tv CNN Newsroom CNN June 7, 2014 2:00pm-3:01pm PDT
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what an accomplishment. you can follow along and get workout tips and get much more at cnn.com/fitnation. that's going on wrap things up for us. stay connected with cnn.com/sanjay. let's get the conversation going on twitter. time now to get you back to the cnn newsroom with poppy harlow. ♪ you are in the cnn news room and time poppy harlow in for don lemon. you have to hear what this vet did to get to the 70th anniversary observe nance normandy. you may just say he went awol. we begin, though, with the former "saturday night live" comedian fighting for his life. one person was killed. seven others were injured and n pa pileup.
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many of morgan's fellow comedians wishing him well. wishing a speedy recovery to our friend, tracy morgan. alexandra, what can you tell us? what's the latest on his condition? >> reporter: at this point we are being told not to expect his condition to change today. meaning that he remains in critical condition along with would other victims of last night's crash. new jersey state police are now telling us that crash happened with the driver of a tractor trailer and failed to notice slowing traffic and tried to veer and wound up hitting the back of morgan's limo. a horrific scene inside this mangled limo, "30 rock" star tracy morgan. >> he is in intensive care at the hospital in new brunswick. two tractor trailers and a limo bussed, suv, limo bus overturned. tracy morgan was in the limo bus
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but he is alive. >> reporter: the 45-year-old comedian had just wrapped up a live performance of the dover downs hotel and can a seen know delaware when the multi-vehicle accident happened around 1:00 a.m. fe these pictures were posted from the event just before hitting the road back to new york city. new jersey state police tells cnn one person inside of the limo was killed. seven others hospitalized. morgan remains in intensive care. the accident also involved two cars. seven people, including morgan, were taken to the hospital. >> no way really of mowing whether or not alcohol was involved as of yet. i do not have that information right now. the information i have does not indicate that. >> reporter: the turnpike was closed for several hours as investigators combed the area for clues. it has since reopened but the investigation continues. including trying to determine the cause of the fatal crash.
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morgan joined the cast of s "saturday night live" but then show to start a show that bore his name. then "30 rock" created by tina fey. the outpouring of support from fans and loved ones continues to pour in on social media. morgan himself tweeting earlier in the week, dover downs, i come with truckloads of funny. delaware, stand up and get those tickets while you can, baby. two other comedian whose were onboard that limo bus were also hospital iize hospitalized. new jersey state police have confirmed the man killed in the accident was james mcnair. a 63-year-old comedian. >> hearts go out to all of them. we are wishing them a speedy recovery. again, one life lost. let's pull that up again. we can show people a picture of
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james mcnair and tracy morgan. james mcnair losing his life in that accident. we will bring you more throughout the evening as we get it. a senior u.s. official tells cnn beau bergdahl was physically abused during his years of captivity under the taliban and is suffering from psychological trauma. bergdahl remains at a hospital in germany one week into his freedom from taliban captors in afghanistan. the official tells cnn at one point bergdahl tried to escape and was caught and then made to stay in a small box or possibly even a cage. military doctors call his condition stable and improving but they will not give a timeline for his release. the people who live in bergdahl's small hometown saw their joy at his release turned to frustration this week when their plans for a big welcome-home celebration fell apart. ed lavandara is in bergdahl's hometown.
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>> reporter: it has been one week since beau bergdahl was rescued in afghanistan. while many people here in his hometown expected that there may be some controversy surrounding the way he disappeared five years ago, many people here didn't expect anything like what they have seen this past week. this moment was supposed to be an emotional triumph for beau bergdahl's hometown. it has spiraled into a nightmare and stephanie o'neill is heartbroken. >> it is a feeling of extreme sad must we are not allowed or not able to have this event for bow sxe welcome him back to the community. this is something to honor him and we can't do that now. not at this time. >> reporter: o'neill and her family organized what was supposed to be called the bowe is back celebration in the park where beau bergdahl played as a child. last year on the fourth anniversary of sergeant bergdahl's chapter she organized the bring bergdahl back rally. >> it is my privilege to know him better than anyone else.
