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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.

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What Times is it?

Posted: Monday, April 28, 2008 4:20 PM by Barbara Raab
Filed Under:

By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor

I read that the New York Times Sunday (and weekday) circulation is down. I must admit that on Sundays it becomes a tough paper to figure out. While this week's paper featured an op-ed piece by Elizabeth Edwards bemoaning the lack of serious, in-depth coverage of the political race, it's tough to figure out exactly what readers the paper is speaking to, or seeking.

Consider this: the Sunday Styles section lead story on April 13th was "Scavengers on the Urban Savannah" (people buy things at flea markets!), and promoted on Page One was "A Sex Chair Becomes A Battlefield." Alrighty then.

This Sunday's lead story was "Through Sickness, Health, Sex Change..." in a section that included the essay, "Was I On A Date Or Baby-Sitting?," and "Let's Say You Want To Date A Hog Farmer" (and who among us hasn't?).

The magazine cover story this week was "The Newlywed Gays!" (happy gay men in Massachusetts who are married outdoor grilling enthusiasts!), and another feature story profiled a man who "lives and paints" in New Mexico (one of those states west of New Jersey) and has an old-fashioned typewriter!

This week's restaurant/bar review featured a place in Brooklyn that features (tragically-hip/quaint alert!) "old-time cocktails and cheeses" (it strikes me: so did my Mom, at home in Jersey) and the so-called "big box" featured wedding was a classic: the groom wore the obligatory sneakers with his tux, the bride was a "spitfire" with a "wide and ready Julia Roberts smile." Per usual, bride and groom are both free-spirited, with strong opinions.

The lead story in the Travel Section? The rise of vacation resorts catering to nudists. It did occur to me that I haven't been getting out a lot on weekends. Is it just me?

On the other hand, one sparkling piece of journalism (which touched on a lot of themes frequent readers of this space will recognize) was by Peggy Noonan in this weekend's Wall Street Journal. Curl up with this one and give it the quality time it deserves. I'll say it again: Peggy is doing the work of her career and must be considered an early favorite for next cycle's Pulitzer for commentary.

A mea culpa and a thank you to the sharp-eyed Newsviners who wrote us (along with others) to tell us we had used file tape of penguins in a piece on the North Pole! There are no penguins on the North Pole. I must admit I was watching from home, and muted the sound to talk to a family member. Something registered, and I'd like to think I'm smart enough to have noticed. It was the visual equivalent of a kangaroo bouncing through Central Park.

Also, to Joan: I did not attend the Correspondent's Dinner this weekend, though sampled some of the festivities on C-Span (I thought the President was very good). I have attended those dinners for 26 years or so, and on occasion I opt for home and hearth. I saw the first 50 laps of Talladega, however, from the comfort of my kitchen. You were nice to ask.

We hope you had a good weekend. We hope you can join us for tonight's broadcast.

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Comments

Brian
If this sparkling writing is what happens when you have some home and hearth time then I personally vote you work from home every day!  This was laugh out loud funny and was promptly shared with others.  If I may offer a few thoughts:

"Was I On A Date Or Baby-Sitting?," if you have to ask you probably shouldn't be doing it people.

"Let's Say You Want To Date A Hog Farmer" - I admit I did read this article after seeing the headline and thought careful what you wish for.

And vacation resorts that cater to nudists, methinks there could be a follow up story for resorts that cater to nudists where a sex chair becomes a battlefield.  Here again careful what you wish for, not that I have anything against people who chose to be nudists, but it does not mean I want to go on vacation with them.  As an aside my senior year of high school part of our honors english class was devoted to public speaking to prep us primarily for the upcoming Honor Society Induction where many of us were to speak.  Some of the advice we were given to calm our nerves was to focus on one person in the back of the auditorium and speak to them or if all else fails to pretend everyone is in their pajamas or naked.  Needless to say it was quite obvious which advice was taken that night by the speakers when giggles and peals of laughter were peppered throughout the speeches.  

Thank you, thank you for bringing some laughter into a dreary NY Monday.

Amanda (Ridgewood, NJ) (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 5:03 PM)

Hi Brian,

Thanks for pointing us to the Peggy Noonan piece. Your recommendations are always top notch, so keep them coming!

