I'm guessing because you don't wear contacts that you have no idea how much space your tie takes up on the screen.  Why the stripes must be four feet high and the polka dots the size of beach balls! (just a little humor to lighten the mood)

if all they picked up from your posts was wondering why you do (or don't) wear contacts and how much music you have, then they really shouldn't bother commenting...thank you for bothering to write anything at all, brian.

Thanks for all the behind the scenes tidbits. They make my day! Like hearing that the Presidential Ipod is red and black. Very cool.

Well! Brian, glad you got all that off your chest!  Hope you feel better.  It never ceases to amaze me about the ignorance of people!  Even if you did spend $2,500 on the music who cares?  You earned it and can spend your funds the way you deem necessary.   No one is working as hard as you are in the news business!

I'll be watching tonight!  

Good Evening Mr.Williams, I just want to say that I really enjoy reading your Daily Nightly Posts and I know you have mentioned that you read them all. I feel very privileged that you read my postings because it makes me feel very special. In my opinion you always dress great and I know you wear glasses sometimes during the candidate's debates, but have never mentioned wearing contacts. Anyway, looking forward to the broadcast and of course coverage of the Florida Primary. Maybe even my favorite journalist will be on the broadcast! I hope so!! See you in Nightly News! Peace to all!  

Now our president decides to "brush up" on war?!?  

Gyaagh!  

Now, about your iPod: I tip my hat to you.  I can't even  think of 20 songs to put on that little gizmo.  How you arrived at 2,500 is quite a feat.  

However, I think what everyone really wants to know, Brian, is what is the most embarrassing song on your iPod?  

I'm going to bet you've got Sheena Easton on there, don't you?  

I think it's despicable that Carolyn Kennedy would make a commercial using her father The Late President John F. Kennedy saying she supports Mr. Obama. It's ok if she chooses to support Mr. Obama, but using her dads legacy to gain support for her choice isn't right. Let the people pick who they choose without trying to compare someone to a obviously great man. Also, Mr. Obama should not have snubbed Mrs. Clinton.Those type of things do not make the Democrats look well in the eyes of the public.

I also want to thank you for writing this blog every day.  I don't comment every day, but I do read every day and appreciate the time and thought that you put into each and every post.

As for your iPod....I've got *gulp* nearly 7000 songs on mine.  I know you said before that you don't have any classical music on yours.  Have you corrected that oversight yet?  Sometimes listening to classical music is the only thing that gets me through a tough commute.  

I am constantly amazed at what people get upset over.  Thanks for taking the time to answer the question as to whether you read the blog, although any of us who frequent the site could have answered that.  I think making the news business seem more accessible is a great service you offer to your audience and think I speak for all of us when I thank you for that, too.

Keep up the good work and I can't wait to see the repeat of your SNL hosting gig.  One of my all time favorite episodes.  If only you would appear on "30 Rock" after the strike...

Time for a reality check;

1850 Henry Clay introduced in the Senate a compromise bill on slavery that included the admission of California into the Union as a free state.
1861 Kansas became the 34th state of the Union.
1979 President Jimmy Carter welcomed Chinese Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping to the White House following the establishment of diplomatic relations
1998 A bomb exploded at an abortion clinic in Birmingham, Ala., killing an off-duty policeman and severely wounding a nurse. (The bomber, Eric Rudolph, was captured in May 2003 and is serving a life sentence.)
2004 A suicide bomber struck a bus in Jerusalem, killing 10 Israelis.
2006 ABC "World News Tonight" co-anchor Bob Woodruff and a cameraman were seriously injured in a roadside bombing in Iraq.

Let us not forget to take our eyes off the ball.

Brian, please help keep us focused.

Hi Brian:

Sorry to post again!  Just checked my IPOD and I now have 2835 songs, 55 videos and 3 photos.  I haven't used all my memory!    Let's not tell Blogger Bob!  He may call the FBI on me.

May I recommend a Bose Sound Dock portable station for your IPOD?  It is fantastic and only $399.  If you are on the fence, maybe one for your wife for Valentine's Day?  

Let's just not tell Blogger Bob all our secrets to great music and good fun!

That's probably the classiest response ever by a blogger to the stupid/anal/no-life comments issue.  Well done.

