I see that Obama judges not by the condition of their clothes, but by the content of their character before letting them into the Oval Office.

Another MLK lesson of history taken to heart.

The Oval is a working office not a fashion runway.  No more sitting around looking pretty, time to roll up the sleeves and get to work.

Good evening, Brian!

Very interesting topic. I don't know . . . I don't think that there should necessarily be a code saying you can't wear certain attire in the Oval Office, of course it should at least be appropriate. I think it is nice that George Bush wanted to keep it formal as a form of respect. I understand the discomfort felt seeing former president Clinton in the Oval Office in his sweaty jog sweats, no one wants to see that in our historic office of the presidency. But there's a huge difference from Obama simply wanting to take off his suit jacket, and I see nothing wrong with it personally. Details, details, details . . . if you really think about it, it's just a jacket.


Looking forward to tonight's Nightly,

-Cary

Clothes do not make the man. I would rather see a nude Obama than a clothed george w bush in the White House any day..

Dear Brian,

I read the New York Times story online.  I found it to be both amusing and enlightening.  It is interesting to me how people attach so much meaning to formality, as if it somehow provides insight into one's character.  I'll take substance over formality any day.

Speaking of President Obama, I was not amused by his snow day comment, either.  I get so tired of veterans of Midwestern and Northeastern winters telling us Mid-Atlantic folks what babies we are.  I don't suppose the families of those who've died over the past few days in icy road-related accidents find such remarks amusing.  Take a pill and get over it, people.

I taped your appearance with David Letterman on Monday night.  I haven't watched the whole segment, yet - I stopped at "bereft" - but I already have a question.  What is the significance of "Wishing Well" by Terence Trent D'Arby, which the band played when you walked out?  I even Googled the lyrics, and could find no connection.  :-)

As Jackie likes to say, I'll see you at 6:30.

Anna:  Don't feel singled out - many of my comments from the day after inauguration on didn't post until today.  Sometimes it just takes a while.  Glad to "see" you again, though!  I've missed you!

Jackie:  Congratulations on arranging a White House tour!  I have been twice on school field trips - once when President Ford was in office, and again when President Carter was in office.  I was 4 or 5 or 6 years old at the time.  Ancient history!  Have fun!

Lots of love to Lisa (thanks for the big hug), Jackie, Stephanie, Celine, Claudia, Anna, and Matt.  XOXO

Hi Brian

It's funny to read about how people should dress in the White House while, all had to take an ethics class and appointees openly committed crimes and lied under oath. I guess dress attire was more important the honesty/truth and doing the business of the American people.

After yesterdays vote as Republicans/some Democrats refuse to pass the bill to help the American people even knowing the unemployment is now the highest in every State.  Good to see Law Makers have no problem letting 18 billion go to Wall Street bonuses. You'd think after AIG, CitiGroup and others who partied with the money and how banks refuse to give loans Americans would want this stopped. But nothing is said as millions more Americans lose homes, jobs and life savings each second. Some States have even run out of unemployment money while the Law Makers turn a blind eye.

Looks like the Illinios Govenor is removed.

see you same time same place

Well, since everyone else is talking about it... Clinton did push the envelope with the shorts, but Obama wasn't "undressed".  After all, it is an OFFICE and most white collar offices don't allow their employees to wear SWEATS to the work.  Jacketless is fine! Give it a rest...  although I suppose, with all the scary, somber news these days, its nice to talk about something that is not going to cost us everything... maybe!  I, however, prefer to be cooler; I DO NOT like temps over 70.  

Otherwise, we have to talk about the economy that stinks, and its getting stinkier (I'd use a stronger word, but you know...) and our food supply is getting scarier, making me wonder about the jars of natural peanut butter sitting in my cupboard.  

Is it my imagination, or are we talking about Iraq and Afghanistan a lot less these days?  Is this a good thing, or a bad thing?  On a related matter, I'm surprised that Blackwater didn't get the boot out of Iraq sooner considering all its bad publicity.  

Hello to the regulars!  

I found your piece on the dress code of the White House coming under scrutiny quite amusing. I would much prefer a president ready to roll up his sleeves and tackle the multitude of issues we as a nation face, than the alternative; an empty suit.

I think the willingness to take off your coat, roll up your sleeves and get down to work shows a much higher respect for the office and the people it represents than the mere ability to don some fashion apparel, put on a wry smile and watch aimlessly as the country falls into oblivion because your friends are OK and still patting you on the back.

