Holding down the fort

Posted: Wednesday, August 06, 2008 4:18 PM by Barbara Raab

By Amy Robach, NBC News Anchor

What a week of firsts! I am excited and honored to be working with such an amazing group of people here at NBC.

As Brian makes his way to Beijing tonight, with their help I am holding down the fort here in New York for the evening, my first stint anchoring weekday Nightly News.

Tomorrow night, Brian will be back broadcasting live from China, and I will soon be following him overseas, covering my first Olympics.

Tonight we'll have the latest on the unprecedented security in and around Beijing as the official start to the Olympics is just two days away.

We'll also have the new developments in the Anthrax investigation. As I write this, the Justice Department is laying out its case against the main suspect.

We hope you'll join us this evening, thanks for being with us tonight.

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Comments

Amy, It will be good to see you anchoring Nightly News tonight. I always enjoy it when you are covering a story or when you are on MSNBC. Also, enjoy your trip to China.

Pam Indiana (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 4:35 PM)

Amy, Congratulations on anchoring tonight.

Chris (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 4:42 PM)

Congratulations and welcome to the week night's edition! I have seen and enjoyed your work, primarily on weekends. No matter the situation you come across as intelligent along with grace under pressure person who is still most approachable.

Besides lots of longs work hours hope you are able to enjoy some of your time in China

Amanda (Ridgewood, NJ) (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 5:02 PM)

Good Evening Amy, Great to see you this evening! i enjoy seeing you in the Weekend Today Show! When you mentioned in the posting about tonight's broadcast and the increased security it reminded me that on the Today Show this morning Richard did a whole report about this subject. I always love seeing Richard doing reports! It showed how much effort China is putting into the security tight during these games and keeping people safe at all the events. I look forward to Richard's report this evening too! Certainly is an exciting time for everyone involved with the Olympics. Looking forward to the broadcast this evening. Always great to see Richard! Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Safe and Well Richard!
Enjoy seeing your great reports! Enjoy Beijing!
XOXO

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 5:03 PM)

Amy -

Congratulations - you've come a long way from those early mornings with Imus.

Good Luck as you move on in your career, you've earned this.

Joan Chapman

Joan Chapman, Cheshire, CT. (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 5:11 PM)

It will be nice to see you with wide awake eyes in the afternoon instead of half asleep morning eyes.

I hope you are going to report on the Guantanamo Bay story about bin Laden's driver. He was found guilty today of supporting terrorism but not of conspiracy.

Another foolish mistake by the bush administration. If the bush administration knew they couldn't convince the panel the driver was guilty of conspiracy they should have dropped the case. Now they have set precedent in future wars.

Bin Laden's driver was only a driver and not involved in any planning for al-Qaida. They aren't even sure if he ever used a weapon against Americans.

If, or when, we invade Iran (or other countries) the government of Iran can say the soldiers - privates - are terrorists and if captured could be put on trial for conspiracy against the government of Iran using the same logic, reasoning and legal decisions the bush administration used to put bin Laden's driver on trial. (You flew over to Iran in the same plane that carried the generals so you must know all that they know.)

As of this moment those countries who considers or declares the United States to be a terrorist country can capture Americans soldiers on their soil, put them in front of their government's hand-picked tribunal and try them as possible terrorists.

And we all know some countries are quicker to carry out the death penalty than others.

If only the bush administration could have recognized proven leaders of al-Qaida to put on trial instead of a driver and possible soldier.

A small false victory for the bush administration when there are too few victories for them to celebrate.

Dewey Quong, Reno, NV (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 5:12 PM)

Dear Amy,

Great to see you on the broadcast tonight. You always do a great job, and I love you on Today - especially when you work with Lester. Please pass this along to Brian.

Dear Brian,

In case you missed it... Last week, when Al Roker joined Willard Scott on the National Mall to announce the Smucker's birthdays, one celebrant in particular stood out: Louise Ashton, 102, from Albany, Georgia, who "...enjoys a glass of wine while watching NBC Nightly News every night." I thought you would get a kick out of that!

Safe passage to you, as you wind your way to China! Say hello to Richard, Lester, Matt, and Peter Alexander!

To Jackie: Did you get an e-mail from the Clinton campaign? Hillary is hosting a web chat tomorrow.

