About last night

Stephanie Umbro, Maine — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 01:27:00 GMT

You were accused of bias? Apparently I heard exactly what you and Lee were saying, because I didn't hear any bias. It's hard to be "unbiased" when Obama is turning out to be the front runner!

About last night

Denise Varner — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 01:55:36 GMT

You are very unbiased...I must say, the last Debates sponsored by ABC were a disaster. RUdy Giuliani should have been given muzzle on his time allowed; My opinion only: He cannot think on his feet, he cannot maintain facts in his head, he stutters when he speaks; is this someone that we want running our country? He does not communicate well spontaneously. He appears to be yelling rather than addressing crowds of people. However, he spoke way too much and was given far too much airtime than other candidates, striking out at Fmr. Gvr. Mitt Romney. However, NBC continues to be my News caster of choice because of it's reporting integrity and accuracy and lack of bias. I have no idea where this particular viewer got any "bias" on your part?

About last night

Tori Beckman-Wilson, San Antonio Texas — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 03:08:46 GMT

Look to the parties making the accusation of bias. That accusation can't be that much of a surprise in this hothouse political environment where every breath someone takes is desperately parsed for meaning.

One other point: it's grating to me to hear pundits (Matthews, Olbermann, etc.) continually call Senator Clinton by her first name, but rarely use the same diminutive form of address for the men in the campaign. It's overly familiar and disrespectful.

About last night

John H. Bishop, Ithaca, New Yourk — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 03:39:38 GMT

Brian, As Managing editor I am asking you to but some balance into Chris Matthew's and Oberman's anchor coverage of the primary election. Find someone to stand up to his biased characterizations of Hillary based on no evidence. He called the Hillary supporters "dinner voucher" people. In a discussion of the human moment where Hillary's voice cracks as she talks about how badly she wants to help the country, He devotes minutes telling a story about the insincerity of Richard Nixon's emotional voice in a TV speech. Just listen to his coverage and his bias and contempt for Hillary is just palable. I am not asking you to take him of the air. Give one of your fine reporters the mandate to call him on his excesses. A couple of days from now John Stewart of the Daily sho is going to put together a montage of his craziness and Chis will be the laghingstock of MSNBC.

About last night

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 04:17:26 GMT

I'm getting to old for this stuff Brian I think I grew more grey hair in the last 2 hours. I ok now Hillary won now it's on to the next State. I am so proud of Senator Obama as he has made our country look more like what it really is. You do an excellent interview with Senator Obama. I do believe his Mother is watching over him and is proud of him.

Brian you looked like your catching a cold better take care of yourself this will be a roller coaster ride and you should be ready for a bumpy ride.

Now I told you we were in a recession you wouldn't believe me now Merrill Lynch as said we're in a recession do you believe them.

As to the comments regarding bias well take it from a long time viewer if ever you change or become bias I'll be the first to tell you so. A real friend let's a friend know when he/she is taking a different direction. As for now you're still the only evening news anchor who is honest and non bias keep up the good work, we need you.

Oh Brian check out the numbers of voter for Republicans vs Dems that says it all.

About last night

Jim Griffin Anchorage Alaska — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 05:06:47 GMT

Brian, two points I want to raise and inquire about.

1. On last night's news Kelly O'Donnell reported that McCain was "lighting" up the room with his post victory speech. Meanwhile, at the same time on MSNBC Chris Mathews, Joe Scarborough, and Keith Oberman were giggling about how bad McCain's speech was, how he read it off of cards, and did not get through a single sentence with stumbling. I guess given the nature of the crowd McCain could have lit up the crowd while essentially babbling through his speech. But who had it right? Kelly or the frat guys on MSNBC? Or were both right?

2. How can you stand to talk to Wolfson. The guy strikes me as a biggest slime ball this side of Karl Rove. Isn't his job to be the hatchet man for the Clintons by spinning negative gossip and rumors about political opponents. There is blood on this man's hands, he strikes me as having a low ethical threshold, and yet he is characterized by you as being one of the best in the business. Wolfson strikes me as a slimeball -- perhaps a necessary evil, but a slimeball. Is he really on the up and up and an ethical political operator, or is ethical political operator an oxymoron?

About last night

Daniel Steinson, Farmington CT — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 07:13:08 GMT

Yes, you are very biased Mr Williams. Perhaps you can look over your comments of the last couple of days and especially the last 48 hours. Your apparent personal dislike for Mrs. Clinton is obvious in your reporting although you arent as bad as your Chris Matthews....hmmm

About last night

Darren Armstrong — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 08:11:25 GMT

Brian

I remember as a child watching Walter Kronkite on CBS. I asked them "Why do you watch this man every night?" They told me, "Because he is worth listening to". I didn't understand them but later learned they were right.
I later grew up watching Tom Brokaw on the Today Show before school and then beyond proceeding you.
Brian Williams - You have filled the shoes well. I am now 36 and watch you every night because you fit the mold of what I grew up on. Keep up the good work and remember there are always two sides to the story - dont forget the good things our troops do abroad.

Our nation needs all the good news it can get.

Darren Armstrong
Everett, Washington

About last night

E.E. Tober, Arlington, VA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:49:14 GMT

Earth to NBC after the NH primary -- polls, exit and other kinds -- lie. Tim Russert may have to find a new day job. How long have you been covering politics?

As someone who has watched NBC news for most of my 53 years, I was thoroughly disgusted and disappointed to hear of your personal bias toward the newborn politician who wants to grow up to be president, Barack Obama, at the expense of your journalistic ethics. It was thoroughly inappropriate of you, and after a lifetime of NBC viewership, I'm surveying other news outlets for better, more responsible viewing options.

Furthermore, as stated above by another viewer, this woman bashing that Chris Matthews and Keith Olberman -- whose only shtick is to be snide and snipey, which causes viewer fatigue -- and so many other media-men engage in toward Hillary Clinton is unprofessional and discriminatory. Get these offenders help, please!

It's well documented that Americans are capable of choosing unqualified and inept national leaders. Please do not contribute to this psychology of the lowest common denominator by pre-selecting presidential candidates for Americans. All of us need to educate ourselves and make intelligent choices. Don't squash that responsibility -- contribute to it.

About last night

Ed Heckert, Sterling, IL — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:49:08 GMT

How many people, who would have voted for Obama in the New Hampshire primary had they thought the Democratic race to be close, actually voted in the Republican primary where they believed their vote would have greater impact? Could the pre-election polls and analyses influence voter choice in a state like New Hampshire where voters can choose the primary in which to participate on the day of the election?

About last night

Susan Bosco, Warwick, RI — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:30:36 GMT

I have to agree that the reporters involved in campaign coverage are forgetting that their task is to report on, not shape this election. I for one am becoming increasingly tired of hearing how one caucus and one primary have decided the race for the rest of us whose primaries are later in the year. I would like to see more information about candidates and less "analysis" about them. I do not want my primary vote to be restricted to one or two candidates because the media has decided to anoint early winners of a couple of contests. I think Tom Brokaw said it best last night when he stated that through all the years he has seen election coverage that unanticipated outcomes do happen and everyone should be very careful not to make assumptions from preliminary information. I also agree with the previous person about how obnoxious Chris Matthews has become in his manner - last night he and Keith actually cut off Andrea Mitchell before she was finished in order to make some inane comment! Please stay focused on the important choices the nation must make this year and provide helpful information so that we can make those choices intelligent ones.

About last night

John H. Bishop, Ithaca, New York — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:59:25 GMT

Dear Brian,

8:45AM. Chris Matthews cuts of colleagues who try to express a different opinion from his own. Now He is claiming there was a racial motive to the discrepancy between the polls and the voting results [based on zero evidence]. A minute later he said bill Clinton is like a Kenyan Politician, He said the same thing yesterday many times. The reference is an attempt to imply that Bill's defense of his wife is like a Kenyan politician stirring up ethnic hatred that results in churches being burned down with innocent children inside.

