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CNN NEWSROOM

U.S. Targets ISIS' Nuclear Ambitions; America's Choice 2016; Public Perception of Hillary Clinton; Garissa Attack Survivors Move to New School; The "Nice" Factor in Wisconsin. Aired 2-2:30a ET

Aired April 2, 2016 - 02:00   ET

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


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NATALIE ALLEN, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): The U.S. president hails the total success of a nuclear security summit in Washington. But two men with the potential to upset his plans are speaking out from the sidelines.

One year after the Kenya university massacre, we talk with students who have a new campus but in lingering fear.

And what will it take to win the Wisconsin presidential primaries?

Apparently it helps to be nice. We'll investigate what that means for the five remaining candidates.

Hello, everyone. We're live in Atlanta. This is CNN NEWSROOM. I'm Natalie Allen.

We begin in Washington, where U.S. President Barack Obama says the nuclear security summit that ended there Friday was a success. Mr. Obama told world leaders Iran is sticking to the deal that limits its nuclear program. And he defended U.S. drone strikes targeting terrorists such as ISIS.

However, the U.S. is acknowledging that some of those strikes have killed civilians. Washington promises to try to prevent civilian casualties.

The U.S. says world leaders at the nuclear summit made pledges to keep radioactive materials away from terrorists such as ISIS. Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr reports on the U.S.' efforts to fight nuclear terrorism in the key Iraqi city of Mosul, which is still under ISIS' control.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: New images of U.S. warplanes bombing Mosul University. There have been more than a dozen strikes in recent weeks taking out ISIS installations across the campus. One critical target, ISIS's chemistry lab, getting rid of ISIS's chemical weapons capability, a top priority. BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: ISIL has already used chemical weapons including mustard gas in Syria and Iraq. There is no doubt if these mad men ever got their hands on a nuclear bomb or nuclear material they most certainly would use it to kill as many innocent people as possible.

STARR (voice-over): A senior Iraqi explosives officer told CNN some of the chemicals being worked on include those similar to what was used in the Brussels attack, though U.S. officials could not confirm that. ISIS has brought in foreign fighters to teach them how to build bombs, fighters who could possibly return to the West.

CHRISTOPHER HARMER, INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF WAR: What they needed help with was some top end research and development engineering. How do you compound chemicals so they aren't as detectable?

STARR (voice-over): All of that sharpening the U.S. focus on taking out ISIS's advance weapons.

BRETT MCGURK, SPECIAL PRESIDENTIAL ENVOY: It's something that we are focused on every single day, particularly around Mosul where we know they have had a chemical weapons network trying to produce chemical weapons.

STARR (voice-over): With the university long shut down, U.S. intelligence believes most of the chemical weapons there centers around chlorine and sulfur mustard, chemical materials that could be put into bombs earmarked for the West. As U.S. war planes bomb overhead, the U.S. having detained ISIS's chemical weapons chief also stepping up intelligence gathering efforts.

MCGURK: The more we operate, the more information we get, the more our special operators are out there, the more we learn about the networks and the more we are able to unravel them.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: Barbara Starr reporting there.

Donald Trump's recent comments that the U.S. should step back from its role in Asia are coming under fire by President Obama. The U.S. Republican presidential front-runner suggested at a CNN town hall Tuesday that Japan and South Korea should develop their own nuclear arsenals.

At a news conference at the nuclear security summit, Mr. Obama said Trump doesn't know much about the world or foreign policy.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

OBAMA: The person who made the statements doesn't know much about foreign policy or nuclear policy or the Korean peninsula or the world generally. It came up on the sidelines. I've said before that, you know, people pay attention to American elections. What we do is really important to the rest of the world. And even in those countries that are used to, a carnival atmosphere in their own politics wants sobriety and clarity when it comes to U.S. elections because they understand the president of the United States needs to know what's going on around the world and has to put in place the kinds of policies that --

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OBAMA: -- lead not only to our security and prosperity, but will have an impact on everybody else's security and prosperity.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ALLEN: Donald Trump meantime is back to saying he could be open to a third party run for the White House. He told FOX News it depends on Republican leaders.

CHRIS WALLACE, FOX NEWS HOST: Are you ruling out running as an independent third party candidate?

Are you ruling that out?

DONALD TRUMP, REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Look, I'm by far the

(CROSSTALK)

TRUMP: -- no, it's not that simple. I'm by far the front-runner as a Republican. I want to run as a Republican. I will beat Hillary Clinton.

