Dear Brian,

Happy Halloween!  Have a restful weekend, and enjoy your visit with Conan O'Brien Monday night.  I'll try to stay up with you and Mr. Brokaw Tuesday night.  Will there be a white dry erase toteboard?

I look forward to Richard Engel's report tonight.  Maybe General Petraeus can get a handle on these incursions we are making into Syria and Pakistan - unmanned drones or boots on the ground, whichever.  What the hell is President Bush doing?  Is he trying to expand the war?  January 20th can't get here soon enough.

To Anna:  Your man David Gregory will be a panelist on "Meet the Press" this Sunday.

Happy trick-or-treating to the regular posters:  Lisa in transit, Jackie, Stephanie, Celine, Claudia, Anna, and Matt.  XOXO

Beam me up Scotty!
Brian I decided to be a law suit for Halloween, it fits the time of today.
Your right about this weekend thank goodness for football as it will take my mine off the election until Monday.

All the news is bad so I wont get into it. I already voted so I'll see how it ends.

See you tonight at 6:30pm

Best to my friends Lisa, Laurel, Stephanie, Claudia, Celine, Anna and Matt

I was very disappointed in this evening's interview with Barack Obama. There were no pertinent questions asked concerning the vital issues at hand.  Instead he was asked about taking a walk alone! The interview was not newsworthy and was beneath your usual standards. It was inane drivel and I turned the channel to ABC.  

Mr. Williams. I find it interesting that you can report that Governor Palin has not released her medical records when Obama has not released his. He has had his Birth Certificate sealed as well as his dissertation, and does not disclose his small donor records as McCain has. I've not heard any of those reports from you. I understand that  Tom Brokaw asked what we really know about Barack Obama.  My answer to that query? We know exactly what Obama wants us to know, and we have Brokaw and Williams to thank for that. The NBC bias continues, but it was worth watching you tonight just to hear Governor Schwartzenager's comment-  John McCain HAS served his country longer in a prison camp than  Obama has in the Senate of our United States of America.

  Your presentation of the evening news is excellent and is very informative. May I complement you on the way you say "Thank you" as if you really mean it. Regards, J M. Welch  

Oh Brian, your idea of an Obama interview is to show him a sentimental photograph and get his reaction? You've done it more than once. Your political affiliation is so obvious.

I just watched your news report for tonight and the Hope Meadows story brought me to tears.  That the kind of stuff we Americans are made of.  I wonder if McCain/Palin think that awesome environment where everyone wins is Socialist?  I guess the results of kids growing up without parents and the elderly who are shut in and die early could be due to anti-socialistic tendencies?  I had to write.  Thanks for bringing us the Hope Meadows story.

Tuesday will start a new day for the U.S; knowing who will be President/ V.President.  I believe in who I voted for and look for better days ahead.

You've surely got a lot of work to do; so I'll rest asured that you'll have things under tight control next week!  Eat a chocolite bar or two...it will help. ha ha

It's gonna be a Bob Dilon 'live' weekend for me.  Seeing him live would be better. The CD... will due for now.

Have fun with kids
Tesa

WAL-MART directing employees to vote REPUBLICAN, or lose their jobs!!

In our local Wal-Mart, an employee shared with their daughter that she was told by Wal-mart management to vote Republican or lose their job. If this is happening in Angola, Indiana... I have to wonder if this fear factor tactic, as to which politician to vote for is happening in other Wal-mart stores across the country??? Regardless, that no one is going to know who you are voting for, this tactic could effect a person's decision. The majority of employees are minimum wage, average or below average in education.  That being said, fear of not understanding that no one would know, could force an employee to vote to appease their employer, and fear not to lose what could be their only source of income. Is there anyway to investigate this?

WAL-MART directing employees to vote REPUBLICAN, or lose their jobs!!
In our local Wal-Mart, an employee shared with their daughter that she was told by Wal-mart management to vote Republican or lose their job. If this is happening in Angola, Indiana... I have to wonder if this fear factor tactic, as to which politician to vote for is happening in other Wal-mart stores across the country??? Regardless, that no one is going to know who you are voting for, this tactic could effect a person's decision. The majority of employees are minimum wage, average or below average in education.  That being said, fear of not understanding that no one would know, could force an employee to vote to appease their employer, and fear not to lose what could be their only source of income.