Also, you didn't miss anything at the White House Correspondent's Dinner except more Hollywood people sucking up to George Bush because he's the President.  The only good year to be there was 2006 with Stephen Colbert.  It was the only time anyone had stood up and told it like it is to his face and that was priceless.

Ashley (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 5:04 PM)

Brian,
Thanks for the heads up on the Noonan piece, you don't see writing like that much any more. Crafting a scene in such a way that it ties a whole story, or in this case, an opinion together. Great stuff!

Also, I see from Kevin Tibbles' post that you're planning a story on infrastructure and its depilated state. Looking forward to it. Wouldn't it be something if the government put people to work the same way they did in the late-30's when our current highway system was first laid. Admittedly, it wouldn't have to be on such a grand scale, but it would put people to work. They could keep my $1,200 “rebate” to help pay for it and actually help the economy.

Carmine, Missouri City (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 5:06 PM)

Read that peace by Peggy Noonan last week. We're protecting ourselves from Lawyers more than terrorist. Glad I don't fly.

Dave, Tn (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 5:10 PM)

Good Evening Mr.Williams, I must say Mr.Williams your summary of types of articles in the Sunday New York Times is certainly interesting in a funny way. The style section you described is really humorous with the people buying things at flea markets and the title "A Sex Chair Becomes A Battlefield" not something I have seen recently in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Never met a hog farmer either. I think it would be great for you to check out the vacation spots catering to nudists Mr.Williams. That would be something to talk about on a Monday evening Daily Nightly. The description of the bride and groom was funny too. Aren't all brides and grooms free-spirited with strong opinions? And Mr.Williams I did notice the penguins in the North Pole piece, but I forgot to say anything about seeing them. Glad to know you enjoyed time at home this weekend and watched the first 50 laps of Talladega from your kitchen. Looking forward to the broadcast. This was  funny Daily Nightly post! Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel, Jackie and Stephanie!
Be Well Always!  

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 5:13 PM)

Hi Brian -

I think you made the right choice -  it was a good weekend to stay home - after all, what is the TV for?

The lasting memory of this Correspondent's Dinner for me will be the President of the USA conducting the Marine Band!  He also seemed to be much more relaxed than usual - perhaps because the clock is running down.

I wouldn't miss Thursdays with Peggy.  She is doing fine work these days and her use of our language is A-plus.

I agree with you about the focus of the New York Times - have they lost their way - or just some readers? I'll hang on to the 6AM doorstep delivery - I have to have the crossword in my hands every day.

It's Derby Week, Brian - if you've never been to a Kentucky Derby, you should go at least once.  It's Americana.

Thanks for the mention....







Joan Chapman, Cheshire, CT. (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 5:16 PM)

Brian-

I wondered if you would mention Elizabeth Edwards' Op-ed piece. I thought it was excellent. The last paragraph explains why I bug you all the time, but she puts it better than I!!

I have found myself reading the Washington Post more thoroughly than the Times of late. Right now I think the WP is the better paper. Certainly more readable and I really like the columnists.

If all you watched was the first 50 laps of Talladega, you missed the best part, as I'm sure you've heard. What an exciting race!! What I want to know, and I think you DO know having driven professionally yourself, is when 2 drivers hook up as they did on several occasions (did you see any of that?), increase their speed by 10 mph, and go flying out in front of the rest of the field as they did--what is going on throttle and brake-wise in each of those cars? Does anyone lift? If both stay fully in the throttle, how can one push the other since all the cars seem to be so close in speed? And what must that feel like??!! I'll bet it is a ton of fun!! It was different from the usual "freight trains". But it was awesome to see--even DW was speechless watching it!! DW speechless???!! Is a lesson from you in NASCAR drafting appropriate for this blog?? Hope so--we've had both baseball and football!!

A curious.....

Celine, JC-NJ (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 5:28 PM)

Amen, Brian. Why does news have to shock or tittilate us all the time?  Why can't it just inform?

Daniel, Denver, Co (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 6:14 PM)

Thanks for the recommendation on Peggy's article.  
The most bizarre airport situation was last month.  I was standing in line with the bin in tow with socks covering the feet.   Yikes!  Who could handle all of those germs?  

I was waiting patiently in-line.   I was just watching all the grandmothers getting out of their wheel chairs and grandfathers putting their canes on the belt.  

Then to my dismay I turned to my left and saw a leg in the bin next to mine.  I looked and saw a beautiful 5" 10" woman in black pants and one leg.  

