Sir or Madam, As the Case May Be: "Making threats that, in this day and age, should not be taken lightly" was never my intention. I merely meant to use my First Amendment right to express my anger and frustration regarding Katrina's omission from the debate. And, as far as I know, the First Amendment has not been repealed. God forbid that ordinary, law-abiding individuals who otherwise would have the moral courage to speak out in blogs or elsewhere in this day and age should be cowed by the idea that they'll be considered to be "making threats..." and feared. It would be a tragedy far worse for this country than the Virginia shootings, Iraq, or even Katrina were individuals intimidated by the fear of being feared into remaining silent regarding issues that upset them.

And Sir or Madam, I'm glad you got out of New Orleans safely and that your friends there have recovered and are surviving and making a difference. You, and they were very fortunate--and I wish you and them luck in the future. And yes, I am aware that New Orleans had her flaws including poverty and crime BEFORE Katrina--however, these problems were only made worse by the storm. For example, I've blogged at more length elsewhere about how New Orleans' justice system is in a shambles, which makes it much harder to fight crime. And regarding "those who don't even try" who you say don't have your sympathy--could it be a matter not only of being poor and having lost so much, but of being so overwhelmed by what they're going through and perhaps depressed?

And Brian: My apologies for saying the omission of Katrina from the debate was unforgivable and inexcusable. But that being said, I will not apologize for my main point: Katrina (the way the Bush Administration has been mishandling it, in particular) needs to be brought up during debates. I agree that Iraq and the Virginia shootings were obvious topics and should have been included, but what about such irrelevancies as hedge funds, Edwards' haircut, and how Hillary feels about Walmart? I'm sure that by trimming the questions on that trivia, you could have squeezed in a question or two about Katrina.

And Saturday and last night, Nightly aired 2 excellent pieces, for which I'm grateful, by Martin Savidge on Katrina--one about a protest march in New Orleans against the slowness of aid's reaching the people and the fact that many still are unable to move back, the other on what happened to all the aid from overseas that this country received as Katrina was going on. This aid was squandered and did not reach the storm zone. These 2 stories, especially the second, make my point--Katrina needs to be seen as an important campaign issue and should be brought up in debates.

"You owe them--and every other right-thinking person who cares about how they're faring and about storm zone recovery in general--an apology."
Olivia (Sent Apr 28, 2007 11:49:09 AM)

Brian, you do not owe me an apology.

thank you very nice topic, thanks (:

I didn't count the amount of time you called on each candidate, but it felt like some were called on less than others. Ninety minutes for 8 candidates is ridiculous. Who can make a meaningful statement in the time the candidates were given. You could have taken 10 minutes to introduce them and pass out the rules, ten minutes to close the debate, and they could have had 10 minutes each to make a meaningful statements about why they felt they could make a difference as president. This website, Unity08, is sure to pull a great many people for an independent, non-partisan third-party candidate. It will be interesting to watch and see what happens with that. It is a dot com site, you know..........

Your blog is the first place I have seen that Jack Valenti died. My condolences t. I am so sorry to hear that he passed away......

janet
seattle

You have the CIA's George tenet complaining about Cheney ( In a book he's promoting ! ) @ the SAME time you have the Saudi's arresting militants threatening their oil fields ( WE can't have that, can we !? ). Remember > Bin - Laden issued his 'fatwa', against the U.S.; after we essentially "garrisoned" Saudi Arabia, following the 1st Gulf war. U.S. corporations ( Inc., Cheney's Halliburton ! ) were 'stealing' contracts from the Bin - Laden Construction co., where Osama got his $350 Million from ! After 9/11, we attack the Taliban but don't get Bin - Laden; whose hiding in Pakistan, under the protection of their ISI Group. This being the same ISI that was helping the CIA to ship 'Stinger' missiles to the Mujaheddin resistance, during the 1980's Soviet - Afghan War ( w/ Osama being the "middle - man" ! ). After the Taliban War; Hamid Karzai is appointed their President. This is the same Karzai that was a consultant for UnoCal, who - just before 9/11 - wanted to run a pipeline from the oil fields of Southern Russia , through Afghanistan to Pakistan. Then - Cheney 'uses' 9/11 to "garrison" Iraq; w/ Halliburton running ANOTHER pipeline, from Southern Iraq to Kuwait ! How many more "pieces of the puzzle" do people need ?!

