Brian -

Talk about history - I hope you are keeping track of all this.  

Seriously, this President seems more like the average guy than almost any other President in my lifetime.  I think his persona serves him well in the job, too.  Seems to work on an even keel.

I'm really looking forward to the speech tonight - every one he gives is so well written.

Joan

Have we completely lost respect for the Office of the Presidency?  Why are reporters referring our President as Mr. Obama rather than President Obama?  He is no longer a common citizen, and should be always addressed by his Office, or so it has been with all other seated Presidents

Tonight on Nightly News two different repoters within five minutes of each other referred to the President as "Mister Obama".  Doesn't NBC teach their reporters to show proper respect for the office? He is "President Obama". The only time you would use "Mister" is "Mr. President" when addressing him.

It is good to know that I paid for Brian's better than average lunch! In this economy it would be nice to see the President cut costs, including free lunches for those who are telling us how bad it is on a non-stop daily basis.

You inadvertently made an error.  We own coins with Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver minted in 1952.

Good Evening Mr.Williams, A fine broadcast this evening. Great to know you were seated next to President Obama for the annual lunch with television journalists. Sounds like a wonderful meal enjoyed and great coversation was too! Now on to the broadcast. First of all the report by Savannah Guthrie concerning the President's Address to Congress appears to outline the accomplishments, assesment of goals and how to recover from this economic crisis. Details need to be explained as to the actions that are going to be taken. It was encouraging somewhat to hear what Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said about the end being in sight if the program does work.
Foreign Policy being another major issue with two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan plans for withdrawal of troops in definitley good news. The security forces in Iraq need to be able to handle the region. Keeping a positive outlook on the situation is helpful and hopefully the soldiers will all be able to come home soon.
On another economic subject the report by Mr.Fletcher from Dubai really exhibited how a place known for such lavishness has experienced a strong downturn in spending. All the real estate fairs and sales in stores doesn't appear to be attracting many customers. The models look great of the hotels etc..,but the reality of seeing underdeveloped land is not great. With so many people losing jobs nobody wants to splurge on expensive hotels and other things. Time will tell.

The new quarter for Washington,D.C. honoring Duke Ellington is really nice.
The report by Mr.Costello showed a very warm reception for Captain Sullenberger and crew for Flight 1549. Listening to all of them including the air traffic controller proved that experience is vital in handling these situations. Keeping people such as Captain Sullenberger piloting planes is extremely important to the airline industry.

Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Looking forward to your coverage of the President's Address to Congress. Peace to You and to All!

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

Brian:
I think it is on more than just the President to show a little optimism.  You have seemed downright negative and grumpy of late.  I think that the news broadcasts in general do as much to scare us as the stock market.  Its a bad time all around, but acting as if we should see results from the stimulus package barely a week after it was passed just sets us all up for disappointment.  And as far as reporting on the stock market goes, how can you possibly look to the same people who got us into this mess for reassurance that we are getting out of it?  If there is one thing we should have learned by now, its to STOP looking at the stock market as THE barometer of how we are doing.  Come on Brian, you and your wonderful team can do better than this (that's why I happily get my news from you.)  Help us have some realistic expectations for the future.  

Mr. Williams, I have sent you an email about how i feel about the Presidents stimulus package. I know it will not help the little guy. I think once he won the election his compassion for the average American has gone. "Joe the Plumber" worked for him during the election WHAT ABOUT NOW! Thank you for your time. Mr. Donald Shannon

Brian, I have a huge deal of respect for you and I know that your integrity will not let me or my family and friends down.  I am a Viet Nam Vet, Navy, and I have mentioned on many occasions how welcome you are into our home and how it feels that you are sitting right across from our kitchen table update us on the world.  We have many common loves and interests as I always pay attention when someone talks about talking with you while on a plane or airport.

Now, during this evenings newscast, Feb 24th, two reporters on your program referred to the United States of America's President as Mr. Obama.  President Obama is our Chief Commander, the most powerful person on this planet and is due all the respect that this title and responsibilty is and always will be due.

With all due respect to you sir,  I would be honored even if you just saw this.