Curious, I said, "how did this happen?"  She replied a skiing accident.    I said, why do you take the leg off?  She indicated that if she didn't take her leg off, she would be at the station for an extra 30 minutes.  Puffs of smoke and all.  Since she travels about 6 flights a week, she just pops it off and goes!  She figured out taking the leg off and hopping saves her 3 hours a week.  

She said look I was in a hospital and rehab for a year.  I can whine and cry about my lost leg or I can live life to the fullest.  Needless to say, I learned a good lesson that day!  I will never forget her beauty and her airport attitude!

Anna (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 6:34 PM)

I was wondering about the tax checks.  I sent my in, by snail mail, on the 14th.  Past experience says they won't get anything back to me for 6 weeks from the time I sent it in.  Since they are processing now when will they get to mine?

I know they are sending out checks depending on the last digits of your SS number but if they haven't processed your tax form when will they go back if they passed your numbers?

Dewey Quong, Reno, NV (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 6:38 PM)

Brian you really didn't miss much this year with the dinner. At lease those who went paid over 4 dollars per gallon for gas. Bush is just having fun until his term is over as no World Leader believes a word he says. At lease he can have fun while Americans are living in a recession.

Brian while reading your comments today it's time to start drinking deaf coffee, your way out there again.

I saw Rev. Wright on PBS. The GOP might want a do over with the mistake of attacking Rev. Wright. Who knew he served as a Marine and was impressed by the famous JFK. That was a time in American History where young Blacks like myself were told this was our country too and we had a responsibility just like every other American. I lost 2/3's of my male senior class mates in Vietnam.  I was young enough to believe that John F. Kennedy the youngest President wanted me to do my part even with the horror I had seen and heard. My parents and grandparents spoke of how difficult it was but I was told by our President that I was an American too and had to protect, honor and serve my country. Rev. Wright could have used his college deferment but he didn't he served our country. I guess Obama learned the real lesson from Rev. Wright as those were the days that changed America forever.

To my friends Lisa, Laural and Stephanie I'm back and I had a great two days with my best friend of 50 years. JoAnn and I met in Junior High and have stayed friends all these years, boy time flies when your having fun. We defied the race problem for 50 years and didn't realize there was a problem until the Media/TV Host made it a topic. Yes we're products of the Long Branch High School, New Jersey.
Go Green Wave!!!

Have a great day!

Jackie Rawlings 62 Riverside California (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 6:58 PM)

Brian:  my husband and I enjoy your nightly news presentation.  I must say that Rev. Wright's comments have been a side-show rather than an expression of his commission as a minister/preacher/evangelist,etc.  What a clown he has become.

Chuck and Linda Hightower, Linwood, Michigan (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 6:58 PM)

Hi Brian,
Just a little fun remark here.  I'm a neck tie person
since I've made plenty in my lifetime (80 yrs. old now)....for kicks, did you ever wear the same tie on
your newscasts....I never miss your program and always
check your ties.....

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:11 PM)

Gee it's nice to know Brian reads the Sunday NYT. So I'm sure he saw the story on the front page a week ago in which it was revealed that his pals such as Gen. Wayne Downie were given organized marching orders by the Pentagon including what to say in favor of Iraq War policy and that many of these same generals had ties to Iraqi war profiteers. But Brian said nothing about this vital story on the air because NBC has a vested interest in keeping hush about it and, oh yeah, we must not forget that parent company GE is a military contractor.  So Brian, you can appear coy about the boy marries boy story in the NYT, but you sure as heck understood the implications of the military experts story in which you gushingly went kissy face with the generals. The whole world is watching Brian.  SAY SOMETHING!

Stephen J. Goldberg (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:17 PM)

Thank you for sharing a fantastic article from Peggy Noonan, which I would have missed but for your mention, Brian.  Amen and Amen, I say!

I got my economic stimulus money today.  The president says I can make the economy better by spending it - but how?  Shall I fix my car so I don't fry the engine?  Give the money to the vet for future cat care for my older cats who have chronic issues?  Stock up on groceries? Pay for medications & doctor visits because I'm diabetic and can't afford medical insurance and don't qualify for welfare?   Apply for a passport just so I can visit family in Quebec or get on an airplane because Maine won't support Real ID?  Unfortunately, these concerns are more important on my mind than my need for an iPod, or a new digital TV.  It's so overwhelming on what to do with money that needs to go everywhere.  For now, it will sit in my savings account and, I suppose, it will go to the need that becomes most immediate.  At least, in this situation, I am an average American.  Sounds like the premise of a new reality or game show: how far can you stretch $300?

