` Letters...we get letters - The Daily Nightly - msnbc.com

ABOUT THIS BLOG

The Daily Nightly began on May 31, 2005. As Brian wrote in his first post it aims to provide a narrative of the broadcast day and a window into the editorial process at NBC Nightly News. Brian weighs in every weekday and NBC News correspondents and producers post regularly.

Brian Williams became the seventh anchor and managing editor in the history of NBC Nightly News on December 2, 2004. Read his full biography.



Letters...we get letters

Posted: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 4:45 PM by Barbara Raab
Filed Under:

By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor

For everyone of these sent to the blog...

There's one of these:

I was thrilled to hear from a serviceman who was part of yesterday's ceremony at Arlington. Private Fritch, if you're still out there, please write back! Are you with the Old Guard? Was that not a breathtaking event at Arlington? Which of my friends, the Recipients, did you meet and escort? Private, please know I admire what you do for a living and thank you for your service. I thought it was notable yesterday that there were just three audible sounds recurring during yesterday's ceremony -- aircraft departing on a northern route from National Airport, the birds in the trees above us, and the click of the steel-plated heels of the soldiers guarding the tomb.

About the email that references G.E.: try as I might, I don't think I'll ever convince a skeptical audience that there is not some hot line (or for that matter, even a phone call) from our corporate offices in Connecticut into our newsroom, telling us what stories to cover and what stories not to cover. It's just not how it works. When a story includes anything related to G.E. (as is often the case, given their diversified businesses; as is the case today with a potential story involving CT- scans) we point it out on the air. We call their P.R. folks for statements and quotations as we call all those involved in stories we cover.

And a tip of the hat to David McCullough for tipping his hat to us. David was on Charlie Rose a few days back when he mentioned a great moment we witnessed together. I interviewed David after the release of his book 1776. We strolled across the Brooklyn Bridge on a sparkling day while cameras rolled. We happened upon a class of school children from New York, who'd been assigned to sketch their impressions of the bridge as they walked. What made it special was that the teachers and parents along on the trip...an obviously literate bunch...knew McCollough on sight: the fluffy white hair, that iconic voice. He signed the sketch of one lucky young man, and we moved on. During his discussion with Charlie about the teaching of history through physical examples, David remembered that encounter, and I'm grateful. I regard David David McCullough as a national treasure, and his collected works -- all of which I'm proud to say I've read -- as a lasting, towering chronicle of the American experience...beginning with his wonderful work on the Brooklyn Bridge itself, The Great Bridge.

We hope you can join us for tonight's broadcast.

MAIN PAGE

Email this EMAIL THIS

Comments

Mr. Williams,

Your predecessor inspired me to move out of a small town and into the D.C. based on the world you brought into my living room each evening.  I hope you'll disregard the cynical statements of those who try to see conspiracy and continue to bring the world to folks from small towns.

JB, Washington, D.C. (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 5:17 PM)

Dear Brian,

I wanted to tell you that, on Monday night, my mother got the biggest kick out of your set-up for the report on the airline pilot who discharged his handgun in the cockpit.  I realize the subject was no laughing matter, but your deadpan delivery was hysterical.  It could have been a segment on Weekend Update....And speaking of SNL, I'm not sure of his name, but the actor who plays you is a riot.  The presidential debate sketch in which "you" called Senator Clinton "sister" had me howling - due in no small part to the fact that it made me wonder if, behind that great poker face of yours, you really would love to say such things!  Ha, ha.

I see you are scheduled to appear on David Letterman tonight.  Is that a new episode, or a repeat?  Either way, I will have to tape it.  I turn into a pumpkin waaaaaaaaaay before midnight!

As for the limited commercial interruptions - if it means one less Viagra commercial I have to watch, then it's fine with me!  Jeez....