Tom Brokaw was great last night. Russert was also an adult but he was overwhelmed by Chris's bloviating. Persuade Tom to come back in the anchor role for election nights. Or alternatively do the anchor job yourself and use Chris as a pro-Obama commentator who is balanced by someone else.

About last night

egalia — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:02:21 GMT

Chris Matthews' bizarre rantings against Hillary Clinton are getting really hard to endure. Last night I had to give it up and switch over to CNN. CNN has its problems but Matthews isn't one of them.

About last night

Dave Robertson, Boulder, CO — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:13:44 GMT

To echo a point made by several other commenters, because of the commingling of MSNBC hosts with NBC reporters and anchors, NBC news coverage has accepted responsibility for the favoritism, wild speculation, mind-reading, sophomoric humor, and outright character assassination that is MSNBC.

NBC news is not only Brian Williams, but Chris Matthews, Keith Olbermann, and David Shuster. You can't have it both ways.

About last night

Matt Pordum , Seaford, NY — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:43:11 GMT

To say the coverage is not leaning toward Obama is absolutely insane. From Chris Matthews to Morning Joe it's almost like Clinton winning is an insult to the process.
It's silly that I have to look to Pat Buchanan for a voice of blanced journalism right now. The media is being swept up by a man with no experience, a gifted speech writer and a talent for delivery. The voters of New Hampshire thankfully said, "wait a minute, let's see what Obama really is about." Clinton showed her passion in the last debate and is seemingly still the smartest and most experienced person in the room. Obama might end up being the best person for the job, but can the media PLEASE wait a for a few primaries to pass before putting the crown on his head. I mean it's January 9th.

About last night

Pam Lynn, Houston, Texas — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:46:41 GMT

Watching the speeches last night, it was obvious that Obama was looking at teleprompters. Go back and review the speech. He had two focal points and never made eye contact with anything but those two focal points. For a minute there, I thought Obama was going to break out into the Pointer Sisters with his "Yes we can. Yes we can! i know we can make it! I know that we can! I know darn well, we can work it out! Yes we can! I know we can can, yes we can can, we can make it we want to yes we can can!" After watching Bush read speeches from teleprompters 7 years or obfuscate the English language freestyle, it is obvious. Senator McCain read his speech with the expressions of an old school teacher reading a story book to an elementary school class. Senator Clinton gave a speech from her heart and head with notes. It looked like she would read a topic she wanted to touch on and then delivered a thoughtful feeling about each topic. Edwards delivered a straight up speech from his head and heart without anything. I guess that was his courtroom trail experience coming through. He was awesome, so was Hillary. Obama OUT!! McCain WAY OUT!!

About last night

Concerned Voter, New York — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:47:57 GMT

Switching through the channels, MSNBC, CNN and Fox last night I have to say MSNBC was the most self-centered and snide. For the last 3 days they have been assuming they grant the next presidency when in reality it is the voters that decide.

I think they have been especially hard on Senator Clinton. Without asking real questions of Senator Obama. What has he done--in a real way. In the ABC debates when Senator asked for a reality check; I don't think she was the only one asking for that. Edwards was talking about Natalee and the bill of rights he passed in the senate; only to find out it didn't pass the House and never became a bill. He shouldn't be acting like that is an achievement when he wasn't able to make it a reality.

I also find it kind of disappointing when some of your analysts and pundits started to call the race card when they couldn't understand why their polling was off. How about they asked the wrong people. MSNBC can be very elitist and it is not to hard to believe that they poll the people they want to hear from. All they have been reiterating is the bashing comments of Clinton.

At the Iowa primaries when Senator Clinton was conceding the race, Andrea Mitchell kept on stating how the whole room was manufactured. All campaign rooms are manufactured to some extent. They all hire PR people and set decorators etc. She was speaking like this was unusual.

I agree Senator Obama is a great orator, and I may still vote for him. But honestly as a voter I don't know enough about the real way he will make decisions. When you get underneath the flowery beautiful speech, what has he done and what will he do? That is YOUR JOB to find out the man underneath the flowery speech-- Not to bash his opponent. Change is a concept. Actions create change. How does Senator Obama translate his speech to work and what accomplishments he can achieve? Senator Clinton is a tireless worker and one that shows great resolution in times of trouble. We have all seen it.

Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann are getting little to high on their horse. It was a relief last night to see Tom Brokaw (an objective observer with interesting comments), Tim Russert, Brian Williams; I feel like you three brought some civility and intelligence to the night. I also have to put my hat up for Pat Buchanan who never follows the popularity race and always says what he thinks, (love him whether I agree or not) and Joe Scarborough. Why don't you bring some of the people from the McLaughlin group to prime time news. Those debates are always interesting on that show.

I was completely turned off by Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann. They came across hateful and pompous. And all of Keith questions to people came across as if he were pushing them to support Senator Obama.

About last night

Robert P. Ewing, Paoli, PA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:53:34 GMT

I support neither Obama nor Clinton (I still hold out hope for Edwards, as silly as that might seem). However, with full knowledge that MSNBC and NBC are separate entities, but also being aware that there are any number of intra-entity personnel linkages, I have to say that MSNBC's coverage following the Iowa caucuses and right up to the time when it first appeared that Clinton might upset the expectation applecart, was absolutely disgraceful in its slanting against Clinton and towards Obama. In fact (and I truly believe I am being objective in making this observation), certain commentators on MSNBC - - most obviously Chris Matthews - - were positively gleeful contemplating a Hillary collapse.

About last night

Robert Kays Sussex, NJ — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:55:57 GMT

Brian
At one point last night you told us that "71 year old John Mc Cain had won" What does his age have to do with anything? Why not tell us Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Obama's age if age is so important to you? Bias?

About last night

Tiffany, Merrimack,NH — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:56:49 GMT

I was upset that MSNBC's pundits felt the need to say racism was a factor . The two candidates stand on issues where close enough that I could have gone either way. The truth is we are hurting and the signs are coming each day that it is only going to get worse. I love Senator Obama , I truly believe his speeches and his intentions for this country. However hope and good intentions seem to die in Washington. With things so bad , do we have time for the rest of Washington to listen to us, to work with him. When it came down to the wire I was afraid to take the Leap of the Faith . The political pundits scoff at the idea of likability, it is trust, the need to believe that the candidate we choose will listen to the American People ,care about what happens in our daily lives, something which is missing now, something which was never one of the Clintons faults. I believed in both of them, in the end it came down to who I believed could make Washington listen.

About last night

rosemary campbell — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:58:44 GMT

I am very upser that Brian Williams, with all his class, would bring up a situation of President Clinton's 4 years ago on the night that belonged to Hillary alone. I was very disappointed in Mr. Williams poor taste. He can't take it back so move on and forget that...nothing to do with H.H. primary. Shame on you.

About last night

Martha Z. Martinez — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:59:10 GMT

I watched the video and even though Lee Cowan showed a preference for the candidate, you certainly did not.

About last night

Dave Wynne Virginia Beach, Va — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:01:31 GMT

With the polls so badly wrong and the herd mentality among reporters interviewing one another, the NBC/MSNBC "commentary" and "analysis," before the vote, was useless. You should do what you can to see to it that your folks learn from these early miscues. NBC is better than this.

About last night

Garry Appel, Ojai, Cal. — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:39:19 GMT

I want to start out by saying,Brian is this not the most exciting primary season ever!!! I'm on my 12th hour of coverage and I can't see enough.I waited untill 8:52pm pacific time for someone to utter the 3 most important words in poling history,DEWEY defeats TRUMAN.thank you for being the one to mention it.I may be a bonified news junky but I've been holding this in since the results came back from the NH primary.First jounalist are human beings,sometimes their wrong,but think about how much the current administration could keep from us if journalist were not there as the vanguard of our democracy.What about the likes of Ernie Pile,Joe Rosenthall,David Greene and hundreds of journalists who have gave their lives to bring the right story truthfully and unbiased.If you think it's easy try a story like the abandoned children in Serbian mental institutions,their emasiated and mutated bodies were hard to see on the screen.Just try being the reporter standing there,thank you Anne Currin for bringing that heart wrenching story,to our attention.By the way the answer to the big question, is how did Hilary do it?
As a man you have to visit your female side to understand.Women generally are the nurturers,they want to put Backtine on your scaped knee and give you a cookie.On the other hand a mans response might be get up brush yourself off, suck it up and don't be a wussy.Women in NH saw another woman hurting the way only a woman knows.They came to her aid in unheard of numbers.

