American Morning
Protesters 'arrest' health insurance execs
(CNN) – As President Obama rolls up his sleeves for his final health care push, thousands rallied in Washington yesterday against what they call insurance industry bullying. And they were there to make a mass "citizens' arrest." Our Jim Acosta has the report.
Gut check: Time to tweak the system?
By Ronni Berke, CNN
(CNN) – The latest flood of erring politicians once again has Americans scratching their heads.
With polls showing most Americans unhappy with the state of politics today – plagued by polarization and finger-pointing – it would make sense for elected representatives to fight to overcome that public image.
Many are, but there are more than a few who don’t seem to “get it.”
Case in point: In New York, Hiram Monserrate was actually booted out of the State Senate after he was convicted of a misdemeanor for assaulting his girlfriend. Yet Monserrate seems confident voters will re-elect him in a special election March 16th.
He’s even issued this warning to his critics in the state capitol: “I think it would be the pot calling the kettle black for anyone in government in Albany pointing a finger towards Hiram Monserrate.”
Some political observers are aghast, but not surprised, to hear this kind of talk from politicians.
The Teaser
"The Teaser” is a preview of the guests we have lined up for the next day – so that you know when to tune in (and when to set your alarm!). Guests and times are always subject to change.
Here’s the lineup for tomorrow:
6:30AM: Handout or helping hand? Do unemployment checks discourage people from finding work? What if the checks keep rolling in for nearly two years? You’re paying $10 billion a month to finance it, this morning we’re asking Peter Morici and Christine Romans if it’s worth it.
7:10AM: Women – new targets for terror recruitment? Joining us to discuss the arrest of “Jihad Jane” is Karen Greenberg, Director of the NYU Center on Law and Security and Former FBI Assistant Director Thomas Fuentes.
7:30AM: First there were Rep. Charlie Rangel’s tax problems, now there are reports that resigned Rep. Eric Massa is under investigation for groping multiple male staffers. Nancy Pelosi promised a clean House, so how will these latest allegations impact the Democratic Party? Craig Crawford from CQ and Chris Cillizza from the Washington Post join us to discuss.
8:30AM: Former Tonight Show host Conan O’Brien has hundreds of thousands of Twitter followers, but he himself is only following one person: Sarah Killen, a 19-year-old student from Michigan. With his pick – she jumped from 3 followers, to close to 20,000. She’ll tell us why she thinks she was chosen, and what she’s done with the spotlight.
Got questions for any of our guests?
Tweet 'em at Twitter.com/amFIX or post them below and we'll try to use 'em!
We Listen – Your comments 3/9/2010
Editor's Note: On Tuesday, American Morning’s audience focused on concerns about Toyota’s runaway cars, in light of the story by Deb Feyerick. Some questioned the story, disbelieving the driver and suggesting “it doesn’t smell right.” Others wondered why the driver had not shifted the car into neutral, and requested that CNN re-broadcast the appropriate safety measures for such incidents.
- Gary: I have a 2009 Prius. I just watched the story about the runaway Prius and I don't believe it. I would be interested to see if the driver would take a polygraph test. It doesn’t smell right.
Jeff: about the runaway Toyotas. can you not suggest that 1st you don’t panic. next use flashers and shift into neutral. coast to shoulder and shut car off. just trying to help - Dan: Re: Runaway Prius. You gave extensive background on the vehicle. where is the background on the operator?
- Harv: How many idiots does it take to cause an accident or a death? 1. A driver with a stuck throttle, reaching down to pull on the throttle and dialing 911 in a speeding car in traffic. 2. A 911 operator who doesn't tell the driver to simply put the car in neutral. 3. A police officer that maneuvers in front of the car to slow it down in traffic, when he could have signaled the driver to roll down his window and yelled to him to put it in neutral. Unbelievable! With every stuck throttle story, please emphasize that putting the car in neutral will stop the acceleration. You can and should help educate the public.
- Sheila: Regarding the runaway Prius: He should be driving a Crown Vic made in Talbotville, Ontario. I see that is what the police used to stop his car. Ford's are closing the plant next year. You won't be able to buy one soon.
What do you think? Continue the conversation below.
U.S. stepping up drone strikes in Pakistan
(CNN) – Defense Secretary Robert Gates is in Afghanistan, visiting with U.S. ground troops who are trying to drive the Taliban out of Kandahar.
Weeding out militants across the border in Pakistan, however, is much more complicated. The U.S. is now stepping up attacks on suspected terrorists there by launching hell-fire missiles from unmanned drones.
CNN national security analyst Peter Bergen and a colleague from the New America Foundation have created an online interactive map of U.S. drone strikes in the region. He joined us on Tuesday's American Morning for an analysis using CNN's "magic wall."
Read more: Gates in Afghanistan on unannounced visit
Massa claims Dems forced him out
By Kristi Keck, CNN
(CNN) – House Democratic leaders on Monday refuted embattled Rep. Eric Massa's allegation that they want to get rid of him because of his opposition to health care legislation.
"That's completely false. There is zero merit to that accusation," said Katie Grant, spokeswoman for House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland.
An aide to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, also denied Massa's claim.
Massa, D-New York, announced Wednesday he would not seek re-election because of health concerns and denied reports that he had harassed one of his Capitol Hill staff members. Two days later, he said he would resign effective Monday.
The first-term congressman said he learned of an ethics investigation into his conduct after deciding to retire.
Massa, who voted against the House's health care reform bill in November, said Sunday he was targeted because he was standing in the way of passing health care legislation. FULL STORY
Program note: Rep. Eric Massa speaks out on "Larry King Live," Tuesday 9 p.m. ET.
About this Show
Welcome to the American Morning blog where you can get daily news updates from American Morning's reporters and producers. Join us for "the most news in the morning," weekdays from 6-9 a.m. ET, only on CNN.
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