To Stephanie: Today, I only paid $3.81 per gallon for regular unleaded. I felt positively scandalous!

To Dolly: I'm about two hours south of Baltimore city. I have been to the Inner Harbor before, though (National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland Science Center, etc.) In recent years, I've spent a good deal of time at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. It's a terrific place to visit, even if the Orioles aren't winning. (Check out the A.L. East standings.)

Lots love to the regular posters: Lisa, Jackie, Stephanie, Celine, Claudia, Anna, and Matt. XOXO

laurel

lnp, 37, leonardtown, maryland, usa (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 5:14 PM)

I have been watching Nightly news for many years, and out of all the Anchors Brian Williams is my favorite. But I must say that when he's gone on assignment I look forward to Ann and now you Amy to host! Job well done!

James Grizzard, Tampa, FL (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 6:44 PM)

WOW...AMY
I JUST SEEN HALF OF THE NEWS SO FAR..YOU ARE GREAT ..I KNOW YOU HAVE A GREAT TEAM BEHIND YOU..BUT YOUR VOICE AND THE LOOKS DON'T HURT EITHER..BUT JUST HAD TO GIVE YOU A THUMBS UP..HOPE TO SEE ON NBC NEWS AGAIN..BRIAN IS KING...BUT YOU TALK LIKE MY GIRL FRIEND SO FAST BUT SO RIGHT..LOL BUT YOUR MUCH BETTER LOOKING..

Robert LaMar Waterford Michigan (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:00 PM)

Dear Amy:

Great job tonight. You should be one of the today show anchors.

Brian Waskow Valders, WI (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:03 PM)

Amy, you were great tonight on NN- and you look even better. I want to see more of you, please.... enjoy yourself in China.

Lawrence, New York (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:05 PM)

Amy,

I watched you for the first time tonight on Nightly News and I have to say I was impressed!! Not only are you absolutely beautiful but you also did a fantastic job. I look forward to seeing more of you!

Mike, Massachuestts (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:08 PM)

Amy,

Awesome job covering the desk! I hope we get to see more of you in the future. I enjoy listening to the news when its anchored by a person that speaks clearly and slow enough that you can think about what what is being said! I race all day , I want to relax and enjoy the nightly news! Thank you again
Myrlene

Myrlene Frady (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:09 PM)

Amy so good to see you tonight! It was an excellent broadcast. Congratulations! You are a real pro. Just a few more days to the Olympics! I am so excited.

@ Laurel: Thanks for the Smuckers update. Don't you just love Willard and Al! I love when Al hosts the Macy's Parade. I just wonder when they put Louise's photo on the jar if the photo was current or if it was 20 years old. I think when I pass I am going to use a 40 year old photo so everyone will remember me as young and sassy.

@ Lisa: Thanks for Nightly's Cliff Notes that I always enjoy. Richard is on at 7:30 PM Eastern for Opening Ceremonies on Friday night! I have promised myself that I will NOT be checking the internet for any medal results this time.

Bests to All!

Bests to All!

Anna (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:09 PM)

Ms.Robach, I have been watching NBC News for 45 years. I don't watch MSNBC, and tonight was the first time I watched you. You were a TOTAL delight. I hope to see more of you, most definitely. What a delight!

James Chester, Lynn, MA (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:10 PM)

I am concerned about an ad for children's Benedryl which was on during the nightly news today (8/6/08). In the ad, a mother gives her son a premeasured dosage of Benedryl and his seasonal allergy symptoms are relieved. Next the mother offers the drug to another person with the words, "Try one of mine?" This is not the scenerio we want to show for children or adults with regards to medication!!! We tell our kids not to ever take medicine someone else offers them. Now what are we showing them on TV? To compound the problem, it is shown during a news program which most people take to be factual and reputable television.

Joan Hunter, Elbridge, NY (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:16 PM)

Amy. You are 10x better then Katie Cortic

Greg Travis (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:17 PM)

Amy,

Wow! It was wonderful to see you on the broadcast earlier tonight. You must be thrilled with all of these "firsts" you mentioned. What an honor to anchor Nightly News, and then to make your way on to Beijing for the Olympics with all of those amazing people. There is something incredible about the anticipation of travel to far off places, places which promise the enchantment of things we would never see at home, and places which offer new sites and sounds that only come to those lucky enough to have earned the opportunity to experience them first hand. Have a very safe trip, enjoy this experience, and keep a journal. I have of my own trips and don't regret a minute of having done so. You just never know when you'll return. Looking forward to seeing you back here at home safe and sound.

