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The Daily Nightly began on May 31, 2005. As Brian wrote in his first post it aims to provide a narrative of the broadcast day and a window into the editorial process at NBC Nightly News. Brian weighs in every weekday and NBC News correspondents and producers post regularly.

Brian Williams became the seventh anchor and managing editor in the history of NBC Nightly News on December 2, 2004. Read his full biography.



It's debatable ...

Posted: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 5:31 PM by Daily Nightly Editor
Filed Under:

By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor

As I said after last night's coverage, anyone familiar with the early American town hall meeting tradition -- would be forgiven for not considering what happened in Nashville last night a "town hall-style meeting" per se. The rules allowed the audience to play but a limited role. Tom Brokaw did the best he could against the time constraints, and the candidates did what candidates do. If the voters want changes, the Commission on Presidential Debates will have to change...and it will take both parties to change that. For now, we'll continue using these same formats, the same lecterns, the same eagle logo above the stage -- and we'll have to be content with events like last night.

We'll have coverage of the debate and the continuing economic situation tonight. I hope you can join us. 

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Comments

Tom Brokaw did a much better job moderating the debate than was done for the VP debate. I really didn't think it was much of a Town Hall type meeting. There has to be some kind of change come to the debates.

I was wondering if it was me noticing this. When the cameras showed John McCain's wife after the debate she didn't try to shake hands with the crowd and just stood back like the audience had some dangerous disease. The McCain team should have told her in the south and us southerns like be friendly and welcome our guest. Perhaps it was just when the cameras were on her that it looked that way.

Best,

Jeff
Brian it's sad that the Law Makers and the Media are building up the hopes of Americans with this Economic bailout. We know the Foreign Countries have read that AIG got 85 billin dollars and quickly spent 400,000 dollars to party, with not a dime going to help the problem. Paulson was given 800,000 billion dollars and only Goldman Sachs got money. The Fed was given 900 Billion with only a German Bank who's board member is former President Bush got money. Lehman Bros. gave Jeb Bush/ George HW Bush millions knowing the company was closing.  Anaylsis are wasting their time as once the World sees that we elect the right President things will then start to change.

Brian every news station reported Iraq's 79 Billion dollars surplus.  Obama was a little late on that information. Even foreign news media reported it. I guess the US was smart to change the numbers as Americans see how deep in debt we are. Plus GE got a contract with Iraq. You have to love Global News you can't hide anything for long.

Now to serious stuff. I watched McCain and he isn't looking well at all. Pass videos show he's looking and acting strange. Now after listening to him today it's clear he is not doing well. He has shown before he gets confused and mispeaks, but today he used his famous saying My fellow Americans but instead said My fellow prisoners. Our prayers show go out to him and I hope he gets help is gets better. I know the race means alot to him but nothing more important then your health.

See you at 6:30

Best to my friends Lisa, Laural, Stephanie, Claudia, Celine, Anna and Matt
I was very disappointed with the "town hall" debate. I hoped to see unrehearsed, unfiltered and certainly not moderator selected questions that were identical to the first debate.  It was a dismal experience for me.  I learned nothing to help me evaluate the characters of either person running for the presidency. I found it a useless exercise.  I will write the Commission to let them know my feelings.
Thank you
I've been trying to hook my digital converter to my TV and I'm not having an easy go of it.  Too many cords.... not enough places to plug them in... too much antenna interference.... translate to no Nightly News for me the past couple of days!

I did spend today reading the just-released "We Interrupt This Broadcast" - its 10th edition.  I bought the original 10 years ago and was mesmerized by it.  It's a news & history junkie's must have.  It's now been updated with the past 10 days... and now has an "afterward" by Brian.  Well written, Brian!  Just thinking about how the delivery of news has changed since I started paying attention a mere 20 years ago... and knowing your daughter uses her iPod to watch the news.  I miss the old days of the "big 3" when you had to wait breathlessly by the radio or TV!

