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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.



The view from here

Posted: Thursday, March 27, 2008 4:17 PM by Barbara Raab
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By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor

For the first time in over a month, I had an actual lunch in an actual restaurant, with actual utensils, instead of my usual lunch at my desk. And the episode taught me why I never go out for lunch: I've been behind on my work all day since.

We just broke from the editorial meeting and while several stories are "on the bubble" (meaning the best piece wins, and the correspondents involved have been so advised) we know the basic template for tonight: health care, Iraq, Tibet, politics, and a special interview I've conducted for air tonight...with a man who decided to live with cancer, and treatment, out in the open as a public figure.

My thanks to PFC Fritch for writing back. What a great honor to be with the Old Guard -- and again, thank you for your service.

I sincerely hope you can join us for tonight's broadcast.

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Good Evening Mr.Williams, First of all I did stay up to watch you on "The Late Show with David Letterman" last evening and I really enjoyed the interview. It was interesting hearing you speak about visiting overseas and what the reaction you and your family encountered. I think your outlook is very good and I do believe things will change for the better. I also liked it when you spoke about Mr.Russert and how he is not fed before the debates. It was very humorous because Mr. Russert is excellent at moderating the debates along with you. I am happy you were able to eat lunch away from your desk today at an actual restaurant with utensils, but maybe it made you too relaxed. I think you deserved the time away anyway. I know you will be all caught up with the news in time. Looking forward to the broadcast. Peace to all!

Hi Laurel! Jackie! Stephanie! Be well always! XOXO  
Dear Brian,

I'm glad I taped Letterman last night.  I heard David say, "We'll be back with tonight's Top Ten List and Brian Williams," and the next thing I knew, I was waking up to CBS's overnight newscast!  Anyway, I've since watched your segment, and I applaud your positive outlook on whether we will ever be in good standing again in the world.  (Hey, the Albanians love us!)  I am a bit more cynical, I guess.  You were right to mention the good works President Bush has done for HIV/AIDS in Africa.  Even Bono has complimented him on his generosity....  I may even have to tape Nightly News tonight; it's been a long, exhausting day, and I think I may just wind up "watching the inside of my eyelids," as my late father used to say.  I will miss you tomorrow night, because I will be attending a lecture given by your friend and colleague, Tom Brokaw.  I can't wait!

On a completely frivolous note, I remember you writing one time about what a Chapstick fan you are.  I would like to recommend Chapstick Lip Butter, if you haven't already tried it.  (It's been out for a while.)  I can't leave home without it!

Happy Thursday!  I hope Lisa M. gets to see her "favorite journalist" tonight!

Hello to my friends Lisa, Jackie, and Stephanie.  (Yes, Anna, we are a friendly group!)  Stephanie - I never was one to watch "Friends."  Maybe we could be "Cheers," instead.  I call dibs on "Norm."  :-)

Since I've watched you for yrs., I'm sure you won't show the obvious BIAS OF CHRIS MATTHEWS IN THE RECENT POLL BY TODD(CAN'T BELIEVE nbc HAS BEEN SO BIAS IN ELECTN.COVERAGE.  The poll states that AFRICAN-AMER WERE OVERSAMPLED(more contacted than other pop.).Make sure that's stated in your real news!!if you even use such bias info..Dr.D.Williams
Democrat Gov. Eliot Spitzer and now Democrat Gov. Anibal Acevedo. Oh the culture of corruption. By the time the Obama & Hillary fight is settled the DeMyopicRats might end up with a whole new set of super delegates. The sexism, The racism, The Indictments Oh it's so much fun to sit back and watch.
Brian I'm learning more about money laundering and Corp. Fraud then I learned in Law School as a Paralegal. For starters 22 year-old Efraim Diveroli, who's company AEY has been awarded approximately $300 million in contracts by the Pentagon was really a front, as for Bear Stearn's it like the crooks are using taxpayers money to cover their loses. That should help clear  up why we have a 10 Trillion dollar debt. I followed the Nixon impeachment trial but this is a lesson they don't teach in school.

I guess Obama isn't interested in the rest of the race as he appointed himself as the Democratic candidate and dismissing Hillary. Great Dictatorship qualities as he tells the other States their votes don't count. McCain is campaigning with Mitt Romney, let's hope they don't go to Ohio or Michigan. Mitt promised to bring back the car industry if get got the votes. Let's hope the voters in Michigan haven't hear about TaTa and Ford's deal.

Bush's comment that the fighting in Iraq is good makes since from a man who skipped out on his follow soldiers because he was scared and Daddy got him to come safely home while others went to War.

Brian like Lisa said I to am glad you got to eat lunch away from your desk. Looking forward to tonight's show.

My friends Lisa, Laural and Stephanie and all take care


Mr. Brian Williams:

I have always been a fan. You are class and sorely
needed at NBC. There are, however, two ways you will lose my viewership.

