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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.



Flaring on the trail

Posted: Wednesday, April 02, 2008 5:45 PM by Sam Singal
Filed Under:

By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor 

 

Wow, what a day where tempers are concerned.  It’s getting hot out there.  First, there's the story (as written up by my old friend Dave Statter in Washington) of the guy who wasn't allowed to take a picture at a ball game.  I'll leave it to others to argue it out, and without taking sides, I'm reminded that photographers covering FDR were more than once told "cameras down" when the President was being hoisted out of his car, or from his wheelchair to a standing position.

 

Then there's the account of Bill Clinton's burst of temper. And then there's the guy who wanted a photo with Obama.  Again, without taking sides, I actually discussed this very topic with Sen. Obama a few months back... as I have with other politicians.  We were talking about the dynamic -- new to this election cycle -- of ubiquitous personal photography at campaign events.  It’s striking to see when covering them: at times it seems as though EVERYONE who comes to see the candidate is armed with some sort of camera -- happy-snap disposable, digital, a camera on their PDA or cell phone. Obama finds this vexing -- as does just about anyone in public life -- and he has more than once said, "If you stop for one, you have to stop for everyone."

 

The point he made that day is one of efficiency: hands need to be shaken at every rope line, the Secret Service prefers him not to dwell in any one place; and yet, it is so tough, impolite and counter-intuitive to turn down a polite request -- for example, to take a photo with someone's child.  It’s interesting to see how the various candidates (and how some other public figures) deal with the issue -- and from the looks of the story today (I write this having not seen a video depiction of the encounter) it sounds like the Senator had had enough.

 

To Stephanie in Maine: I placed a phone order with L.L. Bean today (I actually got a person IN Freeport!) and got to hear my favorite accent -- we chatted about the impending arrival of Cabela's in Scarborough -- she was a typical Mainer -- which automatically means she could not have been nicer.

 

Okay, readers -- some feedback:

 

To Michael: Elmo doesn't kiss and tell.  Besides, I'm a registered Independent.

 

To "gail": enjoy Fox!

 

To Kathleen and David: Thank you.

 

To "bjr": Tom Brokaw, who made this place go for 23 years and to whom I owe so much, gets to do anything he wants around here, as far as I'm concerned.

 

To everyone else: thanks for reading, for posting, and for watching...as we hope you do tonight.

 

 

 

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Comments

Thank you for bringing us the Making A Difference segment early this week rather than not at all.  I made it home just in time to see that part of the broadcast, (darn traffic on the Turnpike).  It brought a smile to my face and was just the right note to begin relaxing.

Amanda - Ridgewood, NJ (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 7:20 PM)

Good Evening Mr.Williams, I must mention that over the years I have viewed Nightly News since John Chancellor was anchoring. A fine anchor of the Nightly News. I will always admire Mr.Brokaw because he does such excellent work and my mother owns the books he has written. I agree with you that Mr.Brokaw should be allowed to do whatever he wishes to do in the newsroom. I am really glad you anchor Nightly News and I can bring you into my living room every evening. You do an honest and concise newscast and I wouldn't watch anyone else. Now on to this evenings broadcast. The report by Mr.Yang concerning President Bush at the Nato Summit showed how so many of our brave US troops are bearing the brunt of the conflicts in the Middle East. The fight in Afghanistan seems to be another constant struggle to secure a dangerous region. It was interesting to learn that some of the European troops are doing more humanitarian work than fighting and not going to where the heaviest fighting is happening. After seeing the number of casualties it is far too many brave men and women. I just wish these terror groups would cease to exist. Maybe someday peace will befall this region. Time will tell. On another note the "Family Ties" segment by Kelly O'Donnell was really nice featuring John McCain's mother. She is in great shape and still very sharp minded at 96years old. She is certainly a strong lady and I enjoyed what she said about her son. Both her husband and her son served our country well. I liked what she said about acceptance and gratitude, I think it is very true. One thing I thought was humorous related to the eight glasses of water that should be drunk everyday. I agree to drink the water when you are thirsty it's just common sense. I don't think one needs a study to figure that out. Who has the time! And there is always a new study coming out all the time  concerning something in medicine because Mr.Bazell alwasy airs a report about it. Finally, the "Making A Difference" segment was so inspirational and showed how music can help students to a new path in life. Their steel drum band sounded really great and that music teacher is doing some fine work with those children. Good piece! Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to all!