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as a father and as a man. i will did he fend his character until day i die. >> reporter: o'neill says the town of hailey was flooded with nasty threats and e-mails. the event was cancelled because of security concerns and beau bergdahl's parents remained out of sight. >> how are his parents taking it. >> i think they were upset. i mean, i think in a way it was shocking to them that we weren't able to do this for their son. you know, again he has not been able to talk. so i think they are saddened by it all. >> reporter: while the yellow rib sons and banners declaring bowe is free at last still line the streets and storefronts inside city hall, the flood of angry e-mails and phone calls pour in. one woman wrote -- if your town can still welcome this traitor home, you are not part of the u.s. that i know. army veteran e-mailed to tell city leaders that ceremonies honoring bergdahl would be act grave insult as well as a stain upon the reputation of our
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community. an editorial in the town's up in lashed out at those krit six five years of captivity is enough, bring him home, leave him alone and let him heal. >> reporter: ed foley says the backlash against beau bergdahl surprised many. >> what kind of reaction have you gotten to that editorial? >> we had a lot of positive reaction locally. but certainly outside of our immediate area, there have been people who think that we are casting a blind eye on what they believe to be fact. where in our mind, the -- the facts of the capture really haven't been established. >> reporter: beau bergdahl's family friends say the homecoming celebration has only been canceled for now. they are not giving up on bowe yet. we are still waiting for news of when beau bergdahl will be reunited with his parents. that reunion is supposed to take place at a medical center in san antonio, texas. but the exact timeline of when that will happen seems to be very much up in the air at this point. >> appreciate the reporting from
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hailey, idaho. thank you. ahead, going for a spot in racing history books. california chrome tries to complete the triple crown. we are previewing the belmont stakes. general motors saying why the company didn't tell the public about a deadly defect for more than a decade. one couple's fight against g.m. in the name of their daughter. hey. i'm ted and this is rudy. say "hi" rudy. [ barks ] [ chuckles ] i'd do anything to keep this guy happy and healthy. that's why i'm so excited about these new milk-bone brushing chews. whoa, i'm not the only one. it's a brilliant new way to take care of his teeth. clinically proven as effective as brushing. ok, here you go. have you ever seen a dog brush his own teeth? the twist and nub design cleans all the way down to the gum line, even reaching the back teeth. they taste like a treat, but they clean like a toothbrush. nothing says you care like a milk-bone brushing chew. [ barks ] how much money do you think you'll need when you retire? then we gave each person a ribbon
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had week we found out why general motors waited more than a decade to tell the public ignition switch necessary 2.6 million of its cars can be unintentionally knocked into accessory position while someone is driving. that cause it is engine to shut off and disabled the air bags and power steering and anti-lock brakes. the company denied a coverup but said that there were 11 years of incompetence and neglect that led to tragedy. one georgia couple believes their daughter -- her death was caused by this defect.