Also, I can't wait for the blog post for which that Obama/Kennedy comment will be relevant. :-)

I know you're busy, but I was surprised to get absolutely no response to a letter requesting a quick note to be shared at my son's Eagle Scout Court of Honor. I know people who have gotten letters from the Vatican in response to such requests.  

Hi Brian:

Valerie is right!  You all class.  Funny post about people and their off the wall comments.

I heard one woman cable news anchor say she would get strange feedback on the website about what shoes and boots she wore on air.  Some nut would send in comments about her shoes and the color of her nail polish.  

I don't know Brian I am having a hard time seeing you in Jimmy Choos and in a Diane Von Furstenberg dress walking Fifth Avenue.   All I am saying are the comments could be worse!  

Hi Brian:
  I am 15 and i am really into the politics this year i really think that it is getting old watching Clinton and Obama arguing back and fourth when doing debates and really i think that edwards needs to step it up a notch and get into it more. Well i like watching your show and watch it every night you do a great job and don't really care what you wear
and on my ipod i only have 200 songs so you should give me some ideas cause i find it amazing how you have got 2,500 songs on yours well i am going because your show is on

Dear Brian:

You do a great job and I enjoy watching you on NBC and when you are on MSNBC.  My question to you is why do you think the presidential candidates don't talk more about the following issues in America?

#1 Help for the Katrina Victims
#2 Better care for our war veterans
#3 Better benefits for our war veterans
#4 Deterioration of the infrastructure in the US
#5 How can we help the homeless

I am more concerned about these issues than I am about the security of our nation.  It seems the real issues that hit home do not get discussed.  I do not feel that it is a state issue only.  It is a national issue

Jeese Jackson Sr, made unsuccessful runs for the Democratic nomination for U.S. president in 1984 and 1988,
OBAMA is not the first to run for president
Please correct the news

Brian,

I am not in love with the new studio setup:

1) The background looks like animated graffiti most of the time.

2) The shot from the side when you have guests has a blinding reflection of the lights from the next room in your desktop.

3) When there is not animated graffiti, there is a shot of the screens in the newsroom (stolen from CNN?).

Jim

Brian, I suppose that the posters who comment on contacts and iPod choices probably wouldn't make those comments if they had to mail them in.  I think that the very nature of blog comments ie: instant posting with minimal thought involved is to blame for most of this.  Silly business indeed.  

Once again I am proven to not be an average American.  I do not own a single credit card.  I gave them up for college and haven't had the financial stability that makes me comfortable in having them again.  When I did have them, I had 3 at most.  I can't imagine having NINE in my wallet.  Come to think of it, I don't think I have nine cards in my wallet, including my library card!

About your statement on presidential state of the union addresses... people questioned  your math?  I'm mathematically deficient and I could have told you that!  Presidents just don't give states of the union addresses the year they are elected.  

Phew about the asteroid.  I was (not) loosing sleep over that one!

Re: the story of the little Iraqi girl with a heart problem:
It is a heartwarming story, but, Brian, I think you goofed;
My Egyptian mother-in-law, by the same name, would be rolling in her grave to hear her name pronounced as you did: AM-men-ah.   It should be ah-MEEN-ah.
What ever happened to reporters checking their facts?
Why not ask her mother?

Brian,

You may want to have your producer double check your graphics. There is no "e" in judgment as reported on tonight's whale episode.

Greg

oh I forgot one question, Brian.  Are you ready for the Super Bowl?  GO PATRIOTS!  :)

you don't need to respond to anyone's letters brian...i know you are super busy...hello! ! !  someone has to keep the peacock on course and that is your job.  keep up the good work.  

once again, john williams is the best.  best theme ever! ! !

I just  saw the feature on Barack Obama and the "slum landloard". How about checking into the Clinton's relatioship with that same man. There is a photo of them with him. You don't get your picture taken with the president and his wife "just because....". Be fair and objective. Let's see and hear about that relationship as well.

Politicians picked by corporate media?
Let’s talk about Hillary Clintons profits from her time as a corporate lawyer for Wal-mart. And while you’re at it lets see a picture of her house with a street sign so we all know where it’s at. It should be a prison offense the way you attempt to sway voters. But then who will fight for your corporate rights to oppress the public.

