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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.



The General

Posted: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 4:56 PM by Daily Nightly Editor
Filed Under:

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.

To those unfamiliar with the Petraeus bio, it might sound like an odd thing to do -- but the backstory is this: Petraeus received a grievous accidental bullet wound the chest when a fellow soldier at Ft. Campbell tripped and discharged his weapon. The surgeon who was called in to operate that day, at Vanderbilt Medical Center, was Bill Frist. The story concludes with the unusual way Petraeus was discharged from the hospital: he convinced his reluctant doctors to let him go, after just a few days of recovery from chest surgery...by performing 50 pushups on the floor of his hospital room.

We've got a lot of news tonight: on the Obama cabinet, the Detroit automakers, piracy on the high seas, and Ann Curry's big (and harrowing) adventure. The news from Wall Street is almost too depressing to mention, but we'll report it anyway. We hope you can join us tonight.

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Brian -  My family has Nightly News programmed on our DVR - because we don't often get to watch until 7:30 or so...but your broadcast has become a staple in our daily routine.
We appreciate your candor - and the gravity of what is going on around us.  While watching last might's broadcast, we couldn't help but wonder why organizations that gave out 19 BILLION in BONUSES were eligible for a bailout - but the auto industry is not?  Certainly - there has been historic help to out the domestic auto industry - and I do believe that they should have to provide a sound business plan for their future.  However - these companies and the related members of the economy that would be impacted is very MAIN Street.  Their products are not the fictious "derriviatives" that ammounted to leaalized gambling.  They are one of the last manufacturing arenas in the US, and it scares me to think that we risk losing another manufacturer.  

No, I am not in any way involved in the auto business - in fact I am a loan officer for a bank.... but my degree in Economics and review of the types of jobs that are available in this country are predominantly the low paying Service Sector.  My 18 yearold is having difficulty finding an entry level job in our area....including Walmart, Macdonalds, Dunkin Donuts, etc.. (Sorry, we do not have a Cinnabon nearby else I would have sent her with your article from Sunday!).

PLEASE keep the pressure on for Main Street America.  We have no voice - though the politicians say they understand what we are facing...HOW CAN THEY when their healthcare coverage in better than ours, they get guaranteed pensions, their raises are not purely Merit based like most average people, they get excessive vacation,(most Americans are lucky to get 2 weeks - and manybe some sick time) and they get wined and dined to get their vote.  

Thank you for listening - and if you ever want some GREAT ideas on what we can change - my sister and I have come up with some really good ones...Meanwhile, I enjoy making your broadcast part of our family.  You have become much more comfortable in your role of late - it's noticed and appreciated.

Best wishes!
Hi Brian

Now I Petraeus lost me at the hearing when he lied for Bush. Since the illegal invasion of Iraq every General appointed as been refered to as the best we have and hailed by the Media. Once that General finally told the truth he was fired. So last is Petraeus and with God's blessing Obama/Biden will quickly replace him for a General who has to guts to take up for our troops and not cow to the Administration.

Looks like I win as the Stock Market dropped below 8,000.  Hank Paulson still doesn't understand as he said things are going great.  He didn't get the memo.

Nice to see former Senator Daschle got the Dept. Health/Human Services job.

Not much is said about the Grand Jury indictment against Cheney/Gonzo. Now I read the complaint that was filed and the evidence.  Dick is in big trouble and will need Bush to give one of those illegal orders to have this case dropped. When you paid the Family of a murdered convict questions are asked. As for Gonzo he's hosed. It was interesting to see how the company that Dick has shares in is also part of Haliburton. I just didn't understand what that company has to do with criminals and the jail. I guess if Bush can't stop this we'll find out.

