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Kellene Stockwell, Reno, Nevada — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:15:16 GMT

I just wanted to mention how ecstatic my father was when you “corrected” yourself on pronouncing Nuh-vahh-duh. For the past week he’d scream at his kitchen TV whenever you’d say ‘nah-vah-duh.’ So he was very pleased to hear that other Nevadans had done the same thing. ‘You email Brian Williams and tell him how happy I am…’ he told me when I walked in my parent’s house Friday night.

I work in news here and I can tell you it’s always been a big issue. If you’re a candidate and want votes, visit Fernley for damage leftover by last Saturday’s levee break and for the love of Lord, pronounce the state correctly. I can’t tell you how people are turned off by the “other pronunciation.”

We want to know candidates care about us and one simple and gracious way to do it is by saying the state’s name correctly!

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Chicago — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:36:31 GMT

Just wondering whether you and your colleague Tim Russert will repeat your performances at the debate you "moderated" in Philadelphia last fall? Will you end the debate with a softball to Barack Obama ("Senator-- what will you dress up as for Halloween?")...which just so happened to serve as the opening joke for that week's "Saturday Night Live" (an episode which was hosted, by the way, by none other than Brian Williams!)...Will Tim Russert ask his questions to Sen. Clinton by introducing them with such cynical preambles like this one: "Senator Clinton, this question goes to your credibility..." Sen. Clinton suffered in the polls after that debate, but she was not the only one who "lost." The two of you did a disservice to your network and to the voters last time. To retain credibility, please do a better job tonight.

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Keith, Danbury, CT — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:47:13 GMT

Brian,
The link to "submit your debate question" on MSNBC gives a runtime error message when you try to submit. Oh well. Perhaps for future consideration:

Question for Senator Clinton and Mr. Edwards,
Senator Obama gave, what has to be now considered, a remarkably insightful speech on October 26, 2002 regarding war with Iraq. If he had been president on that day, giving that speech, it's hard not to imagine what might have been. After Mr. Obama's speech you both continued to side with President Bush while Mr. Obama publicly declared there was no threat in Iraq, but there was in Afghanistan. Can you explain to us why we should put the lives of our military personnel, and our nation's reputation, in your hands should something cause us to decide if war is necessary? Thank you.

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Dave, Tn — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 22:12:00 GMT

Given the 3 rising to the top of the Republican side I'm thinking about ordering the steel for the tank barriers in case Hillary wins.

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Jamie, Salt Lake, Utah — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 22:45:33 GMT

When are debates going on regular television, Mr. Williams?

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Angela Aglione, Hawthorne, NY — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 23:13:45 GMT

Jan. 15, 2008
Dear Mr. Williams,

You have always been so professional in reporting the news, so I wonder why a movie actor is now introducing your newscast.
You need no introduction, nor does Nightly News, but more importantly, the aim should be to SEPARATE the news from entertainment.
Adding the date of the broadcast at the beginning would also be helpful to those recording it.
Thank you.

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Jeremy Longman, Columbia, MD — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 23:14:27 GMT

I found it hard to believe that NBC is trying so hard to keep Dennis Kucinich out of the debate. I have never been a fan of Dennis Kucinich, but I always believe that his voice need to be heard by American people. Sure, his poll numbers are low, but it is exactly because the media has never given him a chance to be heard. Obama's poll numbers were not particularly high in the beginning of the campaign, but after the media gave him a free ride, his numbers went up. How can Dennis Kucinich's poll number ever go up if the media is determined not to let him speak up.

Brian, are you sure that our country is a democratic country?

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Ted Lewis — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 23:19:45 GMT

Brian-

FYI-those of us with Verizon FIOS cannot get MSNBC. Therefore not TV Debate Coverage. The MSNBC Web site alludes to the debate being streamed. Thus far, can't find it.

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Craig Mishler — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 23:22:48 GMT

We are appalled that you would disinvite Dennis Kucinich to tonight's tv debate. Even if he has no chance of winning the nomination, he still needs to be heard because he helps to frame the issues, and he represents the views of people like us.

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Mr. Laurend Abraham — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:22:29 GMT

I can not find any thing on here about Baseball and Steroids. But why is the US Government, putting committees, politicians, and other waste of time and tax payer money on the Baseball and Steroids investigation. We have other priority that we can put the time and money into. i.e. education, healthcare etc.
Why not tell MBL that they will be fined $1 million dollars a month if they do not get a solution on the Steroids and Human Growth Drugs, I bet MBL will solve this with in 2 months. And the fines go to the poor school.

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Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:27:13 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Tonight is another eventful evening of debating between the Democratic Candidates. Then the Michigan Primary winner for the Republicans will be decided. Certainly a big night for politics. The format of them asking eachother questions at one point ought to be very interesting and might become somewhat tense depending upon the question. I'm sure you and Mr.Russert will do a great job. Now on to the broadcast. Regarding the report on the three US Warships and the Iranian speedboats,the threats no matter where or who they came from over the airwaves certainly should be considered serious. The video of the speedboats barreling back and forth really close to the warships appeared to look as if they were going to attack. This incident exhibits how dangerous this region whether on land or on water can be to our soldiers in uniform. Anything can be considered a threat and hopefully through proper investigation the authorities will find the answer as to who did this act. Also the bombing in Beirut near the US Embassy was quite alarming news. Thankfully no Americans were hurt or killed. On another note the series "The Truth about Boys and Girls" showed some intersting results, but I was not totally surprised. The boys and girls being in separate math classes seemed to be beneficial to both genders. I can understand that if a girl in particular is quiet then being in an all girl class may give her more encouragement to answer questions as oppossed to the a co-ed class where some boys shout out the answers. It was nice to know the test scores went up and the students overall performance in school was better. Anyway, looking forward to the Democratic Debate this evening. I'm sure it will be very exciting and hopefully the three candidates will not all talk at once and allow eachother to answer all the questions. Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to all!