Didn't watch the debate last night; I hear I didn't miss much!  I'm waiting for the SNL review ;)
Brian, I would like to go on record and submit that the McCain/Palin side has swayed me over.  I have been an independent voter for many years, but am now solidly Democratic.  Never in my 60 years have I seen and heard such bottom-feeding low-class low-life campaign.  Thanks especially to Sarah.  You are the new low bar for campaign smut.  Go back to your little crack capital - you are not wanted here.
Although neither presidential candidate has been fully honest in their campaign ads, I feel Obama has been more dishonest. His personal discourse about his policy making is also questionable.
McCain's comment ('that one') about which candidate voted for a Bush/Cheney proposal I feel was appropriate. It's petty to try and make it an issue.
                                          Derek


Brian, you should be ashamed of yourself! I can not believe how bias your new program is I might even say you are racist! you go on national T.V and tell everyone how badly John Mcain did last night in the debate, but never once.. not even one word about Obama.
It is so obvious that you and your network are so far to the left I hope that you all don't move so far as to fall into San Fransico Bay!!!. How about talking about Obama's remark about "one World Bank", Try reading the Bible!! That man is named there, but it is not Barrak (Barry) Obama!! He is called the Anti Christ. The adgent of Satan! I pray that you are not the man that tries to push him on everyone else in the U.S.A!
The debate was terrible.  The candidates only had time to give a quick sound bite.  Also, when one of the candidates wanted to defend an accusation from the other Tom changed to another question.  You need to do what the French do.  Give them two hours to slug it out and don't interrupt them.
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE TO BAIL OUT GREEDY BANKERS ON WALL ST AND THEY TAKE THE MONEY AND GO TO APRIVATE RESORT AND WE CANT EVEN AFFORD TO FEED OUR FAMILY WHAT THEY WANT TO EAT WERES THE FAIRNESS TO THE PEOPLE
I watched Andrea Mitchell's negative story on the debate and how John McCain failed and nothing negative about Obama. NBC is obvious in supporting Obama. Where is Obama getting his campaign money from... overseas?  How about a report on campaign finances from Obama. NBC likes to report neagative news. How about digging up dirt on Obama.  SNL last Saturday was the best in depecting the bailout and naming names. Why is NBC not reporting who is responsible. Don't hear reporting about casting blame for the bailout. Is NBC protecting the Democrats.
Lately, NBC News has been so horribly biased for Obama, I just turn you off. What turned me off tonight was your comment that McCain was condescending to the young manat the debate when he said he bet he had never heard of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac before the economic crisis. The man was young, and he said this because he was young, not because he was black. How dare you insinuate he was trying to demean the man? Why would you even spread such a horrible thought by stating it?  What has happened to unbiased reporting?  It is getting worse every day, and I am sick of it. Thanks to men like McCain, you are reporting in English and not some other language. Instead of NBC standing for "non-biased commentators," I'm beginning to believe it means "no balls commentators."
Bryan,

I am concerned, is the American Public so mesmerized by Obama. That they have lost the sense of what is wrong and right behaviour.  As far as the debate is is six of one and half a dozen. However, I have never been so appalled by the comment by Obama (and no one has said word one about this) that he would KILL Osama. I don't doubt that there is a plan to do that, but it is inappropriate to anounce it... not once but twice. It shows no social constraints, and is borderline psyhcopathic. Interestingly, if any other politician said that everyone would be all over it. I don't get it, there seems to be different set of rules for Obama.
Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another fine broadcast this evening. First of all the economic news seems to be getting worse and worse each day with the Dow falling 189pts. The Federal Reserve cutting rates by 1/2 of a percentage point will make it cheaper to borrow and allows banks to lend to consumers is somewhat positive news, but seeing how this crisis is effecting banks all over the world is something very serious and troubling. Hearing about banks Russia, France, Great Britain and Iceland all suffering and needing to be bailed out is terrible news. Difficult news to begin an broadcast and I hope there is some good news on the horizon soon.
On another economic note the report concerning the houses being sold for good prices in Florida was encouraging. Certainly affordable to people and they seemed to be getting alot of house for their money. Having all the necessary paperwork completed, checking references etc.. makes sure everything is right is good business practice.
The report about where the candidates stand on the issue of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan brings to mind how difficult and important this decision. Each one wants to withdraw troops, but have different ways of going about it. There has been a severe rise is violence in Afghanistan and many more troops are needed and could be there for years. I really and truly hope that whoever gets elected President the right decision is made for everyone. No more innocent lives should be lost to these conflicts. May peace come to all that part of the world.
Finally the report by Pete Williams about the US Navy sonar injuring whales and dolphins was sad to learn. I fully understand the US Navy must run excerises to prepare for any sort of battle, yet it is hard to see these animals suffering. I hope something can be done.
Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to You and to All!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Extra Safe and Well Richard! Hope to see you on Nightly News soon!
XOXO