I love to watch the Media analyst with their ideas of who Obama will pick. Well their been wrong so far.  Not one analyst said a word about the former Deputy AG. Now names were flying yet a man who held the second spot under AG Janet Reno wasn't given a thought. Next Daschle wasn't even looked at. All we hear is Hillary here Hillary their Hillary everywhere. Then the beat continues with Bill Clinton. Why does the Media hate the Clintons?  Yes Bill was bad having an affair but how many other Law Makers are given a pass for doing worse. As President, Bill worked for the American people.  George W. Bush has taken this country in the worse situtation we're been in since FDR and he's hailed as the All and Power OZ. Nothing will  be done for Americans by President Bush, we'll have to wait until Obama/Biden take office. This is the way Americans want it or they would do something.

See you same time same place
I hope Ann had an opportunity to train for her hike.  I remember reading that John Edwards bought his hiking boots on the way to the airport for this (or substantially similar) hike. As the Boy Scouts say, be prepared.
Celine:  Thanks for the article about children playing outside.   I second all the comments.    Some of these elementary kids are up to 10 PM out and about. Where's the family, play and rest time?  Video games are not a rest.  

Brian:  Good article you wrote for Parade Magazine.   I have been really dieting and just reading your article made me smell those Cinnabons.   Please don't tell me your grab a bon and head to the plane with one.       For the ladies, on the blog, Brian grocery shops for Mrs. W when he is home.    He didn't say anything about the dishes though.  How about laundry?    It is the vacuuming I can not stand.  

Normand:  Please don't read the article because you will see Brian discussed a prescription drug.   What I don't think Brian understands is his own fame.   Maybe just maybe he still thinks he is just some ordinary guy like Chris the cabbie.      

http://www.parade.com/food/2008/11/what-brian-williams-loves-to-eat.html  

What a great broadcast tonight from Ann Curry and her expedition.  

DN Moderator:  Thanks for accomodating the  post to the Debbie Phelps link.  

Bests to All!  
Goo Evening Mr.Williams, A wonderful broadcast this evening. First of all I just want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Ann Curry! I saw her on the Today Show this morning and she has certainly accomplished a great feat by getting to 15,700feet up Mount Kilimanjaro. I think she has really shown what has happened over time to this area due to the melting glaciers causing the wells to be dry and the rivers to be far less deep. Such beautiful views from that high altitude. Please Stay Safe and Well Ann! Keep Well!
Now the broadcast. The report by Mr.LeBeau concerning the automakers not getting any money from the government shows they want to see a plan from them for the future and not just give them free money. The Dow falling below 8000 in definitely now good news for investors and hearing the report from Maria Bartiromo tells of the consumer confidence dwindling down. I agree with her that we will get through this tough time. But it will take some time and hopefully good news is on the horizon.
The report concerning the Somalian pirates taking over ships is making for some extremely dangerous waters. Covering 2 million square miles sounds almost impossible to patrol. There does need to be aggresiveness shown to these pirates in order to stop them and hopefully with several countries involved these takeovers by pirates soon will be quelled.

The report by Mr.Cowan in the "In Depth" segment concerning the local car dealerships and how the economy has effected them was a good piece. The one featured in the piece in Wolf Chevrolet in Belvidere,Illinois is a real family business and they give so much to charity. They are a fabric of communities. Hopefully, there will be better news for the automakers and sales can rise. Good Piece!

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 annd Well Richard!
XOXO
Good evening dear Mr. Brian!
In Moscow falled the the first snow our parc outside is like this
http://www.parkfoto.ru/tag/otrazhenie/

Best wishes Helen
Brian! Tonight's segment on the bridge named after Bobby Kennedy was wonderful! Hearing of that put a huge smile on my face. All of this reading and studying I have been doing on John and Robert F. Kennedy has made me a huge admirer of both of them. This might sound funny, but I guess it's like what I said about Golden Retrievers, it doesn't take much to "fall in love" with them. I especially love the symbolism of the bridge of bringing the cultures of the city together, as that was something Bobby Kennedy cared emensely about.



Anne Curry is so brave for climbing mount Kilimanjaro.  Watching that I felt sorry for the effects it's been having on her. What a special Birthday though!

I don't know if she shoud continue with the hike or not, but whatever she decides I wish her the best!