First things first...you and Chuck Todd are doing such a wonderful job covering this crazy election.  I am sure that many have said it to you, but how much would Tim Russert have loved this????  I am sure he is having a poll-watching party in heaven on Tuesday!!  

Hi Brian,

Loved your interview with Obama.  How can a get a copy of the picture of Obama in Hawaii, you used in your broadcast interview the night of 10/31?

Brian,
On the news tonight you were looking for Sarah Palin's medical records. Where are Mr. Obama's medical records? What is required of one should be required of all. His letter is hardly "complete medical records" and we have been waiting for that as well.

Brian please wipe the drool next time you interview obama. You looked like a love sick puppy

I miss TIM!!! I love you & Brokaw, really, I do. However, NO ONE but Tim had the sweeping view of the total picture, AND the ability to know exactly where to focus (and why) to get the essence of a situation. I have felt somewhat rudderless watching this campaign, and have constantly wondered, "What would Tim's take on this be?" I know I am not alone in missing his singular ability to tie things  together with such clarity, and with such total JOY. I can't imagine how intensly you & his other friends must still miss him. I know it hasn't been appropriate to mention him during this campaign, but this would have been Tim's election. I for one will be thinking of him on Tuesday (and Wednesday...)
Take care. Loved your dog.

I was very disappointed in your interview with Sen. Obama Friday evening.  At one point you asked him how, if the Democrats got a super-majority, he would keep them from "running wild."  You seem to have bought into the Republican notion that having one party in control of the legislature and executive is a bad thing.  I didn't hear the Republicans complaining when they held the reins of power in both places.  Furthermore, the notion that Reid and Pelosi are "wild" further buys into the Republican notion that all Democrats are not to be trusted.  Bear in mind, we're talking about two septugenarians who have worked their way up the ranks for many years and whatever wild oats they may have wanted to sow, were sown a long time ago.  There are very few rational people (that term excludes Republicans, by definition) who would consider Reid and Pelosi to be wild and crazy.  Furthermore, did it ever occur to you that if the people elect a Democratic president and install a super-majority of Democrats in both houses of Congress, they want the Democrats to "run wild" whatever that phrase means.

You are generally a pretty bright guy, but that question was almost bad enough to be asked by Chris Matthews who is probably the worst interviewer in the history of Western man.  I expect more from you.

Brian - your interview with Barack Obama was so nauseating.  Would you toss the same softballs and warm and fuzzies at John McCain?  Of course not...the only reason I even caught the broadcast is because I brought my son over to see my parents for Halloween.  They are both in their 60's - your target demo.

Ironically  I have also flown with Captain Kirk which had my entire flight in hysterics and my sister and i still joke about it. I often wonder if that is really the captains name or a joke the flight crew plays on passengers.

I love the blog posts that make me laugh.  (A nice stress reliever in stressful times.)  
I have a mental image of Brian making a mad dash for the exit door. LOL!  

I'm off to pilfer my daughter's Halloween candy.  ;-)

Brian,
I hope you had time to think about your politically biased reporting on your flight to New Jersey. As an independent minded voter, even I am surprised at your obvious favortism of Barrack Obama during this entire campaign. Don't take my word for it, look at both the Pew Research and Center for Media and Public Affairs studies on Media Bias(NBC 56% pro Obama to only 16% for McCain). Even Fox News turns out to be twice as objective as you.
At times, I would shake my head in reaction to your news cast's(yes you are the editor) slanted reporting and refusal (or omission) to ask Obama a tough question. Now we have to live with an unvetted, inexperienced smooth talker as our President.
Thanks Brian.

http://fotki.yandex.ru/top/users/zakhavika/view/108964
best wishes to you

Good Evening Mr.Williams, I returned from Phoenix this evening and I saw that Richard had a report and of course I was very happy. Always great to see Richard on the broadcast! Richard's report from Sadr City showed a much safer city than previous times possibly relating to the 12 foot concrete slabs the soldiers so bravely put up during an intense firefight for five hours against the militants. As Richard showed it is 2 1/2 miles long and seems to be able to keep out the militants. The 53 million used for this effort should have some effect in making the area alittle safer for the innoncent civilians living there. The soldier now patrolling the area at least is not constantly being attacked and has seen improvement. According to Ambassador Crocker it is still fragile and making progress is a challenge. It was disturbing the see on the other side of the wall supporters of al-Sadr rallying against the United States. Someday there will be peace in the region, but it will take a long time. ALWAYS GREAT REPORTING RICHARD! STAY EXTRA SAFE AS ALWAYS!!
I'm glad you are back in New York safely Mr.Williams. It sounds like quite an interesting flight. Maybe due to Halloween. I can't be sure.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Get some rest! 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! Always great to see you on Nightly News!
XOXO