Kindest Regards,
Glenn L. Martin
US Navy Vet 1965 - 1969

I enjoyed your newscast tonight, but have just one comment.  It is concerning the Duke Ellington coin.  You stated it is the first coin minted with an African-American image.  I have a 1952 half dollar with George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington's profile.  I have had this coin since 1952 when a friend and I both received one in change.  We challenged each other to keep it always.  If I ever see her again, I'll bet she will be able to show hers, also.

Mr. Williams,
I would be interested in your take on how President Bush and President Obama's styles differ. I think alot of people would-no matter how difficult it might be to describe. Thanks for your hard work.

Brian Williams mentioned that Rahm Emanuel had served in the Israeli Defense Forces.  I think that this is a technical error.  According to a citation Wikipedia, he was a civilian volunteer in the IDF during the Persian Gulf War.  Wikipedia got this from an article by Lynn Sweet published in the Chicago Sun Times on November 7, 2008, that "Emanuel is an observant Jew who did not, contrary to some of the mythology that has grown around him, serve in the Israeli army. Rather, Emanuel in 1991 volunteered for a few weeks in a program run by the Israeli army where civilians could help the Israel Defense Force with support work on an army base."  Can you check on this and correct Brian Williams, please.

Brian I missed half of the show tonight but I did hear about the Lunch with the President.

I'm listening now to the young Preaident with eyes and that smile and so far it sounds good. Things are already shacking up here in California. Yes the Stimulus is already being seen. As for that comment about not worrying about you neighbor. A lady at the store today didn't have enough change for her food and it was like everyone in line offered her the money. I was so nice to see we really do care about each other.

Have a great evening I'm still watching the President's speech. Oh Hillary looked good tonight.

Obama's speech tonight was one of the most inspiring speeches of ALL time.  We had to turn off the TV when the analysis started.  We felt the immediate reaction should have acknowledged how incredible the speech was.  I'm almost 59 years old and I have never been so inspired or heard a speech as believable and with as much hope.  That should be acknowledged before any analysis!!!

Mr. Williams, I am the real Detroiter,former bread winner of a family of four,former auto worker.Thanks for the voice that seems sometimes, fallen on deaf ears.

Brian next time get a Republican who can comment on the President's Speech. Gov. Jindal sound like his was campaigning for President as he gave his life history and how well his State of Louisiana is doing in this recession. Louisiana's unemployment rate is 5.9 per cent and climbing yet Gov. Jindal doesn't want any help for his citizens. At lease the Lt. Govenor of Louisiana will get the votes to make sure the citizens get the help them need even if Gov. Jindal continues to campigan for the 2012 election. Funny how Jindal won the office of Govenor by using then Senator Obama's plan for the future and listening tonight he's doing the same thing. We know who got us in this recession and all Jindal's ideas he should have mentioned then President Bush and his fellow Republicans.  

See you tomorrow good night

To who it may concern, nobody ever gave a response on TV after
George Bush.The Republicans are really making themselves look foolish. To night was not the time to give a rebuttal.It only shows everybody how prejudice they really are.

We are huge fans of your broadcasts and very much enjoyed the coverage your program gave President Obama this evening. However, we were insulted by all the air time your channel chose to give that jerk from Louisiana. At a time when we need to pull together, his story and input were offensive. He seems to be playing at politics and a run for the White House. The Presidents speech to the country did not need a Republican response from some want-to-be. Republicans had eight years to do this country some good, they destroyed us both at home and around the world..now they have the nerve to say they have better solutions. Why do you feel you need to subject us to this rubbish.

I don't understand: In tonights speech the President said a Stimulous bill "FREE OF EARMARKS" !
Yesterday's Headlines: "Spending bill filled with 9,000 earmarks" By William Douglas and David Lightman of McClatchy Newspapers.
Who am I to belive?

Dear Brian,

As an American living in Stockholm, I'm writing to point out that a Volvo is not a foreign car, as you indicated on the broadcast Monday night. In fact, Volvo is owned by Ford. Although I'm sure the Swedes would be pleased to let the misconception continue.

Regardless, it's great to have your podcasts and be able to watch from over here.