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Nathan Paulson, Buffalo, NY — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:28:12 GMT

once again, the internet provides what the main stream media will not...drudge reports the michigan exit poll data...Romney 34%, mccain 29%...the media elite lose again

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Jean Bright, Murfreesboro, TN — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:34:47 GMT

What time (Central) will the debate be re-broadcast?

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everyone in America — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:40:10 GMT

HELLO!?!?!? drudge is reporting the exit polls...anyone home at nbc?

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Suzan Pulsifer, Pueblo West, CO 81007 — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:51:45 GMT

Will the Powers That Be let Brian...just for one night... put on a pair of jeans, a shirt with no tie and let him look and feel comfortable? that poor boy looks as though he is stuffed into a suit against his will, he sits so rigid.. let his hair muss up, maybe grow a five o'clock shadow even! come on guys, give us all a break, Brian too! a grandmother in Colorado

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AMERICA — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:57:42 GMT

anybody home, nbc???....drudge is reporting Romney wins....HELLO?!?!?!?!?

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Krish, Sugarland Tx. — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:00:29 GMT

Brian,
You are wonderful and a favorite news anchor ever since I started watching you ever since when Mr.Browkow left his anchor seat. You do report that America's story.I like when you came on SNL. What do you think about the debate? What type of response are you be getting from both sides? What I think I am going to hearing a mix review because both says something else at different times. Hillary became to liberal and includeing Obama. John Mcain is haveing a blast whith his poll ratings going up. I want the Mayor Gullani to win.

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Sarah Clymer, Wyoming, MI — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:27:26 GMT

Anything MSNBC would like to say regarding Dennis Kucinich's absence tonight? For those of you who don't know, Mr. Kucinich was given a formal invitation to participate in the debate tonight. A few days later, his invitation was REVOKED. They simply took it back. Kucinich fought it and managed to have it overturned. Still MSNBC appealed the decision and at the very last minute managed to have Kucinich banned.
Does anyone else think it's absolutely CORRUPT that the people of Nevada and the rest of the country are being denied the right to hear from ALL candidates in this election?
MSNBC, I don't know who you think you are, but you have lost at least ONE viewer. For good.

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zavo henks — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:37:02 GMT

Not allowing Kucinich to appear in the debate is a crime.
You should be ashamed.

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john azevedo, Ojai, Ca. — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:38:38 GMT

It's a sad day for democracy in America. MSNBC got to control the elections and make sure that a real alternative candidate doesn't get heard. Most people don't know there is a monopoly on the media,and NBC is part of a conglomerate that supplies the military and nuclear industries.We all need to support media reform and remind media that they are legally bound to work in the public interest. Excluding Kucinich is not in the public interest.

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Chris, Burlinton, Vermont — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:39:36 GMT

It's great day for democracy ,when Big Media loses some of its' control over the American air waves. I would like to thank Judge Charles Thompson for the way he handled this matter with NBC. I hope Mr.Kucinich kick's ass at the debate tonight.

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Jeff Collins, Woodstock, NY — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:41:33 GMT

How do you justify the decision by your network to un-invite Kucinich? Are you so afraid of what he has to say that you feel the need to muzzle him? This is reprehensible. Let the voters hear the candidates - all of the candidates. As one of you colleagues likes to say, "Shame on you!"

Of course this message will probably never be seen or responded to or allowed to stay on the blog.

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Andrew Levine, Denton, Maryland — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:45:50 GMT

In excluding Dennis Kucinich, General Electric (NBC,MSNBC) is serving its corporate interests, but emphatically not the public interest. Now, among other things, not a word will be said about impeachment, defunding the Bush wars, not for profit single payer health insurance and a host of other "issues" out of line with the corporate agenda of General Electric. Fortunately, the one mildly progressive candidate, John Edwards, has too much support and too much money for GE to exclude him too. Still, it's a victory for the guardians of the regime and the enemies of democracy. Shame on the Nevada Supreme Court (hold me in contempt!) and on the corporate sleeze who marginalize views unfriendly to their self-interest.

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Tiffany S., Larchmont, NY — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:46:35 GMT

What are your thoughts on the participation of national candidate, Rep. Kucinich, in the debate?

Thanks!

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don campbell , Milford, NJ — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:48:02 GMT

Corporate media ; no Kucinich ; some democracy !
Why not have the CEOs of the fortune 500 decide
the U.S. president !

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Jenna, Orlando, Florida — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:54:25 GMT

It breaks my heart to find out that Congressman Kucinich will not be participating in this debate. I was looking forward to watching it because as an avid watcher of Nightly News, I expected you, Mr. Williams, to bring forth a good debate. NBC News/MSNBC has been my preferred news source, but with this exclusion of Congressman Kucinich, I now doubt NBC News/MSNBC's credibility in providing the information that America deserves.

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Jon, Portland, Oregon — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:58:44 GMT

I see you guys won your Nevada court battle with Dennis Kucinich over allowing him to participate in the MSNBC debate tonight. Too bad. The cause of free speech and American democracy has gone down another notch in favor of your narrow corporate self interest. As you so eloquently argued, you have the sole right to determine what goes on your air. Therefore, by virtue of the power you have over the information Americans get, you also have the right to steer how the elections will go. Your promotion of the two pro-corporate Democratic candidates Obama and Clinton over all the others in your supposedly unbiased newscasts has been utterly shameless, and like Fox News, who barred the anti-corporate Ron Paul from the Republican debates, you are using your corporate power to shape the discourse. Too bad you don't realize that government bought and paid for by corporations is brittle, corrupt and will ultimately fail, while a true democracy is strong and self-sustaining, which is in the long run, much better for corporate interests. In the end, we will all have to pay for your shortsightedness.

