By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor The word "security" has taken on a powerful meaning since 9-11, and it is seldom questioned as the motivation for anything. But when the big-3 automakers insist that their CEO's must travel to Washington by private jet for reasons pertaining to their "security" -- that becomes a bit of a tough sell.
Especially when you consider that their trip to Washington is to ask for money. There are perfectly legitimate reasons for companies to own aircraft and executives to use them. They fly privately for reasons of efficiency, safety and time savings -- many CEO's fly with assistants and entire departmental management staffs, and often have meetings en route, and several stops a day which would be impossible to do by commercial air.
CONTINUED >>
By John Rutherford, Producer, NBC News, Washington
Army Sgt. Cornelius Charlton, one of the last of the all-black Buffalo Soldiers and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his heroics during the Korean War, has finally been laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
"Connie" Charlton served with the 24th Infantry Regiment, nicknamed the Buffalo Soldiers by American Indians after its creation by Congress in 1866. The regiment, the last of the all-black Army units, was disbanded in 1951, shortly after Charlton was fatally wounded leading an assault on Communist forces northeast of Seoul, South Korea.
Whoever's right, Charlton's mother had him buried in a family plot in Pocahontas, Va. When the cemetery fell into disrepair, his body was disinterred and reburied in 1990 in the American Legion Cemetery in Beckley, W.Va.
There it remained until his niece decided she wanted Charlton buried instead at Arlington National Cemetery.
CONTINUED >>
By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor I met with General David Petraeus in New York today, the first time I've seen him since his elevation to the Command of Centcom, the sprawling, regional Central Command that first became well-known to the general public during the time of Gen. Schwarzkopf and the first Gulf War. Its always interesting to hear the General's assessment of things: beginning with the present state of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (he is just back from there) and his view of the Middle East -- all the way to the Horn of Africa.
We talked about this time of transition, the state of the military and the possible effects of an Obama presidency on geopolitics. At the end of the meeting, a friend of the General's toasted Bill Frist, the former Republican Senator from Tennessee.
CONTINUED >>
by Les Kretman, NBC News producer
From Dana Perino's daily White House briefing today word about a competition. No, not to come up with a formula to build an energy efficient car to get Americans into automobile showrooms again. No, not to come up with a solution to deal with the plummeting economy. No, not to come up with easy answers to withdrawal from Iraq, peace in the Mideast or how to deal with the Taliban. But this from Dana:
"Today we kick off the contest to name the 2008 National Thanksgiving Turkey. We have a couple of ideas, as I look out into the room." (Dana looks at the gathering of the journalists...then there's brief laughter) "The President will pardon the turkey during the annual ceremony, which will take place at the White House on November 26th. And we encourage everyone to log on to our website, whitehouse.gov, to vote for your favorite name for the National Thanksgiving Turkey. This year marks the 61st anniversary of that presentation."
A moment of levity in the nation's capital where some might say there's not much to smile about.
By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor So President Bush went to the Department of Transportation today (home of the FAA, among other things) and joked that he hasn't "waited for an airplane … or had (his) bags lost …" over the last 8 years. He said this to much laughter.
His remarks won't endear him to the road warriors who fly for a living, and wait on runways and deal with cancelled and overcrowded flights. As someone pointed out today: It’s not as if he'll ever get a sense of how bad it is out there, either -- as our former presidents fly mostly by private aircraft after their time in office is over. What are the chances he'll ever have his belongings spread out across a table by the TSA?
I didn't think so.
Anyway, here's a transcript of his remarks .
Meantime: we're putting together tonight's broadcast and we hope you can join us.
By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor Another one of the great things during this Presidential transition process (at least during those cycles when it works the way it's supposed to) took place today, when Obama and McCain met earlier today. When you distill their positions looking for common ground, the two men agree on a surprising number of items, including matters like torture and the closing of Gitmo. Today's small talk was forced during the photo op (mostly about football) as it was, after all, their first face-to-face encounter since the "Bill Ayers" debate on Long Island late in the campaign. McCain and Obama are gentlemen, and they care about their country… and their country needs them both, right about now. Next we have to tackle Detroit.
GET WELLS
I've been in touch with Mrs. Reagan since her recent fall, and we continue to wish her a speedy and full recovery. And we should note the return to the Hill today of Senator Ted Kennedy, who was accompanied by his wife Vicky and his two beloved dogs. Senator Kennedy looked wonderful -- he was welcomed back to the Senate by a gathering of friends and staff -- and we wish him nothing but the best during his health struggle.
