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Inside Politics

Republicans Key on Kavanaugh as Midterm Wedge Issue; Trump Apologizes to Kavanaugh "On Behalf of Our Nation"; Hurricane Michael Takes Aim at Florida Panhandle; Dems 13-Plus Advantage in Choice for Congress. Aired 12:30-1p ET

Aired October 09, 2018 - 12:30   ET

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

[12:30:00] JOHN KING, CNN ANCHOR: So the president used that ceremonial swearing in with the other Supreme Court justices sitting right there in the room to stoke the divide.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Our country, a man or a woman must always be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

And with that, I must state that you, sir, under historic scrutiny, were proven innocent.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KING: CNN Supreme Court Biographer Joan Biskupic joins the conversation. There was no corroborating evidence, of the allegations but Justice Kavanaugh was not proven innocent. He was not proven innocent.

Remarkable anyway. This whole confirmation battle was remarkable but Justice Kavanaugh to his credit, those of you at home who don't support him, I understand. But to his credit, he tried to turn the page and say I have no bitterness, I'm going to do my job for all Americans. We'll see. We'll see. He's on the bench today.

Now the president with the other justices sitting there said let's keep it going.

JOAN BISKUPIC, CNN SUPREME COURT BIOGRAPHER: You know, it was almost as if they were trophy invitees. He went slowly through the names of all the justices saying, you know, like I got them. They're all here. But the scene today in the courtroom just so you know was quite different. You know, it had -- the court has a steady rhythm that exists in a way that are oblivious to what's going on beyond the marble walls.

We only had a few protesters show up today, but the country is still in turmoil over this nomination. And, you know, at 10:00 sharp when the marshall did oh yes, oh yes, they all come in and there he -- Brett now Justice Brett Kavanaugh came in, took his seat. If you were a spectator to the far right of the bench, folding his big black leather chair and they went forward. The Chief Justice John Roberts said I want to welcome you on behalf of myself and all our colleagues. Again, a nice gesture for our coming calling.

He saluted Justice Kennedy who is in the spectator seats himself. And then, you know, the Q&A started and Justice Kavanaugh asked questions of both sides. And you hear -- you heard one of the lawyers refer to Justice Kavanaugh. And it occurred to me that that was the first time I was hearing that in that courtroom. And that he would be sitting there, John for another 20 years, changing the law of the land and as we've said so many times, moving everything to the right because he is succeeding a man who was much more of a centrist.

KING: And so now we'll watch the business as the court play out and we will see if, as expected and as what the president wants, you have a Justice Kavanaugh who is much more to the right than Justice Kennedy, the swing vote he has replaced on the court. And we will get that in the weeks and months ahead as they get big cases.

The country divided on this. The new CNN poll shows that a majority did not want Kavanaugh confirmed, however, there is a pitfalls for others. This was among independent voters, independent-likely voters in the midterm elections.

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Democrats in the United States Senate have handled Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing. Approve 34 percent, disapprove, 61 percent. So some evidence there with a key swing vote independents in the midterm that the Democrats need to be careful about how they go forward about this in the midterms, right?

MANU RAJU, CNN SENIOR CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes. I mean, that's why you're seeing the Republicans saying that the mob was coming after them. They're trying to make the case that the Democrats were completely out of line. This is something that they are clearly using to rally the base.

But yes, I mean, you saw the difference between Kavanaugh and the president last night. Kavanaugh trying to put this very ugly divisive chapter behind us as we moves forward. The president has a completely different purpose and wants to continue to divide -- stoke that divide because it helps rally his base and he's seen that in the polls because more Republicans are moving towards them in light of what is happening here. So, he's also ignoring the fact when he apologizes on behalf of the nation to Kavanaugh to the fact that a majority of Americans did not want Kavanaugh confirmed. So, he risks alienating some of the swing voters by doing that as well.