Olivia,

Please let it go already. I cannot believe your post got through. Yes, Katrina was horrible, but so is the war in Iraq and the shooting in Virgina. There are many daily tragedies that we must put up with.

Your threatening Mr. Williams about not forgiving him until he does a broadcast from New Orleans is juvenile. Frankly, you are the reason most of us have Katrina fatigue. I lived there. THe city was poor to begin with. It is not the storm that caused the riots, etc. That is how that city was. And I am lucky to have gotten out safely, storm or no storm.

I feel for those people, of course. But my friends down there have recovered. They are making a difference and surviving. Those who don't even try do not have my sympathy.

Frankly, MSNBC, if you don't screen some of these comments, I will stop reading. If I was Brian Williams, I would fear Olivia. She is making threats that in this day in age, I do not think should be taken lightly.

I am so upset about your never having mentioned Katrina in Thursday night's debate I'm not going to let it go until there's some sort of apology or "make good" on your part. (A good example of a "make good" would be at least one newscast anchored out of New Orleans or the Mississippi Gulf Coast--and this needs to take place BEFORE Katrina's 2-year anniversary.)

To put it bluntly, you should not so obviously have written off Louisiana and Mississippi and the rest of the area hit by Katrina and Rita and treated their storm survivors as if they don't matter. I guess you must have decided that they don't, because they don't have any well-oiled, well-moneyed special interest groups or K Street lobbyists who have direct lines to NBC who can demand that their cause come up in the debate. I paid attention to the domestic topics that did come up--and they practically formed a special interest groups' laundry list--when unfortunately Katrina and Rita survivors have no such groups pulling for them.

And owing to the fact that many storm survivors are poor, they've no voice of their own. So it was easy to walk all over them. You unconscionably disenfranchised them by leaving any mention of their plight out of the debate. And I guess you consider them nobodies because after all, Louisiana and Mississippi are not only the 2 poorest states in the union but also in "flyover country." And they're states which voted "Red" in the last presidential election and have very few electoral votes between them. I strongly doubt that had a similarly-bad disaster hit populous, "Blue," relatively-affluent New York or California, the plight of the survivors would have been omitted from the debate.

Your not bringing up Katrina is even more inexcusable and unforgivable coming from you--a member of the mainstream media who should know better--than it was for President Bush to omit its mention from his State of Denial address. At least Bush has the twin excuses of being, as the politically correct would put it, "mentally challenged" and of being out of touch with the struggles of ordinary Americans and the poor.

And I'm not giving the candidates a pass here--because it was cowardly of them not to introduce the topic of Katrina themselves. Though Obama did mention New Orleans, for which I'm grateful, he didn't say enough to get a good discussion going. Were this a GOP debate I'd probably put it down to their being out of touch (like President Bush) with the average American's problems. But since they're Democrats--who've historically had the reputation of standing up for and speaking out for ordinary Americans and the poor, there's no valid excuse for their moral cowardice. And following the rules of the debate by sticking to topic is no excuse--to me it smacks of the Nuremberg defense, "I was only following orders."

The last time I looked, Louisiana and Mississippi were both part of the United States. Please treat their storm survivors as Americans. They deserve much better--and I demand much better--then the way they were so obviously treated as if they don't count, and as if it doesn't matter if New Orleans and the rest of their storm-ravaged communities die, Thursday night. You owe them--and every other right-thinking person who cares about how they're faring and about storm zone recovery in general--an apology.

Dear Brian,

NO worries at all about not blogging. I can't believe you feel so bad. We feel privelaged for the blogs we do get from you! While I was disappointed, I figured you were busy with your travels and making time for your family.

I didn't see the debates, but I am sure you were wonderful. I always enjoy watching you on the news.

Have a great weekend!

Ali

Dear Mr. Williams,

“A friend of mine who’s in the leadership of the Democratic party says that if the party goes down a third straight time, what will happen is what he defines as “modern day extinction” of the Democratic party. Putting yourself aside, perhaps, is there a winner on this stage tonight, and does your party have what it takes to reverse this trend and win the White House?”