Brian, it never ceases to amaze me what silly things people have to complain about.  If you want to spend $25 or $2500 on Itunes (which I'm sure you didn't) it's nobody's business.  As for your ties, I think you look positively dapper every night.  Keep up the good reporting...you always come across with a Cronkite-like news style and that is meant as a compliment.  It's important to keep Katrina and Iraq in the news...so many people don't think about them anymore.

We were very disturbed that NBC nightly news on Tues.spent prime time on Obama's house,etc! It wasn't illegal,so what is the point?  I didn't see any other candidates' in the spotlight?????

I grew up admiring the Kennedy family; my parents came to this country from Mexico and became democrats due in great part to the family.  We shared their values, faith and ideology.  I still admire the Kennedy family for continuing the legacy of fighting for the less fortunate and doing what is right for all Americans.  But despite my deep admiration, I feel compelled to voice my opposition to their vocal support of Barack Obama.  
     
We are living though perhaps one of the most significant presidential elections in modern history.  Because of the precarious state in which Bush and the Republican Party have put the county in, there is a profound urgency to elect the most qualified candidate who will be able to begin executing real change from day one as president of the United States.

Hillary Clinton has a proven record of standing up for ordinary citizens.  When Bill Clinton first took over the White House as president of the United States, it was Hillary Clinton who took on the tough issue of healthcare.  Political analysts have since labeled it a debacle.  The truth of the matter is that her first political undertaking was domed for failure due to her inexperience in Washington.  What should be significant to all Americans is the choice of issues she selected to tackle.  She was ahead of her time, pressing upon the need to take on the healthcare crisis long before it became rhetoric on every presidential campaign.  

The years have passed, and she has grown wiser and smarter.  Getting things done in Washington requires negotiating skills and compromise.  Her connections and experience will serve her well in reversing the mess left behind by President Bush.  She’ll have the best adviser by her side - Former President Bill Clinton.  Despite the critics, Bill Clinton is an assist to Hillary Clinton.  He was a president that made life better for all Americans and who left the White House with a surplus in the treasury.

It is time for drastic change.  But what does that mean?  I believe most Americans would agree that it means a change from President Bush and the Republican Party.  It’s clear now that President Bush and his administration deceived the public and congress into going to war, etc.  The Republican Party had their opportunity, but squandered it by following President Bush’s lead on every issue without question.  Hillary Clinton, therefore, does represent change.  But in her case it would be proven change for the common good for all Americans.  On the other hand, Barack Obama would be entering the highest office in the nation with little proven experience.  The problem lies in the fact that this country hasn’t the time to wait until he learns all he needs to in order to get it right.

As for the endorsements of the Kennedy family for Barack Obama, we should put this in perspective.  Caroline Kennedy seems to have chosen to support Obama for his inspirational speeches and Ted Kennedy seems upset at Bill Clinton.  They certainly have a right to their motives, but they don’t seem substantive enough.  It’s also worth noting that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental activist and son of Robert Kennedy has endorsed Hillary Clinton, stating: “Hillary Clinton has the strength and experience to bring the war in Iraq to an end and reverse the potentially devastating effects of global warming."  Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and Mary Kerry Kennedy support Hillary. "Hillary shares so many of the concerns of my father. Hillary has spent a lifetime speaking out on behalf of the powerless and working to alleviate poverty," said Kathleen Kennedy Townsend.  

Hillary Clinton has my vote because her actions and deeds speak volumes more than mere words could.  She will be a president for all Americans.

Sound Judgement? That was the graphic on the whale story that just aired. Does anybody ever proofread Brian's copy? Obviously, he does not or can't spell. It be fairly obvious since Brokaw left that he doesn't know even the most basic rules of grammar. My favorite rant is the use of "gone missing" when someone, usually a woman or child, is abducted. "Taken missing," perhaps? I guess if there's a silver lining here, it would be that young, impressionable minds don't watch network news.

Hey Brian

I like reading your blogs - even if I don't comment on all of them. I find them quite refreshing & you do come out with the odd history lesson. So I learn something new now & again.

