Transcripts For CNNW CNN Newsroom 20141129

This hug came about that has even more intriguing. Our ed lavandera is in ferguson, missouri, where they are talking about this photo, as well. What are they saying . Reporter suzanne, this picture resonating with so many people, because it captures the power and hope that despite everything going on, so many people you have around here. You have 12yearold devonte hart Walking Around in protests, ferguson protests in portland with a sign that read free hugs. But he was crying and the Portland Police Sergeant Brett barnham who asked why he was crying and the young boy started telling him about Police Brutality and that sort of thing. And they started just talking. And at that point, the photographer or the Police Officer asked the young boy for a hug. And the freelance photographer captured that moment. And that picture has been resonating with people around the country as it has been passed around through social media intensely over the last 24 hours. A powerful moment, and the kind of thing that here on west floorson avenue, the place that has seen so much destruction and violence is really resonating. You talk to people who had businesses burned out along this street, and you talk to them, and theyre looking and clamoring for moments like this, capturing moments like this that let people know everything is going to be okay. Suzanne . I think we all kind of need Something Like that, that symbolic gesture and that was really sear from two people passing on something to all of us. We want to see that potential of things get better for the communities. Youre in ferguson because theyre cleaning up after the protests and youve been following this. Give us a sense of how people are rebuilding, how are they how are they feeling after this week . Reporter here on west floorson avenue, things havent gotten back to normal. Within the hour, National Guard and Police Soldiers will eventually shut down this stretch, about a mile stretch of this roadway where weve seen several buildings that were burned out last monday night. And a lot of businesses that just havent been able to reopen and get back on their feet. A lot of small businesses, locally owned businesses, restaurants and that sort of thing. And obviously this is a place thats under a great deal of stress. A lot of boarded up windows. And just things arent back to normal. Not really sure when it will get back to normal at this point. But, you know, during the daylight hours, people are free to walk and drive down this stretch of road. But here before too long, to deter violent protests, they will shut down this road and thats the way it has been for the last few days. And many people wondering just how long that will last. Yeah. And we know that youre also covering the naacps march as well throughout the week, and so well be tuning back in with you following up to see how thats going throughout the coming days. Ed lavandera, thank you so much. We appreciate it. We want you to tune into cnn tomorrow, 3 00 p. M. Eastern. This is when the officer in this nowfamous photo will talk with our own fred okaya whitfield about what that moment was like for him, what that hug was about. Really curious about what hes got to say. Its a beautiful image. And certainly we are going to be very excited to hear what was behind all of that. Again, thats at 3 00 p. M. Eastern tomorrow. Just into cnn now, missouris governor jay nixon needs money fast to pay for fergusons security. It turns out nixon says he is calling a special legislative session to get crucial funds to pay the missouri National Guard and Missouri State highway patrol. Both groups have been working overtime to help provide security in ferguson, and the st. Louis region. And there was unrest in the streets of egypt tonight after a judge dropped charges against egypts former leader, hosni mubarak. Cnn crews captured this scene as Egyptian Security forces lobbed tear gas and fighter at prote protesters converging atta here square. The ministry of Health Reports one man was killed, nine people injured in those protests you see there. The crowd was upset that former mubarak, the former president , was effectively cleared today in a retrial of the charges linking him to the deaths of hundreds of prote protesters. You might recall back in 2011. Cnns ian lee is in cry row with more on that decision. Reporter vindication for former egyptian president , hosni mubarak, a cairo judge acquitting him for the deaths of more than 200 people during egypts 2011 uprising. Mubaraks sons and Co Defendants kissed their victorious father after the judge presented the 1,430page verdict. This overturns a previous courts verdict of life in prison. Outside the courthouse, families of those killed waited in anticipation. This mother wont find closure today. She tells me the Police Killed her son tamir and now his sacrifice will go in vain. Millions of egyptians flooded the streets in january of 2011, demanding mubarak step down. Security forces responded with a heavy hand. 18 days later, mubarak was gone, but not before more than 800 protesters died, according to the government. Human Rights Groups put that number at more than 1,000. Many egyptians blamed the president and his interior minister, habib abli. It gripped the nation for more than three years. While these people who