WALLACE: But if you don't get the nomination?

TRUMP: We're going to have to see how I was treated. I'm going to have to see how I was treated, very simple.

ALLEN (voice-over): Back in September, the Republican candidates pledged to back the party's nominee. But they all broke that pledge on Tuesday. And compounding a tough week for Trump, some polls show Ted Cruz with a double-digit lead in Wisconsin, the next crucial primary.

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ALLEN: Let's turn to the Democratic race now, where tensions are rising just ahead of crucial primaries in both Wisconsin and New York coming this week. Hillary Clinton says she's sick of the Sanders' campaign lying about her campaign donor sources. Listen to her angry exchange with a climate change activist.

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UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: If you protect -- with climate change, will you act on your word and reject fossil fuel money in the future of your campaign?

HILLARY CLINTON, FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I do not -- I have money from people who work for fossil fuel companies. I am so sick of the Sanders campaign lying about that. I'm sick of it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ALLEN: Bernie Sanders spoke out about Clinton's finger-pointing at a rally in Wisconsin Friday. The Vermont senator says his campaign was not lying and the former secretary of state owes him an apology.

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SEN. BERNIE SANDERS (I), VT., PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: According to an analysis done by Greenpeace, Hillary Clinton's campaign and her super PAC have received more than $4.5 million from the fossil fuel industry.

In fact, 57 oil, gas and coal industry lobbyists have directly contributed to her campaign, with 43 of them contributing the maximum allowed for the primary.

And these are not just workers in the fossil fuel industry. These are paid, registered lobbyists.

Secretary Clinton, you owe our campaign an apology. We were telling the truth.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ALLEN: Clinton's recent show of anger is providing further ammunition for her critics. Her resume is impressive. And her experience is virtually unrivaled in the race for U.S. president.

So why does Clinton constantly struggle with being likable?

Jonathan Mann takes a look.

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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She doesn't seem very warm, she doesn't seem very genuine.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She has a lot of baggage and she doesn't appear honest. People haven't liked her for years.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I hate to say it's just her personality which is just not a fair thing to say because she's a woman and she comes off as kind of serious. You hear a lot on the news about her yelling.

JONATHAN MANN, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): There are impressions that barely scratch the surface of Hillary Clinton's decades if public life, but they are deep-seated and, for Clinton, they are a problem.

Hillary Clinton has been many things, a middle class girl from the north side of Chicago, a Yale scholar, the first lady of Arkansas and then the first lady of the United States. After a tumultuous eight years in the White House, she would go on to serve as Senator for New York. The only First lady to ever hold the post. And then, in 2007, she became a candidate for President herself. She has worn many hats and famously many pantsuits and she is judged for her clothes, her hair, her marriage, her integrity and something much more basic, her likability.

OBAMA: You're likable enough.

CLINTON: Thank you so much.

MANN (voice-over): A CBS "New York Times" poll found that 52 percent of voters have an unfavorable view of her. Donald Trump, perhaps the most polarizing politician in America today, is disliked by only slightly more voters, 57 percent.

There have been questions, scandals, investigations, about a land development deal from her days in Arkansas, known as Whitewater; about the deadly attack on a U.S. diplomatic outpost in Benghazi, Libya, when she was secretary of state; about her decision to handle her government communications on a private e-mail server.

What do all the episodes have in common?

No wrongdoing was ever proven, but she was never able to wash away the stain of scandal.

MARGARET HOOVER, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: The problem with Hillary Clinton isn't the substance, the problem is the style.

The problem is, is she the person you want to have a beer with?

MANN (voice-over): And then of course there was Monica --

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MANN (voice-over): -- Lewinsky, her husband's relationship with a White House intern that nearly brought down his presidency.

JOHN AVLON, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: It's important to remember that Bill Clinton is still one of the most popular living American politicians, but the downside is those scandals. And to the extent that mentions of Monica Lewinsky dredge up a lot of memories that people would not like to relive.

MANN (voice-over): There may be something else. Maybe many Americans are just uncomfortable with a woman as successful and fiercely ambitious at Hillary Clinton. Years ago, she identified the problem.

CLINTON: I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies.

HOOVER: She again has already competed in the presidential primary eight years ago. She has been the secretary of state of the United States by the way, the third female secretary of state in the United States, so at this point, I don't think it's sexism.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hillary!

MANN (voice-over): Supporters insist Clinton is still judged unfairly.