Hi to Laurel, Jackie and Stephanie!! Be well always!!    

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 7:24 PM)

I was again struck today by the difference between Bill Clinton and Baraack Obama as regards self-control and poise.  Bill Clinton seems to lose control very quickly, ranting and finger-pointing, clearly amazed and angered by the fact that the Clinton machine is actually losing. He is not someone I would want to disagree with face-to-face. Obama, on the other hand, remains composed in very trying and tense situations. I would not have blamed him if he'd expressed anger towards the fan today who was not about to leave him alone until he got his picture taken with Obama. While he looked frustrated, he kept his cool and realized the best way to get rid of the guy was to grant his wish. I was actually surprised that the Secret Service didn't pull that man away from him.  Clearly this man  (Obama) has the refined composure necessary to deal effectively with any foreign dignitaries, even to change some sceptical minds.

Kathleen Conaway (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 7:37 PM)

Next time I see you in DC Brian I will ask you for a picture!   Please don't turn me down!  :)

Anna (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 7:40 PM)

Dear Brian,

Awww....I feel really badly that you appear to have taken my comment from Monday's blog as having been directed towards YOU.  I assure you, it was not.  (I can be a little ill-tempered sometimes, but I would never disrespect you, as some do.)  It was a response to a comment posted on last Friday's blog.  The comment was as follows:

Brian Williams
I wish you would drop all those  repeated GOOD EVENING [sic] to everybody !

Although the post was addressed to you, it didn't seem to fit with anything that you do - either on the air, or within this blog.  I interpreted it to be a commentary on the salutations my friends and I exchange each evening, and it just ticked me off!  So, that was the inspiration for my post.  Believe me, I am no conspiracy theorist!  I respectfully request to be released from the doghouse!  ;-)

On a more serious note, I am really looking forward to Friday night's broadcast from Memphis.  The history of the civil rights movement comes to me secondhand, but it is so important to remember it, and to pass it to our younger generations.  I think a lot of the tensions we experience today are due to the fact that we are so far removed from that time.  If you never lived through the horrific period of segregation, I think you are less likely to appreciate the strides and the sacrifices that have been made since.  Every now and then, our memories and our consciences need a good prodding.

Good night to Lisa, Jackie, & Stephanie!  And good night, John Boy!  :-)

laurel noel, leonardtown, maryland, usa (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 8:15 PM)

Given all the boos bush received when he threw out the first pitch at the game I wonder if the SS was more concerned with protecting their security procedures or the press taking pictures of an embarrassed bush as he exits the field.

Dewey Quong, Reno, NV (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 8:23 PM)

Dear Mr. Williams! Very glad to meet you again.
Really we are so good looking that every time
i take picture for documents i seem like someone in the house from over 10 years long following.


Best regards
Helen

Helen Mescheryakova, Moscow, Russia (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 8:27 PM)

After hearing you are going to introduce us to John McCain's family, I wondered if you would consider an interview with the crippled wife he abandoned even after she kept her condition from him while he was a prisoner of war, I assume to protect him. It appears he left her for a cute, blonde, very rich, much younger woman. Seems like voters should get to see all sides of the candidates.

J. West (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 8:56 PM)

John McCain's mother is an interesting and lively person but so what?  As I read the bios, it appears to me that both his grandfather and his father were dead by their early seventies.  Whose genetic material is he carrying?  

e bonkowsky (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 8:58 PM)

Brian-
I just wanted to say, for the past 2 nights(and most likely this Friday) I have(or will) missed Nightly News. So, now I'm getting your podcasts!! Thank you for offering this feature, I wish our local NBC station did. NBC, truely is everywhere!!!