About last night

Sally, LA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:50:27 GMT

I agree! the bias reporting toward Barack is what is ridiculous. Brokaw did say it best about not making assumptions.

Brian, I have always thought you were one of the good guys, but yes, your reporting has been clearly slanted toward Barak. I am thrilled Hillary won. Not necessarily because I support her. I haven't decided between her and Edwards yet, but I fear that with your reporting, I might not even have a chance. Let my vote count for something.

If you can't be fair, then keep your yap shut. Obama is not the change for ALL of us. Stop telling us how to vote.

About last night

Nancy Weber, Hardeeville, SC — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:52:47 GMT

I have always found NBC balanced, but I have to say I saw some leaning last night. I agree with the person who said the focus needs to be on the issues. And I also agree that Chris and Keith need to find some balance.
I also want to point out that if I see the clip showing Hillary "tear up" one more time I may scream. It wasn't the tears that brought the female vote to Hillary last night, it was the coverage of those tears. There are many women who have been accused of being "too emotional, weak, vulnerabe or even calculating" when they have showed emotion in a professional setting. We know all too well the standard that exists in that arena and the more the clip was played and discussed, the more it motivated many of us to stand with Hillary. Several of the pundits - especially Chris Matthews went overboard on this one.

Brian - you do an excellent job - keep up the good work.

About last night

adam michael, denver, co — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:11:13 GMT

well Lee apparantly has a man crush for Obama as you can very well see by his face. Talking about the infectiousness of his energy and the energy surrounding the campaign is one thing, but saying that it is hard to stay UNBIASED becuase of that energy, is ridiculous. He might as well be an editorial writer and not a journalist or reporter.

The inherent problem now is that any reporting Lee does in the future, will now be looked at with skepticism because of these comments, as well as your defense of him. His journalistic integrity, as well as yours was put on the line there with those comments and the defense.

All media, that is corporate media, is biased one way or the other. We are all a product of our own biases and look through our own selective filters...even reporters and news journalists. Fox news is biased to the right, yet nbc is to the left. It happens, but whne you try to cover up your bias with this non-sence it makes you look stupid.

About last night

D.C. Harris, Canyon Lake, TX — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:23:13 GMT

Listen, I have so much to say, there's just not enough time or room, so let me start like this. Ha! Ha! Ha! Senator Clinton and her campaign blew you guys right out of the water, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I've read all of the above, and agree wholeheartedly with most of what has been written. Now, to the disrespect -- Tim Russert, Chris Matthews, Keith Olbermann and plenty of other pundits are shamefully disrespectful of Senator Clinton -- calling her by her first name, yet I've NEVER heard the "male" candidates referred to as Mike, Barack, Mitt, John, Dennis, Rudy, etc., etc. Show some class !! Finally, I, too, don't like one or two states telling me who I have to vote for in this presidential race, and I particularly don't like pundits telling me that same thing. Report the news!! Don't "make" the news!!!!

About last night

Richard Clark , Boston MA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:28:37 GMT

Any sane person, judging MSNBC on the 'quality and fairness' of its journalism would have to come to the conclusion that you all wear your dislike of Hillary Clinton on your sleaves. It's so insulting to watch Matthews contempt for Clinton displayed night after night. It's appalling to see such arrogance. It's clear that Matthews is no journalist - just a macho jerk with a megaphone provided by MSNBC.

If you don't want people to think you're biased try providing some actual reporting and not horserace analysis and high-school sniping.

About last night

Kevin Roe, Fort Wayne IN — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:36:27 GMT

Lee Cowan said that "...it's almost hard to remain objective"... for heaven's sake, isn't objectivity part and parcel of being a journalist? I must admit, Brian, that I do feel that you were a bit much in your overly long and friendly tone with Obama. I am waiting for an objective journalist to have the guts to actually quiz Obama on many issues. I've heard him continually speak of the need for change, and I understand that he feels this is what people want to hear. My concern is exactly what does he intend to change, and how? Asking Obama how he feels about seeing his face on the cover of Newsweek is hardly journalism. Brian's interview with Obama was more of what I would expect on a Barbara Walters program. You certainly don't mince words with the Republican candidates, so why do it for the Democrats? Just be fair. You ask us to judge you on the basis of your reporting; I have, and I have to say, I believe you are somewhat easy on the Democrats.

About last night

T D Arndt, Saint Louis, MO — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:37:10 GMT

Brian, the bias of NBC and the Republican administration has been obvious for many years including the refusal to accept an advertisement that supported the troops and then reversed its position.

With regards to NBC Obama bias one only had to watch GMA this morning. Matt Lauder interviewed Obama first and them Meredith interviewed McCain. Now how can GMA insult Senator McCain more by putting Obama in front of a long serving senator and war hero.
Your subliminal bias SHOUTS out Democratic candidates.

About last night

Jim Martin,Brooklyn,New York — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:53:44 GMT

I thought Obama blew his lead on Tuesday.
What was he thinking by scheduling only one rally on that important day? Contrast the images of confident,almost smug candidate reporting to that sole rally with Hillary's non-stop whirlwind pavement pounding to win over every voter she could.
Also negatively impacting his New Hampshire campaign were the sights and sounds of some of his supporters attempting to drown out Hillary at some of her stumps, images not lost on voters, especially the undecided ones.

About last night

Fred, Dunkirk, Md. — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:19:00 GMT

Let me state that I would never vote for John McCain, however last night on MSNBC you associated yourself with something that is totally unacceptable. You and your associates actually joked about John McCain's speach. You ridiculed him. What are you trying to do, be like FOX news? Where is the profesionalism? You were supposed to be reporting on the NH returns and instead you took the oportunity to trash a person that you probably don't like. This is not news or reporting. MSNBC should give John McCain equal time to bash MSNBC.

About last night

Rich Lawler, Saint Louis MO — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:53:59 GMT

I have a couple of comments in comparing Chris Matthews and Tom Brokaw in the NH election coverage last night. Early in the evening Chris Matthews was ranting about how in the 1992 NH primary, Bill Clinton was up by 20 points, finished 8 points behind, and had the gall to call himself "The Comeback Kid". He complained that the media at that time, assuming that that included Tom Brokaw, let the claim go unchallenged. Soon after Hillary Clinton's victory was announced, and the acknowledgement that the pre-results polls were disasterouly wrong, Tom Brokaw said that maybe the pundits should stand back and not trust the polls so much. Of course to anyone who has watched "Hardball" knows that polls are at the core of the show, and that Chris Matthews is always badgering his guests to tell him what's going to happen before it actually happens.

About last night

AJS, northern Virginia — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:18:26 GMT

Mr. Williams:

While I like and respect your newscast, I must agree that the cross-pollination of the NBC nightly news with MSNBC pundits like Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann has made your election coverage far less palatable for me. I want to see fact-based reporting, not opinion and speculation. In fact, the media reporting seems to have lost all objectivity. Why are reporters now being held up as authorities, while outside political experts and scholars are rarely consulted?

Through their reporting techniques media outlets have effectively narrowed a large, diverse field of candidates who deserve the right to be heard to a very small group of those whom the media seems to believe are most viable, by denying media time to those who aren't deemed frontrunners. But we've only had three, yes three, state caucuses or primaries so far!

I applaud the humility of your most recent blog, and hope that you will help guide NBC news reporting, in all outlets, back to a position of integrity and leadership. It's obvious from the posts here that I am not the only American troubled by the increasing bias of modern news reporting. Thank you for your time.

