I just wanted to ask you Brian why none of the Networks report of all those protest outside & inside the Republican Convention this week? About 400 people were arrested and I think is news worthy don't you?

On the Today Show yesterday Sarah Palin's sister revealed how Palin is able to handle both the Governorship and her family. Palin makes use of her extended family (e.g. grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins). From another source I learned that her husband spends quite a bit of time at home taking care of the children. I don't know why the Republicans went berserk when this question was asked. The answer is enlightening.

People who are pro-choice are not pro-abortion. To say they are implies that they want women to have an abortion. They don't. They want women to have a choice. If you are going to use the term pro-life, then in fairness you should use the term pro-choice.

Dear Brian,

Was there a Medal of Honor recipient in the audience last night, during Senator McCain's speech?

I'll see you tonight at 6:30, and again for the cancer special.

Many X's and O's to Lisa, Jackie, Stephanie, Celine, Claudia, Anna, and Matt.  

Hello Brian!!!

If you ever decided to come to Nashville, I don't think you would be mistaken for security detail!!!!  

Awesome Coverage the past two weeks, and I hope your family remebers what you look like when you finally go home!!

And if you are at Belmont University, my college, for the second debate, I will be somewhere near there watching the debate.  Sadly I will not be able to catch a glimpse of you, Tom, Keith, Chris or anyone else who might come, because NO students are allowed!!!  But rest assured I will be watching it on NBC then MSNBC!!

A Fatihful viewer since the Brokaw years  

Hi Brian -

Don't worry, you can probably cover the next hurricane from Fairfield Beach. :)

Have a safe trip home.

Joan

What will be left of Hanna is currently forecast to arrive around Maine overnight Saturday to Sunday.  It really doesn't sound like its going to be more than a typical nor'easter.... except that usually we prefer nor'easters to be SNOW, as it doesn't FLOOD so quickly!  I hope you stay safe, Laurel, Lisa, Anna, and Celine!

I did not watch McCain's speech.  I've heard him speak before, so he didn't seem like he needed my ear.  Besides, there was no "history" in his speech... What I don't understand is why Palin is not being available for interviews.  Huh?  That makes me suspicious!

Again, my condolences to the loss of your sister, Brian, and my paternal grandmother who died before I was born, and my mom's two sisters who died of cancer. I have an aunt by marriage who is cancer free & a cousin who is currently fighting the battle.  I also helped care for, and then bury, a close friend with colon cancer while taking care of her young children & she dealt with a divorce.  Cancer is non-discriminatory.  I personally believe that our current pace of life induces more cancer diagnoses and deaths.  I also believe someone has that cure but its being gagged.  Either way, any publicity on cancer is a good thing.  

Paul from Rye NY, I am not sure what your comment had to do with Brian's post, but I do appreciate your comment. I am pro-choice - and very anti-abortion.  

Happy weekend everyone - hang on to your loved ones; the hurricanes are coming!

stand up for cancer. I see that all the Democrats are going to be there.

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Great to see you in Los Angeles this evening. It will be a great fundraising benefit "Stand Up to Cancer" and I will certainly be watching your broadcast. First of all the weather is becoming quite scary out in the Atlantic with Tropical Storm Hanna and Hurricane Ike. Tropical Storm Hanna appears to be going to bring alot of rain up the East Coast which is good for the drought, yet it isn't good with the heavy winds along with the rain. Sounds like it has already caused much destruction to Haiti. I hope everyone remains safe and sound in the effected areas of the tropical storm.
Hurricane Ike is quite a huge storm as a Category 3 storm tracked on a path towards Florida. The people living in the Florida Keys and Miami appear to be taking no chances and are vigilant in watching the track of this storm. Many people might have to evacuate, but if is done early enough I hope everyone is able to get to safer ground.
The report about the Troop levels in Iraq was interesting and showed how General Petraeus is still keeping a large amount of troops in Iraq. There have been improvements to the security situation, yet he is not going to take any chances because Iraq does have serious issues and nothing has totally been solved. The uprise in violence in Afganistan makes it very difficult on the troops deployed in that region and they do need alot of extra troops. Hearing they need 3 times as many troops as needed is a staggering number and causes great concern. General Petraeus's task of commanding both these wars is daunting and time will tell as to the progress made in the next few months. I really hope for a peaceful resolution for everyone and certainly for the innocent civilians in the regions.
On an humurous note seeing Andrea Mitchell swallowed by all those balloons was funny. I liked how you described the scene and the search parties out to find her. Quite alot of balloons!
And the green backdrop for Senator McCain was not that great. I'm sure the people who put that up behind him are regretting their choice.
The "Making A Difference" segment was really nice. That artificial arm is quite the machine giving so much movement. This will help so many of those who have lost an arm and seeing the war veteran be able to move so well with the use if that arm shows how far we have come in scientific progress. Finally, I will certainly be watching your broadcast of "Stand Up to Cancer" this evening. Many of us know people effected by cancer and this event will really raise alot of awareness and funds. Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. I hope after this event you can go home and rest this weekend. Rest and Relax. Great coverage all week! Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna and Matt!
Laurel-Stay Safe and Sound with the weather! Be Safe!
Be Well Always!
Stay Safe and Well Richard! I hope to see on of your reports soon!
XOXO    
 