Also, I sent you a question on Newsvine, and then realized you don't need to waste time answering it when you have so much limited time (on a Friday afternoon, non-the-less)for those "web-only" segments. I was asking about that fairly new blue looking thing in rockerfeller plaza, where the Christmas Tree goes. What is it? Have I missed a segment on it?

Signing off, as I always do, I would someday love to see Nightly News be an hour long!

~Mike

Mike Amsterdam, NY (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 9:22 PM)

Brian-
I am a longtime NBC News viewer (and you do a great job) but tonight's newscast seemed very light on actual "news."  I don't think the function of a network news broadcast is to offer tips on retirement or "health" advice, unless it is a really important advancement that may impact people immediately.  And John McCain's mother?  Again, mildly interesting but a segment that belongs on a show that's got a lot of time to fill, like "Today."
There had to have been more newsworthy items today --one in particular that struck me was some testimony in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee about the state of our military -- very concerning.
If the news editors feel it's a slow news day, use the time to take us to another part of the world and show us what's going on!--- Americans are so woefully oblivious about the rest of the world. Or take one of the current raging debates and give us some factual background!!  It would be awesome and a great service. I really want to hang in there for the whole broadcast but after the first 10 minutes today things got a little too fluffy.
 Just a friendly suggestion.
 P. S.When are you going on Colbert??

Lois, Saint Paul, MN (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 9:27 PM)

Brian-

I'm a veteran and I appreciate your frequent coverage on this site of living members of the MOH Society and your work with such a fine organization. I would like to see more coverage here - and on the air - of the most recent members from Iraq and Afghanistan who have received this high honor but are not here to receive it.

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor will be honored by President Bush for his heroism in Iraq in a ceremony April 8th at the White House. Can we expect a profile of this hero on the broadcast?

Thanks again for the great work. John Rutherford's "Fallen But Not Forgotten" is also appreciated - tell him to keep it up.

Regards,
Ben Clammer

Ben Clammer, New York, NY (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 10:02 PM)

Brian good show tonight. Because of your choice of reports I'm learning alot about the Middle East. Yes I know the difference between the Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds. I heard about the oil price from one of the soldiers in Iraq. I remember the President saying after Mission Accomplished our oil prices would go down as we would be dealing with Iraq Oil. So much for that plan.

After loosing at the Gross Domestic Product figures even Bennie knows we're in a recession. But I do understand why it's shouldn't be told publicly. Most Americans don't know much about the US Economy and how it works, if they did we most likely wouldn't have this problem.

I was glad to read about the memo in 2003 that gave permission to torture. For 6 years we're heard the White House say the US doesn't torture. So many reporters asked that question and always the answer was no. We have soldiers jailed for only following the orders of the White House and Pentagon to torture. This Bush torture Policy will be used by all the other countries on US Soldiers and Americans. This time the US can't look to the United Nations for help. After hearing again today about Senator McCain's Mother say they don't talk about how he was tortured. We only have to see what we did to the men/woman/kids we have jailed.

Good move on Senator Obama's part by saying he would find a spot for Al Gore. It's nothing like name dropping, sometimes it works. Once most wonder why he's putting the Cart before the horse.

Shephanie I spoke about one of Brian's ties. It was one day he had a tie that look bright purple and the color just took over the TV. Most of the time his ties are cool. Like today it was sweet. I love buying ties and shirts for my son's. I just can't stop being a Mommy no matter how old they get. Yes they indulge me I guess to make me happy.

My best to Lisa, Laural and Stephanie have a great evening.

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 10:17 PM)

Brian, you should be ashamed.  I expect perfect grammar from newspersons like you.  The general language usage in this country is rapidly declining.  Those of us who care about that would like to see examples of what is "correct" coming from the mouths of those of you who influence so many.  You used the phrase "feel badly" in your newscast tonight. To feel badly, there would have to be something wrong with your sense of touch.  Feel in this case is a linking verb...so you feel good about something or you feel bad about something...NOT BADLY!