KING: But he wants -- he does want to keep up the fight. Let's listen just a little bit more of the president last night because, again, this ceremonial swearing ins, they become part of modern tradition, you don't to have them. Brett Kavanaugh had already been sworn in by Chief Justice Roberts and retiring Justice Kennedy. The president last night as Manu just noted apologizing.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: On behalf of our nation, I want to apologize to Brett and the entire Kavanaugh family for the terrible pain and suffering you have been forced to endure. What happened to the Kavanaugh family violates every notion of fairness, decency and due process.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KING: Gone completely. Gone completely was any consideration by the president there of Professor Blasey Ford, of Deborah Ramirez, of Julie Swetnick who most -- even some Democrats can thank her coming forward especially with the counsel she brought forward with her because of his political aspirations.

[12:35:01] But no concern there for anybody else but the president. This was all about Judge Kavanaugh and his message.

BISKUPIC: You know, then Judge Kavanaugh -- Justice Kavanaugh stepped to the microphone and says I want to be a justice for all Americans not just the ones who President Trump has just singled out. That to me was his effort to say even though we've just heard this partisan battle cry yet again from President Trump, I will try to be the best justice I can be and that means representing all of you. Now, President Trump of course who wants loyalty.

KING: All right.

KAITLAN COLLINS, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: One interesting moment was when President Trump made that remark, you know, we're now back to you're innocent until proven guilty. And one person clapping and applauding was Justice Clarence Thomas who of course was accused of sexual harassment during his confirmation hearing. You don't often see them applauding -- the justices applauding in events like that or reacting really. But he was there and he was applauding and he was applauding a lot during that particular line. People in the room said.

KING: Fascinating moment there. And again, new justices on the bench, we'll watch what happens, how his career gets off and running. And of course the campaign -- and the campaign will continue because up next, President Trump heading to Iowa after handing a big gift to Big A.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[12:40:39] KING: Topping our political radar today, President Trump is about to headline a rally in Council Bluffs, Iowa where many should be happy to see him, thanks for a brand-new policy change that helps that state's corn farmers. The president just ordering the EPA to lift restrictions on corn ethanol that have prevented gasoline with a higher ethanol content from being sold year around. The oil industries fought to keep that rule in place, but the new rule could benefit Iowa farmers and Iowa Republicans in tough races this year including the incumbent Governor Kim Reynolds.

The Trump administration extending an Obama-ere ban on new mining on 30,000 acres north of Yellowstone National Park. The order signed by the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke protects the area in Montana's Paradise Valley and Gardiner Basin for another 20 years. The ban puts to rest concerns over two proposed gold mines but does not affect mining leases already in place.

The candidates in the Georgia governor's race getting more support today from some of their party's biggest stars. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren is in the Atlanta area, she's campaigning for Stacey Abrams. And Donald Trump Jr. will be in Georgia this afternoon helping the Republican nominee, Brian Kemp. Polls in that race are tight. Abrams is trying to become the nation's first ever African- American female governor.

Kanye West has a lunch date at the White House. The rapper and Trump supporter will meet with the president and his son-in-law Jared Kushner on Thursday we're told. On the agenda, job opportunities for ex-convicts and how to expand manufacturing jobs in West's hometown, Chicago. The rapper's visit follows a controversial appearance on "Saturday Night Live" where he delivered a pro-Trump rant and wore a make America great again hat.

Up next, Trump slump or Trump bump? New presidential approval ratings and how they affect which party wins the House and what it means for this president.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[12:46:40] KING: Back to politics in a moment, but people along the Gulf Coast now are racing to get ready for a major storm heading right for them. Hurricane Michael turning north in the Gulf of Mexico could be pounding the Florida Panhandle by this time tomorrow. Officials are imploring residents and the tourists in the storm's path to get out of the way now. President Trump says the federal government is standing by ready to assist.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: We are very well prepared. FEMA is ready. We're all ready. I spoke with Governor Scott, spoke to everybody that you have to speak to. And I think that hopefully we'll get lucky, but maybe that won't happen. But we're prepared.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KING: Let's check in with CNN meteorologist Jennifer Gray. She has the latest on exactly where the hurricane is heading and Jennifer, just how strong will it be where it makes landfall?

