The Daily Nightly began on May 31, 2005. As Brian wrote in his first post it aims to provide a narrative of the broadcast day and a window into the editorial process at NBC Nightly News. Brian weighs in every weekday and NBC News correspondents and producers post regularly.
Brian Williams became the seventh anchor and managing editor in the history of NBC Nightly News on December 2, 2004. Read his full biography.
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...The captain has turned on the seatbelt sign, indicating our initial descent into Baghdad. The White House press pool reports describing the skulduggery-laden presidential trip to Iraq are overflowing in detail, super-secrecy and the element of surprise, right down to the president's personal use of the Air Force One public address system — to announce ("POTUS on board!") his own arrival. Tonight, we'll have the trip covered from start to finish, from Jim Maceda and David Gregory. We also hope to offer an accurate assesment of the challenges facing American G.I.s on the streets of Iraq these days, (in fact, during the president's visit) as our own Mike Boettcher rides along with the 101st Airborne — a storied group of first-rate soldiers who I might add took great care of us during our first trip at the very start of the fighting.
For about an hour there, Karl Rove was the lead story. A rather public sigh of relief today for "the Architect" as some are theorizing this marks the de facto end of the Fitzgerald investigation. Lisa Myers will have that for us tonight.
Chip Reid has quite a story for us tonight -- a sad one, actually -- on those who found a way to profit from government generosity after Katrina. We have another story in the broadcast tonight on a related theme: the cost of good intentions -- only this story concerns adoption, and ways it can go wrong. Also tonight, a new U.S. warship with a very special heritage...and the long voyage its been through before even setting out to sea for the first time.
Belatedly, I wanted to say it was an honor to be with my fellow race fans on a cold and rainy Saturday morning this past weekend at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut, to see what was billed as Paul Newman's "last race". Behind the wheel of his No. 81 Corvette in the GT class. He was running a stout second until his power steering went south after 12 laps. From that point forward, it was like driving a snow plow.
Then there was some "contact" (my favorite racing euphemism) on the back portion of the track, and then the veteran was forced to call it a day -- after a heroic showing of upper-body strength in just navigating his car around the track -- with about three laps to go before the finish. I have my own thoughts as to whether or not this highly capable and competitive driver, whose age just happens to match his car number, will allow Saturday to stand as his last outing against other drivers.
I first saw him race at a track in Summit Point, W.V., in 1979. He was always listed in the program as "P.L. Newman" -- because from the moment he puts his helmet on, he has, correctly, always wanted to be judged only by what he accomplishes on the track. He knows and loves cars and respects the dangers and responsibilities that come with driving fast. His fans and fellow drivers can't ask for any more than that, whatever his age happens to be.
We have a full broadcast tonight and I hope you'll join us.
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Inside our ERs
Thanks! for the story on Project Linus. We have a wonderful chapter here in Lancaster County, PA. It's a great organization for both blanketeers and the children. Our little band of retirement community quilters made over 400 quilts just last year. It's surely not charity work when we have this much fun!
Nancy McHenry, Columbia, PA (Sent Jan 20, 2007 8:21:39 AM)
Photo-Op George was at it again! It used to be that underlings had to pull-off such overnighters such as this(remember Rice and Straw last time?) but when you are on a roll, and the republican party has been remiss of that for some time, you have to make hay while you can. A-Zarkawi's death was appreciated since he was a combatant. But George wants to ride the good times of his aid Rove's not indictment of the Plame controversy. And if that means an all nighter on Air Force One and a meeting in Iraq without the fake turkey this time, he is up for it. But when all this hooplah is over with, the country still has to come to terms over the cost and who bears it( and its not the wealthy). Another nearly $100 billion has been appropriated for the Iraq conflict as well as other catch-all things.It is the middle class that will bear the cost of this ridiculous exchange of standards of living, and the Iraqis apparently do not want it. So, George is taking our middle class standard of living, offering it to the Iraqis, and essentially having this all wasted on a country, a tribal country, that does not appreciate its value. If it hasn't occurred to anybody out there, George is a give-away artist, not his legacy, ours! The man is saving his own face at the expense of our middle class and that is all!
