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EARLY START

Trump In Manila For ASEAN Summit; President Trump Insults Kim Jong-un, Nods Toward Friends; Moore: I'll Fight Sex Misconduct Allegations. Aired 5:30-6a ET

Aired November 13, 2017 - 05:30   ET

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


[05:30:00] ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: -- receiver Marquis Goodwin. He and his wife lost their baby boy early yesterday morning due to complications with the pregnancy.

And hours later, Goodwin was on the field and in the second quarter he hauled in that 83-yard touchdown. He immediately dropped down to his knees.

Check out his teammates. They all surround him and pick him and pat him on his head. They knew what he was going through.

According to "CSN BAY AREA" Goodwin left the Levi's Stadium locker room immediately after the game to be with his family.

But certainly, guys, that had to be an emotional game for Goodwin and obviously, our prayers are with his family.

ALEX MARQUARDT, CNN ANCHOR: That's heartbreaking.

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN ANCHOR: All right, Andy. Andy Scholes, thanks. Nice to see you this morning, Andy.

SCHOLES: Thanks.

ROMANS: All right. The White House insists that President Trump brought up human rights to the president of the Philippines. The Philippines says nope, it didn't come up. We're live from Manila, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ROMANS: President Trump in Asia. He says he's made some big deals on trade while he's there, but raising eyebrows over whether he brought up human rights with the president of the Philippines.

[05:35:03] MARQUARDT: Plus, Roy Moore, running for Senate in Alabama, says he'll sue "The Washington Post." It's over allegations that he pursued relationships with teenage girls when he was in his early thirties.

Welcome back to EARLY START. I'm Alex Marquardt.

ROMANS: Nice to have you here today and tomorrow, I think, too.

MARQUARDT: Thanks for having me, as well.

ROMANS: I'm Christine Romans. It's 35 minutes past the hour this Monday morning.

The president is in the Philippines this morning for the ASEAN Summit, his final stop in Asia. Just a short time ago he met with India's prime minister.

Before that, President Trump's first sit-down with the controversial president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte. The White House says behind closed doors, the president briefly brought up Duterte's human rights record. Duterte's spokesman says no, human rights was not brought up.

MARQUARDT: President Trump also meeting overnight with the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Now, Abe and Turnbull are vowing to work with the U.S. on answering the threat from North Korea. And, President Trump is saying he's met some important goals on trade.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We've made some very big steps with respect to trade, far bigger than anything you know. This has been a very fruitful trip for us and also, in all fairness, for a lot of other nations.

The way they've treated us -- the respect that Japan, and China, and South Korea, in particular, because we went there -- have greeted us -- has been really a great respect for the people of our country -- the people of the United States, and we very much appreciate it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROMANS: The president wouldn't exactly say what those big steps on trade are but he vowed an announcement Wednesday, once he is back on American soil.

Senior White House correspondent Jeff Zeleny is live for us this morning. He's in Manila with the latest.

Jeff, you know, President Duterte is accused of having squads of -- kill squads, basically, going out after drugs dealers, extrajudicial killings, all of this in the name of fighting drug trafficking. Do we know if President Trump really did confront him about those accusations?

JEFF ZELENY, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Christine. I think confront is probably the word that does not describe their conversation.

We do know, at least from the White House side of this, that President Trump, in his press secretary Sarah Sanders words, briefly talked about the human rights situation here in the Philippines which is quite serious. Human rights groups have blasted Rodrigo Duterte for how he has handled this. But we know she says briefly, so that does not mean that he confronted him at all.

And on the other side, as you said earlier, President Duterte's spokesman said look, they didn't bring this up at all. So we know that this was certainly not a centerpiece of their conversation.

The president, for his part, seems to want to already call this trip a success long before any actual evidence of trade deals or anything are announced. This is what he said a short time ago here in Manila.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: This was a red carpet like nobody, I think, has probably ever received and that really is a sign of respect, perhaps for me a little bit but really for our country, and I'm very proud of that.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ZELENY: So the president -- the president there saying a sign of respect for him.

But an interesting turn of events that's just happening a few moments ago. President Trump was scheduled to have dinner this evening with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. That was supposed to happen shortly.