First, have absolutely NOTHING to do with "Reverend"
Jeremiah Wright, and second, have absolutely NOTHING to do with Keith Olbermann, the living example of self-absorption. I know you understand.
Dear Brian,
Saw you on Letterman last night and saw some of the humor that was unleashed on SNL.  I don't know how the writer's strike will affect eventual Emmy nominations but I hope you get nominated for best guest spot.

I think Michael Douglas should redo the opening.  He does not sound close enough to the mike, or loud enough.  Maybe it is just me.
MR. Williams, please tell us where Italy is?  Wasn't the Roman Empire in Italy?  Didn't Roman Soldiers crucify Jesus?  What is the flack about Rev. Wright's statement????
i would enjoy the broadcast more if andrea mitchell would STOP BEING SO OBVIOUSLY PRO CLINTON!!it is enough to make me change stations.
I appreciated your interview with Sen. Spector, Brian. He's a brave man to take on the challenges of battling politicians AND cancer at the same time.  I'm not sure which one is more formidable!  It's good to know he's doing well, feeling better, and looking great.  

I thought I was seeing things when I saw you on Letterman last night.  I'm not usually watching the late shows but I was still awake and flipping through channels.  I just think its interesting and slightly amusing that whenever you show up on a late show, you're being asked questions on politics as if you're the authority.  Good interview, though.  However, I agree with Laurel: I am more cynical than you when it comes to the American good will in the world.  

Kudos for getting OUT for lunch!  

Hmmmm Cheers, huh?  A show I only get to know on reruns, as I was not considered "old" enough to watch it by my parents.  I suppose I could handle that.  Just pass me the tonic - I'm not a drinker!  
Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another great broadcast this evening. The report by Mr.Colt from Baghdad concerning the violence in Basra that seems to have spread to six other cities in Iraq was terribly disturbing. Mr.Colt stating that a curfew was in place from now until Sunday morning may help to quell some uprisings,but certainly not all. The constant shooting and commandeering of the humvees shows these groups of Shiite militia and the Iraqi military are not near any sort of peaceful end. When Mr.Colt stated the people who work in the Green Zone are told to wear helmuts and flax jackets and to run for cover into bunkers if attacks happen it sounds very scary. I really feel badly for the people who have to work there now because of all the recent attacks within the walls. Prime Minister Maliki is defiant to fight and not retreat, yet the protests in Sadr city exhibited citizens wanting him to step down. When I hear reports like this one it always makes me worry for all the journalists. Especially, my favorite Richard! Please Richard and everyone KEEP SAFE ALWAYS! On another note when you mentioned the census and growing cities populations it was nice to hear Atlanta as one of the cities. The weather has been really nice the past couple of days being in the 70's. One nice thing about Spring in Georgia usually good weather. Regarding your interview with Senator Arlen Spector, it was very inspirational because he just kept going and did not allow the cancer to overtake him. His comment of "work being the best distraction" does ring true because one isn't dwelling on ones illness all the time. Keeping active helps a great deal. I'm glad he is still around and able to work and be active in his life. Nice interview Mr.Williams! Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to all!

Laurel-I hope you enjoy the lecture by Tom Brokaw. He is great reporter and I'm sure he will give a wonderful lecture. Have a great time! Be well always!! Happy Thursday to all my friends Laurel,Jackie and Stephanie!    
Brian, I just finished watching the broadcast this evening, and enjoyed your interview with Sen. Arlen Spector.  Two weeks ago, I finished my last chemo treatment for breast cancer; between the surgery last fall and the chemo, I believe I am cured.  I therefore appreciated what Sen. Spector said about going on with his job--your question about "how did you do it?" is one that I have also heard.  I am a high school English teacher, and I just kept on doing what I've always done, no matter how lousy I might have felt.  Once at school, I was too busy to be concerned about feeling bad, and I suspect that's exactly Sen. Spector's idea.  I also enjoyed the conversation about his hair coming back--it'll be another couple of weeks before mine starts to grow again--and his comments were made with gentle humor--which is exactly how I've regarded the situation as well!  Thanks for a nice interview; everytime I hear of someone who has beat cancer, it gives me more hope to keep putting one foot in front of the other--because that's how you make progress.
Dear Brian:
One of the greatest assests you bring to the news is compassion. Your story tonight on Arlen Specter's fight with cancer was particulary moving. You project a decency in your news presentation that is rare in journalists today who seem to be running to the extremes to get that next quote that will get them noticed. Thanks for doing what you do with honor and compassion!
Good evening,

I admit I was quite annoyed with one of the feature stories tonight.  The story focused on the emerging trend of older American women (and men) working well past 50.  The story had a sad tone as if working into our later years is  somehow dissapointing.

Well, it is not an unhappy state to me.  Yes, women are living longer and many of us will live into our 10th  decade.  All Americans need to consider longer work lives to be a productive member of our communities and to maintain a healthy body and soul, especially women.

We need a change in perspective and NBC has an opportunity to influence.  Please, use your positive influence to support and encourage all Americans to  continue a productive life as long as possible.

I am over 50 and I hope I am never forced to retire.