    A majority of jobs are created by small businesses.
    I believe there are many Americans with great ideas to start many new businesses; possibly begin a new industry; or have ideas to turn our economy around.
    The problem may be people or businesses with a lot of assets may take those ideas. Then these ideas may never get to create needed good paying jobs. Or the initial costs may be too high to get ideas off the ground. We need to change the following.
1) We need to over-haul our patent laws. It takes a large amount of money to secure a patent. This reduces the chances of getting an idea onto reality.
2) We need to organize businesses and ideas to where promising organizations can find financiers. These new organizations could cause the financiers to create new businesses and ideas into real new jobs.
3) Perhaps a new reality show could be created where ideas or partial ideas could win prizes or partial prizes.  Partial ideas could get the go ahead to advance to the next round of prizes. This way, viewers of the show could produce new ideas and suggestions from other viewers for creating new good paying jobs in the final round of the show. The winning ideas could be financed to get new businesses started.
 If we Americans are going to turn our economy around – we need to work together. We need to change the culture of business secrecy, to that of we are all in this together. Sharing innovative ideas even before they are started may be the key to turning our economy around.  “Together we will stand…” I would like ideas maybe like these part of the presidential debates. Perhaps these or other creative ideas may turn our economy back around.

Tonight's nightly news story by Andrea Mitchell was a disgrace to journalism.  Journalists are supposed to be unbiased and fair in their reporting.  It is clear that the media team at NBC is clearly liberal and "pushing" the Obama campaign.  Ms. Mitchell's story about the debate and Senator McCain were highly influenced by some sort of Democratic power.  Shame on you!  Both candidates like all candidates in the past are UGLY in their accusations and diversions from the real issues that face our country.  I enjoy Brian Williams but feel frustrated with the negativism that comes out of his program.  I will be watching the news on FOX to keep me believing in our Country and our people.  Thank you.
You used the word "evaporate" several times to indicate how people's 401K's and other investments have taken a hit. Evaporate would be the wrong word choice, because it means gone forever. If investors hang on to most of their stocks, bonds etc. the value of their portfolio will increase over time.
Could you please make some attempt at the appearance of fair and balanced coverage of the presidential race? It does not take a Journalism or Media Degree to note that NBC is severly biased towards Obama at the expense of any fair coverage of Hillary Clinton in the primaries and now John McCain. I have come to the point of not considering any of your coverage with seriousness, it is total comedy to see the biased slant that you portray at every opportunity. I am very disappointed. I am grateful that I am an avid consumer of PBS and the other networks or I would never hear a positive comment of any politician who is opposed to Obama.
Hey Brian, You and all your Obama supporters failed to show the biggest news of the day!  ACORN and voter fraud!  Imagine that.  I am tired of your biased reporting and will cease to watch NBC.  You also failed to report on the newest findings of the writer of OBAMANATION.  How about the Muslim school Obama attended in Indonesia in his formative years.  How about the changes in his policies.  Well keep beating on McCain.  Voters are smart enough to know where you stand.  That is not journalism.  At least not where I went to school!
So far, interviewers have been far too EASY on the candidates.  It must be assumed from the start that they will obfuscate and tell half-truths if it will serve thier purpose.
Hi Brian:

I saw this article and thought oh you must have a membership on this course!