DONNA BRAZILE, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: So this will be a big test for the country and whether or not we're able to look passed all of these cultural social and media biases and look at the person the individual, their leadership traits and what they bring to the conversation. That's the big test that she will have to pass.

MANN (voice-over): Compare her to some of the most important men in her life today. Clinton is not credited with Bernie Sanders' honesty, Donald Trump's candor or her husband's magnetism, but she is doggedly working towards the Democratic presidential nomination.

And as she approaches the general election, she will at some point have to convince Americans that she can be the first female President of the United States, whether they like her or not -- Jonathan Mann, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: As Jonathan reported, Clinton isn't the only presidential candidate with likability issues. Donald Trump is struggling mightily with his own. And we'll have a look at how he is viewed by people voting in two states, Wisconsin primary, ahead here on CNN NEWSROOM.

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ALLEN: Welcome back.

Saturday marks one year since Al-Shabaab's massacre at Kenya's Garissa University; 148 people were murdered, most of them students.

The fight against the terror group is far from over, a fact that forces even the survivors from that day to live in fear it could happen again. Students have now moved to a new school in the city of Eldoret, where survivors may have a chance for a fresh start.

Our Robyn Kriel is live there now.

And it's just one year on, Robyn. It's just difficult to look at that video. I can imagine what it's like for the people there.

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ROBYN KRIEL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Indeed, Natalie. We have spoken to a number of the survivors from that dreadful day last year, one year today. And they do still bear the scars of that day.

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KRIEL: However, incredibly positive attitudes. Here's that story. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KRIEL (voice-over): Like many university students, Ben Nwete (ph) is on a journey. But his is different than most.

BEN NWETE (PH), UNIVERSITY STUDENT: I tried to crawl. I crawled up to the door. That's where now I was rescued. And as they were rescuing me, some Al-Shabaab said they were coming in and they killed that person who was rescuing us.

KRIEL (voice-over): Shot by terrorists during an attack on his university, Ben lay for hours motionless, playing dead.

One year on after suffering debilitating injuries, Ben is moving again.

NWETE (PH): I am good that I am able to work. Currently I am using a bicycle. I cannot walk for very long distance. But I can run. I can play. I can do very many things.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They caught us when they were in the prayers in the hall. And when they shoot us, I fall down. They first threw us at grenades, which hit on my face.

KRIEL (voice-over): Evelyn Chepkemoi can finally walk unassisted and is proud of it.

This school houses almost all of the survivors of the Garissa University massacre. Hundreds of miles away from the site of the attack, it's much more secure and allows for diversion.

Still, students fear more attacks and remember the friends they have lost, like Judith Chepkemboi (ph). She was one of Evelyn's roommates. Of the six girls in their dorm room, only three survived. Two of them still live together. Roommate Juliet Nunjala (ph) carries one reminder of her best friend.

JULIET NUNJALA (PH), UNIVERSITY STUDENT: This picture of mine (INAUDIBLE) reminds me of Judith. But I don't want to do whatever she is, to distribute. I will be glad to have you.

KRIEL (voice-over): Judith is not here anymore. But her friendship, an everlasting gift.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: It must be very, very difficult for those students. Thank you for that report, Robyn.

I want to ask you, as far as the country of Kenya, how you would you characterize efforts to diminish Al-Shabaab terrorism?

KRIEL: We haven't seen a major attack like that here in Kenya. And the international community, by all accounts, is crediting the Kenyan military and intelligence for that, saying that they have thwarted a number of attacks and really been proactive. But what we can also tell you, Natalie, is that in recent weeks, we

have seen a real step-up of aggression against Al-Shabaab in Somalia itself. So really going for the terror group inside their country from both the international community, including the United States, as well as the African Union force.

And just two days ago, we understand, the United States launched another major airstrike against Al-Shabaab. Apparently, according to the Pentagon, they were going for a very high-level member, Hassan Ali Dhoore, who is credited with killing at least three U.S. citizens as well as a number of African Union and Somali national army troops.

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KRIEL (voice-over): One of those U.S. citizens is a (INAUDIBLE) Delta Force, a member of (INAUDIBLE) working for the African union inside Somalia -- Natalie.

ALLEN: All right. Well, they are starting the music. And they have reasons to stop and celebrate how far they've come. Robyn Kriel, thank you very much, for us live there.

We turn to the South African president, Jacob Zuma. He says he will abide by a court ruling that he broke the law in using public funds to renovate his private home.