XOXO - Lisa, Jackie, & Stephanie

lnp, leonardtown, maryland, usa (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 5:38 PM)

Good Evening Mr.Williams, First of all I watched the interview again with David McCullough and it was most interesting hearing him speak about the soldiers and battle during 1776. I agree that people should visit these places in history and learn all about the events that happened in those places. One should always know what has occurred throughout history. I hope you hear from Private Fitch who escorted one of the Medal of Honor recipients at Arlington. Another one of our brave servicemen of our country. Looking forward to the broadcast Mr.Williams. Maybe I'll see my favorite journalist Richard again! I hope so! Peace to all!

Hi Laurel, Jackie and Stephanie! Hope all of you are well! xoxo!  

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 5:39 PM)

Brian, please ignore Norman Charles. I think the guy has way too much time on his hands and lives to whine. Anybody who reads this blog regularly can see that 99% of his posts consist of complaints, many times over petty matters. Just look at how he attacked Amy Robach over her grammer and spelling on Sunday.

White Plains, New York (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 5:51 PM)

Dear Brian,

I am with the Old Guard, Honor Guard Company, 1st Platoon.I escorted Colonel Don Ballard who is from Kansas City. I wish we could have spent more time with the recipients, all of us were truly thrilled to have been in the presence of the Medal of Honor recipients. Arlington National Cemetery is a very serene place no matter who you are. The planes flying over head spoil the silence of the cemetery and tomb in my opinion. I appreciate your support, some people seem to have come to the conclusion that it's just cliche to support the service men and women of todays military, but it does mean a lot to us.

PFC Fritch, Ft. Myer VA (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 5:56 PM)

Brian, while I appreciate your coverage and all that, I must ask that you stop delivering such hatred towards the Clintons. Andrea HATES her. She has said as much. And it is obvious in her reporting. Why doesn't the media focus on the Obama mistakes? Because they love him.

It is a shame. Regardless at this point, I will never vote Obama. Not for the sake of the party. His supporters are evil. He is arrogant. And I don't like his tone. He seems to think his relationship w/the paster is just fine. Not even. He needs to drop out now before HE destroys the party.

As far as the party, this election is over. Congrats to McCain. Because Obama didn't step down and because the media hates the Clintons, you have given this to the republicans.

I will watch for entertainment, but never for news agin.

Shelby, LA (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 7:12 PM)

I would like to thank PFC Fritch for his service to our country and of course all of the Medal of Honor recipients.
No matter what you hear in the media, Americans out here in the real world do support and admire the work that you and your fellow soldiers do for us each day.

Don, USA (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 7:22 PM)

It's me again Brian
Norman has an interesting point of view. First I'd like to say thank you for posting it. GE is a business and I have come to realize your limits as an employee. Now I guess some forget without GE there is no channel four. So much has happen that you truly can't report. That's why I love posting on this blog. I can feel free to give the information you can't. Here's one Ford sold Jaguar and Land Rover to the India company TaTa. The LA Times reported that D Diddy was part of Tupac's murder only to find out the Feds got the information from a mentally sick kid in jail. The Brazil Prostitute that the Feds used to set up Spitzer is giving a detailed story of how he was used. McCain is having a ruff time here in California he's been followed by Protested and is collecting little money. Dick Cheney is lashing out at everybody because he was put in his place by the Saudi King. Bush asked his friend the Saudi King for more oil, he said NO. Then the real President Dick Cheney the most powerful man in the World went to get the oil increased and he was put down like a little boy by the Saudi King. So Cheney came back to the US and took his anger out on the American people.

Now I'll be watching out here in LA at 6:30 pm. I'd like to say this blog has the best people the US has to offer and are the true examples of what this country is really about. Lisa, Laural, Stephanie and so many others are the people that could teach others what friendship, respect and love means. Thanks for letting me be a part of these very special people, I am a better person for knowing all of them.