We just got word that the dinner is off, actually. They're going to have a short meeting instead.

Now, Christine and Alex, you'll remember in the first week of the Trump presidency they had that very heated phone call. President Trump hung up on him. They have repaired that relationship I'm told, but for some reason, a dinner they were planning tonight is now not happening.

ROMANS: Interesting.

ZELENY: Christine --

ROMANS: I did notice also on this trip that the President of the United States kept saying that he had trade deficits with all these nations -- all these trade problems -- trade deficits with all these nations. And, Malcolm Turnbull said except us. You have a surplus with us, Mr. President, which is true with Australia.

All right. Thanks, Jeff.

President Trump taking a moment from his big Asia trip to use both the carrot and the stick on North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, insulting his appearance and pondering the possibility of friendship all in one tweet.

"Why would Kim Jong Un insult me by calling me old, when I would never call him short and fat? Oh, well, I try so hard to be his friend and maybe someday that will happen."

MARQUARDT: At a news conference, the president suggested it is not impossible to imagine that he could be friends with the leader who he's also called "Little Rocket Man."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: Strange things happen in life. That might be a strange thing to happen but it's certainly a possibility. If that did happen it would be a good thing for -- I can tell you, for North Korea. But it would also be good for lots of other places and it would be good for the world.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MARQUARDT: CNN's Will Ripley is the only American news correspondent in North Korea. He's live for us this morning in Pyongyang.

Will, we have a new insult, short and fat. What are you hearing in terms of response there on the ground?

WILL RIPLEY, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I mean, Alex, just stop and take that in for a moment that you have the President of the United States telling the leader of North Korea that he's short and fat. You have North Korean state media calling the president a dotard, which translates to senile, old person.

[05:40:10] What grade are we in here? That's the question that a lot of people are asking.

And from the North Korean perspective, they're certainly wondering here which President Trump do they believe?

Do they believe the President Trump at the United Nations in September who said he would totally destroy this country and called their leader "Rocket Man?" Do they believe the President Trump who was speaking in Vietnam, saying that he could imagine a friendship potentially with North Korea's leader?

Basically, what the North Korean response has been is they've heard enough. The president's words don't carry a whole lot of weight with the officials here.

Certainly, when I was showing them the tweet and the transcripts of what the president said over the weekend, their response was look, they're going to -- they're going to push forward with what they have stated repeatedly.

That they're going to round off their nuclear force because they believe they have to have nuclear weapons to protect against whatever President Trump decides to do next. Whether it be, in their view, try to attack this country -- and, by the way, there are naval drills that are happening in the waters off the Korean Peninsula that make the North Koreans fell completely justified in nuclear tests and missile launches moving forward.

MARQUARDT: All right. A very mature tit for tat between Pyongyang and Washington.

Our thanks to Will Ripley. ROMANS: All right. Let's bring in "Washington Post" political reporter Eugene Scott. Good morning, Eugene.

So, the president is on this foreign trip where here at home leading the headlines is domestic news. This morning, "Creep Home Alabama."

This is about Roy Moore, who is running for the Senate in Alabama and this controversy involving a "Washington Post" story about young women -- teenagers -- one as young as 14 who, when he was in this thirties, according to "The Washington Post" -- according to these women, he had sought relationships with.

In Alabama this is -- I don't know. It's a bit of a controversy, in part, because some people think it is a conspiracy theory going on there.

What are you hearing? What are you reporting?

EUGENE SCOTT, POLITICAL REPORTER, THE WASHINGTON POST: Yes. I've talked to voters in Alabama and many of them are upset. People in Alabama have worked incredibly hard to get rid of some of the worst stereotypes that people outside of the state have of the community and they feel like this story just reinforces many of them.

There are certainly also quite a few Alabamans, particularly in the Republican Party, who remain supportive of Roy Moore because they believe that this is an attack from Washington, from the mainstream media, and even from establishment Republicans.

So it's not quite clear yet how this situation is going to end but there's certainly statewide lawmakers and even Republicans in Washington looking into it.

MARQUARDT: Eugene, there are a lot of conspiracy theories swirling down there in Alabama. I just got back from covering this over the past few days. And you're hearing from the candidate himself, from his campaign, and from his supporters asking why now?