In what Universe could this be accounted as a legitimate question?

Leaving aside for the moment that the Democratic candidate got more votes than the Republican candidate in three of the last four presidential elections. And the fourth was pretty close. AND leaving aside for the moment that the Democrats just won back both houses of Congress, are likely to retain congressional control in 2008, are far ahead of the Republicans in party identification in public-opinion polls, and won the popular vote in three of the past four presidential elections — what 'trend' points to 'extinction'.

This is worse than the worst kind of “push poll” that I have ever gotten during dinner from a seller of “time shares in Florida”. If you wrote this question you should be profoundly ashamed. If GE MADE you ask it, their corporate credentials should be rescinded, their assets stripped and their Board of Directors paraded through the streets.

That was a disgusting display of partisanship.

Brian, you did an excellent job with the debate. Keeping order was a problem when everyone wanted to exceed their time.You handled it very well.
I also caught your appearance on Letterman. You stole the show. You were just Brian being Brian. I also liked the show where you visited your dad.
Keep it up!
Ezby

Mr. Williams, I think you were a bit condescending in the way you conducted the "debate," verging on insulting. I'm not sure why news anchors feel they have to act superior during these "debates." It's distracting. But then the whole "debate" thing is a pain. We really don't find out very much. It's mainly posturing for the position of alpha dog. I really really hate them. I noted that as always Dennis Kucinich was treated with disrespect, even suspicion. Amazing. Had it not been for Mike Gravel, Dennis would have been bottom dog once again ... even though he is the ONLY candidate who is real, and tells it like it is.

Dear Mr. Williams,

This is nmy first visit to your blog, very impressive. Kudo's for the excellent job you did on the debate. You are always well informed and keep those you are interfacing with on their toes. Keep up the good work.

Brian, I'm sorry about the death of your friend Jack Valenti. He seemed like a kind and decent person. Regarding the debate, I think you did a wonderful job of moderating. I am impressed with several of the candidates. I think too much is being made of John Edward's haircut. Of course, $400 is obscene, but John's assistant probably made the appt. and didn't ask the price. No one should be charging that much to begin with. But it's a free country and the fact that John came from a middle class background and became successful is a testimony to the opportunities we have if we choose. He wasn't born with a silver spoon in is mouth and can relate to the middle class. I think we have a long way to go before the election and it's too soon to choose a candidate, but the debate gave us a glimpse of their personalities. Keep up the good work.

Brian you are the COOLEST AND THE BEST ANCOR EVER!!!!!!!!!!111

OK, so someone has to tease Brian for waiting until he heard the crickets (to use your friends Jay Leno's term) before realizing that Sen. Biden is actually capable of a one word answer!

On the other hand, some where on the web today I saw a headline that said "Brian Williams wins Dem Debate"
In my opinion they all played it so safe that it was almost boring. You did an excellent job given the constraints. I would like to see you moderate the actual Presidental debates.

Brian---Your treatment of Senator Mike Gravel was disgraceful. After he gave his first answer, you mostly ignored him. A fact that he pointed out in his "Potted Plant" reference. As final proof that MSNBC is trying to inappropriately shun Mike Gravel is the fact that MSNBC listed the websites of all the candidates in last night's debate EXCEPT for that of Mike Gravel.

Brian, I find your apology for not blogging yesterday amusing and highly insightful. Amusing because I must agree with other comments that, with everything you must do during the course of a day, you essentially take the time to write to us, your viewers, every day. Missing one day...I think that's quite forgivable, and the fact that you are apologizing speaks to your commitment and character to doing the job write! Thanks again.

Also thank you for highlighting Wil Smith in tonight's "Making a Difference". He has been profiled by local media before and has been inspiring to everyone who hears his story. His story is inspirational not because he is unique, but because he is ordinary. He shows others that just being ordinary can make you extraordinary to those around you.
Just one small correction to the print story: Brunswick is the coastal Maine town were Bowdoin College is located, about 20 minutes northeast of Portland. "New" Brunswick is our Canadian neighbor to the east.

