American Morning

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November 11th, 2011
10:31 AM ET

Brownstein: Debates are having an "overwhelming affect" on GOP race

The Republican presidential candidates with gather once again for another debate on Saturday night in South Carolina.  Some voters are growing weary of the seemingly endless number of debates. 

But as CNN political analyst Ron Brownstein tells Ali Velshi, these contests are having a profound affect on the GOP race.


Filed under: 2012 • GOP • Politics
November 11th, 2011
10:29 AM ET

Cuba Gooding Jr honors Tuskegee Airmen in upcoming George Lucas film

This Veterans Day, we take a moment to honor the men and women who have served our country proudly. And an upcoming George Lucas film will pay tribute to some special servicemen. 

The film, Red Tails, tells the story of the Tuskegee Airman – America's first black fighter pilots who fought the Nazi's oversees in World War II, while still fighting Jim Crow at home.

Ali Velshi and Alina Cho sit down with Cuba Gooding Jr., one of the stars of the film, to talk about what drew him to this remarkable story.


Filed under: Veterans
November 11th, 2011
09:53 AM ET

McCains on a mission to help military veterans with a concert Friday in Westbury, NY

This Veterans Day, rock star performer and "Celebrity Apprentice" winner Bret Michaels will join an all-star line-up plus special celebrity guests for the "Unity for Vets" concert in New York. The show will raise money for HonorVet.org, a non-profit that helps military veterans suffering from PTSD. 

HonorVet.org was co-founded by James McCain, son of Senator John McCain; his mother, Cindy McCain, also serves on the organization's advisory board.

Alina Cho talks with James and Cindy McCain about the origins of HonorVet.org and the essential services it provides to our nation's heroes.

To buy tickets for the event, visit UnityforVets.org.


Filed under: Military • Veterans
November 11th, 2011
09:48 AM ET

Penn State stunned by scandal – two students explain the mood of the campus

Emotions are running high in Happy Valley as the ramifications of an ongoing child sex abuse continue to play out. Students have taken to the streets to protest a decision by the university to fire beloved long time football coach Joe Paterno. But some critics are wondering why Penn State students aren't showing more support for the victims of this tragedy.

Penn State seniors Dan Florencio and Davis Shafer explain Ali Velshi how their classmates are feeling about the scandal – and where they're directing their anger.


Filed under: Controversy • Penn State • Sports
November 11th, 2011
09:43 AM ET

Did a 'code of silence' keep the Penn State scandal under wraps?

Many questions remain unanswered in the ongoing Penn State child sex abuse scandal. But perhaps the most important is: Who knew about the alleged abuse of young boys on campus and why did were reports not filed?

Some of those familiar with collegiate athletics say the answers might have to do with a "code of silence" – an implicit agreement to keep quiet in order protect teammates and coaches, no matter the cost.

ESPN analyst and former MLB player Doug Glanville explains to Alina Cho how this code operates – and how it could have contributed to this tragedy.


Filed under: Controversy • Penn State • Sports