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Return to the home page of the transcript Room 5.
Magnitude 7 earthquake in Mexico;
House Speaker of the Central Intelligence Agency
Tom Ritchie: Cheney aired it wrong on May 22, 2009
16: 00 ETTHIS is a hurried transcript.
This copy may not be in final form and may be updated.
John Roberts, cnn anchor: Now, former Vice President Dick Cheney has been weakened by Republicans.
Dick Cheney, America's first homeland security secretary, said he was wrong about President Obama making America less secure.
This is CNN's exclusive report.
In addition commander-in-chief to New Generation warriors pay tribute.
This hour, his last graduation speech of the season and a new interview with the president ended a week of political defense.
The survivors of the Miracle on the Hudson River got their long lost luggage.
It was a flashback of the horror they experienced four months ago.
Wolf Blitzer is off today.
This is John Roberts.
You're in the Situation Room.
We have to pay attention to breaking news this afternoon.
Just a while ago, an earthquake measuring magnitude 5.
Attacked 90 miles southeast of Mexico City.
Our Abbi Tatton is monitoring the situation.
What do you have, Abby?
Abbi tatton, CNN Internet Reporter: John, the latest information on the just-Updated USGS website is actually 5.
A magnitude 7 earthquake struck about 35 minutes ago.
We'll be heading south of Mexico City, about 85 miles south and 30 miles south of Puebla.
The shake map released online by USGS records how people feel in this area.
In the Mexico City area, there are also reports in the Puebla area.
Witnesses said they did feel shaking about half an hour ago.
According to these early reports, on the shake map, on the spectrum where the Shake has multiple, it is about light to moderate.
But we heard from witnesses that they did feel the buildings shaking and some people took to the streets.
We will bring you the latest when we get more.
Roberts: Abbi, are there any reports of damage at the moment?
Tarton: We haven't seen it here so far, but as we said, it was only about 35 minutes ago, we will wait for the reports, more information and pictures of witnesses and we will bring them to you when we have them.
Roberts: Our Abby Tarton.
Thank you very much Abbi.
We will keep you under surveillance.
They're two of the best.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Vice President Dick Cheney are now well-known targets in politics.
Today, former Bush Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge disagrees with Cheney's claim that President Obama has made the United States less secure.
Support that exclusive.
Meanwhile, Nancy Pelosi was once again attacked by Republicans.
Even though she might try, she can't seem to be able to go beyond what she claims is that she and Congress are being bombarded by CIA misleading.
First, Dana Bash, our senior congressional correspondent.
Dana, is the speaker trying to change the topic here?
Dana Marsh, CNN senior correspondent
Congressional correspondent: Well, you know, in her words, John, in the unusual choreography of today's weekly press conference, she's trying to change the topic, or at least avoid a topic. (Start Video)BASH (voice-over)
: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi came here in front of the camera and she knew someone would ask her about the dispute she was involved in, but she was determined to say nothing. REP. NANCY PELOSI (D-CA)
Speaker of the House: We will provide jobs, health care and energy to our country in a bipartisan way.
Regarding the question you asked, I have made the statement I am going to make.
I have nothing to say about this.
I have nothing to say about this matter. Another theme?
BASH: a completely different approach from last week was that she made a pre-prepared comment, insisting that she had never been told to use waterboarding and slammed the CIA. . .
Pelosi: I mean, they're misleading Congress, the CIA is misleading Congress. BASH:. . .
Even her biggest supporters call her poor.
Pelosi: Let me see it again.
Sorry, I have to find that page.
BASH: this time, the speaker brought back-up, surprising journalists who attended her weekly press conference with three members of her leadership team, all of whom spoke about the achievements of the Democratic PartyThey talked. . . REP. STENY HOYER (D-MD)
We have adopted a budget to invest heavily in energy technologies. BASH:. . . and talked. . . REP.
Xavier Besera (D-CA)
Vice chairman of the Democratic caucus: Next is health care.
We intend to move forward. BASH:. . . and talked. . . REP.
Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
The chairman of DCCC: So we are restoring the budget to be honest. BASH:. . .
Nearly 25 minutes before attending an event aimed at holding a press conference.
Pelosi: With that, I 'd be happy to answer any questions.
When reporters are in trouble --
The room full of people did make Pelosi question, which lasted just over five minutes.
Pelosi's deputy, Hoyer, apparently thought he was here to help her.
He moved in to try to intercept a question about the dispute.
Question: it was misled by the Central Intelligence Agency. . .
The reporter did try to ask other questions about the topic but did not succeed. (END VIDEOTAPE)
BASH: Now, the question we are trying to ask is whether the spokesperson urged the CIA to issue confidential notes from her 2002 briefing.
She said the notes proved that she had never been told to use a harsh interrogation strategy.
That might let her know when these issues, of course, John, are the issues that Republicans are still banging on and still calling for investigation.
Roberts: Okay.
We're at Dana Bash on Capitol Hill this afternoon.
Dana, thank you very much.
Now the first Secretary of Homeland Security and former Vice President Dick Cheney are being summoned on the carpet.
Tom Ritchie sat down for an exclusive interview with CNN's John King.
Cheney accused President Obama of making America less secure.