support the former president celebrate, it isnt over. The prosecution can can still appeal this verdict. Its uncertain if mu barrack will actually walk free. Hes still serving time on another conviction. Mubarak supporters believe an International Conspiracy ousteded their beloved president. Former air force officer abdullah tells me after todays ruling egypt is victorious. He lost friends during the 2011 uprising and says all the martyrs, families, are in shock. The current regime is cementing a state of injustice. Both sides did ultimately agree on one thing. They told me the revolution is dead. Ian lee, cnn, cairo. A missing boy is reunited with his mother after four years. The boy was found hidden behind a secret wall in a house in georgia. Its unbelievable story. Five adults have been arrested in this case. And this. Later, ray rice now eligible to return to the nfl after an arbiters decision that slams the nfls handling of his Domestic Abuse case. Just look at those two. Happy. In love. And saving so much money on their Car Insurance by switching to geico. Well, just look at this setting. Do you have the ring . Oh, helzberg diamonds. Another beautiful setting. Im not crying. Ive just got a bit of sand in my eyes, thats all. Geico. Fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more on Car Insurance. Big day . Ah, the usual. Moved some new cars. Hauled a bunch of steel. Kept the supermarket shelves stocked. Made sure everyone got their latest gadgets. Whats up for the next shift . Ah, nothing much. Just keeping the lights on. laugh nice. Doing the big things that move an economy. See you tomorrow, mac. See you tomorrow, sam. Just another day at norfolk southern. Our hearty allnatural turkey chili is back in season. Slowcooked with turkey raised without antibiotics, tart tomatillos, chilies, carrots, edamame and more. The savory spice of the chili pairs perfectly with the black bean hummus and the fresh crunch of napa cabbage blend in our southwestern chicken flatbread. And it all comes together in a you pick two made just for you. Only at panera bread. 58 seconds on the clock, what am i thinking about . Foreign markets. Asian debt that recognizes the shift in the global economy. You know, the kind that capitalizes on diversity across the credit spectrum and gets exposure to frontier and emerging markets. If you convert 4quarter p e of the s p 500, its yield is doing a lot better. If youve had to become your own investment expert, maybe its time for bny mellon, a different kind of wealth manager. And black swans are unpredictable. Ray rice is now eligible to return to the nfl after an ash arent ors decision. At first, the nfl suspended the Baltimore Raven running back for two games. After the video went public, the League Suspended rice indefinitely. The Baltimore Ravens fans have got a lot to say about all of this. He was suspended two games. He should have done the two games and then been reinstated then. We know that what he did was wrong. But the penalty is what they gave him. Reporter do you think hell play again . Yeah, absolutely. Somebody will pick him up. Im not sure if i was the owner if i would. Reporter the Bleacher Report has more on the decision to let rice return. This case came down to double jeopardy, a former federal judge ruled that rice was being punished twice for the same offense and that violates the leagues collective bargaining agreement. Roger goodell gave him suspension because video showed him knocking out janay rice in an elevator. Janay rice is speaking out for the first time about the altercation. Yesterday she talked with matt lauer for nbcs today show. I was furious. We came home, and we didnt talk the entire ride. Well, i didnt speak to him the entire ride home. He tried to talk to me. I didnt want to hear anything. I just knew he hit me and i was completely over it. I was done, didnt want to hear anything. I just didnt even want to entertain it. Entertain him. Anything that he had to say, any explanation. Of course, in the back of my mind and in my heart i knew that our relationship wouldnt be over. Because i know that this is us and its not him. Ray rice is a free agent and can sign anywhere since he was released by the ravens. So far, no teams have made any public statements about wanting to add him to their roster. In the wake of the appeal, the nfl confirms it is working on a new personal conduct policy and judge jones ruling underscores the urgency of our work to develop and implement a clear personal conduct policy. The nfl expects the policy to be completed and announced in the weeks ahead. The Players Union also wants to have a say in any new policy. And stay with us. Well have much more on the ray rice story later this hour when i discuss it with cnn commentators van ferguson and mack lamont hill. A 13yearold boy has been found alive and well in georgia. This is after being missing for four long years. Its an unbelievable story. Police were able to reunite this missing boy with his mother today. Police say he was found inside a suburban atlanta house, hidden behind a false wall. Five adults in the home have been arrested, including the boys father. But there are so many questions that remain. Heres ryan krueger from affiliate wxia. I was kind of shocked. Because you think you know somebody. Reporter julie piz arresto had no idea