See you at 6:30 pm

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 7:37 PM)

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another great broadcast! The report from the Pentagon concerning the fighting in Basra,Iraq shows how the Iraqi police and military are in constant battle with the Shiite militia and after seeing the footage on the broadcast are not even close to any sort of peaceful resolution. Hearing that 70-80% of oil flows from that area is very disturbing because of all the fighting. The Iraqi police and military need to be able to take over operations without the help of the American military, but their chances of failure seem to be greater than their chances of success. Hearing that 130-140 thousand US troops will be staying in the region after five brigades come home at the end of July makes me feel good and bad. I feel happy for those troops coming home, but sad for those that have to remain in the region. It will be interesting to hear what General Petraeus has to say in his status report in two weeks. Peace needs to come soon to that region desperately. On another note the report by Mr.Lewis from the "Our Planet" series certainly showed how fast this ice in melting in the western hemisphere due to global warming. With regards to the drought here in Georgia most of the lakes are very close to full pool except for Lake Lanier which is still 15ft below full pool. Maybe if part of the ice shelf was put into Lake Lanier it would take up the rest of the 15ft left. HA!HA! Anyway, thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. I apologize for spelling Private Fritch's name incorrectly in my first post. I'm sorry for the misspelling. A truly fine serviceman. Nice to read your post this evening! Peace to all!
XOXO Laurel,Jackie and Stephanie!

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 7:41 PM)

I'm enjoying seeing the updated polls on the Presidential races and have an idea for a new question. It would only be pertenant for the states of Florida and Michigan. The question is this
"If the DNC doesn't find a way for the voices of those states to count come time for the convention, will it affect the way they vote in November?

Jim Frenette (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 7:57 PM)

Well, Brian, a class act as always.   Good to respond to some criticism.  Someone (hint...hint) needs to change the channel and head over to some cable news if he doesn't like what he is seeing!  
There are may choices and some open blogs for all that stuff and stuff.

I try my best to get home by 6:30PM to watch live.   Most of the time I just record and watch without commercial interruptions anyway.  

Like someone said, who needs that Viva Viagra song and the bath tub commercial?   Everything is fine at my house!    I can't complain in that department.  :)  

Anna (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 8:17 PM)

Brian, I have been very dismayed at the lack of comprehensive reporting in the television and print media on the full context of Rev. Wright's post 9/11 speech.  My understanding is that the original source of the "chickens coming home to roost" comment within the 9/11 context is Edward Peck, Reagan's former UN Ambassador to Iraq.  He was quoted using this comment in an interview on FOX News after the World Trade Center collapse and FOX News was very angry at him because he would not back down from it. (See CNN.com-Roland Martin) Rev. Wright was referencing Peck's quote from this interview.  His message that followed was that we need to look inward at ourselves to improve ourselves and to hold our families close.  I think if more people heard the entire message from this man, their ire would not be so great toward him or Obama.  More importantly, I think the press would actually prove that they can investigate stories like this without using just sound bites.  How about it Brian??  Please provide viewers with "the rest of the story" and give those sound bites some context.

Linda Garrity, Duxbury, MA (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 8:25 PM)

Tonight (Wednesday), Kelly Odonnell reported on McCain's speech and showed excerpts. Fine. But she perhaps did not know that much of what McCain said was, in effect, basically the same words he had used in October, 2001, in describing the need for invading Afghanistan. This is not to take away from McCain's feelings, but I think viewers would have a more balanced reaction had they know that this was essentially 2001 redux....for a different war.

Donald Negri, Sacramento, Ca (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 8:45 PM)

A suggestion - based ironically on what Chuck Todd said on, I believe, Hardball: when giving national polls (which, of course are basically meaningless on their fact), at the very least if there are interesting regional differences that is of importance. For instance, Obama's negatives rose slightly, but according to Todd this rise is most pronounced among rural white southerners, and that in effect no such decline occured in the Midwest or the West. In other words, his drop was in areas that the Democrats have little or no chance of winning anyway in November. Sounds like a 30 second addition to Tim Russert's time might be well spent.

Donald Negri (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 8:55 PM)

Dear Brian,

I'm getting a bit tired of the media "scientists" babbling on about global warming.  Is it getting warmer?  Of course.  Do we have SOME impact on it?  Of course.  But the question that is never addressed is: Is it a natural phenomena?  For the answer I ask another question:  Who created the greenhouse gases that caused the glaciers to recede from North America @10,000 years ago at the end of the Pleistocene epoch?  Answer: No one...it was a naturally occurring event.  We are in a glacial interstade that has been warming since then and it will continue until conditions reverse themselves into the next "ice age."  It would be refreshing if someone in the media looked at real science and not those "scientists" who have a personal agenda.