We hope you can join us for tonight's broadcast.
By Lester Holt, NBC News anchor
If you live in Southern California – or have spoken to friends in the region – then you know that right now, residing in the region is akin to living in a bowl of smoke . Of the three major fires to break out in the last several days, the most threatening has burned 16 square miles of Orange and Riverside counties. On the program tonight you’ll hear my conversation with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who offers his take of the severity of the situation, and whether the state's budget crisis is having an effect on their ability to bring resources to bear against the fires.
Also, as you may have heard, the networks of NBC Universal are devoting this week to all things “green.” Peter Alexander is starting us off on Nightly News tonight with a breathtaking journey into the Arctic to see how scientists are measuring the effects of climate change. I hope can join us later.
By Peter Alexander, NBC News correspondent
There we were, in the Arctic and on a ship for 23 days. Pass the Dramamine!intention was to stay on board for 10 days, shooting video and interviews . Mother Nature, apparently, had other plans. Inclement weather, along with an emergency search and rescue mission, spoiled all five of our attempts to disembark the ship. Getting stuck in the Arctic -- due to bad weather -- isn't uncommon; getting stuck five times -- on a swaying ship, no less -- is mentally exhausting.CONTINUED >>
By Lester Holt, NBC News anchor
On the East Coast, late fall usually means plenty of wet days and falling leaves, but in Southern California, it often means gusty, dry winds and wildfires.
Since we began planning tonight's broadcast, more fires have sprung up near Los Angeles . MSNBC has been showing aerial shots – courtesy of KNBC’s helicopter – of flames sweeping over homes and neighborhoods. Thousands have been evacuated – some on extremely short notice, and there are many more homes in danger. We will have full coverage on the program this evening.
We’re also going to examine the details of today's G-20 summit on the global economic crisis . Speaking of the economy, the Christmas decorations are beginning to go up on stores along Manhattan's Fifth Avenue, but this morning, as I walked down the famous street, I couldn't help but wonder if the excitement and magic of the season will be felt in quite a different way. We learned yesterday that retail sales in October plunged to levels not seen in years. We've asked CNBC's Margaret Brennan to join us tonight to explain what retailers face this holiday season, and what it’ll mean for shoppers.
Thanks for checking in, I hope you'll join me this evening for the Saturday edition of NBC Nightly News .
By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor
Outside my window, the tree is up at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Now the scaffolding is being erected -- by tomorrow, it will envelope the tree, as the lights are attached in preparation for the big night when thousands descend on the rink to unofficially begin the holiday season. A veteran security guard on the Plaza tells me "it's a little smaller than last year"... I guess in keeping with the GDP.
I didn't want the week to end without calling attention to a rather jaw-dropping piece from the Boston Herald. It's about the limousine used to transport the President. It contains quotes like "security concerns are likely behind the vehicle's design," and "I don't know if the President can get away with driving a hybrid vehicle like a Prius." I'm hoping readers know that Presidents (say nothing of Presidents-elect) don't design their own limousines, and aren't in charge of their own security OR transportation. Those truths didn't stop someone from trying to make a point in this case.
We continue to try to stay on top of economic developments, and it's been another eventful day. We hope you can join us tonight, and I hope you have a good weekend.
By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor
Maybe it's all the talk of a new puppy coming to the White House...maybe it's the grim economy and our desire to escape our troubles and cares for a brief time...but whatever it is, there's an internet link making the rounds on the web, and we'd be remiss if we didn't share it with you:
(If you have trouble viewing the below video, go to http://www.ustream.tv/channel/shiba-inu-puppy-cam .)
Online TV Shows by Ustream
By Les Kretman, NBC News White House producer
The G-20 ---- world leaders facing global financial markets in turmoil came to the White House tonight to begin a two-day meeting looking at ways to resolve the crisis. The menu --- not exactly Chicken McNuggets
Fruitwood-smoked Quail with Quince Gastrique Quinoa Risotto Landmark Chardonnay "Damaris Reserve" 2006 Thyme-roasted Rack of Lamb Tomato, Fennel and Eggplant Fondue Chanterelle Jus Shafer Cabernet "Hillside Select" 2003 Lolla Rosa, Red Oak and Endive Cider Vinaigrette Baked Vermont Brie with Walnut Crostini Pear Torte Huckleberry Sauce Chandon Étoile Rosé
Who's picking up the check......