About last night

Boston MA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:36:46 GMT

This is what you pathological liars calls unbiased. NBC has always been a sorry joke.

About last night

J. Grant, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:55:10 GMT

No, Mr. Williams, it's not ridiculous. The uneven coverage pushed independents--thinking Obama was a lock--over into the GOP primary and galvanized the undecideds to vote for Hillary after they saw all the media piling on her. So the media directly influenced the election results by its lack of professional objectivity. Please work in your corner of the world to clean up your act.

About last night

C.P.Campbell, Evansville, IN — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:59:46 GMT

Tom Brokaw has earned my respect and admiration.

About last night

Sharon Sinclair, Folly Beach, SC — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:12:10 GMT

It is natural to respond positively to a person of integrity and authenticity and when you add the intelligence of Barack Obama to the mix it is inspiring to those who can see the possibility he represents for our country. His intelligence will guide him to surround himself with smart and experienced people in the areas where he is personally lacking in experience, and his integrity, authenticity and ability to trust himself will make him a wise steward of the position and authority that the office of President bestows on an individual. Hillary Clinton has demonstrated a serious lack of integrity and authenticity in her years of experience. Remembering the Whitewater scandal, the removal of furniture from the White House on her departure, the hundreds of thousands of dollars from special interest groups. And most recently her warmth and compassion? She can't be trusted and if people get sucked into her pretense or give her their sympathy vote we will be in worse shape than we are with GW Bush. Enough is enough give our news media the freedom to respond authentically and report on what they actually see from their unique perspectives. If the facts and circumstances appear biased by those who are more interested in sugar coating the reality of Hillary they should stick with FOX.

About last night

Thomas Griffin, Indianapolis,In — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:17:06 GMT

Hello,
I believe Chris Matthews has lost all objectivity and therefore, credibility. He needs to be removed from election coverage.
Keith Olbermann is excellent.
Thank-you.

About last night

Sherry Smith, Phoenix, Az. — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:53:38 GMT

I hope you men realize you do not want to turn this race into a female v. male contest. See, you men have no follow-through. You need a woman President just like most of you need a woman to run your life. We don't want any woman to do the job we want HILARY!!! And we all know who the real "President" was during Bill Clinton's time in that office.

About last night

Dorothy Allen — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:58:40 GMT

You are cool, Brian, I have no idea who, if anyone, you are supporting. Russert, on the other hand, is an obvious Hillary-hater, an opinion reinforced by his MTP interview and his debate "moderating." The overall tone of NBC is pro Obama and McCain. Try harder to at least appear un-biased.

About last night

Patricia Sanders, Warner Robins GA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:59:12 GMT

I was watching MSNBC last evening for the New Hampshire Voting results. I was appalled at the comments made by those gathered to report to us last evening. I compare it to a group of vultures waiting for those running for president to take their last breath. Their words were as drool of delight dripping from their mouths when they discribed the desperation of Hillary Clinton's campaign. And when they began to belittle McCain's performance as he gave his victory speech I could stand no more and changed to CNN. You in the media should apologize and take a long look at your performances!

About last night

Scott Mckenzie — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:05:47 GMT

wow, what a mistake, first the michael douglas voice-and now bias-and it's all on camera-crazy

About last night

jim Spartanburg, SC — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:07:07 GMT

You and Lee were unbiased, but I cannot say the same for Chris Matthews. Please cover the news withour giving the pundits air time. I have heard enough spin to last a lifetime.

About last night

Peter, Houston, Texas — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:24:55 GMT

I think its funny the the media and NBC thinks they are not bias. Just look how and who they ask what questions. I just read today that somewhere between 75% and 80% don't trust the media that is sad in a free country.

About last night

Laura Elwin, Sammamish, WA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:35:39 GMT

I totally agree with comments regarding Chris Matthew's nasty treatment of Sen. Clinton. What's going on with him...a mid-life crisis? I used to watch Hardball, now I am using the remote to click off Chris. But, I am shocked most with Keith???
I am a huge fan of his commentaries...but what a dissapointment. I know Chris crowned George Bush,
without questions he ignored playing hardball with
George, but can't he learn from that mistake. Chris,
if you can't play hardball with Obama, who in my opinion is starting to show the same ego, arrogance,
and non-transparent personality as George, we will
again have the media leading lazy voters to follow you over a cliff. Please, just report news and stop your own ego from bloating your face. Ask the tough questions and if you comment one more time that Sen.
Clinton is not likeable, I will never watch you again. She has proven that she is human just by all of her accomplishments as the parent of a lovely daughter, as a wife who kept her marriage together,
shown the capacity of forgivness, worked extremely
hard to help families in our country to have better lives, championed children's causes, showed strength
as First Lady for eight years, and whether or not you
mem want to admit it, behind every sucessful man IS
A GOOD WOMAN. She has given all of us a voice and it is sad that you want to take our voices away. Let the American people be informed of the news, stop
swaying the busy folks who listen to a few comments
from TV, and can't get the real deal from news people. I think Sen. Hillary Clinton is the real thing we do like her. She represents what it takes
to be a leader...the heart to care about helping
others and the courage to fight for our rights.

Laura, Sammamish, WA.

About last night

K. McCauley, Boston, Massachusetts — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:41:24 GMT

I can't believe all the negative comments in regards to Chris Matthews. That is his personality loud and opinionated, but certainly very knowledgable; its part of his appeal. Regarding last night's coverage, they did seem to be getting a bit "punchy", but after covering hours and hours of campaigning, somewhat understandable. What I found more offensive then Matthews and Obermann, was Joe Scarborough and his panel. It was a contest to see who could talk over the other one faster, and the lone woman on the panel, couldn't get a word in edge-wise. Everytime she opened her mouth, either Joe or one of the other panelists jumped in and started talking right over her. My husband kept saying ~ they won't let her speak! Joe Scarborough is one of the loudest most obnoxious reporters on the air, and I would like to see him reeled in.
As for you Brian, I remain faithful to you and your reporting. I think you're very fair and I don't think bias in the least. I can watch you and Tim Russert (my other favorite) all night, its the other ones who get a bit trying. Keep up the good work.

About last night

Michael Levin, Orlando, Florida — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:58:35 GMT

This is my first blog post on any blog anywhere. I am a lifelong Democrat and an avid viewer of both NBC and MSNBC. I am undecided between Clinton and Obama. I admire them both and have qualms about each as candidates.

All that said, there is absolutely no question that NBC's and MSNBC's campaign reporting has been totally biased towards Obama and against Clinton to an absurd degree. I am one of apparently many undecided Democratic voters and NBC and MSNBC viewers who are disappointed that your networks have so totally abandoned your objectivity in this race.

By the way, on another point, now that it will be a close race through January, doesn't it look even more stupid that the Democrats are boycotting the Florida primary? What is the point in giving two small states like Iowa and New Hampshire the power to anoint the Democratic nominee while ignoring what is probably the most electorally significant state in the country?

About last night

Gail Segraves — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:10:04 GMT

I am so sick of all the news reporters who seem to forget they are suppose to be non biased. Americans have the right to make up their own minds about who they want for President not who the reporters want us to vote for. Obama came out of nowhere and no one seems to really know what kind of "changes" he thinks he can make. Why do all the reporters seem to be backing him? Hillary Clinton is running on her own laurels and not Bill's. She has a right to be respected for who she is and not her husband's mistakes. I think the way all the reporters are saying that she shouldn't have shown emotion in her statements the other night are way off the mark. She showed a side of her that people need to see. A softer side. She is a very intelligent woman and should be proud of her accomplishments. She wasn't "crying" because she thought she was losing something. She was emotional because she sees the shape of this country and feels so strongly about wanting to help. What's wrong loving your country? No one comments on John Edwards when his wife speaks out and bashes the other candidates. No one mentions Obama's religious background of being a Muslim and that his middle name is Hussein. Why not? Don't the American people deserve to know that? With this country in war with Iraq and Afghanistan and the way the Muslims hate us, why should be trust a man who is avoiding that issue. Just because Obama won Iowa doesn't make him the candidate to beat and the reporters need to stop supporting particular candidates and let us think on our own. Their job is information only.

