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Posted: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 6:43 PM by Barbara Raab
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By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor

Not much time to report on our day here in Las Vegas because of our pre-debate schedule. Tonight, it's safe to say, what happens in Vegas will get beamed all over the country.

We just did a facilities check of the theater and the set where we'll broadcast the debate tonight--a decidedly different setting and format than we've seen in the past. One unique aspect of tonight's format: the candidates will have the ability to question each other during one particular segment. We will be lucky if we get to ask half of the questions we have prepared. We have one more prep session scheduled for the time period between the first East Coast feed of Nightly News and the 9 p.m. (Eastern) start time. For those on the West Coast who miss the 6 p.m. live broadcast, we will re-broadcast the debate at 10 p.m. (1 a.m. on the East Coast).

Tomorrow morning, I will transition to the campaign trail for a part of the day, to continue our reporting from the ground level. We take the stage tonight with these candidates at, shall we say, an "interesting point" in the Democratic campaign. My partner Tim Russert and I will do our level best. Emphasis on level. So we'll look for you for Nightly News and--depending on your particular time zone and your choice of airing options-- or the Democratic Debate on MSNBC.

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Comments

Obama continues to talk the talk with no plan of action.  Obama is a good speaker (he should be,after all he is a professor. Someone has to keep those students entertained for an hour.) It will take more than "pretty" words to fix this mess-it takes action. Our country is in the worst state it has ever been in.  We need someone with a plan and Hillary has proven she has one. Once again-Leave it to a woman to fix a man's mess.  I just wished my vote counted!!

S. Brady, St. Augustine Beach , Fl (Sent Tuesday, January 15, 2008 11:23 PM)

Concerning Tuesday's segment on the "truth" about boys and girls, my family was surprised at the apparent total lack of interest in how girls were affected by the "more traditional" math instruction they were assigned in the classrooms you featured. My daughter and I agreed that we would both have benefited more from the innovative, hands-on activities the boys were given. Certainly many girls would be more motivated with the hands-on, game-like activities that improved boys' scores. Why were no data offered as to the girls' scores? In my generation, girls were not expected to do well in math. Has that changed? Why were the girls in the classroom you featured stuck with the traditional (ie, boring) mode of math instruction?

Cindy Lyle (Sent Tuesday, January 15, 2008 11:38 PM)

Concerning Tuesday's segment on the "truth" about boys and girls, my family was surprised at the apparent total lack of interest in how girls were affected by the "more traditional" math instruction they were assigned in the classrooms you featured. My daughter and I agreed that we would both have benefited more from the innovative, hands-on activities the boys were given. Certainly many girls would be more motivated with the hands-on, game-like activities that improved boys' scores. Why were no data offered as to the girls' scores? In my generation, girls were not expected to do well in math. Has that changed? Why were the girls in the classroom you featured stuck with the traditional (ie, boring) mode of math instruction?

Cindy Lyle, San Diego, CA (Sent Tuesday, January 15, 2008 11:39 PM)

As always after any debate,Chris matthews very loudly and aggresively pointing to Hillary Clinton as the winner and at this time ,proclaimed wiiner of Democratic nomination because of strong pointing to Bush!  This is just a justification that MSNBC brought along this debate to get ratings and not to bring the issues that will benefit the american people!
Mr Matthews seems ignore the fact that that Hillary been bringing on this debate she has been bringing along ever since she launched her campaign.
Would like to asked him what makes her to be the winner?
For me, the debate is just a love affair...

LDC,Canada (Sent Tuesday, January 15, 2008 11:53 PM)

How does this square:  Dennis Kucinich does better than Rudy Giuliani tonight in Michigan; he did comparably well when compared to Giuliani in Iowa.  Giuliani's campaign is nearly broke, while Kucinich's is not (because he's running it on a shoestring, admittedly).  Yet, somehow, Giuliani is still taken seriously enough to appear in debates and be considered capable of winning his party's nomination, while MSNBC retracts its invitation to Kucinich in Nevada.  I smell "double-standard" here.

