Return to Transcripts main page

CNN NEWSROOM

Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal; Arizona Religion Bill; Castle Owner Shot; Disney Raises Prices

Aired February 25, 2014 - 14:00   ET

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


BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN ANCHOR: Wolf Blitzer, thank you, as always.

Great to be with you. I'm Brooke Baldwin.

A lot of news to get to today. We want that start with this direct threat from President Obama. Every single American troop could be out of Afghanistan by the end of this year. And today the president called Hamid Karzai and for the very first time, we're told, that the president is ordering plans for a complete withdrawal from the war zone. Both sides are fighting over exactly how many troops will remain there past this year. Currently, there are more than 33,000 American troops in Afghanistan. For more context, Barbara Starr joins me live from the Pentagon.

And, Barbara, this is a big deal. Is President Obama calling Karzai's bluff here?

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, you know, you might wonder that. You might think that maybe he's playing sort of a game of holding his breath here, but let's remember, the president of the United States' statement about all of this seen and heard by al Qaeda, by the Taliban, by the Taliban over in Pakistan, in that safe haven. It doesn't get more serious than this.

What is going on is Hamid Karzai has made clear, publicly, he will not sign an essential security agreement that the U.S. needs to see in place to keep troops there after 2014. Without that security agreement, without that legal framework, there is no choice, U.S. troops have to leave at the end of 2014. The president of the United States, out of patience with Karzai today after talking to him, seeing that he's not going to sign, the White House was ready to go with a press conference saying, OK, now the president is ordering the Pentagon to plan for that zero option. No security agreement, no legal framework. The U.S. has no choice but to pack and go.

If -- if there is a change in the plan, and that security agreement is signed, the U.S. might still keep several thousand troops there to help train and assist Afghan forces. But, Brooke, already a senior Pakistan official has said the zero option could lead to civil war in Afghanistan. He predicts 30 percent of Afghan forces will defect. This could be a very serious security situation. Karzai doesn't look like he has any intention of signing this essential document.

BALDWIN: We will be debating the so-called zero option coming up a little later in the show. Barbara Starr, as always, thank you. Fresh off his appearance on Seth Meyers' debut as late-night host, the vice president, Joe Biden, sat down with the ladies of "The View," talking about the president's Affordable Care Act, and he took full advantage of the largely female audience today, encouraging moms to talk to their adult children about enrolling in Obamacare.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOE BIDEN, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: No matter how old we get, we still listen to our moms. And I know that sounds corny, but it's true. And there's no influence on a son or a daughter that's 28 or 29 years old, feeling physically invincible, why should I go out and pay, even if I can afford it, at $300 a month or $400 a month. Why should I go get health insurance? I'm invincible?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: When asked about a run for the White House come 2016, the vice president said (ph) Hillary Clinton will not affect his decision.

Spring is just two days away, but by the looks of these pictures, it doesn't feel like it, does it? The snow is falling. The northeast and the nation's capital getting more snowfall over the course of the next couple of days. We're told just about one to three inches. And that whole arctic plunge, that will stretch from the Midwest to up and down the East Coast. Temperatures will drop 10 to 30 degrees below normal.

Right now, the U.S. is sending an elite team of Marines to beef up security at the embassy in Ukraine's capital, Kiev. This after last week's deadly anti-government protests and what is now expected to be a turbulent transition to replace a disposed president, Viktor Yanukovych. He, keep in mind, is still on the run. This man is wanted for mass murder. In his place, possibly a man who once lived in L.A., former heavyweight boxing champ Vitali Klitschko. He has just announced he is tossing his hat in the ring to become the president of Ukraine.

And a veto is expected for Arizona's controversial religious freedom bill, but Arizona Governor Jan Brewer isn't quite saying that on the record yet. In a CNN exclusive, Governor Brewer said she won't go by instinct, but information when it comes to this Senate Bill 1062.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. JAN BREWER (R), ARIZONA: And I don't rely a whole lot on my gut, because I have to look at what it says and what the law says and take that information and do the right thing. But I can assure you, as always, I will do the right thing for the state of Arizona.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: Now, those who know the governor well, they say when she says doing the right thing almost surely means a veto, and she has to decide by Saturday morning. SB-1062 expands state definitions of religious freedom allowing not just people but businesses and associations to deny services if providing them goes against their own religious beliefs. Critics contend that's really just a legal way to allow discrimination against the gay community. And when debating that point, one bill's supporter would not or could not explain how SB-1062 prevents discrimination from happening. He is State Senator Al Melvin. He's actually a candidate for governor. And he talked to Anderson Cooper.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON COOPER, ANCHOR, CNN'S "AC360": Can a society exist where everybody gets to decide who they interact with and who they don't based solely on their religious beliefs? And if for whatever reason irrationally somebody doesn't like somebody else, as long as it's a sincerely held belief, under your law, they don't have to deal with that person.