I do know one thing: with such broad topics that mean absolutely nothing to me in the New York Times, I can rest assured that my stimulus money will NOT be paying for a subscription!  I'm sure the topics are important to someone, but why does the Times have to cover it?  Isn't there enough news for them to cover?  Other media to cover such material?

Sad commentary on Miley Cyrus.  I suppose I shouldn't be shocked, giving today's societal climate, but I am displeased.  I had hoped she would be different - that her parents would be different.  She is, after all, just 15.  What did I know at 15?  Certainly not anything of such far-reaching consequences.  This should have been a situation where she had parents who would help shape her value as a brand and a person, instead of apparently selling out to be the next sex symbol.  America's got enough of them; we don't need more!

I suppose as gas becomes impossible to afford, I should consider public transportation, its not in my vocabulary here in rural Maine.  There's no such thing in my town, and I have to drive at least 13 miles to reach a bus.  There is one taxi in town, but is that any more efficient?  After our rough winter, our roads are worse than they've ever been!

Hi Laurel, and Lisa, and Jackie, and Celine, and Anna, and Matt!  Have a great week!

Stephanie-Umbro, 33 Maine (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:18 PM)

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Great broadcast as always! The report concerning the mailing of the rebate checks shows how troubled the economy. With the rise of gas prices,food prices,college tuition etc... I think people wanting to save the money is a great thing to do. The retailers certainly want to take advantage of the extra money to their consumers though with all the specials running in their advertisements. I agree wholeheartedly with the two people in the piece, one stating their saving for a house and the other for college tuition. One is tempted to spend all of the money at once, but one has to be smart and use it wisely either to pay down debt or for necessities. I hope things turn around soon. Thank you for mentioning when the new price for stamps comes out Mr.Williams. It seems everytime the price of stamps changes I hear it from you first! Thank you! I will definitely stock up! The report by Mr.Tibbles concerning the crumbling infrastructure and the traffic headaches was extremely disturbing. I know here in Atlanta they are always doing road work on highways and streets. I know there is alot of traffic problems and delays because the same areas seem to be mentioned all the time as being congested. Hearing about the crumbling bridges is scary and they should be fixed ASAP. I did like the woman's comment about nearing the city of Chicage and referring to it as the "emerald city" then Mr. Tibbles saying it isn't the "yellow brick road" and she said, "no it ain't" I can understand the frustration. Yet,it was a funny way of putting it. Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Always informative! Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel, Jackie and Stephanie!
I was glad to see your post Jackie! I hope everything is okay out in California!
Be well Ladies!    

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:22 PM)

Brian:So you love Limbaugh and Noonan,two people who lie full time for the Republic Party.Glad your ratings are down.

Tom Pittsburgh,Pa. (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:23 PM)

I post my response and look at the ones who are already here!  Anna, I am actually bemused, saddened, and stunned by your story about the woman who put her leg in the bin.  What a sad commentary that this is what we have become as a nation!  Since 9/11 and all this business about "safety", I have made this my motto: I'd rather have my liberty than be safe.

I also forgot to add: apparently you miss something when you LISTEN to the broadcast instead of WATCHING the broadcast, as I always have it on in the living room while making supper in the kitchen.  Therefore, I missed the penguins in last night's broadcast.  I am now sorry that I did - even the best of pros can goof.  By the way, Brian, why was stock footage used in a story done on location?  Is this standard practice?  Maybe there was a reason the camera crew didn't see penguins while on site?  :)

Stephanie-Umbro, Maine (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:25 PM)

Brian,

I am wondering if you read this front page piece in The New York Times the previous Sunday, "Behind TV Analysts, Pentagon’s Hidden Hand"? You can find the link below. Did you report on it? You seem to have plenty say on the Daily Nightly blog about numerous other articles in the NYT but not this one (which actually DIRECTLY concerns your network). What do you have to say about this one? Either your comments about The New York Times are a cheap shot or you are clueless, which one is it?