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Audrey Mercer, Candler, NC — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:59:50 GMT

Barring Kucinich from the debates is a huge mistake because it deprives citizens of a serious viewpoint that deserves to be part of public discussion. When big media and/or corporations exert this type of power, our democracy is threatened, as if it were'nt under enough pressure already from Bush & Co. MSNBC has the privilege of operating on public airwaves - not carte blanche to select only those candidates they approve. This is part of why the media is held in such low esteem by the public, and a news story in itself. Will MSNBC do a story on how they make these kinds of decisions, and the impact on our democracy?

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bruce, san diego,ca — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 02:02:37 GMT

You're complicit in the fascist exercise of your network to exclude Dennis Kucinich from the debate. And you're a whore to keep working for such an organization.

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Michael Mann, Santa Cruz, CA — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 02:08:02 GMT

I was really looking forward to hearing Dennis Kucinich's viewpoints in this debate. Your level best seems rather limiting to many of us progressives that are not satisfied with the "top 3" voices that you are peddling as the only true choices for a democratic field. Get real - debates should allow for truly divergent viewpoints. Shame on you, MSNBC, and the Nevada Supreme Court for narrowing the viewpoints considered acceptable in a critical race...

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LB-Hartford CT — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 02:16:58 GMT

The so called News Media wins one and the American public loose another. The media no longer investigates issues, rather it attempts to sway it's viewers. Unfortunate that the people's opinions no longer matter, what matters is the format over content. Shame on NBC!!!

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al, new orleans — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 02:18:12 GMT

is it a victory for democracy when you limit candidates in your debate?
just curious

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Jeff Collins, Woodstock, NY — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 02:20:27 GMT

Are you now censoring all comments concerning Kucinich just like you censored him? You call yourself a newsman...

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Lois Davis, Chico, California — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 02:23:41 GMT

It is a shame you have excluded Dennis from the Los Vegas debates.

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Kathy, Washington, DC — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 02:25:35 GMT

I had planned to watch the debate but decided not to after hearing that Kucinich would not be part of it. I'm really tired of the news media using their own criteria to decide what candidates should be heard -- and I'm a journalist, too. Exclusion to make a good show/story is not what this country is supposed to be about.

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Web Smith, San Jose, CA — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 02:28:38 GMT

I won't be watching any media event staged by any media company that presumes that it's rights supersede the rights of the people. I would not vote for Dennis but I will support his right to speak and the right of his supporters to hear what he has to say. When you give the right to free speech to everyone, sometimes you learn that you are wrong and your life becomes better. This is a Constitutional Republic where the rights and concerns of the majority are supposed to be protected.

Corke - "Well quite frankly, because those are the probable candidates. That pool is the most viable pool."

There was once a guy who felt like his gene pool was the most viable.

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d reeder — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 02:31:45 GMT

Who cares!
America is not longer the democratic country my father was disabled fighting in the war for. No longer the country my brother in the army died for.
When GE can decide who American voters are allowed to hear, our democracy is dead.
I don't know whether I would vote for Kucinich or not, but I know what's fair and what isn't. And I know I wanted the chance to at least hear from him, and for the other candiates to be addressed by him. But NBC isn't fair to the American voters. So much for corporations that control our news media on our public air waves.
So much for watching NBC news or ABC news. You are bad "citizens" and I am finished with all of you.

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Jane, Seattle, Wash. — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 02:32:11 GMT

Dick move pulling Kucinich, NBC. It's a shame, I really liked Conan. Good thing everything else is garbage.

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Lisa Staib, Oakton, VA — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 02:33:02 GMT

I am currently watching the Democratic debate. I am so disappointed in the NBC moderators (Brian Williams and Tim Russert). They seem to be more concerned with pitting the candidates against each other and trying to spark a headline than helping the viewers learn more about the candidates' positions on issues. Why not have debates devoted to a single topic at a time: immigration, education, health care. We do need to know how the candidates differ instead of watching them "dance" while trying to answer these ridiculous questions. Shame on NBC!

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L Werner, Alexandria, VA — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 02:37:49 GMT

Brian & Team - I love Nightly News and respect the work you do. However, why was the first half hour of the debate lastnight spent hand holding the candidates through their talking points? When we are at the stage in the race, let's get straight to the meat and figure out where they differ and how!

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Diana Shannon, Chicago, IL — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 02:51:46 GMT

Yes, it must have been a busy day in Nevada, Brian...What with the reneging of the invitation to Dennis Kucinich to appear in the debate, and just completely blowing off Gravel. Last time I checked, they were both still candidates for the Democratic nomination. How dare MSNBC/NBC dictate which candidates the voters are exposed to in a debate! Gravel's and Kucinich's views are just as important as the big three candiates opinions. Unfortunately, I am not surprised, as "The Fourth Estate" died a long time ago--when the news divisions became more interested in making money than fulfilling their duty to REPORT THE NEWS and act as a check and balance in our democratic process. SHAME ON YOU AND YOUR "NEWS" ORGANIZATION, Mr. Williams.

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robert donfeld, tucson, arizona — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 02:54:35 GMT

Why did you not require the candidates to answer the questions asked. You asked questions, their answers were typically "on message" and not relevant to the specific question asked. Just once, Id love to see you say, "Senator, you didnt answer the question".

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Marc, Austin, Texas — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 03:06:02 GMT

Due to the exclusion of Congressman Kucinich from the debate, I will no longer watch MSNBC and encourage others to follow suit. You make FOX news tame by comparison.