AL MELVIN (R), ARIZONA STATE SENATE: This bill is designed for religious freedom. No matter how you twist and try to turn it, that's what -- that is the bottom line here.

COOPER: You can't answer a quick question.

MELVIN: It is nobly perceived. It was nobly based -- voted on. And we hope the governor signs it into law.

COOPER: If somebody is fired because they're gay or lesbian in your state, is that discrimination? Would you say that's discrimination?

MELVIN: I - I don't know of anybody that discriminates in our state (INAUDIBLE), including what you just mentioned.

COOPER: OK, but I'm just saying, but if somebody - if somebody is fired, a boss doesn't like some guy on their staff or a woman on their staff because they're gay or lesbian and they're fired for that, which is legal because there's no protection against -- for sexual orientation, is that discrimination?

MELVIN: You know, you're trying to distort a religious freedom bill and trying to get every variation of this --

COOPER: Sir, you're running for governor of the state of Arizona -- sir, you're running for governor of the state of Arizona.

MELVIN: I am, sir. Yes, I am.

COOPER: You're going to be governor of gay and lesbian people --

MELVIN: Yes, sir.

COOPER: And you can't even go on the record and say, if a gay and lesbian person is fired simply for being gay or lesbian, that's discrimination? You can't even make that leap and just say, yes, that would be discrimination?

MELVIN: I - I don't know of any case like you just cited, sir.

COOPER: I want to give you one more opportunity, because I think this is going to come back on you. If somebody anywhere in America is fired because they're gay or lesbian, and that's the reason they're fired, just because somebody doesn't like them, and it's legal in that state, is that discrimination?

MELVIN: I'm against all discrimination and I want maximum religious freedom, sir.

COOPER: So, OK, that's -- you can't answer that question then. I'm - I gave you the opportunity.

MELVIN: That's my answer to you.

COOPER: Senator -- I hear you.

MELVIN: I know you -- I know you're trying to set me up and I'm not going to stand for it, sir.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: Whoo, it appears the state senator is facing a growing opposition, because now a band of 80-some Arizona companies just wrote a letter to Governor Brewer calling for the end of 1062. And my next guest signed that very letter. He is Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industries.

So, Glenn, welcome.

GLENN HAMER, PRESIDENT & CEO, ARIZONA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY: Thank you for being on -- giving me the chance to be on the show, Brooke.

BALDWIN: You got it.

Glenn, do me a favor, just begin, tell me the top two reasons why you signed that letter, why you want Governor Brewer to veto this bill.

HAMER: Arizona is a welcoming state. And there is no -- you just showed a clip. There is no problem that has been identified to us or to anyone in the state of a problem with respect to practicing one's religion in Arizona. We're a welcoming state. We're a state that relies very heavily on tourism. And we believe -- virtually now every major business group in the state of Arizona has come out in support of the governor vetoing 1062.

BALDWIN: I mean the pressure is mounting from corporations, specifically small, big, Apple, Marriott, but it's not just that, Glenn -

HAMER: Oh, across the state. And I'd have mentioned, you had senator -- one state senator on who's running for governor.

BALDWIN: Right.

HAMER: Five Republican candidates for governor have come out against 1062 and have asked the governor to veto it.

BALDWIN: Right.

HAMER: In fact, there was just a poll released yesterday that among likely Republican voters, two to one they want Governor Brewer to veto 1062.

BALDWIN: And again --

HAMER: So the momentum continues, Brooke.

BALDWIN: The momentum continues. It is looking likely, from what we are getting from Governor Brewer's office. But again, she stopped short thus far. The deadline for her is Saturday.

But in addition to the corporations, Glenn, you have the NFL because, hello, Super Bowl in Phoenix. They say they're also watching, right, where this bill goes. Let me read part of the statement that we got. "Our policies emphasize tolerance and inclusiveness, and prohibit discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other improper standard." But it goes on. "We are following the issue in Arizona and will continue to do so should the bill be signed into law, but will decline further comment at this time."

Here's my question for you. As we know, you know, your great state is supposed to be hosting the Super Bowl next year. You know the business community. If the Super Bowl pulled out of Phoenix, how bad would that be for you?

HAMER: The Super Bowl is not going to pull out of Phoenix. I'll make two predictions to you, Brooke. The Super Bowl will be in Phoenix. We'll have great weather. And, by the way, there's no polar vortex here today. And I'm also going to go out on a limb and say that I believe the Cardinals will play in that game.