Let's play a bit of sound and I'll ask you a question on the other side.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ROY MOORE (R-AL), SENATE CANDIDATE: I have not been guilty of sexual misconduct with anyone. These allegations came only four and half weeks before the general election on December 12th. Why now?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MARQUARDT: That question, why now? So he believes that this is part of a smear campaign, and a lot of his supporters do, too, and until they see proof they'll stick with him. But the tide is turning against him among establishment Republicans in Washington, isn't it?

SCOTT: It absolutely is. I mean, we've seen multiple lawmakers -- Republican leaders of the magnitude of John McCain and even Mitt Romney come out and say that he should step aside. That he -- this is distracting and that the allegations are troublesome.

I think what's been really interesting is that if you look at the history of Roy Moore this, by far, is not the first thing he has said or done that many of his critics say --

ROMANS: Yes.

SCOTT: -- should have gotten this type of response.

And I think what's really fascinating is there are many Republican lawmakers who -- this is the first time they've said anything about Roy Moore despite all of the things he's said about Muslims, and gay people, and people of color, and terrorism.

Also, regarding the 'why now' piece, it's really important to realize that the Alabama political media has been approached with this story for years but it's been really difficult to chase. It's really hard to get these women to get on the record to tell their stories but "The Washington Post" reporters were able to do so because the women said this cultural moment we're having --

ROMANS: Right.

SCOTT: -- where so many people are talking about sexual harassment in high places led them to look at Moore and say that we did not need one more politician in Washington with these type of allegations.

ROMANS: Yes, there is a 'why now' really -- there is moment happening where women are talking about these things. He suggested because it's so close to the election but there is this moment.

Do we have time to talk about Joe Biden? Do we?

SCOTT: Yes, yes. Let's do it.

ROMANS: Fine, fine. I'm told we do have time, even though we don't have time.

Joe Biden -- Joe Biden, 2020. He doesn't say -- he says he doesn't have his infrastructure, he doesn't have a big plan to run for president, but who knows? What do you think about Joe Biden on this book tour and whether we'll be talking about who will be leading this party going forward, Eugene?

[05:45:09] SCOTT: Yes, I think Joe Biden has a plan to stay in the conversation, hence the book tour and talking to Oprah.

But he's also talking about many of the issues that we're talking about. He's come out about sexual harassment, he's come out about health care and women's equality in terms of pay. He's also been talking about just the working class in ways that a Democratic Party was not able to, in 2016, to the satisfaction of voters.

And so, I do believe that he hasn't completely made up his mind but I think he still wants to be in the conversation.

ROMANS: Yes, I think you're right.

MARQUARDT: And he'll be almost 78 years old --

SCOTT: Yes.

MARQUARDT: -- on the next Election Day.

All right. Eugene Scott of "The Washington Post," thanks so much.

SCOTT: Thank you, guys.

ROMANS: Nice to have you here.

MARQUARDT: Now, the Senate candidate Roy Moore, in Alabama, says he is suing Eugene Scott's newspaper, "The Washington Post." He is fighting back against allegations that he tried to have relationships with those teenage girls we were just talking about when he was in this thirties.

We'll update you on the latest, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[05:50:13] MARQUARDT: Alabama Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore is insisting he will stay in the race and fight back against allegations he pursued romantic relationships with teenage girls.

Republicans are now deeply anxious about reporting by "The Washington Post" that Moore pursued romantic relationships with at least four teenage girls, including an alleged sexual encounter with a 14-year- old when he was in this thirties.

ROMANS: Moore, last night, denied the accusations and vowed to fight back.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MOORE: "The Washington Post" published another attack on my character and reputation in a desperate attempt to stop my political campaign. These attacks involve a minor child and are completely false and untrue. (INAUDIBLE).

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROMANS: Meantime, some Republicans are still taking Moore's side.

MARQUARDT: Former White House strategist Steve Bannon is saying -- or said at an event in South Carolina that until he sees more evidence he is standing with Moore.

So, that's the view from the political players.

CNN's Martin Savage asked Alabama voters what they think.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Roy Moore continues to vehemently deny the allegations that have been brought against me.

