned confidential file in the early 1970s on suspicion of molestation.
"He took treatment and on the advice of a psychiatrist treating him and his minister he was allegedly cured." The suspected molester got cleared to lead scouts again. And in 1982 he was accused of molesting two boys on a camping trip.
"Mr. Blank responded he was guilty and everything was exactly as the boys had indicated." But the boy's parents agreed not to proceed with prosecution and the scouts never reported the alleged pedophile to police.
WAYNE PERRY, PRESIDENT, BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA: These's no question that there are times in the past, and this go back to 40 and 50 years old, where we did not do the job that we should have. And for that and for people who -- and for that we are profoundly sorry. And I am convinced that this organization has a firm and everlasting deep commitment to youth protection.
VERCAMMEN: The BSA says scouts are now taught to recognize, resist and report abuse, and that two adults be present at all activities preventing one-on-one situations with leaders and scouts.
(On camera): The perversion files showed how alleged pedophiles lured single scouts to their homes or remote locations and then molested them. In some cases there was intimidation.
(Voice-over): A scout leader disrobed after cornering a boy who was undressing and warned the boy to stay quiet.
"What I'm going to do now if I get arrested after I get out of jail, I'll come after you and your family."
KELLY CLARK, ABUSED SCOUTS' ATTORNEY: We can learn a lot about the way pedophiles operate. It's consistent to this. It's almost always somebody that's the Pied Piper.
VERCAMMEN: Clark says those pied piper popular scout leaders are rampant in the perversion files. Now on several legal fronts including a California appellate court, lawyers for abused victims are trying to get more names of alleged pedophiles, in some cases suing to get the 1985 to present Boy Scouts confidential files made public.
And that's not all. Abuse victims' lawyers are now calling on Congress to audit whether the Boy Scouts Youth Protections are working, an action the BSA says it would welcome.
Paul Vercammen, CNN, Los Angeles.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: Those confidential files span from 20 years from 1965 to 1985. The Boy Scouts say two-thirds of them have already involved law enforcement.
An 83-year-old lesbian is celebrating after a federal appeals court in New York ruled the defense of Marriage act unconstitutional. The act denies federal benefits to same-sex couples who are married.
Edith Windsor sued the government after she was denied tax benefits when her wife died. Critics are accusing the court of imposing its views on America. The issue is expected to eventually end up in the U.S. Supreme Court.
Alarms wake us up, tell us when our laundry is done, and when we burn the toast. Do you think we wouldn't need any more alarms but you're wrong.
That is the sound drivers hear when their car payment is late.
Alison Kosik is at the New York Stock Exchange. Seriously?
ALISON KOSIK, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: This is a car alarm, Carol, that will annoy you, that will nag you until you make your car payment. It's made by a company called Past Time. Basically it's a big fat reminder to send in your car payment. But look, it goes beyond that. It can also shut down your car remotely if you are really, really late on payments. And it goes beyond that. It even has a GPS that can track the car if it needs to be repossessed. Believe it or not, even with all that, many people still like it. Even people buy these cars because it helps people who have credit issues actually buy the car. Look at one dealership owner said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ISIS KEARNEY, AUTO DEALER: Some of your smaller dealers, they require more down. I am able to do it with a little bit less and work with people. First-time buyers or people that have filed bankruptcy I can do all of them.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KOSIK: So could be a win for dealers and banks, too, because some say hey, it cuts down on late payments. But you kind of deal with big brother watching you in the car. And all those annoying beeps and everything. Who needs a significant other when you've got the alarms, right? To remind you, to nag you?
(LAUGHTER)
COSTELLO: That's just a horrible idea. I can't stand it.
Alison Kosik, thanks for sharing.
Let's talk little sports now. The Detroit Tigers moving on to the World Series after sweeping the Yankees in the American League Championship Series. The Tigers blew the game open in the 4th inning, and what an inning it was. That's triple from one of Miguel Cabrera. He hit a two-run blast. Three batters later, hey, Jhonny Peralta did the same thing. He smacked a two-run homer. The pitcher Max Scherzer put in another strong post-season start for the Tigers' rotation. Detroit goes on to win, 8-1. The Yankees, they're in sad shape. They never led in this series.
The Cardinals of St. Louis teed off on San Francisco's shutter Tim Lincecum in the NLCS last night. The two-time Cy Young Award winner gave up four runs in four and two-thirds innings. The Cards' Matt Holliday, Jon Jay and Yadier Molina each had two RBIs for the game. Adam Wainwright held the Giants to four hits over seven innings. St. Louis wins 8-3. The Cardinals lead the series three games to one and can advance to the World Series with a big win tonight.