JENNIFER GRAY, CNN METEOROLOGIST: That's right. The storm is continuing to strengthen, it's now entered the very favorable environment, the very warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Winds of 110 miles per hour and gusts of 130 moving to the north at 12. And the storm is going to strengthen until it makes landfall. This is going to possibly be a Category 3 by this afternoon. And then by the time it makes landfall tomorrow during midday or so, we're looking at the potential for a major storm, Category 3 along the Florida Panhandle.

Now anywhere from say the Destin area all the way to Apalachicola where we're looking at four potential landfall. And this is going to shoot off to the east. So, it is a fast mover which is very different from Florence, but this is going to have Category 3 winds and it's going to have Category 3 storm surge. And so we're talking about anywhere from eight to 12 feet of inundation across the Big Bend to Florida to the Panhandle, six to nine feet. So that's incredible especially because of these very low-lying areas.

Also the wind damage is going to be serious. We have a lot of trees with leaves still on them especially on the Tallahassee area that are prone to falling during these conditions. So that's going to be a huge concern John as well. And we're talking about possibly tropical storm forced winds as early as this evening.

KING: (INAUDIBLE). Appreciate the live report there, we'll keep on (INAUDIBLE) over the next several hours including tomorrow as well.

When we come back though, a brand-new CNN midterm polling releasing right now. The election is four weeks from today. Retaking the House within the reach for the Democrats.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[12:53:34] KING: The midterm vote is four weeks from today. And brand-new CNN polling releasing right now shows retaking the House, maybe even the Senate clearly within the Democrats' reach. Let's look at the numbers.

Who would you plan to vote for Congress? We asked this of likely voters nationwide. Fifty-four percent of Americans say Democrats, 41 percent say Republicans. A 13-point lead for the Democrats, double digits. If this holds up, if this is the case come Election Day, the House is gone. The Democrats will retake the House if they have a double-digit advantage.

This big of a lead also tells you it's a little more difficult but we need to keep an eye on the Senate possibly. Could be in play right now. Remember the 41 percent who say they will vote for Republicans. Midterm election year, especially the first year midterm tied to the president. Forty-one percent said they plan to vote for Republicans. The president's approval rating in our new poll, 41 percent. That is what drives midterm election years.

Now, a little bit of history. If the president is at 41 percent come Election Day, his party faces a shellacking. How do we know that? This is playing out like a traditional midterm election year.

In 2010, it was Democrat Barack Obama in the White House. He was 45 percent four weeks out, 44 percent in exit polls on Election Day, lost six seats in the Senate and lost 63, lost control of the House. That was in 2010.

2006, the second Bush midterm, the first one was after 9/11. But the second one, Iraq War on popularity way up. The president, 39 percent four weeks out, 43 percent on Election Day, lost six seats in the Senate, lost 30 seats in the House. The Democrats retaking power after that midterm election.

[12:55:04] Back in 1994, the first Bill Clinton midterm, again, you note the dynamic. Forty-two percent four weeks out, 44 percent on Election Day, lost eight seats in the Senate, lost 52 seats in control of the House as well.

That is why this president needs to be worried. He's at 40 percent, 41 percent in our poll, that suggests a shellacking. The president is trying to tell Republican voters please do not stay home.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: Each of you will have a chance in just four weeks to render your verdict on the Democrats' conduct at the ballot box on November 6th. You will have the chance to stop the radical Democrats and that's what they've become, by electing a Republican House and a Republican Senate. We will increase our majorities.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KING: So a double-digit lead for the Democrats four weeks out. Why? Take a look at these. Just look at these numbers. It's amazing.

Women, who you're going to vote for? Sixty-three percent of women say they're going to vote Democrat for Congress. Only 33 percent say Republican. Among men, 50 percent to 45 percent. So Republicans have a narrow lead among men, but that gender gap is beyond stunning.

LISA LERER, NATIONAL POLITICAL REPORTER, THE NEW YORK TIMES: Yes. I mean, look, we always talk about the gender gap, we always talk about how women are going to vote. But this really is something different. This is like a historic high. And it's something that the president has through his actions, through words just grown and grown and grown over his administration.