Al Richmond, Sedona, AZ (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:14 PM)

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE......WE WATCH Brian Williams every night........polished, charming & great ties!
But, the coverage on Obama and Clinton are too one-sided......yesterday, Nancy Reagon ENDORSED Senator McCain......not one word was mentioned on any newscast today...........the Media should give each candidate equal time.  

Joanne Oakes, Reno, NV (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:25 PM)

Dear Mr. Williams,

I did not get a chance to mention a few things the other day. The first was how remarkable the stories of the three people were yesterday at the ceremony. It must have been quite an experience being in that kind of company, the civilians and war veterans. I thought I remember seeing similar footage many months ago, but maybe that was for different people, and you saying something about how it will be shown in may? I believe?. You may have to refresh my memory as to how the ceremony or ceremonies in the past or future will air. It's also a good possibility that I have no idea what I'm talking about in the previous sentences, and you may be confused by what I thought I remember seeing on TV.  The second point I wanted to make was about the limited commercial interruption broadcast the other day. I don't see how more Nightly News can be seen as anything but welcome!  It is the one show that I must watch everyday above all others, and thats coming from a TV junkie. Anyways, take care, hope all is well.

Matt, 19. San Diego (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:28 PM)

To Al Richmond: yes we are suffering from global warming.  Just look at all the politicians carrying on these days; doesn't that provide enough greenhouse gas?

I don't know, Brian... I know you've said it before, but are you SURE one of those phones at the desk doesn't attach directing to a corporate sponsor or a lobbyist?  :)

Wednesday is not my day to be home for supper time so no broadcast for me tonight.  I'm sure it was a fine one.  

Private Fritch:  thank you for being willing to serve. It's a job not done for the money or the glory, so I'm grateful to individuals like yourself who do it willingly.  I have visited Arlington Cemetery and I must say, it is a sobering and humbling place.  I can't help but see all those white stones and be overwhelmed with the realization of how much I owe to each man and woman buried there to be the best American that I can be and cherish the freedoms they died to protect.  

Hi Lisa & Laurel and Jackie!  I think we've got ourselves a new tag line!  :)

Stephanie-Umbro, Maine (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:45 PM)

This blog is not the reason I watch NBC Nightly News, but it's the reason I have so much respect for it.

Thanks for all you do, Brian (and Co.)

David G, Hattiesburg, MS (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:54 PM)

Thank you, for the recent "experiment" in having limited commercial interruptions for the NBC Nightly News broadcast.  I sincerely hope that this will continue on a more regular basis.  I think it quite irritating to be presented some commercials, have Brian Williams or a reporter present one relatively brief story/report, and then it is back to more commercials.  I know you are not NPR/PBS, and we must expect some commercials.  So how about clustering them on the 1/2 hour and perhaps halfway through your broadcast.

Brian Williams and the NBC News team continue to do a fine job, but I would prefer they get fewer interruptions.

P.S. Speaking of commericals...how about you try and get sponsors offering something other than medications geared to older viewers.  

Thanks

Warren Schultz, De Pere, WI (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:08 PM)

Brian,
Your news is getting more and more like Fox news. Tonight (Wed.) was particularly bad. You followed an extended coverage of old negative news about both Democratic Candidates with a story about John McCain that basically amounted to an extended political advertisement.

C. Arthur VanLear (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:37 PM)

Many, many thanks for the limited interruptions on your show. May you continue.

Barbara Thompson (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:39 PM)

Brian,   I am late responding about the limited interruptions newscast monday. Enjoyed getting more news and less RX commercials. Also who did the news intro ?   I don't believe it was Michael Douglas, and personally I liked the voice much better. Thank you and NBC for providing us with the best news.

