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One World with Zain Asher
Zelenskyy: Security Guarantees Must Come Before Peace Deal; Police: Former UK Ambassador to U.S. Released after Arrest; Many Tourists Anxious to Leave Mexico Amid Unrest; CNN Poll: Trump Faces Low Approval Ratings Ahead of Speech; Northeastern U.S. Reeling from Historic Bomb Cyclone; U.S. Women's Olympic Hockey Team Unable to Attend. Aired 11a-12p ET
Aired February 24, 2026 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[11:00:00]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CHRISTINA MACFARLANE, CNN HOST, ONE WORLD: Today marks four years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. "One World" starts right now.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has an urgent plea for U.S. President Donald Trump on this anniversary, what he told CNN in an interview from Kyiv.
Plus, stranded in paradise, CNN speaks to tourists told to shelter in place after the leader of a major drug cartel is killed. And CNN has new
reporting on what President Trump will say in tonight's State of the Union, as new polling shows the American people think he's focused on the wrong
things.
Live from London. I'm Christina Macfarlane. Thank you for joining us. This is "One World". And we begin with a fight for survival. Moments ago, EU
Leaders joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a show of solidarity on this four-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion.
Zelenskyy calling on the EU to give his country a clear date for membership.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT: It's vital that we have started working on the details of a key geopolitical security guarantee for Ukraine
and for all of Europe. And clear date for Ukraine's accession to the EU the year 2027, is very important for us, and I hope doable. I hope so that
Putin cannot block our membership for decades.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MACFARLANE: Well today, in the capital Kyiv and across the country, Ukrainians and their allies held a moment of silence for those killed in
the war. In recent months, Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have been relentless. They've left millions grappling with
blackouts and heating outages during one of the coldest winters in years, and the stakes remain high for Kyiv's allies.
If Ukraine's front lines collapse and the capital falls, most western estimates suggest Russian forces would soon be at NATO's borders. Our Chief
International Correspondent Clarissa Ward joining us now live from Kyiv.
And Clarissa, I mean, this is the harsh reality at this four-year anniversary that, in the face of uncertain support from the United States.
Ukraine remain reliant on Europe, but so too are Europe reliant on Ukrainian resilience here to keep going. I know you've been speaking to
President Zelenskyy in an interview in the last 24 hours about that directly. What did he tell you?
CLARISSA WARD, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, it's certainly a very somber day here Christina, and you could see that in President
Zelenskyy's demeanor throughout our interview, the weight of responsibility, the sense that people have here of just hitting a breaking
point is very clear.
A huge amount of strain, a lot of gratitude towards Europe, but also a plea for the U.S. and for President Donald Trump to, in the words of President
Zelenskyy, stay on our side. Now, we asked him what the specific concerns he has are in terms of trying to get those stalled peace talks moving.
He told us that the real issue at this stage is that the U.S. has not yet signed security guarantees that would give him comfort to make much needed
territorial compromises. And he said there's something crucial missing still from the draft outline of what those security guarantees would look
like. Take a listen, Christina.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WARD: So, you want a very specific in writing guarantee.
ZELENSKYY: I want very -- we have good things in these guarantees. It's true between us, it's true. But I want very specific answer what partners
will be ready to do if Putin will come again. And I think this is what Ukrainians want to hear. Just want to hear, I'm sorry it's not pressure.
It's just to understand.
WARD: If you get those security guarantees, would you be willing to accept a frozen front line whereby Russia keeps the territory that they have
already seized?
ZELENSKYY: We already said that we are ready for the compromise, to freeze the points where we stay, the places. It's a frozen contact line. We are
ready for this. It's not very good position for us. But in any way, we have defending lines. We have these fortifications.
[11:05:00]
But if Russians, or partners with in dialog with Russia's, want just to withdraw our army from our fortifications, I mean this, we can't be such
sorry foolish guys. We are not children.
WARD: What would you like to hear from President Trump tomorrow at his State of the Union Address?
ZELENSKYY: I want him to stay on our side.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WARD: So, there you hear it, Christina, a plea to President Trump to stay on our side. Now, President Zelenskyy did say that the U.S. and Ukrainian
technical negotiating teams have a good relationship, that they're in contact every day, and his relationship with the president has improved as
well.
They had some successful meetings back in December. But nonetheless, he believes and feels that the U.S. is not putting enough pressure on the
Russian side. And he believes that the U.S. is the only nation that can effectively push President Putin to make the compromises that are
desperately needed to end this war.
And he did emphasize that he understands that Ukraine will have to and is willing to make painful compromises as well, Christina.