Is American listen to what Sarah Palin is saying? I saw her doing an interview on Greta.She was saying this was the wrong time to spread wealth around.Well now I would like for Palin to look those people  in the face, who just lost their homes to foreclosure, and tell them this is the wrong time for wealth.known if those people had money and wealth they wouldn't be losing their homes.So other words Palin and McCain are saying to the American people they are not going to give us anything accept for 4 more years of Bush.No Money, No Affordable Health Care, No Jobs.And the most important thing is to keep our Troops in War for 100 more years.

Yet again, I have to ask:  Are the Nightly News producers smarter than a fifth grader?  Apparently not.  On Friday, during a Nightly News story about the North Carolina senate race, we were shown an excerpt from one of Kay Hagan's campaign ads.  The text in the ad read "Kay Hagan U.S. Senate".  Directly below that, a Nightly News graphic read "Hagen (sic) Campaign Ad".  Unbelievable.  It's like they aren't even trying.

Meanwhile, I almost fell out of my chair laughing when I saw the 30-second Brian Williams infomercial that aired during the Oct. 22 Nightly News.  It was hilarious!  In case anyone missed it, here is the voice over that accompanied the ad (read by Brian in his most self-important anchory voice):

"We've got a big job in explaining some big issues.  This is one of the few places left where you're gonna find journalism and journalists.  A great man once said, 'These are serious times for serious people.'  I think we've all got to be paying attention.  We've got a financial system in crisis, troops on the ground in two wars, what does it all mean?  Where are we headed?  Our job is to make sense of it all.  This is what we do."  

Journalism?  Journalists?  What part of "journalism" includes the recent Nightly News stories about kazoos, left-handed presidents, a 109-year-old woman or a guy who sells potato peelers on the streets of New York?  But even funnier than Brian's haughty voice-over are the video images accompanying the narration.  There's Brian sitting at his desk.  In the bookcase behind him:  An autographed football and a signed Danica Patrick hat.  Wow--Brian's a real person!  He's just like us--a NASCAR dad!  Also behind Brian are books, including biographies of Eisenhower and Cheney.  Wow--he's really smart!  There's even the obligatory American flag hanging behind Brian--a colonial flag, no less!  He's so patriotic!  I can only imagine how many set designers and prop people it took to locate those items and place them strategically behind Brian for this shoot.  But my absolute favorite part of the infomercial is when Brian boldly strides up to studio 3C and pulls open the door.  As he does this, the "On Air" sign lights up.  Now, I don't know much about producing a newscast, but I'm pretty sure that the "On Air" sign doesn't light up when the anchor opens the door.  It lights up a few seconds before the news starts--when Brian is sitting in his chair.  I mean, if Nightly News was on the air when Brian was opening the door, what were the cameras shooting?  An empty anchor chair?  

This was really priceless.  Not to say that Brian has delusions of grandeur (not much!), but he actually gave himself an Obama-like infomercial, a week before Obama's infomercial aired!  Heck, they may have even been produced by the same person.  

So will we be seeing any more Brian Williams political infomercials?  And if so, will Brian go negative?  "Charles Gibson consorts with terrorist Bill Ayres!"  "Katie Couric is a socialist!"  "Jim Lehrer is a pointy-headed East-coast intellectual elitist and he wants to raise your taxes!"  I only hope that while doing Brian's makeup for the infomercial, the Nightly News makeup person didn't accidentally get makeup on his football.  That would be like putting lipstick on a pigskin.

Laurel:  Thanks for the heads up on David.  I still can't find the Letterman appearance link.  If you can find it, please let me know.

Now, there has been much debate about socialism in regards to the Obama campaign.     I have been lucky enough to travel to countries that are socialist and were communist.    My travels made me understand extreme poverty and lack of respect for women and children.   I have personally seen the health care system in Germany.