About last night

Nancy Kay, Red Lodge MT — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:51:48 GMT

Dear Brian: I imagine you've had time to read the large number of well-versed letters to you indicating that MSNBC and NBC News fell to new lows last night in their coronation of Obama and bashing of Clinton. If you are truly the MANAGING Editor of the News Dept., please take a look at your house. It's become a frat boy club of nearly indistinguishable voices; all of them ranting. Perhaps a look at the following article may prove insightful; because clearly, you are unaware of how your news organization is now viewed by even those who did not intend to vote for Ms. Clinton.
http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2008/01/09/hillary_nh/

About last night

zqll zqll, Dallas, Texas — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:20:11 GMT

Oooh boohoo, boohoo, it's almost hard to remain objective, Cowan says.
Yeah, and when will it become hard to remain objective? And when will Cowan
just melt and go googooly eyed and lose all objectivity.
All professions require that professionals keep up their skills and their ethics if they are going to serve the public in a trustworthy manner.
Heros and tyrants can be very pursuasive, very charming, very captivating. Hopefully, "jounalists" should be able to employ their objectivity to determine which is which.
Maybe Cowan needs inservice or something.

As for Chris Matthews he has always been biased and unreliable. But now that he is attacking H. Clinton some people start to notice.
Still, I like to watch him because he is like a little kid, he gets very energetic and happy about things.

About last night

Steve O. Sinclair , Waldorf, Maryland — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:37:24 GMT

Last night was a beautiful thing for America. Yes, we should have more dialogue and everyone should be totally vetted.

But let's not forget how bitter and terse the Clinton comments, both Bill and Hillary, were before the win.

Let's not forget "farily tale" and blaming the media. When their backs were up against the wall, they showed their true colors.

The Hillary win seems to have overshadowed the poor behavior our former President displayed and it gave a clear display as to why people just don't like Hillary.

If people are realistic, they know she can't win the general election. She can't get over fifty percent of the popular vote because she already has so many negatives and is such a dividing figure.

I am a registered democrat and I never voted for Bill and I will never vote for Hillary.

Steve

About last night

Norma J. Hart, New York, NY — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:41:47 GMT

I am really surprised that some commentators blame Obama's "loss" on racism. I was thrilled to see all the whites cheering for Obama in both Iowa and New Hampshire! Although he did not "beat" Clinton, he did very well, in a state with a very small black population. He may well win the nomination.

There are many reasons why voters, especially women, would have chosen Clinton during the last 1.5 days before the voting. Many alsoi chose Edwards, my personal favorite because of his clarity on the effects of the power exercised by big money and big corporations on our government and our country.

If Obama does not win the nomination, it would be a shame if people, of any color, attributed that to racism, instead of understanding the many factors that attract people to the other candidates.

About last night

El Rider, Chicago, IL — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:45:58 GMT

I stopped watching NBC in March of 2004 when the Nightly News featured an Egyptian woman who declared Rumsfeld a Nazi in a ridiculous piece. Not only did I invoke Godwin's Law but I joked that NBC didn't have to go as far as Egypt, I mean what's wrong with Soho? However that story concerning the Obama campaign is a good piece, the public should know how the reporters covering the story feel, however it may reflect on the candidate or the reporter. I should also add that the reporting shouldn't be a shock, you should read the political reporting that has gone on for the last four years here in Chicago, even considering Obama's association with Toni Rezko and Alexi Gianoulias it's mostly been a love-fest. It's been four years since I've watched NBC News so after seeing the somewhat ballsy (you had to know that you would get grief) reporting on this story I think that I will give NBC a try tonight. Break a leg.

About last night

Lance Johnson, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:02:53 GMT

WHAT QUALITY and FAIRNESS??? You wear your bias on your sleeve and practice it with every word you choose to describe liberals glowingly and conservitives desparingly. you toss softballs to Dems with no follow up and only ask hard questions to conservatives. GIVE ME A BREAK!

About last night

Marilyn Penick Lake Almanor, CA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:29:52 GMT

I hope Chris and Keith are out looking for jobs elsewhere, by necessity.

About last night

Brenda Stone, Millwood, NY — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:57:08 GMT

The media, including NBC has determined the results in the campaign since only Obama and Hillery are covered. Another person came in 2nd in Iowa but you seem to have forgot that; his name is John Edwards. Please give him additional coverage; he has a message.

About last night

Steven Cronig, Miami, Florida — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:03:45 GMT

New Hampshire as a dire mistake? Be consoled, it's nothing compared to your 2000 declaration that Al Gore had won the presidency (if only you had been right then!)

About last night

David Sincerbox, Knoxville, Tennessee — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:06:45 GMT

People didn't lie to the exit polsters because of racism. People truly like Obama. Many people who voted for Hillary lied about it because a significant portion of their friends and family members have such negative attitudes towards the Clintons. Both generate real animosity among certain people. Its much easier to lie those who possess such animus than suffer their over the top reactions.

About last night

Michele Stefanides, Wellsboro, Pennsylvani — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:06:57 GMT

I would like to disabuse at least some people of the notion that all or most baby boomer women are stronly supportive of Hilary Clinton. I am a 52-year-old, white, middle-class, professional woman who simply cannot abide Ms Clinton. I have no political party affiliation, I am registered in Pennsylvania as "no affiliation", in other words independent. I am quite disappointed in so many of my peers who want a woman president at all costs, regardless of what policies the candidate proposes and how divisive she is. When women, or white people, or African American people, or rural people, or urban people, or Democrats, or Republicans...whatever "classification" can be made, blindly support someone who is of that same classification on that basis alone, we will never solve the many serious issues facing this country. I just felt that I needed to go on some kind of record as speaking up for the concept of thoughtfully considering each candidate, and not being lumped into an assumption of whom I support simply because of what "classification" I might fit into.

About last night

Isaac Abraham — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:13:09 GMT

Brian, I'm amazed about MSNBC covering how Hillary was crying and how it might have scored her points in the primary.

Did NBC or MSNBC cover in lenght the way all the women who charged Bill Clinton with sex charges when they cried, why did Hillary ignore their tears, when Monica cried she said it was " the right wing conspiracy" where was the media and the public out pouring of emotion for them?.

one thing is for sure, if Hillary gets the democratic nomination for president, WE WILL ALL CRY.

as a Jewish voter in New York, once she Dumped Sen. Joel Lieberman (D-CT) for and unknown Net LeMont she showed me what a phony she is.

About last night

A.Azcuy,Coral Gables,Florida — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:14:11 GMT

The coverage overall from all the Networks to seemed superficial and biased not only to the candidates but to the American people.The majority of us are not a bunchy of Lugheads who follow your every word and don't do our own research and thinking.I as a woman take offense at the Medias presumption that Hillary represents the American woman.All that SHOW of emotion was DIFFERENT from her MALE counterparts in our government... BECAUSE SHE WAS CRYING ABOUT HERSELF!!!!! POOR thing! The many occasions I have seen the President and others, they were crying about a horrific event or nostalgic moment that anyone with a heart or deep empathy would understand. YOU THE MEDIA MISSED THAT SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE!!!!!The NOT REPRESENTING OF US WOMEN, HILLARY,will again get a FREEE PASS. Notice her speeches they are allways full of "I" NOT WE.This comment is written by a Democratic Woman, ME ,who wants ALL the candidates completely scrutinized for the most important JOB in the land. ISSUES<ISSUES<ISSUES!!!! Do YOU get it!!!! I don't know yet who I will be voting for but one thing I know for sure... It won't be for the Clinton Machine all two of them. God Bless America we need it. And FINALLY DO YOUR JOB>>>BE JOURNALISTS ...GO BACK TO THE JOURNALISTIC PRINCIPALS!!!!!

