Good Evening Mr.Williams, I totally agree with you I love having Richard around too! Very,Very much! I love seeing him on the broadcast! I know he does his best work overseas and that is where he likes to be I just wish he could stick around alittle longer. Anyway, I viewed the video Richard did and it was extremely interesting and informative about the oil situation in Iraq. The fact that the Iraqi government is allowing investments of foreign companies into contracts is a major announcement. There must be security and stablility in the country and this will not happen overnight because as stated in the interview it will take up to ten years to reach. Consumers won't see any changes anytime soon although it would be nice to see some relief. The US troops have done an amazing job of trying to hold down security, but it does take a long time. Iraq needs to oil revenues and security is a huge factor. I hope that announcement will be a very positive thing for the people of the country in that all of the innocent civilians have definitely suffered enough hardship. There will be lengthy negotiations, but I hope in the long run it will prove to be a good thing for everyone. A great job by Richard! Looking forward to seeing him on the broadcast! Can't wait! Looking forward to hearing more in the broadcast Mr.Williams! Stay Safe as Always Richard! I wish this wasn't your last night in the newsroom. Sigh! Stay Safe as Always! Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Celine,Claudia,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
XOXO

Brian,
I am one of those SUV owners. Since it will be paid off in four months, I plan to keep it. My concession is that I drive alot less than I used to. Maybe I'll buy a hybrid when the price is more conducive.

I am reading Richard Engle's book and am really appreciative of his hard work and all the risks he has taken. I'll miss him and his reports too. I wish him well. Have a good night.

Laurie

Good Evening Mr.Williams, I realize this will be on Nightly News too, but I viewed the video of Richard's interview with Iran's Foreign Minister Mottaki and again it is most interesting to hear the comments made by Mottaki. It is a very tense situation in Iran and there relations to Israel and the United States. Hopefully, there will be no attacks within the country because it would definitely not help the Middle East region become any more stable. It would be "stoking the flames" as Richard stated. Looking forward to even more of the interview with Mottaki. Great to see Richard as always! Peace to you and to all!
Bests to all my friends!
XOXO

Tonight will be a don't miss obviously. I'll leave the keep safe lecture to Lisa, more to the point Richard, stay true to yourself. Don't let us forget that it's not over in Iraq, keep reminding us that Afghanistan isn't over either. Behind that sweet adorable face lies a steel-trap mind that sees through the spin from all sides. That's what we need. Don't fail us.

Oh, what the heck, for heaven's sake, keep your head down!!!!

Brian:
Please just try to  have one day (blog or newscast) without saying "as always"; I don't think you can do it!
Other than that overkill..I like everything else you do/say. Thanks.

Today's news is so depressing I'm not sure there's anything I can say to spin it!  

I've always thought chasing tornadoes would be super cool, even before "Twister".  The power of Mother Nature is jaw-dropping.  I'm just grateful we don't get them in Maine!

Did you get to visit the dolphins last weekend, Brian?  They are so cute!  It seems as if the dolphins are on their own version of a staycation!  Apparently they didn't have enough human interaction out in the big blue.

Happy Tuesday everyone!  Have safe journeyings back to the East, Richard.

Great report and interview from Richard Engel tonight.

I just watched the coverage about prices of oil, the decrease in car sales and the portion of the interview with the Iranian official.  It reminded me that I would rather pay more for gas than give any more money to oil and gas moguls in Iran!

Good Evening Mr.Williams, I'm addressing you one more time because when Richard is on the broadcast I always love to comment on what he reports. Love seeing him on the broadcast! Richard's interview with Iran's Foreign Minister Mottaki showed how any attack on Iran would result in severe consequences. Mottaki stating that Israel and the United States would regret any engagement in military action certainly sends a strong message. The possible development of nuclear weapons by Iran is a serious threat to Israel and the entire Middle East and hopefully they will not reach the point of producing any at all. Richard pointing out thec geography of the whole situation was most interesting and shows how much influence Iran has throughout the Middle East. How they would disrupt traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, the miltias in Iraq, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Gaza. As Richard stated from Tehran to Jerusalem it would be a very dangererous conflict. The price of oil would skyrocket if this occured and everywhere in the world would be effected. Another facinating report by Richard and I really wish ot wasn't his last evening here in the States. I enjoyed seeing him and hearing his reports! Stay Extra Safe as Always Richard! I loved attending the book signing and really loved meeting you! Excellent book! And I will be watching the new edtion of "War Zone Diary 2008" on Sunday!
On another note it seems the dolphins are enjoying the Jersey Shore very much. Yet, I really hope with the holiday they remain safe in the river. Sooner or later they are going to need to get back to the ocean, but they are healthy and happy for the time being. Excellent broadcast this evening Mr.Williams! Many really good reports, yet when Richard is on I tend to focus mostly on his report. (As many of the "regular" readers know full well!) Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Stay Extra Safe Richard!! Great Reporting Richard!! Safe,Safe Travels! Peace to You and to All!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Celine,Claudia,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
XOXO