Many black pastors say the battle over same-sex marriage is splitting their community. I'll talk with a pastor who is calling the latest federal court ruling a dark day for the church.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: It is 17 minutes past the hour.
Checking our top stories now:
The Pakistani school girl shot in the head for defying the Taliban is now able to stand up. Doctors say Malala is also doing well and communicating very freely by writing notes but she has a long way to go in her recovery. Take a look at these pictures out of Portland, Maine. A surveillance camera shows the store clerk making an incredible leap, flipping over a 7-foot wall, running for her life from a man with a gun. She gets up, sprints out of the store with the masked man close behind.
The clerk is shaking this morning but she is OK. Police are still searching for the gunman. Wow.
Lance Armstrong expected to make his first public appearance since the mountain of doping evidence from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency came to light and crushed down his career.
Armstrong will be part of the Livestrong 15th anniversary event in Austin, even though he stepped down as chairman of the charity he started. Several huge sponsors have bailed on him this week, including Nike. But Nike says it will still support Livestrong.
And another strike against the federal government's Defense of Marriage Act. For the second time, a federal appeals court has declared the law unconstitutional because it denies marriage benefits to same sex couples.
Joining me now to talk about is Reverend Jamal Bryant in Baltimore. He is the pastor of the Empowerment Temple Church, a church who opposes -- that opposes, rather, same sex marriage.
Reverend, welcome.
REV. JAMAL BRYANT, PASTOR, EMPOWERMENT TEMPLE CHURCH: Good morning. How are you?
COSTELLO: I'm good.
You know, eventually, this issue will be decided in the U.S. Supreme Court. It does seem that you're on the losing side. Do you see it that way?
BRYANT: I'm always on the winning side when I'm on God's side. But I feel like culture seems to be out-winning our faith. We are going to have to really do a clarion call for the church to step up on its principles and its values because it's our responsibility to impact culture, not for culture to make us a just faith.
COSTELLO: The issue of same sex marriage has split the African American community although it appears the split may be shrinking. Yesterday, the NAACP came out and said it supported same sex marriage in the state of Maryland and that pastors support it, too.
Let's listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DR. TODD YEARY, SR. PASTOR, DOUGLAS MEMORIAL COMMUNITY CHURCH: As a Christian pastor, I affirm the NAACP's position that civil marriage is indeed a civil right. This really is not a religious issue.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: OK. So that's from one of the other pastors in the Baltimore area. But the NAACP is on board, too. What do you think of his comments?
BRYANT: I think it's a grave injustice. You will notice that they would not, in fact, bring an imam from the mosque to make such a statement that it's not a religious issue. They would not bring a rabbi out to say that.
It's regrettable that they found a few group of compromising ministers who would make their faith negotiable. They are at the microphone because of their position. I think that the black church has always been forthright about our integrity and our accountability have to hold, stand and strong.
Henry David Thoreau says, "What kind of house can stand in a planet that has no consciousness?" So, I hope that the house of our families will be able to stand.
COSTELLO: But, sir, if churches aren't forced to marry same sex couples, and it's a civil matter. I mean, is this a sort of compromise between the two powerful factions within the African- American community?
BRYANT: Well, you are looking at a downward spiral because we are having to reexamine what family life looks like. The tenet of our country is based off of a Christian understanding of what it is that DOMA represented when it was passed in 1996, that marriage is, in fact, defined with one man and one woman. And I think that our communities are going to become resolved when our pastors become clear-headed again about our faith and what it is that we stand for.
COSTELLO: I would add one more thing because the federal judge that helped make that decision in the federal court in New York says that this is really a civil rights matter. And this is what he said, he said, "Homosexuals are not in a position to adequately protect themselves from the discriminatory wishes of the majoritarian public." That came from Dennis Jacobs, who's a conservative judge in New York City. He says this is a civil issue and not a religious issue and that same sex couples should have the same rights as straight couples when it comes to marriage.
BRYANT: It is a religious issue and it is a difference when you get married you do it under a witness under God. It is a sacred ceremony that has clear and deep religious overtones. It is performed at the altar. A Bible is the focal point.
We understand the original intention of God beginning in the Book of Genesis is a marriage family between Adam and Eve. I think America is going in a downward spiral. And as we move towards the Supreme Court and very well past it, it is a death processional about the morality of our nation and where we need to return back to.
