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The sounds of silence

Posted: Thursday, February 07, 2008 4:47 PM by Barbara Raab
Filed Under:

By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor

What a wild day here -- it started with a special report on the NBC Television Network on our confirmation that Romney had decided to drop out of the race. We got on the air and got off, despite the fact that through a technical fluke, I could hear nothing. I threw a question to Tim Russert, and I knew I could talk again only after I saw his lips stop moving. What I didn't know was: once off the air for the NBC television stations, I was then plugged into MSNBC, live. And silent. Luckily, my friend Chris Matthews was there to pick up the baton. I only got about 50 e-mails afterwards from well-meaning friends, all of them along the lines of: "Did you know you were on television just then?" Kind of.

What a fascinating day to sit down in front of a warm t.v. and watch the various speakers appearing before CPAC in Washington. The Romney speech was a truly interesting moment, as was McCain much later in the day.

EXTRAS

On the topic of Romney, did anyone see Letterman's riff on same last night?

Must reading for today: the New York Times page-one piece on Dr. Robert Jarvik.

Must listening for lovers of new music: Vampire Weekend. They are a small New York City (mostly club) band made up of Columbia University grads. Warning to people of a certain age: the album is loosely themed after "Graceland" by Paul Simon (okay, on some songs, its an unmistakable style lift) and will make those 45 and older feel...much older. The hookiest song, Oxford Comma, happens to have an F-bomb in it -- four words into it, and again later -- so regard this as a language warning for those upset by this sort of thing.

And do not miss what Jon Stewart did with the Super Tuesday coverage, as only Jon can do.

I leave tonight for L.A., where we'll anchor Nightly News tomorrow night and where I will go on Jay Leno tomorrow with some very important friends of mine.

We have a great broadcast planned for tonight -- politics, weather, the mob, more politics -- and stuff we'd just as soon keep close to the vest.

We sure appreciate you joining us tonight.

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Good Evening Mr.Williams, I must say this Presidential Campaign just keeps changing each day. Now Governor Mitt Romney has dropped out of the race and that leaves Presidential Candidate Senator John McCain and Presidential Candidate Governor Mike Huckabee as the final two Republicans left. Interesting to know what will happen next with all the caucuses and primaries in all the different States. Never a dull moment in the news Mr.Williams. I am sorry you had some problems in broadcasting the breaking news today. Looking forward to seeing you broadcast from Los Angeles tomorrow evening and being on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" I will certainly watch. Sounds like a great broadcast that you have planned for this evening. Especially the reports you are keeping "close to the vest" as you say in the post. I appreciate you putting together such a great broadcast just for my birthday today. Just kidding! You always do a great job! I hope Richard has a report this evening that would be  nice! Peace to all!
To:Laurel, I enjoyed your posting last evening on "The Daily Nightly" it was very nice! Also we are one and two on the posting from Richard on World Blog. I think it's great! Stay well always!  

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia (Sent Thursday, February 07, 2008 5:50 PM)

 You people in the Press who are shoving Obama down the public's throat should be careful what you wish for.  The republican's are just a little too forthcoming in stating their desire to run against Hillary.  Pat Buchanan is the only one that is stating the obvious.  The Republicans will eat him alive!!  On the very rare occasion that he is put to task has anyone noticed how he stutters, stammers, becomes indignant, and defensive.  Now he is even afraid to debate Hillary!!!  While your hands off policy is keeping Hillary from being tough with him,  the republicans will go for his jugular.  By then, the public will have tired of his empty speeches and really start taking a look at this human being who believe he should hold the most important office in the world.    As for Hillary uniting the republican party, I am a former republican woman that has switched over to the Democratic side just to support Hillary--the best qualified and compassionate candidate on both sides.  You would be very surprised how many of us are out there.
Helen from Chicago

Helen in Chicago (Sent Thursday, February 07, 2008 6:17 PM)

