American Morning
Stopping 'Soft-Target' Attacks
The images shocked the world. November's brazen, commando-style attack on hotels and cafes in Mumbai, India. When the smoke cleared nearly 180 people were dead, and the job of fighting terrorism had changed forever. But, could it happen here? New York City Police Commissioner, Ray Kelly, is testifying before the House Subcommittee on Homeland Security later today looking at lessons learned from Mumbai.
The hearing will explore the groups involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the threats they pose to the U.S., ways to protect domestic, critical infrastructure from attacks, and the support and involvement of the Department of Homeland Security to improve private sector security. Commissioner Kelly joined us to talk about the lessons learned.
Democrats Getting Nervous
I spent part of yesterday on Capitol Hill talking to two Democrats about how some in the party are getting nervous about the Obama Administration’s plans for the economy. Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter from New Hampshire passed along the message she gave directly to Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner: “Hurry. Please hurry. Because people are waiting and they are hurting and they need the help now." She says she was simply relaying the message she’s getting from constituents at town meetings back in her home district.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged Democrats to stay on message. Her message: confidence. But she also acknowledged what top economists have told her, another stimulus package may be necessary. Some budget hawks in her own party don’t like the sound of that. North Dakota’s Earl Pomeroy told me, “I think if we were to have a vote on a stimulus package, it would probably fail.”
Madoff To Plead Guilty
CNN's Allan Chernoff reports
Bernard Madoff intends to plead guilty at a hearing tomorrow. But, he's not cutting a deal with prosecutors and not agreeing to cooperate with government investigators. The government is investigating to determine who else may face charges.
Madoff won't be sentenced right away. Judge Denny Chin says it could be several months before a sentencing hearing is held that will likely sent Madoff to prison for the rest of his life. Until then, he remains under house-arrest in his luxurious New York apartment.
Fast Forward
The stories that will be making news later today:
The shooting rampage in southern Alabama. We're expecting more news conferences throughout the day. Here's what we've learned this morning. Police say the killer, Michael McLendon, took his own life after killing 10 people. Among the fatalities, his mother, his grandparents, and the wife and child of a sheriff's deputy.
It's all systems go for tonight's planned launch of the space shuttle "Discovery." It's set to lift-off at 9:20 eastern from the Kennedy Space Center. The "Discovery" astronauts will deliver a final set of solar arrays to the International Space Station.
At 4 p-m eastern First Lady Michelle Obama joins Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the State Department to celebrate International Women's Day. They'll present the third annual award for International Women of Courage to eight women from around the world.
Asian markets surged overnight. Japan's Nikkei index was up nearly five percent. There's hope for a two-day winning streak on the Dow after a 380-point jump monday.
What's On Tap – Wednesday March 11, 2009
Today on American Morning:
- Bernard Madoff will plead guilty later this week to 11 counts including money laundering, perjury and securities, mail and wire fraud.
- The stock market yo-yo, a mammoth budget, a bold agenda all have some Democrats worried about whether President Obama is taking on too much too soon. Jim Acosta reports on how some nervous Democrats may not be backing all their commander-in-chief’s policies.
- Ed Lavandera looks at a new breed of would-be refugees - business owners, law enforcement officers, journalists and other professionals - on the run from Mexico's vicious drug wars. Increasingly, they are seeking safe haven in the U.S. by filing for asylum.
- Another wrinkle in the Chris Brown story – he is up for two kids’ choice awards – would Nickleodeon pull him out of the running?
- Mexico, murders, weapons, drugs. What's the U.S. government doing to work with Mexican authorities so a solution is found? The violence is spreading out of Mexico to the U.S.
Prostitution on Craigslist?
It's a site millions use to look for a job, to get a new apartment, and a used sofa to fill it. But law enforcement officials say Craigslist is also one stop shopping for prostitution. A red light district for the new millennium.
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart filed a lawsuit against the website – over its "erotic services" section. Craigslist's CEO, Jim Buckmaster, says the lawsuit "mystifies" him. Sheriff Dart joined us live to explain his position.
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