Could it be that MSNBC and its corporate master, GE, feel that Kucinich would have been too big a threat to them with his anti-corporate message?  Or maybe he would've made the other three candidates actually answer some difficult questions tonight when it came his turn to pose them.

Lord knows, neither Williams nor Russert were interested in the issues through the majority of the debate--what was up with all the race-baiting, "keep the conflict alive" questions at the beginning?

This "debate" was a sham.  I didn't want to believe it, but I'm beginning to think it's true:  corporate America has already chosen who we will be allowed to vote for in 2008.  The "press" is just prolonging the charade.  It comes down to which two candidates create the best horserace (that is, sell the most advertising) for the next several months.  The actual issues be damned.  So much for democracy.

Loren Depping, Salem, Oregon (Sent Tuesday, January 15, 2008 11:58 PM)

Am watching comments by Chris Matthews after the debate ,stating that Hillary Clinton emerge as a winner w/a display of presumed winner as a Dem nominee!
I do not see any differenceon what she has been saying all along on her campaign and on this debate..and further more there is no energy except that all along there seems to be a love affair amongst these 3!
I lsot my admiration to Chris Matthews tonight!

LDC,Canada (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 12:00 AM)

Dear Brian Williams
 I just wanted to tell you, Tim Russert and the rest of  the MSNBC/NBC staff how wonderful all of you were tonight.  My personal view on tonight's debate is it was the best one so far.  The questions were spot on!  Once again, Good Job!

Suzanne Shermer, Highland Village, Texas (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 12:02 AM)

Kucinich, Kucinich, Kucinich.

Shame on you, MSNBC.

Robert, Chicago, IL (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 12:06 AM)

Kudos to previous posters who have already written what I had wanted to: a television network deciding who's the likeliest candidate is not at all in the interest of voters.  Hearing all the candidates, especially those discussing issues none of the so-called front-runners will give voice to, allows voters to decide for themselves.  It's not just NBC, I am aware; I had just hoped all of the "It's anybody's race" headlines that cropped up after these first Democratic primaries weren't nonsense.  The NY Times claims the network will frame the State Supreme Court's decision as a victory for the First Amendment... that's, sadly, a laugh.

Andrew Bauer, New York, NY (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 12:06 AM)

There are many of us who may well be voting for one of the "top three" candidates who still would prefer, this early in the year, that Rep. Kucinich be included in the debates. He has an important role to play in challenging the others on central and essential issues. Plus, the legal fight to exclude him makes NBC look like it, the network, is deciding whose campaigns are no longer relevant or viable.

Lawrence Walker, Kerrville, Texas (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 12:08 AM)

MSNBC serves its own interests over the public welfare.  To be a responsible member of the fourth estate, the network needs to value truth, honesty, and the democratic process more than it values it's profits, political access, and standing in the corporate community.

While I write what many others write, that the exclusion of Dennis Kucinich from the debate makes a mockery of the event, I also suspect that such words make little difference to MSNBC (or likely to Brian Williams).  Kucinich was excluded not because he is not a viable candidate, but because MSNBC doesn't particularly want him to be one, and by their light he is not. Unfortunately, the progressive issues that Kucinich addresses will not be discussed.

In such a way is the range of public opinion manipulated by MSNBC and the major networks.   In such a way is consent manufactured.  The shame of it is that many executives are selected in part for the attitude that such behavior is best.  Corporate success is frequently granted to those who possess a moral vacuum and toe the company line. They will never really understand the public outcry, or even hear it.   One day in their old age they may wake up in and realize that they have wasted their lives.  If the world is still around by then.