Listen to him. (
Start Video Editing)
John King, CNN's Chief National Correspondent: you have intelligence.
In those days after 9/11, you held a very sensitive position.
Do you think we are not so safe today because of the measures taken by President Obama?
Tom Ritchie, former Secretary of Homeland Security: I don't know.
Do you disagree with Dick Cheney?
Rich: Yes, I don't agree with Dick Cheney, but I also don't agree with the approach taken by the two. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Let's invite John King, chief national reporter.
He is the host of CNN's State of the Union.
Gloria Borg, our senior political analyst
What Dick Cheney said, John, is in sharp contrast to what Tom Rich said.
How big is the excavation of the former secretary of homeland security?
This is a great opportunity because, John, this is the central argument for Dick Cheney.
Yes, he said it was a mistake to keep Gitmo open.
Yes, he said the intensive interrogation strategy worked, and President Obama should not give up.
But the most fundamental reason is that Dick Cheney said the president's decision made Americans less secure.
This is someone he recruited to join the Bush administration, he was there after 9/11, he said he was wrong, Dick Cheney was wrong, I don't think President Obama made us safer.
Now, Tom Ritchie does disagree with what President Obama has said and done.
But on the big question that the former vice president has been away for two months, Tom Ritchie said no, doesn't agree.
What do you think, Gloria?
Does this draw some ammunition from Cheney's argument?
Gloria Borg, CNN senior correspondent
Political analyst: Well, that's true, I think.
This is the former secretary of homeland security.
Don't forget, you know, Dick Cheney has also had some arguments with Colin Powell in public recently, and I think it's a very scary opponent for him.
John McCain is opposed to torture, and many American public are opposed to the use of torture.
So I think he's talking to his party.
He's talking about his legacy, he's talking about history now, and the way it's written about Dick Cheney and George W. Bush.
Roberts: John, you know, we 've seen a lot of people talking about something completely different on the Republican side.
This is a party of discipline.
Now you let Tom Ritchie say one thing and Dick Cheney say the other.
You may have taken Newt Gingrich ahead and said Nancy Pelosi should step down as speaker while John Boehner just asked her to apologize for the CIA issue.
Are there too many independent operators?
Well, your point is-
Recall how disciplined the Republican Party was at the beginning of George Bush's administration.
Now, many people think it's a mistake, they don't have good congressional oversight, they don't question the intelligence of entering the war in Iraq, they don't cut more, they allow too much.
Many people think this is a mistake.
But now you do. -it is --
Some Republicans call it Circus.
At any given moment, you don't know who is number one.
Some conservative leaders, along with Newt Gingrich, said Nancy Pelosi should step down.
Now, this is a huge call for the right, but is it health care information, Economic Information, climate change and energy information for the 2010 midterm elections?
This is a concern for many Republicans.
Next time we vote, we need to discuss the policy.
Do you know?
Nancy Pelosi is a pastime.
She is now a real problem for the Democratic Party.
President Obama avoided commenting on Nancy Pelosi and what she knew and when.
Nancy Pelosi is now involved in a Republican game plan because they know Barack Obama is popular and they want to keep attacking her and Senator Reid, which works for them.
Roberts: though, Michael Steele, chairman of the Republican National Committee, said the attack should have happened to President Obama and surprised him.
Kim: Well, I don't think anyone is against the idea that they should fight against policy.
There are a lot of Republicans, John. -
Some say he might recover.
Most Republicans are not paying too much attention to their chairman right now, which is not a good thing for Michael Steele.
But should you question the details of Obama's energy plans, caps and trade on this issue?
Republicans say it's a carbon tax, a higher energy tax.
Should you question how much role the government will play in health care?
Republican strategists say this is the way to do this, policy, not the president himself.
At this point, they would agree with Michael Steele.
However, it is difficult for him to attract the audience at his party now.
BORGER: Don't forget that they will have to make a decision on how to deal with the upcoming Supreme Court nominee.
Are they directly against the nominee or is it his choice?
Roberts: It would be more interesting to come here.
Thank you very much, John King Gloria Borg.
By the way, you can hear more about the interview Tom Ritchie had with John King on Sunday at the State of the Union.
Everything starts at 9: 00 in the morning. m.
Right east of CNN.
It's time for the "Cafferty File.
"Since I'm in New York, we're happy to be in the studio with Jack Cafferty today.
Good afternoon, sir.
Jack Cafferty, cnn anchor: How are you, John?
You know, it's all. -
I got feedback on this so I will take it out of my ears.
All this Dick Cheney has been doing, I read something this morning and his approval rating is actually going up.
ROBERTS: Yes.
He's up eight points.
George Bush rose six percentage points.
They are not very good.
They still have a long way to go from good, but they are actually on the rise.
President Obama says some suspected terrorists from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay will be sent to the United States. S. prisons.
Despite congressional opposition, the president is pushing ahead with his plan to close Gitmo by next January.
He said he would not authorize the release of any detainees who would "endanger the American people.
"This is a good idea.
But he said some of the suspects will be tried in the United States. S.
He was held in the federal super prison.
The president said other detainees could be tried by the military commission and sent to other countries.