Brian Dittman Morganton,GA (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:11 PM)

Brian,
One piece of the story that you are missing regarding Big Tobacco supporting lung cancer research is WHY they are providing funds.  Part of the many tobacco settlements require these companies give money towards lung disease-related research and thus the reason why they are giving money to such studies.  The fact that they are funding such studies does not necessarily mean that they are impacting the outcomes, but rather that they are one of the many companies that supply funds to enable the research to occur.

Robyn, Omaha NE (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:14 PM)

Brian I'm so glad they invented the remote I really don't like listen to racist stuff so I just push sound off until you get to a new subject.

Now you ended tonight's show with a subject I always get in trouble with. I'm lucky as a Christian I'm related to everyone. I look to Adam/Eve then Noah and then all the way to me. But if I had a brother I'd pick Bill Clinton. Now I know my friends on this blog will think I'm crazy but I like people who aren't perfect and know how to have a good time no matter what culture of people their with. When I met then President Clinton it was how he looked me right in the eye and gave me his full attention. Ok I never gave he a way to speak but he did make me laugh. Like most things in life I just appreciate the little things. Now since Obama, Hillary and McCain have named their relatives I'm naming mine. All of you are in some way related to me and Bill's my brother. smile

Good night Laural, Lisa, Stephanie and all the great bloggers on this site.

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:20 PM)

Brian and Fellow Bloggers:

I happen to be reading a Blogger's Code of Conduct tonight on Wikipedia.  (Don't hassle me about the source.  I know!  I am not sure what is worse Drudge or Wikipedia.)  

There are 7 codes suggested.  Number 6 is we ignore the trolls.   The author went on to quote George Bernard Shaw who said, "I learned long ago, never to wrestle with a pig.   You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it."   Ignoring public attacks and disfunction are often the best way to contain them.

In other words, don't waste your breath or your blog on these folks!  You know you have integrity and honor.   Life is a good rich and happy journey.

Anna (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:25 PM)

Hi Brian -

Hope you are encouraged by two of the posts above - the one from PFC Fritch and David Hattiesburg.

Not sure if you are a WFAN listener, but one of the overnight hosts - Tony Paige - was at Arlington two weeks ago for the burial of his father, a Retired Army Major.  He was very moved by the experience and so proud you could hear it in his voice.

Big Holiday coming up - Opening Day at Yankee Stadium - on Monday.  Did George ever come up with those tickets for you?  Maybe you'll have better luck dealing with the kids - Hank, particularly seems press-friendly.

This Presidential campaign has turned into one of the dirtiest in my memory.  I am really distressed about it - it should be a celebration of our democracy, but has turned into a street brawl with the Clinton family bullies making some really bad moves against the other candidates and the voters - and then lying about it.  It's a shame.

Joan Chapman, Cheshire CT (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 7:20 AM)

The storytelling of Mrs. Clinton in recent days, and her explanation that she was sleep deprived, makes me wonder if she is indeed the best candidate to be taking a 3a.m. phone call from some scary corner of our globe.  We might, after the dust settles, get a shrug and a nod that she "...made a mistake...that she is only human, and that her sleep deprivation made her do it.  Some consolation!
And I must say that "misspoke" is far, far too small a word to use in describing what she said about her Bosnia trip.  She is either delusional or a liar, neither a quality that makes for a stable leader of our country in these volatile times.

Shelley Dante (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 9:36 AM)

Thank you so much for delivering a news show with limited commercial interruption.  It was pure joy to see Monday Night's show (3/24/08).

Lisa Carlson, St Paul, MN (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 10:04 AM)

It turns out that Andrea Mitchell herself was on Hillary Clinton's 1996 Bosnia trip. When asked two days ago  by Chris Matthews whether she saw any sniper fire, Mitchell hemmed and hawed before finally stumbling out a "No." My question is, why didn't she speak up about this herself earlier ? Why did you allow yourselves to be scooped by CBS News? What is Mitchell's reasoning for not being straightforwarad and for not pursuing this ?