Best,

Tricia
Dear, Brian Williams. I have an addiction. It's the evening news. I am 45 years old. A butt end baby boomer. At first it was Walter. He was all I knew as a kid. Then  it was Peter. He influenced me to question things as a young man. Now it's you. The thing you have in common with the afor mentioned is..... You wear your heart out on your sleeve. It's apparent when I see you talk about a medal of honor reciepient's. Or senetor Spector. I have been looking at you for a long time now, and I feel the affection you convay. I know you mean it. You are the new Walter..... I'm glad to have in my home. All regard's Skip Simon.
Good evening Brian. Thanks for letting me know how you pick what reports you'll do on the Nightly News.

Now for some Great News. Governor Donald Siegleman has been released from jail on an Appeal Bond. Sweet!! Now that case is so messed up when I read the charges. The Judge Fuller got kick backs from making sure Siegleman was found guilty, he even denied Siegleman a transcript to appeal his case and it get worse.  Well at lease the Attorney General did what he was hired to do he denied Siegleman a release, but the Appeals Court saw Justice differently.

I am blessed not to have anyone in my family who has had Cancer. But I remember Senator Specter when I watched the Warren Commission and Specter gave the Harry Potter Magic bullet story.  I told my Dad how stupid are adults that they would believe that sorry excuse.  I have grown since then and I do wish the best to the Senator and all who are suffering from Cancer.

Now to compare the French First Lady to Jackie Kennedy is to much. I read her background before he married the French President.  There is absolutely no comparison between these two woman. I know like most people it's easy to put the pass in the pass and act like it never happen. But to use Jackie Kennedy is going to far. I guess it's easy to make believe and use an honest decent person to cover up the real story. Who's next will we see more Prostitutes marry World Leaders and become respectable and have their pass erased.  Well I might be to hard on her as we did the same thing for Angelina Jolie and Britney.

Now the Government Workers who told Secretary Rice that they didn't want to go to Iraq were smart. Yes all I hear is how safe the Green Zone is but the soldiers who are there tell a very different story.

Brian I read a report that said that a large per cent of those homeowners caught up in the sub prime mess are minorities.  I guess they just wanted a part of the American Dream only to have lost it all. I did listen to Obama, Hillary and McCain's plan. Americans will have to wait until we have a new President to get any help with the foreclosures, but they better pay their taxes no matter what situation their in.  

The best to all and special wishes to Laural, Stephanie and Lisa my friends.
In watching the story about global warming and the ice shelf break up in antartica I have one observation to make. Has anyone notice in the pictures how square edges of the ice in the photo's appear to be? I don't know that I've ever seen Ice weather it be an ice pack or ice from the fidge break so straight and smooth! Either these photo's are photo shopped or there is more going on than global warming. Maybe this is something that should be investigated more. When you look at the video with the man on the boat near the ice shelves that are breaking off the ice is rough like would be expected but the pictures and videos from the air it looks like they were cut with a knife. Are there some other explanations for this break up besides global warming? Say maybe some government experiments in laser technology or maybe some not so experimental activity being used to spur on the global warming craze?
We had five inches of wet snow last night and the temperature tonight will be 25 degrees F. here in Albany ,N.Y..  I just hate this global warming thing.
CLINTON IS A DISGRACE WITH HER STORY OF BEING UNDER SNIPER FIRE. HER DAUGHTER BACKED HER LIE, HOW SAD.
WE HAVE MEN AND WOMEN ACTUALLY BEING UNDER FIRE AND GIVING THEIR LIVES.
SHE SHOULD BE KICKED OUT OF THE RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT.  IF SHE IS LYING NOW WHAT WILL SHE DO IF SHE WERE TO TAKE OFFICE?
I am glad you got to get some lunch outside of the desk in a real restaurant with real utensils. Good job on the Late Show. I am actually in NYC, one of many times, for the week visiting family. I went to the NBC Store experience got the NN shirt. I live in ELP and I never miss your broadcast very informative and balanced unlike those who claim they have "fair and balanced news" I do have one request, is there a way you can show more of this wonderful city after the broadcast, there is nothing like watching such great news and ending it with breathtaking views of the best city on earth. I will be watching you Monday when I get back to the dreadful yet home for now, ELP.
I watch Nightly News each evening and I can not help but wonder why the venerable NBC News organization is so anti-Hillary Clinton, pro-Barack Obama.  It begins with Andrea Mitchell, (what did Hillary ever do to her-maybe she was left off a White House formal dinner during the Clinton years) to Chris Matthews, the ultimate Clinton basher (and proud of it!).  I wish that the voters of this great country could decide for themselves who will be the Democratic nominee, rather than NBC News.  I also wish you could bring some "fair and balanced" news about Barack Obama and stop treating each Clinton gaff with such glee.
The segment on the economy and chairman Bernanke has to be one of the most blantent misrepresentations of facts that I've seen. I watched every word that Chairman Bernanke said, and your editing of the facts are astonishing. Does your network want a recession, or do you need to sensationalize and or out right lie to gain viewers.....


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