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Andy B, New York — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 03:15:41 GMT

Brian, the first half-hour of the debate demonstrated everything that incenses people about press coverage of the campaign. What were you and Tim thinking? I expected better from you.

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Ken Anderson — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 03:20:20 GMT

MSNBC. You shot yourselves in the collective foot trying to get a better show from the "top three" Your show was soo bland. Dennis would have been there to keep the others honest. also, why no questions about the HS mandate of ID cards? As of the time of this post at least.

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Fran Visco, Philadelphia, Pa. — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 03:22:57 GMT

With the economic problems facing this country, with so many, too many, of our men and women dying in Iraq, with 50 million uninsured, Brian Williams decides to ask about internet discussions of religion? Shame on him. And what a shame that our "journalism" has become so diminished.

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Sean Upton — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 03:26:57 GMT

Let us be quite clear that neither the media nor politics exist in a vacuum. Pairing down the debates to the three "likely" candidates is expression of a viewpoint. Is the broadcast of the debate journalism or simply a marketing endeavor? Those of us who vote on Super Tuesday (read: the majority of NBC viewers) are being discounted by selection bias NBC expresses - in the self-important sense that folks who work in national media are really the ones that make Presidents. I've worked in the news media business for 10 years, and have a background in argumentation -- and from both angles, this looks like a low point for your network's news operations.

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Robb modica, Rockville, MD — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 03:29:26 GMT

Being a religious viewer of the Nightly News, I constantly hear about the number of emails you receive on a topic. However I have spent the past 20 minutes trying to find an email address for Brian Williams and cannot do so. Therefore I am choosing to post my comment here:

Brian, Your characterization of Barrack's "question" to Sen. Edwards during the debate tonight was a disgrace. You forced his response to the Senator during a discussion to be considered a question because your network was going to a commercial and as such unfairly denied Barrack the chance to frame the debate as the other two candidates had done. I hope at the very least you apologize to the campaign for this mistake.

NOTE: Please forward to Brian Williams if this is not the appropriate forum.

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Fritz Oehler, — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 03:30:02 GMT

Kucinich should have been there. He is a very serious and important candidate, whether you know it or not. It's not for you to decide who should be heard. These are OUR airwaves, and WE want to hear from all the candidates. It's not for you to single out and choose who wins, because this is still (barely) called "Democracy" here ... You behaved wrongly.

Kucinich on the issues: http://www.dennis4president.com/go/issues/

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Chris, Topeka — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 03:57:53 GMT

This debate is a breath of fresh air. It's civil, interesting and informative. Kucinich would have been there if he'd been 1,2,or 3 in any contest to date. It's as simple as that.

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S. Brady, St. Augustine Beach , Fl — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 04:23:25 GMT

Obama continues to talk the talk with no plan of action. Obama is a good speaker (he should be,after all he is a professor. Someone has to keep those students entertained for an hour.) It will take more than "pretty" words to fix this mess-it takes action. Our country is in the worst state it has ever been in. We need someone with a plan and Hillary has proven she has one. Once again-Leave it to a woman to fix a man's mess. I just wished my vote counted!!

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Cindy Lyle — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 04:38:28 GMT

Concerning Tuesday's segment on the "truth" about boys and girls, my family was surprised at the apparent total lack of interest in how girls were affected by the "more traditional" math instruction they were assigned in the classrooms you featured. My daughter and I agreed that we would both have benefited more from the innovative, hands-on activities the boys were given. Certainly many girls would be more motivated with the hands-on, game-like activities that improved boys' scores. Why were no data offered as to the girls' scores? In my generation, girls were not expected to do well in math. Has that changed? Why were the girls in the classroom you featured stuck with the traditional (ie, boring) mode of math instruction?

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Cindy Lyle, San Diego, CA — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 04:39:47 GMT

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LDC,Canada — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 04:53:16 GMT

As always after any debate,Chris matthews very loudly and aggresively pointing to Hillary Clinton as the winner and at this time ,proclaimed wiiner of Democratic nomination because of strong pointing to Bush! This is just a justification that MSNBC brought along this debate to get ratings and not to bring the issues that will benefit the american people!
Mr Matthews seems ignore the fact that that Hillary been bringing on this debate she has been bringing along ever since she launched her campaign.
Would like to asked him what makes her to be the winner?
For me, the debate is just a love affair...

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Loren Depping, Salem, Oregon — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 04:58:20 GMT

How does this square: Dennis Kucinich does better than Rudy Giuliani tonight in Michigan; he did comparably well when compared to Giuliani in Iowa. Giuliani's campaign is nearly broke, while Kucinich's is not (because he's running it on a shoestring, admittedly). Yet, somehow, Giuliani is still taken seriously enough to appear in debates and be considered capable of winning his party's nomination, while MSNBC retracts its invitation to Kucinich in Nevada. I smell "double-standard" here.

Could it be that MSNBC and its corporate master, GE, feel that Kucinich would have been too big a threat to them with his anti-corporate message? Or maybe he would've made the other three candidates actually answer some difficult questions tonight when it came his turn to pose them.

Lord knows, neither Williams nor Russert were interested in the issues through the majority of the debate--what was up with all the race-baiting, "keep the conflict alive" questions at the beginning?

This "debate" was a sham. I didn't want to believe it, but I'm beginning to think it's true: corporate America has already chosen who we will be allowed to vote for in 2008. The "press" is just prolonging the charade. It comes down to which two candidates create the best horserace (that is, sell the most advertising) for the next several months. The actual issues be damned. So much for democracy.