By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor
We're getting ready for the broadcast, and we hope you can join us tonight.
By John Rutherford, Producer, NBC News, Washington
Len and Mary Ann Cowherd noticed a big white pickup truck pulling into the driveway of their Culpeper, Va., home about 8:30 in the evening of May 16, 2004.
The soldiers were there to inform the Cowherds that their son, Army 2nd Lt. Leonard Cowherd III, 22, West Point class of '03, had been killed earlier that day by sniper fire and rocket-propelled grenades in Karbala, Iraq.
"When it first happens, you're in shock, and that helps lessen some of the pain," Len said. "Then after awhile you have this empty space, and that empty space is what you have for the rest of your life."
Len and Mary Ann tried to fill that empty space by talking constantly about their son and by sharing his letters home with others.
"The most intense letter was the one to my wife, her Mother's Day card, which
"It keeps his memory alive," Len said.
CONTINUED >>
By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor
to the cast of SNL . Note the second is the third generation member of a great American comedic family.
To another matter: An American hero was laid to a final rest today -- there are varying stories as to why it was delayed -- but there's no disputing the heroism Connie Charlton displayed for his country on a battlefield a long time ago and far, far from home.
Cornelius Charlton served in one of the last remaining “all-black” units (24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division), known as the Buffalo Soldiers. The story passed down through family members over the years was that the family received threats of harm if Sergeant Charlton was interred at Arlington Cemetery. He was buried in a family plot in Pocahontas, Virginia in 1952. Years later in 1989, the cemetery was found abandoned and overgrown and Sergeant Charlton was reburied in the American Legion Cemetery in Beckley, WV. Earlier this year, a request from his family that he be reburied at Arlington Cemetery was approved.
And just during the time it took me to write this, we've received some awful news about a member of our Nightly News family. Howard Reig has died. Howard was the longtime voice of Nightly News -- from the era of John Chancellor through yours truly. Perhaps the best way to remember Howard is through his retirement tribute by our director, Brett Holey, and through the memorial site his son has created. Howard's voice and spirit will always be with us -- our condolences to his family.
We hope you can join us tonight.
By Les Kretman, NBC News White House producer
She is 88 years old, has covered every president since JFK, and her acerbic wit combined with her ability to challenge the best-prepared presidents and press secretaries has made her a White House legend. But Helen Thomas, considered the dean of the White House press corps, has been out of commission with a serious illness since May. Today she came home.
Taking her front row center seat, she was surrounded by photographers and appeared nonplussed by all the attention. She raised her hand a few times during the noon briefing and at the end peppered spokesperson Dana Perino with three questions about the ailing auto industry.
Dana told her that the president believes the auto industry needs to help find a solution, and that the president is aware Michigan has nine percent unemployment and knows how important Detroit is. "We're very aware."
For Helen, it doesn't matter if you're Republican or Democrat--her ability to stick a thorn in the side of inhabitants of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is legendary. For example: At a White House news conference on March 21,2006, she questioned President George W. Bush:
"Mr. President, your decision to invade Iraq has caused the deaths of thousands of Americans and Iraqis, wounded Americans and Iraqis for a lifetime. Every reason given, publicly at least, has turned out not to be true. My question is: Why did you really want to go to war...what was your real reason? You have said it wasn't oil; it hasn't been Israel, or anything else. What was it?"
The President responded with a general answer about "the war on terror."
Next on her radar screen: The Obama Presidency. Helen Thomas plans to keep at it--as she put it, "I think I'll work all my life. When you're having fun, why stop having fun?"
By Scott Foster, NBC News producer, Washington Jim Miklaszewski reported how military chaplains are
serving on the front lines helping combat troops overcome the stresses
from war. One of the
characters we included in the story is Skip Spoerke, and Iraq war veteran whose
own experience shows just how positive the influence of a military chaplain can
be.
Dealing
with sleeplessness, depression and what would ultimately become a diagnosis of
post-traumatic stress disorder, Spoerke says his life was saved through interaction
with a military chaplain.
Skip, who
is now out of the Army, is learning to live with the lingering effects of PTSD
and says he's having a much better time coping with the symptoms.