MACFARLANE: Yeah, all eyes on that State of the Union Address later tonight. But for now, Clarissa, we appreciate your reporting so much. Thank
you. Well, staying in Kyiv, our next guest is Oleksiy Sorokin, the Deputy Chief Editor of The Kyiv Independent. Thank you so much for speaking to us
today.
As someone who has lived through this war, reported on every aspect of it. How are you feeling on this fourth anniversary day?
OLEKSIY SOROKIN, DEPUTY CHIEF EDITOR, THE KYIV INDEPENDENT: I think all of all of us in Ukraine and Kyiv here are feeling numb. It's been four years,
and every next 24th of February, it just feels worse and worse, because we know that this peace negotiation process is nothing.
There's not going to be any peace settlement. We see that the West is getting tired of Ukraine, and Ukraine is really, really tired of fighting,
but we don't have another choice, right? We don't have any options, so we're just keeping it day by day and trying to survive.
MACFARLANE: Yeah. And there is this sort of unspoken assumption that Ukraine will continue as Europe's fortress in many ways to give Europe time
to prepare if needs be for you know what might happen if Ukraine falls? How do Ukrainians feel about being relied on for their never-ending resilience
in this war?
SOROKIN: I think Ukrainians are angry because how much time do they need to prepare? It's been four years of full-scale war. It's 12 years of war in
total, right? And we see that Europe is still not ready. Europe is still not ready to fight.
Americans are -- they gave up on Ukraine. They are right now siding with Russia and forcing Ukraine to surrender. So obviously, speaking to people
in high cabinets here in Kyiv everyone is tired and really, really angry.
MACFARLANE: Yeah. And it's not just the sort of military support that, of course, Ukraine are seeking. We heard your President Zelenskyy, calling for
a clear date for membership for the EU as well. How important is EU membership to the people of Ukraine, is that something they're really
thinking about in this moment?
SOROKIN: Actually, yes, because Ukrainians need to know what they're fighting for. Obviously, they're fighting for their independence. They're
fighting for their language, their culture, for an independent Ukraine. But also, they want to know that there's light ahead of us, right?
Because it's been a brutal four years. A lot of people died, a lot of people are displaced. And knowing that there's something there that will
happen when the war is over, will definitely give a lot of people, a lot of people in Ukraine, hope. And unfortunately, right now, Europe and the
United States are not willing to give a lot of hope to Ukrainians.
MACFARLANE: Yes. And this has cost your Ukrainian President I mean, politically, the last four years has been a roller coaster for Zelenskyy.
His incredible popularity has kind of been eroded by this corruption scandal in his political orbit. We know that there's fatigue in Ukraine.
We've been reporting about that today. But is there division too of Ukraine's political future at this point?
SOROKIN: I think no. For example, a few of my friends were drafted recently, this month, actually, and they joined the armed forces of
Ukraine, not because Zelenskyy, not because of some kind of future political anything, right?
[11:10:00]
They join the army because they're defending their home. And most people right now in Ukraine who are continuing to fight, who are supporting the
military, they're not fighting because of Zelenskyy. They're not fighting because of any political future. They fighting because they don't have a
choice, right?
And I just remember the first day of the full-scale war, when people were filling the draft offices, when it was impossible to join the army, because
thousands and hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians were joining the army. And people were doing this because they wanted freedom. They wanted their
state to survive.
They wanted a future for their kids. And four years in, I think all those people don't regret that they joined the army, and they still want a better
future for their -- who's going to be -- anyone else? It's a fight for Ukrainian freedom, and people on the streets four years in still believe
it's that way.
MACFARLANE: Yeah. And I find it remarkable, Oleksiy, you telling me there that your friends, even at this four-year mark of the war, are being
drafted into the army, and they are still willingly putting their lives on the line. When you think about the future and about you know, just even
tomorrow, what hope do you have, you and your friends, that this war will end, that you will get back to life as it used to be?
SOROKIN: I don't think there's hope. I think there's just no other choice, right? It's either they kill us, they conquer Ukraine, and they impose what
Belarus is experiencing, what Russians are experiencing in Russia. Either they impose this, the Russians on Ukraine, or Ukraine will survive, defend
its freedom and have a better future.
And it's not about hope. It's about we don't have another choice, unfortunately. And I would really want to say that there is something that
can be done right now, and that there is light ahead of us, maybe this year. But unfortunately, we think that it's going to continue for years and
years, and it's only up to Ukrainians to defend their freedom.