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LDC,Canada — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 05:00:46 GMT

Am watching comments by Chris Matthews after the debate ,stating that Hillary Clinton emerge as a winner w/a display of presumed winner as a Dem nominee!
I do not see any differenceon what she has been saying all along on her campaign and on this debate..and further more there is no energy except that all along there seems to be a love affair amongst these 3!
I lsot my admiration to Chris Matthews tonight!

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Suzanne Shermer, Highland Village, Texas — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 05:02:16 GMT

Dear Brian Williams
I just wanted to tell you, Tim Russert and the rest of the MSNBC/NBC staff how wonderful all of you were tonight. My personal view on tonight's debate is it was the best one so far. The questions were spot on! Once again, Good Job!

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Robert, Chicago, IL — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 05:06:02 GMT

Kucinich, Kucinich, Kucinich.

Shame on you, MSNBC.

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Andrew Bauer, New York, NY — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 05:06:25 GMT

Kudos to previous posters who have already written what I had wanted to: a television network deciding who's the likeliest candidate is not at all in the interest of voters. Hearing all the candidates, especially those discussing issues none of the so-called front-runners will give voice to, allows voters to decide for themselves. It's not just NBC, I am aware; I had just hoped all of the "It's anybody's race" headlines that cropped up after these first Democratic primaries weren't nonsense. The NY Times claims the network will frame the State Supreme Court's decision as a victory for the First Amendment... that's, sadly, a laugh.

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Lawrence Walker, Kerrville, Texas — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 05:08:34 GMT

There are many of us who may well be voting for one of the "top three" candidates who still would prefer, this early in the year, that Rep. Kucinich be included in the debates. He has an important role to play in challenging the others on central and essential issues. Plus, the legal fight to exclude him makes NBC look like it, the network, is deciding whose campaigns are no longer relevant or viable.

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D. Hancock, MA — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 06:38:49 GMT

MSNBC serves its own interests over the public welfare. To be a responsible member of the fourth estate, the network needs to value truth, honesty, and the democratic process more than it values it's profits, political access, and standing in the corporate community.

While I write what many others write, that the exclusion of Dennis Kucinich from the debate makes a mockery of the event, I also suspect that such words make little difference to MSNBC (or likely to Brian Williams). Kucinich was excluded not because he is not a viable candidate, but because MSNBC doesn't particularly want him to be one, and by their light he is not. Unfortunately, the progressive issues that Kucinich addresses will not be discussed.

In such a way is the range of public opinion manipulated by MSNBC and the major networks. In such a way is consent manufactured. The shame of it is that many executives are selected in part for the attitude that such behavior is best. Corporate success is frequently granted to those who possess a moral vacuum and toe the company line. They will never really understand the public outcry, or even hear it. One day in their old age they may wake up in and realize that they have wasted their lives. If the world is still around by then.

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Tobie — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 06:39:09 GMT

I doubt that many people would instantaneously change their vote after hearing from Kucinich had he been in this debate. If theres one thing Kucinich will never do, it is admit that he will not be a front runner in the presidential primary. Richardson's numbers looked astronomical compared with his, yet he (Kucinich) has not dropped out yet. With that said, Brian Williams I'm sure has little power over who will be in this debate. To the post above mine by Lawrence Walker, I personally believe when a candidate gets less than 10 times the votes that Hillary Clinton and Uncommitted get from the State of Michigan, I can easily see why a campaign can then become viewed as no longer relevant or viable. I do not know who came up with the idea for the candidates to ask questions amongst themselves, but I thought it was very revealing and summed up the tone of the debate.

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Jackie Rawlings Riverside California — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 06:52:18 GMT

I was glad the candidate went above the Tim Russert race topic. I wish Tim had read about the Civil Rights movement as he didn't pay attention when it happen. Hillary is a leader and showed it tonight.

Good to see US Treasury Secretary Paulson hired Alan Greenspan as an adviser for his personal company. No wonder Goldman Sachs and Paulson and company are making big bucks as it's good to know the inside answers. It paid off for Paulson by being appointed by the Bush Administration. Is it a crime to have the US Treasury job while using the information for your personal business?

President Bush again asked his Saudi friends for oil and yet again they said no. You really can't blame them as the US is giving the Saudis the missiles they asked for.

I love the way the White House keeps saying the economy is strong as we see the Stock Market fall and the dollar drop lower. Yes even Citi Corp. is laying off thousands of employees as the White House gives jobs to the Iraq people with US taxpayers money.

Now I hope we can move on as the world knows the fake story the US told about Iran. With all the lies no wonder the US can't be trusted anymore.

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Brian Emery Henderson, Nevada — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 07:30:48 GMT

I am a huge NBC news viewer. I watch Today show, Nightly News, and I got to record Meet the Press every Sunday. I wish I could have attended the debate tonight at Cashman Center. Perhaps future debates could be held in a larger venue- such as UNLV Thomas Mack Arena so more fans and voters can attend. My mother and I attended Senator Hillary Clintons' post debate rally. She is not as cold and calculating like the media portrays here out to be. I'm confident she will make a great President and Commander-in-Chief.

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Carol V. Hamilton, Pittsburgh, PA — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:30:19 GMT

I was disappointed by the exclusion of Kucinich and also by the first segment of questions, which were all about trivial fusses between rival campaigns, such as "Senator Clinton, do you regret saying..." & "Mark Rich wrote that you, Senator Obama, behaved badly when you said..."

Why not ask substantive & specific questions about domestic and national policy? You could have used Paul Krugman's criticisms about the candidates' health care proposals, for example. You might have consulted American historians and political scientists for ideas. I write for History News Network, which would be a good source for you of historically-informed opinion pieces on the candidates and their platforms.