D. Hancock, MA (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 1:38 AM)

I doubt that many people would instantaneously change their vote after hearing from Kucinich had he been in this debate. If theres one thing Kucinich will never do, it is admit that he will not be a front runner in the presidential primary. Richardson's numbers looked astronomical compared with his, yet he (Kucinich) has not dropped out yet. With that said, Brian Williams I'm sure has little power over who will be in this debate. To the post above mine by Lawrence Walker, I personally believe when a candidate gets less than 10 times the votes that Hillary Clinton and Uncommitted get from the State of Michigan, I can easily see why a campaign can then become viewed as no longer relevant or viable.  I do not know who came up with the idea for the candidates to ask questions amongst themselves, but I thought it was very revealing and summed up the tone of the debate.

Tobie (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 1:39 AM)

I was glad the candidate went above the Tim Russert race topic.  I wish Tim had read about the Civil Rights movement as he didn't pay attention when it happen. Hillary is a leader and showed it tonight.

Good to see US Treasury Secretary Paulson hired Alan Greenspan as an adviser for his personal company.  No wonder Goldman Sachs and Paulson and company are making big bucks as it's good to know the inside answers.  It paid off for Paulson by being appointed by the Bush Administration.  Is it a crime to have the US Treasury job while using the information for your personal business?

President Bush again asked his Saudi friends for oil and yet again they said no.  You really can't blame them as the US is giving the Saudis the missiles  they asked for.  

I love the way the White House keeps saying the economy is strong as we see the Stock Market fall and the dollar drop lower.  Yes even Citi Corp. is laying off thousands of employees as the White House gives jobs to the Iraq people with US taxpayers money.  

Now I hope we can move on as the world knows the fake story the US told about Iran.  With all the lies no wonder the US can't be trusted anymore.  

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 1:52 AM)

I am a huge NBC news viewer. I watch Today show, Nightly News, and I got to record Meet the Press every Sunday. I wish I could have attended the debate tonight at Cashman Center. Perhaps future debates could be held in a larger venue- such as UNLV Thomas Mack Arena so more fans and voters can attend. My mother and I attended Senator Hillary Clintons' post debate rally. She is not as cold and calculating like the media portrays here out to be. I'm confident she will make a great President and Commander-in-Chief.

Brian Emery Henderson, Nevada (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 2:30 AM)

I was disappointed by the exclusion of Kucinich and also by the first segment of questions, which were all about trivial fusses between rival campaigns, such as "Senator Clinton, do you regret saying..." & "Mark Rich wrote that you, Senator Obama, behaved badly when you said..."


Why not ask substantive & specific questions about domestic and national policy? You could have used Paul Krugman's criticisms about the candidates' health care proposals, for example. You might have consulted American historians and political scientists for ideas. I write for History News Network, which would be a good source for you of historically-informed opinion pieces on the candidates and their platforms.

Tim Russert dismayed me when he asked the candidates to require ROTC on college campuses. I taught at a small college; it was disconcerting to see young people with rifles marching about among other young people with books. It felt like a violation of the mission and atmosphere of a college campus.

Carol V. Hamilton, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 3:30 AM)

I'm disappointed that the commentators, esp. Olbermann and Matthews, didn't comment about or apologize for the vigor with which NBC acted to suppress the voice of Dennis Kucinich by dis-inviting him and appealing a judge's decision....it must have been very important to NBC that Kucinich not be part of the debate.....Does anyone now why?  

meredith mc kinney (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 4:26 AM)

Since when did MSNBC get to preordain who will be the next President?  I thought that was the decision of the voters?  The repeated denial of Kucinich from the debates means no voice for single payer health insurance even though virtually every survey shows health care as the top domestic issue and single payer is the preferred choice by the public and the least favored by the insurance lobby.  Could MSNBC be shills for the insurance lobby?  Nah, they wouldn't stoop that low, would they?

Walter Tsou (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 4:50 AM)

The fact that Dennis Kucinich was left out of the debate, made this lack luster and a Joke of a Debate.

I love Keith Oberman, but I will no longer be watching MSNBC because of the exclusion of Congressman Kucinich. What is the difference between what was done here and what FOX News does everyday.