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before the recall they settled with general motors but now they are fighting to reopen their case, claiming that they were deceived. >> the pattern of incompetence and neglect. >> reporter: g.m.'s c.e.o. aid mitting to the failures. >> we misdiagnosed the problem from the beginning. >> reporter: those words aren't enough to the parents of brooke who died driving a wife cobalt on her 29th birthday. >> i kept thinking this is not possible. it is her birthday. it can't. this can't have happened that she died. >> i touched her hand and it was cold. i knew in my heart and gut there was something wrong with the car. it was not her fault. >> reporter: it was here had a georgia state patrol says brooke melton's 2005 chevrolet cobalt
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hydroplaned on a rainy evening four years ago. the car spun out and was struck by another vehicle. then dropped 15 feet into this creek. the accident report says melton was driving to fast for roadway conditions causing her to lose control of the vehicle. >> she was driving 58 and the speed limit was 55. >> reporter: do you believe that could have caused the accident? >> no. i believe that she lost power. >> reporter: it is now moan the ignition switch on her cobalt was defective. this analysis of the car's data recorder provided by the m melton's attorney shows the switch was in the ignition at the time of the crash. shutting the engine off and disabling the air bag's power steering and anti-lock brakes. >> we believe the evidence is overwhelming that the defects in this key system resulted in brooke's loss of control and her death. >> reporter: g.m. would not comment on the data recorder information. the defect led g.m. to recall 2.6 million cars but before the
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recalls, the meltons settled their case with g.m. for an undisclosed amount. now they are fighting an uphill battle to reopen. >> it they thought they had the truth when they settled their case. we now know they had some of the truth but not all of the truth. >> reporter: in a new lawsuit, the meltons allege g.m. hid key documents from them and say a g.m. engineer lied in a sworn deposition. >> design release engineer for the ignition switch in the '05 company but. >> yes, i was. >> reporter: the meltons 'attorney gave part of his deposition who denied approving any changes to the ignition switch. >> there was never a work order that i saw outlining this experience. >> any such change was made, it was made without your knowledge and authorization? >> that's correct. >> reporter: in 2006, he signed this form authorizing a fix to the ignition switch. making it harder to turn
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inadvertently. >> the subcommittee will come to order. >> reporter: g.m.'s ceo was questioned by congress about this. >> you know that he lied under oath. >> the data has been put in front of me indicates that but i'm waiting for the full investigation. >> reporter: had a full investigation came out on thursday. >> good evening, everyone. >> reporter: g.m. declined an interview with cnn but denies the assertion that a fraudulently concealed relevant and critical facts in connection with the melton matter. g.m. denies and engaged in any improper behavior in that action. ought t auto maker admits 13 people died as a result of the defect but won't release those names. g.m.'s list only includes frontal crashes where air bags didn't inflate. >> general motors says that 13 deaths, 47 crashes. >> they are playing with numbers that they don't count brooke's death and she is dead because of that ignition switch. why is general motors only
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counting frontal crashes where air bags did not deploy? >> we analyzed all of the information we have available to us based on one specific definition you described. we counted 13 people. >> her death is not being counted. it means like it doesn't matter. >> reporter: ken melton still keeps his daughter's number in his cell phone. something for him to hold on to. >> are you willing to settle this time? >> no. settlement is off the table. >> it is not about the money. brooke is worth it. whatever it takes. if it took the next 20 years, knowing the truth for her, it certainly is worth it. >> reporter: p the meltons are able to we open their case they may have to give back the settlement money to general motors. they said they are willing do that. they want the see this go to trial. this is not over for g.m. congress is still investigating and the department of justice is in the midst of a criminal probe. meantime, horror movies are one thing.
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but this week, police say that two young girls turned horror into reality. next, we will explain what sl slener man is. a character that allegedly inspired a pair of 12-year-old girls to try to kill their friend. [ male announcer ] how did red lobster make four amazing entrees even better? with lobster! don't miss our first ever lobster toppers event! 4 delicious entrees topped with sweet, succulent maine lobster starting at just $15.99! like savory new wood-grilled shrimp topped with maine lobster in a citrus hollandaise... or the new ultimate: lobster-topped lobster -- 3 split maine lobster tails topped with maine lobster in a creamy white wine sauce! four choices, for a limited time, starting at just $15.99! everything's better with lobster! come in now, and sea food differently. everything's better with lobster! ♪ ♪fame, makes a man take things over♪ ♪fame, lets him loose, hard to swallow♪
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pan it is ay atait is a -- fan reality and a girl that almost lost her life because of it. two girls allegedly lured their friend into the woods in mill hill and stabbed her 19 times. a horrific tragedy. sheer where it gets even more bizarre. the police say that both suspects had a fascination with a fictitious character called slender man and were allegedly trying to impress him. the 12-year-old victim is out of the hospital and she is in the care of her family and her friends. when her parents asked her how she found the strength to crawl out of the woods, her response was simple -- i wanted to live. when you look at this, i didn't even know what slender man was, first of all. apparently it has gone viral. very popular online. in terms of the creator, you actually heard from the man who created this. >> i think we all had a free n