Mr. Williams... we enjoy your nightly broadcast from here in Kalispell. I have one question about tonight's broadcast, however... there seemed to be an odd close up of you. Why was that? By the way, my wife says you have nice pores...
Thank you for all your hard work!

Brian- so disapointed with you this evening "the picture behind McCain we have no idea what it is" you know darn well they were trying to have Walter Reed Hospital and screwed up and had Walter Reed high school in California- why didn't you speak the truth- damn, can we not count on you to be truthful or are you just another follower? Wow- have you drunk the cool aid too?-

  Good job Brian. I see another network must have told  followers to slam NBC. We need a vibrant press. America is not the 1950's Eastern Block, as some would hope. We need a strong press and a strong Senate ( a weak Senate was one reason for the fall of the Roman Empire).

NBC's coverage of McCain is so predictable now that it could be written with a fill in the blank form. NBC just takes McCain's message for the day and inserts "McCain plans to say today" and "McCain will argue" to create the illusion that we aren't getting unfiltered PR from the McCain camp. The McCain message gets intersperced with video of McCain giving his talking points from the stump. Tonight we were told that McCain's speech wasn't big, it was REALLY BIG. Says who? Even Rush Limbaugh says the speech was a dud. NBC reported tonight that Sarah Palin won't do interviews. Why would she when she can have her talking points all on the air without criticism?

Obama got a chance for once to give his message on Nightly News tonight , but that was interrupted by statements about Obama not taking on Palin. Then NBC put some hack on to say that Obama's experience wouldn't compare favorably with Palin's.  Clever trick. If the network can't say something because its too biased, put some hack on saying it. Obama says VPs don't decide many votes and Obama wants to make this about issues. Since he may be telling the truth, it was irresponsible to put on the hack with his theory.

I hope my contribution will get posted tonight. I notice that yesterday some vicious posts from the Republicans were put up on the blog. My posts are tamer than that but only half are accepted.

A little late bringing this point to you folks at NBC, but you missed an important fact about Mrs. Palin's hometown of Wasilla. We visited Alaska this summer, our host on a brief train ride is a resident of Wasilla and gave us the low down. Wasilla is the duct tape capital of the world. The WalMart there sells more duct tape than any WalMart anywhere. Tell your researchers to dig a little deeper.

Brian, I just watched the Cancer special, and I am so proud to see the three networks cooperating in this effort.  I do have a question about your intro to Sarah Palin Wednesday night.  You mentioned that there was supposed to be a video about her preceding the speech, but it was cancelled.  Why was it cancelled?  Was the tape accidentally erased, or did the computer crash, or was there something in the content that was erroneous or embarassing, or what?  FYI, I have been a loyal member of the NBC news audience since I was a reporter and news director at WSB Radio in Atlanta in the 1960's.  

Brian Williams:  Just watching today's netcast and hearing about the staggering ratings numbers for the convention speeches. Powerful opportunities!

Who "controls" the cameras and decides which camera shots are chosen throughout the out-going feed of the speeches?  Each network?  Or is there a shared feed courtesy of the RNC?  Or do the networks collaborate with the party and have advance copies/suggested camera usage to maximize the desired effect?

The broadcast segment that got me thinking was in Palin's speech: the "Hockey Mom"-"Pit Bull with lipstick" portion, seemingly impromptu and refreshingly "real".  