Congress hit President Obama hard by blocking funds from closing Gitmo until he came up with a detailed plan to deal with the 240 detainees held there.
Senate Majority Whip Dick Dubin is one of the few who voted against the $80 million needed to stop the closure of the place.
Durbin says the United StatesS.
Just as we have placed 348 convicted terrorists in the United States, these terrorist suspects can be safely placed. S. prisons.
Guantanamo has become a symbol and organization tool for terrorists, and it will not help us win friends in the war on terror, Dubin said, when we are not willing to do so, we cannot ask any of our allies to take these detainees away.
This makes sense.
Still, Republicans continue to argue and are very successful.
They play Democrats like a violin on this issue.
They continue to think that the president's plan could put Americans at risk.
Former Vice President Dick Cheney mumbled about Bush's reversal.
The Obama era detention policy is "reckless cover up justice", which will make the United StatesS. less safe.
The gospel of Darth Vader
The question is: Do you have a problem with the detention of Gitmo prisoners in the United StatesS.
Super prison? Go to cnn.
Comment on my blog.
To get you to know the political elements of this, I bet I saw 200.
Before I came, I emailed downstairs in my office.
I saw two people say, "I'm worried about this.
"There are 198 people who say they are not going anywhere at Supermax prison.
Lock them up and forget about it.
Let's continue to discuss health care and other issues.
Roberts: I guess one of the biggest questions is, if you put these detainees in jail and they get into the general population, not in isolation, will they affect people going to extremism?
While they may never get out of jail, the people they affect may get out of jail?
CAFFERTY: Another legal issue is that the reason they chose Gitmo is that it is not within the jurisdiction of the judiciary.
ACLU can't go to Gitmo and can't request to release these people for anything.
If they bring them back to the country, they will worry that there will be a judge somewhere who will say, well, the rights of these people have been violated, and we have to let them go.
Look forward to your reply, Jack. CAFFERTY:Yes.
Nice to meet you.
Cafferty: See you later, John.
Roberts: We are following the breaking news in Mexico City this afternoon.
A magnitude 7 earthquake struck a few minutes ago.
We're going there on the spot.
In addition, a new interview with President Obama.
He is on the defensive about the auto industry's bailout, and he is accused of what GM should call a "government car ".
"See if he spoke to his predecessor George w. Bush after he took office. (
Business break)
This is CNN's breaking news.
Roberts: We are watching the breaking news in the war room.
This afternoon, John Roberts took part in the performance of Wolf Blice.
Earthquake measuring magnitude 5
Just over half an hour ago, seven people attacked 90 miles southeast of Mexico City.
Many rocking and rolling, many high-rise buildings shaking.
We don't know if there are any reports of damage or injury at the moment, but we do have someone on the ground in Mexico City and we can continue talking now.
Aldo Pontecorvo is the relief director of the World Vision society in Mexico City.
Aldo, thank you for being with us.
How did you feel in Mexico City 40 minutes ago?
Ordo pontekovo, director of relief at World Vision: Thank you, John.
Well, after 2: 00 Mexico City time, we had this earthquake that lasted about 20 seconds. It was (INAUDIBLE).
Fortunately, the traffic here was very heavy on Friday night.
Worse now, there is no electricity in several parts of the city ,(INAUDIBLE)
No features.
So we're a mess here.
As a matter of fact, I'm leaving now when I'm talking to you.
I am attending a citizen protection conference where they will update us.
We have a lot of helicopters walking around the city and a lot of civil protection forces walking around the city trying to find out if there is some damage.
So far, no damage has been reported in Mexico City.
So far, in the city of Puebla, near where the epicenter was. ROBERTS:Yes.
We now see some very good pictures from the TV Azteca on the screen.
There are many people on the street. the traffic is obviously at a station.
I think people walked out of the building because they were afraid of collapse, even though it was only a moderate earthquake.
Where are you when it hits?
How would you describe the vibration? PONTECORVO:OK.
Well, I was in my office and our entire building and many others were evacuated.
It's short, but it's hard in my opinion.
But without any warning, it started from scratch and everyone had to go out.
As soon as we go out, we start to get together and learn more about it.
That's why I'm now trying to go to this meeting for more information.
But now the traffic is delayed and it is difficult to cross the city.
That's why they checked all the buildings by helicopter.
All the people were outside the building and only a few were ready to go in.
Roberts: It's also pontkovo for us.
He is the relief director of the World Congress.
Thank you, Aldo.
We will get you to your meeting and maybe we can get back in touch with you after the meeting to see what's going on in Mexico City.
We should also point out that a magnitude 5 earthquake has occurred.
In Guatemala, not far south of Mexico City, there were attacks in the same area.
I don't know if it goes along exactly the same fault line, but there must have been some seismic activity there in the last 24 hours. (NEWSBREAK)
Juan Carlos Lopez from CNN has been contacting people in Mexico City. He joins us now.
Juan Carlos, what did you hear from the local people?
Juan Carlos Lopez, cnn correspondent: John, everyone is talking about the 1985 earthquake, which killed 10,000 people.
This laid the foundation for the Mexicans to start preparations.
Now, what I just heard from my colleagues in Mexico City is that all the skyscrapers in Mexico ---
Remember, it's a city of 20 million people. -
Designed to resist earthquakes.