the 13yearold boy her son played with every day at this house was being held against his will. It was a shock to all of us, honestly. They were really nice people. They were open, you know, they would be like, hey, come over any time you want. Reporter according to Clayton County police, the 13yearold was kept behind a fake wall inside this home on duke court in jonesboro. Neighbors tell me the family moved to this house about six months ago. They also say they saw the boy out here all of the time, out in the yard. But they had no idea he was being held captive. The mother told me he was homeschooled. I didnt question as far as why he was always home. Reporter she lives across the street. He tells us he and his wife saw the boy nearly every day. But now hes left wondering if there were any warning signs that they missed. Its right up in our nose and we could have done something if we would have known. But he was never under stress, it didnt seem like. The young man didnt seem like he was under any stress or anything. You just never know behind closed doors. Reporter in jonesboro, ryan krueger, 11 alive news. There are more questions than answered in this story. Were going to be watching for updates in the coming days. And for more cases of finding the lost, the escaped and the dangerous, we want you to keep it here for a john walsh marathon. It is called the hunt and begins at 7 00 eastern only on cnn. And next, ferguson erupts in violence and the whole world watching. What u. S. Allies and critics are saying in response to whats been happening. They are a glowing example of what it means to be the best. And at this special time of year, they shine even brighter. Come to the winter event and get the mercedesbenz youve always wished for, now for an exceptional price. [ho, ho, ho, ho] lease the 2015 ml350 for 579 a month at your local mercedesbenz dealer. Get to tmobile and knock out your gift list. With zero down and zero interest on all the hottest gifts. Like the Samsung Galaxy note 4 and the note 10. 1, plus the beats solo 2, the ue boom and more. Yep all of them, zero down, zero interest. We know, were out of control. Looks like the big guys job just got easier. Riots, tear gas, burn buildings. These are scenes from ferguson, missouri, that have shocked many americans. Those same pictures being shown in every part of the world. C this cnns max foster says that has some countries seeing the United States in a different light. Reporter so much of how america is portrayed abroad can be undermined by these pictures. Land of the free. We shall overcome. The american dream. The pictures are being carried worldwide, including here on the stateowned russia today. There is a strong sense here that the Justice System has failed not just Michael Brown, but it has failed the whole community. Reporter frances leftist newspaper pointed out plainly that a predominantly white jury chooses not to pursue another white. Accused of murdering a black in a predominantly black city. But it wasnt just that an unarmed black teenager could be shot by a white Police Officer. It was how america erupted in response. As protests spread, a schism appeared across society. Exposing a divided america. Do you agree that this is an american problem, and how do we fix it . I do agree. It is an american problem. Its ferguson and far beyond. Reporter even here in the u. K. , the closest of american allies, people are asking if america is really the country they thought it was. The president , whose election was meant to have ushered in a new period of racial harmony, the uncomfortable question for america is how many other towns and cities have the same cocktail of problems that one spark could ignite just like has happened in ferguson. America is the most powerful nation oppose the planet. That puts it under closer scrutiny. And in this case, the world is taking note of whats being revealed. Max foster, cnn, london. I want to start off by talking about ferguson, how it affects americas image to the rest of the world. Im joined by cnn political commentators ben ferguson and Mark Lamont Hill. Good to see you both here. I dont know if its particularly fair. The images that people are seeing really are of the violence and the fighting and much less of the peaceful protests. So ive got to ask you this. Do you think it is the grand jurys decision that really affected how the u. S. Was viewed to the rest of the world or do you think it was the reaction and the violent reaction that ensued that made the biggest impression . I think the whole thing has been impactful from day one. I remember back in august when the initial protests started. And when the story became a kind of National International story. I talked to people in palestine, france, germany. They were all talking about this. And they were asking me a very basic question, which is why do black men keep dying in america at the hands of law enforcement. And so that conversation has been happening, regardless of what happens with rioters. But then the rioting also raised another set of questions. Some very problematic images. And i think youre right, they dont tell the full story of ferguson or the struggle. But i think its important. And lastly, when you look in the context of history, dr. King, malcolm x, they threatened to take america to the International Courts of