Tim Russert dismayed me when he asked the candidates to require ROTC on college campuses. I taught at a small college; it was disconcerting to see young people with rifles marching about among other young people with books. It felt like a violation of the mission and atmosphere of a college campus.

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meredith mc kinney — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 09:26:38 GMT

I'm disappointed that the commentators, esp. Olbermann and Matthews, didn't comment about or apologize for the vigor with which NBC acted to suppress the voice of Dennis Kucinich by dis-inviting him and appealing a judge's decision....it must have been very important to NBC that Kucinich not be part of the debate.....Does anyone now why?

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Walter Tsou — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 09:50:26 GMT

Since when did MSNBC get to preordain who will be the next President? I thought that was the decision of the voters? The repeated denial of Kucinich from the debates means no voice for single payer health insurance even though virtually every survey shows health care as the top domestic issue and single payer is the preferred choice by the public and the least favored by the insurance lobby. Could MSNBC be shills for the insurance lobby? Nah, they wouldn't stoop that low, would they?

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Sam, Flint, MI — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:14:28 GMT

The fact that Dennis Kucinich was left out of the debate, made this lack luster and a Joke of a Debate.

I love Keith Oberman, but I will no longer be watching MSNBC because of the exclusion of Congressman Kucinich. What is the difference between what was done here and what FOX News does everyday.

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Dave Watkins, Ann Arbor, MI — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:07:41 GMT

Now that NBC and Fox are deciding who the "viable" candidates are, just tell us so we can skip the whole primary and convention process and cut directly to the chase--a la American Idol--with on-line voting.
I am sure the networks are the best judge of "viability", right?
You'll forgive me for not praising the "debate"--aka "Group Hug"--I have not watched it in protest.

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Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:17:46 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Williams, This is my second attempt at posting from last evening. Last night was another eventful evening of debating between the Democratic Candidates. Then the Michigan Primary winner for the Republicans was decided with Romney winning. You and Mr.Russert did a great job at moderating the debate last evening. Now on to last evenings broadcast. Regarding the report on the three US warships and the Iranian speedboats,the threats no matter where or who they came from over the airwaves certainly should be considered serious. The video of the speedboats barreling back and forth really close to the warships appeared to look as if they were going to attack. This incident exhibits how dangerous this region whether on land or water can be to our soldiers in uniform. Anything can be considered a threat and hopefully through proper investgation the authorities will find the answer as to who did this act. Also the bombing in Beirut near the US Embassy was quite alarming news. Thankfully no Americans were hurt or killed. On another note the series "The Truth about Boys and Girls" showed some interesting results, but I was not totally surprised. The boys and girls being in separate classrooms seemed beneficial to both genders. I can understand that if a girl is quiet then being in an all girl class may give her more encouragement to answer questions as oppossed to the co-ed classes where some boys may shout out answer. Anyway, Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Wililams and the moderation of last evenings debate. Great Job! Peace to all!

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Mareen Tamaqua, PA. — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:23:46 GMT

NBC/MSNBC used to be my favorite news show. Not any more! Deciding for the public that we don't want to hear all the candidates takes away from our First Amendment. I am now looking at other networks for my television pleasure. Goodbye!

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Jim Boyle, Wells Maine — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:22:40 GMT

The debate heckler was right on. Race-baiting and prolonging this story which the media loves were the purpose of the first half hour's questions. Demeaning of the process, an insult to the candidates, and dimishing yourself Brian. Tim does this for a living on Sunday mornings, but you are admired for being a man of character. Please listen to the candidates and try to stick to the issues, elevate the tone and don't embarrass me again when I ask my kids to watch a debate with me.

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Ted Mastrandonas — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:36:53 GMT

I vote to boycott NBC, MSNBC, and GE. A corporation should not be able to decide who the American people hear from! Excluding Kucinich is something I would have expected from a communist or dictatorship run country. What we got was a bland, safe debate, that brought out nothing new. In the future debates should be held by a non-profit organization. Shame on you Brian Williams.

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Armando, Long Beach, CA — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:13:39 GMT

I find it highly suspect that MSNBC decided to limit the candidates invited to this recent democratic debate. I've always consider NBC one the best sources of impartial reporting, especially Brian Williams. I firmly believe they have succumbed to the corporate interests protecting the health care industry, professional lobbyists, and those who would suffer from a potential Kucinich candidacy. If we truly believe in democracy and bringing democracy to other parts the world (Iraq, Africa, etc) doesn't it seem corrosive that privately-owned companies are limiting our choices for democraticly held elections? Contrary to what our founding fathers wanted this goes to prove that we are currently a country of the rich and powerful, where every vote is not counted equal. Is anyone suprised by the lack of coverage in the country by what is going on in Iraq? Dennis Kucinich being excluded is another symptom of our sick democracy. Since financial decisions seem to supercede democratic ones and the only decisions you seem to understand, I'm no longer going to patronize NBC, MSNBC, Nightly News or Microsoft. Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion.

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Armando, Long Beach, CA — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:17:16 GMT

I find it highly suspect that MSNBC decided to limit the candidates invited to this recent democratic debate. I've always considered NBC one the best sources of impartial reporting, especially Brian Williams. I firmly believe they have succumbed to the corporate interests protecting the health care industry, professional lobbyists, and those who would suffer from a potential Kucinich candidacy. If we truly believe in democracy and bringing democracy to other parts the world (Iraq, Africa, etc) doesn't it seem corrosive that privately-owned companies are limiting our choices for democraticly held elections? Contrary to what our founding fathers wanted this goes to prove that we are currently a country of the rich and powerful, where every vote is not counted equal. Is anyone suprised by the lack of coverage in this country of what is going on in Iraq? Dennis Kucinich being excluded is another symptom of our sick democracy. Since financial decisions seem to supercede democratic ones and the only decisions you seem to understand, I'm no longer going to patronize NBC, MSNBC, Nightly News or Microsoft. Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion.