Steve Doff, Ellicott City, Maryland (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:22 PM)

Good Evening Amy, Great broadcast this evening! Always wonderful to see Richard on the broadcast! Yeah! Another beautiful blue shirt! Richard's report on the security for the Olympics certainly shows how China seems fully prepared and taking all precautions to prevent any sort of trouble. The protestors were brought down from the poles and the demonstrators were calmed. The command center Richard was walking inside was really impressive with all the monitors and has he mentioned 21,000 cameras. Everyone is on the lookout for anything suspicious. Civilians,policemen,guards at security gates. Even the surface to air missles outside the stadium are positioned. With 80 Heads of State coming to the Opening Ceremonies it is extremely important to make sure all are safe. Seeing Richard riding in the van with the monitor above shows they are always looking around the streets. Hopefully, everything will go smoothly and all will have a wonderful time. Another great report Richard! Always wonderful to see you!
On another note the report about how well GM is doing in China was interesting and exhibits that the Chinese enjoy the GM cars. Hearing that Buick,Cadillac and Chevrolet are selling great in China is proof of good quality vehicles being made. I like Buicks and drive one. Always a great car. I hope the economy gets better so that the success in China will be the same here. Gas prices have fallen somewhat and hopefully will continue to drop. Now when it was said that around winter the price may be lower still, it was good news. Although winter seems alittle far away right now.
Finally, the "What Works" segment was very nice. This camp for children with epilepsy was inspirational and makes all of the kids feel special. Just to have other children to relate and be friends to share common ground. Having fun too! Just like any normal kid! Good Piece!
Thank you for the broadcast Amy! Travel safely to Beijing! Say hello to Mr.Williams.Mr.Holt and especially Richard!!
Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Safe and Well Richard! Enjoy Beijing! Great seeing you in there!
XOXO

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:22 PM)

Congratulations! You did a great job.

Matt C (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:27 PM)

Good for you and congratuations. I am sorry I
lucked out but we were out to dinner with friends.
Hopefully, the next time I will see you but again
I am sorry I missed your first broadcast.How exciting
that must have been for you and your audience.

Phyllis Kunz Louisville, Ky. (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:30 PM)

Amy,

Congrats on your debut at Nightly News. You work so hard. You deserve it. Enjoy your trip to China. I hope that you have a terrific time and enjoy yourself.

Lu Thulstrup (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:34 PM)

Amy,
Great job on the evening news today you were exceptional on the broadcast----and nightly news is a whole different challenge you're a natural hope to see you again soon on NBC Nightly

Dr. Gene Harrell, Wichita Falls, Tx. (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:49 PM)

Amy - You were absolutely FANTASTIC doing the evening news! I would love to watch you every night - you were beautiful to look at - professional (no fluff or cutesy-ness (is that a word? I think not) I was blown away - as was my husband by your excellent performance! I am 57 ...my hubby of 30+ years is 58. We aren't fond of CBS evening news with Katy/Katie? We were both surprised by how much we enjoyed you as an anchor! In fact I wrote my first e-mail to NBC and that is how I came upon the blog.

Great job and hope to see you more often (watch out Brian);-)

Barb, Hollidaysburg, PA (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:55 PM)

Good job tonight, Amy..

J Payne, Denver, CO (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 8:06 PM)

great Job Amy! I love watching you on Weekend Today, I wish you hosted on Sundays, instead of that other girl.

Can't wait for the olympics:)

Michael A. Bucciferro Amsterdam, NY (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 8:09 PM)

Hi Amy,
My husband and I are big fans of Brian Williams news cast, but we enjoyed you so much this evening! He and I were both making predictions about who would pick you up and make you a big star. It was not obvious at all that it was your first night. You were articulate, timely, and beautiful! Good luck in your career!

Pamela Hoffer (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 8:16 PM)

WOW - NBC, are you paying attention. These viewers LOVE Amy Robach, and I can see why. She has a great voice, delivers the news in a very professional manner, is truly beautiful, and we don't even miss Katie whats-her-name. She can fill in for Brian any time (please).