You were there, please tell us:  Was Palin's speech more than just scripted, but actually choreographed... and, if so, how did the video feed get it so perfectly?

Were the HOCKEY MOM signs "planted"?  And the camera shots from behind her zooming in on them as... she pretended to see them for the first time (scripted/unscripted?)... to fully load the launchpad for her (scripted/unscripted?) pitbull/lipstick joke?

How REAL was she and how much was acting?  Most importantly, who held the power that determined how we saw what we saw on our TVs?  Palin's speech in particular seemed just somehow "too" smooth as I re-watched it later on msnbc.com.

Dear Mr. Williams:

Gail Shister's 9/4 column begins: "Pregnant, shmegnant. Candidates' kids are not fair game, says NBC's Brian Williams. "Show me the germaneness to their ability to lead the nation," he said last night, a few hours before Sarah Palin's vice-presidential acceptance speech at the G.O.P. National Convention.

In my opinion, here's where it's germane: Governor Palin and the McCain campaign stressed that her daughter made right "choice" concerning her pregnancy, and that they were proud of her for doing so. Therefore, it sounds like she's advocating choice for her own child, but she's been vocal in her desire to eliminate that choice for every other woman in America. Save Bristol, no other American woman is capable enough to make that decision for herself, so the government has to make it for her? Sounds hypocritical to me.

Dear Brian,
 I was one of at least 10,000 people who showed up  in anticipation of hearing John McCain and Sarah Palin speak in Cedarburg, WI today.  Among the people in the crowd I found, during the pre-event wait, three guys from Chicago who were leaning towards Obama until they heard Sarah and John's speeches, and now they were really taking a second look, two baby-boomer women from Milwaukee who said they had not voted Republican ever,but were now, because of Sarah Palin, and a 20's something father and 7 year old son who came from the college area in Milwaukee who said that for the first time he was actually interested in voting for someone this year since hearing John McCain's speech Thursday night.  I myself was going to vote for John McCain anyway but admit that Sarah Palin rounds out the ticket in a way that no one saw coming...and I am so excited!  People should get ready because John McCain and Sarah Palin speak to more people in this country than I believe the media or the Democrats understand!

Mr. Williams,
Great job by you and all those involved in StandUp2Cancer! Very informative and thoughtful presentation of the challenge presented by this dreaded disease. Thank you all for doing your part to bring more attention to the need for medical funding in the search for a cure!

Brian, I applaud your spirit of volunteerism for the American Cancer Society's Stand Up To Cancer special.
It is puzzling to me why "prevention" is not at the forefront, however.

The EPA lists 50 known carcinogens in products we put in and on our bodies every day, available on every grocery store shelf.

The EPA lists another 150 chemicals listed as highly suspected of being carcinogens. Thousands have not really been properly tested.

How many cases of cancer would never occur if choices containing such chemistry were removed from our reach? How many cases would never occur if we provided adequate product testing that explored the toxic cocktail of chemistry many of us use in and on our bodies on a daily basis?

The meager amount spent on prevention as opposed to the cure should be of concern to us all, and our use of personal care products that deliver cancer sentences to so many each year should sound an investigative alarm.

Mr. Williams you rock!  Thank you for the diary log.  I read the last two- I am sure most people knew exactly who you were in that hotel lobby.  Love whay you do (what)..  See you later.  Robbie from New Mexico

Brian, to make a big deal about Sarah Palin's choice to run for VP whilst having a family is appalling. I am a Catholic and Biden choosing to be vocal about being pro-choice is infuriating. He is a phony Catholic and somehow character no longer matters to the media. Meida bias has finally made me take action in my community and the fever is spreading.

Brian,
Fighting cancer is well worth air time, but why do we get the feeling that many of the "stars" on that stage use causes as vehicles for personal publicity?

And Brian, our service men and women often lack sleep and lose weekends. You're not alone.

Oh give me a break! Green? Can’t MSNBC find any real news to report about? And, it’s REALLY scary to me when MSNBC refers to the balloon drop Andrea Mitchell got caught in as “harrowing”. Tongue-in-cheek you say? Just kidding? I DON’T THINK SO!! I think you folks are REALLY scared of balloons!

During the most recent convention Andrea Mitchell made some unprofessional comments,
Do you think it is time for her to do the noble thing and take a leave of absence or to step down
completely. Her comments have hurt the integrity of the entire of the NBC news team and it is time
to take action.

