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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.



Unique Americans among us

Posted: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 5:02 PM by Daily Nightly Editor

By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor

Today's U.S. Census Bureau estimate tells us there are 306,073,676 people in our country. Of that number, there are 98 living recipients of the Medal of Honor. Of that number, 38 recipients are here in New York for tonight's gala annual dinner at the New York Stock Exchange. 

We all gathered last night at a more casual dinner, and I've just returned from a meeting of our Medal of Honor Society Foundation Board at a Midtown
hotel here in New York.  Because President Obama called a news conference for tonight, and because of our live coverage and the need to do a special live feed for the West Coast at 9:30pm ET, I won't be able to attend tonight's gathering, and won't be able to perform my usual emcee duties. This is to publicly thank Lester Holt, who will so ably substitute for me tonight. He gets to be in the company of genuine heroes -- and they get to enjoy the company of my friend Lester, who is no stranger to that group, having served in this role before. In the meantime, we will compile tonight's broadcast and get ready for the news conference. We hope you can join us tonight.

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Sounds like Lester got the best side of the bargain for sure, and that's the only way anyone could possibly mention honor and New York in the same sentence. Have fun tonight trying to sell doublespeak to the American people.
Evening, Brian!

I'm sorry to hear you wont be able to attend tonight's gathering in the company of these absolute genuine heroes, in which you tell us of, but it is great that your friend (our trusty weekend anchor) Lester Holt will have this chance. I hope he enjoys it.

...those numbers are pretty incredible!


Looking forward to your Tuesday night broadcast, and joining you (with Tom Brokaw and Chuck Todd?) for President Obama's News Conference. It's great to see that Chuck Todd is asking for questions that we would want to ask President Obama, unfortunately my 19-year old mind has way too much on it right now.




Wishing you a great evening,
-Cary

Something I just found while looking around on the internet.

Our local NBC station, your family network, has started a segment they call "Heroes". I'm not sure when they started it, but I'm thinking your "Making A Difference" stories sparked it.

Here is what I found today, something you can relate to yourself: http://bit.ly/LX9E6
Dear Brian,

Welcome back from your "rolling spring break!"  (That's a shout out to Al Roker.)  :-)

I am feeling a bit Obama-ed out, but I'll be watching tonight at 8:00 p.m., regardless.  I mean, what is left to say, really?

I'll see you on "The Bonnie Hunt Show" tomorrow!

Take care.  Lots of love to the usuals.  XOXO

P.S. - Thanks for causing me to blubber every night, over the "Making a Difference" reports.  Last night's report from Col. Jack Jacobs REALLY got to me!
Brian,

The MOH Society may soon become 99 in membership. The Commandant of the Marine Corp has sent an investigating officer to look into a case of valor which may give him reason to recommend the MOH to an active duty Marine. This would be the first action since Vietnam to result in the awarding of the MOH to a living recepient.

Regards,
Ben
Brian thanks for choosing your viewers.
Now today was good I suggested to Geithner that he include on his website the language that us common folks can understand. It's hard following him as I read his plan over and over again to get it down. I was surprise at the hearing today with Mr. Geithner. It sound more like a criminal interrogatinon then Q&A. It's getting a little silly as Paul Krugman suggest buying toxic loans years ago now he's against it. Hank Paulson asked for 700 billio to use for toxic loans then changed his mine. When will someone explain that the US Economy is acturally a Gobal Economy. At lease I'm learning alot about Economics as I only took Economics 101 in college.

I do admire Obama as he seems to be handling this crisis well. Yes the Stock Market went up because of me and it has silence the Party of NO. Things are looking up!

Brian as the mother of a US soldier I feel all the soldiers are honor's. I do wish more attention would be brought to their needs. Just think these young man/woman but their lives on the line for every American and some didn't come home. All should be Honored and Rewarded for their services. Let me stop there I just love those kids so much. Every soldier I meet becomes Family.

