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Dems Hope To Flip AZ District In Special Election; Trump Holds News Conference With French President. Aired 12:30-1pm ET

Aired April 24, 2018 - 12:30   ET

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

[12:30:02] JONATHAN MARTIN, NATIONAL POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT, THE NEW YORK TIMES: -- are even contesting it and Republicans, to your point, are having to spend over a million dollars combined? Even as a precautionary method, that tells you everything about where the energy is in this cycle, John.

SAHIL KAPUR, NATIONAL POLITICAL REPORTER, BLOOMBERG: Retirement country and the west valley. Unlike Pennsylvania, 18, which is similarly Republican tilt of the district in 2016. Republicans have a voter registration advantage here that I think will, you know, play to their benefit in a major way.

The sources I'm speaking to on Democratic and the Republican side expect a high single-digit victory for Republicans and Democrats are of course going to spend that I think. If they can get that closed up consistent with the roughly 16-point, you know, boost that they've gotten over the district for the state and special elections we've had so far in the federal level, that's consistent with a wave.

JOHN KING, INSIDE POLITICS HOST: And you mentioned Pennsylvania. Remember Conor Lamb there who said I'm a different kind of Democrat, I'm not going to Washington to support the liberal current leadership of the House Democrats. The candidate in Arizona as well knowing she is running in a Republican district, bring up Nancy Pelosi? Not going there.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HIRAL TIPIRNENI (R) ARIZONA CANDIDATE, 8TH DISTRICT: What I think is that Congress is going to look pretty different after November. Whoever throws their hat in the ring to be speaker, I'm going to be looking at their platform, the issues that they're going to fight for. But you also don't know who else is going to be in Congress at that time. I mean, November is a long time away, and I don't know who else is

going to run, quite honestly.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MARTIN: Yes, that tells you everything about how toxic Democrats on the campaign trail see leader Pelosi this year and do everything that they can to revert that quest. And I think part of the challenge for Democrats in this district is that it does not have the kind of affluent suburbs that Conor Lamb enjoyed outside Pittsburgh last month where he had a lot of sort of professional voters outreach by President Trump coming out to vote. This is a sort of different demographic, and younger families, more men, snowbirds, some military. It's just sort of -- it's the best kind of GOP district.

KING: And when we see more of this, this is the final message from the Republican candidate and former State Representative Debbie Lesko, who is trying to take advantage. She knows Republicans all around the country are hearing there's this giant blue wave coming. She's trying to tap into that saying, maybe, so send me money.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DEBBIE LESKO (R), CANDIDATE, CONGRESS DISTRICT 8: We cannot allow the Democrats to steal this election. We've worked so hard and we cannot let up in these final moments. Help me defeat the Democrats and stop their blue wave.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KING: What's a more successful message? Sending to Washington to protect the tax cuts or sending money to stop the blue wave?

KAPUR: About whatever works to stop Nancy Pelosi. That's probably the best message that Republicans have right now on the House. Their conversation is happening in House Democratic leadership right now as to how many Democrats are going to come out and oppose her. And if that reaches a critical mass, it's going to be very difficult for her to stick on.

Right now is has not reached that mass. I don't think there are people who are planning, you know, to depose her and all the series (ph) shut of it, but that's something they're keeping an eye on.

ABBY PHILLIP, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: But that being said, the stop Nancy Pelosi message is fine, but for Democrats, what's more potent than that is the stop Trump message, which is what's powering the other side. I'm not convinced that a stop Pelosi message is going to be what Republicans need it to be in order to overcome -- what she just pointed out as a potential money disadvantage. I mean, they're going to have to think a lot of money into these races.

It's going to take them out of the places that they really -- where they really need it. Races like this should been relatively easy. They're going to have to really reallocate their money. And I think that Democrats are going to have a much easier time telling voters, hey, this is about Trump. Even if the candidate doesn't say that, I think voters understand that on the Democratic side, that's the motivation here for November, and that's an easy message and probably easier than Nancy Pelosi.

