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Sister Prejean Says Tsarnaev Sorry; Saudi King Snubs U.S. White House; "American Idol" Calls It Quits; Tornadoes Devastation in U.S. Midsection. Aired 2:30-3p ET
Aired May 11, 2015 - 14:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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[14:30:51] BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN ANCHOR: Bottom of the hour. You're watching CNN. I'm Brooke Baldwin.
Let's talk about what's happening in Boston. Moments before Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's defense team rested its case, these words, quote, "I believe he was genuinely sorry for what he did." That statement coming from Sister Helen Prejean, the Catholic nun, and death penalty opponent made famous by the book and then film "Dead Man Walking." She marked the last of dozens of witnesses called to the stand in an attempt to spare this young man's life.
CNN national correspondent, Deborah Feyerick, has been on this from the get go.
When I first read that statement and read they had met multiple times and she saw this as feeling remorseful, I'm wondering, how did the jury take that?
DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, it was very interesting. They've been listening very carefully while essentially friends and teachers, people who like Dzhokhar Tsarnaev got up and testified on his behalf. But the sister's testimony was significant in that it was the first time anyone had any insights into what this marathon bomber has been thinking these past few months. She said she met with him five times. They spoke about the attack, and then she testified he said it emphatically, no one deserves to suffer the way they did. She says, "I had every reason to think he was genuinely sorry for what he did."
But Brooke, what we didn't hear is her actually testifying that he said I'm sorry. So while he may have been expressing genuine remorse, the words were never uttered by him, by Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.
Now, the jury's gone home for the day. They're expected back on Wednesday, when we'll hear closings. That's when the jury starts deciding whether Dzhokhar Tsarnaev getting life or death -- Brooke?
BALDWIN: Has to be unanimity.
Deborah Feyerick, we'll be watching. Thank you very much, outside that federal courthouse in Boston.
Next, the king of Saudi Arabia says he's not coming to the United States this week for a summit. Is it a snub? We'll discuss.
Plus, it was a pop culture phenomenon that changed TV, and now "American Idol" bidding adieu. Why now? What happened? We'll talk about it coming up.
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[14:37:28] BALDWIN: President Obama's planned two-day summit with leaders from key Arab nations will continue on as planned, but the leader of the world's most influential Arab country will not be there. In a last-minute move, Saudi Arabia's king says he's staying home. He's sending the crown prince in his place. The move is definitely raising eyebrows in diplomatic circles.
But let's get context with Elise Labott, our global affairs correspondent.
So many people are quick to say it's a snub, it's a snub. But you're saying, not so fast.
ELISE LABOTT, CNN GLOBAL AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: I don't really think sit's a snub, Brooke. These kings and rulers, a lot of them are older. Saudi King Salmon, 79. It's a long trip for him to take to the United States, sit through these meetings.
Also, he's the leader of Saudi Arabia. He needs to solidify his position in Saudi Arabia as the ruler of the most important country. For him to come and be one of six -- and not even some of the leaders are coming. A lot of the leaders are not even coming.
BALDWIN: Oman, Bahrain, UAE.
LABOTT: Bahrain kind of bowed out after the Saudi king did.
BALDWIN: OK.
LABOTT: He doesn't want to be there with a bunch of foreign ministers. He wants to come to the White House, solidify his relationship with President Obama one on one. But he's still sending his crown prince, who is really the guy who's day to day running the country. I don't think it really affects the relationship between these countries in any way.
BALDWIN: So you don't think Iran has anything to do with it? Iran's involvement with the Houthies in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has been sort of warring. Then you have the U.S. sitting around the negotiating table with Iran. Not a factor?
LABOTT: I don't think so. Look, if you see what the U.S. has been doing in recent months to give the gulf countries assurances, the U.S. has been sending warships to the region. It has been coordinating with the Saudi-led air strikes and giving them intelligence and other information. I think what this does, though, is it changes the kind of conversation that President Obama wanted to have with these leaders. They are sending their deputies, who in a lot of cases are the ones running the country day to day -- (CROSSTALK)
BALDWIN: But it's not necessarily the "A" team.
LABOTT: It's not necessarily the "A" team or the leaders who can make the decisions and give the president the kind of commitments he wants. I think this Saudi king is seen in the region as bringing a new spirit of leadership to the gulf. In the past, you've had six countries that didn't necessarily agree on a lot of issues. I think now they're all trying to get on one page, have better relations with the U.S. I think that will go forward. But this summit itself, I'm not sure how many actual deliverables there could be when the leaders of those countries aren't standing around with President Obama.
[14:40:06] BALDWIN: Elise Labott, thank you very much.
Next, nine years on television, now "American Idol" gets set for its swan song. But why dim the lights on such a game-changing reality show? We'll talk about that.
Also, Michelle Obama really opening up about race. The first lady telling Tuskegee University graduates she was held to a different standard during the first election.