MACFARLANE: Thank you so much for bringing us that perspective and for speaking to us on this anniversary. Oleksiy, thank you. We appreciate it.
Now, London Police say Former British Ambassador to the U.S., Peter Mandelson has been released on bail. Mandelson was arrested Monday on
suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to London's Metropolitan Police.
This video shows him returning to his home in London. He's been under scrutiny for his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson,
a Veteran Labour Party politician, faces allegations that he passed market sensitive government information to Epstein whilst he was the UK Business
Secretary.
The scandal has roiled the British government. Mandelson was appointed Ambassador to the U.S. by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Mandelson has not
publicly commented on the latest allegations and has previously apologized for his association with Epstein.
Meanwhile, after a debate in the British Parliament, the Labour government says it will support a motion to force the release of files related to
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's appointment as Trade Envoy. The Former Prince was arrested and then released last week on suspicion of misconduct in
public office.
He has not been charged with any crimes and has previously denied any wrong doing related to Jeffrey Epstein. This as New Zealand joins Australia
saying it would support any proposal to remove Mountbatten-Windsor from the Royal line of succession. Let's bring in CNN Anchor and Royal Correspondent
Max Foster.
So, Max just turning first to Mandelson's arrest, which seems to be following a similar playbook to that of Andrews. What more are we learning
about where that is at?
MAX FOSTER, CNN ROYAL CORRESPONDENT: So, he hasn't been charged. He denies any wrongdoing, but he has been released in the same way that Andrew was on
investigation. The investigation continues, but the difference here is that Mandelson has been released on bail. So, there are conditions related to
that.
So, in this country, you don't pay money to be released on bail, but you have to meet certain conditions. We don't know what they are. It might be
he has to remain based to that address, or he has to report back for further interviews to a police station.
It's not quite clear, but does show that the you know, the level of investigation into Mandelson actually is probably at a higher level than it
is on Andrew right now, because Andrew doesn't have the same conditions on him.
And then you see, as you were describing there, Chrissy, the way, this is really folded in Parliament at this point. So, the key two things that the
UK Parliament is looking at is trying to get information on why Mandelson was appointed U.S. Ambassador and why Andrew was appointed UK Trade Envoy.
They're trying to shed more light into those two decisions.
MACFARLANE: Yeah. And elsewhere, the Andrew story, Andrew Mountbatten- Windsor story is really blown up in Parliament today.
[11:15:00]
I know you've been watching it Max. I mean, this is, in itself, a bit of a break with precedent for it to be discussed in Parliament. Can you talk to
us about that and what it will mean to have the release of these files over his Trade Envoy appointment?
FOSTER: So, you know, Parliament is made up of the Lords and the Commons and the Monarchy. There's a long standing, centuries old protocol that you
don't discuss the Monarchy in debates in the House of Commons, partly because they can't answer back.
And if you look at Erskine May, which is the Handbook for MPs, that actually points out that you cannot debate the conduct of the monarch, the
heir, or indeed, any member of the Royal Family. So, the speaker did address this today, saying you can speak about Andrew. There is some debate
about, you know, he's not a working Royal.
So, it's opened up. Actually, if you look at the rules, this is a massive break from precedent that they are discussing a member of the Royal Family.
And just look at some of the wording that was put out there by the Trade Minister no less.
Andrew is rude, arrogant and entitled. So, once they were given that clearance, they actually, you know, lean very much into it. And they fully
supported this idea that the decision about appointing Andrew as Trade Envoy should be released. So, all of that paperwork is now going to be
released.
I think what's interesting about both of these cases is that we're now going to have a whole new set of files on top of the Epstein files. You're
going to have the Andrew files, the Mandelson files, and you can really triangulate all of that to find a lot more about actually, Epstein's web of
power here in the UK.
MACFARLANE: Yeah, it's quite a move forward and interesting, as you say, to hear those opinions being put out there in Parliament today on Andrew so
publicly. Max, appreciate it. Thank you. Our next, Iran is expected to deliver a revised proposal to the U.S. ahead of talks in Switzerland, we'll
look at what's on that agenda.
Plus, Mexico tries to restore calm after the death of a cartel leader triggers a wave of violence. So, when will stranded, tourists be allowed to
come home?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
MACFARLANE: A source says Iran is expected to submit proposals regarding its nuclear activities to Omani mediators. It comes ahead of a meeting
between U.S. and Iranian officials in Geneva on Thursday, following talks last week. We're being told that, in response to the latest American
demands, Tehran may offer to put limits on its uranium enrichment.