In fact,
there's an additional positive angle to Skip's story. He's personally working
to ease the burden on troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan by helping them realize
that their combat service is appreciated.
CONTINUED >>
By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor
CONTINUED >>
by Andy Gross, NBC News Producer, Washington
Frank Buckles is doing fine, and that's good news, considering he is "107 and half" as he is fond of saying. As the nation's last living veteran of the Great War, World War One, today really is Frank's day.
I spoke with his daughter, Susannah Buckles Fanagan, this morning as she was finishing feeding their herd of 230 cattle on the family farm near Charles Town, West Virginia. Frank was dozing nearby in his sunny addition to the old stone farmhouse, saving his strength for his brief appearance later today at the Veteran's Day ceremonies at Arlington Cemetery. While Frank is certainly a living part of history, he is keeping up with current events by scanning the newspapers and chatting with family.
CONTINUED >>
By Tom Costello, NBC News correspondent
A quick clarification to our story last night on the economy. We reported that McDonalds saw a surge in business in October, as customers looked for cheaper food. We also mentioned that McDonalds may raise prices on its dollar menu, to keep up with inflation. McDonalds wants it clear that it's considering raising prices only on its Double Cheeseburger - which it would then move off the Dollar Menu. The Double Cheeseburger will likely be replaced on the Dollar Menu by a new product called the McDouble (two beef patties and just one slice of cheese).
By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor
Bill Sammon's piece last night (and several since, all calling attention to Obama's own account of his first meeting with President Bush) that there is another first about this Presidential transition: Bush and Obama are two men of the hand sanitizer generation. Both have become dependent upon, if not addicted to, the vaguely slippery, slightly gelatinous liquid which has become the staple liquid...the nectar of life...for those who shake hands for a living and wish to avoid germs...and thus its become the coin of the realm in modern politics. When I covered President Clinton, hand sanitizers had yet to be perfected -- but because his Agents and Physician were horrified to occasionally see the President eating, with his hands, after shaking hundreds of hands, they invented a pre-moistened foam cylinder that they kept in the limousine. The size of a track and field baton, he would use it in lieu of washing his hands in a sink -- the same theory behind Purell and other later, more portable products. While the President has ushers and valets who are always nearby with hand sanitizer, Obama aide Reggie Love is informally known as the "keeper of the Purell" in the traveling germfest that has been the Obama campaign. Kudos to Bill Sammon for reminding us not only of the first time these two men met...but also the role hand sanitizer played!
Today marked Obama's first visit to the Oval Office , and his first ride in one of the Washington-based fleet of Presidential limousines. Because of the urgency of this transition period (owing to the economic crisis) he is getting a view of the trappings -- and a clear-eyed view of the challenges of office -- earlier than most.
Our coverage of the transition continues tonight -- we have a great broadcast that includes a never-before-seen glimpse of World War II combat footage. We hope you can join us as we start off a new week.
By Rich Gardella and Lisa Myers, NBC News Investigative unit
AUSTIN, TX -- One of the new frontlines in the national mortgage crisis can be found in Austin, Texas where, in a non-descript office park, inside Building D, IndyMac Federal Bank houses its national customer service call center. It's there that more than 600 loan counselors and collections specialists have been aggressively reworking mortgages to help delinquent borrowers in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure.
Since the FDIC took over IndyMac this summer following its bankruptcy, counselors have modified 5,100 loans, and offered modifications to another 10,000 borrowers.
It’s part of an urgent FDIC mission to rework loans for as many delinquent borrowers as possible to slow the tide of foreclosures, which drive down home values and punch holes in the global economy.
Around the call center's large open workspace, snippets of conversations reveal both frustration and hope.
"We will be reducing your interest rate," one counselor tells a borrower, speaking into his headset microphone, "down to three percent."
CONTINUED >>
By Pete Williams, NBC News Justice Correspondent
Three members of the U.S. Supreme Court today expressed concern about the growing use during death penalty trials of elaborate victim impact statements and video presentations.
Just 20 years ago, the Supreme Court set a strict limit in death penalty cases against any evidence that "described the personal characteristics of the victims and the emotional impact of the crimes on the family." The reason the court gave at the time was that because death is an irreversible penalty, a jury's verdict must be based strictly on reason and not emotion.