Best,

Connor T. McDonald

Connor T. McDonald, Berkeley, California (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:30 PM)

Mr. Williams,

I remember you saying last week about wishing you could answer/respond to more blog comments. Dare I suggest more video segments by you? I imagine this, as well as newsvine, and even this blog, likely fall out of your job description. I think Mr. Tibbles' post on here today about the traffic and road construction would make a good "segment" of the week" for the broadcast. Its funny because the other day I had a conversation with my dad about why its a good idea to invest in infrastructure during an economic downturn like we are having right now. I saw that it was raining in New York earlier today, as I caught a few minutes of the Today show. I can safely say that rain has not hit the south west yet, as it was steady 90's throughout the day here.

Thanks to those birthday well wishers

Matt, 20, San Diego (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:32 PM)

I just saw the newly embedded video on Mr. Tibbles' post of what appears to be tonights broadcast, and the current "segment of the week" "falling apart", about infrastructure, and I retract my suggestion of having nightly news do just that, sometime in the near future.  Thank you.

Matt, 20, San Diego (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 7:35 PM)

Peggy Noonan needs to be called out for mentioning Henry Ford who was a Nazi sympathizer. Also, Barack Obama's last book, Audacity of Hope: Reclaiming the American Dream, was all about what he thinks about America. Ms. Noonan could've at least looked at it before acting like it's a big mystery what he thinks of our great country.

Hugh, New York, NY (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:01 PM)

Hi Brian,

Read Noonan's piece you recommended.  I'm a little confused that somehow being raised by your white grandparents, one a WWII vet and the other a "Rosie the Riveter"-type somehow doesn't qualify as a quintessential American upbringing.

Didn't Old Peg see any of those wartime posters as a child?

A little more research on the probably Democratic candidate would be nice.  While she is at it, she could also edit Henry Ford from her story: His medal from the Third Reich clouds up her message.

Tom, Mountain View, CA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:17 PM)

Peggy Noonan? This is the woman who vehemently defended Bush and is finally starting to criticize him when his numbers are down in the gutter. Can't you pick another commentator to nominate for the Pulitzer?

Keemia, Beverly Hills, CA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:19 PM)

I stopped reading the New York Times in 2005. Too elitist... I couldn't relate to anything in it.

And since they endorsed Clinton, I've been really happy I no longer read it.

Aliscon Emory, Indianapolis (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:22 PM)

Hey Brian,

Okay, what about the PREVIOUS sunday's Times story?

You know, the one about the Pentagon and you guys in the news networks?  The one your network has so far refused to answer any questions about, even for PBS?

just john, Poughkeepsie, NY (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:35 PM)

Oh, peggy, peggy, our peggy. Thou went off the deep end during Those Days In Dec98 (resp. those frenzied months leading to THE Day)... and never has't thou looked back, o Ophelia, have ye? nope

The WSJ of yesterye' is gone - just like the now much-bemoaned GOP of back_when; and some of the most elegiac moaners now are the most walloping culprits of thus development... right, o Wailing One?

Al Lang, Vienna, Austria (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:39 PM)

Brian Williams questioning the NY Times journalism is like Faux News questioning Glenn Beck's journalism. Brian Williams is way too full of himself. He's not smart, funny, or credible. He's just another MSM anchor. After ABC's debates, and Katie Couric's big success, we all know that being anchor for any of the three networks is not a prestigious position.

Linda Martin, Gales Creek, OR (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:46 PM)

What an odd column by Ms. Noonan. After she so rightly provides us with a vision of the empty suit talking into empty space, she then turns around and emulates him. Why doesn't the media know about what makes Mr. Obama misty? It hasn't asked him. Or when he talks about it, as he has many times, the media ignores his answers to look for more gotcha questions of no substance whatsoever.

The "snooty lefty" is a construct of those same empty suits  who only talk to hear their own voice. Ms. Noonan is a journalist... she should ask him. And then print his response.

As for McCain, yes, he may have had all those qualities on his grandpa's knee, including integrity. Unfortunately, he's sold is soul for the imprimatur of the lunatic right-wing, the same right wing that Ms. Noonan so eloquently descries in her depiction of where little George has taken the country. How are McCain's policies now different from Bush's? Each day they grow undeniably closer together.

Remember that Obama just recently paid off his student loans, while McCain is politicking from the carpeted steps of his wife's private jet. Who's more out of touch with working America? And where are Cindy's tax returns, anyway?