You people in the Press who are shoving Obama down the public's throat should be careful what you wish for.  The republican's are just a little too forthcoming in stating their desire to run against Hillary.  Pat Buchanan is the only one that is stating the obvious.  The Republicans will eat him alive!!  While your hands off policy is keeping Hillary from being tough with him,  the republicans will go for his jugular. Have you noticed on the rare occasion Obama is put to taks, he stutters, stammers, becomes indignant and defensive? Now he is even afraid to debate Hillary.  He is turning down network offers of debates.  By summer, the public will have tired of his empty speeches and will really start taking a look at this human being who believes he should hold the most important office in the land.    As for Hillary uniting the republican party, I am a former republican woman that has switched over to the Democratic side just to support Hillary--the most quialified and compassionate candidate on both sides.  You would be very surprised how many of us are out there.
Helen from Chicago

Helen (Sent Thursday, February 07, 2008 6:27 PM)

Thanks for the tip on the band, a lot of good bands seem to come out of the underground of NYC.  A few years ago I got into stellastarr, if you haven't checked them out already you ought to.

I'm looking forward to the Presidential race coming to Virginia.  I'm hoping we'll catapult Obama toward the nomination, that's certainly how things feel around here.  The Clintons don't seem to have many fans around here.

Laura Harrison, Newport News, VA (Sent Thursday, February 07, 2008 6:44 PM)

Romney is the smart one to drop out now.  He didn't stand a chance against Hillary or Obama in Nov.  If MCcain and Huckabee had any brains they would drop out also; because they don't stand a chance against Hillary or Obama either.

g.eglesias`nepa~ (Sent Thursday, February 07, 2008 7:05 PM)

Brian, good newscast tonight.  Lester's report from Tennessee was moving, especially the discovery of the little girl.  So sad the amount of devastation and destruction that has occurred in the last years because of the weather.  All those billions of dollars that are going to the war could be better spent here.  Are those poor citizens in Iraq better off since we invaded, not to mention the number of our young men and women who have sacrificed their lives and the thousands who have come home physically and emotionally wounded.
p.s.  thanks for not reporting on Brittany tonight!!

Jo (Sent Thursday, February 07, 2008 7:07 PM)

Just a small question, Brian.  When you started the broadcast tonight, you mentioned the marvelous story about the 11 month old who survived the tornado.  You mentioned the baby was a "he" and then referred to him as an "it".  This is not the first time I heard NBC refer to the baby boy as an "it" regarding this story.  I'm wondering what the reasoning behind this is.  If you know the gender of the baby, or any human for that matter, why refer to a person as "it"?  

Bill Clinton speaks to a rally in Portland in less than an hour.  I was tempted to go but didn't feel like standing in the snow and rain just to be turned away, as there was a crowd standing at the door long before his arrival time and I know the building can't handle that many people.  Hillary is coming on Saturday, about the same time Obama shows up.  Apparently the Democrats are caucusing this weekend!  I've already made up my mind on who to support, but it would be nice to hear from this candidates personally, just because.... how can you miss this opportunity to be involved in the most historic presidential election since electing George Washington?  

I checked out your "must read" and I share the same cynicism as those interviewed.  Hmmmmm I agree.  He's not practicing medicine yet calls himself a doctor?  That is misleading; makes you wonder what else he's misleading....

Stephanie Umbro, Maine (Sent Thursday, February 07, 2008 7:11 PM)

Good Evening Mr.Williams, This is certainly an interesting election year. It seems to change by the day. With regards to the broadcast and the news of Governor Mitt Romney dropping out of the race leaving just Presidential Candidate Senator John McCain and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee one wonders what the results of the next caucuses and primaries will be. Seeing how McCain has the largest delegate count it shows that he is the frontrunner, yet Huckabee is staying in the race maybe pulling out more delegates not that he will surpass McCain,but he certainly is not giving up the race. They do need to stop attacking eachother and unite because the party needs to become excited for one particular candidate before the convention. On another note the report by Mr.Holt from Tennessee regarding the tornadoes certainly showed some horrible destruction by these fierce storms. It is a genuine miracle the 11 month old baby was found alive. It was tragic to learn the mother died, but the father survived and has a beautiful child who will grow up healthy and strong. I still feel so very sad the mother was lost. May all the families heal from this tragedy and rebuild their lives in their town. Finally, the report by Mr.Alexander concerning a large amount of avalanches out West just shows how one should really remain on marked trails for skiing. Somehow mother nature always wins in the outcome. Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. See you in Los Angeles tomorrow evening. Peace to all!    