But just a few years later, bowing to the growing victims' rights movement, the court reversed itself and said testimony from a victim's mother helped inform the jury about the harm caused by the crime.
CONTINUED >>
By Robert Bazell, NBC News Chief science correspondent
Conflicts of interest have become a major topic of discussion when it comes to medical studies. The fears became particularly intense after allegations that the pharmaceutical giant Merck hid knowledge about the heart attack risks of its blockbuster drug Vioxx before removing Vioxx from the market in 2004.
That is why it is important to note that the study we discuss today about c-reactive protein and heart attack risk was paid for by AstraZeneca, the company that makes the statin drug Crestor used in the study. In addition the head researcher Dr. Paul Ridker of Brigham and Women’s Hospital discovered and co-owns a patent on the key test in the trial - for c-reactive protein (c-RP), a marker for inflammation in the blood.
To re-cap, the study found that people who took had elevated levels of c-RP had a fifty percent reduction in heart disease, strokes, and death after two years if they took a daily dose of Crestor. Many scientists see this study, known by the acronym JUPITER, as one of the most important heart disease trials in more than a decade.
CONTINUED >>
By Kevin Tibbles, NBC News correspondent
But, that is exactly how I responded one day last summer as I was driving down a stretch of highway outside of Toronto.
I noticed a few people on the overpass standing with flags.
On the next bridge, same thing.
Then there was a bridge with a fire truck on it, and more flags, and more people. Essentially I had driven, I dunno...50 or 60 miles...and there were people gathered on every single bridge.
Fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, pickups, sedans...moms, dads, the elderly, kids.
When I finally got to my own mother's house I asked her what was going on. "It's not a holiday? Is there a celebrity coming? What's with all the people on the bridges?".
She told me that stretch of highway 401 is now referred to as 'The Highway of Heroes'.
Each time a Canadian soldier dies in Afghanistan, fighting alongside Americans in the war on terror, people simply gather on the bridges out of respect.
They stand, maybe salute, maybe wave a flag, to show the fallen combatants family they are not alone.
It isn't political. It isn't organized. It doesn't cost a cent. And yet hundreds of ordinary people come to stand and say 'thanks' each time the body of a soldier comes by.
As we prepare to mark Veterans Day, or Remembrance Day as it is called in Canada, here is a grassroots movement that has simply grown out of respect for those who put their lives on the line.... Lest We Forget.
By Lester Holt, NBC News anchor
When you exit the elevator and walk towards our New York newsroom, you invariably pass the memorial to NBC News employees who have died in the line of duty. As I arrived at work this afternoon, I took special note of two names: Correspondent Don Harris and cameraman Bob Brown. Don and Bob – along with U.S. congressman Leo Ryan and several others – were shot to death on an air strip in Guyana 30-years ago this month.
Many unwittingly reference the tragedy at Jonestown when they say that someone is "drinking the Kool-Aid." The phrase, of course, means to blindly accept, or go along with something without question. What many may not know is that it was such an act of blind faith that led more than 900 people to die in a mass suicide at the compound in Jonestown just hours after the airport shooting. The victims lined up to drink a Kool-Aid-like drink laced with cyanide. Some drank it willingly, while others were injected with poison at gun point. Tonight on Nightly News we will preview a special MSNBC documentary that tells the story of cult leader Jim Jones, and the massacre he presided over.
Bob Brown's camera, which captured pictures of the airport attack, now sits in the NBC News memorial, where it continues to remind us of the senseless horror that unfolded that fateful day. I hope you'll join us later for Nightly News, and then for the premiere of "Witness to Jonestown." The two-hour documentary airs at 9 p.m.ET on MSNBC.Editor's note: For more on Rev. Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple, visit jonestown.msnbc.com .
By Carl Sears, NBC News Producer, Washington
On Monday, the White House will be the center of attention for two families and the nation. At 2 p.m. ET, President Bush and Mrs. Bush will welcome President-elect Obama and Mrs. Obama at the South Portico. The outgoing and incoming presidents will walk along the Colonnade for a meeting in the Oval Office. They will be discussing ongoing policy issues from war, to the economy, and perhaps secrets known only to Presidents.
The First Lady and Mrs. Obama will tour the residence and meet privately following the arrival. It's the first wartime presidential transition in 40 years -- and just 72-days until the Obamas move into the White House.