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preconceive preconceived. >> i think you will be surprised by what you hear in this piece because, first of all, he never thought that slender man would go viral. the police say these two 12-year-old girls wanted to impress slender man. a fictitious character on the internet by killing someone allegedly stabbing their 12-year-old classmate 19 times in the woods. newly released 911 tapes revealed the horror of their actions. >> she is having trouble breathing. she said she was stabbed multiple times. >> is she awake? >> she is awake. >> is she breathing? >> yes. she is breathing. she can take shallow breaths. she is alert. >> now we are learning more about the man behind this creepy
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monster living on the internet and in the minds of hundreds of thousands of fans. >> the creator of slender man. >> his name is eric. in an interview earlier this year with npr, the 33-year-old pear and aspiring school teacher says that he was just looking to create a character. >> i like the concept of a monster. a creature that causes general unease and terror. its methods are strange and motives are completely inscrutable. >> in 2009 knudsen entered into a paranormal photo shop contest introducing these images of children. that's when slender man took on a life of its own on the web. followers writing their own twisted horror stories about the mythical creature on websites,including
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creepypasta.wiki. >> some people don't want to believes the fictional. it is much scarier that way. if it is something that's real or could be real, it is much more frightening. >> reporter: kknudsen released a statement to various media outlets writing, quote, i am deeply saddened by the tragedy in wisconsin. and my heart goes out to the families of those affected by this terrible act. the family of that 12-year-old victim telling cnn that the girl is out of the hospital and she was discharged. she is getting better. they also released this statement saying, in part, our family is extremely grateful for the outpouring of support and love from not only the local community but from around the nation and around the world. poppy, i talked to the police chief. i asked him if the 12-year-old victim also knew about slender man and he says that she did not. she was completely blindsided by this entire act. >> it is tragic and horrific and it is one of those things you can't imagine until it happens. appreciate your report and
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insight into what could have inspired this. thank you. let's talk more about this. i want to bring in criminal defense attorney holly hughes, also forensic psychologist, jeff gardier. let me start, first, with you, holly. the girls have been charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide. i wonder if you think that will stick. will the charges be downgraded? and if you think they are going to succeed in charging them as adult. >> i think they will succeed in charging them as adults. the defense is soubl going to challenge this. what they are going to say is because of these girls' age, emotional maturity or lack thereof, they could not comprehend the -- could not fully understand the consequences of their actions. that's where the defense is going to go. the reason i don't think it will be successful, poppy, is because these young women actually had multiple plans. they thought that this through -- first plan was we are going to get her into the park -- bathroom at park and we will stab her there because
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there is a drain that the blood will go down. that will get rid of the evidence. there were multiple plans and they thought and rethought. when they went to commit the actual act and talked about who would do street stabbing, the one girl said, don't worry about me, i'm just a little kitty cat. they thought through this. they planned this and knew the consequences of their actions and their own words are what is going to end up keeping them in adult court. >> jeff, i wanting to talk about the state of mind and the development of the brain in a 12-year-old. couldn't defense attorneys here argue these are 12-year-olds without fully developed brains. they did not fully understand what they were doing? >> yes. absolutely. what we do know is that the frontal lobe of part of the brain which is -- controls our executive functioning and -- cognition, understanding consequences, doesn't fully develop until the age of 25.
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that's why i see so many youngsters involved in car accidents and getting involved in things that can be dangerous to their own health. certainly i think that going to -- they are going to try to push this as part of the defense. of course, also try to look at perhaps these 12-year-olds didn't know the difference between fantasy and fact and the they were supporting one another in going into this fantasy world. singularly they may not have been able to do it but being each other's cheerleaders and pushing each other towards this very dark room, very dark thinking, may be a way that this could have happened. >> jeff, i know the focus right now is on twhees girls who allegedly committed this horrific act and we don't -- not putting the name of the victim out there, any images. it is so important to focus on her, this 12-year-old girl, thank god, survived. now with her family trying to recover. talk to me about psychologically
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what it is going to take for her to get through this. >> certainly she may still be in shock. she is terrified and is healing. physically. that will be a drain on her emotional functioning. what the family has done, poppy, is actually asked people from around the world to send in hearts so that her walls in her bedroom can be completely covered with hearts to show love because what happened was a terrible, terrible heinous act of hate. it will take long time for her to be able to trust people outside of her family. but this child is very resilient. we saw that physically and i think that will translate emotionally. it is a long road ahead for her to be able to recover psychologically and physically. >> certainly in her parents saying how did you make it through and her saying i wanted to live. the human desire and instinct to survive playing out here. appreciate the expertise from both of you. thank you.