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601093&sid=aYg8JDh46kwY&refer=home

Bests to All!
Brian,
Tom Brokaw chose questions that would make Obama look good. I don't think he did this purposefully, I think he and all of you in the main stream media are so blinded by loyalty to him you don't know any better.
Helen Robson
I agree with Jackie Rawlins, McCain is noticably getting tired more easily, taking more time off the campaign trail, and retiring early compared to the past.

For instance, last night after the debate McCain and his wife left after just a few minutes. But the Obamas stayed a half hour to shake hands, visit and take pictures with the Town Hall participants.

... And if McCain was elected Palin would be a heartbeat away from the Presidency. Scary thought.
My comment is specifically about the criticism of a sound bite campaign and society.  We are, and the press benefits - and does the same.  I was raised watching NBC news.  To Tom Brokaw - you should be a fat cat ashamed individual.  News broadcasts should be in the middle, or if stated - biased.  I'm not crazy about Fox, but MSNBC is over the top.  They tell you who they support.  Isn't that campaign funding?
The "debates" are an insult to the American voter.  They aren't debates at all, simply one candidate stating his/her view and then the other candidate doing the same thing.  This all could have been avoided had Obama agreed to realy townhall meetings like McCain proposed.  
I have listened to John McCain say at least twice that he knows how: 1. to get Bin Laden and 2: how to straighten out the crisis we are now going through.  Will he only devulge this wisdom after the election?  My thought is if you know how to fix these problems you would give them to the current president........or is he just talking?
Brian - my wife and I always enjoy your newscasts.
The Presidential "debates" have so far failed to focus the candidates on answering the questions given them. The Vice Presidential debate in particular allowed both candidates to change the subject and avoid almost every question asked. Can't the moderator refuse to move on until the candidates answer the question posed? We don't want to hear about what the candidate's did 30 years ago, we want to know specifically what they will do to solve the problems before us now.
dear sir i have a 2008 the list to do for the new presadent #1 no more lobbyists in washington you work for the people or lobbyists not both . #2 a 5% federal sales tax on everything but food & meds. this tax will go to paying the u.s. debt only when it's payed then it go to help with the infrastructure of america #3 dont give billions of tax breaks to any one but build new natural gas plants to produce electricity & new saline plants for needed water for crops &people these plants be run by bonneville power for the people by the people just like in the 1930'S. I hope these goals aren't too high. thank for your time. arthur cleppe
Brian, congratulations on your biased reportage. Just when we thought you might be a reporter who keeps his personal views and comments off the screen you showed how you get that tingling feeling going up your leg when Barry speaks.  You might do the American public some justice and try to look into who's funding this candidate, where is all this overseas money coming from.  Since NBC went through the exercise of searching out that excuse for a human being prison guard, NBC might use some of that energy to look into their favorite son.  After all, don't you think the American public should have a fair opportunity to judge whether they want someone with nefarious associations as their next president.  Just a suggestion.
In your coverage of Cindy McCain talking about how Obama voted against troop funding, your Nightly News broadcast rightly pointed out that her husband also voted against troop funding in exactly the same way--while Obama voted against an appropriations bill that didn't have a timeline for withdrawing troops from Iraq, McCain voted against a similar bill that did.

That's fine, except--the graphic that accompanied Cindy McCain's charge said something to the effect "Obama votes against funding the troops."  But when you talked about McCain's vote, the graphic did not indicate that he "voted against the troops."  As you know, a lot of people see the news in public places where the volume isn't always on, or they can't hear all that well.  In fairness, you should have had a matching graphic for both halves of the story.  Because that really was the story.
I want to know when NBC is going to investigate all six radical terrorist directly associated with Obama?This topic is what really matters to me,to many doubts about his character and his judgement by association.This is a disgrace to our men and women serving in our military.
My husband and I watched NBC news last night hoping to get information about the nationwide voter fraud activity of ACORN since we had heard earlier in the day that the FBI is now investigating this blatant voter fraud effort by ACORN.  We were astounded when this issue wasn't even mentioned, even though you had time to discuss whales.  In the middle of a presidential election, what could be more important than this?  We sincerely hope that this omission wasn't politically motivated.
I was very disappointed in the debate format. If you are going to hold this in a town hall format and let "real people" ask questions, then I think we should ask the candidates to actually answer the question asked. I can honestly remember one instance where I felt either candidate actually answered the question posed... just the same old lines over and over. Just once I'd like to see someone ask as question and the candidates give a simple "yes" or "no" answer!!! What a farce this was.
It would have been better if the candidates were given more time to explain themselves without the time constraints. I understand that each individual deserves a chance to voice his opinion but not at the expenditure of losing the ability to explain thoroughly enough before either one is abruptly cut off.