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia (Sent Thursday, February 07, 2008 7:39 PM)

There is nothing like live TV to make you truly appreciate Grimlins in the electronics at the worst possible moment.  Great broadcast tonight.  I'm looking forward to the Primary in Virginia next week.  People that I know are voting for the first time and voting in the primary and making donations to Obama as a welcome change from the "Politics as Usual" types.  Whether we will see any real changes or not is yet to be seen.  At least we have hope for something different.  I certainly hope so.  You folks at NBC are doing a wonderful job.  It was nice to see Tom Brokaw Tuesday night.  He looks as if retirement is agreeing with him.  Keep up the good work.

Robert Price Blackstone, VA (Sent Thursday, February 07, 2008 8:28 PM)

Earlier today when I received the report that Romney was suspending or dropping out, I did not immediately switch on the TV.  After a few minutes and a few alerts, I figured I should see just what on earth was going on.  Imagine my total amazement when I switched on to MSNBC and HEARD your voice before I even looked up!  After a small amount of time I quickly switched to the local channel 11 NBC network station and you were not there.  Quickly got back to MSNBC ... utterly amazing day!  I did hear mention in some sort of side talk about, "Did you know you were on the air?"  I'm not quite sure what that meant.  REALLY, I'm not stalking you, but you pop up when least expected, but when I'm specifically looking for you (like Tuesday night) I can't find what Im looking for...oh well, I guess I'll go listen to CHER or U2 and forget it!

Gwendol Bowling, Newnan, GA (Sent Thursday, February 07, 2008 8:59 PM)

I wonder why obama is so concerned about the clinton's finances. Hasn't he ever heard of none of your business? Clearly he has no class.

And why does Andrea mitchell think this is news? When Romney used his own money, it wasn't news. McCain is out of money..,.. not news.

It is clear that NBC is still trying to bring Clinton down. Nothing has divided a party more. I will not only vote for McCain if Obama gets the election because I distrust obama and his past history, but because NBC has made me so angry.

And why won't obama debate Hillary? Because he is afraid cause he has no ground to stand on. You are out Obama. You will be brought down.

Shelby, LA (Sent Thursday, February 07, 2008 9:57 PM)

It was a great broadcast.  Keep up the good work, Mr. Williams.

Jamie, Salt Lake, Utah (Sent Thursday, February 07, 2008 10:06 PM)

Hi Brian
Romney had borrowed to much money for his business to continue. Nice to see if John McCain was President he wouldn't be able to make it for an emergency vote for the rebate checks. I laughed when McCain said he was to busy with his campaign to help the American people.

Brian when Hillary called for help woman and men answered. I told a group of friends what had the Clintons done for them. I got so many heart felt stories that mine didn't seem so big. But boy did they pour in the money for Hillary. I just asked my girls group but was surprised when men came out to got on line to give.  One person in the group told us about how the Clinton fund raiser for the Gulf storm victims helped his brother. I told that " that's what friends are for when you need help".

Joe Lieberman can't be a super delegate with his endorsement of McCain. Now Lieberman got in office playing a Democrat aka Independent while really being a Republican. Nothings left for him but the Green Party.

Brian remember this name Sibel Edmonds. You'll be hearing alot more information on her as she has the documents that prove TREASON committed. Hint the highest office of the USA.

We have hear Bush, Cheney, Rummy, Rice and others testify the US doesn't torture. Even Mukasey is playing the Gonzales illness of " I don't know, I'll get back to you".  Now finally CIA Director Hayden finally admits the US does torture. Even the FBI and Pentagon say they wont do it anymore.  Now that the US has no Justice System I guess it's ok to lie under oath if your protecting the White House secrets.

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California (Sent Thursday, February 07, 2008 10:19 PM)

When are you or someone in the news media going to expose and bring to justice that murderer in the White House...until you do you are nothing but wind and a disgrace to journalism

Don Wilson,Brooklyn,ny (Sent Friday, February 08, 2008 4:24 AM)

As a fan, I came to your blog specifically to thank you for not reporting on Britney ... but I see that Jo already beat me to it!  

I've been hard pressed to find news that isn't totally ridiculous.  It's just so sad that the media follows stories that are absolutely embarrassing to the anchors and insulting to the intelligence of their viewers.