Are Americans as stupid as it appears? I went through the energy crises of 1973, 1979, and the steadily rising energy prices in the past decade. I never forgot. Through all those years, all of my cars have been small, fuel-efficient sedans. SUV's always seemed outrageously stupid and vain. The complainers out there need to search their hearts regarding their past motives rather than complaining and moaning about today's inevitable energy prices. Think people.

Hi Brian
I've been traveling but still watch the nightly news on the road. Richard is so great he asked the right questions and with total respect for his guest. Smart move on NBC's part in letting Richard do what he does best.  This talk about bombing Iran is just a smoke screen by the White House as they complete their criminal missions before Bush's term ends. Look for more White House fraud and crimes as we get to see by the US is in a recession and our debt is over 10 Trillion dollars.

I will get to see the dolphins this weekend as I'm in New Jersey for a while.

Your right about the news not being good. I see Jersey's gas prices are as high as California and that says it all. I see so many homes for sale and this recession is effecting everyone.

Claudia: I did get to see Obama/Hillary speech and yes girlfriend Hillary does ROCK. Look I'm listening and learning more about Obama as he sends me messages now on email about what's happening. I have watched and learned about McCain when he ran for President in 2000 and he's gone down hill. Obama is doing the right thing an not pushing himself on people or Hillary supporters but answering our questions and respecting our decision of choice. I went to the New York Gay parade last weekend I though Hillary might be there but the other New York Senator was there. I'm taking my time and will make my decision on my terms not Obama's.

Best as always to my friends Lisa, Laural, Stephanie, Claudia, Anne and Matt

Brian,
Thank you for your report on those sweet dolphins. It was a bright spot to hear they are "ok" in what seems to be the daily slew of bad news.

This is in response to Richard Engel's interview with Iran's Foreign Minister, and the comment from Lisa McNeil that "hopefully" Iran will not produce nuclear weapons.  Why did Mr. Engel pass up the opportunity to ask the Minister if it was possible, just possible in light of the current tensions, that Iran would recognize the right of Israel to exist?  And maybe some followup---would Iran feel threatened by a nearby country with nuclear aspirations that denied Iran's right to exist and declared Iran "filthy bacteria" that should be "wiped off the map"?  If Mr. Engel was precluded by the conditions of the interview from asking such questions, he should have said so.  If not, why did he not even try?

It is always good to see Richard back from the Mid East but why didn't he ask the Iranian tonight about the Iranian threats of wiping Israel off the map and thus maybe, that was the cause of their threat to take out Iranian atomic sites?  The story seemed a might slanted to just Israel's possible attack on poor Iran. I watch most every night and have since David and Chet were in your seat(s).  Good Night Brian!  Good Night Doc!

Mr. Williams, Not to sound un patriotic or anything, but I have NO sympathy for the American Auto Industry, except for those hard working Americans who have, or are going to lose their jobs. The American Auto Industry has been a major player along with the oil industry in this miserable gas mess we are in today. They didn't learn their lesson the last time around, and this time they could disappear completely from the domestic marketplace if they don't get some leadership with a clear vision for the product of the future. There is a reason that Toyota and Honda were the best selling vehicles year after year. The famous statement " Learn from the mistakes of the past, or we will be doomed to repeat them" certainly has some credo here.

Brian-

That was a terrific report you and Richard gave us tonight. Coupled with Seymour Hersh's article which you linked to yesterday, you both have brought to light the potential problems with Iran and for that matter--the entire region. The lesson learned: before action of any kind is taken in that part of the world, it needs to be carefully assessed both pro and con.