I hardly feel that "town hall" format is what this debate was about. It was censored and uptight as the debates have usually been. If the audience could have been allowed to ask further questions perhaps we could have ended the evening with a greater sense of fulfillment.

I commend Tom for doing his best to allow both Obama and McCain to express themselves but overall the short amount of time was not to either Candidate's advantage.
Brian... I agree with the majority- the debate was lackluster at best.... I am sure there are millions of Americans out there that will agree with me on this: We all know where each canidate stands... what about their character!  

I was watching NBC on evening in late Sept... Obama was being interviewed and he slipped by saying that in his Muslim beliefs, then quickly "corrected" himself by saying Christian beliefs, why was this never spoke about?
This man spent over $500,000 re-doing his 747 that he travels in and took the AMERICAN FLAG off of it!  Isnt he running for the President of the United States?

Why not talk about how this man swore into the Senate on the Koran- but he's NOT muslim?  

Why not talk about who his biggest financial contributors are in his campaign?

Why not talk about his youth?A person's most formitable years! He was raised by a Muslim....

Yet there are so many ignorant people in America- that they cant see nor do they want to see who he was before all eyes were on him! This is the true test of character- how one acts when no one is watching.
We all want change, as Americans we should wake up every morning with the drive to make this country a better place! And mark my words, the change that Obama wants to bring, no one will want later!
Where do the candidates stand on forty acres and a mule?
As president of the United States, will John McCain or
Barack Obama sign an Executive Order authorizing a
payment from the U.S. Treasury to each and every U.S.
citizen of African descent, of a check in the monetary
equivalent of the 1863 worth of forty acres and a mule,
as adjusted for inflation over time, with interest, as
allegedly promised by Abraham Lincoln at the signing
of the Emancipation Proclamation, as reparations for
slavery; given that a mule, in 1863, held the same
status and worth as a family car, today?
Tom Brokaw did a horrible job of moderating the debate. His bias was terribly noticable, so I take it he's a Republican in favor of McCain. He let McCain run the show, presenting him the opportunity to answer all the questions back to back. Even as Obama stood to respond to questions, he immediately called on McCain- even when his back was turned and he was preparing to sit down. I hope the moderator for the next debate is less of an a**hole!
Mr. David Thelen of Des Moines, Iowa, has a germ of the "Can Do" America that is completely missing in our 'educated' circles running our MSM and corrupted DC culture inhabited by government bureaucracies whose embedded bosses pontificate to us through their MSM friends how we can't drill, can't innovate, "Can't Do".

We here in California have been living through the reality that would be the bane of all of America if Obama and down ticket Democrats win this election.   One quarter of the way into the next year our gerrymandered Democrat-controlled legislature hasn't gotten our budget done (the one they just signed fell apart yesterday with an 18 billion dollar deficit already prediced for next year, 1.1 billion deficit just a few days into this 'budget').

Thousands of small business and hundreds of big ones have fled the rapacious spirit criminals in our legislature who're sacrificing our whole economy on the alter of their marxist-led theology.  For example, Toyota wanted to build a new-tech car factory in Nor Cal for California's market.  They fled to Mississippi because they couldn't handle being raped.  Toyota will build far away and ship their cars to California rather than submit to California government's deathly harm to their business and their workers.  Virtually every Californian knows of individuals or businesses large and small which have fled.  Sadly, my once loved party of JFK has become the single greatest enemy of the workers and people of California by destroying their livelihoods and with that our citizens' hopes for change.  