KING: And we'll watch this play out as we go through these races. So, the last filing deadlines all coming up. You might see a few times.

We're going to take a very quick break. We're showing you the East Room there. Sorry, the camera is making an adjustment. Waiting for the President and the President of France to come into a news conference there. When we come back, if there's time permitting, the latest on former President George H.W. Bush, his aid saying today he's in intensive care but they say this morning, much better than last night.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[12:38:27] KING: Standing by. Expecting any moment now a joint press conference of President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron. You see there the East Room of the White House.

Let's check in with our White House Correspondent Jeff Zeleny. He is inside the East Room. Jeff, a lot to talk about the special relationship today, but the two leaders do seem to be talking past each other on issue number one, the Iran nuclear deal.

JEFF ZELENY, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: John, no question. There is so much talk about that special relationship, the President clearly going to great lengths to show that he is at least friendly with the French President. We've seen them hold hands throughout the morning, we've seen them smile and laugh. Of course, the White House is essentially rolling out all of the bells and whistles here.

Of course, the first state dinner coming later this evening. The Trumps are hosting the Macrons. But the question is, will there be anything substantive that comes from this? We saw President Trump earlier this morning essentially belittling the Iran nuclear deal. It's unclear if anything substantive will come from this or not in terms of that.

We know there is a deadline looming. Next month really and just a couple of weeks on what the U.S. will decide to do on the Iran nuclear deal. But we do know the President is certainly susceptible to flatter. We don't know the President often listens to the last person he hears here.

So in the private conversations he is having with the French President, it certainly is something that will factor into his thinking on the Iran nuclear deal. Of course, all of this is coming on the heels of that potential summit with Kim Jong-un. So the question will be, how can the U.S.'s word be valid or taken seriously if the U.S. pulls out of an Iran nuclear deal here.

[12:40:04] So, that certainly is one of the questions. All of this coming is the White House, of course, is dealing with yet more controversy and questions about its own nominees, first and foremost, the V.A. Secretary Ronny Jackson, the nominee I should say, the President very close to him.

John, I can tell you the White House is watching that and they're worried about that. So, those are just a couple of the questions here the President will face. But we'll see if anything move beyond the handshake to the space. We know the French President of course will be speaking to a joint session of Congress tomorrow. So a lot of time in Washington here, the question is what's substance will come from it, John? KING: That's a great point. Obviously a close friendship. We'll see if they can resolve their significant policy differences around the press conference (ph) court and others. Jeff Zeleny at the White House, we'll be back to you in just a few moments.

A quick break before that press conference begins. When we come back, we're going to take you live at the White House to get from the two leaders or an update on the condition of the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[12:45:11] KING: We're moments, if not seconds, away from the President of the United States and the President of France speaking there at East Room White House Press Conference. We'll take you there momentarily as it begins, as we wait here.

One of the big questions is they've had a several public statements today. But they're also having private conversations. The Iran nuclear deal is issue number one for the visiting President from France. The big question we have is will the President rip it up, walk away on May-June the next deadline or will he agree to stay in if he can get assurances that countries in the world will come together to take other steps so called side agreements? Do we think the President's new foreign policy team which is more hawkish is agreeable to that or it's just going to be a tug-of-war to the very end?

PHILLIP: I think it will probably be a tug-of-war to the very end, but I think the fact that we're running an hour late today in terms of events. It's probably a sign that the President is doing a lot of talking. They're having a lot of conversations. So, you know, Macron is not a miracle worker but at least he has a seat at the table with this President. And that matters for something, maybe not everything, but something.

KING: It will be fascinating to see if the rhetoric changes. Because this morning, you know, the President call the deal and saying, he said it was bad. He's used other tough words. And Macron keep saying the world has to stay together, we have to stay together, meaning stay in it. And so you're reading between the opening statements -- or read between the lines, one of the progress that we need to see. The two first ladies coming to the room now, we should be seconds away.