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also, this just in to cnn. a georgia truck driver has now been charged in the crash that left comedian and actor tracy morgan and two others hospitalized in critical condition. police in middlesex, new jersey, kevin roper of jonesboro, georgia, was charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto after his tractor trailer, the one he is driving, crashed into morgan's limo around 1:00 a.m. today on the new jersey turnpike. one person, 63-year-old man, was killed in that pileup. again, we have three others in critical condition at this hour. when it come to the case of beau bergdahl, the lines are drawn. the administration defending their decision to bring this soldier home. the critics calling bergdahl a deserter. next, the reintegration process that must happen before that search for answers can even begin. [ male announcer ] whether it takes 200,000 parts,
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we are beginning to learn more about the time that army sergeant beau bergdahl spent in the hands of theal sxwan how he is recov -- the taliban and how he is doing. he's not ready to travel back to the united states. our brian todd takes a closer look at bergdahl's road to recovery. >> reporter: he has been out of reach, in isolation. five years in the hands of america's most bitter enemies. now sergeant beau bergdahl is in the middle of a carefully engineered physical recovery progr program. his father equates to it a deep sea diver returning to the surface. >> comes up too fast and it can kill him. >> reporter: sources tell us bergdahl isn't just sitting in a hospital bed. he is undergoing examinations and psychological counseling. a three-phased reintegration possible designed by the army. phase one is called initial
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recovery. it includes emergency medical care. early psychological support and meetings debriefing him on my specifically informtion he can share about where and how he was held. sources say that that's already taken place at a forward operating base in afghanistan. bergdahl is now in phase two in landstuhl medical center in germany. something called decompression and involves more psychological and medical treatment to make sure she ready for more social contact. >> it is a chance between intense captivity period of the fear of death all the time and intense period he is about to go into with the pressure of the media scrutiny. >> reporter: once the doctors say she ready to return to the u.s., bergdahl will be accompanied by doctors trained in the military's program. survival escape resistance and evasion. >> why do specialists have to move with him? >> the nightmares, flash backs, difficulty, reconnecting with
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other people. they have been through that and they have studied other prisoners of war and they can help him prepare for those symptoms. >> reporter: in phase three, bergdahl will finally be allowed to have a family reunion. most likely at the san antonio military medical center. it is the longest phase of reintegration. connecting emotionally with relatives. a year after a man's release he told bus his first meeting with his family saying he was only given a few minutes with them. >> it is an emotionally taxing moment that -- it is tough. it is emotional. i will be honest with you, i loved them and missed them but about 20 minutes i needed to retreat. >> reporter: after the family he union and last phase of treatment bergdahl will not be finished. he may just be getting started with the most difficult part. an army investigation into how he ended up in enemy hands. brian todd, cnn, the pentagon. >> brian, thank you for that. let's bring back in clinical and
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forensic psychologist jeff gardie are. we have been told hat bergdahl able to call his parents but he has not yet. does that surprise you? >> it doesn't surprise me at all. as we heard from the army doctor, this young man is now in the decompression phase. phase two. therefore, he is just not ready emotionally, psychologically, to be able to interact in a healthy manner. he is still in shell shock. he is still traumatize. >> it is not like the movies. run into the arms of the loved ones and all of a sudden you are safe. i can't imagine trying to feel safe after those five years. then we begin to learn more about the conditions that he was under. senior u.s. official telling cnn he was physically abused during those five years in captivity. suffering from psychological trauma and then after he ride to escape he was held in a very small enclosed space. someone described it as a cage or a box. talk to me about what that would do mentally to his state of mind. none of us can even imagine
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that. >> well, he is treated like an animal. he is broke undown completely. his humanity is gone. he's completely powerless and totally at the whims of the people who are holding him and they probably starved him at times. had gave him -- put him in a situation where he just did not feel like a human being in any way and felt more like a trapped animal. no hope. >> of course, we have no idea what he knows about the reaction of the political debate going on here in the united states, about his rescue and his umtd malt homecoming. but clearly, people are judging him on both sides. even though -- those that served him, some of them saying he deserted his post. being judged in this way before you have had a chance to tell your side of the story, what's that do to someone's psychologically trying to recover from something like this? >> i think that certainly that's something that is going to hold him back from the recovery that he should have.