BALDWIN: OK, Cardinals, Phoenix aside though. Let's say even now, let me take your prediction and say, all right, let's stay that this bill dies. Let's say that, you know, the Super Bowl is played. Still, this has been bad PR for your state in the last couple of days. And it probably will be until Saturday if and when Brewer vetoes this thing. What kind of damage is already done, Glenn?

HAMER: The important thing is for the governor to come to the right conclusion, and we strongly believe that's a veto, and then to explain it. I mean, given the amount of national and even international attention this bill has received, this isn't a bill that you simply veto. It's going to require an explanation.

BALDWIN: What do you want to hear her say -

HAMER: Arizona will -

BALDWIN: What do you want to hear her say, Glenn?

HAMER: Well, she's a very thoughtful person. And I believe -- you know, I have no idea what she would say, but I'm sure that she would mention things such as that Arizona is a very welcoming state. That this is a state that -- where you could come from anywhere in the country, anywhere in the world, and really climb the ranks. I'm a guy from New York. I mean I don't think if I grew up in Arizona, I would have had the chance to have, say, run the equivalent of the state chamber in New York. I mean this is a merit-based society where a welcoming society, we're an inclusive society, and it's just very important for the governor to veto this bill so we can get back to regular programming, talk about our great weather and our great climate for jobs.

BALDWIN: And sports teams, according to you, Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Glenn, thank you very much. We'll be watching what happens in the next couple of days.

HAMER: Thank you.

BALDWIN: Meantime, coming up, this murder attempt at the second largest private residence in this whole country. Find out what happened at this castle, a mecca for the rich and the famous.

Plus, we are finally hearing what President Obama and John Boehner discussed this morning during their first meeting in quite a while. And the list of topics, it's somewhat surprising. We have that for you.

Also, heading to Disney World anytime soon? Guess what, ticket prices, they're going up again. This is the second time in eight months. We're asking, today, what gives! Stay right here. You're watching CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BALDWIN: A murder attempt at the second largest private residence in America. Take a look at these pictures with me. This is Oheka Castle. This is a mecca for New York's rich and famous and now it's a crime scene. As Gary Melius, this well-known Long Island developer sat in his car in the parking lot of this opulent home, he was shot in the head by a masked gunman. He stumbled back to the house. His daughter rushed in to help him, to get him to the hospital. And incredibly he survived. Joining me now, Jean Casarez, CNN legal correspondent.

And, Jean, in reading about this, I know that police are saying this was a targeted shooting shot through the driver side window. Tell me what kind of dealings this victim was involved in and who could be out to get him.

JEAN CASAREZ, CNN LEGAL CORRESPONDENT: You know that -- that's the big question. But I think what you're saying is fascinating, because this was a public figure. Gary Melius actually restored this mansion, this castle, for $30 million. It was in disarray. And it was featured in the movie "Citizen Cain." Very famous people were married there. He was involved and still is in local politics, holding galas at this mansion. But the fact is, he lives on the property, walked out, apparently got into his car, but from all the facts we know at this point, someone was lying in wait.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) SGT. JOHN O'SULLIVAN, SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK POLICE: It doesn't appear to be an accidental shooting at this time. Preliminary investigation right now does indicate a suspect was wearing a mask.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CASAREZ: Now, here's what's interesting, too. Just the skull of his head was grazed.

BALDWIN: Wow.

CASAREZ: So, Brooke, when he was taken to the hospital by a family member, he was coherent. He went into immediate surgery. But how much will he be able to tell them if the gunman was masked? So I think it is an investigation that is of paramount importance here in New York, because this is someone that is valuable to the community. He was controversial. He was involved and gave donations of money to every single political party. But the fact is, someone tried to kill him, and no one agrees with that.

BALDWIN: So as police are investigating, just take me back to this castle. You mentioned it was the backdrop for "Citizen Cain," but it's also weddings. Bill Clinton officiated the wedding of Anthony Weiner there. What is it used for today?

CASAREZ: Weddings, you can go to dinner, you can stay at a hotel. A friend of mine said that she goes to concerts there. So it's really everything and anything at this very famous location.

But here's - here's where it all happened, in the valet parking lot at the courtyard entrance. So that sounds very public, right? That someone was able to get on the property.

BALDWIN: Right.

CASAREZ: And you would be able to get on the property if you're going to stay at the hotel or if you're looking at it to hold your wedding.

BALDWIN: Jean Casarez, stay on it for us, in New York.

CASAREZ: We will.

BALDWIN: Thank you very much.