Hello to all the "usual suspects". The past few days have not been the time to be missing from the blog as I have been--all kinds of interesting discussion going on. Catch-up time...

Josh has asked" what would my ideal news program look like? My ideal program already was. It was Brian's hour long cable news show. And I believe Joan Chapman, poster on this blog, would concur. For those not familiar with it, it was sort of how you might imagine The NewsHour on PBS would be if it was produced by a network with its bureau and video resources. There were long segments, lots of discussion with guests/analysts, a lot of putting the news into context (a "Brian forte"), more pizzazz than the NewsHour, more video, the stable of NBC correspondents (Brian and Martin Fletcher won an Emmy the last year of the show), and, of course, the Brian wit. (Are you blushing Brian? Best not read any further, I'm not quite finished.) It often closed with "The Last Word", commentary by Brian about some facet of life that captured his imagination or bugged him. If he was doing it today, it probably would be about the airlines. You all have read his "wry" (I'm trying to be PC) air travel related comments here. Toward the end of his cable show it was about people who talk loudly on cell phones. Devotees of this space and NN can just imagine what he did with that. It was often hilarious, but always a perfect take on a societal annoyance. I did not come to NN by default; I came with Brian because I was hooked on his cable show. But that show is gone, never to be seen again. The question then becomes: what do I want in a news show today?

This discussion came about by relating policy and character. Stephanie: Tim Russert and Doris Kearns Goodwin had a pact going that they would visit and revisit the subject of character as applied to the presidential candidates this year. Another reason to miss Tim.

Adopting a policy, or supporting someone because of a policy stand certainly stems from character and I think we come to judge a candidate's character from observing him/her and learning about his/her personal history. Barring something illegal or unethical, character is a difficult subject for the news media to take up. Policy, however, is not.

Claudia: I agree that NN's 22 mins. is not the place to air a policy discussion. (Although Brian and Richard were flirting with one tonight and I was cheering!) If Brian had an hour show--that would be different. Then I think we would all be expecting policy discussions on a regular basis. But an hour NN ain't gonna happen either! Reading over the recent comments, I think we all pretty much would like to see more policy coverage on NBC news. I also take to heart your comment about broadly spreading objective policy considerations. So what to do?

Howard Kurtz in his WP column recently spoke about "journalism's crisis of confidence" and noted TV news seems to be "terrified of boring its audience".

Let's look at that audience using a metaphor based on something Brian once said--that he would peddle news door to door if he had to.

You knock on a door, can hear people inside, but no matter how hard you bang, they refuse to answer. These are the people who if the newsman turned purple with orange spots, still would not be interested in news.

You knock on a door, someone opens it, the newsman starts to talk and the door is slammed in his face. We know these people, they don't want to hear anything. They have their agenda and defend it by attacking. Here we often call them "drive-by attackers".

You knock on a door, someone comes to the doorway and stands and listens but their arms are crossed over their chest--very defensive body language. Seems like this person has a position and is defensive about it, but is still at the door. Can they be reached? I think these are the people whose position is based on sound bites.

You knock on a door, it is opened, person is smiling and saying: "Yeah, come on in and let's talk about it!" That's us.

Now Brian can't peddle the news 24/7. He's got to go home, sleep, eat, be with his family--so his time and his resources are limited. What to do? Prioritize--pick your houses. Chuck the first two types above. Don't waste time or energy on them--you'll never get anywhere with them.

The third type? Maybe--but how? Franklin's words: "Would you persuade, speak of interest not reason." come to mind. But more about that in a minute.

Us? Hell, we're news junkies--give us anything in depth and we're happy.

So TV news, how about getting some steel in your spine, some self-confidence, stop worrying about people who won't watch anyway, and addressing your audience that either WANTS to hear news, or WILL PROBABLY listen and learn if you address their interests! Have you guys noticed "What's the Matter with Kansas?" seems to have changed to "What's the Matter with Washington?" and the crisis of confidence is in the people, 70% of whom don't trust their government. People are so sick of being spun, they may just be ready to hear an unbiased report about policy if it relates to their own interests.