Later, yeah......

yasmin
in memory of Charlie Rocket
http://www.myspace.com/132501307

Brian
Did you folks ever think of taking stock of the number of negative reports you've done on Hillary and/or Bill Clinton?  I should think that Mr. Obama's supporters can't wait for the nightly "look what that witch did to Obama today" news.  Maybe Tim (I so obviously hate Hillary Clinton I've lost all journalistic integrity) Russert could run the tally?
God I miss Peter Jennings and Walter Crokite, Huntley and Brinkley where have you gone..they may have been staunch good ol Republican boys but I'd never have known the difference...journalistic integrity, something that is sorely lacking in your reporting of the Democratic race. Shame on you and Mr. Russert.

Hey Brian, Andrea, Tim
Your glee is showing, yep, everytime you have some nasty, negative report on Hillary the smug looks are all over your faces. I guess Hillary bashing just puts you all on a natural high.  Thank goodness for the off button.

I grew up admiring the Kennedy family; my parents came to this country from Mexico and became democrats due in great part to the family.  We shared their values, faith and ideology.  I still admire the Kennedy family for continuing the legacy of fighting for the less fortunate and doing what is right for all Americans.  But despite my deep admiration, I feel compelled to voice my opposition to their vocal support of Barack Obama.  
     
We are living though perhaps one of the most significant presidential elections in modern history.  Because of the precarious state in which Bush and the Republican Party have put the county in, there is a profound urgency to elect the most qualified candidate who will be able to begin executing real change from day one as president of the United States.

Hillary Clinton has a proven record of standing up for ordinary citizens.  When Bill Clinton first took over the White House as president of the United States, it was Hillary Clinton who took on the tough issue of healthcare.  Political analysts have since labeled it a debacle.  The truth of the matter is that her first political undertaking was domed for failure due to her inexperience in Washington.  What should be significant to all Americans is the choice of issues she selected to tackle.  She was ahead of her time, pressing upon the need to take on the healthcare crisis long before it became rhetoric on every presidential campaign.  

The years have passed, and she has grown wiser and smarter.  Getting things done in Washington requires negotiating skills and compromise.  Her connections and experience will serve her well in reversing the mess left behind by President Bush.  She’ll have the best adviser by her side - Former President Bill Clinton.  Despite the critics, Bill Clinton is an assist to Hillary Clinton.  He was a president that made life better for all Americans and who left the White House with a surplus in the treasury.

It is time for drastic change.  But what does that mean?  I believe most Americans would agree that it means a change from President Bush and the Republican Party.  It’s clear now that President Bush and his administration deceived the public and congress into going to war, etc.  The Republican Party had their opportunity, but squandered it by following President Bush’s lead on every issue without question.  Hillary Clinton, therefore, does represent change.  But in her case it would be proven change for the common good for all Americans.  On the other hand, Barack Obama would be entering the highest office in the nation with little proven experience.  The problem lies in the fact that this country hasn’t the time to wait until he learns all he needs to in order to get it right.

As for the endorsements of the Kennedy family for Barack Obama, we should put this in perspective.  Caroline Kennedy seems to have chosen to support Obama for his inspirational speeches and Ted Kennedy seems upset at Bill Clinton.  They certainly have a right to their motives, but they don’t seem substantive enough.  It’s also worth noting that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental activist and son of Robert Kennedy has endorsed Hillary Clinton, stating: “Hillary Clinton has the strength and experience to bring the war in Iraq to an end and reverse the potentially devastating effects of global warming."  Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and Mary Kerry Kennedy support Hillary. "Hillary shares so many of the concerns of my father. Hillary has spent a lifetime speaking out on behalf of the powerless and working to alleviate poverty," said Kathleen Kennedy Townsend.  

Hillary Clinton has my vote because her actions and deeds speak volumes more than mere words could.  She will be a president for all Americans.

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Well,another exciting evening of primary results this time the Florida Primary. Such a battle for delegates in just one State. I cannot imagine the flurry of activity when Super Tuesday comes a week from today. It will be interesting to see whose signs will dominate the sides of the road on the way and possibly across from my polling place. The candidates signs are beginning to grow in certain areas. Super Tuesday is coming to Georgia. On another note Dr. Nancy Snyderman's segment about the way people feel at certain ages was certainly interesting information. I suppose one does look at one's life and one's accomplishments when reaching a particular age. At my age I always am asked certain questions and sometimes I think I should be giving a different response. But then I think life is what you make of it. So try to make the best with what you have and you will most likely be successful. Finally, with regards to the report from Mr.Larson concerning the Military Warships and the use of their sonar near whales. I hope the problem can be resolved because security is vitally important, but also protecting these whales is too. Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. I will most likely see you later on this evening with primary election results. Peace to all!