See you at 5:00pm with the man with those big ears and that mischievous smile aka President Obama. I really hope the American people support his effords to help all of us.
Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another fine broadcast this evening as always. I am sorry you won't be able to perform your emcee duties at the Medal of Honor recipients dinner, but Mr.Holt is a great replacement. One cannot be in two places at once. Now on to the broadcast. First of all the report by Savannah Guthrie concerning President Obama's prime time news conference certainly showed the Presidents has accomplished many things, yet details of policies need to be explained because the mood of many people is anger over the huge bailouts and how this money is going to be spent. Building support all over the nation for the budget plan and now people want to hear the steps being taken to carry it out.
On another note it was nice to see President Obama speaking with the astronauts on the space shuttle.

On a weather note the report by Mr.Tibbles from Fargo,North Dakota really showed people coming together to help keep the Red River from flooding their areas. All the people filling those 2 million sandbags hopefully will help hold the waters back. It is amazing to hear the river could crest at 39 to 41 feet by Saturday, I really hope it doesn't get that high and peoples homes and businesses are safe.

The report by Mr.Bazell on the experimental treatment for alzheimers was only a little encouraging since the spread of this disease is rising so quickly. So many cases and the cost of care is huge it is terrible news. It is good if it can be diagnosed early, but for those already afflicted with the disease it may be too late. Hopefully, someday the medical community will find a drug to slow and even stop the disease.

The "Making A Difference" segment by Rehema Ellis was really nice tonight. Small indulgencies are wonderful in these tough times because they help people feel good and escape their problems. All the things mentioned chocolate,McDonald's,make-up,movies,dvd's,video games all help people indulge without spending much money. A moment of joy fir everyone! Nice piece!
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. See you later this evening for coverage of President Obama's news conference. 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
 
Is Chuck Todd so firmly entrenched within the Washington DC bubble that he is completely clueless of the sacrifices and "doing without" that most Americans live by every single day?  He looked stupid and clearly out of touch with Main St America.  It was a wasted question.  I expect better from NBC.

No doubt there will be no response to this post.
After all the important news from the news conference tonight, how we'll spend $trillions, face economic crises, deal with health care, David Gregory wrapped up the whole thing by saying "Obama gave his opening remarks using a teleprompter."

The teleprompter? Why in the world is that important? All presidents use teleprompters when they give speeches? Why was this news?

I'll tell you why.  This teleprompter nonsense is a right wing talking point. Rush Limbaugh is obsessed with it. That's what David wanted to spend his analysis on...dropping in a right wing talking point.

Send Gregory to Fox if that's what he wants to talk about.
Please check out the evening story on King 5 News Seattle regarding the city employees of Kent Wa. that all took a pay cut to save their fellow employees jobs for the rest of the year.  The best of America live in my neighborhood and I am soooo very proud of them.  It might be interesting to the rest of the nation that is looking at laying off employees, to see the love of their fellow employees that is keeping this community together during a difficult time
Yes isn't it amazing when the white house staff picks the people who are allowed to ask questions none of them ask about the bank bailout plan. GeessUs
Oh my goodness - you and Bonnie Hunt on the same stage!!!  What a joyful relief from the worries of NOW.  I too have friends and relatives who believe that I am either a reincarnated dog, horse or cat and that babies and animals see it in me before I even see them - what a riot - I live in Gulfport, Florida - we are a RESCUE CITY.  Check out our Gecko Fest (For Rescue) which is 8 years and running......All laffs aside; you are my nightly news and daily relief.  Much love and prayers to you and yours and hope for the future of us all.  WOW - you made Bonnie's DAYYYYYY.  Thank God for making you.  Diane Yokom of Gulfport, Florida
Hi Brian,

Since you covered the press conference last night, I am sure that you can appreciate my comment.