Sam, Flint, MI (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 6:14 AM)

Now that NBC and Fox are deciding who the "viable" candidates are, just tell us so we can skip the whole primary and convention process and cut directly to the chase--a la American Idol--with on-line voting.
I am sure the networks are the best judge of "viability", right?
You'll forgive me for not praising the "debate"--aka "Group Hug"--I have not watched it in protest.

Dave Watkins, Ann Arbor, MI (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 7:07 AM)

Good Evening Mr.Williams, This is my second attempt at posting from last evening. Last night was another eventful evening of debating between the Democratic Candidates. Then the Michigan Primary winner for the Republicans was decided with Romney winning. You and Mr.Russert did a great job at moderating the debate last evening. Now on to last evenings broadcast. Regarding the report on the three US warships and the Iranian speedboats,the threats no matter where or who they came from over the airwaves certainly should be considered serious. The video of the speedboats barreling back and forth really close to the warships appeared to look as if they were going to attack. This incident exhibits how dangerous this region whether on land or water can be to our soldiers in uniform. Anything can be considered a threat and hopefully through proper investgation the authorities will find the answer as to who did this act. Also the bombing in Beirut near the US Embassy was quite alarming news. Thankfully no Americans were hurt or killed. On another note the series "The Truth about Boys and Girls" showed some interesting results, but I was not totally surprised. The boys and girls being in separate classrooms seemed beneficial to both genders. I can understand that if a girl is quiet then being in an all girl class may give her more encouragement to answer questions as oppossed to the co-ed classes where some boys may shout out answer. Anyway, Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Wililams and the moderation of last evenings debate. Great Job! Peace to all!

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 7:17 AM)

NBC/MSNBC used to be my favorite news show.  Not any more!  Deciding for the public that we don't want to hear all the candidates takes away from our First Amendment.  I am now looking at other networks for my television pleasure.  Goodbye!

Mareen Tamaqua, PA. (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 7:23 AM)

The debate heckler was right on. Race-baiting and prolonging this story which the media loves were the purpose of the first half hour's questions. Demeaning of the process, an insult to the candidates, and dimishing yourself Brian. Tim does this for a living on Sunday mornings, but you are admired for being a man of character. Please listen to the candidates and try to stick to the issues, elevate the tone and don't embarrass me again when I ask my kids to watch a debate with me.

Jim Boyle, Wells Maine (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 9:22 AM)

I vote to boycott NBC, MSNBC, and GE. A corporation should not be able to decide who the American people hear from! Excluding Kucinich is something I would have expected from a communist or dictatorship run country. What we got was a bland, safe debate, that brought out nothing new. In the future debates should be held by a non-profit organization. Shame on you Brian Williams.

Ted Mastrandonas (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 9:36 AM)

I find it highly suspect that MSNBC decided to limit the candidates invited to this recent democratic debate. I've always consider NBC one the best sources of impartial reporting, especially Brian Williams. I firmly believe they have succumbed to the corporate interests protecting the health care industry, professional lobbyists, and those who would suffer from a potential Kucinich candidacy. If we truly believe in democracy and bringing democracy to other parts the world (Iraq, Africa, etc) doesn't it seem corrosive that privately-owned companies are limiting our choices for democraticly held elections? Contrary to what our founding fathers wanted this goes to prove that we are currently a country of the rich and powerful, where every vote is not counted equal. Is anyone suprised by the lack of coverage in the country by what is going on in Iraq? Dennis Kucinich being excluded is another symptom of our sick democracy. Since financial decisions seem to supercede democratic ones and the only decisions you seem to understand, I'm no longer going to patronize NBC, MSNBC, Nightly News or Microsoft. Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion.