I have to agree with Kevin from NJ.  Andrea Mitchell was very unprofessional.  Her snear that went across her face when she talked about Palin was unbelievable.  I know that she has liberal leanings but wow I couldn't believe her attitude.  Very, very unprofessional.  I think she has added to this notion that NBC is part of the liberal media that has bias to the Republicans.

How about reporting about the counter-reaction to Palin?  By 7:00 am Thursday morning I had donated to the Obama campaign and signed on to volunteer for the first time in my life to knock on doors for a political candidate.  I went out with a group of volunteers on Saturday - a number which had grown in size from 10 on Wednesday to over 40 by Saturday.  Mostly people like myself who have said ENOUGH and volunteered for the first time - both men and women!  McCain may have firmed up his base - but he's got us fired up and ready to go on this side as well.

Exactly what comments did Andrea make that were unprofessional?  I watched eevery night of every convention and did not see a single unprofessional comment.  SHE ROCKS BRIAN ROCKS TOM ROCKS KIETH ROCKS

Okay, so the balloons were a bit unprofessional.....  JK!  She is such a good sport and even talked to Triumph!  Andrea is such a wonderful woman and a great citizen, and ahem, a community activist (while not a community organizer, still she is involved in her community).

KEEP UP THE AWESOME WORK!  There is a reason ya'll trump every other news metwork and organization, because you have world class reporters journalists and anchors.  

Hello Brian,
This is my first time writing on a blog.  However, I am extremely upset with NBC's decision to remove Keith Obermann & Chris Matthews from the political coverage.  NBC offers a balanced look at our news!  Can't imagine this year's political debates and coverage without them! NBC has made an EXTREMELY poor decision, one which will decrease its total number of watchers.

I also am upset (to put it mildly!) about the removal of Oberman and Matthews! NBC has completely caved to the Karl Rovers!  You can no longer call yourself a "news" organization!!!  I am APPALLED!

Just saw the announcement that Olbermann and Matthews will no longer be "anchoring" political events...Congratulations! You might want to re-consider what you'll do with Andrea Mitchell as well. In her opinion, only the uneducated will go for Palin...How rude!!!!! I used to watch MSNBC religiously...I no longer watch at all.  I was disgusted by the snide comments about Hillary Clinton during the primaries, the strident partiality for Obama then and now, and the downright viscious commentary about Palin. The media should rediscover its ethics and lose its blatant bias.
Well, for Ms. Mitchell's edification, I was an ardent Clinton supporter and a journalism grad. I come from a family of physicians and am married to an engineer who also has a masters degree.
...And, after having decided not to vote, this week's filthy tactics by media and democrats alike have convinced me that I MUST vote republican.

this might not be the right forum, but thought some feedback was needed and hope Brian reads this. I am a daily viewer for Nightly news and the reason being unbiased coverage. I was disappointed by the GOP convention coverage on MSNBC as it became so partisan, i had to make sure for a second i wasn't watching fox news. So the news today of anchor change on MSNBC does not come as a surprise. Although I am not sure however if the anchors alone are to blame here. Please keep up the high standards maintained so far.

Viewer

Mr Williams - watch your channel for the evening news exclusively. However I would like to start hearing both sides of the political story.  Tonight as most I only see stories about the lies from the republicans. Couldn't you rise above that as a responsible news reporter instead of being so predictable.

This is why people gave Tim Russert so much respect and miss him so very much he would never give this nonsense any air play except in fair play to rebuke any nonsense by giving fact, he did his homework and never let anyone get away with lies and made sure they answered his questions, relevant one's as to what is going on in our every day lives  and how these people running will  either help or hurt us. Are there any other journalist left to keep things to the issues?, not some tabloid reporting. Pss Do Tim Russert and us the American people a big favor  please do your homework and keep these candidates equal in coverage and truthful in reporting.

Latest poll just out! McCain in a landslide! LOL Please someone get videos of olberman and Matthews melting down on set!

President McCain will address the nation at 11:30 EST Tuesday after Barry calls in his concession.

I just read a few more posts. These are shills, right? MSNBC presenting both sides fairly? That hasn't happened for years. MSNBC is THE most partisan news organization around. Pravda or Tass would be more balanced. And MSNBC is COMPLETELY in the tank for Barry.

BTW: Landside for McCain/Palin :-)

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