Im George Howell. The cnn newsroom starts right now. At 3 00 a. M. On the u. S. East coast, we start with these wildfires in the state of california. The death toll there continues to rise. Presently now 80 people who have lost their lives there. On a map, you can see where these fires are burning in both the north and southern parts of the state. Scorching land there for more than a week. So far the fires have destroyed an area larger than the city of chicago. The socalled camp fire in the north, its about 65 contained. The woolsey fire in the south, almost 90 contained. And across the state, thousands of people now displaced. In one walmart parking lot, take a look here. You can see survivors. They have set up tents, turning the area into a makeshift village. In the aftermath of so much chaos, so much destruction, there are some incredible stories of survival that we are hearing. One of them involves a School Bus Driver praised for helping 22 students to escape the camp fire in north
But when the president s comments help sway the jury as they head into another day of deliberations. And time for new blood . The name emerging as a potential democratic speaker of the house. Lets get right to new reaction from former cia director john brennan in his very first tv appearance since trump revoked his security experience telling rachel mad ow why he thinks the president is prompting him and there may be sec urt clearance of others. Here is part of his interview. The other people on the socalled enemies list, i think that this is just another example of mr. Trump trying to frighten and intimidate others. But i can tell you, having worked in the National Security and Intelligence Community for many, many years, these are not the type of people that will be bullied or intimidated by someone of the likes plaintiff trump. Mr. Trump time after time has really just disappointed millions of americans. Which im trying to give voice to. And so i know a lot of people think that a fo
Director. I like taking on voices like that. Ive never respected him. Reporter and threatens others who criticize him, but intel leaders are not backing down. Hes drunk on power. Well be joined by three former Top National Security officials next. And leaning left, polls showing democrats prying for a new win in november. But is the party moving in the wrong direction . The Democrat Party didnt necessarily change. Well talk to governor steve bu bullic of montana. Hello, im jake tapper in washington where the state of our union is under pressure. President trump feeling the heat of a russia investigation that will not just go away. Railing the special counsel is worse than the infamous joe mccarthy, trump claiming he has nothing to hide this in response to a stunning the New York Times report that White House Counsel Don Mcgahn has spent 30 hours over nine months talking to robert mueller, the special counsel. The white house lawyer effectively a cooperating witness in the investigation
To live without you only heartbreak for me inspiring way to start the morning. Good morning. Im ryan nobles. I cant get enough of it. Her voice. Im christine romans. It is 4 00 a. M. In the east. Lets start with politics. President trump is not done using security clearances. Officials confirms the white house is considering stripping more clearances in the coming days despite the furor over the retaliation against john brennan. Several colleagues are rallying behind him now. Several issued a new statement. Among them, six former cia chiefs. Including all five from 1997 until brennan came in. They write, quote, the president s actions regarding john brennan and threats of similar action against other former officials has nothing to do with who should and should not hold security clearances and everything to do with the attempt to stifle free speech. This is a signal to other former and current officials and that signal is inappropriate and deeply regrettable. The statement came hours a
Really being a little bit forceful on this issue, because the president is, according to our sources, still very much interested in dealing with some of the other individuals that they identified earlier this week whose clearances are going to be reviewed. He is interested in stripping them of their clearance. First of all, one of the issues that they are dealing with at the white house is that they are getting pushback from some unexpected quarters. Admiral william mcraven, someone who doesnt often speak out about issues of the day, he was one of the architects of the bin ladens raid. I would consider it an honor if you would revoke my security clearance so i can add my name to the list of men and women who have spoken up against your presidency. We asked the white house counselor Kellyanne Conway this morning about mcravens comments in this oped. She declined to answer. She focused on john brennan. Here is what she had to say. Why is everybody so obsessed with the president of the Un