About last night

Sam Smith, Bryan Texas — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:14:57 GMT

Did anyone find it interesting that after Iowa and Senator Clinton lost and was percieved as cold and calculating she suddenly has a moment where she appears to be kind and caring. Why has it taken so long for this to happen. It certainly was timely if not calculated.

About last night

Brian Bade, Brainerd, MN — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:17:43 GMT

About Ms. Clinton`s showing a soft spot on Saturday, She should recive an academy award. She did that just because she wanted people to feel sorry for herself. My wife and I did not feel sorry for her. My wife was the one who said that it was definately an academy award moment as Ms. Clinton wanted people to feel sorry for her. Besides she never did answer the question that the 70 year old lady asked her. She is like her husband, never answering a guestion with the answer taht the person was looking for.

About last night

El Rider, Chicago, IL — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:18:37 GMT

Pretty good show.I Haven't watched the Nightly News for nearly four years and I will be back. The fighting in Diyala has been tough, blogger Andrew Olmsted died up there last week.

About last night

Leonard Edmond, Arlington, TX — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:18:56 GMT

Brian.

I am very happy to Sen. Clinton but Chris Matthews soured me for the last time. As an African American man, I was shocked with his continued arroyance and quick assumptions. He put out the assumptions that race played a role in Obama's defeat. RAce is an issue in the country but not here. People just decided late. New Hampshire residents are good at that waiting and there were plenty of women who got tired of the piling on on Sen. Clinton. This constant piling on has soured my excitement on this election and the possibility of the first woman president.I know that our media is dominated by middle age to old white men like Russert,Matthews, Barnicle, Cafferty and others. They experienced the civil rights movement and are queninely impressed by what was happening. I too am very impressed by Sen Obama. For me, I just don't think he has enough experience right now while Sen. Clinton does. I am amazed that the notion of the first woman president just like the first African American president is not powerful to them. THEY DON'T GET IT. I will watch another channel. I'm just tired.

About last night

Lynnette — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:23:58 GMT

I agree with Susan of Warwick, RI. I wish that some of the other candidates had been interviewed more prior to the Iowa Caucus'. Perhaps then well qualified candidates like Senator Joe Biden would still be in the race. Reporters should be interviewing candidates on a more equal number of times not just two or three over and over that they deem to be "the front runners". By only interviewing two or three candidates you are tacitly trying to give certain candidates an advantage over those candidates that you do not interview as frequently. An example of this is Senator Joe Biden. He used to routinely be interviewed on the Today Show on political happenings. I can't remember him being interviewed even once after he announced his candidacy and now he is out of the race.

As far as Chris Matthews of MSNBC's Hardball is concerned, he lost all credibility with me during the last presidential election when he implied that Iowans are a bunch of hicks that don't know what we're talking about. Perhaps he should have come to Iowa and experienced our caucus process before passing judgement. More than one candidate has learned a lot campaigning in Iowa and experiencing our process.

Reporters are entitled to their opinions, however, there is a place and time for those opinions to be expressed. Unless they are specifically noting that a statement is their opinion please try to keep them to a minimum in the reporting and save the opinions for the editorials.

About last night

Reece Catron, Ft. Worth, Texas — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:46:25 GMT

Biased? If you are not biased, then answer this one question, "Why is there never ANY mention about Ron Paul when you discuss the primary results"? You talk about Guilliani who recieved less votes in Iowa than Ron Paul and tied him in New Hampshire. You talk about Fred Thompson, whose performance was dismal in New Hamphsire. You tell us about where Romney, McCain, Guilliani and Thompson traveled after New Hampshire, but again completely ignore Ron Paul. If I were not doing my own research, but depended solely on your broadcast for information on the Presidential race, I would not even know that there was a canidate named Ron Paul. You are a real piece of work when you claim the "fairness of our journalism".

About last night

Pat O'Brien — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:46:31 GMT

I hope that Chris Matthews has gotten his blood sugar back under control. This morning, he was nearly apopleptic. I'm an Obama fan and hope that he will still around to vote for if we poor democrats in Maryland ever get to vote in the primary. But Matthews extreme bias against the Clintons is beyond reasonable. He makes Sean Hannity appear to be an objective moderate. Don't let Chris him back on the air unless he gets a little sleep after Hillary edges out somebody again as this campaign goes on.

John Edwards is not getting much analysis, but is it shaping up that he might be a kingmaker? If he heeps gathering up 20% of the delegates and Hillary and Barrack keep getting their 30% more or less, it seems that he could wield some pretty hefty influence.

About last night

Nancy Lambert Oakwood, Illinois — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:54:54 GMT

Would you and Tim Russert do me a favor and quit "coronating" people? You CROWN someone at a CORONATION. AND ..if you're going to be picky ...if we liked CROWNING people we'd still be a colony of England's. Thank you for your support of the NON-verbing of America.

About last night

Sue Willis , Petersburg, IN — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:56:24 GMT

Just a note to say that this is the most exciting Presidential race and Hilary Clinton is showing what a strong woman she is and that she is ready to be our first Lady President --I am terribly excited --ha the polls sure had it wrong before NH -- I am voting proudly for Hilary Clinton . I always watch MSNBC I like B. Williams and Russert and still admire Tom Brokaw

About last night

Sue Willis , Petersburg, IN — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:56:27 GMT

About last night

George Hodges Vienna, VA — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:05:45 GMT

Has Tim Russert discovered any data that would suggest some declared independents, wanting strong candidates from both parties, and thinking Obama was safe, voting instead in the GOP primary for McCain even though they might have responded to polls as Obama supporters?

About last night

Susan Davis, Pepper Pike, OH — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:30:15 GMT

Bias? The fact that as an Ohio resident our primary will mean nothing says that there is too much "opinion" reporting and not enough fact finding. In my opinion, that's a different form of bias. Back in the day, reporters reported the facts and let the citizens draw the conclusions. We are now of a "Rush Limbaugh" mindset, and wait to be told. We do that because now, no matter what station, we are told how to think. Sometimes it's very suble, but we are still told. This is a democracy, and we are therefore the hiring authorities for those who run our government. If we approached that responsibility as a business, we would be looking for the most qualified candidate who has the best experience. We need the media to inform us so we can make the right decision. Please report the resume - the facts- about accomplishments and credentials. We don't need to know about age, gender, race, and momentary slips and goofs which all humans have. Report the facts, respect the truth, and leave the opinions to our conclusions. YOu do a great job, Brian, and we watch you nightly because of the anchors, you are indeed the most balanced, but in general, the reporting for all the media needs to be more fact-based.

About last night

Rosemary Silva, Santa Barbara, CA — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 01:42:04 GMT

While you have not pilloried Hillary in the way of Hillary haters Tim Russert, Chris Matthews, Tucker Carlson, and Dick Morris (who, on one program, could hardly contain his vitriol), you certainly did not join Tom Brokaw and Dan Abrams in defending Senator Clinton when she was being pummeled unfairly, burned at the stake, by the media in the days leading up to the New Hampshire Primary. I must add, though I digress, that it comes as no surprise to me that pundits and commentators are befuddled by Hillary's poll-busting victory in New Hampshire. I guess they've never read Betty Friedan. In Iowa many women caucus participants, who had to throw their support to a candidate in the open, for all to see, must have feared that they would incite the ire of husbands and boyfriends by supporting Hillary. In New Hampshire, on the other hand, such fetters fell, and women enjoyed the privacy of a voting booth, a "room of their own," in which to cast a vote from the heart--nearly two hundred years after the women's suffrage movement began.

About last night

G.St Ames San Diego CA — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 02:25:19 GMT

It is hard not to get caught up in the excitement that Obama creates.No one has electrified the country like him since John Kennedy. You folks do a more than credible job (perhaps with the exception of David Gregory)and once in a while like all of us something goes wrong. Obviously those contrarian New Hampshites consider the primary like a franchise and apparently were not very truthful when they responded to exit polling. Can we spared the smarzy, wordy always seeking the "well turned phrase" of Kieth Olbermann. There is no one who is so consumed with his own self-importance as Kieth. He needs to take Obama's doctor's advise to OBama. It has all gotten very juvenile and tiresome.