Thank you for covering stories that matter!  

Tanya Ryno, New Jersey (Sent Friday, February 08, 2008 9:38 AM)

Thank God for Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.  Somebody has got to point out the rediculousness of the mainstream media.  CNN, MSNBC and Fox News are important for sure, but the nature of being all news all the time leads to making things into "news" that are not worthy of the word.  What happens in these "extended coverage" things is a perfect example of that.

Keep up the good work Brian!  The half hour duration of the Nightly News is just right!

Ashley, New York, NY (Sent Friday, February 08, 2008 10:37 AM)

I would really like to know why the media won't give Mike Huckabee an inch.  First, it was a two man race.  Then, he was sucking the conservative vote away from Romney, to the hurt of them both.  Now your saying Romney dropping out gives Mccain a virtual straight shot to the nomination.  Would you have said the same thing if it had been Huckabee dropping out instead of Romney?  

Curious , Montana (Sent Friday, February 08, 2008 10:52 AM)

Did you see where they're predicting gas prices dropping 50 cents a gallon in the spring because the reserves of refined gas are piling up? Democrats better get out and start driving to burn off some of that surplus.

Dave, Tn (Sent Friday, February 08, 2008 10:54 AM)

Mr. Williams,
   Thanks for the music tip, (They are now on my ipod) and the John Stewart link. I rarely have the time to watch his show anymore. Excellent report last night! Looking forward to this evening!

Melissa Stewart, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Friday, February 08, 2008 11:12 AM)

 Oh, yes. I forgot to add that the Times article on Dr. Jarvik was very interesting. I see those commercials frequently. In my opinion, Americans are far too dependant on drugs and the like. Don't misunderstand me-there have been several instances in my life where drugs have saved my life. However, I think that advertising a drug on television creates more problems than it solves.

            MJ Stewart

Melissa Stewart, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Friday, February 08, 2008 11:23 AM)

You seem to be quite knowledgeable about "alternative" music - much more than I, as I am now, and always have been a total square!  Ha, ha.  May I recommend the new Ingrid Michaelson CD?  One of her songs was featured in a Christmas television commercial - I can't remember if it was for JC Penney, or for Kohls.  Another was featured on "Grey's Anatomy," but I wouldn't have known that, as I don't watch that show....  If I can stay awake tonight, I'll watch you on Leno.  :-)  

Leonardtown, MD (Sent Friday, February 08, 2008 11:53 AM)

Mr. Williams, I have always found your reporting to be unbiased and factual. There is an issue that deserves your attention happening as we speak.
Please investigate the upcoming changes to Ebay/Paypal. I and many other Ebayers believe that they are unethical at the least, and possibly illegal. We have mounted a grassrootes campaign to get the word out. Please check the following links:
http://www.auctionbytes.com/forum/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=23147
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/02/04/nebay104.xml
http://forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.jspa?threadID=1000636290&start=360
http://www.newsweek.com/id/105957/page/1
http://www2.ebay.com/aw/core/200801291635272.html
There are many other sites, blogs, youtube videos etc out there regarding this.
If these changes are allowed to take place I believe it could set a dangerous precident. Paypal being allowed to hold a seller's payment from his account has to be stopped. If they are going to act like a bank they need to be regulated like a bank. Thank you in advance for your time, I hope you find this matter worthy of reporting on.

Peggy McIsaac (Sent Friday, February 08, 2008 12:34 PM)

What kind of coverage do you anticipate giving to the Microsoft acquisition, if in fact, Yahoo's board approves it today? Is it too business-y for the general news?

Brad, Seattle (Sent Friday, February 08, 2008 1:21 PM)

Dear Mr. Williams:
Often all I would have for my knowledge and discussion when I bicycle for exercise would be the neighbors blooming flowers. I think they were rose bushes. Throughout 2006 and 2007 a guy who use to live on the same street would only believe what I saw if it was something I could not stop and would change his mind. He and his wife moved late last year. Although, before they did most of their visitors that would park their car in their driveway ended up losing their car and it would be put in the police pound.
 