Amazing story on General David Petraeus, thanks for the blog!

Happy Birthday to Anne Curry! and Happy Birthday to Bobby Kennedy, which would be his 83rd birthday tomorrow.

Have a good night, Brian. And see you tomorrow.

-Cary
Brian,I like listening to communications between you and the General.  Your assessment of matters is important to us, your viewers.
-tesa
Hi Brian Maria did a great job explaining the Stock Market fall maybe she could explain it to Henry Paulson as he's confused.

Brian I think you got punked again this time by the Department of Propaganda. Look the last time they used a fake Bin Laden and now their making the second in command seem like he's totally uneducated in human history. As Malcom X went to Mecca and found out people of color have roots in Africa the Mother Land. This time the White House Propaganda Department acted without reading. Any eduated person who has learned Middle East culture knows better.  I'll be glad when the Media are given honest news from the White House and the Govement.  Jan. 20th can't come fast enough for me. Now I expect your viewers will blame you for the fake story.

Have a great evening all

Best to my friends Lisa, Laurel, Stephanie, Claudia, Celine, Anna and Matt
A strong and fulfilling broadcast. Perhaps a mention of the struggling social issues being voted down by ballots, notably Proposition 8. There are numerous rallies being organized on Facebook, Myspace, and the like, NBC should give the topic a look.
Brian I enjoy your broadcast every night, and I also watch weekends whenever sports programs don't pre-empt the news. I record the news also, since it is hard to make it home in time to watch it live.

There is much coverage of Obama's transition, but I feel like there is not enough attention being paid to George Bush's attempts to lock in his policies by writing a host of regulations, meant to blockade progress and perpetuate W's failed policies.

In many cases these regulations are against the advice of experts, against the wishes of the congress and DESPITE public outcry. And in the case of the Iraq deal - the pact was published IN IRAQ but is being kept a secret over here in the US!!

Check out these two news briefs, from Reuters and Associated Press, respectively:

Bush Secrecy Over Iraq security pact Deal:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081119/pl_nm/us_iraq_usa_pact_1

Ross Colvin, Reuters:
"The US government is refusing to make public the security pact it has signed with Iraq, even though it has already been published in full in an Iraqi newspaper, a congressional hearing was told on Wednesday." In Iraq, "a session of Iraq's Parliament collapsed in chaos on Wednesday, as a discussion among lawmakers about a three-year security agreement with the Americans boiled over into shouting and physical confrontation," according to Campbell Robertson of The New York Times.

Bush Set to Relax Rules Protecting Species

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081120/ap_ca/bush_endangered_species

Dina Cappiello, The Associated Press:
"Animals and plants in danger of becoming extinct could lose the protection of government experts who make sure that dams, highways and other projects don't pose a threat, under a regulation the Bush administration is set to put in place before President-elect Obama can reverse them. The rules must be published Friday to take effect before Obama is sworn in Jan. 20. Otherwise, he can undo them with the stroke of a pen."
Dear Brian,  I am a retiree and watch you each evening without fail. My comment is on Auto Ind., Let the Big 3 merge intoone (UNITED MOTORS)make one line of vehicles; cuts molds, extra parts,extra names, extra storage of parts & cars. Name vehicles:1
Storm Flags-cars,2 Forge Ahead-SUVs,3 Metal Crash-vans, 4 Fleet Dreams- trucks. No CEO to garner money thru greed, employee elected board of directors. Work out their pay scale as average to other US workers. Won't have thousands of different dealers on
every corner in US, stocking millions of different parts to take up inventory and space. Thanks for your
being there every evening to tell it like it is.
Ann Curry always seemed like such a sensible lady -- what is she doing on the big mountain?  Happy birthday to her, looking forward to finding out tonight if they carried on.
Brian, Why should those of us (like you and me) who love and have always purchased American cars be made to help bail out the big 3? I think we should put a surcharge on the sale of every foreign car in the U.S to the tune of $1,000 or $2,000 and use that money to help the American auto makers. It's only fair.


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