About last night

Magdalen Lupo, St Louis, MO — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 03:08:59 GMT

What has happened to Chris Matthews? I use to be a fan of Hardball, but his rantings against Hillary Clinton are over the top. He is behaving like a school boy bully. He is so hateful and shows little respect for his guests. I'am switching channels.

About last night

Rick Allgeyer, St. Louis, Mo — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 03:29:32 GMT

I would like to respond to several of the e-mails & comments on tonight's coverage of last nights political news.

1. An e-mail seemed to chastise the "public" for criticizing Hilary for showing emotion (crying) during an interview as in "people are saying it somehow lessens her ability to be President to show that kind of emotion.=sexist or chauvenistic." When Ed Muskie showed a similar level of emotion during his campaign some years ago, it was said that it was a major contributing factor to his loss, but I don't recall anyone trying to play the "sexist" card.

2. I think we have an example of why people are concerned about the media having too much influence on how people vote by the "spin" they put on the news. For months running up to the Iowa caucus there was so much talk inferring that Hilary was the inevitable Democratic nominee. My question then is, How can a 2 perceentage point victory over Barack Obama, who defeated her soundly just last week in Iowa, be characterized as a "stunning comback" and crown her the "comeback kid." A 2 point victory in the 2nd major test sounds more to me like a disappointing showing compared to how we were led to believe that she was the inevitable nominee since the beginning. SPIN,SPIN,SPIN.

Rick Allgeyer
St. Louis Missouri

About last night

ML Miller — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:58:01 GMT

The reporting of media bias by Brian Williams was important and bordered on objective journalism. However, the statement that "getting it wrong" will occur again presented the clear mindset that media bias, infatuation, and paparazzo journalism present a more lucrative angle than fairness. The real pity is that the Fourth Estate injected themselves into their stories, abandoned their noble stance of aiding our democracy to that of personal whim, opinion and mindset, and in a day of instant communication, muddied the political waters of our nation by becoming the lap dog of the political process as opposed to the watch dog.

About last night

Nancie Mooney, Norton, MA — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:36:27 GMT

I am a news addict- we have some news broadcast on TV almost every waking hour. I have been appalled at the apparent dislike (stronger language could apply easily!) of Hillary Clinton by most news commentators- regardless of network affiliation.(I expect it from Fox, but not from the rest!) I was very thankful to hear Brian admit that a) such a bias exists, and b) that it is wrong to chat on and on about outcomes that are not yet decided. While I do not understand what exactly is behind the dislike of Hillary, (I like her just fine! I also like Barak Obama) ) I hope MSNBC and NBC will try to handle news about the elections with a bit more objectivity from here on. Thank you, Brian, for the right step forward. Nancie Mooney

About last night

Roger Terry, Orem, Utah — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:16:43 GMT

Your coverage of the Iowa caususes and the New Hampshire primary convince me that it is the media that elects presidents, not the people. For instance, one of your specialists stated that Romney was pretty much history because he lost in New Hampshire. But Romney won in Wyoming, a state that has more Republican delegates than N.H. Hardly a word about Wyoming. Why? But a win in Wyoming and two second-place finishes gives Romney more delegates than any other candidate. So how is he practically out of the race? Only because the media says he is. But in a campaign like this one, it is very possible for a candidate to place second in every state and win the nomination. Go figure.
As for the Democrats, you make a huge deal about Clinton's victory in tiny New Hampshire, but a closer look shows that her 39 percent and Obama's 36 percent give them the same number of delegates from N.H., essentially a tie.
Let's face it, New Hampshire likes to think it is so crucial, but that's only because the media goes along with the charade. Look at Super Tuesday. There are over 1,000 Republican delegates up for grabs. Kind of puts New Hampshire's 12 in a more realistic context. I'd appreciate some perspective and less hype from the self-important media.

About last night

Bob McCarthy, Chesterfield, MO — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:42:06 GMT

MSNBC New Hampshire Primary coverage made a mockery of the news Media. It was in poor taste and more like comedy central. Tom Brokow: Shame on you for being a part of it. I turned it off.

About last night

L. Greep, Vancouver, WA — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:24:06 GMT

As a long time fan of NBC, I must say I'll be watching elsewhere soon unless someone puts a muzzle on the two most arrogant pundits out there, Matthews and Olbermann. They have gone too far and will lose viewers in droves. Coverage should be done by Brian, Tim, and Tom Brokaw. Clearly we need Tom's wisdom and grace back on the air as you cover this most important Prez election ever. PBS shows (WA Week, Moyers, and The News Hour) at least offer intelligent discourse and more folks should tune them in. You won't find screaming meanies like Chris and Keith there. Clean up your act MSNBC and also realize women decided to give the big boys in newsville a wake up call whether they like Hill or not. We can think for ourselves, thank you and will do so despite all your ramblings. CNN is lucky to have David Gergen, one of the most intelligent, thoughtful and kind people out there in TV news punditry. He's a gem, so CNN & PBS will get more of our viewing time unless NBC gets rid of Keith and Chris or they change their tunes BIG time. And tell Chris to get a hair cut, shaped like Brian's. He'll at least look better than he sounds! Brian, keep up the good work with Tim and Tom. You are the best trio out there. Chris and Keith are way too toxic. Move them on and out SOON!!

About last night

L. Greep, Vancouver, WA — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:42:00 GMT

Brain, part two: A few more things I wanted to mention: Again, I do so enjoy your reporting as well as Tim's and Tom's. You as a trio need to do the bulk of the reporting as the year moves forward, re: the election coverage. Chris and Keith are way too toxic and are getting worse. If you watch the facial/body language of their guests, especially YOUR OWN people like Andrea, the way Chris cuts them off is becoming intolerable. Who would want to go on with him? Did you see Dee Dee's face and Katrina's recently when they were on...they aren't happy with him always telling us how right he is and how wrong everyone else is. Well, NBC is married to MSNBC and a divorce is needed here. Keith and Chris are an arrogant team that will continue to lose you viewers if they aren't taken to time out box or muzzled in some way. Plain and simple, they are not gracious people and in this world of crazy times, we need more thoughtful, intelligent people like you, Tim, and Tom giving us information in an intelligent manner, not like the frat boys, Chris, Joe, and Keith. Make some changes as managing editor or tell Abrahms to do so.

About last night

Sheila Rauch, Cold Spring, NY — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:33:39 GMT

I saw no bias in this exchange. However, the behavior of other political journalists in this race was, I believe, one major reason for the NH results. Hillary Clinton is a good candidate and there is no reason for her to be treated the way she was by the likes of Chris Matthews. I was infuriated, and had I been a NH voter, I would have gone out of my way to get out and vote for her.

About last night

Gary Cover Mansfield, OH — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 22:15:37 GMT

Brian, would you pls. announce the DOW while you are showing it. Many times I am listening away from my TV & miss the change for the day. Thanks

About last night

Joyce, Baltimore — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 22:24:35 GMT

Brian/Tim:
Meet the Press and The Nightly News with you, Brian Williams, are my TV selections of choice and, they will continue to be so however, please, please do not be flabbergasted, or shocked to understand what took place in New Hampshire. I truly believe the media continues to want to be in the business of "Making the News" rather than reporting it. I believe the voters in New Hampshire was simply being defiant and "showing you" that they were not going to take "your lead" and vote for Obama simply because the media stated he was to be the winner before any voting took place. Please, please, as a loyal viewer, refrain from saying what "you think" but, report what you know. Give the candidates a chance to make or break their move to the White House. Don't you do it for them.

About last night

Dave Parikh, Granada Hills, CA — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:26:55 GMT

Brian,
I was surprised at the totally un-researched piece you did on Reverse Mortgage.