So they thought it was strong and passed quickly, but they were really ready.
People began to evacuate.
In addition to the panic, it seems that the main concern now is that the telephone line is blocked and there may be power outages in some parts of Mexico City.
But for people living in Mexico City, it's over, and it's something they're used to, although it's obviously a very scary experience. ROBERTS:Yes.
What is the degree of shaking described to you?
Lopez: Well, they say the difference between this and the others is that it's fierce, but it's short.
This is very short. They felt it --
Our station in Mexico City is on the 8 th floor and they feel very strong but very fast.
People want to evacuate.
And now everyone's back. It was 2:30 --
They were an hour behind. -
People came back from lunch when things happened.
It's Friday, so it's a tough time for them, but they say the situation in the Mexican capital is back to normal now.
Roberts: Okay.
Juan Carlos Lopez, CNN correspondentThanks.
We will let you continue your sources in Mexico City. (WEATHER REPORT)(
Business break)
Roberts: You're in the Situation Room.
It's happening now, breaking news. A 5.
An earthquake struck Mexico City.
The earthquake struck about 90 miles southeast of Mexico's capital.
In addition, visitors to the beautiful national park may pack their luggage legally soon.
The president has just signed the law and not everyone knows the fine print on the credit card bill.
In addition, there are some very important combat areas.
We found it in an abandoned Taliban training camp.
The Mexican authorities call it a big embarrassment.
How did several dangerous prisoners get out of prison?
Wolf Blitzer is off today.
This is John Roberts.
You're in the Situation Room.
On this long Memorial Day weekend, President Obama paid tribute to future US military leaders, including McCain.
CNN White House reporter Dan Lothian reported on the president's speech in the United States. S.
Navel College in Annapolis
CNN White House correspondent Dan Lothian: John, this is President Obama's third and final speech to a graduating class.
There was no dispute over the visit.
Instead, the president praised the class's commitment to the country in 2009 and vowed to make the necessary investments to strengthen the army. (Start Video)LOTHIAN (voice-over)
: The sky bridge of the Blue Angel, followed by the oath of the commander-in-chief.
US President Barack Obama: I will only put you in trouble when absolutely necessary with strategy and well-being
Clear objectives, equipment and support required to complete the work.
LOTHIAN: to 1,036 graduates of the United StatesS.
President Obama says the United States needs to train foreign troops to defeat insurgents and extremists.
Like the seals, they even rescued the kidnapped captain from the pirates.
They remember their skills.
They do their duty.
They finished their work.
They stood and watched.
They took it slowly and then shot.
LOTHIAN: The president's speech came on the same day that he signed a bill aimed at cutting military waste into law, saying the money could benefit the Army.
Obama: It's unforgivable and unreasonable when we fight two wars and face a serious deficit.
LOTHIAN: at the inauguration, Obama also talked about another topic that everyone is familiar with, that is, the image of the United States overseas.
Obama: When the United States deviates from our values, it not only undermines the rule of law, but also alienates our allies.
LOTHIAN: the commander-in-chief shook hands with every new officer. . .
Woman: John S. McCain IV. LOTHIAN:. . .
Including Senator McCain's son, Jack.
This is a proud moment for Sir.
President Obama's opponent and his wife Cindy.
McCain's fourth plan to graduate from the Naval Academy is to become a Navy pilot. (END VIDEOTAPE)
LOTHIAN: It's not clear how many of these graduates will soon go overseas, but President Obama said he wants these young men and women to help end the war in Iraq, strengthening the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan ---John.
Roberts: Dan Lothian is in Annapolis with the president.
Thank you very much, Dan.
Expectations are heating up for President Obama's announcement of his first US presidential candidate. S. Supreme Court.
Next week he will choose to take over Justice David Sutter, who is about to retire.
The president's brief list reportedly includes several female and Hispanic candidates.
He is under pressure to bring more diversity to the court, and the White House is preparing a possible confirmation battle.
Still, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs is pleased today with the news to be announced. Listen to this. (
Start Video Editing)
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs: Let me give you a brief introduction --
In the next weekAt 6:30 a. m.
The president will announce his Supreme Court nominee tomorrow morning. (LAUGHTER)GIBBS:Gotcha. I'm done.
This is obviously a joke, but I do like to see someone who can text me quickly and tell me the name of the chiropractor because at least four dozen necks are broken in one direction. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Like trout fishing.
In the debate over the detention of terrorists in the Gulf of Guantanamo, many people do not want them to stay in the United States.
It's not in my backyard.
But some people in a community in the West say they welcome stubborn terror suspects there.
CNN Homeland Security correspondent Jenny metherf explained. (Start Video)
CNN Homeland Security correspondent Jenny Mercer (voice-over)
: John, Harding, Montana, with a population of 3,400, is opening the door to some people that others don't want. (on camera)
This is probably Gitmo West.
Now, in little Harding, Montana, this is a prison without prisoners.
City officials want to use detainees at Guantanamo Bay, like self-
Announced 9/11 mastermind Sheikh Mohammed Khalid.
Greg Smith, head of economic development: it will bring jobs.