As a one-time strong Democrat, I've had a painful learning curve discovering how my former party has wrecked our once-vaunted educational system, subverting it to their pc at all costs.  As a teacher, here in Sac I had to watch our German foreign exchange student just pick up and go home a couple months into her stay at our school, her leaving because she could learn nothing in our "Blue Ribbon" best school in the district.  Other foreign exchange students and students from other states confirm that Cal Ed is a deceptive joke.

My conversations with the heroic parents of my students has slowly enlightened me as to the gravity of the betrayal of the people engendered by the new Democrat party.  But, as in businesses, I've found that 1/3 of all high school graduates in our district graduated outside of the normal high school system.  Without drama, screaming and hollering the people are quietly walking away.  

It's an indicative shame that the MSM is downplaying the collapse of California's me, me, me, inspired, Democrat-run economy.
Why won't NBC news report the voter fraud happening in numerous states through Acorn?  This is going to affect the presidential election, yet nbc isn't saying a word.  Yes, Barack Obama has ties with Acorn, but real news needs to be reported. NBC would gain a little respect back if they would cover this story.
I find it very strange that while Michele Obama is being very gracious about her husband's opponent, Cindy McCain is attacking her husband's opponent.  Not looking good for a candidate for First Lady.  Leave the politics to the politicians, stay out of it! It sounds like she's becoming disappointed that she can't seem to buy the presidency for her husband.
When will NBC report at all on the massive Acorn voter fraud investigations, including the FBI in Nevada?  I would think the integrity of an election or any threats against it should be worthy news.
With us all hearing this Ayers/Obama relationship as "irrelevant" I ask, "Will it become relevant if Obama wins and appoints Ayers as "Secretary of State?"
Think about it folks and think who else could be in his cabinet? The Director of Acorn/CIS perhaps?
One more thought, When the democrats took over congress in 2006, has your life & income improved?
Brian, I watched the "DEBATE" and am completely turned off by John McCain and his bully mentality just because we don't agree with him. Yes, it does matter when you refer to someone as THAT ONE. He stated in the pass that Obama started the negative attacks but that's not how we see it in Michigan. John McCain, to many cars and too much money. Out of touch with the American people! People are dying in a foreign country from lack of leadership, speaking of inexperience. Stop the bleeding now! The United States is suffering outside it's boarders and within from corruption. It time for a new approach and not more shame. The Government should make those Bankers who took a vacation on taxpayer's $ give it back and appointment new officers, NOW! A war that should have never happened will continue under McCain's leadership. Let's hope he stays healthy because God forbid if Sarah Palin ever makes it to the White House. She's being coddled from the cold hard demands of the campaign trail and has shown she can't handle it unless it's scripted. One out of 3 does not make a success. This is not a job for play acting. She wouldn't survive in the real world of big demands and foreign policy. Even Republican's aren't united with support for John or Sarah. It's time for change but not for McCain & Palin, but isn't that the Obama slogan!!!
I have always been a great fan of your ethical reporting. This election has changed my opinions. Why doesn't your network report such news topics as the current voter fraud investigations and the Acorn group's less than honest activities? Why has it become politically incorrect to use Senator Obama's middle name? What has happened to journalism in America?
No one asked but here are my pet peeves which have gone unattended to for decades. (some are more recent)

1. Candidates will tell us whatever they think we want to hear. If we tell them we want more, more substance, more answers, more attention they just keep telling us "no you don't" and continue to drum out the same crap until we throw our arms up and vote for one of 'em anyway.

2. I am tired of loosing freedom(s) on a daily basis without anyone of "US" truly questioning why? THEY tell us it is for security, terrorism and our own good. After we loose the freedom(s) and liberty then we are beaten over the head and shoulders with how scared we should constantly be. I want to point to the Brits for a second. They were bombed (railroad/sub for those of you who don't recall) and they "moved on" with more security but not more fear. In fact they look at it all with thumb to nose and finger wagging. We have dwelled on 9/11 and have not given it up. I'm not saying to forget or not learn from this...I am saying we need to not live the next 100 years in fear.