COSTELLO: Thanks so much for joining us this morning, Reverend Jamal Bryant, live in Baltimore. Thanks so much. Vice President Joe Biden is at it again. Republicans are pouncing on another comment Biden made on the campaign trail. We'll ask you if that comment was out of line.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Now is your chance to talk on one of the big stories of the day. The question for you this morning: was Joe Biden's bullet remark out of line?
Here we go again. You know, I could start every talk with here we go again. Anyway, talk about mudslinging or gun slinging, locked and loaded, Joe Biden yesterday directed some verbal ammo in Paul Ryan's direction and another Republican congressman who like to call themselves "Young Guns".
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOSEPH BIDEN, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: They are not bad men. They are decent men. They are good fathers. They are good husbands.
But I don't understand how they believe and they do believe. Ryan has written n a book called "Young Guns" with two other fellows, members of the House. No, these were the Republican leaders in the House. You had -- unfortunately, the bullets are aimed at you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: The people in the back. Strange.
It didn't take long for Republicans to cry foul. CNN contributor Eric Erickson tweeted, "Joe Biden tells crowds that GOP bullets are aimed at them. Wonder what Gabrielle Giffords thinks of that rhetoric."
You see, like elephants, Republicans remember everything. Back in 2010, Sarah Palin used a crosshair map to target Democrats for defeat. And in the crosshairs was former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Democrats pounced, accusing Palin as contributing to Giffords suffering. Dare I say Palin shot back.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SARAH PALIN, FORMER ALASKA GOVERNOR: Within hours of a tragedy unfolding, journalists and pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that serves only to instigate the very hatred and violence that they purport to condemn.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: At the time, Senator John McCain defended Palin's crosshair map, saying political campaigns have always used war-like rhetoric. Think about it, battleground states, war on women, and now, Joe Biden's bullets are aimed at you.
So, the talk back question: Was Joe Biden's bullet remark out of line? Facebook.com/CarolCNN, Facebook.com/CarolCNN. Your comments later this hour.
Free speech on the football field. Cheerleaders' banners with Bible versus can stay, for now.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: It is 30 minutes past the hour. Good morning to you. I'm Carol Costello. Happy Friday.
Stories we are watching right now in THE NEWSROOM:
Stock futures are lower ahead of Wall Street's opening. Investors are waiting for a report on existing home sales for September. That report due out in the next hour.
A car bomb exploded in central Beirut a short time ago. At least eight people are dead, 78 others wounded. CNN's Nick Paton Walsh is on the scene. He described the situation as chaotic. People are carrying victims to ambulances and blast mangled cars and charred buildings.
Accused Fort Hood shooter, Major Nidal Hasan, can be forcibly shaved. That's a ruling of a military appeals court. The court said Hasan did not prove his beard was an expression of a sincerely held religious belief. Hasan is accused of killing 13 people and wounding 32 others in a November 2009 shooting.
So what is the top issue for women voters? Equal pay? Mitt Romney's binders of women comment? The economy?
Nope. It's abortion. That's what a new Gallup poll shows 39 percent of women say abortion is the number one issue for them in the campaign. And that has more than a few women asking. Abortion? Why now?
Maybe it's because there's been so much controversial language surrounding the issue lately like Congressman Todd Akin's legitimate rape comment. And just yesterday, Ann Romney visited the ladies on "The View" and she talked about her own take on abortion.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARBARA WALTERS, HOST, ABC "THE VIEW": One of the things with your husband was that when he was a governor, he was pro-choice. And now is against abortions except in the case of rape and incest and life of the mother.
I wonder what your views are. Were you the same way when he was a governor? Have you changed? I'm sure you've had discussions about this.
ANN ROMNEY, WIFE OF MITT ROMNEY: You know, the good news is I'm not running for office and I don't have to say what I feel, but I am pro- life. I'm happy to say that.
(END VIDEO CLIP) COSTELLO: Joining me to talk about all of this is CNN contributor Ana Navarro, a Republican strategist, and Maria Cardona, a Democratic strategist and CNN contributor.
Welcome.
MARIA CARDONA, DEMOCRATIC STRATEGIST: Good to be here, Carol.
ANA NAVARRO, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: Good to be here, Carol.
COSTELLO: So I must say, I was stunned by this Gallup poll. Abortion -- I felt like I was transported back to 1973. Do you believe the poll, Ana?
NAVARRO: I don't. It strikes me as a bit of an exaggeration. I'll also say I don't believe the Gallup poll that's got Mitt Romney up by seven points. I think their numbers are a little big this week.