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Cindy Knope, Hilton NY — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:58:18 GMT

Brian Williams, Keith Olbermann, NBC, MSNBC, Democratic party and candidates - you have lost any integrity you have left with this shameful coup against free speech and the right of the people to hear from and make up our own minds about the candidates. You serve your corporate masters but not the people. I will vote Kucinich and then Green this year and NBC and MSNBC will not be viewed in my home again. I didn't think I could still be outraged, but I was wrong...

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Michael Shashoua, Forest Hills, N.Y. — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:03:08 GMT

MSNBC has no right deciding to exclude Kucinich from the debate. I'm not a Kucinich supporter, but I think it's wrong -- he's still a recognized candidate and has the right to take part.

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Erin Haagenson — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:16:30 GMT

Exciting debtate last night. Right, there wasn't any debate, since the only real Democrat wasn't allowed to be in it. Well Kucinich has my full support now, since the powers that be want to silence him, it only makes his message that much more powerful.

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Lee Seglem, Yardley, pa. — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:31:31 GMT

Brian Williams and Tim Russert were so intent on sifting through the trivial minutiae of political "process" during last night's debate that the key substantive issues in this campaign were lost in the weeds. Some of the questions were inane and downright immature, especially the business about whether Obama regretted his statement about Hillary's popularity among voters. At one point, it sounded like you were moderating a middle school student council election -- "Bobby, are you sorry you told Susie that the other kids don't like her?" C'mon guys, knock it off and get real. The voters and the candidates deserve better.

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ELC, Portland, OR — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:46:20 GMT

In answer to Meredith above: The whole "since Kucinich won't be elected it is a waste of time to include him" really does convince some people. Presumably people who haven't thought about it very hard.

But the bottom line is probably that GE owns NBC, GE makes massive money off the war, and Kucinich is the purest anti-war voice out there.

I'm not saying anyone actually said "He's bad for business so leave him out of it" -- organizational bias really never has to be made explicit like that. Just consider that the higher you go up the corporate food-chain, the less popular Kucinich is likely to be, generally speaking. That is going to lend a certain appeal to any notions that just happpen to be bad for Kucinich.

It's a pity that at this juncture "bad for Kucinich" pretty well equates to "bad for America".

And, as others have said, I like Olbermann, but this is beyond the pale and I think I have to be done with nbc just as I am with abc. But since corporate media is pretty near useless for real news these days, that really doesn't mean too much of a loss.

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Daniel, Seattle WA — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:50:38 GMT

The exclusion of Congressman Kucinich is a tactical and moral mistake from a network trying to chip into FOX News. Instead you seem to be emulating them.

That a major news organization would do that is unAmerican and you should be embarrassed to be a part of it.

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Mark, Vancouver, WA — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:35:47 GMT

Shame on MSNBC for sinking down to FOX News level in deciding which candidates we, the people, should be listening to. Your credibility in the light of recent events has diminished greatly. If I wanted to be fed what to think, I'd just turn over to FOX News.

Mr. Williams and Mr. Russert should be ashamed to be associated with this action. It is a disservice to the American people.

Beyond the simple breach of contract, that MSNBC should base its decisions on what < 1% of Americans have decided upon -- is it any wonder we have the kind of crappy politics that exist today?

Mr. Kucinich and Dr. Paul both deserve to be heard at this stage in the political process.

I don't know if I can call MSNBC a news organization any longer. They are no better than FOX News (in their exclusion of Dr. Paul). Instead, MSNBC has helped "fix" the election by creating criteria based on < 1% of Americans. Our democracy is in enough trouble -- we don't need the likes of MSNBC (along with FOX News) deciding which candidates are viable.

I have lost all faith in Mr. Williams and Mr. Russert. Both should be ashamed to have associated themselves with this. You have done a disservice to this country and the democratic process in general.

*For the record, I am not a supporter of Mr. Kucinich or Dr. Paul -- but I do think their ideas are worth serious consideration.

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C D, Custer, WA — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:43:50 GMT

I'm disgusted MSNBC is muzzling Dennis Kucinich by excluding him from the debate. And I'm not even voting for him! If you didn't have Olberman, I'd never watch MSNBC again.

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Fernando — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:17:29 GMT

Dennis Kucinich should be allowed to be in the debate. Mr. Williams do you really expect the voter to believe that NBC is not baised as hell! We are not children and we can decide for our selves who is a viable candidate. this is the problem with corporate media today. Get it togehter or the people will!

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Michael S. Long Island, NY — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:55:38 GMT

I'm a top 3 supporter. And shame on msnbc for not allowing Kucinich to talk about issues.

Since when does the media get to inject itself into this??? I'm totally livid.

Used to watch msnbc and Matthews. I'm very much changing that tune. How Un-American, biased, and last unprofessional journalistically. Please bring back Cronkite and the old school journalists.

Completely Shameful!!!

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Jan Hura, Cleveland, OH — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 19:34:16 GMT

I have watched NBC for my entire adult life. I am so disappointed and angry with the MSNBC staff, Tim Russert and you for the way you are handling the primary coverage. Tim Russert and the boys on MSNBC almost noticeably drool with venom when they talk to or about Senator Clinton. it is too bad you are trying to make the news instead of reporting it. Is it because GE owns these stations or because she is a woman that she is treated so poorly. You soft ball Senator Obama and ignore Senator Edwards. We won't even mention how you treated Dennis Kucinich. Between MSNBC and people like Lou Dobbs, the "news" is a poor choice of terms. Opinion shows are more like it. Oh for the days of Walter Cronchite, Huntley & Brinkley, etc. who knew how to report the news.