MARTIN: Three examples this in the last three months: Gun control, DACA and TPP. What do all those things have in common? Those are topics that were discussed in the west wing with the President and with people who, at the time, he wanted to tell what they wanted to hear. And so he suggested a circumstance on operative issues but he also didn't follow through it.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, he doesn't have that meeting.

SAPUR: And I had a fourth example too. That last night when he was standing next to Macron, he made some comments suggesting that maybe he is willing to reenter the, you know, the power supporting obviously didn't do that when he is around someone he likes, right. He tends to echo the, after that. So I would add a strong dose of caution about what the President says here as to whether it's really a policy pronouncement or whether he's just thinking aloud.

MARTIN: Non new news.

KING: Let's listen. You see them walking through this from right now. The President of France on the left, the President of the United States on the right. Let's listen in.

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you very much. Thank you. Melania and I are truly honored to welcome French President Macron, Mrs. Macron, to the White House. Thank you very much. It's a great honor.

We're thrilled that the first official state visit of my presidency is not only with a great friend, but with a leader of America's oldest ally, the Republic of France. Today, in our nation's capital, the Stars and Stripes proudly fly alongside the Tricolor flag, a symbol of the world, and to the world, of unity, fraternity, and friendship that forever links our nations together.

Forty years after the end of our War of Independence, the great General Lafayette traveled to George Washington's home at Mount Vernon to visit the grave of the father of our country. President Macron, we're deeply moved that nearly two centuries later, the President of the Republic of France made that same tribute last night. That was a beautiful evening. Thank you.

EMMANUEL MACRON, PRESIDENT OF FRANCE: Thank you.

TRUMP: Thank you very much. This past summer, Melania and I had an incredible visit with you and Brigitte in Paris to celebrate Bastille Day. We were awed by the beauty of your country and the grateful hospitality of your incredible people. They are incredible people.

Together, we commemorated the 100th anniversary of America's entry into the First World War. We remembered the French and American patriots who shed their blood together in defense of civilization. Their noble sacrifice will echo through time forever, an immortal tribute to our people and to our freedom.

During the horror of the First World War, more than one million people were killed or injured from chemical warfare. In the aftermath of that horror, civilized nations came together to ban chemical weapons. Two weeks ago, following Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad's barbaric use of chemical weapons against his own people, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom joined together to strike at the heart of the Syrian chemical weapons program. These actions were designed to establish a strong deterrent against the use of these heinous weapons.

[12:50:12] President Macron, I thank you for your leadership in this effort. And it was a well-executed effort at that. And I thank you and the members of the French military for their courage and their great skill. The United States and France are also cooperating to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. We are grateful for France's key partnership in our campaign of maximum pressure on the North Korean regime.

As you know, I will soon be meeting with Kim Jong-un as we seek a future of peace, harmony and security for the whole Korean Peninsula and, in fact, for the whole world. However, in pursuit of peace, we will not repeat the mistakes of past administrations. The campaign of maximum pressure will continue.

France and the United States also agree that Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and that regime must end its support of terrorism all over. No matter where you go in the Middle East, you see the fingerprints of Iran behind problems.

I also want to thank President Macron for France's vital contribution to our very successful campaign against ISIS. As we drive these ISIS killers from Syria, it is essential that the responsible nations of the Middle East step up their own contributions to prevent Iran from profiting off the success of our anti-ISIS effort. Very rich countries are in the Middle East. They have to make major contributions. They have not been doing it as they should. A major topic that we discussed a little while ago, they have to step up tremendously -- not a little bit, but tremendously -- their financial effort.

Mr. President, on behalf of the American people, I again express our solidarity in the wake of the terrorist attack in Southern France last month. I share the confidence you conveyed at the memorial service for the heroic Colonel Beltrame that, in time, we will achieve the ultimate triumph of right and of justice.