I'm still waiting to find out if anyone running for President other than Obama is left handed. If I have to start insulting your ties, or making rude comments about the number of songs on your iPod to get an answer I will.  

I'm counting on Harry Reid to screw this stimulus bill up so bad nothing will be passed. We could take 25% of that money, and out right BRIBE every man woman and child in Florida to the tune of $2000 per head to let us drill for oil off shore. It's an absolute joke that China and Cuba are drilling off our shores and we can't.  Don't people care about the poor, the elderly on fixed incomes? How about single mothers? All these people are hit hardest with high energy cost. Why do you no drilling people hate these people so much? :-)

I'm so tired of seeing this Clinton lie about a "a surplus in the treasury" Maybe some night nbc could do a little fact checking on this myth, and explain the difference between the debt, the deficit, and "projected deficit"
Hillary Clinton is the only one who is most prepared, and has the experience to offer an excuse why something bad happened, or why something good can't be done.

Hi Brian Williams' Now that I know you really read these blogs, I will write more often.  P.S you want to know a secret?  I surf back and forth between you & Charlie Gibson during the Nightly News.  >just kidding<.

I'm wondering why we never hear more about who the candidates may choose for cabinet members, during the race to Nov. 5th. Even when it's down to the 2 main individuals left, it is seemingly never brought up. I would think this information would be of great importance to know, as they, in my opinion, are just as important to the country's welfare and function.

Brian.. you got to say something to Morning Joe.. He is so bias against McCain that he can't see that the majority of Republicans support him! What is sad is that he is acting more like a politician than a journalist.

I am an Independent who is truly concerned about the state of our Democracy.

Should Hillary win the Democratic Party's nomination and the election, we would have had a Bush Dynasty, and then a Clinton Dynasty. Two families would have ruled us for 24 - 28 years!

Does this mean that of the millions of us in this great country, only two families are smart enough to lead? I am sure that our founding fathers never thought We The People would just let this happen. We are looking more and more like the Saudi Dynasty system of govt.

We have lost so much confidence in ourselves, we are  filled with so much fear that we would rather go back to an era of national embarrassment brought upon us by the Clintons which we have put behind us.

I am anxious and dreading the rehashing of a period of shame in our history when the general election comes around.  Surely, nobody thinks the Republicans will not bring up the  adulterous affairs, perjury, etc. of the Clinton era?

We need a better way forward. Any ideas?

It occurs to me that the news doesn’t just report the news anymore.  Recently the news in my opinion is swaying the primary elections.  You report things that are more scandalous to create a story.  Case in point, on January 29th you reported Obama in Kansas told reporters that the Florida primary was a beauty contest.  Nothing else was said or pointed out that this was a very sexiest remark.  On the other hand, President Clinton makes a comment about Jessie Jackson and you report it as a raciest remark and cover it in depth.  When will an election be run on the merit of the candidate?  You also did this in the 2000 election when Kerry was pretty much run out of town because of the swift boat remarks.  Are you so desperate to get a story that you don’t worry that most of what you report will sway voters one way or another?

Hello Doyle Smith,
"Beauty Contest" is the description the media and even the DNC is using. Go to CNN, thats what they are all calling it. I am not an Obama fan, but fair is fair.

Mr. Williams,
I must say that your report tonight, showing the Obama house, city, and estate name was very thoughtless. It could put the family in danger as you very well know.

I found your news story regarding the Rezko Obama real estate deal interesting. It has been reported that after the original sale, Rezko sold part of the vacant lot to Obama. Any idea what kind of a deal Obama got for that?