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certainly his family and friends are so affected by this right now that even when he reintegrates with them, that's going to be an issue. he will be able to pick up on the fact that they are so hurt emotionally by this and being called a coward. >> appreciate the expertise today. thanks for coming in. >> pleasure. coming up -- pretty soon here -- kentucky dish write and preakness winner california chrome races to become the first triple crown winner in decades. 36 years, folks. how did he get there? can he do it? ♪ [ girl ] my mom, she makes underwater fans that are powered by the moon. ♪
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in an hour california chrome will attempt to become the first triple crown winner in 36 years. but this is anything but your typical racehorse. >> reporter: california chrome was born a flashy horse. a beautiful chestnut brown with a blaze of white. >> what's that about the chrome? >> the chrome is all the white california chrome got. power white legs and chrome, the white face. >> reporter: the champion racehorse was born here at harris farms. nestled in california's central valley. >> the california chrome has a lot of finger points are it. everyone hear takes pride in the fact that they have probably got one there. >> reporter: there being the road to the triple crown. >> everyone who is in the horse business, one of the first questions you are asked, did you ever win the derby. >> reporter: that was the first
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hurdle, the kentucky derby. >> here is an upstart in their minds coming along and just blowing everybody away. >> reporter: the staff who tended to chrome day and night on the farm gathered to watch the derby. as california chrome's trainer at the farm laid the groundwork for the horse's racing career. >> i knew we had the kick going in. exciting. brought tears to my eyes. that was a thrill of a lifetime. >> reporter: kroym went on to win the preakness. putting legendary status within reach. not since 19612 had a horse from california won the kentucky derby. if california chrome goes to win the triple crown he will be first horse from california to do so. regardless, his petition has put him on the map. his mother love the chase is lucky to be alive after she was
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injured while giving birth to chrome. while doctors tended to love the chase, chrome also got a lot of attention. >> that's like a little above and beyond what the average foal gets. >> reporter: all of that affection may have helped chrome in training. it comes natural to him. >> reporter: naturally on the farm just about everyone believes chrome is going to take the crown. >> it is amazing that -- it is coming up the way it is. we think that there is at least one more successful chapper to to be written. >> thank you for that, stephanie. all right. how much of a shot does california chrome have at winning the triple crown? let's bring in the experts. they may know better than we do. i jean, believe it or not, you have been to every belmont stake since the mid '90s and you are not there this year. what if you miss history? >> i know.
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i would be very disappointed if i miss history and, you know, it is -- it is going to be the toughest race for him to win of the three triple crown races. it is a mile and a half. there are a lot of fresh horses in here. i think he has a big shot. >> steve, to you. we know the length of this track is exhausting. a lot of the horses only train a mile. this is a mile and a half. why is this a tricky track, though, other than the length? >> it is not just the length of the race but the circumference of the track. belmont park is more like a european track. it is a mile and a half around. you are still just going from finish line to finish line. at most tracks that's a mile or mile and an eighth. you have jockeys who aren't used to riding on such an unusual track. >> gene, can i get a reality check on this nose strip? if this even matters. there was so much hoopla over whether or not he would be allowed to wear this nose strip that helps him breathe. he has worn it in the last six races he has won. does it matter? does it give him an unfair
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advantage? >> no it was much ado about nothing. it was resolved very quickly the day afterwards. it has been two weeks now. thank reply we haven't heard anything about the nose strip. we can just go ahead and concentrate on the things that are important right now. >> of course, until i bring it up. right? okay. steve, let me go to you. a lot has been made about the humble beginnings of california chrome. his mother, i think, the breeder paid $8,000 to $10,000 for her. this horse could be worth millions. he's actually related to some triple crown winners. is that right? >> it is. you know, just about every horse in america is related to a good horse if you go back far enough. i mean, he is a great grandson of seattle slew who won the triple crown. but, you know, everyone has good ancestors. that's the reason horses go to stud and procreate. having said that he is at the lower end of fancy breeding. >> quick pick time, guys.