[11:20:00]
And as the U.S. weighs potential attacks on Iran, President Trump said in a "Truth Social" post Monday, his military leaders think the U.S. would
easily win any war with Iran. Iranian State TV is reporting that the Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted military drills on Iran's Southern
Coast today.
Let's bring in Paula Hancocks, from Abu Dhabi has been tracking this. So, Paula, what are your sources telling you about this updated proposal?
PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Christina, it is clear that the next couple of days are key when it comes to what is happening between the
United States and Iran? You have those talks coming up in Geneva between the two sides on Thursday.
And we understand from a source close to this matter that there is expected to be an update from the Iranian officials. We hear from a source that they
were expected at some point today, to be updating Omani mediators, talking about a response to the talks that have already taken place between the
U.S. and Iran.
Within that proposal that not a revised, not a new plan, but a revised response there was expected to be the insistence, once again, that Iran has
the right to enrich uranium. This is something we've heard just a couple of days ago from Iran's foreign minister as well, saying that it is a matter
of pride and dignity for Iranians.
We are hearing, though, from this source, that this plan, could show compromise when it comes to limiting the enrichment of uranium. Now we have
heard from U.S. President Donald Trump, he doesn't want any enrichment of uranium, so potentially there is still a gap between the two sides.
But we did hear from Iranian officials telling Reuters that potentially the highly enriched uranium that is believed to still be in country.
Potentially Iran could export part of that. They could dilute another part of that as part of this compromise.
We heard from the UN just last year that they believe there's some 440 kilograms of this highly enriched uranium one of the key sticking points
when it comes to these discussions. We have consistently, though, been hearing from Iran that they only want to talk about the nuclear program and
that they do also want to be talking about potential lifting of sanctions and economic relief.
So really, what we are going to see over the next couple of days could show us exactly what is going to be happening when it comes to this issue. We
heard from one source, familiar, one regional source, quote this Thursday will decide everything a war or a deal. Those crucial talks that will be
taking place in Geneva, Christina.
MACFARLANE: Well, of course, we'll be paying close attention to that in the coming days. Thanks for your reporting, Paula. Mexico's President, says her
country is slowly returning to normal after Mexican security forces hunted down and killed drug kingpin El Mencho.
Despite that, many international tourists are still stuck there after cartel members retaliated by setting off explosions and lighting fires.
Some 2500 troops are deployed to Jalisco and neighboring states to quell the violence. Flights from the resort towns of Puerto Villata and
Guadalajara could see disruptions until Wednesday.
And the U.S. State Department has warned many Americans in volatile areas to continue sheltering in place. Well, Jalisco is the base of many of the
cartel's operations. CNN's David Culver traveled to its Capital, Guadalajara, where many tourists remain stranded.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DAVID CULVER, CNN SENIOR U.S. NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: We're about to touch down. This is one of the few commercial flights that's actually able to
land in Guadalajara today. This plane will be fully booked with a very long stand-by list of people eager to get out.
I mean, this is what you see as soon as you walk out of baggage claim. You've got crowds of folks who are sitting with all their luggage. You've
got people who have turned their luggage into furniture, propping their legs up, some of them essentially camping out under blankets, and many of
them seem to be here without even anywhere to go.
They don't have flights. They don't have a confirmed ticket. They don't even know if they have a ticket, if the plane will take off. How confident
are you you'll be flying out tonight?
MUSKAN DAVE, STRANDED TOURIST: Hopefully. It's a 50-50.
CULVER: You don't feel internally.
DAVE: It feels like you're really quiet right now and then, like you read online that, OK? Like maybe the cartel is, like, regrouping, and maybe it's
going to get worse now.
CULVER: You just went out of here at this point.
DAVE: Yeah, 100 percent.
CULVER: You just want to go home.
DAVE: Yeah.
ANITA EGSDAL LUTTA, STRANDED TOURIST: Yeah. I'm five months pregnant.
CULVER: You're five months?
A. LUTTA: Yeah.
MARTIN EGSDAL LUTTA, STRANDED TOURIST: We cannot run if anything actually happens. And then also, like, just to keep the baby healthy, how are we
going to get food? Are we going to be able to have clean water?
CULVER: So where will you sleep?
A. LUTTA: We don't know yet. We just take it. Take it by the minute and see what happens.
[11:25:00]
CULVER: Is it possible you end up sleeping here tonight?
A. LUTTA: Possibly, yeah.
M. LUTTA: Yeah.
CULVER: You've got Army National Guard. They're searching some of the vehicles. It looks like there too. Mean in the middle of the highway, the
car burnt out. I mean another very obvious sign of the narco terrorism targeting a popular convenience store this Oxo. Look at it torched.
