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NEW DAY SUNDAY

Racing the Clock to Rescue Hostages; Chokehold Protests Turn Violent in California; Obama Makes Unscheduled Doctor Visit

Aired December 7, 2014 - 08:00   ET

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


VICTOR BLACKWELL, CNN ANCHOR: New details this morning of the dangerous and risky mission to rescue American hostage Luke Somers. Special Force Commandos under the cover of darkness and an urgent deadline to free Somers.

RANDI KAYE, CNN ANCHOR: Breaking overnight: protester violence in Berkeley, California. Police resort to tear gas and grenades.

BLACKWELL: And President Obama whisked to a hospital by motorcade because of a persistent sore throat.

KAYE: Good morning. I'm Randi Kaye, in for Christi Paul today.

BLACKWELL: I'm Victor Blackwell. Eight o'clock here on the East Coast.

A middle of the night landing by Osprey military aircraft.

KAYE: A six-mile trek through and brush in complete darkness.

BLACKWELL: And then there was this fierce firefight with militants armed to the teeth as drones and fighter jets circled overhead. Those are just some of the stunning details we're learning this morning about the mission to try to rescue American Luke Somers and fellow hostage South African Pierre Korkie in Yemen. Three dozen Navy SEAL Team 6 members fought off the captors to get them.

KAYE: It all unfolded in just 30 minutes. It was the second attempt in 10 days to rescue Somers, who had been held prisoner now for 15 months.

CNN's Sunlen Serfaty has more details now about the raid. She joins us from Washington this morning.

Sunlen, good morning. What are you learning at this hour?

SUNLEN SERFATY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Randi.

Well, this is the second mission President Obama ordered in just two weeks and the second that failed, this time tragically. We're told the president monitored the mission at the White House, following along in real time with every tense moment.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SERFATY (voice-over): The mission extremely risky and made urgent when U.S. intelligence shows American Luke Somers would be murdered by Saturday morning.

By midmorning Friday, the president authorizes the rescue, giving no hint of the drama about to play out.

Just a few hours later, according to U.S. officials, two V-22 Ospreys under cover of darkness touched down in a remote area of Yemen, some six miles from the compound where the hostages are held. About 40 Special Force commandos, mostly Navy SEALs, move undetected over the rough terrain.

But suddenly, everything goes wrong, when just 300 feet away, they are exposed, maybe by a barking dog. A firefight breaks out. And as a U.S. drone watches overhead, one terrorist runs back inside and shoots both hostages.

U.S. forces kill five AQAP terrorists. The rest flee. And in one of the most dangerous parts of the mission, a combat medical team needs to spend a tense half hour on the ground, trying to stabilize the two gravely wounded men.

Finally, they are flown back to the USS Makin Island off Yemen's coast, but one dies on the way and another dies on the ship.

JONATHAN GILLIAM, FORMER NAVY SEAL: You have to really look at this from a surgical point, just like a heart surgeon or a brain surgeon. Some will live, some will die.

SERFATY: As word of the failed rescue mission leaks out, the president called Luke Somers' killing a barbaric murder.

Vice President Biden promises the U.S. will be relentless in seeking justice.

JOSEPH BIDEN, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The women and men who, the Special Forces who are engaged in these two rescue missions, did an incredible job and inflicted serious damage on the captors. But this time, this time, they were unable to the save Luke.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SERFATY: And U.S. officials say this mission ultimately failed not because of operational error but because the element of surprise was taken away -- Victor and Randi.

KAYE: Sunlen Serfaty, thank you, Sunlen.

BLACKWELL: So much to talk about this morning. Let's bring in Haras Rafiq. He is the managing director of the Quilliam Foundation. It's a counter-extremism think tank.

First off, good morning, first. Do you think the Obama administration should have known more about Korkie, that these negotiations were apparently under way, even that he was South African?