That being said, Full Moon and I have had some discussion on socialism on another thread here on this blog. Jackie, you have even disclosed the fact that you lost your pension or a portion of it because your state government made bad decisions.

I'm going to link an article that I would like both Democrats, Republicans and Independents to think about concerning your retirement.   This was sent to me by a dear friend who I respect.   She has asked me to travel to Washington DC with her and lobby against this bill.  

Let me know what you think about your assets and your retirement funds.   Do you want the same people managing social security to also manage your retirement funds or can you as an investor do a better job yourself?   What do you think about losing current tax benefits and paying more now?

To me this is a scary proposal.  When you have a chance google Argentina & pension plans.   The country is taking over private retirement funds to "spread the wealth" to all.

http://www.workforce.com/section/00/article/25/83/58.php

Bests to All!

VOTE FOR OBAMA!

....IF:

1.  you don't care that he has a lot less experience than McCain...
2.  you don't care if he is not nearly as qualified as McCain...
3.  you don't care that he has had many associations with lots of people who hate your country and have tried to destroy it and kill its citizens.  It's strange, isn't it, that this aspect of his life would disqualify him if he wanted to join the FBI, but he can still run for President.  WOW!!!
4.  you don't care that he wants you to keep on working to help pay expenses for those who have decided to stay home, not work, and maybe even have more babies they can't afford.   Hey, you'll be paying for it.
5.  you don't care that he will be raising your taxes regardless of what he says...get use to it.
6.  you don't care that his own running mate doesn't think he is ready to take on the responsibilities of the presidency.
7.  You don't care that he doesn't like wearing a American flag lapel pin, because he is afraid it might be offensive to some folks.  This rates another "WOW!"

I would write more of these, but I'm getting too disgusted thinking about how so many people are going to be so naive and foolish on November 4.

If Obama is elected and when our country tanks, then you and the NBC network will be held responsible. Your bias reporting is like we've never seen in the US before. As a news network, you should know your history about counties that follow a socialist plan. We are the greatest country in the world because of our capitalism. Educate yourselves about the difference between the two.

The owners of your network, GE, has an agenda to gain for themselves and they are willing to pull the whole country down for their own gain. Now that's greed. Have you no shame?

Hi Brian
Loved your interview with Gov. Sarah Palin during which she promised to make her medical records public.
I am still waiting.
Have you or anyone else at NBC tried to find out whether it was a genuine promise or just a statement to get you "off her case"?  

Why has the mainstream media given Palin a complete pass on her Secessionist background and relationships during all the silly finger pointing at Obama about "palling around with domestic terrorists"?  Why has the mainstream media given John McCain a pass for months now on his relationship with Pastor John Hagge amidst all the desperate continued Republican finger pointing at Obama about Rev. Wright?  For conservatives to accuse the mainstream media of a bias in favor of the democratic candidate is absurd.  Memo to mainstream media:  for every mention of domestic terrorists or incendiary pastors - please begin to be fair and balanced in your reporting with reference the disturbing McCain/Palin relationships with Secessionists and hate mongering religious demagogues.

Mr.W--You reported that Ms Palin has not yet released her health records. Why have you not demanded the same of Sen. Obama and particularly his birth cert.His grandmother asserts he was born in a Kenyan hospital.?

Hey Brian
Like many Americans,I've been watching a lot of campaign coverage. I miss Tim Russert something terrible. I never met the man, but for me, he was always the one to watch when it came to politics. Every mimute of election coverage I watch, I wonder what Russert's take would be on the race, and what his predictions would have been.
I just miss him, that's all.
Be well,
-Kevin

Brian,

Go back to whatever school you went to and learn to be a fair and objective Journalist. Slobbering on Barack Obama is beneath even you.

Sincerely,
MW

I've been a regular viewer of NBC News through four anchors, and have clung to the belief that you at least make a token effort at balance and fairness. Your Obama interview, however, was a complete sellout compared to the aggressive grilling you gave McCain. After the election, I challenge you to compare the questions you asked both candidates and see if you can find any smattering of fairness. Meanwhile, I'll be switching to Fox for balance and fairness.

Very Liberal media has not reported fairly at all. The Obama camp has gotten a free pass in all they say and do- it is clearly one sided and there will be a huge price for America to pay if Obama is elected. If it weren't for Sean Hannity the truth on the fraud Obama would never come out. With Pelosi and Reid and Obama, this country will suffer greatly.