In the fight against terrorism, we both know that we must be strong from within to defend ourselves from threats outside. We will do what we must to protect our countries. You are our oldest ally and you are truly one of our great allies, and we appreciate it. We will always be there for you.

Both the United States and France are dealing with a challenge that has gone on for a long, long time. It's uncontrolled migration. In the United States, we are taking strong action to regain control over our borders and over our sovereignty. It's gone on for too long. And we've slowed it down very substantially, but we're going to stop illegal immigration. I know that you face similar challenges in France. And, Mr. President, I admire the leadership you have shown in addressing them in a very honest and direct fashion, and not always popular.

Both of our elections owe much of the success to the desire of everyday citizens to be heard, to be listened to, and to have control over their own nations and their own futures. Let us demonstrate through our partnership that the voice of the people will always reign. At all times, it will reign.

During our meetings today, we also discussed the robust economic relationship between our countries. The United States is setting records in business, and we will continue. And I know that France will be setting records under your leadership very soon. We look forward to exploring increased opportunities for bilateral trade and investment based on the principle of fairness and, importantly, reciprocity.

[12:55:06] Mr. President, thank you again for accepting our invitation to the White House. It's been such an honor. The foundation of our friendship draws from the deepest wells of civilization and is sustained by our people's love of their history, culture, and liberty. For two centuries, the alliance between France and the United States has been the cornerstone of freedom.

Now, the strength of this mighty alliance is in our hands. Linked together by fate and destiny, I am confident that our future has never, ever looked brighter.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you very much.

MACRON: Thank you, Donald.

TRUMP: Please.

MACRON (through translator): Thank you. Mr. President, dear Donald, thank you to you and to the First Lady for your warm welcome. Please allow me to tell you how pleased we are, together with my wife Brigitte and the whole of the French delegation -- how pleased we are to be your guests for three days.

After this wonderful visit and the honor you made -- you made it by attending Bastille Day in Paris. In both speeches earlier today, we referred to the deep and ancient bonds between our two countries. These go back to the founding revolution of your country, and have been true through both our histories. These bonds are based upon our deep attachment to freedom and peace. Each time they have been threatened, we stood by one another.

And we celebrated last night, before this, by going to Mount Vernon, given that no one else could illustrate as well as George Washington the strength of the commitment and the bond between our two countries. Mr. President, please allow me to go back to a number of issues, which

are fundamental for not only our relationship, but beyond. The first topic is Iran. You said once again, in front of the press, what your position was during the campaign and as well as the President of the United States. It's not a mystery we did not have the same starting positions or stances, and neither you nor I have a habit of changing our stances or going with the wind.

That being said, I can say that we've had very a frank discussion on that, just the two of us. You consider that the Iranian deal, the JCPOA -- the one negotiated in 2015 with Iran -- is a bad deal. For a number of months, I've been saying that this was not a sufficient deal, but that it enabled us, at least until 2025, to have some control over their nuclear activities.

We therefore wish, from now on, to work on a new deal with Iran. What we need -- and I believe that on that, our discussion allowed us to shed light on our convergence of views -- is that we need to cover four topics. The first one is to block any nuclear activity of Iran until 2025. This was feasible thanks to the JCPOA. The second is to make sure that, in the long run, there is no nuclear Iranian activity.

The third fundamental topic is to be able to put an end to the ballistic activities of Iran in the region. And the fourth one is to generate the conditions for a solution -- a political solution to contain Iran in the region -- in Yemen, in Syria, in Iraq, and in Lebanon.

On these topics, I did not change. I constantly said that we needed to find the framework so that, together, and with the powers of the region, and with the Iranian leaders, manage to find a deal. I therefore would like us to commit to that effect in the weeks and months to come.

This is the only way to bring about stability. France is not naive when it comes to Iran. We have also a lot of respect for the Iranian people, which, through their --