CULVER (voice-over): The chaos erupted Sunday after Mexican authorities launched an operation against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The main
target the cartel boss himself, Nemesio Segura Cervantes, better known as El Mencho. Mexican special forces raided his compound in the Town of
Tapalpa.
Lead there, officials say, through a romantic connection of El Mencho. Video recorded by locals and geo located by CNN, showed the Mexican
military swarming the area after confirming his location. The cartel leader captured and injured during the operation, officials say he died en route
to Mexico City for treatment.
El Mencho was wanted on drug trafficking charges by both Mexico and the United States. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called him a
top target for both countries, and said the U.S. provided Mexico with intelligence support ahead of the operation.
His death sparking a wave of retaliatory violence across at least 20 Mexican states, but nowhere worse than in the cartel's stronghold of
Jalisco, and especially in the coastal city and American tourist hot spot, Puerto Vallarta.
Large plumes of smoke seemed covering the city as tourists hunkered down inside one of the many hotels the cartel set barricades on fire across the
city, many stranded after airline suspended flights amidst the violence.
Here in the State Capital, Guadalajara, set to host World Cup games in just a few months, fierce clashes between gangs and the police. One video
showing a man seemingly trying to set a truck on fire.
CULVER: And what you see over my shoulder is not normal. That's the Mexican Army posted here at a gas station right next to the airport. And the reason
they're here is because gas stations, like you saw, their convenience stores, and even just vehicles in the highway, have become targets.
And so, they're hoping to at least show some force so as to deter any of that further violence. As far as when things will get back to quote,
unquote normal here as of now, there's no indication that that will be anytime soon. David Culver, CNN, Guadalajara, Mexico.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MACFARLANE: All right, still to come, the economy, tariffs and the Epstein files, some of the things the U.S. President is expected to touch upon on
his first big speech of the year, just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:30:00]
MACFARLANE: Welcome back to "One World". I'm Christina Macfarlane in London. Here are some of the headlines we are watching today. A grim
milestone for Ukraine. It is exactly four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in the Capital Kyiv and across the country, Ukrainians
held a moment of silence for those killed in the war.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again calling on the European Union to give Ukraine a clear date to join. Mexico's President says life is returning to
normal after the killing of the country's most wanted cartel leader triggered violent attacks by his gang members, cars, busses and businesses
were set on fire, and travelers, including American tourists, were urged to take shelter.
Mexico's Defense Secretary says they got access to El Mencho's hide out from a trusted friend of the gangs -- of the gang bosses' lover. And in a
new emotional video, NBC TV Host Savannah Guthrie says her family is offering a $1 million reward for information that leads to the recovery of
their mother Nancy Guthrie.
The 84-year-old, disappeared from her Arizona home more than three weeks ago now. And the video -- in the video, Savannah Guthrie acknowledged for
the first time that her mother may already be gone.
Well, in a few hours from now, President Trump gives his first State of the Union Address of his second term with a dismal approving rating in a recent
CNN Poll. A source close to the president tells us the theme of his speech will be America at 250 strong, prosperous and respected a nod to the
country's 250th birthday.
Up more on the president's address, Kevin Liptak is joining us from the White House with a busy day ahead. And Kevin, it's uncertain, I guess, how
much Donald Trump is going to pay attention to those dismal polling numbers in his address tonight? But they are providing some sort of troubling
indicators for him in this midterm year.
KEVIN LIPTAK, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: Yeah, and the president may not want to acknowledge the figures, but certainly it is the backdrop to
the speech that he's going to give tonight to the joint session of Congress.
You know, the numbers are very weak. 36 percent say they approve of the president's handling of his job. That's with 63 percent disapprove, and
it's down significantly from this time last year, when 48 percent said they approved of how the president was going about his work here.
And I think it just gives you an indication of the stakes that the president has here. You know, this is a very critical election year,
control of Congress up for grabs in November. And Republicans and the president's aides really do view this speech as something of a kickoff for
their messaging ahead of those midterm elections.
What you're going to hear about from the president is the economy. And the president trying to tout economic figures and economic growth and really
try and make the case that Americans are now better off than they ever have been.
When you look at our poll, certainly that is what Americans want to hear about. You know, the economy and cost of living was far and away the top
issue that people were hoping to hear from the president in the speech tonight. But I think it will kind of depend on how the president approaches
this.