Whether you believe it or not, it will even bring hope and opportunity.
Maysev: this is the poorest county in Montana. The $27 million prison turned into a white elephant.
But not everyone wants to be detained here.
Darren MacMillan, resident of Harding, Montana: I will move out of Harding.
My son is in the Army.
He came back from Afghanistan.
The people do not respect anyone's life, even their own, he said.
MESERVE: some people in the community are concerned that if the detainees are locked up here, they will attract other militants into the area, or, worse, they will run away.
Smith: The people who want to fix this, we would be happy to lock them up and see how long it will take them to come out.
I will buy them coffee at the coffee shop if I can. Not a problem.
MESERVE: There are a lot of cameras and wires that can line up more cameras and wires. (on camera)
They were even prepared for the trouble here.
They have gas masks and riot helmets, shields, batons.
They even have guns. (voice-over)
Because there are no prisoners, Glen (ph)
Rae Perkins was fired after moving to Harding to do security work.
They are opposed to the transfer of detainees here, although this may allow them to re-find their jobs.
Ray Perkins, former prison keeper: The bottom line is, I just want the prison to open.
But, no, I really don't want someone in my backyard.
But if Guantanamo is closed, detainees will have to go somewhere.
Smith: It's much easier to get into a community that really wants them than to get into a community that doesn't need them.
MESERVE: this is probably the only city in the country that is ready, willing and able to accept them. (on camera)
: Federal officials are looking for places to place detainees, but Harding has not received word from Washington yet--John. (END VIDEOTAPE)
Roberts: This afternoon, we are looking at a breaking news. the earthquake in Mexico City, which is actually 90 miles southeast of Mexico City, has a level 5. 7.
It's 34 miles deep, so it's a rather shallow earthquake.
Alice Crespo is the bureau-run CNN in Spanish in Mexico City.
He's on the phone with us now.
Ariel, can you describe what happened when the earthquake happened? How much do we know about the consequences of the earthquake?
Ariel crespo, director of the Mexico City bureau, cnn en espanol: Well, thank you, John.
As you said, a strong earthquake shook Mexico City and people took to the streets around lunch time.
Actually, the epicenter was (INAUDIBLE)
Located in Puebla, about 90 miles from Mexico City. As you said, 5.
7 is the magnitude reported so far.
No immediate reports of injury or damage.
When police investigated the streets, residents of the whole city gathered on sidewalks.
No significant damage or victims have been reported so far.
I was right at the center of the Mexican city in the Connecticut area.
Everyone starts to like running because it feels shocked from one side to the other. So --
But, as I said, there is no really significant loss report so far.
Roberts: You know, Ariel, of course, remember what happened in the middle.
There are 1980 people in Mexico City. The earthquake destroyed so many buildings and killed about 10,000 people.
The geography and geology of that area, Mexico City is--
It is a city with a fairly high altitude, but as Bonnie Schneider told us, it is also filled with a mixture of volcanic ash and clay in a large bowl, where earthquakes can easily occur.
Crespo: Yes, John, but let me tell you that Mexico has a very, very effective prevention policy in this regard due to the experience in 1985.
It was amazing to see thousands of people queuing up on the street and walking out of the building in an orderly manner.
So, I think this lesson is still very, very important. -
In the hearts of the people here.
Roberts: Okay. CRESPO:John.
Roberts: Okay. -you know, as --as you --
As you said, Ariel, there are no reports of damage or injury at the moment, but, of course, it--
Due to the power outage, it caused some problems throughout the city.
Do we know the extent of the power outage there?
Crespo: especially mobile phones, not necessarily energy, but mobile phones.
I am one of them and I have actually been unable to reach my phone for the last 38 or 40 minutes.
But other than that, like I said, just a few minutes before lunch, so you can imagine that the traffic is very busy and crazy, and now the city is in a mess.
Roberts: Okay.
Ariel Crespo is the bureau manager of CNN en Espanol, our sister network in Mexico City--
Thank you very much, Ellie.
We will get back to you in a little time.
By the way, we will be following the development of Mexico City in the afternoon. -
Give you details when we put them in the Situation Room.
We are ready to hear from President Obama.
He just sat down for an interview.
He talked about how long he wanted to supervise GM.
And Tom Ritchie.
Cheney, Powell.
Rush Limburg, are every Republican these days? Stand by.
We will hold a "strategic meeting" for you ".
We will be back soon.
You're looking at the situation room. (
Business break)
Roberts: This is a miracle that the world has seen. S.
An airline flight that landed on the Hudson River after an emergency.
The heroic actions of the pilots and crew saved the lives of all the people on board.
But in terms of keeping their items, well, it may feel like standing on the wings and praying ---
So far.
Our Mary snow is on the Hudson River and has some very good news for those passengers ---Mary.
Mary snow, cnn correspondent: Yes, John, it's amazing.
You remember, four months ago, after Flight 1549 landed on the Hudson River, it drifted down to Lower Manhattan.
By that time, the plane had been completely submerged.
So, imagine how passengers react when they learn that some of their belongings can be salvaged. (Start Video)
Barry Leonard of the United StatesS.
Airline Flight 1549 passengers: this is actually another part of my boarding pass for January 15.