I am a big fan of Chuck Todd, but I think he is spending too much time at the White House and needs to travel around the country. I nearly fell off my seat when he asked the President if he was going to ask the people to sacrifice during this "recession". Chuck apparently hangs around the Wall Street "million plus" bonus crowd !! In my neighborhood, we are all sacrificing - some of us have lost our jobs, some us have had our hours cut, some of us have lost tremendous value in our homes, some of us have lost 40-50% in our retirement accounts, some of us will not be able to retire when we thought we would, etc, etc, etc !!! What more does Chuckie T. think we should sacrifice ???? That question was the worst question of the night !!! Wake up Chuck - get out of the Washington bubble !!!
For those who love US History we saw a little of Thomas Paine last night. Yes President Obama learned well and used Mr. Paine's Common Sense policy in addressing a question about his reaction to AIG Bonus. Now I feel the reporters have spent 8 years with President Bush as the press had to defend, excuse, explain and some times correct the answers given by Bush.  It's a complete change for the Press to now have and educated, smart President that not only reads but thinks before he answers.  I always wonder how President Obama would react if a wrong botton was pushed. Mrs. Obama said in an interview we wouldn't want to see it but we did. He uses his words as done by so many other great leaders of our country. Now I understand what's behind that beautiful smile, he's always thinking.  Now the reporters are fused to do their homework in addressing questions as Obama did sound like the Educator in Chief.  Today Americans have all the information of the Stimulus Bill and day to day activities of each Cabinet member and the White House. It will take time for Americans to know we have our country back and we can ask questions and get answers.  In all so far I give President Obama an A for his work up to today.  For those that think the President travels to much all I can say is he's working for the American People and isn't taking a long vacation.  Some Americans will accept the help but still attack the helper.
'Have never posted a comment on a blog before, but am compelled to echo the sentiments of Susan from Birmingham. Generally, I am a fan of Chuck Todd, but I could not believe the question he asked President Obama during last night's press conference.  Given these extraordinary times, it was tone deaf.

Man, wake up!!  The people are sacrificing.  They're sacrificing their jobs, their savings,and their dreams.  Last night I really missed Tim Russert's behind the scenes work in honing,crafting and shaping the questions NBC reporters put to our leaders.
A kid saves up for a bike....has $100.
He goes to the bike shop....wants the bike that costs $1000.
Kid is told he can't afford the bike.
Kid says, "But I want THAT bike."
"Bill it to my father."
The father doesn't have the money.

The kid is Obama.
The father is US.

I've read the concern and comments about Chuck Todd. In his defence he is new to a very big job under and new Administration. Yes he could have asked a better question but looking at the pass 8 years that would have been a great question when the Recession started. We have to remember the Obama Adminisration is now public and yes Chuck will have to dig deep with this smart intelligent President. No more Bushisms and stupid answers from the White House. It's an adjustment and I don't think anyone making a cruel comment would do better. As a person improves more forget they attacked him at the beginning.  Many hated Abe Lincoln who had to learn and he's remembered and respected. Remember Michael Jordan got kicked off the team by his coach but as he grew and learned the same coach has seen Michael Jordan rise to a Super Star, who knew! As to Chuck, I can only say no great person started out great they grew to greatness.
My comments are not related to this blog,but I hope  you will think seriously about what I think.
If Obama would give $150,000.00 to every adult citizen of the United States it would certainly help the economy. People would pay on their mortgages, pay their cars off and generally get money rolling again.
I believe it would add up to less than the bail outs that do not seem to be working.
It will take someone with clout to get this rolling so please consider trying to help get this idea across.
On February 28, 2009, I lost my part-time job at Goodwill.  The state rehab. office had hired CARC to find me a job.  I can only work part-time due to all my health problems. One problem is Hepatitis C which I have never received any settlement from the state or federal government.  I have asked the state and federal people to get some laws passed for people like me who have to live with the death sentence each day.  I have two bleeding problems that caused me to have to have blood when I had my son.  I have a bone spur pressing on my esp., and I could chock to death. I try to stay busy to not let my health problesm get me.  I feel that the federal and state governments could do more.  I would like to see some kind of settlement to me because of what I have to live with.  I had to have a liver biosp,, and rest on my side for four hours not knowing if I would start bleeding and be rushed into surgery.  The biggest one was that I had to take an aids test.  There is not enough programs on this subject, and laws that can help a person.  I cannot work around food, and  have  limits on what I can do.  You as a news person can help by doing programs to help get the government to do their job.  
    I am trying to get my college degree, and I work on my family history to keep from crying on my health issues.  I don't have "pitty parties" where I could cry all the time, but I try to stay busy.  Life is so full of joy, and I cannot give up on life.


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