Oh, how much I love that President Obama doesn't need to wear a coat in the Oval Office! He has the responsibility of rescuing this country from the mess we're in (our futures are literally in his hands), and it means so much to me that he would rather work hard, and effectively, without a jacket, than wear one just for appearances.  It's the difference in doing something for show and being the real deal.  Such a small detail, but boy, does it say so much!

The Oval Office is just like any other working place and anyone who comes in to work should at least wear appropriate clothes. However I do not see how the degree of formality (or lack thereof) in clothing impacts the management of the US or for that matter at what time the President comes in to work. No 43. came in to work in a coat and tie and at dawn, but look at the American economy, policies, and reputation. President Clinton may have worn shorts in the Oval Office but he never got a pair of shoes thrown at him as show of disrespect. At this point of the American economic breakdown, I don't think Americans consider the President's office wear priority one.  

If it's too warm in the White House , then they need to turn down the heat, just as millions of Americans are doing. Programable thermostats maybe? THAT'S WHAT THE REST OF US ARE DOING.

Well I am a republican who likes the "new Boss" and his style!  Mr. Obama seems more interested in taking care of business than enforcing trivial matters such as a dress code.  I'll go further to say that Pres. Obama is the new standard for our politicians.  Republicans take notes... I for one (among many) will no longer accept the "good old boy" politician who calls us "my friends" when it's clear he would never really want to socialize with the common person!
 Pres. Obama knows how to run the country!  All politicians should watch & learn!  This is what "we the people" expect from our president!  

Brian, I continue to enjoy your reporting of the news. Thank you. I cannot tell you how angry I am every time I hear about one of the Wall Street execs spending some exorbitant amount of money for nothing. Bonuses? Not where I have worked. I worked for public health and mental health for over 30 years. There have been some federal grants along the way. If the government found the administrators spent money on cakes for employee birthdays (morale boosters), that money had to be repaid.  Currently I bill a federal program for my services, which I am very careful to provide appropriately. If I am audited by that federal program, and they find one form unsigned, I have to pay the entire amount back because the absence of that one sheet of paper is taken to mean that I did not provide proper service (no concern for the client or whether they got what they needed, by the way). If the federal government can come after me for less than a hundred dollars why or why can they not get millions back spent on retreats, million dollar renovations, and bonuses? There is something really wrong with a system that can find a way to get relatively minute amounts from providers of services to the public and cannot find a way to recoup millions from borrowers. If one of us borrowed money from a bank to repay bills, they have been known to pay the bills instead of giving the borrower the money to pay them – to insure that the money goes to the bills not to some other unauthorized use. The government cannot do this? The frustration mounts!

Good Evening Mr.Williams, A fine broadcast this evening. First of all the economy a dominant subject and certainly a global problem. The report by Mr.Todd concerning President Obama's reaction as shameful to the Wall Street executives taking bonuses after receiving bailout money is definitely on target. It is most extremely shameful for them to take this money. They need to give it back and show some responsibility because their actions are a disgrace. If the lawmakers shame them into giving back the money then they most certainly should do so.

The report by Savannah Guthrie about the first bill signed by President Obama concerning equal pay for the same job is great. The unfairness of Ms.Ledbetter not receiving the same pay for the same job done by a male is unacceptable. It will open up some lawsuits, but in the future at least a law is now in effect.

The "In Depth" report by Ian Williams from China certainly exhibited how the economic crisis is a global problem. All the migrant workers unable to work and thousands of factories closed. So many families worried about the future just as much as in the United States. Hopefully, there will be some prosperity to come. Time will tell.

The style of wearing no jacket in the Oval Office is not totally surprising. I agree one should pay respect to the fact it is the Oval Office, yet for meetings and working late as President Obama is doing I don't believe it is a big deal. A new Administration working very hard and long hours to fix major problems of out nation and world. Work is the most important thing.
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to You and to All!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Extra Safe and Well Richard!
XOXO
 

I was very offended by the comment that with Obama, "Work takes preference over dress."  You're saying someone who comes to work at 9 is more concerned with work than one who begins work at dawn? Gimme a break. Your fawning, sycophantic worship of Obama, and your inability to report what is important (e.g., analyzing the nature of the bailout), is disgusting. I wonder at the continued viability of your news show, reputed widely as the most biased on tv.