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Janice Lentz, Palos Verdes, CA — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 19:34:21 GMT

I'm hoping that this email actually gets to Brian Williams-it has to with a piece I saw last February that Anne Thompson did shortly after my mother was diagnosed with an Autoimmune disease. My father is a WWII veteran. I passed this information on to him and he said he checked into it and was told he was not eligible. Basically I let it drop until now. My mother has had a rough year with her disease and has now fractured her sacrum. She has to have complete bed rest and needs to have a nurse come to the house to get her up and help her move everyday so that she doesn't develop blood clots or bed sores. Medicare will pay for one hour of nursing care a day.

When I called the VA to find out about my parents eligibility I was told that unless my father was disabled my mother was not entitled to any benefit. The way your story was presented there was no mention whatsoever pertaining to the veteran being the one who was disabled! When I told the person I was speaking to this she said that they had no control over the way stories were represented on television and that the program did not tell the story properly! This I find not only appalling I am sincerely disappointed that my father served this country during the war and he's not entitled to any help that is there for this purpose and would relieve some of the burden on him for the care for my mother. Thank you, Janice Lentz

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Linda Littrell, Saint Paul, MN — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 21:18:01 GMT

I won't be watching NBC News tonight or for the foreseeable future, but will still find myself curious to know if Brian will acknowledge all the emails telling him and NBC what an odious choice they have made, inviting and then de-inviting Kucinich. Who are you to decide who is viable or not viable when the candidate in question is clearly a nationally recognized legitimate candidate? And that he would be included when Richardson was still in, and then excluded because you decided you did not want his view aired--based up YOUR first amendendment rights??? This is inexcusable. You are the shills for your master company GE.

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Greg Kanaga San Mateo, Ca. — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 21:18:08 GMT

Excluding Dennis Kucinich from the debate confirms what many Americans all ready know; that networks owned by companies like GE serve the interest of the corporation and not the people. Shame on you.

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Greg Kanaga San Mateo — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 21:31:59 GMT

You can view Kucinich's response to the questions posed in Las Vegas at Democracy Now; broadcast on Link TV and on line at democracynow.org

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D. Hancock, MA — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:29:48 GMT

Without Kucinich, the Democrats were all in agreement on Iraq, as reported by Matt Renner on Truthout.com:

"All said they all would begin a limited withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, but with their opportunity to discuss Iraq limited by the debate organizers, Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and former Sen. John Edwards spent only a few minutes on what may be the most difficult issue they will deal with if elected."

Without Kucinich, the spectrum of the debate on issues such as health care and Iraq is considerably smaller. Even before his exclusion, Kucinich said on Bill Moyer's Journal that the only way he could get certain issues into the debate was to ask himself a question, which he did. By cutting him out of the debate, MSNBC and ABC have hurt his electability; ironically his electability problem has less to do with public support and more to do with big media cutting him out. It becomes a kind of self-fullfilling prophecy. He may not have been the frontrunner, but he may well have challenged Edwards for the 3rd spot if he had been included and treated seriously. The fact that his numbers were above those of some candidates who were treated more seriously leads to a very good question: Why does corporate media want him out of the race?

That is the biggest issue to arise out of the debate debacle. We should not trust ABC or MSNBC until they give this question a serious answer. Nor should we buy the viability argument: they've been working to make it that way. Instead let us ask, are these the people we should be relying on for our information?

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John Lorang, Eugene, OR — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 03:31:51 GMT

I have to say that I am encouraged... not by MSNBC, but by many of the posts I've just read. I've been looking for a venue to express my disgust at not seeing Dennis Kucinich in the recent debates. I'm encouraged to see that many others have expressed the same. Add my name to the list. MSNBC, please amend your ways. I don't watch Fox and don't want to run out of places to get news in which I can put some level of trust. I just lost a lot of faith and trust in MSNBC. Keeping Dennis Kucinich out of the debates makes you a newsmaker instead of a news reporter. Shame on you!

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Cyndi Sayce, Portland OR — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 04:35:52 GMT

Loved the piece on how to pronounce Nevada. Now, would you consider tackling "Orygun"? As we say out west, "Ore-GONE" is still in the same place it's always been...

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Robert Cunningham, La Mirada, CA — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 07:50:24 GMT

MSNBC made the choice to uninvite Dennis Kucinich from the Las Vegas debate. Today, I made the choice to uninvite MSNBC into my home, so I purposely downgraded my satellite programming to delete MSNBC, and I save ten bucks a month. I will miss Keith Olbermann a little, but I choose to vote with my feet and my wallet. See ya!

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Arthur W. Knapp, Walnut Creek, California — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:07:17 GMT

My comment is a request. Enough with the debates!
They are boring; they are merely a media show (an
attempt to make the media look relevant) and the
responses are largely sound bites and comments that
the candidates think people want to hear and they
are not necessarily what the candidate really believes. Stick to the news; that is what you and
your cohorts are really good at.

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Donald W Hampton Jr — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:20:28 GMT

Thanks for your segment "Making a Difference" tonight Julu 27, 2009. Kids really do searve too. I am 53 years old and my father was in the US AirForce for 21 years. He served for a year in Viet Nam. We were ambasadors for our country where ever we went. Our last tour of Duty was Weisbaden Germany.There was always a special bond between us BRATS, especially while our Dad's were deployed.

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Dennis Morgan, Hopkins, SC — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:39:25 GMT

The fall of the Berlin wall was one of the main accomplishments of Ronald Raegan. It is sad that his name was not even mentioned during NBC's coverage of this event.