Victoria Balfour, New York, NY (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 10:40 AM)

Dear Brian,
I started my note to you around the Super Bowl, but never sent it.  I was shocked that a viewer wanted you to be impartial about the big game!  
Would they also like a robot share the news to them?  The reason I watch your newscast is because you have personality, a sense of humor (we saw this on SNL) and have let us (the viewers) get to know you.  By taking you to meet your father, by sharing that you and your son take the bus to Giants games, you are just let the rest of us....

I watch NBC news because of Brian Williams. I never thought I'd have the same "Comfort" level we had after watching Tom Brokaw for many years, but you have gained that trust and confidence of your viewers. I applaud you for your great work and I appreciate yout taking the time to let us get to know you.

Thank you for the great work you do!
K. Shannon

K. Shannon - NYC, NY (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 11:45 AM)

Mr. Williams,  I feel you did a huge disservice to the country when you failed to report the sampling of the NBC/WSJ Poll New Clinton lows.  Oversampling African Americans skewed the results.  We should have been told.  

Mark, Detroit, MI (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 11:53 AM)

Dear Brian

Loved the newscast with limited commercial interruption-please keept it that way!

Patricia Myers, La Canada, CA (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:40 PM)

Re limited commercial interruptions. The less commercials the better. If commercials were more subliminal and at the end of the program, I'd be happier. By subliminal I mean getting to the point with less talk. Currently, I mute all commercials...and rest my  ears!!

Donna Curtis, Rochesters, New York (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:51 PM)

John & Andrea,
Why is it that the media never reports the positive issues that come out of the negative stories that are reported.  Please read the following article as a followup to the "Jeremiah Wright" story.  I would hope that you cover these issues as well as the negative.  I think that it is irresponsible of the media to tear apart a person's reputation that they have built over many years with a 30 second soundbite.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-oped0326trinitymar26,0,2414760.story  

ACR (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 1:25 PM)

Gov. Rendell, last night, with Charley, attacked msnbc, in particular Brian and Tim along with Keith and Joe, for collective corporate loss of objectivity. Brian's mentioning, "to the last dead dog," last night with David certainly reaffirms Lorens inside take. So what is the deal Brian?
When does perception become reality?
Perhaps, when that perception is not challenged?

Inquiring Minds (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 2:10 PM)

I truly believe that Sen. Obama is a raciest and a liar.  Why you keep defending him I will never understand.  His Rev Wright I believe is the proof along with his wife has never been proud of her country untill now.  Not only has he only been working in the US Government for 1 year. His record in his home state shows who he is.  my God man don"t hate Hillery to the point of throwing this country under the bus.

Jim kelley (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 2:13 PM)

Brian,
The last few hours I have once again, been trying to watch MSNBC News to see how the exciting nomination process is going.  Unfortunately, I have seen over and over and over that MSNBC and the other cable news channels are more interested in being complicit with racists and others who wish to harm Barack Obama's pursuit of the nomination, than they are in the real things that people care about.  Shame on NBC!!  I expect better.  Please stop encouraging the worst instincts in this country.  What about all of those mainstream ministers (including Hillary's) who have praised Rev. Wright?  Could we get out of the gutter?  

Julia Burns, Edmond, OK (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 2:14 PM)

I truly believe that Sen. Obama is a raciest and a liar.  Why you keep defending him I will never understand.  His Rev Wright I believe is the proof along with his wife has never been proud of her country untill now.  Not only has he only been working in the US Government for 1 year. His record in his home state shows who he is.  my God man don"t hate Hillery to the point of throwing this country under the bus.

Jim kelley (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 2:18 PM)

Doesn't anyone on your staff understand how to use and report statistical data? When you report poll numbers and say something like one candidate is 2 points ahead of another or when you will even use such numbers and say one candidate has the lead, you are not giving your viewers honest information. The whole point of margin of error means that if the numbers are close they are statistically the same. For example, if the candidates are separated by 2 or 3 points and the margin of error is 3 points then the numbers you show on the screen must be different by about 6 poins. Thus 45% vs. 47% are the same, you can't say one is ahead of the other.

Might I add that your polling methods are clearly poor. If one compares pre-election polling vs. exit polls, you'd see how poor your data actually is. Over interpretaion of this data is not honest reporting.