HARAS RAFIQ, MANAGING DIRECTOR, QUILLIAM FOUNDATION: I think this raises a philosophical question around what we should do when our Western terror citizens are held captive and held hostage. I think that there was good intelligence Luke Somers was going to be killed yesterday morning and the president had no choice. We -- he knew where they were. He knew what the situation on the ground was and he gave an order to actually go in and rescue an American citizen that was going to be killed.

I think that irrespective of any other nation or anybody else was negotiating, with AQAP, I think he had no choice. But also, I think we must in the west stop negotiating with these terrorists when they capture our citizens, because by actually negotiating with them, by giving them something that they want, we're actually encouraging them to capture more people. This is a wider philosophical question that I think we in the West need to actually ask ourselves and our governments need to realize and ask themselves.

The home secretary in Britain, Theresa May, has made it illegal for any insurance companies to pay ransoms for any British citizens, citizens that are being captured by terrorists. And I think this is a clear message that needs to be sent out, that we will not negotiate with any terrorists.

BLACKWELL: So, the ammo of AQAP over the last five years has been to exchange these hostages for ransom. "The New York Times", their analysis is that they've raised $125 million or so in these exchanges.

We use the word "negotiations" when discussing Korkie. Could there have been something else on the table other than money, something -- some other option in these negotiations or was this just a cash for hostage?

RAFIQ: I think usually, it is cash for hostage, but sometimes there are other demands al Qaeda have made. For example, Jabhat al- Nusra, which is an al Qaeda organization operating in Syria, have made certain demands that they are, for example, removed from the terrorist list. Clearly, we're not going to do that. But other than money, there are a number of things that can be negotiated, the release of prisoners, it can be weapons and arms, a whole range of things.

But usually for AQAP, the main things they're after is cash. And even though these South African governments have said they have not paid out cash in the past, there are ways -- a back door channel negotiations where cash in some cases has been made -- has been paid out. As you said, over $25 million have been raised.

BLACKWELL: I'd like your analysis on another development this morning. We're hearing six detainees from Guantanamo Bay, the facility there, have now been transferred to Uruguay. The president saying that they were accepted as a humanitarian gesture.

We know that President Obama signed executive order in the first week, his first week as president, to start the process to close down Guantanamo Bay. Is he likely in the process of accomplishing that with the lowest numbers of detainees there since it opened in 2002?

RAFIQ: I think President Obama said right from the beginning he was going to close Gitmo down, and clearly, he hasn't. I think there are a number of reasons for that.

One of the things that we do know is we are getting intelligence and have been getting intelligence or he's been getting intelligence from prisoners in Guantanamo Bay, which have been held illegally. I think that's the point. I think that what he should do is start to release hostages, in this case, where he has via Uruguay.

But we have to be careful because some of the hostages that have been released in the past we know that have gone to countries such as Qatar, have been involved in fighting alongside terrorist organizations. He's sort of caught in a situation where he doesn't really know what to do. He wants to release prisoners, but some of these prisoners will come back and actually cause problems.

Let's not forget Baghdadi, who is the leader of ISIL, who calls himself the caliph of the so-called "Islamic State", was one of the prisoners President Obama released when he first came into office.

I think this is a very, very tricky situation and a balancing act that needs to be undertaken to make sure these people that have been released don't come back in an even stronger way and either cause us problems in the U.S. and the U.K. or in the region itself.

But certainly one of the other things I think he should consider is going through the due process.

BLACKWELL: Yes.

RAFIQ: If there is intelligence, if there is enough information, why not start more prosecutions for people that are held in Guantanamo Bay. That may be something that he's considering, and we know that he's done some of that already.

BLACKWELL: All right. Haras Rafiq of the Quilliam Foundation, we appreciate your context this morning.

RAFIQ: My pleasure.

KAYE: And now to another big story that we're following this morning. Bricks, pipes and flaming objects were used by protesters against California police last night.

Take a look here at this dramatic scene in Berkeley after 1,000 people filled the streets to protest the controversial chokehold death of Eric Garner. The situation escalated when a small group of masked vandals started breaking car windows and storming the local stores.