The Bush administration is promising a seamless transition, but the handoff is always abrupt. As White House Chief-of-Staff Joshua Bolten told C-SPAN on Sunday, "Every White House starts from scratch...when we leave those offices the night of January 19th we will turn our badges and keys in."
Obama plans to hit the ground running -- already vetting potential appointees for key economic slots. Ultimately, the new president must fill about 8,000 jobs. CONTINUED >>
By Lester Holt, NBC News anchor
After months of chasing their ultimate prize, the presidential candidates reached the end of the campaign, only for one to be reminded of the enormous number of strings attached to the reward that awaits him. While none of it falls on President-elect Obama's watch, it does fall on his shoulders, and we will look at how he plans to confront the crisis, and who he may look to for assistance.
Rehema Ellis is monitoring an unfolding disaster in Haiti, where scores of children are dead, injured or missing in the rubble of a collapsed school. She’ll be on hand to share the latest details this evening.
Thanks for checking in. We'll look for you later on NBC Nightly News.
By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor
There was something else different about today's event, and it has to do with a quiet change that takes place when a campaign morphs into a transition team: when Barack Obama walked into the Hilton ballroom for the news conference, the press corps stood up. People react differently to a President-Elect than they do a candidate. He was clearly struck by the sight, and the change in behavior, as indicated in his pointed "thank you" to members of the press corps. Even the media "pool report" (a description of the event for those who need to compile stories but cannot cover the event themselves) now refers to him by the acronym of "PEOTUS" (President-Elect of the United States).
By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor
We hope you can join us tonight.
By John Rutherford, Producer, NBC News, Washington
Army Sgt. Daniel Wallace , 27, of Dry Ridge, Ky., deployed to Afghanistan in May with the Kentucky National Guard. He was very religious and helped his unit's chaplain. He had asked his mother to write letters to soldiers who had not received letters of their own. "Danny had a lot, a lot of sympathy for people," his mother told the Herald-Dispatch. Wallace was killed Oct. 31 by small arms fire in Badin Kheyl. He is survived by his 6-year-old son.
2. Army Pfc. Bradley Coleman , 24, of Martinsville, Va., deployed to Iraq in June with the 51st Transportation Company. He died Oct. 29 at Qayyarah Airfield from a gunshot wound. His death was under investigation. "He really liked the Army itself, but once he got to Iraq ... it was hard on him," his stepmother told the Bulletin. Coleman leaves his widow, Heather, and children, Edward, 2, and Shyanna, 1. "He was a sweet, loving person," his stepmother said.
3. Army Sgt. Scott Metcalf , 36, of Framingham, Mass., enlisted in 1990 and was a supply sergeant with the 101st Airborne Division. He was the recipient of seven Army Achievement Medals. Metcalf served in Korea and deployed at least three times to Iraq, where he died Oct. 29 in Balad of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident that was under investigation. He leaves his widow, Betty, and daughter, Korrine. His family had no comment on his death.
CONTINUED >>
By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor
linked to his response .
We're doing a special edition of the broadcast tonight -- depending on where you see us, the broadcast will run to a second half hour. We hope you can join us. What a night.
By Les Kretman, NBC News White House producer
It was well after 1 a.m. this morning when they kicked us out of the White House and we were greeted by the real story that was developing outside on the street. The excitement in the crowd was contagious. Young people, old people and children gathered chanting "U-S-A! U-S-A!" and "Yes we can!" It was as if the Red Sox (or even the Yankees) had won the World Series but this was a lot bigger for the gathering masses -- all smiles, no anger.
In Washington, it was not limited to just the area around the White House. There were horns honking and people cheering all the way up Connecticut Avenue. This was one of those moments you don't forget. As I made my way home, I reflected on the last time there was a big, late evening crowd that spontaneously gathered in front of the White House. It was the evening of 9/11, when groups clustered on Pennsylvania Avenue holding candles -- grieving, but showing solidarity.
There's still a sense of solidarity seven years later -- but for the groups that gathered early today, there was joy. What a difference.
By Kerry Sanders, NBC News correspondent
As a reporter for 26 years I've enjoyed collecting newspaper headlines when significant events happen worldwide. This morning while at Miami Intl airport, I stopped into the newsstand to pick up as many headlines as I could. One problem, by 10am there was only one paper left. It was El Nuevo Herald, a Spanish language paper. Every other paper was sold out as the clerk told me everyone was buying the headlines as a keepsake. As I scramble around the city today looking for newspaper headlines, right now all I have is: Obama. Logra la presidencia nen una historica jornada democrata.