Armando, Long Beach, CA (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:13 AM)

I find it highly suspect that MSNBC decided to limit the candidates invited to this recent democratic debate. I've always considered NBC one the best sources of impartial reporting, especially Brian Williams. I firmly believe they have succumbed to the corporate interests protecting the health care industry, professional lobbyists, and those who would suffer from a potential Kucinich candidacy. If we truly believe in democracy and bringing democracy to other parts the world (Iraq, Africa, etc) doesn't it seem corrosive that privately-owned companies are limiting our choices for democraticly held elections? Contrary to what our founding fathers wanted this goes to prove that we are currently a country of the rich and powerful, where every vote is not counted equal. Is anyone suprised by the lack of coverage in this country of what is going on in Iraq? Dennis Kucinich being excluded is another symptom of our sick democracy. Since financial decisions seem to supercede democratic ones and the only decisions you seem to understand, I'm no longer going to patronize NBC, MSNBC, Nightly News or Microsoft. Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion.

Armando, Long Beach, CA (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:17 AM)

Brian Williams, Keith Olbermann, NBC, MSNBC, Democratic party and candidates - you have lost any  integrity you have left with this shameful coup against free speech and the right of the people to hear from and make up our own minds about the candidates.  You serve your corporate masters but not the people.  I will vote Kucinich and then Green this year and NBC and MSNBC will not be viewed in my home again. I didn't think I could still be outraged, but I was wrong...

Cindy Knope, Hilton NY (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:58 AM)

MSNBC has no right deciding to exclude Kucinich from the debate. I'm not a Kucinich supporter, but I think it's wrong -- he's still a recognized candidate and has the right to take part.

Michael Shashoua, Forest Hills, N.Y. (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 11:03 AM)

Exciting debtate last night.  Right, there wasn't any debate, since the only real Democrat wasn't allowed to be in it.  Well Kucinich has my full support now, since the powers that be want to silence him, it only makes his message that much more powerful.

Erin Haagenson (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 11:16 AM)

Brian Williams and Tim Russert were so intent on sifting through the trivial minutiae of political "process" during last night's debate that the key substantive issues in this campaign were lost in the weeds. Some of the questions were inane and downright immature, especially the business about whether Obama regretted his statement about Hillary's popularity among voters. At one point, it sounded like you were moderating a middle school student council election -- "Bobby, are you sorry you told Susie that the other kids don't like her?" C'mon guys, knock it off and get real. The voters and the candidates deserve better.

Lee Seglem, Yardley, pa. (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 11:31 AM)

In answer to Meredith above:  The whole "since Kucinich won't be elected it is a waste of time to include him" really does convince some people.  Presumably people who haven't thought about it very hard.

But the bottom line is probably that GE owns NBC, GE makes massive money off the war, and Kucinich is the purest anti-war voice out there.

I'm not saying anyone actually said "He's bad for business so leave him out of it" -- organizational bias really never has to be made explicit like that.  Just consider that the higher you go up the corporate food-chain, the less popular Kucinich is likely to be, generally speaking.  That is going to lend a certain appeal to any notions that just happpen to be bad for Kucinich.

It's a pity that at this juncture "bad for Kucinich" pretty well equates to "bad for America".

And, as others have said, I like Olbermann, but this is beyond the pale and I think I have to be done with nbc just as I am with abc.  But since corporate media is pretty near useless for real news these days, that really doesn't mean too much of a loss.

ELC, Portland, OR (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 11:46 AM)

The exclusion of Congressman Kucinich is a tactical and moral mistake from a network trying to chip into FOX News. Instead you seem to be emulating them.

That a major news organization would do that is unAmerican and you should be embarrassed to be a part of it.

Daniel, Seattle WA (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 11:50 AM)

Shame on MSNBC for sinking down to FOX News level in deciding which candidates we, the people, should be listening to. Your credibility in the light of recent events has diminished greatly. If I wanted to be fed what to think, I'd just turn over to FOX News.

Mr. Williams and Mr. Russert should be ashamed to be associated with this action. It is a disservice to the American people.

Beyond the simple breach of contract, that MSNBC should base its decisions on what < 1% of Americans have decided upon -- is it any wonder we have the kind of crappy politics that exist today?

Mr. Kucinich and Dr. Paul both deserve to be heard at this stage in the political process.