appeal to show america has work to do. And i think thats happening now. Ben, what do you make of it . Do you think this is something that weakens our image and the standing of the world or strengthens it . It depends on who is spinning it. There are some newspapers that love ripping on america and what we look at as democracy and freedom here. So, of course, theyre going to use this to their advantage. But overall, it was the violence that is really what catapulted this to be on the front pages around the world. If there wouldnt have been the violence, it wouldnt have been really talked about by the average citizen in a foreign country. Unless youre politically connected or one of those that was hyper sensitive to political news, youre not going to really notice this in a major way, because its halfway around the world. But once the the violence happens, we see this all over the world. Everyone writes their headline, they want to sell that story. And unfortunately, we got the short end of the stick this time around with the International Community. Mark, do you agree with that . Do you think its the violence that attracts the attention here, that people around the world wouldnt be paying attention to perhaps Racial Injustice in the country . Well, i think its the spectacle of protests. In this case, that spectacle happened to include looting, it happened to include some violence, i agree. But if young people had a lot of it. Highways in l. A. If young people had stopped the highways in l. A. And new york, marched around the country, that spectacle would also happen. The truth is, black men die every day. I keep saying men, forgive me. Black men and women die every day in america and doesnt make international headlines. Sadly, black death is normal in this country. Whats not normal is an organized response. Whenever there is resistance, thats when the International Community pays attention. We saw the same thing in iran, tahrir, egypt. Its the violence and unpredictability of it. Unfortunately, thats the reality. Whether its gaza, whether it be isis and the beheadings isis doesnt get headlines, and they know this, unless theyre doing heinous crimes. If there is chaos and you can put it on live, then people can judge you. And i think a lot of this is judging. Theres a lot of people in other countries that love when there is some sort of demise of america, in any capacity, especially Something Like this, and they can highlight it. Overall as a country, we are still a great place with a lot of freedom. And when they can take a shot, thats what you saw. What rc thats the problem right there, ben. Were upset and we get embarrassed. Every day black men and women die at the hands of law enforcement. Not every day, but nearly every day. I think there were 328 in the last year. Were not embraced by that. Were embarrassed when the world finds out. The difference, mark, is i dont think all of the 300plus deaths you referred to have to do with race. And i think that you do. I think thats the difference in our perspective. I dont think that either. I think theres a lot of times that police are put in a bad situation. I dont think this Police Officer, for example, from what we have seen and also what the grand jury saw, is some sort of criminal. And i think that you look at him as a criminal. So its two totally different perspectives. You know, ben, mark i dont want you to go anywhere here. Because we have a lot to cover. And when we return, were going to talk about some other issues, as well. Were going to ask you about travel demands. This is Hillary Clinton who wanted Room Temperature water, lemon wedges, when she spoke at ucla. And, well, we want to know, if she playing into the hands of critics who say that shes out of touch . The mercedesbenz winter event is back, with the perfect vehicle thats just right for you, no matter which list youre on. [ho, ho, ho, ho] no matter which list youre on. Lease the 2014 cla250 for 329 a month at your local mercedesbenz dealer. Is a really big deal. U with aches, fever and chills theres no such thing as a little flu. So why treat it like its a little cold . Theres something that works differently than overthecounter remedies. Prescription tamiflu attacks the flu virus at its source. So call your doctor right away. Tamiflu treats the flu in people 2 weeks and older whose flu symptoms started within the last two days. Before taking tamiflu tell your doctor if youre pregnant, nursing, have Serious Health conditions, or take other medicines. If you develop an allergic reaction, a severe rash, or signs of unusual behavior, stop taking tamiflu and call your doctor immediately. Children and adolescents in particular may be at an increased risk of seizures, confusion or abnormal behavior. The most common side effects are mild to moderate nausea and vomiting. So dont wait. Attack the flu virus at its source. Ask your doctor about tamiflu. Prescription for flu. Cnn political commentators ben ferguson and Mark Lamont Hill are back. Good to see you guys. Were talking about Hillary Clinton. As you know, the white house front runner for 2016. One new criticism against the former secretary of state is that she has now become a little too enamored of the trappings of wealth, such as flying on private jets, staying in fivestar hotels. Now the Washington Post reporting on the