You know, I also didn't see the break down, Carol. I don't know if you are in Maria's side. But 39 percent of women say abortion is their number one issue. What I didn't see is how many of those were pro-life and how many of those were pro-choice. And I think that is a very interesting break down.
But, look, where the economy is and where jobs are, where families are, with so many kids unemployed, so many women hard hit by this economy, it is surprising to me that this would be the number one issue. Though as you say, it's gotten an enormous amount of attention both in the debate and the political trail.
COSTELLO: You are not kidding. Another congressman, Republican Joe Walsh made some comments about abortion last night and they are quite controversial. Let's listen to that and then I'll ask you about it, Maria.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
REP. JOE WALSH (R), ILLINOIS: This is an issue that opponents of life throw out there to make us look unreasonable. There is no such exception as life of the mother. And as far as health of the mother, same thing with advances in science and technology, there's -- health of the mother has become a tool for abortions anytime under any reason.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: So, Maria, he appears to be saying that women are using the excuse of health of the mother to get abortions, at least that is how it sounds to me. But because these comments are out there, might that be a reason that women are concerned about the abortion issue?
CARDONA: Absolutely, Carol. And again, I think those kinds of clueless remarks by Joe Walsh and Todd Akin really make women think about what it is that Republican men are trying to do. There is a huge dissidents in that. I also think women are looking across the landscape of state legislatures across the country in Florida and in Virginia, two very important swing states, where 83 laws have been passed in the last year, Carol, restricting abortion services and providers. And in that, they also restrict health care for women.
So, I think that in terms of women they are looking at this and they're saying, OK, so all of these Republican men are trying to tell me what I need to do with my body. And I don't think that they appreciate that. And this has been something that the GOP has put front and center. And I don't think it is going to be helpful to them in the 19 days left to the election.
COSTELLO: But, Ana, it is true Mitt Romney is pro-life. He believes there are exceptions for the life of the mother in cases of rape and incest. When you have comments like what Joe Walsh just said, it just paints Republican men in an unrealistic way, perhaps.
NAVARRO: Carol, let me tell you something, if we got rid of every congressman and legislator who said something ridiculous or ignorant, we'd be left with precious few people in the United States Congress.
You know, I almost would say we need biology 101 class before anybody is elected to Congress. Yes, that comment strikes me as ridiculous and unscientifically correct. And I just think that it is not -- look, I think men should be careful when they are talking about things like abortion and rape and things that they clearly don't understand.
Maybe our solution is to let more Republican and Democratic women to office who understand these issues better. But I would give some advice to everybody running for office, folks, don't use metaphors using rape, using abortion, using the Holocaust, slavery, using guns and crosshairs. Let's keep it on the substance.
(LAUGHTER)
COSTELLO: I think we can all agree on that one.
Ana Navarro and Maria Cardona, thanks a lot for conversing with me this morning.
CARDONA: Thank you, Carol.
COSTELLO: You're welcome.
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Beil -- they are getting married. More details on their Italian wedding, coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Justin Timberlake and his fiance are reportedly getting ready to tie the knot. They are getting married in Italy this weekend, with a crowd of celebrity friends.
CNN's Kareen Wynter is in Los Angeles to tell us more.
Good morning.
KAREEN WYNTER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Well, we'll have to see. After months of speculation in the press, it looks like the big day is almost here for Justin and Jessica -- maybe, maybe not. They have been photographed in Italy partying with a crowd of friends.
And, you know, it seems that every tabloid is touting the news that the wedding is this weekend. Now, officially, neither party, of course, is talking about the nuptials. It's supposed to be a secret wedding. So, the photographers, they weren't invited, no surprise there.
But I should point out, Carol, that the tabloids, you know, they have been wrong in the past about this couple's wedding date before. So, maybe they are just toying with the paparazzi. Who knows?
Whenever they get married, this will be the first marriage for the pair who started dating back in 2007. It's just hilarious. The paparazzi -- you know, they never get invites but are the first ones to show up, Carol. We'll see.
COSTELLO: They make a lot of money that way.
WYNTER: Of course.
COSTELLO: Talk about NBC show "Animal Practice". "Animal Practice" has been cancelled and PETA is celebrating. Why?
WYNTER: They are. A little bit of controversy here. Well, it seems PETA, they protested the show. It featured a monkey dressed in a lab coat and they said that that's cruel. They are crowing today, let's say, saying the cancellation sends a strong message that using animals for cheap laughs on TV shows is archaic and uninteresting to today's viewers.