And now to you parents. You will pay more for you and your children to feel the magic at the magic kingdoms, because ticket prices up again at the Disney theme park. Coming up next, we'll tell you how much you will have to pay and the scoop maybe if you can pay a little less.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BALDWIN: All right, for all you moms and dads, the most expensive theme park at Walt Disney World Resort just got a little bit more expensive because now for the second time in less than a year, admission to the magic kingdom has gone up, now costing just shy of that $100 mark at $99 for a one-day adult ticket. That is a $4 increase. Tickets at Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios also increased $4. But, Disney prices are not far off from other theme parks in the state. Both Universal Studios and Seaworld Orlando charge $92 for basic one-day adult ticket. And CNN digital correspondent Kelly Wallace in the flesh, in the studio.

Nice to have you here in Studio 7.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN DIGITAL CORRESPONDENT: Whoo-hoo, nice to see you in person.

BALDWIN: I feel like there's this psychological something about the $100 mark.

WALLACE: It is. I think that is so interesting (ph). We're at $99, right?

BALDWIN: Yes.

WALLACE: What is it going to take if Disney, at some point, might make it over $100 for Magic Kingdom or the other parks. It's like, why do retailers make the blouse $34.99 and you buy it?

BALDWIN: It's not quite $35.

WALLACE: But it's not quite $35. But we'll have to see. But so far the prices keep going up and people and families keep flocking there.

BALDWIN: I have to say, when I read this this morning, I was like, no shocked face, because it just - I just feel like you sort of know that Disney World is expensive, no?

WALLACE: You do. And that's why when I first thought about it, I thought, oh my God, how expensive. But it is a $4 increase, right?

BALDWIN: Yes.

WALLACE: It was $95 for Magic Kingdom, now it's $99. And I think any family that goes there, they know they're going to spend a fortune to take their family. But the thing, Brooke, I keep thinking about is, are we going to price out a lot of middle class families?

BALDWIN: Are we? Will your typical middle class family finally be able to say, sorry, can't go?

WALLACE: So far that's --

BALDWIN: Which is sad! It's a wonderful place.

WALLACE: It is. So far that hasn't happened though. I mean attendance apparently keeps going up and up. I took my family there two years ago.

BALDWIN: Here recently.

WALLACE: Yes.

BALDWIN: Yes.

WALLACE: And there are a ton of families there. You do get the sense that a lot of families save up and up and up and make this sort of the annual trip for their family. They know they're going to spend a fortune, but they save their money to do it. I just hope it doesn't get to that point where families can't do it. That would be a crime.

BALDWIN: Is there any way, and I'm asking - I don't have kids, but I'm the gal who goes to the movie theater and goes to CVS ahead of time and buys her Sour Patch Kids there -- is there any --

WALLACE: See, yes, now we know!

BALDWIN: Is there anything you can do to -

WALLACE: Yes.

BALDWIN: I don't know, multi - what is it?

WALLACE: It's a multi-day pass.

BALDWIN: Yes.

WALLACE: So you can certainly do that and then take advantage of discounts. You're not paying that one-day cost. You can spread it over a number of days. They have all kinds of packages, especially for, you know, the height of the summer -

BALDWIN: Right.

WALLACE: When it's so hot.

BALDWIN: Oh.

WALLACE: Nobody wants to go. Or when it's really crowded. They might have certain packages that families can take advantage of. So there are ways --

BALDWIN: Look into it. Do your homework.

WALLACE: Exactly. But know you're going to spend money. I mean we have -- and also know, I said, our kids had an amazing, amazing time.

BALDWIN: Cinderella still is fun. (INAUDIBLE).

WALLACE: They loved it! And I didn't think we would have as much fun, and we did.

BALDWIN: But you and the hubs enjoyed it?

WALLACE: Although we cringed wondering how many European cities we could have visited for the same price.

BALDWIN: Oh, the children!

WALLACE: Oh, the children. BALDWIN: The things, the way the change us. Kelly Wallace, thank you very much. Appreciate it.

WALLACE: Oh, so good to see you.

BALDWIN: "The Wolf of Wall Street," that is up for a number of Oscars this weekend, and now its producers are up for a lawsuit. One of the real-life executive's brokerage firm portrayed in the movie suing Paramount Pictures for a cool $25 million. He is speaking exclusively to CNN. You have to hear this interview.

Plus, former President Bill Clinton hitting the campaign trail. Why Kentucky? To fight for a Senate candidate? We'll talk about that.

And breaking now, word of a massive recall involving keys that could flip in your car, flip in your car. Stay tuned. That's next. You're watching CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)