Larry Lewis, Scotia, NY (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 2:35 PM)

I cannot find any other contact information on the NNBC Nightly News website, so please forgive me if this is not the appropriate venue for this.  I'd like to gently chastise Brian Williams (whom I basically think is the model of what an anchor should be and is easily my favorite of the current lot) for a remark he made on Letterman last night.  In the context of characterizing President Bush's immediately post-9/11 thoughts, Mr. Williams referred to President Bush as the "elected leader" of the United States.  Since the jury is out on whether that is an accurate statement, I would ask Mr. Williams to stick to what is factually verifiable; i.e, "as the President," not "as the elected President."    

Linda Santi, New Orleans, LA (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 2:41 PM)

Brian, I am so disappointed in the media and their support for Obama no matter what.

The latest story about Rev. Wright that Andrea Mitchell reported is being buried if not left out of print on Aol and on MSNBC, they want to explain it away.

If this were anyone else they would be toast; they would be forced out of the race because of this association with a racist, anti-American biggot.

Obama doesn't stick with him for any other reason than he believes in what he preaches/teaches AND, since when to we give tax relief to those who would politic from the pulpit?

DISGUSTED IN OHIO

Martha Richkas, Columbus, OH (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 2:59 PM)

Hello Brian,
My wife, mother-in-law (who is 98) and I watch every evening. I am very conservative and jump off the couch many times each week to the dismay of my middle to left leaning wife.  There are 2 things I do not understand about the thought process of reporters.  During these past weeks we have heard the terrible news that fuel and food prices are on the rise and everybody is upset, but the good news that housing prices are dropping so more people can afford a house is looked upon with dismay.  We can't have it both ways, rising prices are either good or bad, but can't be both and the news media needs to be more consistent in presenting the facts

David Hildebrand Oil City, PA (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 3:43 PM)

Dear Children of America,the 60's & 70's was the"Peace & Love Generation. This Generation the "Death & Violent" or maybe the"Violent & Stupid"? I say keep up the good work- That's more Social Security for me & my people- cool. Too bad you use your weapons on the wrong people. All you have to do is put it to your own head & pull the trigger-I am trying to think Green after all. Or how about using that violence for a more useful purpose i.e. "The War", oh that's right that would mean you could Die.- Remember kids-Wants you dead you ain't comin' back-BOO HOO. Which brings me to an old phrase "Those Who live by the Sword-Die by the Sword." Oh, that's right I forgot you probably weren't paying attention that day-too busy on the cell phone.Oh and last thing that Social Security I alluded to you won't be needing when your still living at home with your parents, girlfriend, and baby,praying your parents don't get Alztheimers because you haven't learned how to cook or clean, yet.dm HAPPY HUNTING & Stay OUTTA MY NEIGHBORHOOD.Thankx      

Denise Morris, Phila., Pa. (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 3:52 PM)

Dear Brian,
I was very happy to see you sitting in Tom Brokwa's seat after he retired. I was sure that you would continue in the fine tradition of Nightly News. However, I am disappointed. As time passed I found I do not watch NBC news at all any more, and after many years of watching Nightly News, my husband now watches it alone, if he is home in time.
What did it for me was hearing you on Tuesday say the same EXACT words I heard earlier on MSNBC about Hillary Clinton and her campaign. I saw the first debate you and Tim Russert moderated, and I was furious especially with Russert for badgering Clinton while giving others a pass. I listened to the video on-line where you answered questions about bias in covering the campaign, and I cringed. Personal opinion belongs on talk shows not news programs. Maybe viewers should have - I believe they are entitled to - objective coverage somewhere in the media.
I watched MSNBC for many years, and now I do not watch it at all anymore either. Too many opinions from too many (the same) people with the same bias.  
What in God's name happened to NEWS? I find I turn on CNN, and while Matthews is ranting with spittle spraying from his mouth, I can learn about what's going on with the economy or what happened in Iraq today. I tune into the 7:00 BBC news and learn what's happening in Tibet, plastics by the ton washing up on the beaches of Midway Islands in the middle of the Pacific with albatrosses dying because of it. I learned that an Indian car comapny bought Land Rover and Jaguar from the Ford Company.
Don't you think that in a global world Americans should start learning about the people we are competing with, helping to feed, visiting on vacations? Shouldn't the news be more than 60 second sound bites? Does the news now have to be a money making part of TV? Why do we need ratings concerning the news? News is news, and people need to know. Following the caravan at Anna Nicole Smith's funeral for hours is not news. Showing the vidoes of a fire in Las Vegas over and over is not news. Did you report on the congressman months ago who tried to food shop on the money given to those on assistance? What about the soldier who was eletrocuted while showering because of a faulty heater made in China, which cannot be sold in America because it does not meet the standards, and KBR (a company of Halliburton) was in charge of this? Knew about the problem, didn't fix the problem, but billed the U.S. taxpayers $3 million to fix it.
No more Walter Cronkites. No more Edward R. Murrows. No more Huntley Brinkley.