Jan Hakanson, Suquamish, Washington (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 10:38 PM)

Mike, Once upon a time, a long time ago, Brian did do an hourly newscast, the first anchor to do so. It was the reason I got cable. I thought when he was made anchor of the network news it seemed almost a demotion.
Why is it that every time I post here I show my age??
Lisa, you gave yourself away mentioning John Chancellor. I'll bet I can top you, John Cameron Swaze is the first anchor I remember. I sort of kind of remember that he was sponsored by Camel cigarettes. Wonder what he would have thought  of Dr. Bazell's report tonight.

I to0 enjoyed the Making A Difference. Music always seems like the first thing cut when a district trims it's budget, and yet there have been studies done that show that the "kids in band" have higher graduation rates and a larger percentage go on to college.

ladytechie Farmington NM (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 11:05 PM)

Correction:  sorry Stephanie the message was to ladytechie Farmington NM on her comment about Brian's ties. Ok Stephanie, I'll admit my daughter read my comment and corrected me to late to make the change. My excuse is I wasn't wearing my glasses, smile.

Now to response to ladytechie of Farmington NM
It really was the bright color of the tie. Ok I'll try to be nice and be positive next time I'll put on my sunglasses smile.

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 11:23 PM)

Brian: Wow - someone IN Freeport?  I didn't realize there was a call center there.  They must have known it was you.  lol  You won't be disappointed with your  purchase.  In the interest of objectivity, I do plan on visiting Cabela's when it opens in the near future.  I was on the highway this afternoon & see its sign clearly visible over the tree line.  

My response to your posts about tempers:  we've got way too much time on our hands and media to trip over.  If it wasn't for the internet & 24 hr. news channels, this wouldn't even be an issue, never mind rise to our level of consciousness.  

Stephanie-Umbro, Maine (Sent Wednesday, April 02, 2008 11:29 PM)

Brian,

I so appreciate your straightforward and ethical approach to your work.  With such a limited amount of time available to report on all that goes on in this world, I am always pleased when focus sits momentarily on the topic of autism.  As a parent of children on the autism spectrum I would suggest that it would be far more accurate (not to mention better for those affected by autism) to refer to it with more accurate descriptions.  Robert Bazell refered to it as a "terrible disease" which it is not.  It is a more of a challenging, or life altering, or even difficult and sometimes heartbreaking disorder.  Disorder and Disease are not synonomous and to refer to someone's defining characteristic as "terrible" can be harmful and insensitive.

All the best to you and the whole crew,
Amy

Amy Fox, Pleasanton CA (Sent Thursday, April 03, 2008 12:40 AM)

I had a pretty stressful day, but for some reason, seeing that Brian Williams read my comment made it a little better. Being able to identify and connect with an audience is not only a key to audience retention; it's just a good thing to do.

Thanks for reading what we have to say. It's not always important, but perhaps it's entertaining. :)

Looking forward to your next visit to the Mississippi Gulf Coast...

David G, Hattiesburg, MS (Sent Thursday, April 03, 2008 1:16 AM)

Brian,
Loved the comment after the report on drinking eight glasses of water everyday. Thanks also for bloggin daily and answering the Newsvine questions. I've been hooked on your broadcast for quite some time and I've been hooked on the blog for five months now.

Carmine, Missouri City, Texas (Sent Thursday, April 03, 2008 8:52 AM)

March 31, 2008

Watergate-Era Judiciary Chief of Staff: Hillary Clinton Fired For Lies, Unethical Behavior

http://www.northstarwriters.com/dc163.htm

It's all over the net so you'll have to look into it soon.

Dave, Tn (Sent Thursday, April 03, 2008 9:33 AM)

To Dewey -

Here's some advice from a life long baseball fan and a political scientist:  Leave the politics in the car when you go to a ball park.  The game is the thing there.