Joe Tysl (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:47 PM)

Brian, on tonight's program, you allotted approximately one minute to the Supreme Court ruling today to uphold an Indiana law requiring a government ID to vote. This ruling will have serious repercussions on who can and cannot vote in the coming Indiana primary and nationwide in November. Somehow, you and your justice correspondent, Pete Williams, failed to point this out. (According to the AP, "more than 20 percent of black voters do not have access to a valid photo ID [in Indiana].") You both also failed to present even one dissenting viewpoint, whether from a Supreme Court Justice, a legal scholar, a civil rights lawyer or a voter in Indiana who will be directly affected by this decision.

Yet, incredibly, you managed to dedicate over two minutes to a report on teen star Miley Cyrus' photo shoot for Vanity Fair.

Now, you won't get any argument from me on the New York Times' penchant for publishing fluffy stories in between substantive ones (I've covered that for a long time on my own site). But let's be honest, Brian. With your own newscast's track record, I'd advise a long hard look in the mirror before throwing stones on this issue.

Brad Jacobson, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 8:55 PM)

Noonan's column was the pure ignorant dribble one expects of upper-class middle-age women. Decrying the fact that middle aged women - middle aged women, of all people! - are treated the same as others, because middle-age women are of course incapable of violence and malice. Noting that Obama might not be as patriotic as McCain because he wasn't the son and grandson of wealthy, well-connected admirals. (And besides, that Obama character isn't quite like the rest of us ... now what is it that makes him not conform to Noonan's definition of a patriot?)

Peggy Noonan is about as clueless about America as The New York Times. What's the word. Ah, elitist. And so to is Brian Williams for espousing her.

Joe, Louisville, Ky. (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:06 PM)

Brian Williams never worked for a newspaper. How exactly is he qualified to criticize the New York Times?

Tom, New York, NY (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:08 PM)

Way to go Brian. Just keep up the ajectives around Jeremiah Wright and you talking heads will manipulate the election right into November. I am so tired of this whining over a pastor who has the right to say and preach his story. I love what he does.  So keep on connecting him to Obama as if JW pulls all of Obama's strings.  Get a grip Brian..you are doing a very great disservice. Or is it that Clinton is your choice.  This is disgusting..all of you media types and your righteous indignation is nauseating.  Yup..I turned you off.

sally Seattle WA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:09 PM)

Brian,
When I read your piece, I laughed so hard.  Who knew you were really Paul Harvey trying to disguise himself as Peter Jennings?

Mark Condon, New York, NY (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:13 PM)

All three major networks focus on trivia rather than serious reporting. They haven't learned anything in the last seven years. The War in Iraq, the economy, to name two, all take a back seat to Rev. Wright and Miley Cyrus. And you are part of the problem.

K.Behnke (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:15 PM)

Brian, you are commenting on the Times political coverage by reciting articles in the Style and Travel section.  Do you read newspapers?  Are you a moron?

t kearns (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:18 PM)

Brian, why haven't you addressed the explosive NYT investigative piece about the so-called "independent" military analysts who were told what to say by the White House. Many of these guys are making money off of the occupation of Iraq, yet that is never disclosed on the networks when you turn to them for the 'expert analysis.' Many of these guys said they knew the intelligence was cooked, but they lied about it anyway. Why haven't you reported on this very important story?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/28/pentagon-suspends-militar_n_98985.html

Isabel, San Francisco, CA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:19 PM)

Wow, who knew Brian Williams was a right wing tool that was thinned skinned about criticism? Oh, wait, everyone knows that.

Greg in LA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:29 PM)

Usually only the pundits on Fox Noise take the most bizarre stories from a news outlet and then say this represents their entire body of work. I always enjoy reading the NY Times, even this past Sunday. As a journalism graduate and now teacher, I relish this investigate source. A recent investigative piece on the broadcast networks use of military analysts was ignored  by everyone except Howard Kurtz on CNN. Truth speaks to power is best exemplified by their coverage of this administration abuse of wiretapping laws to do domestic spying in the name of fear.

Peggy Noonan??? Why was this Republican mouthpiece behind the rest of us on realizing that Bush is incapable of handling the job of President.

Elizabeth Edwards speaks to all of us who want the boring details of what the next President's policies will mean. She definitely is my hero!