Apparently everyone who thinks Bush tied up his time with looks as an "empty suit," don't understand why there would be any time used in converstatiton about what someone should wear in the oval office.  Reagan never took his suit coat off...it was respect of the office, the position.  Look what happened with Clinton...he's in his gross workout clothes then he's found with his pants down.  Now that's respect for you!  Yes, if it's too hot in the office then Obama was doing what he needed to to stay comfortable and get work done.  He did not take his coat off in disrespect.  When the thermostat is working normally, fine keep it on...I expect he will.  In the meantime, there's no reason to slam Bush as an "empty suit" and suggest he was not willing to get down to business and work.  Reporting on this story was a waste of any journalist's time.

Ditto Tom Calderon, Ellicottville NY
I just show Brian's report and it is good to see a President who works. As for respecting the White House it's was lip service only. I most say it worked well for 8 years.


I loved the interview with Mrs. Ledbetter and when she said getting this bill passed was worth it as she will never see her lost salary.  Some things money just can't buy and this is one. It's nice to see a President have so much respect for woman and value us. It's been a long time coming.  

President Obama is going to make the Republicans angry again when he sets the rules for borrowing taxpayers money. No more free bees.  I was glad to see he will put back the aide for family planning.

Laurel: Yes I'm getting ready to do my Motherly rounds and check up on the kids but of course take in the sights. It was hard getting approved for a tour of the White House. My Republican Congressman would accept my request so I had to call DC and ask Senator Barbara Boxer she was cool. Now if you have any ideas let me know this vacation is for 4 months.


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

Obama will have to roll up his sleeves and get to work after putting this country in the biggest mess possible with all these bail-outs. Am still waiting for the "change"

Hi everyone!

Laurel, thanks for mentioning your post-inaugural-post didn't make it till today. That led me to go back and see all the late published comments that I've missed and I must say: it was nice to hear from everyone.

Jackie--have you seen the c-span series on the White House? It's great! A DVD can be ordered from c-span.org. Nice to see how the House is actually looking before you go. It DOES change! Enjoy and be sure to tell us all about it this summer.

Summer! Will it ever come? What a miserable winter! There is a short article about an interesting theory that may explain this year's stormy winter weather on MSNBC.com. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28915131/)
"Hurricanes' climate footprint felt for months"

Anna--Sunday on PBS Masterpiece Theater is the first part of a 2 part "Sense and Sensibility". I'll look in on it after the Super Bowl.

Brian--Are you going to Tampa or just watching from home? Should be a very interesting game. I wonder if our President will have a Super Bowl party in his new house.....or maybe at Camp David!

Stephanie--Not enough of Iraq and Afghanistan. Rachel Maddow had Dan Rather on tonight. He is just back from Afghanistan and is skeptical about increasing the number of American troops. We are all going to have to have a big debate over our policy in that country. It is a very difficult situation and the fact that historically the Afghans bring down empires, including the Soviet Union, troubles me greatly. I'm reading Michener's "Caravans" which is about Afghanistan. He wrote it in 1963 and the story is set in post WWII times. It is amazing how little has changed there since it was written. Scary too. The mullahs were a problem then as now. Between Jim Maceda and Richard, I think NBC will cover it well.
BTW--do let us know when you have "ice out" up there, in a couple of months that is! Enjoy your hibernation!

I'm going to a NY Times Talk with Paul Krugman on Monday. I'll let you all know what he says about the economy.

In the meantime, bests to the usual suspects and take care all--

Brian, I do feel that when meetings take place in the oval office, the people in attendance should be dressed professional. I do believe it is okay to remove a coat or jacket.
Regarding raising money for cancer research awhile back, when you (channel four) and channel two and channel seven had the one hour show at the same time.  President Obama called in and said that if he was elected President he would either match or double what you received that night.  Did you ever collect, even though it may be the tax payers money (I don't know)?  I just know that I lost my brother, uncle, aunt and two cousins from cancer.  I never did hear about any follow up on his part for the cancer donation.

"If we dont pay the bonuses we will lose them" The same people who got us in the mess are still running things? Do us a favor and stop the bonuses so we loose them.
If congress could get something in legislation like retroactive gift tax on all those bonuses back to the time of Enron collapse, Grasso, Madoff, Hank and so many others in corporate america and wall street could put their tax obligation toward the bailout. Gift tax could be 70 - 80% and they still would be rich and overpaid.  