Funny it should be Bush that you are picking on - he's the President who knows the most about the game by far and even was the GM of a major league team and considered for the office of MLB Commissioner.  He was very disappointed when he didn't get the Commissioner's job, and decided to run for the Governor of Texas.

The rest is history.

Joan Chapman, Cheshire (Sent Thursday, April 03, 2008 1:58 PM)

Brian -

If I see one more post about Your Ties I will scream..........  who cares????  

We'd all still be watching if you worked in sweats and sneakers with a baseball cap and your glasses.

Joan Chapman, Cheshire (Sent Thursday, April 03, 2008 2:02 PM)

Go McCain!

Jamie, Salt Lake, Utah (Sent Thursday, April 03, 2008 7:23 PM)

Dear Brian,

I know you must have been aware of the recent Barbara Walters Special on Longevity, shown on a competing Network, on Tuesday night.  I am wondering if I can be put in contact with NBC.  I have a wealth of materials on Stem Cells, given to me by an insider, that I'd like to offer to you and NBC.  The material is something that, as I was told when I took possession of it, that every new media would want to cover.  Well...I'm expecting it to be deliever tomorrow and I would like to offer it to NBC.  I know...I know, sounds too good to be true ( or crazy right?).  It is however and, I'd have to say that a 5 minute discussion with a reporter/investigator will prove it out.  When I tell you the work is current, not public, and extremely interesting it is.  Ms. Walter's would love to have access to it.  In any event...thank you and keep up the great work.  

Bill Callahan, Waterbury, CT. (Sent Thursday, April 03, 2008 9:19 PM)

"ladytechie" I never knew they had an hour version before, thats interesting to know!

thanks!

Mike Amsterdam, NY (Sent Thursday, April 03, 2008 10:19 PM)

To- ladytechie of Farmington,NM

With regards to my viewing John Chancellor on Nightly News. I was a child growing up in the 1970's when he was the anchor. My parents always watched NBC Nightly News and I remember John Chancellor as the first anchor I saw on those broadcasts. Then it was Mr.Brokaw and finally Mr.Williams. Always great broadcasts! Peace to all!

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia (Sent Thursday, April 03, 2008 10:34 PM)

Dear Brian, Mores the pity Bill Clinton doesn't posess Sen. Obama's social savvy at containing his temper. The Clinton's have been extremely zealous at courting Black voters a long time. Guess it's a turf war personal for them, merely political for Obama.
Seems like many dimensions of the "race" card are emerging. Weither Sen. Obama is a well trained closet militant and or sympathizer or an ultra liberal patriot, colorblind politician capable of representing an entire diverse nation. I am curious if the Democratic party itself is not feeling intimidated by the dynamic's of race. The Black vote has long be a formidible pillar of the party. Now the once teflon Clinton's so revered for socialist ideaology among minorities have (pardon the pun) paled in the shadow of Sen. Obama's Liberalism so closely akin to Liberation theology. And he is an actual, factual man of  color rather then that honorary status bequeathed upon the Clinton's. Certainly the Clinton's (lynchpins) of the party must be feeling betrayed. Now expected to fall on their sword for the good of the party and pull out of the race.
Is it because Sen. Obama truly has all the right stuff to lead the nation in  the party's eyes or because race is such a polarizing issue by which to curry favor and induce Black voters out to vote?
Have the Clinton's really serve the Black communities of America or merely exploited it as a political asset? Widespread support for Obama has proven White's are ready and willing to vote colorblind. For the sake of candid honesty I'm not sure Black America
can now that the Clinton rival has darker skin even though far less experience. Apparently teflonism is transient and the Clinton's loss is Obama's gain!
If Black America can not vote colorblind will they be able to accept a Black President representing all or will they label him an Uncle Tom sell out unless he's lockstep with a pro-African American single goal agenda? This is cutting fat from the steak and getting to the real meat of the matter.

Rosemarie Battaglia-McGuire Traphill North Carolina (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 10:20 AM)



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