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Washington Post: Turks Claim Proof Khashoggi Murdered; Source: Turkey Could Soon Release Detained U.S. Pastor; Mexico Beach, Florida, Ground Zero for Disaster; Dow Suffers Second Day of Triple-Digit Losses; Emergency Landing for Crew of Soyuz Rocket. Aired 3-4a ET

Aired October 12, 2018 - 03:00   ET

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


[03:00:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NATALIE ALLEN, CNN HOST: Mounting pressure on Saudi Arabia over a missing journalist last seen at their consulate and a new report that there's proof he was murdered there.

The devastating power of Hurricane Michael's wind and impact on Florida's coastal community. You get a sense of it right there.

And later, failed launch of two men crew forced to make an emergency landing just moments after liftoff, and they are alive to talk about it.

It's all ahead here this hour. Welcome to our viewers joining us from around the world. I'm Natalie Allen and this is "CNN Newsroom."

Our top story, "The Washington Post" newspaper reports that Turkey claims to have reporting that prove missing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered. He disappeared 10 days ago after entering as you can see here to Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey.

According to "The Washington Post," one audio recording captures the sound of the journalist being tortured and killed inside the consulate. The Saudis insist they had no role in his disappearance.

It is not know if U.S. officials have seen or heard the recordings. There is much to still be deciphered from this mystery. Jomana Karadsheh joins us now from Istanbul. She is outside the Saudi consulate where the journalist disappeared. Is there anything more that you're hearing, Jomana, to support what "The Washington Post" is now reporting about what happened to him?

JOMANA KARADSHEH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, you know, Natalie, this has been the issue with this story, the fact that we are getting very little official information. Turkey hasn't commented yet officially on these reports that we're hearing from "The Washington Post."

But we've been hearing mostly over the past week or so since the Turkish authorities launched the criminal investigation some links that are coming out, some allegations, some accusations, but Turkey has not officially said what they believe happened behind closed doors. These are officials who have been speaking anonymously. So, now, you've got this report coming out from "The Washington Post" saying that U.S. officials have been told by Turkey that they have recordings, audio recordings, video recordings of what they say this alleged killing of Jamal Khashoggi inside the consulate.

If they do indeed have these recordings, this is obviously going to change everything here. But it also raises the question why have they not released this yet? Why have they not officially said this yet?

You know, the feeling has been that Turkey has been very cautious in the way they have been dealing with this, that they don't want to take this to the next level of a full-blown diplomatic crisis just yet. They wanted to get more support but now they do have more support from the United States and the international community.

Another issue here, Natalie, is perhaps Turkey is going to have to explain how it obtained these recordings from inside the diplomatic mission of a country on Turkish soil. So this is -- so a lot of questions here. We have to wait and see.

More importantly is what happens next? What are the next steps in all of this? Are they going to release these recordings? Are they going to release the results of this investigations? So far, what we do know is that Saudi Arabia requested starting this working joint -- working group with Turkey.

This is according to the Turkish government. They said that it was requested by the Saudis that they want to work together on finding out what happened to Jamal Khashoggi. So we have to wait and see what comes out of that. Are they going to try and resolve this whole case, this whole issue behind closed doors? Are we going to see real transparent investigation and result come out? Natalie?

ALLEN: And what is the scene? You're right there outside the consulate where this happened. What is the scene there? What kind of support are we seeing for him and where is his family in all of this?

KARADSHEH: Well, you know, Jamal Khashoggi did have family in Saudi Arabia. We have been hearing very little from them. There are questions about their state in Saudi Arabia and whether they would be able to speak freely.

But here, we have spoken to his fiancee, the the woman who is outside this consulate waiting for him when he went in there to obtain the paperwork for their marriage.

[03:05:02] She has been trying to stay away from the media, from the cameras since then. When we first met her, it was about 24 hours after his disappearance. It is a very, very tough time for her and for other people who knew him. You know, we heard from her recently saying that she wants to hold on to the hope that he is still alive, Natalie. But with every passing day, that hope fades.

This is the feeling among many who know Jamal Khashoggi. You know, they really want to hold on to that hope that he may still be alive. We still have no evidence and everyone is waiting to see what -- what there is officially to backup all these claims and allegations that he was brutally killed inside this consulate, Natalie.

ALLEN: He was a brave journalist who sought to tell the truth about things happening within Saudi Arabia. For that, it seems somehow he was killed. It is such a tragedy. Jomana Karadsheh for us. Thank you so much, Jomana. We'll talk with you again.

Well, the mystery over Khashoggi's disappearance is already taking a toll on the Saudi royal family. Here are some examples. Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Company, said he's pulling back on two tourism projects in Saudi Arabia. He is also suspending talks with the government about a one billion dollar investment in Virgin Space Company.

