THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT FROM MARCH 15, 2004. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LARRY KING, HOST: Tonight, Linda Evans and Diane the American Swimmer. Linda Evans, the classic beauty and Hollywood legend gives us the inside story about her famous "Dynasty" kiss with Rock Hudson before she and the world knew that he had AIDs. Also- Diane the American Swimmer... She will, if Bush has his way, be the first American to swim on Mars. Why is she going? Why is Bush so fond of this plucky, patriotic aquanaut? She's taking time out from her training at NASA to speak with us tonight.
Linda Evans, Diane the American Swimmer.
They're both next on LARRY KING LIVE.
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KING: We begin with Diane the American Swimmer. Welcome to the program.
DIANE THE AMERICAN SWIMMER, AQUANAUT: Thanks for having me, Mr. King.
KING: Loved by all Americans, she is not usually associated with controversy. Today, however, she finds herself in the middle of a disagreement between two American Heroes, Astronaut Neil Armstrong, and Astronaut John Glenn. The controversy brewing is, of course, about her planned mission to Mars. Astronaut Armstrong spoke out this week in support of the mission, only days after Senator Glenn's scathing criticisms of the plan. Diane the American Swimmer, what do you make of all this?
SWIMMER: Wow, Mr. King, I really think I am more qualified to talk about swimming and Mars, and stuff like that. What they are talking about is really, like budget stuff. I mean wouldn't it be neat if we had tons and tons of money and ideas and could just go everywhere in space?!?
KING: Let's listen to Senator Glenn's comments about the proposed Mars mission.
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SEN. JOHN GLENN, FORMER ASTRONAUT: We have projects that are planned or in the queue now, projects that people- academics and laboratories and companies- have spent millions of dollars to get ready. That pulls the rug out from under our scientists who placed their faith in NASA, and our scientists within NASA who devoted years and years to their work.
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KING: Your reaction?
SWIMMER: Um...wow, I really want to go to Mars, so, well, I guess I don't agree with him, even though I met him and thought he was really nice. I mean, sometimes, there are more important things than science.
KING: Like what?
SWIMMER: Like, isn't our country more important than science?
KING: Interesting point, can you elaborate? Can you tell us why it is important for America that you go to Mars?
SWIMMER: Well, don't forget, I am not just going to Mars, I am going to swim on Mars.
KING: Of course.
SWIMMER: Um, I really think that everyone will feel better if I go to Mars. You know how in our history, we are always trying to be bigger and better? I mean did you ever see that SchoolHouse Rock cartoon ELBOW ROOM with the pilgrims that elbow their way across the country? I loved that!! And now here'ss my chance to take part in something like that... It's called something-something DESTINY!!! Manifest Destiny. Didn't you learn about that in school?
KING: Yes, I did. Do you support colonizing Mars?
SWIMMER: Absolutely!!! Now we have the opportunity to colonize without all the aggravation that so many countries had in the past. I think that is neat.
KING: How do you respond to the accusations that the Bush administration is only interested in the military and financial advantage that a Lunar and subsequent Martian colony would provide? Is his plan a strategic one? Are you really going to swim on Mars, or are you going to assess the strategic feasibility of the Red Planet?
SWIMMER: Oh my gosh, Mr. King. Do you really think about wars and business and stuff like that when you look up at the stars? I don't think so. Do you think about all the problems people are having when you look at the Big Dipper? I really really don't think so. President Bush asked me to swim on Mars, and I said, "You bet, Mr. President!"
KING: Well, it has been a pleasure having you on the show. Before we say good goodnight, I wanted to ask you if you had seen the new DIANE THE AMERICAN SWIMMER action figure?
SWIMMER: OH MY GOSH!!!! OH, no, no I haven't! (laughter)
KING: My thanks to Diane the American Swimmer.
SWIMMER: Thanks, Mr. King.
KING: Up next, Hollywood legend Linda Evans.
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