You can see here, it's January 15, Flight 1549, my seat number is 1-C.
Snow: It's not something Barry Leonard thought he would see again. When U. S.
Flight 1549 landed on the icy Hudson River and he jumped into the water to start swimming.
His jeans are one of the few things he can save from that day and he continues to wear them.
But recently, other reminders came back in a hurry when a box arrived at his home.
Leonard: From the Wall Street Journal that day to my W-
Two forms that I didn't even realize have come up. . . (LAUGHTER)LEONARD:. . .
You know, in this package-
My briefcase, you know, I 've been here for decades and it's all these things.
And, you know, it's great for me to think about the fact that it's underwater. And, you know --
In fact, how many times can an airline send all these types of products back to a living person? SNOW:Rarely. U. S.
Air Works with Texas
The US-based company told CNN that it sorted out about 30,000 items from the flight, cleaned them up, and sometimes froze
Dry items to save them.
Mark Rocco, senior vice president, Global
BMS: Passengers have emotional connections to their property because of traumatic events like this and are very emotional. So, we --
We just wanted to make it available.
Mary Ann Bruceph)
She has a lot of affection to get back some of her jewelry.
She was surprised to find that her electric toothbrush was still working.
Women of unknown identity:. . toothbrush. (LAUGHTER)
Snow: Dan Wendon (ph)
Reading on the plane is now back in his hands.
Man: There are about two or three chapters in this book.
Actually, I think my mark is still there.
Snow: still working there for Vicky Barnhart (ph)
Four flash drives were salvaged.
She now uses the returned running shoes, but she says she cherishes her boarding pass.
Yeah, I think, well, it's kind of cool.
It will be a nice little souvenir for kids and grandchildren. (END VIDEOTAPE)
Snow: And, John, a passenger.
Sent us that his briefcase was returned last week on his birthday.
He and other passengers said it was important to them.
They are trying to remember every moment. This --
Apparently everything recovered after getting their personal belongings back-John.
Roberts: OK, Mary is snowing for us on the Hudson.
Surprisingly, after that ordeal, they got any reward.
Well, what happens when your bag is lost but found by someone else?
Airlines usually spend about three months trying to reunite their luggage with the owner.
After that, it became unclaimed luggage.
According to a company called the Unclaimed Baggage Center, there are very few bags that are really lost.
But potential discoveries are huge for customers.
The company says it meets a jade of nearly 41 karat, like the one seen here, full armor, and even a live rattlesnake.
We also have "strategic meetings" by James Carville and Bill Bennett, a brand --
New interview with President ObamaStay with us.
You're looking at the situation room. (
Business break)
Roberts: More on one of our most important stories this afternoon: Former Homeland Security secretary Tom Ricky and his comments on US security. (
Start the video clip, "State of the Union With John King ")
King: You have wisdom.
In those days after 9/11, you held a very sensitive position.
Do you think we are not so safe today because of the measures taken by President Obama? RIDGE:I do not.
So, you don't agree with Dick Cheney?
Yes, I don't agree with Dick Cheney, but I don't agree -----
The approach taken by both. (END VIDEO CLIP)
Okay, that's Tom Ritchie, former Secretary of Homeland Security.
We will be attending our "strategy meeting" with CNN political writers Bill Bennett and James Cavill ".
But first, we have a brand.
New interview with President Obama, tell you more.
This is by C-
The story of Scully
He joins us now from the White House.
Steve, you asked the president a lot of different things, including health care.
Why don't we listen to what he said on that topic?
C-Steve Sculley, political editorSPAN:Sure. (
Start video editing, C-SPAN)SCULLY:Mr.
Mr. President, let's turn to health care, because some people who don't agree with President Clinton have been trying to stop his initiative for 15 years and are on the table today. What's changed?
Obama: A lot has changed.
What has not changed
Health care costs are rising.
As a result, it has been seen that costs have continued to soar since 93 when we failed to reform health care.
I think the biggest change in politics may be that businesses now recognize that if we can't handle these things well, they will continue to be at a disadvantage in competition with other countries.
They are therefore eager to seek serious reform.
In fact, we already have hospitals and doctors who also recognize that the system is unsustainable on the current path, and fiscal conservatives recognize the biggest component of reducing our deficit and long-term spending
Long-term debt is controlling health insurance and Medicaid costs, and health care reform is crucial to turning things around, and I think all of this has converged.
You're right.
We are here for meetings with insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, doctors, hospitals, labor, all relevant stakeholders, nurses, we have never seen before.
Now it is still very difficult to pass a bill, but I am absolutely committed to keeping this process going. . . (END VIDEO CLIP)
You know, Steve,-
The president said one of the ways-
The only way, really. -
To control the long-term deficit.
The term of office is health care reform.
But, given the climate these days, where do you put his chances?
Scully: Well, you know, he said two things, one is, in his words, the stars are arranged together and let it all pass, and he seems to show, something will happen this year.
In talking to him, my feeling is that once he goes above and beyond his Supreme Court nominee, this will be the topic of the next half-part ---
CNN and C-to reported many hearings this year. SPAN.
Roberts: You know, he said we ran out of money.
The deficit is about $1.