Numerous high profile business leaders have also backed out of a major business conference later this month in Riyadh. "The New York Times" has pulled its partnership and CNN is evaluating whether it will still participate.

This is a blow to the prestige of crown prince Mohammad bin Salman. He's hosting the conference to showcase his long-term vision for the kingdom.

Another story that involves Turkey we are following, U.S. officials believe Turkey could soon release an American pastor who has been in custody there since 2016. That according to a source familiar with the matter who warns that it is up to Turkey now to hold up their end of an agreement.

Andrew Brunson is accused of helping a failed coup attempt, a charge he denies. Just hours ago, he arrived at a Turkish court. CNN's Ben Wedeman joins me now from outside that court in Aliya (ph), Turkey. The question is, Ben, he has continue to deny he took part in this, will this court appearance solve that mystery? Is that what it is about?

BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: No one is expecting a verdict today. In fact, we understand that the prosecution, the defense will call witnesses but there is no expectation that this trial will come to an end any time soon officially but they perhaps will be talking about lifting -- he's currently under house.

He has been under hour arrest since July. Before that, he was in detention in a Turkish prison. They are also talking about the possibility of lifting a travel ban. If a travel ban is lifted, that means that even though another session of this trial could be scheduled, it means that Mr. Brunson and his wife, Noreen, (ph) who arrived here just bout 25 minutes ago, could simply book a flight to somewhere outside of Turkey and leave the country.

I remember a few years ago covering a similar case in Egypt where that was the case. There were American members of an NGO there who were on trial. They were allowed to be out of detention. And at a certain point, the Egyptian authorities with a wink and a nod to the American said they're free to travel. They never came back. This probably is this scenario we will see.

Will this scenario be played out today or sometime in the near to medium future, that's unclear, but what -- all indications are that some sort of deal has been worked, in the process of being worked out between Turkey and the United States which would involve the release of Mr. Brunson and allowing him to travel outside of the country and the United States would lift sanctions and tariffs it imposed on Turkey, for instance.

They have frozen the assets, United States, of the Turkish Interior and Justice Minister. They imposed tariffs on Turkish steel and aluminum. The Turks for their part have imposed tariffs on American cars and alcohol. So there may be something in the works.

[03:09:59] The trial is expected to resume shortly, if not already. The press is not allowed inside the court with means of communications, but as soon as we hear something, we will let you know.

ALLEN: OK, yes, this has hurt the relation between the U.S. and Turkey and certainly has hurt Turkey's pocketbook as well. Thank you, Ben Wedeman for us. We appreciate it. We'll talk with you again if there are developments.

We want to turn now to this devastating storm in the United States. At least six people now were killed after the most powerful hurricane in decades hit the U.S. gulf coast. It is still packing a punch as a tropical moving moving along the east coast toward the Atlantic Ocean.

We have been getting shocking video of the destruction the storm left behind in Mexico Beach, Florida. An area described as ground zero for the disaster. For more now, here's CNN's Brooke Baldwin.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN ANCHOR: From the air, it is clear, much of Mexico Beach is gone. From the ground, we see up close the devastation to the seaside city. Home after home on the stretch of beach destroyed.

While most of the 1200 residents evacuated, a small number stayed behind. We don't know yet how many survived the near direct hit from Hurricane Michael. Scott Boutwell didn't make it out in time. The bridge is closed and he was stuck.

How does it make you feel to look around at everything just leveled?

SCOTT BOUTWELL, HURRICANE MICHAEL SURVIVOR: The thing is, you know, this is a small town. It's a little (ph) town. And so every (INAUDIBLE) is gone. Every store is gone. All my neighbors, everybody's home is gone. And so when you think about it, you know, all of this -- their lives are gone. How do you -- what do you do?

BALDWIN: Scott said he lost most of his possessions but he will stay and rebuild.

BOUTWELL: So (INAUDIBLE) everything of value gone here. It is hard to talk about it.

BALDWIN: All over the area, we heard this constant high-pitched beeping. They are fire alarms buried in the rubble. Warnings that perhaps came too late. Again and again, I heard from survivors here who told me they are simply grateful to be alive. These three friends were searching for one of their homes. It was hard for them to even recognize the street.

There are just no -- there are no words.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No, there's not. There are so many memories here.

BALDWIN: This woman named Sherry (ph) says she didn't have time to grab anything but some clothes and her jewelry box.

And to see this feels like what?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I can't describe it. It is just terrible. It is -- it is -- I just can't describe the feeling. I know I'm not the only one here that feels the same. They lost everything.