The average American owns NINE credit cards??  Wow, I find that absolutely astounding. I expect many of them are 'department store' cards, which are a terrible idea -- high interest rates and absolutely no grace period for late payments.  I sympathize with the couple in your story, and I know that health care costs and gas prices are beyond their control, but I wouldn't mind taking a peek at some of the other items on those credit card bills.  I'm just not sure that everyone who has these huge credit card debts are really living within their means.  I could be wrong.  
P.S.  It IS clear that someone reads all your e-mails, and that is refreshing!

Brian, Please tell Chris Mathews and everyone he is working with tonight, that the Dem votes in Florida are not about them. They are about the Americans in Florida who voted. I am really getting tired of the big egos on cable.
If Hillary or any Dem candidate wants to fly there after the election and thank those Americans who took the time and energy to vote, let them. How dare they make fun of voters.

Brian I'm still waiting on the Florida results.  But I've got good news for you to pass on to Chris. The next President should hire a business man who is one of the smarterst in the US. He took a company and moved it overseas to save on taxes.  Then he worked hard for 7 years to build the company to be one of the best in the Middle East. This quarter that company made a 27 per cent profit. Yes the smart business man is Dick Cheney and the company is Halliburton.  While the US economy is going down hill, Cheney has built Halliburton to one of the largest and most profitable companies in the world. Good thing Cheney moved Halliburton overseas, now this recession wont hurt Cheney's company.  Now if Cheney had worked as hard for the US has he has in the last 7 years for Halliburton we wouldn't be in a recession.  Maybe Cheney will accept a job to work for the United States of America to help rebuild our economy.

Brian the World must look at our Justice System as the biggest joke. Bloch: The investigator being investigated. Scott Bloch was picked by the new Attorney General to investigate the Attorney firing. While Bloch himself in underinvestigation for destroying emails and  he relatiating against whistle blowers plus he was politicizing his office.
Now why would anyone pick Scott who is under investigation for crimes to lead an investigation on crimes done by his bosses.  Mukasey was appointed to stall all investigations against Administration employees who are loyal to bhe Bush/Cheney criminal team.  We have no Justice System anymore as the crooks are running the department.

The following clears up that question of waterboarding and I know it can't be reported publicly but the word is already out as followes:
Former Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte said the United States used waterboarding in terrorism interrogations but no longer does. In prepared remarks for Congress that he will deliver today, Attorney General Michael Mukasey avoids addressing the issue of waterboarding.   We are the terrorist we called evil.

A wonderful hello to everyone at NBC.  Dad and I try to watch the Nightly News everyday.  We do enjoy it very much, Thank you!

Mr. Williams, I do have a request or suggestion.  I am retired from the National Guard.  Until I reach age 60, I and other retirees AREN'T  allowed to collect our monetary benefit(s).  Would you or Tim Russet ask the presidential candidates to change that.  This all took place during the Clinton Admin..
Since the country needs an economic boost...how about remitting the entitlements we have EARNED.  I've been retired for five years now and will have to wait another ten.  Will you ask your staff to consider this.  Thank you very much for time and consideration.  Cordially, Arthur Wangler

I know most people are concerned with who our next president will be.  I have another concern more immediate to me.  Early in 2007 you did a week of reporting on caring for our elderly parents.  In that report I learned of a VA benefit for the elderly to help pay for their care.  In March I applied for that benefit for my 89 year old mother.  Her application is still pending.  I have been in contact with Vern Ehlers for help in this matter.  His office immediately sent me papers to be signed by my mother which I took care of and sent back to him.  That was early in December, 2007.  Still nothing from anyone.  My questiono is "Why"?  I was told at application that she would be eligible so why must it take so long to obtain a benefit that she is eligible for and is in desperate need of?  How about a follow-up report?

First let me say I don't really care about your tie or if you wear contacts (little humor). While I agree the poor state of our economy is a vital issue worthy of top coverage, I feel the environment is an equal concern. Surely I'm not unique in this. The positions of the candidates on environmental policies would be extremely helpful because the current administration has attacked (either by ignoring or directly) most aspects of our world. Ignoring scientific facts to promote special interests has done, I fear, irreparable harm. Please address the environment,plans for and care of, when questioning candidates and when reporting. I am a loyal viewer and do enjoy the banter.

Brian,

Your comment about David Gregory being the chair of the political science department at Towson State University was even better than your crack about Howard Wolfson's sweater on the night of the NH Primary.

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