3. I am exhausted with Washington's elected elite saying Washington's broke and that ONE newly elected person is going to fix it. WE are going to fix it by voting people in/out who are not doing their job, doing it honestly and held accountable. These men and women, once elected, are on the retirement / stipend dole for the rest of their lives. I DEMAND some timely attention from these elected officials to address problems that befall every State's citizen. I think we have forgotten that we are the UNITED States and what is good for one is often (not always) good for all. Let me vote on YOUR pension plan next time you bail out people who ruined the rest of ours…and then continue to rob OUR Social Security plans.

Finally, I will be voting and I hope all other people who hold the right to vote will do so as well. I promise you I am voting for EVERY official who is NOT an incumbent. They had their chance to make a mark…I what change. I hope you, the reader, does to. I do PROMISE to vote for all new people in my State, not that living in DEEP RED Idaho helps much...I vote the person and not the ticket anyway.

Thank you and here's to a new beginning.
Mr. Williams;

Sadly, Mr. Brokaw has lost my respect.  I've always felt that he was a a true journalist; I've purchased his books; looked forward to watching him anytime he was going to host any event.  I thought him a gentleman.  During the recent debate it was quite apparent that Mr. Brokaw is a Senator McCain supporter.  May I say that I never heard Mr. Brokaw once thank Senator Obama for his answers.  Manners have become insignificant it seems.  As well, the format for the debate was pathetic.  How about if the candidates just show up somewhere and allow folks to ask questions of them without the questions being screened and slanted toward one party?  Thank you Mr. Williams.  
Brian,
Thanks for giving us facts and information we can really use.
In the next debate, why not give the candidates micro-phones that the moderator, or someone else can close when the speaker's time is up. And for Gosh sakes, please make them answer the questions without the stump speeches. Also, when the speakers make charges and statements about each other, let's have some documentation.  Your truth squad may not be seen by people who accept the candidate's "facts."  So much mis-information  from both of these guys.
Brian,
I recently read the article in AARP and was humbled.
One issue troubling me in the up coming debate.
Is that neither candidate has been talking about the
Immigration issues and their proposals regarding how they are going to repair the damage to our health care
system,welfare, jobs,lack of contribution to the social
security system, increased emergency room care with  the Taxpayers  footing the bill, increased burden on our schools and protecting our borders could you look into my question and perhaps have it asked to the candidates thank you.

Steve Clement, Auburn,WA
seeing that my question is asked  

What has happened to the NBC of old?  You have become an out and out supporter of the liberal news and Barack Obama in particular.  The debate was helped into going down the boring and laughable lane due to the questions that Brokaw asked.  Who is Barack Obama?  When will we find out?  Not from NBC, for sure.  The news is supposed to be open to viewing all sides, ask the questions we all have, and delve into issues without a biased agenda.  The nation cannot any longer depend upon the media, such as NBC, to flesh out and investigate the news, then report. We recently stayed at a Hilton hotel in Washington DC and found that they only had NBC, CNBC, MSNBC and CNN on the channel list.  They would not carry FOX NEWS.  We wonder why, and we have contacted the hotel and Corporate for an answer.  We try to watch all the major news channels, and it's terrifying that in our democracy, we find it difficult to get the true facts in the news.  Does Truth not matter?  Truth is absolutely needed for a democracy to succed and to survive.  Please, NBC, come around, look at what you have become.  One thing is certain, Barack Obama is depending upon your style of news, one sided and blatenly for the democratic party.
i don't understand why you and other prime time news anchors are not mentioning the way Senator McCain and Governor Palin are inpiring and encouraging furious and dangerous reactions at their rallys. People need to be aware of these tactics, they go against everything we should be doing at a time like this in our country. This kind of insinuations is scary. As well as these candidates not saying something when these horrible things are shouted out. They so easily could show leadership in stopping this but I worry about our future if this is what we accept as "politics" and if our leaders in the news world don't hold it up for criticism.Winning as become too important.
Mr.Williams, I couldn't beleive listening to you on the Letterman show; Mr.Williams you didn't know that President Kennedy ran against Nixon not President Eisenhower. The election between Nixon and Kennedy was one of the closes. I would like to see you on Jay walker on the Jay Leno.  


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