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to you first, gene. and then you, steve. is california chrome going to win and take the triple crown? first time in 36 years. >> well, he is my pick to win today. i think that he is -- has the class to win today and has the speed. it will be a matter of him at the top of the stretch, whether or not he can hang on. i think we will see the first triple crown winner in 36 years. >> to you, steve. do you agree? >> no. i'm against this horse. i have nothing against him. i will applaud as loudly as anyone if he does it. but 11 horses in a row have been in this position. all 11 of them have lost. i think it is -- some of them were better than california chrome. the price that you have to take on him given 11 in a row lost is terrible. i'm looking to beat him. >> we will see what happens. it will be exciting. t-minus hour and 15 minutes. thank you. appreciate it. coming up next here, her words, her voice. unforgettable.
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that's what she taught me and millions of others. >> she touched me. she touched all of you. she touched people all across the globe. ♪ >> maya angelou is the greatest woman i have ever known. >> she has left each one of us with something in our heart. whew. ♪ don't let me hear about you shed a tear ♪ >> she was my anchor, so it's hard to describe to you what it means when your anchor ships. >> the legacy of dr. maya
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angelou will forever shine. >> words so powerful they carried a little black girl from the south side of chicago all the way to the white house. >> she was the ultimate teacher. ♪ i hope you dance >> she had the voice of god and he decided he wanted her back for a while. >> truly remarkable woman. here is to maya angelou. coming up next here, a story you have to hear. you're going to laugh and cry when you find out what this d-day veteran did to get to the 70th anniversary observance in normandy. eyes that pivot with the road... ...that can see what light misses...
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i ran from the killing squads three times and even now i dream i'm running. our entire little town was burned to nothing. my mother and father were killed in the mass graves. i sometimes think it would have been better if i had died with them. i cry at night. your letters are, for me, like medicine. these are the last survivors of the holocaust in eastern europe, that they are out there today elderly, alone, suffering. they don't have extended family. life is so hard in these places. they don't have anything. i saw it with my own eyes and i knew that no one was helping them. so i wanted to reach out and help them. we provide them with direct continuous financial aid for food, heat, medication and
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shelter. okay, stay healthy and write to me and we let them know they have not been forgotten. this person i'm worried about. his wife is paralyzed and he is so not well. we get stacks and stacks of letters each week. mostly in russian and we send them out to translators and help them immediately. the money is life saving but the connection, the letters, the communication equally life saving. i'm going to come back and see you. we can really write a more final chapter to the holocaust, this time one in kindness and compassion and what they finally deserve at the end of their lives. >> that is a great story. listen to this. he wasn't going to let anything stop him from attending the 70th anniversary of d-day. world war ii veteran bernard jordan reportedly went missing from his nursing home in england
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wearing his medals under his jacket. he was later found on the french shores of germany. >> so nothing is going to stop you basically? >> oh, no, no. >> was it worth it? >> oh, definitely. yeah, yeah. >> do you have any idea how much interest there has been in this? >> oh, i didn't realize it. no, no. >> do you think you're in trouble when you get back? >> i might be, but i hope not! >> the 89-year-old called the commemorations a, quote, first-class show. good evening, everyone. 6:00 p.m. eastern here. you are in the "cnn newsroom." at this hour, california chrome takes a run at history trying to win the last jewel in the horse racing's triple crown. a feet last accomplished 36 years ago. can dough it? talk about that a lot this hour. first,
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