It's hard to imagine that Democratic women could have gotten more engaged and more energized than they were pre-Kavanaugh. But I can tell you I was in Michigan and the Detroit suburbs on Sunday and Monday and they are more engaged and more energized. It's really actually unbelievable to see.

RAJU: Yes. I mean, and it also shows that the Kavanaugh fight didn't -- doesn't certainly affect the Democratic standing in taking back the House. Clearly the enthusiasm is still there, you look at the generic ballot, a significant advantage, double digits at this point that's in line with other past wave elections. But, the Senate side had already been tough for the Democrats, the map has already been -- has always been tilted against them. You're seeing a much different situation there.

They really have to run the table on the Democratic side and retake the Senate in red states in particular. And that's just going to be so hard. You can almost see a situation. Democrats pick up seats in the House and take back the House, Republicans keep the Senate and may even pick up a seat in the Senate.

KING: Well, I just want to reinforce, everything in the Trump age has gone against political gravity, against the political rules. This midterm election year is actually playing out as traditional midterm elections do. Meaning, it's tied to the president's approval rating, 41 percent approval rating for the president, 41 percent of all Americans say they're going to vote Republican for Congress.

And that we just showed you there, among women, 63 percent plan to vote for Democrats. Look at the president's approval rating among women in our poll.

Among women, 63 percent disapprove of President Trump, 34 percent approve. That tracks exactly how the women's view of the president tracks exactly how they are going to vote for Congress. And the male numbers just as well, 52 approved, 45. It's 50-45 when you're looking at how we're going to vote.

COLLINS: And Trump keeps bringing this up in all of his rallies that he's really starting to pick up the pace. He's got four alone this week starting tonight in Iowa, and he's -- he keeps bringing this up as a way almost to pad the loss if it does happen. You said this always happens I'm told when one president is in office, the other party takes back the House or whatnot. But he does seem to think -- he seemed to resign that that was going to happen. That Democrats are going to take back the House.

But since the Brett Kavanaugh drama has happened, he's trying to turn it into a messaging that works for him. By saying yesterday that he thinks there are going to be Democrats who are voting Republican. The question is, can they hold onto what they believe is this new energy in the Republican base with the Kavanaugh drama? Can they hold onto that and make it sustainable for the next four weeks.

That's what the White House is grappling with, but they're going to have President Trump taking that message on the road a lot over the next month.

OLIVIER KNOX, CHIEF WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT, SIRIUSXM: You know, you mentioned the 2002 midterms in a way that's as good of a model as any forth these guys are going. People forget that (INAUDIBLE) the country really aggressively in 2002 with a scorched message about Democrats in national security. And you're getting echoes of that from Donald Trump this year. I won't repeat it here, but it's really incredibly volatile rhetoric directed at the Democrats and it reminds me a little bit of that tactic.

Travel as much as you can, sell the other party as being, you know, (INAUDIBLE) dogs and cats (INAUDIBLE) together and that kind of stuff. And I want to see whether it works this time as well it did in 2002 which was a pretty a close fight.

KING: And part of his calculation is, you can't change those gender gap numbers.

RAJU: Yes.

LERER: Right.

KING: So, you know, people say why do you do that, why are you continuing the Kavanaugh fight? He's trying to gin up his base because the other side is animated.

LERER: It's the 48 percent theory that if they get this 48 percent of the population who have been within the whole time out and ready and keep this Kavanaugh fight going to mobilize them, they could, you know, maybe stem some of the losses. But, look, 28 days is a long time in politics. A week is a long time in politics.

RAJU: Kavanaugh is still be red hot in 28 days.

KING: Twenty-eight days is a long time, but this tells you, it's a fascinating year and we're going to keep tracking it for those 28 days.

Thanks for joining us today in the INSIDE POLITCS. Don't go anywhere though. More breaking news. Wolf starts right now.

Have a good day.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Hello, I'm Wolf Blitzer. It's 1 p.m. here in Washington.