By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor
And if you can't stand the suspense and need a good distraction, check out my favorite non-election story of the day here .
Please join us tonight. And please vote.
By Les Kretman, NBC News White House producer
Sage thoughts from the Rolling Stones worth remembering on Election Day 2008. I mulled over those lyrics this morning as I stood in a long line that snaked into my polling place at the French International School in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
It's been an amazing two years when voters day in and day out heard promises and attacks from all the candidates and even got to meet Joe The Plumber and Tina Fey. All this going on while we remained in combat in Iraq, saw the situation in Afghanistan deteriorating and dealt daily with the grim news about the nation's economy.
But at this polling place the joy of voting was etched on the faces of all those waiting to cast their ballots. What was unusual about this line was the multitude of young children who tightly held their parents' hands as they prepared to vote. An election for the ages someone said, and they wanted their kids to remember this day.
After voting, I headed down to the White House where we're prepared for any reaction after the vote is decided. If it conclusive early, a likely on camera statement from White House spokesperson Dana Perino. If it's late we'll probably get a written reaction.
We might not get everything we want, but whoever wins the right for the next four years to be at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue - the American people will have seen democracy work as voters are going to the polls in record numbers. In that sense we are all winners ---- and those who proudly wear the red white and blue stickers proclaiming "I voted" also have another reason to be happy....a tall coffee from Starbuck's.
By Mara Schiavocampo, Nightly News digital correspondent
This morning, I arrived at my Harlem polling location a few minutes after it opened at 6 am. The place was packed. Every step had to be followed with an "excuse me". Several people had cameras, and were taking pictures of the day. I heard one woman say "this is history". Another woman held her young daughter in her arms and kept smiling and kissing her on the cheek, as if she was happy the little girl was witnessing the day. It was a remarkable contrast from four years ago and evidence of the voter excitement on this historic election day.
Representative Charles Rangel - who is up for re-election - lives in my neighborhood and was waiting in line with the rest of us. I asked him if he’d ever seen anything like this before. He replied, "Harlem’s never seen anything like it. I’ve never seen such electricity, such a historic event and I just thank God that I’ve lived long enough to be able to see it. It’s just fantastic."
By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor
For now, we have a big preview broadcast to get on the air tonight -- I hope you can join us tonight and all the way through.
By Lester Holt, NBC News anchor
Good day from New York. Election Plaza – the space from which passersbys will be able to follow our coverage on Tuesday is taking shape outside of 30 Rock. As you can expect, there is a lot of energy and excitement both outside and inside the building. For now, however, the real headlines are being made in places like Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and Florida.
These are the states in which the candidates and their running mates were making last minute appeals to voters today. Behind the scenes, their strategists are crunching numbers, trying to figure out what combination of states can secure a victory. There is no more fascinating a time in an election than the final 48 hours, when the campaigns execute their closing strategies. Our correspondents and camera crews are shadowing all four candidates – as well as some of the volunteers who are knocking on doors and making last minute calls – and they will show us how each side is trying to get the job done.
Also, another big week looms for the economy. CNBC's Maria Bartiromo will join us tonight to look ahead. I hope you'll join us for NBC Nightly News.
By Lester Holt, NBC News anchor
The long lines outside early voting locations around the country are a testament to the excitement and passion this election has generated. Here at 30 Rock, that excitement and passion can be measured in the number of empty pizza boxes stacked on desks. Those of us weekend regulars have lots of extra company today as we gear up for Tuesday. In addition to preparing and anchoring tonight's newscast, I'm busy learning the interactive computer system I'll be using to report on the Senate and House races on Election Day. The system does a lot, but if I don't push the right buttons in the right sequence I could end up giving one party a 100 seat majority. Now that’d be a story!
On the broadcast tonight, we are on the trail with both candidates, and we’ll have the latest on their relative strengths in the key battleground states. Robert Bazell will offer a different angle on the race tonight – the health of the candidates. How do John McCain and Barack Obama zip back and forth across the country, work long days with little sleep and shake thousands of hands without getting sick? Bob will try to answer that question.
Thanks for checking in, I hope you'll catch Nightly News tonight on your NBC station.