You know, in his speeches that are ostensibly meant to be about the economy. One, he often meanders in all kinds of different directions,
hitting on the topics that Americans may not want to hear about, whether it's his grievances, whether it's the people he dislikes, even touting his
immigration record, you know that has become a political vulnerability for him.
Second, when the president does talk about the economy, often it is to sort of reiterate how well it's doing and to try and make boasts about, you
know, record growth or record stock market figures, when, in reality, a lot of Americans don't necessarily feel what the president is talking about.
And so, it will, I think, be a balance with the president as he tries to approach this very critical topic. He did give us something of a preview
yesterday listen to what he said.
[11:35:00]
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: We have a country that's now doing well. We have the greatest economy we've ever had. We have
the most activity we've ever had. I'm making a speech tomorrow night, and you'll be hearing me say that. I mean, it's going to be a long speech,
because we have so much to talk about.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LIPTAK: So, it's going to be a long speech now, last year's speech was 99 minutes long. That was a record for any president addressing a joint
session of Congress. Certainly, the president has a lot to tick through. The other issue that I think a lot of people are going to be interested to
hear about is, of course, Iran.
That is the very tense backdrop here. The president threatening, essentially, war on that country if they don't accede to a nuclear deal.
The president's aides say this is mostly a domestic focused speech, but certainly I think a lot of people will be listening to whatever it is he
has to say it about Iran when he comes out and speaks this evening.
MACFARLANE: Yeah, difficult to ignore it with that military build-up in the Middle East. We'll wait and see. Kevin, appreciate it. Thank you. Well,
joining me now is the Washington Bureau Chief for The Boston Globe, Jackie Kucinich. Jackie, great to see you.
I mean, this speech obviously comes at a very fraught moment in Donald Trump's presidency, as Kevin was saying there later CNN polling as Trump at
a 38-approval rating. What do you think Americans will want to hear from the president tonight, and what do you think they will get?
JACKIE KUCINICH, WASHINGTON BUREAU CHIEF, THE BOSTON GLOBE: I think there is a want for an acknowledgement of what it is like to live in this country
right now, that it isn't affordable, that a lot of things are out of reach for a lot of people. Now, do I think that the president is going to talk
about that?
No, I don't, because if any of his other speeches, because this is one of many speeches, of course, this president has given and will give this month
and the next month. There hasn't been an acknowledgement. It has been either blaming the previous administration or just touting what this
administration has done.
And, you know, somehow making their own reality in some ways, as to what things are actually like around the kitchen table. Now, I think the
president's advisors would like him to focus on a midterm message that has to do with affordability, and perhaps we will hear a little bit of that
this evening.
This is, of course, a very scripted speech. However, what I'm watching, and I think what will be the tell is, what happens after the State of the
Union? Will he be consistent, and that hasn't been the case at least in years prior?
MACFARLANE: Yes, and it will be interesting, I think, to see the dynamic in the room tonight, especially with those Supreme Court Justices expected to
attend --
KUCINICH: Right.
MACFARLANE: -- at a time when you say the Trump Administration are facing mounting pressure to improve affordability. How damaging do you think that
illegal ruling by the Supreme Court on Friday will prove to be, not just financially, of course, but politically for Trump?
KUCINICH: I mean this, you can't really overestimate what a blow this was to the president's agenda. These tariffs have been something that he has
been backing for years and years and years. He believes that this is the way to economic prosperity, and that just hasn't been the case.
And instead, he's infused more in uncertainty into the economy by tacking on these 15 percent temporary tariffs. Now what we might hear tonight, he
might ask Congress to codify that. It doesn't seem like Congress is willing to do that.
You even heard Speaker Mike Johnson say that that will does not really exist throughout Congress. But it doesn't mean he might not make the ask,
but certainly from small businesses on up, the tariffs have been extremely problematic and politically for as these costs are handed down to the
consumers by these companies.
MACFARLANE: Yeah. And there are so many sorts of consequential topics that could be on his agenda tonight, it's uncertain. I think, as Kevin was
saying that whether President Trump will use his address to talk foreign policy, because it ranks pretty low on, you know, list of priorities for
the U.S. public.
But as I said, it's kind of hard to ignore the massive military build-up in the Middle East and Trump's persistent threats of war. How are Americans
viewing a potential prolonged conflict Iran at this moment? And his interventionism in general this term, which has been extensive?
KUCINICH: You make a really good point. One of the things that this president campaigned on was a non-intervention list platform. Now that has
not been the case in the second term. The U.S. has intervened all over the world. I'm not telling you anything you don't know.