And it's important to know that some of the strongest support he has received throughout his political career, not just this campaign, has come from Christian conservatives. And so with these allegations, we wanted to know what were churchgoers thinking.

We talked to some and you get some interesting reactions, including this gentleman who from the get-go says I'm not voting for him. But there's a twist -- listen.

JACK FLOYD, ALABAMA VOTER: Roy Moore's my friend. I'm a Democrat and I'm not going to vote for him because I'm a Democrat, but I've known him a long, long time.

The thing that bothers me about those charges is that he's been in public life running for many offices and as many times as it's happened no one's ever said anything until now. And I don't think it comes from anyplace except Washington. It comes from Washington, it comes from the Republican Party.

SAVIDGE: He makes reference that he does believe this is some kind of political conspiracy to basically thwart the campaign of Roy Moore, but he's blaming Republicans. You might think that oh, that would be something the Democrats would do.

Many people here have come forward and they say they believe it's the mainstream Republican Party that is trying to derail Roy Moore's campaign chances. He's not real popular with them. So that's one idea out there.

Now, there are others who have come out in support of the women and said they've known these women for a long time. They know they're telling the truth.

As for why they came forward now, it has nothing to do with trying to derail a campaign. It's because reporters from "The Washington Post" came and asked them about it.

And so that is the timing question, but it is that timing issue that has many here still skeptical -- Christine and Alex.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ROMANS: Martin Savage.

You were just there yesterday in Alabama. It was sort of -- there had been rumors in the past about this.

MARQUARDT: There had been mumblings but it had never been proven.

ROMANS: Right.

MARQUARDT: And now, to their credit, "The Washington Post" had heard these rumors --

ROMANS: All of the sudden. MARQUARDT: -- and they went out and found these women.

ROMANS: All right.

Big news for your 401(k). One of America's most widely held stocks probably cutting dividends. This will matter to you. We'll tell you who it is on "CNN Money Stream," next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[05:57:55] ROMANS: All right, welcome back. Let's get a check on "CNN Money Stream" this morning.

Doubts about U.S. tax cuts and when they're coming are rocking the markets. Global stocks are lower right now. Both the Dow and the S&P 500 ended the week down for the first time in nine weeks, snapping the longest winning streak in four years.

The concern, a delay of those long promised, long sought after tax cuts. The House and Senate introduced competing tax plans. The Senate version delays cutting the corporate rate until 2019.

A new deal could bring G.I. Joe and Barbie together. "The Wall Street Journal" reports Hasbro made a takeover bid for struggling rival Mattel. That's according to people familiar with the matter. Mattel is suffering from weak sales, forcing it to slash costs and suspend dividends.

The deal may go nowhere. Joining the two biggest U.S. toymakers will most likely face anti-trust issues.

Big news for your 401(k). One of America's most widely-held stocks is probably cutting dividends.

General Electric may reduce dividends for the second time since the Great Depression. Countless shareholders, including retirees, rely on its quarterly payments, but G.E. is the biggest Dow loser by a longshot.

One-third of its market value vanished this year alone so G.E.'s new CEO is under pressure to spark a turnaround. Analysts expect him to announce a dividend cut and layoffs during an investor meeting today.

All right, thanks for joining us, everybody, this Monday morning. I'm Christine Romans.

MARQUARDT: And I'm Alex Marquardt. "NEW DAY" starts right now.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MOORE: There are investigations going on. There will be revelations about this article.

ROMANS: Roy Moore threatening to sue "The Washington Post" over allegations of sexual misconduct.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Roy Moore has to do more explaining. Having said that, he has not been proven guilty.

GOV. JOHN KASICH (R), OHIO: This is really a matter as to whether he ought to be the standard-bearer of the Republican Party. I just think he shouldn't be.

TRUMP: It was red carpet like nobody, I think, has probably ever received.

ZELENY: Sarah Sanders telling reporters human rights briefly came up. A spokesman for Duterte saying otherwise.

MARQUARDT: And Trump exchanging insults with Kim Jong Un but saying it'd be nice if they were friends.

TRUMP: Strange things happen in life but it's certainly a possibility.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANNOUNCER: This is NEW DAY with Chris Cuomo and Alisyn Camerota.

CHRIS CUOMO, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome to our viewers in the United States and around the world.