demands made by mrs. Clintons staff ahead of her speech last march at ucla. For starters, her speakers fee. Yes, 300,000. Which the post reports is mrs. Clintons special University Rate and her staff made specific requests, like roomtemperature water with lemon wedges, a cup, sau saucer, carafe of hot water, di diet engineer ale and computer with scanner. Lets check out some of these others. Backstage writers for other famous folks. Former Vice President dick cheney reportedly wanted his Hotel Thermostats all set at 68 degrees precisely. He wanted decaff coffee, ready when he arrived. And perrier water if mrs. Cheney was there with him. Among the celebrities, got to include those, lady gaga is said to prefer white leather couches backstage, along with fresh roses and Peanut Butter with flaxseed no more than four grams of sugar, please. Mariah careys backstage writer reportedly requests 200 bottle of cabernet, two dozen white roses and vanilla candles and, quote, no busy patterns, please. The most famous backstage writer of all, van halens 1982 world tour. Youve got to remember this. Included demands for schlitz malt liquor and those m ms, but, quote, absolutely no brown ones. Okay. Sounds like a weekend at Mark Lamont Hills house on the road. Exactly right. I dont know, mark. Its all true. Normal weekend watching the eagles game. This isnt crazy. Okay. So wait a minute, guys. Besides the 300 speaking fee, i mean, thats pretty high. I speak a lot. I dont get anything near that. But i think, you know, to have your water, your coffee, your lemon wedges, thats not so bad. Ben, do you think shes is she falling into the trap here . Heres the thing f. Youre making a ton of money and you havent been sitting in a commoners seat on an airplane since 1993, right before you became the first lady, the problem comes in when you tell people that we were dead broke and struggling when we left the white house, which wasnt true. And when you try to act like youre somehow going to connect with people that are poor and that you feel their pain as bill clinton to use a line from her own husband. And this is your real world you live in . It makes it a little more difficult for people to actually believe you when you say you were struggling. Theyre not struggling. Just own it and embrace it. Youre a former first lady. Youre a former secretary of state. You make a ton of money. Dont act like youre poor and broke. So mark, do you buy it . Is this a weakness here, where liberals are going to grab on to this and say, okay, youre not really presenting this populist image here like, say, elizabeth warren. This is a selective analysis, right . I mean, yeah, Hillary Clinton is not poor. We get that, right . Bill clinton is not poor. Even when they came out of the white house. They may have been struggling, but being a former first lady and former sitting president aavails you to so many opportunities, so many freebies and speaking fees and book fees, youre only as broke as you want to be. So lets be honest about that. That said, theres there has yet to be a sitting president in the modern era who doesnt have tons of money and doesnt mean they didnt necessarily have access to a vision of poor people that was redepartmentive or progressive. John edwards before his messiness was a populist candidate. Didnt mean he didnt have a bunch of money. Barack obama to some people was a progressive candidate, still had a ton of money. Not george bush money, but still more than the people who represented his constituency. Sarah palin, they picked on. Her wardrobe, her socalled diva tendencies. I think this is more about gender than class. Because everybody who runs for president has money. I dont think it has to do with gender. I think et cetera kind of like mitt romney. When people were saying mitt romney needed to not wear a tie and maybe that would connect with a commoner, wear some blue jeans more often. If youre a wealthy guy from the northeast, be the wealthy guy from the north east. I dont think this has as much to do with gender as dont say stupid stuff. Like we were dead broke when we left the white house. Because you werent dead broke. They might have been, benefit. That has nothing to do with her being a woman. No, look, again, Hillary Clinton may have been dead broke coming out of the white house. I cant say she wasnt. But she wasnt what im saying is, her dead broke is different than my dead broke. When i say im dead broke, if i got fired three months from now, i would be sleeping on bens couch. Hillary clinton has access to stuff. But i think the bigger issue here, you can have money and still be sympathetic through your policy to poor people. Elizabeth warren could easily totally agree. She has made a decision not to. But dont act like youre actually poor. Thats my thing. Like if youre wealthy, you can be im with you. You can connect, just dont act like youre poor. All right. So, guys go ahead. Mark. My only disagreement with ben on this is that i think not when you talk about people being out of touch, when you Start Talking about people being divas. When people start whispering about Hillary Clintons speaking fees as if every male former senator doesnt charge as much if not more. I run about 50 speakers and every one who can get money asks for it. And every person who has demands asks for it. I ask for orange gatorade