BALDWIN: Mexico Beach is virtually cut off from the rest of the state. The emergency crews are working throughout the area. Roads are still blocked, power is out, and cell service is nonexistent.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hello, it's mama. I'm OK. I'm OK. It is a lot rougher than we thought. How are you, guys?

BALDWIN: Our satellite phone was the only way for these women to contact their loved ones.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I love you too. Bye.

BALDWIN: Your daughter?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They're OK.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: God, I feel for these folks. They don't know where to start and how to rebuild their lives and don't even have a way to talk with their loved ones. We have set up links to charities providing relief for people on our website. You can go to CNN.com/Impact if you would like to find a way to help.

Global financial markets are for a wild ride after Wall Street is on its second day of triple-digit losses. We will return a live report from Asia on the trades taking place there. Plus --

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Forty-five seconds emergency. The failure of the booster.

(END VIDEO CLIP) ALLEN: Yes, she said failure of the booster. An American astronaut and a Russian cosmonaut never made it to the International Space Station. We will tell you what happened and how they survived.

[03:15:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ALLEN: Another wild sell-off on Wall Street Thursday that led to a second day of triple-digit losses. The Dow fell 546 points -- ouch -- after a roller coaster session. Its two days' slide erased more than 1300 points from the market. And now we're keeping a close eye on other markets.

Kaori Enjoji joins us from Tokyo where she is watching trading across Asia, and Anna Stewart is in London watching Europe for us. First to you, Anna, because the markets there are opening, what are you seeing?

ANNA STEWART, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Right, they just opened. Let's have a look at these markets. We are seeing something of a rebound. The 5100 (INAUDIBLE). Actually I would say the (INAUDIBLE) is up one percent. It has huge losses yesterday at the end of their market territory after this global sell-off. Lots of other factors at play at some of these markets as well such as Brexit and Italian political uncertainty.

But following yesterday's massive losses there, as you said, the Dow was down nearly 1400 points over the last two days. We might be seeing some recovery. Currently, U.S. features (ph) are calling to open a little bit higher. But I would say some portions, we saw lots open ups yesterday so we could be having another volatile day.

ALLEN: Well, it's off to a green era start for sure. Let's turn over now to Kaori. She is in Tokyo for us with -- with what the Asian markets have been doing.

KAORI ENJOJI, TOKYO BUREAU CHIEF, CNBC: Well, Natalie, it started off on a week across the Asian region given those two days of losses on Wall Street but it gradually started to pick up and move into positive territory in the afternoon. The Nikkei 225 managed to some gains of about half percent by the close of about 100 points at 22,694.

Some strong gains coming in on the Shanghai as well. The biggest factor today. The push to markets in positive territory are the trade seekers that we got out of China. This is for the month of September on a dollar base value term. The export picture in China was up 14.5 percent.

This was way better than expected and this could be a blip before the trade tariff starts to sink in. But I think for the day, it was a bit of an encouraging note, encouraging people to buy back some of the shares that were beaten down in Thursday's trading session.

But a lot of uncertainly prevails, particularly about the direction of the interest rates, higher barring (ph) costs, how those are going to impact corporate earnings not only in the U.S. but also in Asia as well. [03:20:03] And also, I think lingering uncertainty about how long and protracted these trade talks could be between China and the U.S. For Japan in particular, until now has been relatively unscathed by these trade talks. But there's still a lot of uncertainty going into negotiations between these two countries.

So I think ahead of the weekend and after very volatile week, investors are pretty happy to take position squaring and square off some positions ahead of the weekend. But on the day, a bit of a positive note. Remember, for the week, still down five percent which is the biggest weekly drop since February. So, that's how it looks here in Asia. Natalie?

ALLEN: All right. Thank you, Kaori. Let's go back to Anna for a minute. I want to ask you, Anna. After President Trump's criticism of the FED, has there been any talk in Europe about their central bank's policies and independence?

STEWART: I would say no. That's because it is so highly unusual for a leader to criticize a central bank. It is really unprecedented in most places of the world. Of course, it is not the first time we had President Trump criticize FED policy. Even on the campaign trail, he always said he was a low interest guy.

He renewed (ph) the criticism yesterday. Of course, we had it Wednesday, we had it Thursday. It is interesting to see what he says today. Yesterday, there was some inflation data actually out in the United States which suggested inflation is not heating up as much as some people expected.

That could dampen down concerns about increasing rates more so than people thought. We will see what happens. But, yes, it is unprecedented. In Europe, we're not looking at raising rates just yet. We haven't got quite as far ahead on the Federal Reserve's decision.