(Sent Jun 14, 2006 4:26:35 PM)
Your intro, last night, describing the President's secret trip to Baghdad, using words such as 'deception' and'skullduggery' betray your networks HATRED of this Administration. This is ONE MORE example why FOX news is number one.
S Foresman (Sent Jun 14, 2006 1:39:35 PM)
How can you compare a 5-hour Feel Good trip with weeks and months of on-the-ground efforts to help people who really need it? Iraq is becoming as desperate as Africa, but that's entirely the fault of the US.
Bono walked around unprotected (as far as I know). Bush can't even be allowed to see protesters, his "constitution" is so delicate, let alone let his face be seen on the Avenue of the Welcomed Liberators.
Bono is solving problems - Bush creates them.
Suicide - a stunt
Law makers yelling at imbiciles at the VA - a stunt.
George's 5 hour secret visit - Earth-saving gesture that will be remembered for decades.
Some of you people need remedial lessons in telling a liar from a leader. He created the problem - remember?
Lee Steele Mountain View, CA (Sent Jun 14, 2006 12:37:40 PM)
Brian,
Your broadcast last night characterizing President Bush's trip to Iraq as a "photo opportunity" not only disrespects our Commander In Chief but our troops, our nation, and the Iraqi people.
CCK (Sent Jun 14, 2006 10:40:26 AM)
Brian,
David Gregory's commentary concerning president Bush's visit to Iraq was very disconcerning. He tried to say it was just a stunt like the "Mission Accomplished" visit to the U.S.S. Lincoln.
A more balanced report might have commented that Mr. Bush's visit was more important to the folks of the middle east, especially Iraq, than Bono's visit with you to Africa.
-Christopher
Christopher (Sent Jun 13, 2006 10:00:25 PM)
Bush say something similar when he said today about Prime Minister Nouri I LOOKED INTO HIS EYES. THIS IS SOMEBODY WHO IS DETERMINED TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THE IRAQI PEOPLE and when he met Russian President Putin: I LOOKED INTO HIS EYES AND GOT A SENSE OF HIS SOUL.
Bush believed in Putin when he said that and we all know how wrong he is about Putin.
Bush keeps saying he goes with his gut about people. Let's hope he is right this time.
Dewey Quong, Reno, NV (Sent Jun 13, 2006 9:06:23 PM)
Your take on the last episode of this season of the Sopranos? I've already discussed it with friends and family - anxiously awaiting to hear your thoughts. Admittedly, news has taken up much of the blog ... as it should be.
Beth, Orlando, FL (Sent Jun 13, 2006 8:59:46 PM)
How much did this trip cost the American taxpayer?This was nothing but political grandstanding like the "Mission Accomplished" stunt. Here comes the cowboy with the press galloping at his heels. I resent money being wasted like this. The GOP should pay for this!
Dianna, MoValley, IA (Sent Jun 13, 2006 5:56:19 PM)
Brian,
I'm sorry that you feel that the president's trip was "skulduggery." Stick with "shrouded in secrecy" next time; it doesn't sound so demeaning.
CynicalGeek (Sent Jun 13, 2006 5:09:25 PM)
Brian -
thanks for mentioning Paul Newman and his 'last' race in the blog. He is a real treasure in several areas and fields and continues to be one of the most charitable persons in the state.
I am involved in Project Linus in which knitters and crocheteers all over the country make afghans, blankets and quilts for sick children. Here in CT., many of our handmade blankets go to the Paul Newman Hole in the Wall Camp where each child gets a new blanket of their own when they arrive and when they go home, their blanket goes with them. The Boys Village in Milford, and the Yale Children's Hospital also are involved in this effort along with others in the state and all across the country.
Paul Newman has set a high standard for all of us.
Joan Chapman, Cheshire, CT.
Joan Chapman, Cheshire, CT. (Sent Jun 13, 2006 5:04:33 PM)
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