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MICHELLE OBAMA, FIRST LADY OF THE UNITED STATES: Over the years, folks have used plenty of interesting words to describe me. One said I exhibited a little bit of uppity-ism. Another noted I was one of my husband's cronies of color. Cable news charmingly referred to me as Obama's baby mama.
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[14:45:02] BALDWIN: It really was this cultural phenomenon that introduced the world to musical reality television. It made dozens of stars and unforgettable seasons, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jordan Sparks. Now after nine years and 15 seasons, "American Idol" is calling it quits.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: After 24 million votes, the winner of "American Idol" 2003 is Rueben Studdard!
(CHEERING)
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BALDWIN: Oh, my goodness. Who could forget that? Season two, show- stopping ending. Reuben Studdard defeated Clay Aiken. We'll read Clay's note in a minute on the news.
More than 38 million people watched that one episode and cemented the program as the most-watched entertainment program in the country. So now we know next season will be "Idol's" last and it's shaping up to be an extended farewell performance.
Joining me now on set, "Wall Street Journal" culture columnist and senior editor, Christopher John Farley, who is author of "Game World."
So, Chris, awesome seeing you.
It's the end of an era. I can't believe how many seasons. Why now go out?
CHRISTOPHER JOHN FARLEY, CULTURE COLUMNIST, SENIOR EDITOR, WALL STREET JOURNAL & AUTHOR: Well, why now, because it's no longer hitting the high notes. The same reason a lot of people got voted off "American Idol" when they don't hit those high notes. Of course, at its height, it was getting 30 million viewers.
BALDWIN: That's crazy.
FARLEY: Averaging 30 million viewers. Now it's averaging about nine million viewers. A big comedown from its hay day. So now they want to give it a big Viking funeral. They're going to celebrate it, bring back some past judges. Supposedly they're going to bring back past contestants. So in its final season, it can go out like a victory lap, celebrating all things "American Idol."
BALDWIN: I know I mentioned some of the names, but when you think of "American Idol," who have some of the superstars who have so much they owe to the show?
FARLEY: Carrie Underwood is one, of course. One of the biggest didn't win. Jennifer Hudson went on to win a best-supporting actress Oscar. Only finished seventh on the show. That's what's so interesting about "American Idol." Although we think of it as a big star-making machine, we actually can't remember a lot of the people who finished first in the show. It really is a show that is hot when you're watching it and you kind of forget about it after you turn it off. And that happened increasingly so in its last couple years.
BALDWIN: OK. Here's what Clay Aiken says. "For 14 years, "Idol" has given countless young men and women the ability to make their dreams come true. There is no former contestant from "Idol" who could claim they would be where they are today without the power, the reach, the lessons imparted upon them by that show." He goes on, "It's always been far more than just water cooler talk. During my season in 2003, as the nation entered a war, he says, "Idol" provided an opportunity for the entire nation to gather together and celebrate something positive. As it reaches its final season, I hope that Americans take a chance to celebrate its historic place in American culture and look back on the years of fun and hope provided, Clay Aiken."
FARLEY: I don't know about all that. Maybe it helped some people achieve their dreams, if their dreams were to be become modestly famous for a season or two. But in terms of making your dream becoming a superstar, it didn't always happen. Of course, people like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood became stars. Have you bought a Clay Aiken album lately? Probably not. A terrific singer, great star.
BALDWIN: Wanted to be a member of Congress. He's been on the show.
FARLEY: But not a huge singing star right now.
BALDWIN: So run through some of the infamous judges. And also, to me, when I think -- you had "Idol," then "X Factor," "The Voice," "Glee." I mean --
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FARLEY: The singing competition among singing competition.
BALDWIN: Crazy.
FARLEY: Here's the secret to "American Idol." It's not about the contestants. It's really about the judges. It's really a romantic comedy ma masquerading as a talent show.
BALDWIN: Who was your favorite?
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FARLEY: Of course, Simon Cowell. He was the engine that ran the show. We loved to hate him. Yet, his ideas about music and what made people really great singers were always on point. So you hated him, but you wanted to hear his views. Once he left the show, some of the energy went out of it.
BALDWIN: Randy, Paula, Simon, it was that perfect trifecta. Once that changed, do you think that was the beginning, the catalyst of the end?
FARLEY: Yeah, people they have on now, Keith Urban, he's a terrific country star. Harry Connick Jr, one of the most talented people we've ever had on the show, a great jazz musician. But it's about chemistry. That's one of the reasons why we're waving good-bye to the show.
BALDWIN: Chris Farley, ladies and gentlemen, of the "Wall Street Journal."
Thank you very much.
FARLEY: Thank you.
[14:49:42] BALDWIN: Next, we got to take you back to Texas. More on our breaking story there. Just devastating pictures. At least eight people are missing after this tornado ripped through a small town. We'll talk live with someone who hid inside a fast-food freezer. Her story.
Also, more breaking this afternoon. George Zimmerman, we have learned, has been shot in the face after what appears to be some kind of road rage incident. We're going to talk live with a witness.