I don't know if I can call MSNBC a news organization any longer. They are no better than FOX News (in their exclusion of Dr. Paul). Instead, MSNBC has helped "fix" the election by creating criteria based on < 1% of Americans. Our democracy is in enough trouble -- we don't need the likes of MSNBC (along with FOX News) deciding which candidates are viable.

I have lost all faith in Mr. Williams and Mr. Russert. Both should be ashamed to have associated themselves with this. You have done a disservice to this country and the democratic process in general.

*For the record, I am not a supporter of Mr. Kucinich or Dr. Paul  -- but I do think their ideas are worth serious consideration.

Mark, Vancouver, WA (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 12:35 PM)

I'm disgusted MSNBC is muzzling Dennis Kucinich by excluding him from the debate. And I'm not even voting for him! If you didn't have Olberman, I'd never watch MSNBC again.

C D, Custer, WA (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 12:43 PM)

Dennis Kucinich should be allowed to be in the debate.  Mr. Williams do you really expect the voter to believe that NBC is not baised as hell!  We are not children and we can decide for our selves who is a viable candidate.  this is the problem with corporate media today.  Get it togehter or the people will!

Fernando (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 1:17 PM)

I'm a top 3 supporter.  And shame on msnbc for not allowing Kucinich to talk about issues.  

Since when does the media get to inject itself into this???   I'm totally livid.

Used to watch msnbc and Matthews. I'm very much changing that tune.  How Un-American, biased, and last unprofessional journalistically.  Please bring back Cronkite and the old school journalists.

Completely Shameful!!!

Michael S. Long Island, NY (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 1:55 PM)

I have watched NBC for my entire adult life.  I am so disappointed and angry with the MSNBC staff, Tim Russert and you for the way you are handling the primary coverage.  Tim Russert and the boys on MSNBC almost noticeably drool with venom when they talk to or about Senator Clinton.  it is too bad you are trying to make the news instead of reporting it.     Is it because GE owns these stations or because she is a woman that she is treated so poorly.  You soft ball Senator Obama and ignore Senator Edwards.  We won't even mention how you treated Dennis Kucinich.  Between MSNBC and people like Lou Dobbs, the "news" is a poor choice of terms.  Opinion shows are more like it.  Oh for the days of Walter Cronchite, Huntley & Brinkley, etc. who knew how to report the news.  

Jan Hura, Cleveland, OH (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 2:34 PM)

I'm hoping that this email actually gets to Brian Williams-it has to with a piece I saw last February that Anne Thompson did shortly after my mother was diagnosed with an Autoimmune disease.  My father is a WWII veteran.  I passed this information on to him and he said he checked into it and was told he was not eligible.  Basically I let it drop until now.  My mother has had a rough year with her disease and has now fractured her sacrum.  She has to have complete bed rest and needs to have a nurse come to the house to get her up and help her move everyday so that she doesn't develop blood clots or bed sores.  Medicare will pay for one hour of nursing care a day.

When I called the VA to find out about my parents eligibility I was told that unless my father was disabled my mother was not entitled to any benefit.  The way your story was presented there was no mention whatsoever pertaining to the veteran being the one who was disabled!  When I told the person I was speaking to this she said that they had no control over the way stories were represented on television and that the program did not tell the story properly!  This I find not only appalling I am sincerely disappointed that my father served this country during the war and he's not entitled to any help that is there for this purpose and would relieve some of the burden on him for the care for my mother.  Thank you, Janice Lentz

Janice Lentz, Palos Verdes, CA (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 2:34 PM)

I won't be watching NBC News tonight or for the foreseeable future, but will still find myself curious to know if Brian will acknowledge all the emails telling him and NBC what an odious choice they have made, inviting and then de-inviting Kucinich.  Who are you to decide who is viable or not viable when the candidate in question is clearly a nationally recognized legitimate candidate?  And that he would be included when Richardson was still in, and then excluded because you decided you did not want his view aired--based up YOUR first amendendment rights??? This is inexcusable.  You are the shills for your master company GE.