on the road but no one calls me a diva. I see a pattern here. So hold on mark, mark its important. No, no, no ben. Wait. Ive got to cut you off here. So bill clinton, when he made that same speech to ucla in that group, he made 250,000 and it was 50,000 less than his wife, and he noticed that. Ben, real quick and then mark. Whats your main backstage demand, whats your main thing youve got to have when youre on the road . I want the room cold as possible. Like 60 degrees before i walk in, because no one wants to be sweating when they get out there. Mark . All i need is my orange gatora gatorade. Im low maintenance. All i need is orange gate or aid and im good. I wondered why you were so cranky last time, because they had the fruit punch instead of the orange. And now it makes sense. Exactly a cool room for both of you guys next time. Weve got to stay right there. Were going to lower the temperature and get a gatorade for you. Up next, the latest job opening at the pentagon. Defense secretary chuck hagel on his way out. Who is next . And is it a job anybody really wants to begin with . [ shutter clicks ] hi there [ laughs ] im flo i know im going to get you your rental car. This is so ridiculous. Were going to manage your entire repair process from paperwork to pickup, okay, little tiny baby . Your car is ready, and your repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own it. The Progressive Service center a real place, where we really manage your claim from start to finish. Really. Easy as easy can be bye oh what fun it is to ride. Get the mercedesbenz on your wish list at the winter event going on now but hurry, the offer ends soon. [ho, ho, ho ] lease the 2015 c300 4matic for 419 a month at your local mercedesbenz dealer. Cost. A help wanted posting at the pentagon. It is a big one, of course. President obama looking for a new defense secretary. His nominee to succeed chuck hagel, who will be his fourth defense secretary in six years will face a host of challenges, both inside washington, as well as abroad. Ben ferguson and Mark Lamont Hill are back with us, and so mark, i want to start off with you. Chuck hagel is gone. Leon panetta, robert gates, hagels predecessor, saying defense policy now has been micro managed by white house aides. So what is the president do you think looking for in a new defense secretary . Well, first let me say that i am declining the position, as is ben ferguson. I think were the only two people so far. Yeah. Its those demands. Will you give me gatorade . Will you be good with it . Ill consider it. I think the Biggest Issue with this position is one, there are messes abroad. Syria, iraq, afghanistan, et cetera. But there are always messes abroad. Thats one issue. The president , however, and the white house has a very particular direction they want to go in, which is at odds with many Foreign Policy experts and as such, no one wants to go in a position where they will be micro managed and at odds with their boss from day one. And thirdly, the issue has been systematically undermined by the president. And so many people dont feel as if its a position where they can exercise their Foreign Policy, where they can spread their wings and actually inform policy in proper ways. Thats why it didnt work with hagel and thats whyit going to be very difficult position to fill. I do think that the current chair of the house not the chair, the chiestranking democrat on the House Arms Services committee is probably the dark horse in this. I do think ultimately the job will be filled by someone responsible. But still, a tough job. Heres the Biggest Issue. You have the president of the United States of america that really has a disdain for Foreign Policy when it comes from the pentag pentagon. If you want to talk about the tellall book, i cant wait to read in a couple years when the president reads the white house, its going to be those that start to clear the air on the history of his actions and interactions with the pentagon. Leon panetta is not a republican. And leon panetta and these other guys, its almost like theyre saying, look, finally you understand what we have been dealing with here. And that is a white house that does not like us as a group, they dont listen to our advice. The president does not, you know, ever get along with us and what we try to do when it comes to National Defense issues. And so right now if youre someone your dream job may have been to work at the pentagon, to lead our american men and women in uniform and to take on that responsibility. But under this president , when youre being undermined in all of your policies and youre the one thats got to go back to those same people and actually enact that policy, i wouldnt want this job. I wouldnt walk within a thousand feet of it. Yeah, mark, let me ask you this. We were talking about leon panetta and i want you to listen to what he said here about how really the white house is really kind of pulling the strings here and get your response on the other end. What is happening now is, because of that centralization of authority at the white house, there are too few voices that are being heard in terms of the ability to make decisions. The fact is that the staff has probably already in many ways determined what the president should or should not do. So mark, how does he get the guy that he