Stay here. This is CNN.
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BALDWIN: It is the risk all police officers face every shift they begin, and right now there is a community deeply in mourning after that risk turned into heartbreaking reality for two Mississippi police officers killed in the line of duty. A vigil has begun this hour for Hattiesburg Officers Benjamin Deen, on the left side, and on the right, Liguori Tate. Dean was conducting a traffic stop Saturday and Tate was serving as his back up when a hail of gunfire erupted. Both men were shot and killed. Deen was a 2012 officer of the year and father of two. Tate graduated from the police academy a mere 11 months ago.
His sister recalled today how he was just this natural protector.
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ANNETTE TATE (ph), SISTER OF OFFICER LIQUORI TATE: I was the oldest, but he was more like a big brother to me, you know. He would constantly come by in his patrol car, around my apartment, just to check on me. He would call, send me a text message, just making sure I was all right.
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[14:55:10] BALDWIN: Now we have a Twitter photo here from our affiliate WDAM. Crowds are now filling this Lake Terrace convention center to pay tribute, something Hattiesburg hasn't had to do for 31 years. 31 years ago, that was the last time an officer was killed there on duty. And as these officers are honored, their accused killers are due to face a judge in less than two hours from now.
Let's go to Nick Valencia, who's at the jail there in Hattiesburg.
Nick, as some folks are across town at this vigil, I want you to break down the charges and tell me about these suspects, two of whom could face the death penalty.
NICK VALENCIA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yeah, four suspects now in custody. Two of them are brothers. We'll break down the charges. Marvin Banks, 29 years old, charged with capital murder along with 22-year- old Joanie Calloway. Curtis Banks charged as an accessory. He was believed to be in the car at the time of the shooting. Yesterday afternoon, a fourth suspect was also taken into custody. That's Cornelius Clark, believed to be charged with obstruction of justice.
What's unclear right now at this hour is the motive, why these four suspects would have been involved in a police shooting. We perhaps could learn more information, more details about that if prosecutors lay out the details at this 4:00 p.m. eastern arraignment right behind me here.
The community in Hattiesburg, as you mentioned, hasn't had to deal with this in 31 years, the loss of lives of police officers. Over the weekend, the mayor talked about how hard it was for the community here, this small community.
And it's not just impacting people in Hattiesburg either. The attorney general released a statement in part saying, "Their loss is made even more tragic by the fact that on the day they were killed this past Saturday, the country began observing police week a time when we pause to remember and honor the more than 20,000 law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty. The murder of these young men is a devastating reminder of the work our brave police officers perform every day."
Back here in Hattiesburg, you can see behind me the flags are flying at half staff to show the support of those two fallen officers, one of them a rookie, another a veteran officer, who at one time was officer of the year -- Brooke?
BALDWIN: Nick Valencia, thank you.
ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.
BALDWIN: Breaking news here at the top of the hour. You're watching CNN on this Monday. I'm Brooke Baldwin.
Got to start with Texas. Just devastating pictures here playing out. Families picking up what is left of their homes, what remains, searching for survivors as there are still a number of people who are missing. These tornadoes that hit Arkansas and Texas have killed at least five people. Two of those victims are from this small northeastern Texas town of Van. Eight people there are still missing. Schools, businesses obliterated. Also hard hit, parts of Iowa.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: First time in god knows it how many years this (EXPLETIVE DELETED) town has been hit. There goes the school! There goes the school! That's the (EXPLETIVE DELETED) school!
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BALDWIN: That was the scene in Lake City, Iowa. People watching in fear as the storm lifted those rooftops off of those schools and other buildings. Just in sheer terror.
CNN Meteorologist Jennifer Gray is live in Van, Texas.
Jennifer, I mentioned those eight people missing. Do you have any update on that?
[14:53:45] JENNIFER GRAY, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Yeah, we still haven't heard. Eight people missing that we know of. We did know that there were previously ten people missing. Luckily, two of those people found safe and sound. We are going to have another briefing in about an hour or so. Hopefully we'll have an update on that. Everyone is hoping for good news.
It has been a devastating weekend for much of the middle part of the country throughout the last couple days, tornadoes, flooding, and we are in Van, which is one of the areas that was hit very hard. We have been moved back quite a bit because crews are trying to clear power lines and restore power, get people cell phone service. But people are cleaning. They are coming together. The Red Cross is here. We have a shelter here in the parking lot where we are at the First Baptist Church. They are bringing food and dropping off supplies for all the people here.
We do know this happened around 9:00 last night. Tornado sirens did go off, but only minutes before the tornado struck. We spoke with one lady today who said she didn't have time to get to her storm shelter, so she went to the bathtub with her two dogs. We even talked to people, Brooke, who were driving down the road and didn't have time to go anywhere. So they rode out the tornado in their car. Their kids in the backseat. You can see these cars just in shambles. Looks like they've gotten in a car accident with two by fours stuck through the windshield.