At least two officers were injured, including one who is treated at a local hospital after being hit with a sandbag. Police say they were forced to use smoke and tear gas after crowds just refused to let up. At one point, other protesters tried to restore peace.

One woman even stood in front of a broken window to prevent other looters from vandalizing a store.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Why are people looting? There's no need. We're peacefully protesting.

We shouldn't be taking things from stores that aren't bothering us. We shouldn't be starting more crime on top of that.

REPORTER: Why do you feel you need to guard the window here at Trader Joe's?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Because people are taking things. That's not right! I'm sorry, but they're not fighting against us.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAYE: This morning, the Berkeley police department says crowds are thinning out, about 50 protesters still on the streets there. Meanwhile, at least seven other police departments have stepped in to try and help out.

BLACKWELL: Republicans pick up another seat in the Senate as a long-time senator loses her re-election bid.

KAYE: Plus, the royals are headed across the pond, William and Kate set to arrive in New York today.

More on their visit, coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLACKWELL: I would sing, but nobody really wants to hear that.

KAYE: Please don't.

BLACKWELL: There is nothing like Christmas in New York.

Hey, you're looking at -- well, you will see under that banner the holiday shops at Columbus Circle. And heading to the Big Apple later today, the duke and duchess of Cambridge.

KAYE: William and Kate are headed to the U.S. for a three-day trip. And it is a whirlwind tour -- let me tell you -- featuring a visit with the president and even a basketball game in Brooklyn.

London correspondent Max Foster is following their visit from New York.

So, Max, this is the time of year a lot of people try to avoid New York because it's so darn busy there. Why are they making this trip now?

MAX FOSTER, CNN LONDON CORRESPONDENT: Well, it's all about promoting their causes. They're here for the British government as well. You have more than ten events over two days and they're reaching the great and good not just of New York but America. You mentioned a meeting with the president. They're also going to be meeting the Clintons here in New York at an event.

And I can tell you, they're staying at the Carlisle Hotel. We're not allowed to say that today, but that's because local media have got wind of that and there's a huge amount of crews, camera crews, outside the hotel already. They'll arrive a bit later on. Then, they have a private dinner tonight with some very wealthy Americans and Brits in New York to raise money for one of their foundations.

It's all about raising money, raising awareness, and also the cause closest to Prince William's heart is about wildlife crime. So, selling the parts of wild animals around the world. And he's recruited President Obama into that. That's what his big speech will be on Tuesday in Washington.

And a lot of these events play into that, either raising money for that cause or just raising awareness. And the Clintons are very involved with that as well. That's why he's meeting up with them.

KAYE: And will Prince George be with them on this trip? Does he have --

(CROSSTALK)

FOSTER: No, no. There's a lot of disappointment he won't be coming. But I was told it was inappropriate considering the pace of the tour. It was just a couple of days. I was with them in Australia earlier in the year. It was very leisurely. They took Prince George with them there.

But, of course, the duchess is pregnant herself and just come out of a bout of morning sickness. I think actually, they're busy as they'll be here. They'll get a good night's sleep for the first time in a while.

KAYE: I'm sure it's going to be a whirlwind, no question about it.

Max, thank you very much.

BLACKWELL: Thanks, Max.

KAYE: Republicans win another Senate seat.

BLACKWELL: What will the loss of Mary Landrieu mean for Democrats? And will we see more compromise in Congress in the next session?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAYE: Another blow to Senate Democrats. They have lost another key member, Louisiana's Mary Landrieu, to her Republican opponent.

BLACKWELL: Joining us is Candy Crowley, anchor of CNN's "STATE OF THE UNION," So, Candy, what is the significance of this defeat specifically?

CANDY CROWLEY, HOST, CNN'S "STATE OF THE UNION": Well, probably in terms of how the Senate will be when it's controlled by Republicans, not much. This is basically Republicans running up the score. The Landrieu defeat means that the Republicans have now gained a net of nine seats. And they now control the Senate by 54 Senate seats.