wants or the woman he wants to fill this post, considering that hes got john mccain, who can certainly block anybody who he decides would fill this position the next two years. Well, i mean, one thing we know about the president on Foreign Policy, he has followed the bush doctrine much more closely than any of us on the left had hoped. One area where he has found the least resistance is in Foreign Policy leadership. So i actually dont anticipate john mccain or any other highranking republican senator blacking his appointment for defense. I think the other cabinet positions that need to be filled, less significant positions, are going to be black attorney, and also blocked by senate leadership. And i find that problematic. I dont think hell have a problem getting it through, past republicans. In fact, my problem with president obama is that whoever he picks will will be just fine with republicans. I think the issue here, though, he needs somebody who is a war time consigliere. Mark hagel was not. He needs someone with a vision and who he respects to take pushback from. I think as panetta said, he didnt assemble ultimately the team of rivals he propsed we would have. And i think there has been a strong difficulty getting them to change their position. Ben . Real quick. Real quick. The president does not even worry about john mccain or republicans right now. His biggest concern should be hes got to actually find someone thats willing to take this job. Because when they leak four names, three of the four immediately said, i have no interest in this job. And thats shocking when youre talking about leading the military from the pentagon. We are going to make a turn here. Ray rice, cleared to return to the nfl with an arenters ruling that overturns his indefinite suspension for domestic violence. His second chance, we know, far from certain. Will any nfl team take the risk on rice . Well, our football that attics, mark and ben will weigh in on that. Up next. Just look at those two. Happy. In love. And saving so much money on their Car Insurance by switching to geico. Well, just look at this setting. Do you have the ring . Oh, helzberg diamonds. Another beautiful setting. Im not crying. Ive just got a bit of sand in my eyes, thats all. Geico. Fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more on Car Insurance. Is a really big deal. U with aches, fever and chills theres no such thing as a little flu. So why treat it like its a little cold . Theres something that works differently than overthecounter remedies. Prescription tamiflu attacks the flu virus at its source. So call your doctor right away. Tamiflu treats the flu in people 2 weeks and older whose flu symptoms started within the last two days. Before taking tamiflu tell your doctor if youre pregnant, nursing, have Serious Health conditions, or take other medicines. If you develop an allergic reaction, a severe rash, or signs of unusual behavior, stop taking tamiflu and call your doctor immediately. Children and adolescents in particular may be at an increased risk of seizures, confusion or abnormal behavior. The most common side effects are mild to moderate nausea and vomiting. So dont wait. Attack the flu virus at its source. Ask your doctor about tamiflu. Prescription for flu. Nfl running back ray rice can return now to the field now that an arbiter has thrown out his indefinite suspension for Domestic Abuse. Nfl commissioner Roger Goodell originally suspended rice for two games. But after a video surfaced that showed rice hitting his then fiancee in an elevator, knocking her out, goodell suspended rice indefinitely. The arbiter now has called the indefinite suspension a, quote, abuse of discretion. Mark lamont hill, ben ferguson, joining us again. Mark, first of all, did the arbiter make the right decision, and if you think so, do you think any nfl team is going to sign him . First of all, he absolutely made the right decision. As much as i find what ray rice did deplorable and disgusting, i also know you cant have double jeopardy in the league. And the truth is, the league tried to cover this up and then tried to protect themselves by throwing ray rice under the bus. That said, no self respecting nfl team should sign ray rice. I think that we should let the market play out here. We should see what kind of values the team the league and the teams have. He should be allowed to play in the league, but no team should want him, given what he did. And ben, should Roger Goodell actually keep his job as nfl commissioner here in light of the back and forth we have been seeing . Roger goodell is a professional hit man for the owners of the nfl. If they tell him to go suspend somebody, he suspends them. If they tell him to protect a player, he protects the player. He answers to no one but the owners. I look at literally Roger Goodell as a puppet. He has no more power than what they give him. The rule has been in the nfl by the owners. If i have a player that commits a terrible crime, we will try to cover it up if hes good. And then when your player does the same thing, well help you cover it up as well so that you can keep him on the field. These owners, they dont care about morals or ethics or any of these guys lives, as long as theyre good. So the answer is, look, should the guy get hired again . No. Will he . More than likely, yes, he will, because these owners dont care about this stuff. All right, guys. Stay with us. I agree. Weve got this just moments ago. Reports now that the officer who shot Michael Brown has resigned from the Ferguson Police force. Were going to talk about that, up next. Get to tmobile and knock out your gift list. With zero down and zero interest on all the hottest gifts. Like the Samsung Galaxy note 4 and the note 10. 