How about a half-hour TV news show devoted to analysis of a candidate's policy on a particular topic? As Josh suggests, Sunday AM would be good--people seem to be in a mood for serious news discussion then. If not possible, then sometime on cable--but promote it and give it time to catch on. Could you guys at NBC bite the financial bullet for a half-hour show once a week from now till the election even if it wasn't all that popular? Sell it as civic duty! One, or at the most, two topics (taken separately). Get at the pros and cons. Josh's idea about the Nightline format is good, but I don't think NBC would "appropriate" it. Moderator could be someone who had some expertise in the subject being discussed (and could be a different person each week) and guests who really know something about it. Not a big panel. Use lots of graphics. It's not broad Claudia, but I think it targets a receptive audience.

Since health care was ostensibly so well discussed (actually wasn't) between Barack and Hillary, I can use that as an example. What follows (and more) should be brought out on this type of show.

Obama pro: except for kids, no mandate. A lot more people covered than now. Con: he doesn't understand actuarial science--you have to make money on the healthy to have enough to pay for the sick and that's fair because sooner or later almost everyone gets sick. He's wrong that everone will want it. I personally know some young immortal types who wouldn't and if they crack up an auto and get taken to hospital are we really going to garnish their wages for the next umpteen years to pay the bill? So people will game the system. His plan will cost more because not everyone will be in it.

Hillary pro: covers everyone and thus will be cheaper. Con: just how do you do this mandate? What is the downside? I don't know and would love to hear during a half-hour show in which it is discussed. And what else is germane to this issue that I haven't even thought of? So you see, it hasn't really been so well discussed. And there are an awful lot of people either without health care or worried they might be. "Speak of interest"? I'll bet that third guy mentioned above would be interested and watch, especially if it was well promoted. Bob Bazell and Nancy Snyderman and who moderates?

There is so much more possible. Tonight Richard just touched on potential troubles in the mid-east. What about all the other countries in the area? How would they react? How does this fit in with the candidates' Iraq policy? Mid-east policy? Energy policy?

I throw all the above out as a basis for discussion and brain-storming here. Let's toss ideas around and see what we come up with. Then we can all get our names on the credits of the new TV news show we create for NBC!!!

Anna--your dinner party sounds wonderful! May I bring the wine? Would a good Barolo suit you and the menu??!!!

In a piece in the NYT the other day--the Commission on Presidential Debates wants "two of the forums to be divided into eight issue-bases segments to generate lengthy discussions between the candidates." They want to avoid sound bite answers. Hooray!!!

Now we all have to start worrying about Richard! Yeah, I know Brian, it's where he wants to be--but I also know you worry too.

Take care all, and especially you Richard--be safe.

Hi Brian -

Did you read Maureen Dowd today?  

Barack seems wistful about his old life, now that he is into the new.  

I am the daughter of a small town politician - Selectman, Police Commissioner - who loved the public part of his job.  Mom used to say "it takes John four hours to go the hardware store".  From the start, I wanted no part of it and I've been very happy working behind the scenes for everyone from Dad to Al Gore.

So, I wonder is the prize worth the cost?

Comments?

Joan

Think about youth groups like Scouts and the schools that rely on parents with SUVs and vans to transport kids to all those wonderful, enriching field trips, camps, away games, band competitions, etc. The donation in fuel made by these parents is becoming quite substantial. How long will we have these volunteers with their gas-hungry, 8-passenger vehicles? When do we start investing in buses again?

Ford should've learned its lesson with the Edsel nearly 50 years ago (similar circumstances) - but as we know history has a tendency of repeating itself.
However, the point I wanted to make is why is it that most Americans don't know about the existence of CNG powered cars. Honda makes the Civic CG, GM even has CNG powered pickups available. The gasoline equivalent (GGE) cost is 1/4 that of gasoline and you can even refuel the cars at home (with a device called PHILL).
Argentina, Finland and Poland also have gas stations
that readily sell CNG along with gas and diesel and conversions to CNG if your vehicle is not so equipped from the factory are done by most mechanics.
In the USA that is not allowed by the government and yet we have plenty of gas reserves here that could power a lot of cars (most cities have buses that run on CNG already) and it is one of the cleanest burning fuels available currently so our environment would stand to benefit as well (much less CO2 for every GGE burned).
It seems to me that the government should be promoting these type of vehicles and not trying to point fingers as who to blame for the price of oil.

I was listening to the world news with Bryan Williams on Tuesday evening.....I got in on the end of a statement made by ________________________? that the current oil/gas conditions was predicted by WHO_______ in 1999.  Can you let me know who this was?  Thanks Sandy

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