ALLEN: All right. Anna Stewart for us there in London, Kaori Enjoji in Tokyo. Thank you both. We appreciate it.

All right, manned space flights to the International Space Station are now on hold after a narrow escape by a crew that had just lifted off from Russia space complex. The two crew are safe. They looked calm and collected, seen here relaxing after what they have been through. I wouldn't look like that if it had been me. They were rescued from the Kazakhstan dessert. CNN's Frederik Pleitgen has more on the disaster that was a averted.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And there is lift off --

FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: It seemed like a routine launch. A Russian Soyuz rocket blasting off on route to a the International Space Station. On board, Russian cosmonaut Alexei Ovchinin and American NASA astronaut Nick Hague.

Btu a little under three minutes into the flight, a major problem. An issue with the main booster rocket. Commander Ovchinin, calmed and collected, decides to abort the mission.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Failure of the booster.

PLEITGEN: The capsule went into what is called a ballistic descent, plunging at a much deeper angle than during a normal landing. But it eventually touched down, the crew unscathed.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): The crew was totally cold- blooded and professional. In general, I want to say we can speak highly of the actions of the crew. I heard their exchange with the operators who were very professional about this. And all together, the joint training (ph) of the international members of the crew allows for this positive outcome.

PLEITGEN: After the incident, the International Space Station (ISS) remained understaffed. Only three astronauts on board. Russia is currently the only country carrying crew members to the ISS. Despite recent turmoil between Washington and Moscow, the two countries have maintained close cooperation in space travel. The Russians vowing transparency in their investigation to the incident.

I think the American side will be understanding about this and of course it is not appropriate to hide any reason behind the situation, Russia's deputy prime minister says. Currently, it is basically just Russia that provides transportation of the crew to the ISS and of course they must know everything, and we will give them all information about the reason behind this incident.

Alexei Ovchinin is a veteran cosmonaut who already spent almost half a year in space on a previous mission. But for American Nick Hague, it was going to be the first flight into orbit. And while there is concern and disappointed that this mission did not go according to plan just hours after the aborted launch, it is outweighed by a sense of relief that these two men are alive and well.

Fred Pleitgen, CNN, Moscow.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: We want to talk a little more about it. Earlier, CNN's Amara Walker spoke with Canadian space agency astronaut and former commander of the International Space Station, Chris Hadfield.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHRIS HADFIELD, CANADIAN SPACE AGENCY ASTRONAUT AND FORMER COMMANDER OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION: I trained and served as the pilot of the Soyuz on my first space flight just like Nick was doing today.

[03:24:58] You are absolutely hyper-focused and ready for something to go wrong when you're in that seat. That's why you're there. That's what you've been getting ready for for most of your adult life. So, it is not something you want to happen, but it is something you're exquisitely ready for.

And as your announcer says there in Moscow, the (INAUDIBLE) of the two on board, they did their jobs perfectly. So it is just a thing that you're ready for that happens.

Unfortunately, I don't think they got about 100 kilometers, so Nick doesn't even get his astronaut wings yet, I don't think. But hopefully we get things started out as quickly as possible and get people going back up to the space station again.

AMARA WALKER, CNN ANCHOR: Tell me about the factors that you have to consider as the man in charge when you have to decide it is time to abort.

HADFIELD: Well, it is pretty obvious. You saw the violence when the engine was malfunctioning, where you should just be getting sort of a pulsing motion and sort of acceleration-deceleration, suddenly there was a whole bunch of sideways motion, pretty violent. And so they knew something was seriously wrong.

The vehicle wasn't hiding it. And so they made the only logical decision. They did all their actions properly. And you're just kind of click along. It has become a new instinct because of the result of the training. But not to belittle what they did. The two of them acted superbly today in a pretty fast circumstances.

WALKER: I mean, this rapid descent, I can't imagine what it must be like. I think it was the mission control saying that they experienced forces of 6.7 G-force. What would that feel like? And the fact that they were doing just fine, it looked like, right after they landed the dessert. They walked into the cars and they were hanging out, chilling on the couch after.

(LAUGHTER)

HADFIELD: That was Alexei who reported the G load that was on his body. That is one of the things you want the ground to know. When we come in to the atmosphere normally, we come in with high speed. We sort of come in like a zooming stone (ph) but when they just got up and going fast, they just fell straight down in the atmosphere.

It gives them a lot more force than their body. Alexei reported 6.7 times normal gravity but it was probably a little more than that at the peak. But, you're lying on your back. So it doesn't drain the blood out of your head. And it only lasts 20 or 30 seconds.