1, plus the beats solo 2, the ue boom and more. Yep all of them, zero down, zero interest. We know, were out of control. Looks like the big guys job just got easier. They are a glowing example of what it means to be the best. And at this special time of year, they shine even brighter. Come to the winter event and get the mercedesbenz youve always wished for, now for an exceptional price. [ho, ho, ho, ho] lease the 2015 ml350 for 579 a month at your local mercedesbenz dealer. Just in now to cnn, officer Darren Wilson reportedly has resigned from fergusons police department. His Resignation Letter was posted on the st. Louis post dispatch website. This was moments ago. I want to read it to you here. I Darren Wilson hereby resign my commission as a Police Officer with the city of ferguson, effective immediately. I have been told that my continued employment may put the residents and Police Officers of the city of ferguson at risk. Which is a circumstance that i cannot allow. For obvious reasons, i wanted to wait until the grand jury made their decision before i officially made my decision to resign. It was my hope to continue in police work, but the safety of other Police Officers and the community are of paramount importance to me. It is my hope that my resignation will allow the community to heal. I would like to thank all of my supporters and fellow officers throughout the process. So i want to go cnn, i have been told, has confirmed this independently. Lets get ed lavandera first on the ground in ferguson. Any reaction, ed . Reporter i think the reaction will be that this is what many people in the ferguson area and in st. Louis expected to happen. We have been reporting for several weeks now that officer Darren Wilson was in talks to resign. But as you see from that statement that officer wilson wanted to wait for the grand jury to make its decision. But these are talks that have been under way for quite some time. His lawyers had made it clear to him, and they have told us over the last few days, that any likelihood of him returning to the police force was just simply not going to happen. And then you also have the people in the city of ferguson who have made it very clear that Darren Wilson would not be welcomed back on to the police. So it was always very hard to imagine he would once again be patrolling the streets of ferguson in any kind of way. So, you know, perhaps a lot of people not necessarily surprised that this announcement has finally come. But its probably, you know, one of those pieces of news that many people expected to come eventually. Suzanne . Thank you very much. Ben ferguson, very quickly. Your response. Im not surprised. I mean, he knows he cant sit there on the streets of ferguson and put other peoples lives at risk that may be working with him. So for this, its you know, hes going to have to move. Hes going to have to start a whole new life over again and this is that first step in doing that. Unfortunately, he cannot stay there for his own safety and his family. Mark lamont hill, weigh in for us, if you will. No surprise here. He couldnt be a Police Officer anymore. Certainly not in st. Louis. Certainly not in the state of missouri. And after giving a national interview, where his face is broadcast everywhere, im not sure he could be a Police Officer anywhere. But given the amount of money he got for his Legal Defense and for doing the interview, i suspect hell be just fine. And do we think that there are supporters here who will react, who will respond, who will fight this . And say, you know, this isnt fair. I mean, its not certainly not fair. But theyre not going to come out and fight for him. Mark . I dont see it as unfair at all. He killed a kid. Whether hes legally guilty or not. If you kill someone and it causes an International News story, you cant do your job normally or fairly. Whether Darren Wilson is right or wrong, he cant do the job in the function of the community and so he cant be a Police Officer. Ive got to leave it there. Mark, thank you very much. Ben, as well. Ed, on the ground, appreciate all your perspectives. And well follow this breaking news. Stay with cnn for breaking news at any time. And tonight heres what were watching. Keep it here for john walsh marathon. It is called the hunt and it starts right now. Back in 1981, i had the american dream, the beautiful wife, the house in the suburbs and a beautiful 6yearold son. And one day i went to work, kissed my son goodbye and never saw him again. In two weeks i became the parent of a murdered child. And ill always be the parent of a murdered child. I still have the heartache, i still have the rage. I waited years for justice. I know what its like to be there waiting for some answers. And over those years, i learned how to do one thing really well. And thats how to catch these bastards and bring them back to justice. I have become a manhunter. Im out there looking for bad guys