Now, whether this speech will actually focus on what the priorities of the White House is versus what the priorities of the American public is, that
we'll wait to see. But I don't think that he has a lot of support within the public of intervening in foreign conflicts.
[11:40:00]
Again, that's particularly among the president's base. And you've heard that before she left the Congress. Marjorie Taylor Greene, someone who has
been an avatar of the MAGA base for years and years, was vocal about these foreign conflicts that the president was getting into.
And I think there's a lot of members of Congress and members of the public that are uncomfortable with the president's rhetoric, both on Iran but
also, you know, on a number of conflicts.
MACFARLANE: And just speaking about who else might be in the room tonight. I don't think anyone who watched the Pam Bondi hearing with Epstein
survivors will forget her dogged resistance to giving them any attention. In fact, she ignored them as we remember.
Some of those survivors, it's reported, are likely to be in the room tonight for the State of the Union Address. Do you think we can expect any
different approach from Donald Trump?
KUCINICH: I don't think so in this speech. I'd be surprised if the Epstein files I mentioned, it's not something he likes to bring up himself now.
I've learned covering this president, you never under -- you never put down a marker and say he's not going to do something.
However, whether or not he mentions the Epstein files, the presence of these women, these survivors, will loom very large because they have been -
- they and their family members have been invited by various members of Congress to sit in the gallery, which is the ring of seats that are above
the Congressional Chamber that allows members of the public and guests of the of members of Congress to watch these proceedings unfold. Their
presence will be felt, no matter if they are acknowledged formally or not.
MACFARLANE: Yeah. Well, Jackie, it's great to have your analysis a long night ahead, especially if this speech exceeds 99 minutes, we will watch
and see.
KUCINICH: Oh, my goodness.
MACFARLANE: Yeah. God bless us all. We'll wait and see. Thank you so much, Jackie. Now you can watch special coverage of President Trump's State of
the Union Address right here on CNN. It begins tonight at 08:00 p.m. in Washington. That's 09:00 a.m. Wednesday in Hong Kong.
Now it's not called the Bomb Cyclone for nothing. After the break, we'll look at the aftermath left by the snowy hurricane that battered the
Northeastern U.S. and the storm that's waiting in the wings.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:45:00]
MACFARLANE: The winter storm that brought powerful winds and snow fall to Northeastern U.S. has finally calmed down, but a new winter blast could
come mid-week. The so-called Bomb Cyclone put several states under emergency declarations. It hit Sunday night, then continued throughout
Monday, and any snow that did melt will likely refreeze overnight.
That means slick conditions on roads Wednesday. Parts of New York State, Rhode Island and Massachusetts saw more than 30 inches or 76 centimeters of
snow. Thousands of travelers may still have to deal with flight cancellations again today. Gloria Pazmino is joining us from a very cold
New York City. Gloria, great to see you. But by all accounts, this isn't over yet, Gloria. We've got another storm waiting in the winds.
GLORIA PAZMINO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Christina. And I can't tell you that I am personally looking forward to that, given that we were
here during the storm over the past few days. But yes, we are likely to get more snow in the next two days.
However, so far, it looks like it's not going to be a significant amount of snow fall. So that's a little bit of a silver lining. But it looks like
we're getting nowhere near spring here in New York City. I want to tell you, this was a historic storm here in New York City, 50 centimeters fell
right here in Central Park.
So today, this is very much a winter wonderland. We have seen hundreds of people just streaming into the park today trying to enjoy and take in the
beautiful conditions. You know, going for a sled, taking in the snow, building snow man throughout the day. So, a lot of fun here inside the
park.
But of course, the clean-up is now getting under way. Now I do want to put the storm in historical context, because this is actually the ninth
snowiest storm since 1869. And the snowiest storm to hit the city in the last 10 years. So certainly, a record-breaking snowfall here in New York
City.
Now I talked about the clean-up, and I want to show you, because this is very compact, wet, hard snow, which means that it is very hard to clean up,
and the longer it sits, the harder it gets. So, if you have to shovel a car, if you have to clean a sidewalk, you're probably struggling this
morning, and that's what the city is in the middle of doing today.
Here in Manhattan, kind of the center of the city many of the primary roads, the sidewalks, have been clean. But when it comes to the outer
boroughs, parts like Staten Island Queens, they're having a little bit more difficulty, and they got some more snow in parts outside Manhattan.
In fact, 78 centimeters fell in parts of Long Island. So, we got a lot of snow to clean up. Also, children back to school today after having a snow
day yesterday. They are getting some criticism for the New York City Mayor local officials saying they believe today should have been a remote
learning day, given that there is still a lot of difficulty to get around.