Val K, Forked River, NJ (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 5:38 PM)

Please tell we Americans the truth about Obama and his so called pastor, Hate monger, wright. I now hear he hates the Jews and the Itatians. I now know why your rating are so low. You are afraid of the to tell the truth.

Wade Tyner Inverness Florida (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 5:40 PM)

Mr Brian Williams,
I want to commend you on your evolution to one of TVs great journalists and anchors. You have come so far in such a short period of time. Thank you for filling the void left with the departure of Tom Brokaw and the unexpected loss of Peter Jennings. At the end of the day it is so comforting to be greeted by your warm yet authoritative presence and command of the issues of the day.  You have a way of making us feel informed and safe as you present the news each evening. Thank you for being a role model and leader for so many Americans, and a hero for our youngest citizens.  I look forward to spending many years together listening to your news, and your positive perspectives for the future. Keep up the good work and thank you from me and my family.

Richard Sarner , Jupiter , Florida (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 7:19 PM)

The Carla Bruni story belongs in the gossip entertainment media.  How does she affect our daily life? Please deal with real news that affect all of us. Gossip about shallow celebrities shouldn't be part of your newscast.

Thank you.

Robin Mozo (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 7:28 PM)

Sorry it took so long to get online to respond to this.

Limited commercial interruption on Monday was very refreshing.  My wife and I really enjoyed it without the creepy pharma commercials.  Thanks a million to Fidelity!

Please keep up the production quality and excellent editorial  and reporting work at NBC.

Oliver, Cincinnati, OH (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 7:29 PM)

I watched the news tonight in amazement as your reporter interviewed Senator Obama again on the same Rev. Wright story you have been flogging endlessly. I just know there are people researching everything Wright has said and every few days will breathlessly report some other "shocking" statement. This could go on endlessly. Obama gave a serious speech on the economy yesterday introduced by Mayor Bloomberg. He's been campaigning in NC making some very good points. So it isn't like there was nothing newsworthy out there about Obama's candidacy. It feels more and more like watching televised National Enquirer.

Becky Gormley (Sent Thursday, March 27, 2008 8:08 PM)



SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.): 

 Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private)

NBC NEWS IN THE BLOGOSPHERE

More Daily Nightly

Recent Posts:

Archives:

Categories:

RECENT STORIES FROM NIGHTLY NEWS

  • Nightly News section front

CONNECT WITH US

About the broadcast | Biographies

RSS is an easy way to get the news you want as it is updated even if you are not on MSNBC.com. More information about MSNBC.com's RSS feeds.

Subscribe to feed

Podcasting brings you audio and video from each weekday broadcast on your iPod or other portable MP3 player anytime, anywhere. More information about MSNBC.com's podcasts.

Subscribe to podcast

Sign-up for our daily e-mail newsletter. It offers a preview of the stories and special reports featured on each weekday broadcast.


Syndicate This Site

Add The Daily Nightly to your news reader:
live.com xml
myyahoo msn
bloglines newsgator
google

MSNBC Weblogs