The country's constitutional court ruled Mr. Zuma improperly used $15 million in state funds for home upgrades. The renovations include a pool, a chicken coop and an amphitheater. Mr. Zuma apologized to South Africans.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JACOB ZUMA, PRESIDENT, SOUTH AFRICA: The matter has caused a lot of frustration and confusion, for which I apologize on my behalf and on behalf of government. I urge all parties to respect the judgment and abide by it. Let us use the judgment to build and further strengthen our democracy.

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ALLEN: President Zuma has been ordered to repay state funds spent on any upgrades not related to security.

Wisconsin is a U.S. state that prides itself on friendliness. So we sent one of our nicest reporters there to gauge voters' opinions on the upcoming presidential primaries. We'll tell you what he found out next here on CNN NEWSROOM.

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(MUSIC PLAYING) ALLEN: Welcome back.

Severe storms lash the southeastern U.S. with high winds and heavy rain, even a few tornadoes. Meteorologist Karen Maginnis following that for us.

And, yes, coming quite close to us.

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ALLEN: U.S. presidential candidates are looking ahead to Wisconsin's primaries next Tuesday. Polls show Republican Ted Cruz and Democrat Bernie Sanders leading in this crucial Midwestern state.

But Wisconsin residents, who take pride in being nice to each other, are giving unfavorable marks to the overall tone of this campaign. We sent one of our nicest reporters to check it out. Here's Gary Tuchman.

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UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Wisconsin nice.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Wisconsin nice.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, Wisconsin nice. Absolutely.

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Wisconsin nice: words the people of the state try and live by.

TRUMP: He would be one hell of a lousy president, that I can tell you.

TUCHMAN: And partly because of that motto, this presidential campaign is what a lot of folks here the wrong way. And may explain why a certain guy who is New York brash isn't polling so well here.

What do you think of all the bickering and insults and name calling --

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TUCHMAN: -- between the candidates during this campaign?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I try not to pay much attention to it. As a matter of fact if a commercial comes on and it's from a super PAC, or something like I generally change the channel.

TUCHMAN: So why do Wisconsinites have this nice reputation?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Maybe it's the cheese. And we drink more brandy than any other state in the union.

TUCHMAN: Well there might be some other reasons. Keep in mind one of the state's nicknames is America's Dairyland. A pastoral, peaceful sounding name many try to live up to. Roger Weiland is a dairy farmer. ROGER WEILAND, WISCONSIN DAIRY FARMER: I think is that the effect we've been brought up with. We grew up with parents that taught us good ethics and we work hard. The farm background here in Wisconsin, I think all contributes to that.

TUCHMAN: Ardy & Ed's Drive In in Oshkosh has been around since 1948. There's a sign outside that's says a friendly place. And inside it feels exactly that. Friendly. Lunch and ice cream sodas served at the counter. And food delivered to your car by roller-skating carhops.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Sounds good.

TUCHMAN: Being polite, being nice has been good for business says Ardy Davis who bought the drive-in just over 60 years popping she says the customers are just as nice.

Why is that?

ARDY DAVIS, WIFE OF STEVE DAVIS: I don't know. They're just nice.

TUCHMAN: But her husband Steve who has worked here 39 years knows the answer.

STEVE DAVIS: OWNER ARDY & ED'S DRIVE-IN: I think its part of their upbringing. Basically pretty humble people and hard working people and hard working people and they are taught to respect other people and be civil and get along with each other.

TUCHMAN: And that's why diners at the counter say, too.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Everybody just seems, you know, to like each other, respect each other and look out for each other.

TUCHMAN: What's been made very clear to us in our travels around the state is that Wisconsinites, when it comes to politics, are very tired of the bull. Sorry, cows. Wisconsin nice is not just a motto. It's a lifestyle that many here are grateful for like the roller-skating server I worked to keep up with.

Are the customers here nice?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, yes, of course.

TUCHMAN: How do they tip?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Very well.

TUCHMAN: What percentage usually?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: 20 percent to 25 percent, I think.

TUCHMAN: That is nice.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes. Yes.

TUCHMAN (voice-over): Gary Tuchman, CNN, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: We all need a little Wisconsin nice these days.

Well, stay with us for Tuesday, to find out if nice candidates really do finish first. We'll bring you all-day coverage of that critical Wisconsin primary. It could be a game-changer for hopefuls on both sides. We'll see how nice does on Tuesday.

Thank you for watching. I'm Natalie Allen. "2020 Visionaries" is up next here on CNN and our top stories right after this.