Ken C, Fort Collins, CO (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 8:19 PM)

Dear Amy,

Great job tonight. It's a sign of professionalism when a journalist shows a range of abilities and talents. The evening news was in capable hands tonight. Brian Williams is excellent, and you met the standard of warmth, intelligence and realism that he demonstrates nightly.

I'll look forward to seeing your career continue.

Kathy, Norcross, Georgia (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 8:47 PM)

Amy,

Congratulations on your first anchor on NBC Nightly News. You've done a great job and this proves you are very knowledgeable and competent news anchor. And so far you doing a very good job, again congratulations.

Guillermo, San Diego, CA (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 8:50 PM)

Hi Amy, You do a great job filling in for Brian and I am so envious that you get to go to the Olympics. How exciting! Tell Richard all his blog friends say Hello~ I saw him on the Today show this morning, looking as intense (& handsome) as always!

To Laurel, thanks for your note, we are actually not that far apart, it only took me 3 hours to get home:-) So, that's pretty cool. Loved your note to Brian about the Smuckers birthday and the glass of wine - while watching the NBC Nightly News, if I get to 102, mine would probably say ~ loves her Samuel Adams! LOL!

Dolly, 42, Mechanicsville, VA (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 8:53 PM)

Wow - great anchor tonight: Amy Robach. Powers that be, please keep her on as guest anchor, co-anchor and wherever you can place her. Her great intelligence shines through. She has elegant, understated dignity; she's calm, clear, poised. Unlike Katie Couric, Amy Robach is obviously enjoying being anchor.

Ann Romer, Richmond, VA (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 8:58 PM)

If Brian is to broadcast from Beijing Thursday night, he's going to have to get to China quickly--and that probably means a non-stop flight.

If you have a world globe, you can do something neat by stretching a string between New York and Beijing on the globe. It will show you the most direct route and just what areas he will be flying over. For those who don't have a globe--the route goes north west over Hudson's Bay and the Northwest Territories in Canada, across the Arctic Ocean and then south over Siberia and finally into northern China. It is nearly 7000 mi. and will take almost 14 hrs. Awesome!

We all complain about air travel--but we must admit it does get you there and quickly. We DO live in remarkable times! The explorers of old would have given anything to get around the globe the way we do!

I'd like to add a comment on last night's story about the endangered lowland gorillas. Lowland gorillas are the animals you see in zoos. There is another group of gorillas even more endangered because their numbers are far fewer--the mountain gorillas of Uganda and the Congo. These are the gorillas of Diane Fossey fame. They exist nowhere else on earth. There are none in zoos. The Africans have never allowed them out. Personally I think that is folly as there have been a number of species around the world that have gone extinct and been reintroduced to their native lands using stock from zoos. And the mountain gorillas are still being poached. Their continued existence is a very iffy situation.

Best to all the regulars. Do take care--

Celine, JC-NJ (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 9:34 PM)

I don't get to see Nightly News on Wednesdays usually and what a day to miss: Amy's Nightly debut! As a loyal, regular watcher, I am so sorry I missed it, Amy, but I've seen your work on the Today Show and am quite sure you did a fabulous job; sounds like everyone else are pleased!

Laurel: awesome about the gas! I paid $3.78 this weekend. I just hope we don't get so excited with paying these prices that we forget how painful they still really are!

Stephanie-Umbro, 33 a few more weeks; Maine (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 9:39 PM)

Congratulations on a wonderful job tonight, Amy! We love watching Brian, but if he's out we'll now prefer you. We've enjoyed your time on Today weekends for a while now and think you and Lester are perfect together. Keep up the great work...

Paul and Sabine (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 10:08 PM)

Hi Amy ya I miss 008 Brian hope he's ok
Now as for the Anthrax man the FBI said was the criminal well let's face it the FBI hasn't been honest in a long time so this is most likely another mistake. This man was nuts and the FBI even tried to bribe his son so who wouldn't go crazy. This case was messed up from the beginning and they just needed someone to take the fall.