So it is not that much different than a really wild ride at a fair. It is just life or death and you're flying the ride. But as far as physical recovery, both guys are in good shape and they are OK now. Thankful to be back on earth.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: Truly amazing. No word yet of when the next Soyuz rocket will head to the ISS. NASA has relied on Russian rockets to carry astronauts to the space station since the U.S. retired it's space shuttle program in 2011.

Still to come here, how the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi may overshadow Saudi Arabia's leadership. And the German state of Bavaria is know for beer, bratwurst and decades of one party politics. With elections coming up this weekend, that may be about to change.

[03:30:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NATALIE ALLEN, CNN NEWSROOM SHOW HOST: And welcome back, I'm Natalie Allen. This is our top news this hour here at CNN.

U.S. officials believe Turkey could soon release American pastor Andrew Bronson and according to the source familiar with the matter, Brunson arrived in the Turkish court earlier for hearing about his house arrest. He has been in Turkish custody since 2016. He is accused of helping a failed coup attempt.

Tropical storm Michael is now making its way out the U.S. east Coast after doing this to Florida. It made landfall at Mexico Beach as the most powerful storm to hit the U.S. since 25 years. At least six people were killed, a million and a half are without power.

The Washington Post reports that turkey claims to have audio and video recording from inside of the Saudi consulate in Istanbul that proves missing journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered. The source familiar with the investigation says Turkish evidence shows there was an assault and a struggle inside the consulate and the moment Khashoggi was killed, but the source said, the evidence whether audio or video was not clear.

The possibility that Saudi Arabia was behind the disappearance of this journalist has set off alarms in the U.S. Congress. If true. It could cloud the kingdom's relationship with the United States for years to come and one Republican Senator close to the U.S. president says there will be quote, hell to pay, if the Saudi is in fact killed Khashoggi.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM, (R), SOUTH CAROLINA: The most logical explanation is anyone in the consulate never came out and the Saudis had something to do with it. We'll know more in the coming days. but I've never been more concerned about his well-being that I am right now and old indicator support to Saudi Arabia and if it turns out to be Saudi Arabia, as I have said before there will be all hell to pay.

They didn't account Saudi Arabia does for what happened in the consulate. He gave his phone to his fiancee about 1:15 in the afternoon and she waited around midnight never came out. I want to know who this 15 people from Saudi Arabia were that landed at the airport. Much of the consulate so you have to be Sherlock Holmes to be concerned here and if this is done at the hands of the Saudi government that the Crown Prince was involved in this in any way it will virtually destroy his ability to lead this country on the international stage.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ALLEN: Khashoggi want had close ties to the Saudi royal family, but lately has become highly critical. Some U.S. officials think it is possible that the Saudi Crown Prince wanted him silent. That may have misjudged the consequences. CNN Becky Anderson have a closer look at the man whose short time in power could be undermined by the journalist case.

(BEGIN VIDEO)

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I want to congratulate you on everything. Thank you very much.

BECKY ANDERSON, CONNECT THE WORLD, CNN: Mahammad Bin Salman rise to power in Saudi Arabia has been nothing sort of meteoric. Fishing major change in the kingdom and making a name for himself on the world stage, all in his first year as Crown Prince. He spearheaded a package of reforms dubbed Saudi vision 2030. But to win the economy of its dependence on oil, while opening up society, reforms like, lifting the ban on women driving, and allowing them to sports stadiums. The reopening of cinemas and calls for return for more moderate Islam. In late 2017 young Prince launched a major crackdown on what he said was widespread corruption in the country. Tough businessman, government officials and even Saudi royals arrested overnight accused of stealing billions of dollars and held a luxury hotel 10 makeshift prison.

First of the accused were eventually released by the swift move. Stunned global investors. The king take advantage of the kingdom's economic opening. And only weeks away from women being allowed to drive a number of leading women's rights activists were arrested in a coordinated campaign accused of having ties with foreign embassies and the crown prince records on the foreign policy fronts has been mixed. Fueled by his desire to push back against regional rival Iran. He led the war in Yemen against Houthi rebels who Saudi considers terrorist, worsening of the U.N. says is the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

[03:35:10] Riyadh was also accused of forcing Lebanon's Prime Minister, a close Saudi ally to resign from his post during a trip to the kingdom. In an effort to limit the Shia group has follows influence in Lebanon. But again backfired and (inaudible) rescinded his resignation after returning to Beirut. And then as he feud with cancer now in its second year. While it has succeeded in isolating a regional rival, the (inaudible) has divided Arab Gulf states. What would this ties to the Trump White House and his close ties to regional allies like the UAE? Mahammad Bin Salman, who has cultivated powerful relationships even before becoming king.

The question now is what impact will these latest scandal have? Beck Anderson CNN, Istanbul.