The debate and similar beauty contest events are interesting, but let's please not forget that we are saddled with "the decider" for another 20 months.

Every day now Bush is speaking out with some new whine about how horrible the Congress is for slapping a deadline on his splendid little war. I wish SOMEONE with inside-the-Beltway access (Brian?) would remind him that ALL the polls show the public is done with his war and wants us out of Iraq. He is living in a dreamworld where Presidents get to play at war all day while a grateful public watches.

Our troops in Iraq aren't even at war anymore, they are engaged in an occupation much like what Israel has been doing for decades in the West Bank. The sooner they leave and make the Iraqis responsible for their country, the better.

Dear Mr. Williams,
I am sorry about the unfortunate death of your dear friend, Jack Valenti. I send you and his family my condolences. I also wanted to say that I thought you did an excellent job with the debate last night, especially considering there are at least eight contenders. Feel sorry for Mr. Chris Matthews for next week since there will be more than eight contenders.
And finally, don’t worry about not blogging yesterday. Frankly, I am surprised that you even have time to blog as much as you do. I am sure that I am not the only one who appreciates you and your commitment to do so. Try to have a nice weekend.

So why does Tenet come out now about this as opposed to four or five years ago? Where was Powel? Seems to me this is just ANOTHER smoke screen. To me, these people are STILL "in on it" and are hiding some ‘other’ devious underlying intent. Is it just for oil? Is it to instill further hate and nationalism in this country, which as Keith Oberman would say is the real road to a dictatorship? Is it an actual attempt at "MASS GENOCIDE" of the Arab people? Inconceivably, I actually hear that being said more and more and more. Even my mother quipped that killing all Islamic people might not be a bad idea based on what a few extremists have done. MY GOD… IS THIS WHO WE’VE BECOME? Has no one ever bothered to read a little something called history and all the horrific things white people and Christians have done???

The underlying level of hate in this country is pitiful and yet the true calls for peace by the two “third tier” candidates was politely overlooked as part of Tim's review tonight. In your report on global warming you didn’t hesitate to bring up the 1% of scientists who still disagree with it and yet the opinion of two of eight PRESIDENTAL CANDIDATES didn’t seem to matter. I was utterly shocked to know that Kucinich had the opinions he did and I consider myself pretty darn news read. FINALLY someone was speaking my language! Hillary DOES scares me for the very reason Gravel finally said!

Mr. Williams, I must disagree with the comments praising your job as debate moderator. You phrased several questions poorly -- which resulted in wasted time, which as you said was already limited -- the question about whom the candidates would like to see on the Supreme Court was especially ill-worded and consequentially received no answers to your intended query. Further, the hypothetical double-terrorist-attack scenario you posed -- also poorly phrased -- was beneath NBC's journalistic standard. What were you trying to do, invoke a "Kitty Dukakis" moment from someone? Due to the nature and wording of the question, the best response was Edwards', but it was clearly designed to elicit the sort of completely worthless machismo demonstration Clinton and Richardson answered with.

I hope future debate questions will be designed to elicit real information and be phrased with more care.

Good Evening again Mr. Williams, I know I have always said gushing comments about Richard Engel because I am huge fan. I do agree with Marci that I have missed seeing him on Nightly News broadcasts. But I do know that he has had postings on the World Blog actually one just this week. I just want to say that I hope he is staying safe. Always,Always keep him safe! I will look forward to any sort of report from him next week. Always on our minds Richard! Peace to you.

No problem Brian!

Good Evening Mr. Williams, First I want to say that you did a fine job as moderator of the Democratic Debate last evening. With regards to Mr Valenti I remember watching a special on PBS about Air Force One and I recall Mr. Valenti speaking on that program about the ride back to Washington. The famous photograph of Lyndon B. Johnson taking the Oath of Office on the plane and Mr. Valenti being in the background of the picture. It was a very sorrowful time in America. He was a man who accomplished much in his life. He will surely be missed. After watching the debates last evening and now we will have the Republicans next week. I really do hope that when it comes down to election day that we choose the right person for the job of President. One that will bring us together and get the nation on track again. Peace for this nation and the world. Peace to all!

where has richard engel been? Many are beginning to worry.