I don’t know when the lady took-out this mortgage. In last few years, there have been major changes in discloser requirements. Laws have changed. There are many more safeguards. If you had bothered to ask the AARP lady, she would have educated you with some facts. AARP has many informative articles on the subject. They don't sell mortgages or news.

I am not in reverse mortgage business. However, I have investigated it. It is a good concept for people who are cash poor but house rich and do not have much income to qualify for a cash-out loan on the house.

It is as good or as bad as any other mortgage. At present, there are many problems related to sub-prime mortgages. By your logic, people should completely dump all mortgages and wait till they have all cash to buy a home.

Someone obviously conned the lady into buying something that she did not need and charged her too much money for doing that. And if I understand correctly, had her invest that money in something long term that is not useful to her, today. Is this so unheard of?

You have crucified the entire industry and created an undue fear in minds of seniors simply because of a few bad apples. I like your news. In the future, I hope you get full and accurate information and also the other side of the story, before rushing to air a story.

About last night

Gordon Erkmeyer, New York, NY — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 18:43:32 GMT

Mr. Williams,

You and the rest of the MSNBC gang is hopelessly biased.

But I understand that it is not your fault. Obama is the only candidate that would set-up an active dialogue with Iran. GE (MSNBC's parent company) does lots of business in Iran by working on various infrastructure projects and selling aviation equipment. So it is easy to conclude that the GE bigwigs are merely looking after the bottomline when they pressure you to be partial to the senator from Illinois.

About last night

Rowland Gale — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 18:56:21 GMT

Brian,
Your piece last night about reverse mortgages was in error and was a disservice to the elderly homeowners.
There is absolutely no fear of foreclosure on a reverse mortgage assuming the house is maintained adequately. Even though the equity in the home built up over the years will be systematically diminished with a reverse mortgage it will NOT result in the bank taking the property in a foreclosure - even when and if the remaining equity goes to ZERO. This is one of the key features of reverse mortgages. No matter how long the owners live in the house and no matter if they have no remaining equity left in the house, the bank can't foreclose. Additionally, the heirs have up to one year to vacate the house before a foreclosure can take place.
Rowland Gale

About last night

Just-Tex Dallas, Texas — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:50:05 GMT

NBC and Williams should be ashamed...

From: http://townhall.com/columnists/DouglasMacKinnon/2008/01/28/media_canonizes_mccain_while_slandering_romney

"During last week’s GOP debate in Boca Raton, Florida, Williams exercised all the subtlety of David Duke when he dropped this bigoted statement on the former Governor from Massachusetts: “Governor, we’ve got an NBC News-Wall Street Journal poll coming out in the morning that says, among a lot of other things, 44 percent of respondents say a Mormon president would have a difficult time uniting the country.” "

Read the rest for yourself at the link posted above.

About last night

Joan Sutton, Monroe, Michigan — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:29:14 GMT

Mr. Williams,
In the past I have depended on MSNBC to keep me informed. However I have really started to wonder if you are on Obama's payroll. Just listening to Keith Oberman tonight made me a bit ill. He hates Senator Clinton as do most of the MSNBS reporters. I will hesitate to tune in in the future and I will have absolutely no trust in your reporting. I can get as good from Bill OReilly

About last night

Evie Henderson, Oriental, NC — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 02:41:28 GMT

Well, not only as the news media annointed Obama but it seems that Obermann has as well and I'm very disappointed in him. I'm a great admirer of Obama but sitting and listening to the unfair, personal attacks on Hillary Clinton, day after day, night after night, has been pretty sickening. Post last night's debate: comparing Obama's record with Clinton on Iraq is like comparing apples with oranges. Obama was not in the U.S. Senate when he spoke out against Iraq. Speaking out against something is not the same as casting a vote in the U.S. Senate. 99.9% of the members of Congress voted to give authority to Bush. While he has been in the Senate, his voting record on Iraqi issues were the same as Clinton's. And speaking of votes, he didn't even vote to support Moveon.org -- he voted "Present" while Clinton voted to support Moveon.org. Life isn't fair is it? Seems to me that the important thing is how to extricate ourselves from the mess in Iraq and who can best do this. Let's look ahead to the future, friends --- not backwards.

Spending 10 minutes hammering Hillary's on her Iraq vote when there are other issues to talk about like the economy and healthcare?
C'mon Keith, don't let me down. Let's discuss some issues to help voters make clear and valid decisions. And let's make comparisons fairly.

About last night

Douglas Brown — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 00:00:34 GMT

No bias in my opinion, just reporting on the crowd, and the mood. The same statements could have been made at other canidate events.
Cowan is a good addition, his reports are well written and delivered in a concise way that gives you what is important.

About last night

devin, Albuquerque, NM — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 08:36:51 GMT

I love Willaims despertaely trying to defend the sickining "Pro Obama" bias of NBC/MSNBC. Willaims and NBC are so "in the tank" for Obama it's disgracefull. They only report polls that are favorable to Obama, and then try and hem, haw, and back-track, when Hillary wins major victories in NH, NV, and on Super Tuesday. They still do it now. Willaims is a poor excuse for a reporter, and NBC is a poor excuse for a news organization.

Williams needs to learn that NBC doesn't dictate who we elect in this country, voters do...that is why Hillary is still winning.

About last night

Carolyn Dunnett — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:31:39 GMT

To MSNBC/John Mathews,

I just read in the LA Times that John Mathews said that "Clinton's political success stemmed from her husband messing around". Why not also tell the truth that Obama's political success stems solely from his being a black man, and a light colored good looking one. Who elso would Oprah have come out for?? Not a white male senator, that's for sure. And, who would get all of the balck people to send in dollars to anyone's campaign? Only another black person. Don't call me racisist. This is reality. You apparently are strongly against a woman for president and think everyone cares that Bill Clinton messed around. Sounds to me like you think a woman can only get ahead by sleeping with the boss.

After reading the Times article this family will never watch MSNBC again. You said "any observant person would say what I said was true". You are simply an anti woman old timer male who would like to see us all at home, barefoot and pregnant. Since your station has not fired you, which they would do if your remark was that Obama is popular with blacks only because he is black and for no other intelligent reason (since he certainly has no experience or record. I'll listen to what you say about Clinton when you tell that truth about Obama.

About last night

Dave Dunnett — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:38:16 GMT

I am always glad to see 3 men trashing a woman. You guys have to stand up for us males. Don't let a bright experienced woman get ahead--she could only be promotable if we have sympathy for her or if she sleeps with her boss. Remember--
MALES RULE!! She has more experience--so what. She has the sense to know that you can't waive a magic wand to get change---so what. She doesn't have Oprah backing her--oh my gosh she couldn't possibly be qualified--it has to be that we all pity her.
Are you guys for real????

About last night

Paula Ross Richmond, Ca — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:55:22 GMT

Who is the anchor that gave the Special Report last night?.
It was excellent.
He ended with: Good night and good luck

About last night

edward faber East Longmeadow, Ma 01028 — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:55:43 GMT

I have been curious about John McCain's memory lapses and the incident on his present junket makes me wonder even more. I noticed during his stumping when his wife was on the stage with him she frequently coached him and he responded very quickly and usually with a suprised look. The two examples of memory lapse on this junket makes me wonder if he is REALLY able to pass HIllary's Commander in Chief Test! The incidents also remind me of an incident with the press, Pres. Reagan and Nancy. He was being video tape and asked a question, he did not respond until Nancy whispered(for all to hear), "We're doing the best we can.", to which he parroted the statement to the press and the television viewers,just wondering; Reagan Alzheimers. I am 75, McCain is only 71 we all have "Senior Moments" not everyone is in a very responsible position.

About last night

Kathy McCabe; West Columbia, SC — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 02:21:35 GMT

YES,BRIAN WILLIAMS YOU ARE INCREDIBLY BIASED AS ARE ALL OF NBC. You disgust me!