Sincerely,
Ariane Sains  

Brian,

Thanks for some of your more upbeat offerings.  I've noticed that the next blog offering down refuses to accept knowledgeable commentary on Mexican drug gangs armament.  Why is this?

Brian:

I am really disappointed in you and NBC.

You made a pledge, just weeks ago, that you would not be doing any more reporting that involved the First Family's children, Sasha and Malia. This was a strong pledge and one founded on a past broadcaster's pledge to do the same regarding Amy Carter.

Why do you feel the need to go back on your pledge and mention them practically every night? Just tonight you mentioned their basketball game.

What happened to the pledge of leaving them alone?

Besdies, who really cares about them? Not this viewer. I'm much more interested in Obama's economic plans than about his daughters.

On a positive note, excellent, non-biased coverage on the stimulus package.

You and NBC are still my favorite broadcast. If I keep hearing about the the President's daughters, though, I'm afraid I'll have to turn you off and my alliance will have to switch to NPR.

Rob Weiss
East Montpelier, Vermont.

In regards to last nights show, 02/24/2009, the CNBC reporter Carl Quintanila stated, "Until there is solid evidence that the economy is on the mend, critics say Mr. Obama may have to rely more on his tone..." Mr Williams, I am not stating this for personal or political agenda, but I watch you every morning on podcast and I know you to be a person of integrity, especially when it comes to our leaders. Please remind Mr. Quintanila that he is President Obama, not Mr. Obama. This was proper when he was a candidate, not while he is President, he has earned this distinction.
Thanks always.
Chad W. Howard
Paris, TN.

I’m not an economist, but all good programs start and stop with common sense.  What I don’t understand is why the approach has been solely focused on plugging up the holes in our economy by bailing out banks, bad companies and irresponsible homeowners and not on the demand side of the economy.  It seems to me that to get things going we need investment to flow back in.  Why not provide large tax credits and low interest rates for all homebuyers, speculators included, rather than just credits to new home buyers?  Any buyer today would definitely be credit worthy.  Additionally, why not create a matching dollar business investment fund, where the government matches private investment?  The result of these simple actions would create growth and thereby jobs, and create housing demand thereby shoring up home prices and reducing defaults.  Banks with bad loans on their books and companies that can’t compete (i.e. GM) may fall by the wayside but the economic damage would be temporary.  New growth from market proven business would take up the slack.  Isn’t that what a free economy is all about?
I admire our new President’s initiative, his ability to lead and inspire and most of all, his vision for America.  It is the path that he is following that concerns me.

I listened to the republican, Jindal's rebuttal last night and I always feel that the Republicans are talking down to the American people and just think we are idiots.  We are no longer interested in divide and conquer.  We want to work TOGETHER to make this country even better than it used to be.  We had 8 long years of the GREED generation and enough is enough. Who chose Jindal to be the spokes person...bad idea.  Jindal, we do not want to hear fairy tales and stop with the fear tactics.  Your way is not necessarily the RIGHT way either.  Remember your ideas are not perfect either.  Stop with the "sour grapes" and let's start working together with new ideas.  Yes, some of this will be trial and error but you have no idea what will work or not work if we do not try.

Mr. Williams:

Amidst a backdrop of not such good economic news, my wife and I (and sometimes our kids) anxiously look forward to your piece entitled “Making A Difference.”  We believe that it is an inspirational reminder to never underestimate the difference that each of us can make one action at a time.  We wish to say a special thank you to you and your team for inspiring us and truly making a difference.    

We note the numerous violations of comment guidelines by the managers of NBC's blog here; where endless repeats of the same adoring posters easily outnumber those of us who have questions and concerns re: NBC's slavish adoration one political party.  

We have a large collection of perfectly reasonable comments censored by NBC, a development we never would have imagined possible earlier.  This is a true embarrassment as well as a Stepford Wifian indictment.

Why can't President Obama face the TV camera sometimes when he gives a speech?  He bobs from left to right (where the teleprompters are), but never looks into the camera.  Last night he was supposed to be talking to us, the public, not Congress.  Yet I felt ignored.  

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