With $8 trillion in debt and a deficit at the moment, adding up to $5 trillion in his first term, he made the Republicans strong on the topic of having, as he said, US. -
We ran out of money?
Scully: of course.
I mean, I mentioned that, we have $11 trillion in Treasury bonds.
I said, when did we run out of money?
His answer is that we already have it.
And then what he did was, he went through the process of trying to reduce the deficit, attributed health care costs to part of the problem, the situation in the automotive industry, the financial markets, if we can reduce some of these costs, then we will reduce the deficit as the economy improves.
Another interesting point he made was the auto industry, which he noted was about 10 million cars sold last year.
He believes that if we reach 14 million or 16 million, it will help Detroit, GM and Chrysler become a more streamlined and meaningful company, with Chrysler pulling out of bankruptcy, or with GM potentially going into bankruptcy.
Of course, Steve, the former vice president, has a loud voice.
He went out--
The stump there, he was very picky about the president.
But when he spoke to his predecessor, Bush 43, we wanted to know?
You asked him.
Let's hear what he said. (
Start video editing, C-SPAN)SCULLY:. . .
Is there any conversation with former President Bush after taking office? OBAMA:I have. SCULLY:And?
Obama: Well, you know,-
I think, although I have only been president for four months, I think the general policy of maintaining confidence in your predecessor is ---is important.
Scully: yesterday, your speech was described as historic. Was it?
You know, I'm not sure if it's historic.
I think I'm trying to create a context for what we're doing around issues like Guantanamo, and I decided to ban enhanced interrogation techniques, how can we both maintain our values, we can stick to our ideals and launch a positive battle against organizations like al Qaeda who want to hurt us.
And, you know, I believe that when we stick to our principles, we are stronger and weaker when we start pushing them aside.
I think it's understandable for a while after 9/11 because people are scared and I think we--
We cut corners and made some decisions contrary to our nation.
I think, even within the Bush administration, some adjustments have been made to try to deal with some of those mistakes.
However, there are still consequences for some early bad decisions.
I think Guantanamo is one of them. And --and it's --
This is a chaotic situation. It's not easy.
We have a lot of people there, you know, and we should have tried it earlier, but we didn't.
In some cases, evidence against them has been leaked. They are --
In this case, we cannot release them, which may be dangerous.
So I think it would be one of our biggest problems to find out how to deal with this.
On the other hand, I'm very confident, you know, if we deal with this in a way that doesn't try to score, but, if we build this system, we try to establish a legal and institutional framework that checks and balances, respects due process and the rule of law, so there is no reason why we can't try it, whether it's in the military council or in the federal court. . . (END VIDEO CLIP)
Roberts: So, you asked the president there to talk about his plans for Guantanamo Bay.
Steve, it is clear that he is having a hard time resolving the issue, and even his Democratic colleagues are not involved in resolving it and refuse to give him money to close Guantanamo Bay.
But it was also interesting that he had a conversation with former President Bush. Did he --
Did he tell you how many times or even what they talked about?
You know, I asked him again when he was leaving. And he was to --
It's on the bill soon.
Signing ceremony-
Very close to his chest, but, as you can see from the interview, he said he wanted to make sure he could continue the conversation, so there was no indication, though we did know, before he spoke on Iraq, there was a conversation.
I think it may have been several times just based on the interview.
Roberts: Okay, Steve Sculley. SPAN --
Steve, thank you for being us, and thank you for sharing the interview, by the way.
My pleasure.
He also said the job exceeded his expectations and I think it was interesting.
This is very interesting.
You can see more Steve's interview on C-tomorrow morningSPAN.
Time is 10: 00. m. Eastern.
Let's take part in today's strategy meeting now ".
James Cavill, CNN political writer and Democratic strategist, is with us.
CNN political writer Bill Bennett, host of national talk radio, is also with us.
Let's go back--to Tom Ridge.
In an exclusive interview with the former secretary of Homeland Security, John King asked if he agreed with Dick Cheney that the United States was less secure than before due to the policies of the Obama administration.
"No, I don't think so," said Tom Ritchie.
"But he also doesn't like the way anyone approaches the topic.
James, is there too much political input into this debate?
James Cavill, CNN political analyst: Well, I--
You know, to be honest, I don't think the president has injected much political color into it.
By the way, it's not just Secretary Ritchie.
Senator McCain expressed his reservations.
Senator McConnell said he didn't. -
Not even the vice president's speech.
I read this morning. -
David Brooks, I think. -
But I don't want to be the wrong person. -
He said these policy actually has like 2004 2003 as Stop the this--
These intensive trials, or torture, or whatever you want to say.
So, I'm not sure where it all came from.
The Republican Party seems reluctant, in--
The level of participation in this debate is very, very high.
I think we should have the president try to fix this and move on from there.
Roberts: Bill Bennett, do you agree that the president has not injected any politics into this?
He was quite strict with the previous government.
Wililiam bennett, CNN contributor: Oh, yes, he is everywhere in the Bush administration.
They really need to stop complaining about the Bush administration.
It's their presidency.
It's their government now.
Let's move on.
Don't complain about the man again. go to work.
It's particularly ironic, John, that you just pointed out that he did talk to President Bush, which is interesting.