Goodmorning Mr. Williams I'm very concern about all the gloom and doom I keep hearing about our economy. With everyone in panic hearing every day that times are bad and only getting worse. It has now become a self fulling proficiency. We are no where near what it was like during the great depression so please stop saying it is. I want the economy to turn around sooner rather than later. We the american people can turn the economy around if the news media does there part by telling the people the truth. We are not any where near what it was like during the great depression but if you keep telling the american people that we are, we will be. I don't no how many people I have heard guest on MSN say that if those who can spend will continue to spend it wouldn't take that long for our economy to turn around. We need to hear more of that and less it's only going to worse.

Blago is out and this is your blog?  So much for the hard news.

Brian, I take objection to your comment during the evening news that the Obama Administration is more concerned with work and not what to wear.  The inference is that the Bush administration didn't care about getting to work, but fashion?  It's insulting.  

Psychologically, generally, type of dress affects the atmosphere and approach of an individual. President Reagan was known about it. Oval office is the highest place on this earth and should be accorded that respect and attention.  

the question......


How can 2 million blacks get into Washington DC in sub zero temps in 1 day when 200,000 could not get out of New Orleans in 85 degree weather with 4 days notice?

You know, just wondering..............

If the real reason for the stimulus plan is to  stimulate the country and help the people, then why are we bailing out the big companies where execs filled their own pockets and made poor decisions?

Why not "bail out" the American people? If each family were given a sum (enough to really make a difference) they could catch up on past due MTGS., buy FOOD, pay for HEAT and maybe SPEND $$.  Isn't this what stimulating the country is all about?? This  would truly help the AMERICAN's who are struggling and most of all, give us all hope for a better tomorrow.  We voted on leaders to make sound decisions to better our economy and our lives.  I would dare say that the majority of us at this time have many regrets and are really disappointed in our leaders.  Pres.Odama, if your desire is to help your people, then use common sense and help us.

i think obama rocks only he dose!!!!!!! go obama

       PS..... DO NOT HATE HIM CUZ U CANT BE HIM

HAAAAAAAAAA

obama has the right to be prez and we all agree with him here love you

Mr. Williams,

I always enjoy the Nightly News broadcast.  I think it's very important that the attire of those in the Oval Office remain professional and respectful of the office.  I don't have a problem with the President taking off his jacket & rolling up his sleeves.  He still had a tie on and looked professional!

Why on earth did you waste valuable airtime with old clips of Bush and Rumsfeld?  The only clips I want to see of them will be from their trials for high treason and crimes against humanity!

To Mr. Williams, I am writing you because I am a dedicated viewer of NBC and MSNBC news. I really do wish that some of your daytime and week-end anchors give our new President his due respect. I constantly here them refer to him as "Barack" or "Barack Obama". He is our President not our best buddy next door. All through the years, I have respected the Presidents proper title, whether I voted for him or not. I can except an Mr. President, or a Mr. Obama. But what is up with the first name basis? I believe that NBC news is the best on the T.V. But, I do have to say when I occasionally watch CNN on the week-ends, I have not notice it as much as I see it on MSNBC. I know we all
can improve on certain fronts, but this is just one incident that really bothers me. Please keep up the good work that you all do.  

I like Obama and informality but it does not take that much historical perspective to remember that George W. Bush emphasized "respect for the office" not because Clinton was seen in his jogging attire in the Oval Office but because of the Monica Lewinsky affair.  No wonder W. emphasized suits and ties and professionalism in the White House when he arrived.  

I was the soft-line Merchandise Mgr. in the Sears store in Middletown, New Jersey where you were a stock boy in the late 60's. Do you remember me? Harry Ploeger was the store manager.

Regarding the Tuesday 2/3 broadcast

As managing editor, you should be deeply embarased by that ridiculous waste of air time on medivac helicopters crashing--131 deaths in 10 years OMG!!!  Let's ground them all!!  Even though they often have to fly in the most difficylt conditions to perform these rescues--bad weather, poor visibility, taking and landing on less than ideal sites...As if the American public has not already been whipped into a frenzy by the media about peanut butter, flesh eating bacteria, thumbs in chili, etc., Where are the real stories like Rod Blagojevich and Paris Hilton???

I just have one thing too say,The White House is President Obama's house he can wear what ever he want's to. I'm quite sure you don't wear your jacket at home who ever he is that made that comment.

Mr.Williams Brian that is, like I said before, The White House is President Obama house, he can wear what ever he want's too. Do you wear your jacket at home. Thank You

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