(BEGIN VIDEO)

ALLEN: And we will of course continue to follow the story very closely. Well, after nearly 70 years of single party rule. The German say that Bavarian is breaking for a political earthquake. One that deal a serious blow to Angela Merkel's coalition government as we hear from CNN Atika Schubert.

(BEGIN VIDEO)

ATIKA SHUBERT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Years and got worse lederhosen internals Oktoberfest is a hyperbolic wonderland (inaudible) stereo typically Bavarian. This is where Germany's conservative CSU Christian Socialist Union has rules in 1949. Seeing itself as the steward of (inaudible), a German word for home but also nostalgia from tradition.

But this was also Bavaria. In 2015 when more than 1 million asylum- seekers came to Germany many by crossing the Bavarian borders. That event change the political landscape and this week's regional elections could shake the CSU's once unbreakable grip on power and with it the fragile coalition government of Germany's Chancellor, Angela Merkel.

CSU's lawmaker Robert Brenna Kemp is confident his party will retain the lead even if it loses some voters to what he describes as the countertrend of populism.

Bavaria is a safe and rich state with the lowest unemployment in the country. We want to get 60 percent, he says. But there is a countertrend in Europe. Italy, France, Holland, and considering this, we hope to get 40 percent. So where are the votes going where you can find the answer in the Bavarian town of (inaudible) Kathryn Abner Steiner (ph) is campaigning for the anti-immigration parties AFD or alternative for Germany?

I came from the CSU family. My father was a CSU member, so was my husband for 30 years, she tells us. The CSU has move with Merkel to the left here in Bavaria. She has simply lost touch with the Bavarian citizen who are very conservative at heart.

(Inaudible) was on the front lines of the refugee crisis at one point housing thousands of asylum-seekers. Today, the tents are gone, but there are still about 600 housed here says the federal office of migration in what has become a transitory anchor center to quickly process asylum-seekers who cross the border with relocation or deportation.

It's one of the CSU promises to bring immigration under control. But Abner Steiner has successfully campaigned off this fear of out-of- control migration. In a national election last year the AFD won 19 percent of the vote in (inaudible) one of the highest results in the country.

People still had the images in mind. She tells us if the losses security that is what people feel, that is why they want an alternative. A policy that opposes unbridled mass immigration and that's why they choose the AFT. The AFT doesn't just want to stop to our migration. It also wants to ban Islam in Germany and its leaders have been criticized for supporting right-wing nationalist extremists, that seems to worry voters just as much as their concerns about immigration.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm trying to understand the fuel for their organization, I would definitely not vote for them. SHUBERT: The AFT could do well this time. I am not a 100 percent for

them, but I have no other choice, this woman told us. If there was any other party, I would not vote for them but there is none.

But this pensioner was adamant that AFD was not the answer. He told us we already had one Hitler. We do not want this a second time. Not just a postcard image of high tradition, Bavaria is the heartland of Germany's conservative movement. Without it support, Chancellor Angela Merkel leaves the country on borrowed time. Atika Shubert, CNN, Bavarian, Germany.

(END VIDEO)

[03:40:05] ALLEN: A bazaar scene at the White House.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KANYE WEST, HIP-HOP STAR: If he don't look good, we don't look good. This is our president.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ALLEN: A rapper kind of taken over a meeting. We will show you the 10 minute awful office West, by Kanye West, just ahead here. And First lady, Melania Trump, says she wants to fight bullying, because she claims she is the most bullied person in the world.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ALLEN: Not many people can upstage U.S. President Donald Trump, but rapper, Kanye West may have, when he held court in the Oval Office on Thursday. As Athena Jones reports the words rant and rambling, don't begin to describe the surreal thing.

(BEGIN VIDEO)

WEST: -- heroes journey, right now. And you might have expected to have a crazy mother (BEEP) like Kanye West wound up.

ATHENA JONES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: A remarkable display in the Oval Office Thursday afternoon, cameras capturing controversial rapper Kanye West delivering a lengthy profanity laced (inaudible). Praising President Trump and is make America great again message.

WEST: There was something about when I put this hat off and made me feel like Superman.

JONES: West pontificating on a wide range of topics. Including his own mental health and his appointment with the doctor.

WEST: He said that actually was the bipolar I had sleep deprivation.

JONES: Even laying out what type of plane he believes the president should flying in.

WEST: I brought a gift with me right here. This right here is the I- plane one, it is a hydrogen powered airplane and this is what our president should be flying in. Look at this jet.

TRUMP: So we get rid of Air Force One? You don't like that.