I am not surprised because although the president said he was from ACLU, he acted like George Bush.
Whether you're talking about military courts or not publishing photos, surveillance or patriot bills, it's in line with the Bush administration, where Democrats don't agree except Guantanamo, they don't want water
I think this is a very good idea.
Otherwise, despite the rhetoric, despite the left --
That sounds exactly the same as the Bush administration, and that's why the left is starting to get crazy.
Roberts: James, Bill Bennett spoke today about Charles kraumer's point of view in an editorial in The Washington Post, says there is not much daylight between many of the Bush administration's policies and what the president is pursuing. Do you agree?
Cavill: I can't--
I don't know what these people are talking about, because you asked the vice president to say that his policies made us less secure, and you have a secretary and Charles kraumer saying that he has the same policies.
So, I'm a little annoyed here.
But with that in mind, I think we have opened up a whole new front in Israel --
Conflict in Pakistan
I thought he was going to shut down Gitmo.
We changed the commander.
We are redefining our mission in Afghanistan.
He completely changed our policy. -in --
In Iran, just--
What we are doing nowSo, I --I think --and --
He has been in office for four months.
I mean, you know, sometimes, caution requires you not to come like a cavalry and start shooting and suddenly change everything.
But I think he has done a lot for the image of the country.
I think you're starting to see some changes.
Do you know?
Just because President Bush did it does not mean that everything he did must be wrong.
I think you have to evaluate it based on the merits of everything.
ROBERTS: But during the campaign, the president opposed these military courts very strongly, and then said in the last 24 hours, in a cautious place, that he would try people through the military commission system? CARVILLE:Right.
I also think what he is saying is that he wants to have more safeguards there.
But, you know, some people-
You know, campaign promises are one thing. BENNETT:Yes.
If you look at it, he says he will close Guantanamo and he will do so.
We have people there. -
Obviously, that's what the president said when he was with Steve Sculley.
We have some people there, they probably shouldn't be there in the first place, who knows, they may not like us when they get there, but they certainly don't like us now.
I don't have a good answer to how to deal with these people.
That's why opening this thing first is--was --
Not the smartest idea I ever heard.
Bennett: Yes, I 've heard that making this promise is not a smart idea when he can't keep it.
James is one of the best campaign strategists.
But it also tells you why Americans are skeptical about the campaign because you can say it's just a campaign promise. Well, fine.
But the president does seem to be learning at work.
I think the key issue for President Obama is his education.
He is doing some work.
This is a good thing because he knows the reality.
These daily briefings, I think, are very different from his briefing on the campaign bus in the morning.
Roberts: in terms of how to describe the policies of this administration, I heard something interesting this morning when I interviewed someone you might be familiar with in the "American Morning", James. . . (LAUGHTER)ROBERTS:. . .
Your dear wife, Mary Malin, has been using the word soft power when describing the Obama administration.
Let's hear what she said. (
"American Morning" starts Video Editing)
Former assistant to President Bush, Mary Malin
Iran, known as soft power, launched a missile this week.
North Korea has withdrawn from any form of negotiations.
Soft power does not work. (END VIDEO CLIP)
So, soft power, soft power.
James, is this government pursuing a soft power policy?
Cavill: this government has been in power for four months.
Thanks to God, powerful forces have prevented Iran and North Korea. It really --they didn't --
In the age of hard power in this country, they are not bellicose and do not use any language.
I think we need to take a deep breath.
We have been in office for four months.
There are a lot of things that are changing here.
I think a lot of them are for the good. And --
But let's see where it is. -
Let's see where this thing goes.
You know, these are-
We have encountered some rather difficult problems on Iran, North Korea and other issues.
I think the president has changed policy and changed it very dramatically. And let's see. Who knows? It may work.
Bill, the last word I said to you was James's words.
In fact, I brought this back to Mary this morning and said, you know, Iran did the same thing during the Bush administration. It was test-Launch a missile.
North Korea is very militant.
So, whether you pursue this policy the way the Bush administration or the Obama administration does, you will have the same problem.
Bennett: Well, I don't agree with a lot of what's going on in Iran's policy.
But please note that the Iranians have not slowed down at all since Barack Obama took office.
1,200. -they fired that missile.
A mile range--that race --
The conference on race in Europe declared war on Jews again.
I predict that soft power will not be done.
I have a lot of affectation with my husband.
But I will be on Mrs. Cavill's side.
Carville, also known as Lady
MATALIN, this one. (LAUGHTER)(CROSSTALK)
Bennett: Meeting-
Benjamin Netanya's meeting with the president was a very serious one.
I don't think soft power will be the solution to the problem.
All right, gentlemen, we have to wrap it up. (CROSSTALK)
Let me say it.
Eight years later, if the result is the same as the Bush administration, I agree with you.
Roberts: Okay.
James Cavill, Bill Bennett, it's a pleasure to catch up with you.
Thank you, gentlemen.
I hope you will enjoy the weekend of Memorial Day.
You're in the Situation Room.
What is happening now is a breaking news: A strong earthquake in Mexico City, skyscrapers swaying, houses and apartment buildings shaking, and people fleeing the streets.
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