Brian- I am still an undecided voter. I have waited and waited. I have always watched NBC nightly news even before you were the anchor and I am so disappointed in how you handled the interviews with Obama and McCain. Why don't you ask Obama the tough questions that we need to hear? You railed John McCain and Sara Palin but didn't even begin to touch the surface for Obama. It is very clear to me that NBC is pulling for Obama to win this election but you should be informing people not trying to sway them. I wish you would have asked tougher questions of Obama but you didn't and the fact that McCain gets drilled everytime he talks with the media, I have a clearer picture of his policies than I do Obama's. Trying to make one candidate look bad and the other look good is not your job. You should report the news.

Dear Brian,
I have a request of you and a comment.  
Over the past couple of weeks I have spent quite a bit of time "playing a rerun" in my mind of Gen. Colin Powell's eloqent and deeply-felt endorsement of Sen. Obama.  It was brought back to mind in looking through a recent New York which featured photographs of soldiers or their families. One showed the mother of an Arab American woman at the tombstone of her son - perhaps the same tombstone mentioned by Gen Powell.
In his statment Gen Powell used the term "transformational" in describing Sen Obama.  That I believe to be true.  But starting at that point I would add a biblical term - prophetic.  Prophets were not necessarily "experienced" to use a McCain term.  They weren't rock stars though many became quite well known.  They were often eloquent, they told people hard truths they didn't want to acknowledge though they frequently recognized them as true.  They spoke truth to power.  
I am cautiously optimistic about tomorrow's election as a "Kairos" moment - in which we may have the opportunity to change dramatically.  My one vote has been cast for that.
I would like to share these thoughts with Gen Powell but have now way to send them on via e-mail.  Perhaps you could do so as I imagine you know it.
Keep up the good work in reporting the news.
A faithful viewer from Boulder CO - Mary Ann Ganey
(a retired 68 year Liberal and proud of it.)
 

I want to thank you for all your hard work and for flying all over America to bring this election to the electorate. As I see your broadcast I hope you will remember this

An Irish method for tackling problems;

There comes a time when you must take the bull
By the tail and face the situation squarely.

You must report what the real implications are to the people making choices tomorrow, not just the horse race that will be over as the sun rises on Wednesday.

Thank you and..

May the luck of the Irish possess you.
May the devil fly off with your worries.

May God bless you forever and ever.

It was fascinating that that you announced that Sarah Palin still has not released her medical records as  promised you 8 days ago?  Obama refuses to release his college thesis, birth certificate, university transcripts and other records that reflect his lifetime viewpoint and accomplishments may. At the very least Obama's missing records should equal the relevance of Palin's health records.  Can't you and NBC even feign outrage toward Obama's secrecy?  

Many thanks Brian Williams,

Keep up the good work. Thanks.

MR. WILLIAMS, THE LAST OF THE NEWS CAST WAS INTERESTING. I HAVE BEEN A AVID WATCHER OF NBC FOR QUITE A FEW YEARS, EVEN WORKED AS A ENG. FOR 20 YEARS AT NBC IN CALIF. BUT THE COMPLETE BIAS OF YOUR TEAM AT THE END OF THE NEWSCAST HAS CAUSED ME TO SAY GOOD BYE TO YOU AND YOURS AND TRY TO FIND A LITTLE MORE FAIRNESS IN THE REPORTING THAT COMES INTO MY HOME.. WHILE ALSO ASSISTING MY FRIENDS TO UNDERSTAND MY NEW BIAS... I WAS HOPING FOR MORE

If anyone had told me on 9/11/2001 that we would put a man in the White House whose middle name was Hussein, I would have told them they were crazy.  Not only has Obama been "elected" (thanks to the shady dealings of ACORN and an openly liberal media) but we must survive four years of his inexperience and rhetoric.  The color of his skin has nothing to do with his "charm"........he should not have been elected.  Yesterday will prove to be a day that will "live in infamy".  I will grant you that Bush was not a good president, but "change" just for the sake of "change" is not always a good thing.  My heart is broken for this nation.  Now we really are headed in the wrong direction.  Shame on you and NBC for promoting someone just because he was black without making him accountable for his statements and views.

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