 So, I would like to think that when Congressman Jim Marshall (D) gets his short local news interviews announcing $50,000 grants awarde to local sherrif's departments worth raising my heart rate and respirations passing by the guy above. I don't where her is but, their are a lot of people in jail where I can't believe he has returned their yet. Maybe, its his public defender?

Sincerley Yours,
James Erdmanczyk
Registered Voter

Warner Robins, Georgia 31088 (Sent Friday, February 08, 2008 1:27 PM)

Brian I forget got to mention something. Senator Obama should not bring up the topic of personal income or loans. As you pointed out the Clintons have over 50 million dollars. Now one could start questioning Mr. and Mrs. Obama's ability to buy a 1.6 million dollar home when they don't have that kind of money. What's in his personal bank account? Brings us back to the Renzo question as were their promises in the future for a home Senator Obama clearly couldn't afford. Yes his Attorney was clearly involved but did he go along with the sweet corrupt team, and is he really as dumb as he said on TV or is he just another slick Senator.  All this black stuff is wearing thin and people are now seeing the real Senator Obama. We're use to the Rock Star fame here in California as easy come easy go. The biggest mistake the Democrats could make is putting Senator Obama as their President. If they do look for McCain to be the easy winner in Nov. election as many Black/White/Hispanics will not vote for Obama because his actions speak louder then his good speeches.

Jackie Rawlings Riveside California (Sent Friday, February 08, 2008 1:58 PM)

A belated "Happy Birthday!" wish to Lisa M.!  I didn't see your first post when I logged on this morning.  In fact, I didn't see most of them.  I think there were only four comments showing.  Anyway, I hope you had a good day, Aquarius!  My mother's birthday is Sunday, and my best friend's is Tuesday.  Best wishes and continued good health.  :-)

lnp, leonardtown, maryland, usa (Sent Friday, February 08, 2008 2:04 PM)

Re the upcoming Democratic debate on Feb 26.
I wish the debates were more interesting.  Hillary says she can withstand the Republican attack machine... so why don't you throw some of it at her (and Obama)and see how she (and he) handle it.  I think Healthcare has been pretty well covered in earlier debates, although that was before Hillary said she would garner wages to pay for coverage. Why not cover the environment, alternative fuel, etc.  How do they both feel about the Executive branch amassing so much power under Bush in the name of the "war on terror", would they reverse any of the president's new powers?  I am also very concerned about all the money former President Clinton has received from foreign governments and this recent deal with Kazachstan.  This has hardly been covered at all.  Will this impact the decisions Hillary would make as President?  Most of the debates have offered up softball questions for all the candidates and then haven't pressed them on inconsistencies or for specifics.  This is a tight race on the Democratic side and the people need answers.  Thanks!

Cathy, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Saturday, February 09, 2008 3:06 AM)

Mr. Williams,
    I have to say I am disappointed with MSNBC's coverage of the democratic primary season (particularly Chris Matthews and Tim Russert) as it appears very slanted to Senator Obama.  Aside from the most recent flap with David Shuster's comments on Chelsea Clinton (actually I can only imagine the furor if the comment had been made about Michelle Obama), my real concern is over Tim Russert's remarks indicating that Senator Obama voted against the Iraq War.  How about clarifying that he hadn't even been elected to the US Senate at the time of the vote and therefore was not privy to the information and analysis that took place.  I can rationalize why people like Senator Obama, I just can't rationalize why he is treated so softly.

Jane V. Lisa, Basking Ridge, NJ (Sent Sunday, February 10, 2008 3:08 PM)

Brian, in the last line, shouldn't it be "YOUR joining us..."?

Toni, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Thursday, February 14, 2008 1:26 AM)

Brian, Last evening I watched the debate. I am glad Hillary speaks up and tell you how we all feel! After the debate Chris Matthew said... "your viewers voted 80%, Obama to 20% Hillary won the debate" I guess the 80% of the viewers are Obama supporters. Every evening we watch MSNBC, we love it. However, after the Iowa primary, your station is really bias. Chris Matthew, Keith Olbermann and others should have taken a neutral path and be fair to all Democrat candidates. Nevertheless, somehow you people attack Hillary day in and day out.  We decided to turn to FOX Cable for our news. We know the people at FOX are bias, but they treat both Obama and Hillary almost equal.

Donald Wong, Union City, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 7:37 PM)



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