And the ratings for the show, Carol, they were weak, which is why it was cancelled. It probably didn't help that the show was maybe most memorable for irritating viewers during the Olympics this summer. NBC interrupted the closing ceremonies, imagine that, the closing ceremonies, to debut "Animal Practice," which, of course, did not go over well with viewers. Another short-lived show right there.
COSTELLO: Another lesson learned.
Kareen Wynter, thanks so much.
Kareen is back next hour to talk about Madonna's concert in Denver. Was it wrong to point guns at the audience?
And Vice President Joe Biden, he's at it again, Republicans pouncing on another comment he made on the campaign trail, and yes, those comments have to do with bullets. You're talk back response is next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) COSTELLO: Our "Talk Back" question this morning, was Joe Biden's bullet remark out of line?
This from Jean, "Not really. More rhetoric than threat given that the conversation was about the 'Young Guns' and the idea they are paramilitary in their thinking."
This from Michael. "It wasn't inappropriate but look at how Democrats overreact at things like Big Bird and binders, so based on those reactions there should be an uproar. Just imagine if Romney said that."
This from Danny, "Ryan writes a book called 'The Young Guns' and the Republicans are upset about Biden, I mean, really? Perhaps Ryan should have used 'The Young Water Guns' instead."
And this from Tim, "A bunch of overgrown kids -- mom he called me a name, mom he hit me. Come on November 6th let's get it done and over with."
Oh amen, Tim. Facebook.com/CarolCNN if you want to continue the conversation.
Checking our "Top Stories" at 9:45 Eastern Time, George Zimmerman back in court today. In his first appearance before a newly appointed judge, Zimmerman's defense team is expected to ask for a delay in his trial in a bid to speak to more witnesses and review more evidence. They are also seeking the release of Trayvon Martin's school transcripts and his cell phone records.
To politics if you're holding out hope of a Hillary 2016 White House campaign, the Secretary of State has a message for you. It isn't happening. In an interview with Marie Claire, Clinton says that while her two-decade career has been a quote, "Honor" she is ready to have a little personal time away from the world stage.
So what's the trick to getting over a tough breakup? Ice cream, buying a fancy new gadget? How about a check for $30 million. Just ask 22-year-old Sandeep Singh.
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SANDEEP SINGH, MEGA MILLION WINNER: She broke up with me but right now I'm not really worried about it. I was heartbroken at first but now I'm -- I'm getting over it.
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COSTELLO: Sandeep says he'll use the money to continue helping his family. He'll also donate some to his community and yes he will quit his job.
Put on the goggles and pop the champagne. The Detroit Tigers are American League champs while the New York Yankees are American League chumps. At least according to the "New Yorker Post", take a look at the cover of The Post today. Did the Tigers win the Series or did the Yankees lose it?
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COSTELLO: The Detroit Tigers are heading to the World Series after winning the American League Championship Series. But some post game coverage kind of buried the lead. Vince Tulane from Bleacher Report joins us this morning. Vince, good morning.
VINCE TULANE, BLEACHER REPORT: Good morning, Carol. You were breathless when you were talking about your Tigers there. Couldn't wait for this segment.
COSTELLO: I know, I'm like in heaven. I can't even believe it. I know you're going to say, you're going to say, oh the Yankees lost this series but come on, the Tigers won. But all I'm hearing about is the Yankees losing.
TULANE: Well, I think it's a little bit of both. Obviously the Tigers played terrific baseball and their pitching was fantastic. I mean if you hold the Yankees to two earned runs, from the Detroit Tiger starters that's special. Plus they held the Yankees to six runs total.
But let's face it, this Yankees team absolutely went in the tank and they really weren't the same after Jared Jeter fractured an ankle in game one.
But yet and still, a sweep is a sweep, Carol. And for the first time in 32 years, the Yankees are swept out of a postseason series. Like at Prince Fielder squeezing that baseball and the celebration on in Detroit.
COSTELLO: May I ask you why he wanted to catch that ball. He said stay away from me I'm catching that last out of the game. I actually think in watching the postgame celebration and the interviews with -- with you know Jim Leyland that the Yankees management could learn something about a family atmosphere for a team and what it takes to win.
TULANE: Well, it was very touching following the game when Dave Dombrowski and Jim Leyland were at the microphone and the crowd was into it, as they should be, but you could tell that this was indeed very much a family atmosphere. Here's Leyland in his postgame comments addressing this win.