JONES: The White House build the meeting at the discussion about urban revitalization workforce training African-American unemployment and criminal justice issues. But it West's stream of consciousness speech that drew attention with people in social media and elsewhere questioning the president's decision to have this meeting in the aftermath of a natural disaster and others expressing concern.

WEST: I love this car right here. Let me get this guy. I love this guy right here.

TRUMP: That is really nice.

[03:45:00] JONES: It wasn't the first time West made headlines with a MAGA hat and a pro-Trump message.

TRUMP: Just friends.

JONES: There was this post-election visit to Trump tower.

TRUMP: We had been friends for a long time.

JONES: And after was performed on Saturday Night Live last month. These remarks were captured by a former SNL cast member Chris Rock has the credits roll.

WEST: (Inaudible).

JONES: The Grammy winning rapper has been featuring Trump's image and dropping Trump's name.

And Trump clearly appreciate the praise.

TRUMP: Kanye West must have some power, because he probably (inaudible) I doubled my African-America poll numbers. We went to 11 to 22 in one week. Thank you Kanye.

JONES: His friendship with number 45 is a far cry from his relations with past presidents after Hurricane Katrina he slams President George W. Bush.

WEST: George Bush doesn't care about black people. I am really happy for you, I will let you finish.

JONES: And he earned this criticism from President Obama after stealing the spotlight from Taylor Swift at an awards show.

Athena Jones, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEO)

ALLEN: We will ponder that. Now we will move on to the first lady Melania Trump. She is not just first lady, she is also a former fashion model and apparently the most bullied person in the world or at least one of them. That's what she claims in a new interview. Here's CNN Kate Bennett with that.

(BEGIN VIDEO)

KATE BENNETT, CNN WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: Melania Trump, one of the most private First Lady in modern history speaking out in her first solo on camera interview in almost a year. Saying her public role has now made her the most bullied person in the world.

MELANIA TRUMP, DONALD TRUMP'S WIFE: I could say I'm the most bullied person on the world.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You think you are the most bullied person in the world?

M. TRUMP: One of them. If you really see, what people are saying about me?

BENNETT: In Africa last week addressing her own experience by being on the receiving end of criticism and how that led to the creation of her kids campaign be best. And a focus on bullying. Despite her husband continued habit of name calling.

TRUMP: Lying crooked Hillary.

BENNETT: A change from just two years ago during a bruising presidential campaign when she brushed off critics.

M. TRUMP: I have a thick skin.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It doesn't bother you?

M. TRUMP: It does not bother me and it is very nasty that I have a thick skin. I can handle it.

BENNETT: That comes after a year of headlines about alleged infidelities for health and everything from her wardrobe to her parent's citizenship. The first lady confirmed she is one of the president's most trusted advisors asked if he listens to her 100 percent.

M. TRUMP: Oh I wish.

(LAUGHTER)

M. TRUMP: I give him my honest advice and honest opinion and then he does what he wants to do.

BENNETT: That advice also includes telling the president, who he should trust in his inner circle and who she thinks doesn't have his back. Trump taking his wife's advice to heart.

M. TRUMP: Some people, they don't work there anymore.

BENNETT: Mrs. Trump also agreed with the president in other ways. Saying that while she believes women who alleged abused should be heard. She also says, she's supports men who have been accused by adding a female victim should have quote hard evidence if they come forward.

M. TRUMP: You cannot just say to somebody I was, you know, sexually assaulted or you did that to me or because sometimes the media goes too far.

BENNETT: Melania Trump likely referring to the dozen or so charges of alleged sexual misconduct levied against her husband, but in Egypt last week after she believed Christine Blasey Ford testimony during the Kavanaugh hearing. Trump, what to say.

M. TRUMP: We need to help all the victims no matter what kind of abused they had, I am against any kind of abuse or violence.

(END VIDEO)

ALLEN: Where interview with Melania Trump. Well, crowds are once again gathering in Windsor for yet another royal wedding. This time its Prince Harry's cousin, Princess Eugenie who is tying the knots. We are live in Windsor about it. Right after this.

[03:50:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ALLEN: Are you ready? For another British Royal wedding were of course we are were always are, in just a few hours, Princess Eugenie will marry Jack Brooksbank at Windsor castle. She's the daughter of course of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson and he is a brand ambassador for actor George Clooney's, got to me Tequila, just a footnote there. Royal correspondent, Max Foster joining me now from inside Windsor Castle. And perhaps Max, might be the first time Tequila is serve at a royal wedding reception.

MAX FOSTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, that is a very good questions. We are asking many question about today. Most are asking, how many people are going to turn up, because they are referring it to Harry's- Meghan wedding, in the story's setting? Huge event really, not quite a state event, but it felt like one.