Joe Wilson, Atlanta, Georgia (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:37 PM)

Why is it that every time Peggy Noonan has a rough time at the airport she feels the need to whine about in a column pretending to be profound? She should have used her 'brilliance' when millions of us were predicting how things would turn out under the Bush administration and she was writing about how great it was going to be.

Ralph Johnson (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:44 PM)

Dear Brian,
Did you read Frank Rich on Sunday ? 27% of the GOP voters in Pen. did not vote for Mr. McCain. That is something for him to worry about. Did you read the NY Times story about how all the retired generals that were used as tools of the Bush Adminstration to put false views on the war on our TV. These men painted flase pictures, so our troops could die.The NY Times spent two years on that story. What has NBC done ?

Mark Campbell, Garden Grove, Ca (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:50 PM)

Brian, I can no longer watch your broadcast of the nightly 'news.' Be careful of throwing stones at the NYT when your own news coverage is already so thin on substance.  

kate oliver (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 9:52 PM)

Mr. Williams:  Singing the praises of the certified nut-case Peggy Noonan has me gagging.
What?...next you'll be telling us all what a gent Rush Limbaugh is.

Egad.

Ann Kennedy (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:00 PM)

I used to watch you because I liked what you did on CNBC and that appreciation made me watch you on NBC, put I don't know what happened to you in the last few years but you have become much more liberal in your news cast and commentary, I don't know, is it because when you become surrounded by the very liberal views which dominate  American national news rooms ( and please don't tell me their not liberal a study a couple years ago found that 80% of the news rooms personnel would consider then selves liberals). You've changed and it sad to see that sometimes I can't tell the difference from NBC News and MCNBC.

sam, toronto (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:00 PM)

And here is yet another so called "journalist" who believes that if he "appears" to be neutral at times, that it will somehow cover up his extreme bias to the Right.

Please, Brian, you gave yourself away years ago when you began to rave about DRUDGE.

This piece just puts the nail in the coffin for this home. Ba Bye Brian, have fun in your crazy right tilted world.

Polly Tics, San Mateo, CA (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:09 PM)

OK here we have Brian - the corporate owned right wing media mouthpiece - recommending more conservative blather from Noonan. What I don't get conservatives is this: what is it that you want to 'conserve' besides your own personal wealth and power and that of your friends? Things clearly aren't working over there. If the ship of state is to be saved from sinking huge changes are needed and they won't be coming from a McCain administration.

Here's another thing I don't get: how come psychological testing is required for State Department employees and intelligence officers but not for the President of the United States?  

J Young, Sydney, Australia (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:17 PM)

Your view of Peggy Noonan's "journalistic" contributions makes me wonder if you, too, are a Republican hack/shill/mouthpiece.

I have to admit it's not the first time I've wondered about your political proclivities. That, for me, occurred the night that John McCain met the delegate threshhold to claim the Republican nomination and you gushed along with Chris Matthews about what a maverick, hero, and great Smerican he is.

With cheerleaders such as you and Noonan, McCain needn't worry about his polling and fundraising problems.

Linda Tilsen, Jackson, MO (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:26 PM)

Noonan's piece is tripe and thanks so much, Brian, for wasting my time.

Al Wilson (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:30 PM)

Brian Williams' political leanings are clear... FOX NEWS would be smart to make him an offer to leave NBC that he can't refuse...

Ethan Hallbeyer, Columbus, OH (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:30 PM)

Brian, are you joking about the Peggy Noonan article?  Did you miss something here?  Have you researched the candidates yourself?

Ms. Noonan asserts that John McCain carries America in his bones, and learned about it literally at his grandpa's knee.

Well, in case you didn't know, Barack Obama's grandpa had knees, too.  And young Barack literally learned about America at the knee of his grandfather who signed up for World War II and marched across Europe in Patton's army. And what's more, young Barack learned about America from his grandmother who helped in the war effort by working on a bomber assembly line.

And after that, Obama's grandparents got their educations through the G.I. Bill -- the same way my father, also a WW II veteran, was able to get his college degree.

Maybe you don't know this, but John McCain just voted against a new version of the G.I. Bill which would provide the same benefits for our brave troops coming home from war in Iraq and Afghanistan -- the same G.I. Bill that Barack Obama supports.

Now you tell me -- which one of those Senators supports the troops?  Based on their votes, I'd say that Obama is the one who truly carries America in his bones.

Ellen S., Annapolis, MD (Sent Monday, April 28, 2008 10:52 PM)



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