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JIM LEYLAND, TIGERS MANAGER: We're blessed with an owner and a family that has done unbelievable things for the city of Detroit. And even -- and even more unbelievable things for the Detroit Tigers.
But as always, this goes out to the players. They're the guys that win the games. They are the guys that pay the price. And finally let me thank the three million plus that came to watch us this year that never lost the faith. Thank you very much.
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TULANE: Carol, this is why guys love to play for Jim Leyland. That's the kind of manager he is. He's terrific, he always credits the ball players. That's out of the spotlight but always pushes the right button. He maybe the best in baseball.
COSTELLO: Exactly. And if you contrast the fan reaction, I mean I know the New York Yankees were losing but the fans like turned on them. They were bitter. And I know that's kind of their M.O. But take a look at the "New York Post" this morning, and the headliners there, "We don't date losers". So maybe that all entered into this like -- because the Yankees -- they just looked like they'd given up.
TULANE: Well, there's plenty of blame to go around, Carol. I think that you can point the finger at a lot of people. But A-Rod is getting most of the hit, and here is a guy that even start in games three and four of the American League champion series but his numbers are absolutely horrible. 125 in postseason batting average, no RBIs, 0 for 18, 12 strikeouts versus right-handed pitching.
But Joe Girardi, the Yankee manager after the game said, look, we had a lot of problems. I mean if you look at the numbers, it's not just A-Rod. Look at Curtis Granderson's numbers oh, he's a friend of yours 3 for 30 in postseason; Nick Swisher, 5 for 30; Cano who was brutal. And the fact is now they're talking about the possibility of moving some players, in particular A-Rod, who has a hefty contract remaining with five years $114 million.
Can he be traded? Yes anything can happen but the Yankees would have to eat a lot of that contract to make it happen but at age 37 and the embarrassment of this postseason you wonder if Alex Rodriguez is going to be back in the Yankees pinstripes.
COSTELLO: Well, he's sitting there flirting with fans in the stand allegedly and all of New York wants him to go, I just can't see that he'll stay, even if it's in his contract that he has that no-trade clause. But stranger things have happened.
TULANE: Yes.
COSTELLO: Vince Tulane thank you for joining us this morning.
TULANE: Well, great spending time with you. Don't forget to go to BleacherReport.com for all the sports information. Thanks Carol.
COSTELLO: Absolutely and if you want more coverage of the stories I'm going to say it again. You can go to BleacherReport.com.
We'll be right back.
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COSTELLO: You can find plenty of animals when you're out to sea -- bird, fish, maybe even seals. But it's not every day you find a puppy. Here's CNN's Jeanne Moos.
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JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It was a doggy rescue at sea. Charlie Head was on his paddle board off the coast of England making a 600 mile trip. Next year he's planning a 3,000 mile paddle across the Atlantic. The water sports instructor had been followed by a playful seal, chased by stormy weather.
CHARLIE HEAD: Rah. And then ah, rah, ah --
MOOS: But the real ah moment was when Charlie spotted a little dog stranded on rocks since the tide came in.
HEAD: He just sat there like a little dude wondering what the hell to do. It's ok. It's ok, it's ok, it's ok.
MOOS: The Shi Tzu, later identified as Bam-Bam was marooned at the tip of a rock jetty, submerged by high tide.
(on camera): How surprised were you to see a dog there?
HEAD (via telephone): Absolutely shocked. Just a remarkable, ridiculous sight.
MOOS (voice-over): Though the dog was panicking, Charlie managed to lift her into his paddle boat.
HEAD: No, no, no. It's ok.
MOOS: His iPhone camera in a waterproof case was strapped to his neck between the tide and high winds.
HEAD: At least we had about 10 minutes until he would have been a goner.
Just relax. It's ok. It's ok.
MOOS: Charlie paddled to shore and brought the dog to the nearest pub at the Hampton Inn. An imbedded chip helped animal rescue folks identify the dog.
(on camera): The rocks on which the dog was stuck were part of a man- made sea wall called a groin. And the pooch ended up going from one groin to another.
HEAD: Oh, that's it, boy. What are you doing out here? All right, let's get you in.
It realized that I was there to help him, he nuzzled up between my legs in a nice way and off we went.
When the Shi Tzu hit the fan, Charlie Head was in the right spot.
Jeanne Moos, CNN --
HEAD: Oh, matey, what are you doing out here?
MOOS: New York.
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COSTELLO: A happy ending.
The next hour of CNN NEWSROOM starts right now.