But kids are back in school today. And of course, the delays that you mentioned, in fact, since early this morning, flights still not taking off
from airports here in the New York City area or in Boston. So, for sure, we are likely to see residual delays going into the evening and tomorrow, when
flights finally do start taking off, Christina.
MACFARLANE: Yeah, very hard for New Yorkers. But I can tell you, if I were there, I would have my cross-country skis on, and I'd be out in that park
right now. Not sure that's a big thing in the U.S., but it is here. Gloria, stay warm.
PAZMINO: We've seen some.
MACFARLANE: OK. Start to see the sun shining on you. Thank you. And if you're old enough to remember land lines, you're in for a treat. They are
making a comeback. Hear why some kids are now ditching smartphones for old fashioned telephones?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:50:00]
MACFARLANE: The nearly extinct landline is making a comeback, but not for adults for Kids. A company called Tin Can is marketing a kid friendly home
phone that's screen free. CNN's Vanessa Yurkevich explains why children and their parents are loving the return of a nostalgic way of communicating.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
VENESSA YURKEVICH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: When it first rang, did you like recognize that it was a phone ring?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No, I'm like.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Is that a fire alarm?
YURKEVICH (voice-over): Brooks, Harry and Charlotte had never used a landline before their mom, Sarah got them one for Christmas.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I use it a lot because I could call my friends on it. She's probably waiting.
YURKEVICH (voice-over): Landlines are the latest craze for kids. Parents hoping to push off getting their kids smartphones are ordering modern day
Wi-Fi connected landline phones made just for kids. I spoke to the CEO of Tin Can, their phones are in back order through April.
YURKEVICH: Ted.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hello. Hi, Vanessa.
YURKEVICH: I cannot remember the last time I called someone on a landline honestly. Have you heard that this actually either prolongs the kid asking
or acts in place of a cell phone?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What a kid is asking for is almost never a cell phone. What they're asking for is a way to connect with people.
YURKEVICH (voice-over): The telephone has been around for 150 years, but with the rise of smartphones, in just two decades, land lines have all but
disappeared.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We lost sight of the fact that there was this major population of people that relied on the landline for decades, and we left
them behind. That's kids, sort of launched head first into the mobile era.
YURKEVICH (voice-over): Research shows kids who get smart phones at a younger age are more likely to suffer from obesity, depression and not get
enough sleep.
YURKEVICH: Why in your mind was a phone still a version of a phone, but a landline better than a cell phone?
SARA EBERIE, BOUGHT TIN CAN PHONE FOR KID: No screen. And I thought, well, hey, they have to learn how to learn how to communicate so many kids, the
communication is, is lacking I feel like.
YURKEVICH (voice-over): Parents can control who calls in and out. Can set hours for use, and can add 911, as an option.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Sometimes actually will fight like, I'll get it, and then they every now and then, like, I answer it, and Harry called Dibbs
first, and we actually kind of fight with each other, but don't actually hurt each other. It's just tough love, basically.
YURKEVICH (voice-over): Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN, Frederick, Maryland.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MACFARLANE: I love that. Now, family, friends and co-stars are remembering Actor Robert Carradine, who died Monday at the age of 71. He was best known
for his role in "The Revenge of the Nerds" film, and as the father of Hillary Duff's character in the Lizzie McGuire TV Series.
In a statement, his family remembered him as a beautiful soul and a beacon of light to everyone around him. They also acknowledged his nearly 20-year
battle with bipolar disorder, saying they hope his passing can shine a light and address the stigma attached to mental illness.
And finally, this hour, the men's U.S. Hockey Team will be in the audience for President Trump's State of the Union Address tonight, fresh off winning
the Olympic Gold Medal. The U.S. Women's Hockey Team will not attend however, despite also winning gold. They have declined an invite, citing
timing issues.
[11:55:00]
But it follows criticism of what some say were sexist remarks by President Trump in a phone call to the men's team. He invited them to his speech and
added he'd be impeached if he didn't also invite the women's team.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: We're giving the State of the Union speech on Tuesday night. I could send the military plan too. I must tell you, we have to bring the woman see
if you do know -- that I do believe I probably would be impeached, OK.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MACFARLANE: A spokesperson for USA Hockey, releasing this statement explaining why the women declined Trump's invitation due to the timing and
previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the games, the athletes are unable to participate. They were honored to be
included, and are grateful for the acknowledgement. And I say, more power to them.
That's it for this edition of "One World". Stay with us my colleague, Bianna Golodryga, is up after this quick break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
END