As for the Bin Laden Chauffeur he was guilty because he was employed by Osama. Now he didn't commit a crime but after holding him for 5 years and torturing him the US had to have a fake trial to save face. Look at Jose Padilla who lied about everything and the US tortured and drugged him now he's brain dead. Thank goodness Mr. Hicks got home as he was also innocent but tortured and drugged. Most of the prisoners in Gitmo are innocent but the US can't admit that to the World now after holding them without charges. Let's hope the rest of the World doesn't follow the Bush Torture Policy in the future.

Laural: I did get my email from Hillary and I will be on line to ask my questions. I did have a problem with Obama now wanting Florida/Michigan to have all their delegates back while he opposed it during the Primary. By doing the Math Hillary would have won both by delegates and by popular votes over Obama. Howard Dean got what he wanted by not allowing Hillary those delegates.

Have a great evening all

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

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 10:20 PM)

Amy, your flawless and engaging presentation tonight--indeed the perfection of the entire broadcast--was something to behold. If tonight was your debut in the anchor slot substituting for Brian, then I witnessed something quite rare. Thank you so much. The bench is extraordinarily deep at NBC these days, but you are first string talent.

Terry Pennell, Renton, Washington (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 11:00 PM)

Amy, My first time to watch you work and I am impressed. I know the show content is scripted but you make it believable and are a pleasure to watch. Young Walter Cronkite clone ??
Note to NBC brass: She's a keeper.

Bob Imsand, Newnan,Georgia (Sent Wednesday, August 06, 2008 11:24 PM)

Hi, Amy. Congratulations on your debut! Had to work late so watched you on-line. So impressed with your abilities. Love you on Saturdays and hope to see more of you during the week. You have the right mix of intellect and warmth. Suzanne Payne

Suzanne Payne (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 12:24 AM)

Congratulations indeed! Movin' on up to get a piece of that pie!

Brent, Tucson, AZ (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 3:22 AM)

Brian is great, but you can fill in for him ANY TIME in my book! A real pleasure to see you anchoring Nightly news. Have a safe and productive trip to China.

Steve, Decatur, GA (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:39 AM)

First, "Way to go Amy Roback" on the chance for the anchor seat!
I can only imagine what a sensation it would be to have "the chair" on the nations most watched evening news. It fits you! Congrats again...

Randy Nopasri (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 8:45 AM)

Congrats Amy! :) I could tell you were a lil nervous in the beginning as you raced thru the intro :) I smiled and told my wife, look at Amy...she's really in the big leagues now! :)

You did excellent. You have a great career in front of you Mrs. Robach!

Congrats again!

Stylistocrat by R&R, Atlanta, GA (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 9:37 AM)

Amy,
What a pleasant surprise to see you on the nightly news! I love Brian and was wondering who they would replace him with. I was pleasantly surprised. You are a natural. Have a great time in China.

Mrs. Robert Rater (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 10:39 AM)

Amy:

Where in the world have they (NBC) been hiding you? I watched your broadcast last night and was very pleased with your poise, delivery and professionalism...and you're not bad to look at too. Hope to see you more frequently.

Lonnie Sandy, Summerfield, FL (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 10:44 AM)

We've followed you since MSNBC. Incredible delivery in true journalism form. We will keep watching as you continue in your career.
Joyce and Lee

Joyce and Lee (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:22 PM)

It's interesting to see the fearful censoring that goes on here, done for all to see on other sources. One would hope that the censored material would be somewhat mitigated by gracious non-fearful, non-censoring actions as wild as actually posting what some of 'we the people' are forthrightly saying here. We're imploring you not to keep saying your trademark things like, "Let them eat cake".

Miguel, Sacramento, Ca. (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 10:14 PM)

Hi Amy, Sorry to have missed your NBC Nightly News debut. I'm sure you did a fantastic job. The execs at NBC must have alot of confidence in your ability subbing for Brian, it speaks volumes. I concur and think you do a great job on the Today Show. Hope to see more of you on future newscast and during the Olympics, along with the other great journalist in China.

Daniel, Denver, CO (Sent Thursday, August 07, 2008 11:56 PM)

Ames! Terrific job! Tennessee and Virginia adore you!
Be careful in China..and COME BACK TO NIGHTLY SOON!

newswatcher (Sent Friday, August 08, 2008 9:25 PM)

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