So, that's a nice majority. It's not a ruling majority because, of course, you need the 60 votes for a lot of things in the U.S. Senate.

I think historically and politically, Mary Landrieu is the last Senate Democrat in the Deep South. It is now very Republican in the Deep South. And that is one of those things, when you look forward to the next election, which is a presidential election, is concerning to Democrats.

KAYE: And, Candy, I know you have a big interview with President George W. Bush coming up. You covered him on the campaign trail and throughout his presidency. How did he seem to you when you had a chance to talk to him?

CROWLEY: Relaxed and happy, I would say. There is a certain sadness with his father's aging, but he's just written this new book about his daddy. He calls it a love story. He says, no, it's not at all trying to be neutral. It's a very biased book.

But we had an interesting conversation with him and talked about Ferguson and the aftermath of New York, as well as his brother Jeb. You know, there's a 41, there's a 43. Will there be a 45? So, it was an interesting interview.

KAYE: And can you give us a hint? Does he say anything about that? Does he have any insight on Jeb?

CROWLEY: You know, remarkably, he says he doesn't. He said, I don't know what's in Jeb's head but he wants him to run. So, he says, look, Job, run. So, he's got one vote, we know that, of Jeb Bush.

BLACKWELL: All right.

KAYE: Yes, I think the only person who doesn't want him to run is his mother, Barbara bush, who said, no, right?

CROWLEY: Yes, right. And we know who men listen to.

KAYE: There you go.

BLACKWELL: That is true. Yes, I'd second that.

Candy Crowley, thank you so much.

CROWLEY: Thanks.

KAYE: Well, of course, stay here for "STATE OF THE UNION" with Candy Crowley. It starts at 9 a.m. Eastern Time, right here on CNN.

BLACKWELL: Well, last night, some of the country's elite football teams looked to keep their season as live and earn a spot in the inaugural college football playoffs.

KAYE: A look at some of the big wins and the blowouts, coming your way next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAYE: Let's get you caught up with "The Morning Read".

BLACKWELL: Several people are waking up in jail this morning after protests in Berkeley, California, over the chokehold death of Eric Garner turned violent. Police, you see here, responding with tear gas after a small group of protesters threw rocks and bricks at them. Two officers were hurt. Looters also hit local businesses.

Now, in other parts of the country from Oklahoma to Atlanta, protests have largely been peaceful.

KAYE: Officials with Pakistan say a high-ranking al Qaeda was killed in a suspected U.S. drone strike. Umar Farooq was believed to be head of al Qaeda operations in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He died along with four other suspected militants.

BLACKWELL: The northern Philippines is bracing for typhoon Hagupit's fury. This cyclone is moving at only 9 miles an hour and drenching this area, dropping tons of rain. And now, authorities worry Hagupit will cause disastrous mudslides because it's headed to a mountainous region and it's going to likely endanger 40 million people.

Earlier, the typhoon slammed into Cebu and Tacloban with winds of over 100 miles per hour, damaging homes and businesses there. The government says that two deaths so far are blamed on Hagupit.

KAYE: North Korea is denying involvement in recent hacking at Sony Pictures but Pyongyang reportedly also is praising the crippling effect. State run KCNA news agency says the hack might be righteous deed by DPRK supporters. North Korea has been critical of Sony, in anticipation of its film, which is a comedy about a plot to kill leader Kim Jong-un.

BLACKWELL: Another unbeaten season for Florida State. The Seminoles managed to end up this game with 37-35 win over Georgia Tech to take the ACC championship win last night.

Alabama and Texas Christian University also easily won their games. And they hope -- they hope they also won over the playoff selection committee. And that panel today will decide which teams play in the inaugural college football playoff.

KAYE: Did you get to watch any of that yesterday?

BLACKWELL: No. College football not my thing. KAYE: Really?

BLACKWELL: No.

KAYE: All right. Well, a lot of people say it was a pretty good game actually.

Thanks so much for starting your morning with us.

BLACKWELL: "INSIDE POLITICS WITH JOHN KING" starts now.