Linda Littrell, Saint Paul, MN (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 4:18 PM)

Excluding Dennis Kucinich from the debate confirms what many Americans all ready know; that networks owned by companies like GE serve the interest of the corporation and not the people. Shame on you.

Greg Kanaga San Mateo, Ca. (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 4:18 PM)

You can view Kucinich's response to the questions posed in Las Vegas at Democracy Now; broadcast on Link TV and on line at democracynow.org  

Greg Kanaga San Mateo (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 4:31 PM)

Without Kucinich, the Democrats were all in agreement on Iraq, as reported by Matt Renner on Truthout.com:

"All said they all would begin a limited withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, but with their opportunity to discuss Iraq limited by the debate organizers, Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and former Sen. John Edwards spent only a few minutes on what may be the most difficult issue they will deal with if elected."

Without Kucinich, the spectrum of the debate on issues such as health care and Iraq is considerably smaller.  Even before his exclusion, Kucinich said on Bill Moyer's Journal that the only way he could get certain issues into the debate was to ask himself a question, which he did.  By cutting him out of the debate, MSNBC and ABC have hurt his electability;  ironically his electability problem has less to do with public support and more to do with big media cutting him out.  It becomes a kind of self-fullfilling prophecy. He may not have been the frontrunner, but he may well have challenged Edwards for the 3rd spot if he had been included and treated seriously.  The fact that his numbers were above those of some candidates who were treated more seriously leads to a very good question:  Why does corporate media want him out of the race?

That is the biggest issue to arise out of the debate debacle.  We should not trust ABC or MSNBC until they give this question a serious answer.  Nor should we buy the viability argument:  they've been working to make it that way.  Instead let us ask, are these the people we should be relying on for our information?

D. Hancock, MA (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 7:29 PM)

I have to say that I am encouraged... not by MSNBC, but by many of the posts I've just read.  I've been looking for a venue to express my disgust at not seeing Dennis Kucinich in the recent debates.  I'm encouraged to see that many others have expressed the same.  Add my name to the list.  MSNBC, please amend your ways.  I don't watch Fox and don't want to run out of places to get news in which I can put some level of trust.  I just lost a lot of faith and trust in MSNBC.  Keeping Dennis Kucinich out of the debates makes you a newsmaker instead of a news reporter.  Shame on you!

John Lorang, Eugene, OR (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:31 PM)

Loved the piece on how to pronounce Nevada.  Now, would you consider tackling "Orygun"?  As we say out west, "Ore-GONE" is still in the same place it's always been...

Cyndi Sayce, Portland OR (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 11:35 PM)

MSNBC made the choice to uninvite Dennis Kucinich from the Las Vegas debate. Today, I made the choice to uninvite MSNBC into my home, so I purposely downgraded my satellite programming to delete MSNBC, and I save ten bucks a month.  I will miss Keith Olbermann a little, but I choose to vote with my feet and my wallet. See ya!

Robert Cunningham, La Mirada, CA (Sent Thursday, January 17, 2008 2:50 AM)

My comment is a request.  Enough with the debates!
They are boring; they are merely a media show (an
attempt to make the media look relevant) and the
responses are largely sound bites and comments that
the candidates think people want to hear and they
are not necessarily what the candidate really believes.  Stick to the news; that is what you and
your cohorts are really good at.

Arthur W. Knapp, Walnut Creek, California (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 11:07 AM)

Thanks for your segment "Making a Difference" tonight Julu 27, 2009. Kids really do searve too. I am 53 years old and my father was in the US AirForce for 21 years. He served for a year in Viet Nam. We were ambasadors for our country where ever we went. Our last tour of Duty was Weisbaden Germany.There was always a special bond between us BRATS, especially while our Dad's were deployed.

Donald W Hampton Jr (Sent Monday, July 27, 2009 7:20 PM)

The fall of the Berlin wall was one of the main accomplishments of Ronald Raegan.  It is sad that his name was not even mentioned during NBC's coverage of this event.  

Dennis Morgan, Hopkins, SC (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 7:39 PM)



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