But quite a clouds for this one, but then, you know, the follow-up wedding -- it is not like first one, Kate. She is a historian, but she is going to put this wedding in the context of history. Is that a big one?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This one is not a big one, I mean, (inaudible) she 99 on the throne. She is going to dropped down further and further, Harry and Meghan have children and with lot of minor royal tend to get married in a smaller world chapel. So, that story in keeping but certainly I think usually she wants a big wedding a big celebration, lots of guest, the carriage processions, so that is certainly the controversial, it is much bigger than a minor royal, that is what we expect from them.

FOSTER: Minor royal. What a lively description. But we are expecting a very high caliber guest, if I can call it that, so I was mentioning George Clooney there, there are also friends with the likes of the Bandson's and (inaudible), Ivanka Trump even. They are very good friends in New York. So, I guess the arrivals are going to be interesting, aren't they?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The arrivals are going to be fascinating, even the possibility Cindy Crawford might be here, because her husband is also involve in the Tequila Company for which the groom is an ambassador and also expecting of course, all the major royals to be here. The queen, she is very fond of Eugenie, and it is a marvelous photo of Prince George and Princess Charlotte at the wedding party. All the royals will be here. With the exemption probably prince Phillip.

FOSTER: A moment for Meghan-Harry to come back for the first wedding since (inaudible) was here.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, and the queen loves the wedding. And of course, Meghan and Harry will be probably the last major royal wedding that she would see, because (inaudible). But this maybe one of the last minor royal she is going to see in her actual reign. So it is going to be a great big royal family celebration. I do think more people in the country are going to watch it at the moment they say they are.

FOSTER: The crowd outside, is that an indication of how many people would come, because you got to see the royal fan, they always come out to these events. They are familiar faces too, but beyond that actually (inaudible) the streets is exactly filling up for this point, but you know it is not a sunny summer's day, it's a Friday, the last wedding was on Saturday and it was a glorious weather, wasn't it?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's a Friday, windy British weather day and certainly we are expecting to see a huge crowd that we saw for Harry and Meghan. But I do think perhaps later on more might turnout for the carriage procession and certainly we do have quite less of the grounds, we have just with Harry and Meghan (inaudible) member of their favorite charity come to attend and watch. We got lot of people here lining up, to be here in the ground as well. It is quite a good crowd here, and certainly not William and Kate. This are smaller royals, many people I think across the world did really know (inaudible).

[03:55:00] FOSTER: We are going from minor royals, minor guest, because the first guest arriving, the most senior guest will come later on. The Queen comes last for the bride, doesn't she?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.

So, in terms of types of people we got coming here. This is Britain's high society and also some of New York as well.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, so the groom he is very much in high society, he was an elite public (inaudible). Obviously he was working in bars and working in (inaudible).

He is very, very high society, it is very elite society wedding and we are going to see lots of celebrities also, because they do mix in those circles. The very famous popstar here, his daughter is in the wedding party as well. We are going to see popstars, actresses, we may see a similar amounts of celebrities that we saw perhaps in Harry- Meghan's wedding, but I don't think (inaudible).

FOSTER: But the Clooney's (inaudible) friends with some suggestion that they might not be coming clash. In terms of the royal family, some very interesting dynamics to look at and dissect, because Prince Phillip famously (inaudible Sarah Ferguson and there is some thought that he won't arrive today. Although he will be supporting his granddaughter presumably.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, it is fascinating because we saw Sarah Ferguson invited to Harry and Meghan's wedding where she would be rather excluded from previous role I think. I am very much excluded from previous royal events. She was backing KEEGSTRA: for the last royal wedding and I think this is going to mark the return of Sarah Ferguson, because she and Andrew still have a very (inaudible) relationship. But certainly Prince Phillip (inaudible) Princess Diana, but not to Sarah and they have a very rocky relationship. So we may not see him, but also, I don't think we should necessarily reach too much into that, because he is 97, it is very chilly day and he retired now.

FOSTER: It is certainly going to work out on the hill. OK, Natalie, we are expecting some intrigue or expecting lots of celebrities and hopefully we won't be blown off from the current here. That Kate and I sitting on or blown away by the wind and rain. People are trying desperately to hold on to their hats.

ALLEN: Yes. Because the fascinators fascinated from this side of the pond there, Max. So, thank you for that whether it is a major royal or minor royal. We love it. And Max Foster will lead our coverage on the royal wedding later this morning. So we will be looking forward to seeing both of you. Thanks so much for watching CNN Newsroom, I'm Natalie Allen. The news continues with Bianca Nobilo in London, next. You are watching CNN.

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