The Daily Nightly from NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams

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The Daily Nightly began on May 31, 2005. As Brian wrote in his first post it aims to provide a narrative of the broadcast day and a window into the editorial process at NBC Nightly News. Brian weighs in every weekday and NBC News correspondents and producers post regularly.

Brian Williams became the seventh anchor and managing editor in the history of NBC Nightly News on December 2, 2004. Read his full biography.

GETAWAY TUESDAY

The London/Glasgow investigation and the Libby commutation aftermath continue to dominate our news, and we have our best correspondents on both stories.  We'll have reporting from our London team, and a special look by Andrea Mitchell tonight at this President's legacy.

BRAVERY IN THE LINE OF DUTY
Richard Engel's reporting last night, from inside a branch of al-Qaida, was truly extraordinary.  As I said earlier today, it was meant to be highlighted inside a large package of terrorism coverage -- but the late Libby news meant a lower position in the broadcast.  I want to stress how much personal courage on Richard's part that reporting represented.  I also spent some time with our colleague Jane Arraf here in New York today.  She is just back from Iraq where she has filed some equally courageous work for IraqSlogger.  For all those who are truly struggling to understand this war, I recommend reading her body of work from this last embedded mission of hers. Richard and Jane  are both very modest about their work, and about the risks they take. [Editor's note: Richard and Jane also both contribute to MSNBC.com's World Blog] They both consider themselves fortunate to be able to chronicle the story of our time.  For a military-eye-view, there's Michael Yon's latest posting -- a truly harrowing outing with some squared-away U.S. forces, including a tank commander who sounds like a piece of work.

Because of the holiday, we will suspend for the Fourth our roll call of Medal of Honor recipients.  I would only ask that as you celebrate the nation's birthday, you keep these 109 men close to your thoughts.

As John Adams famously wrote to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776 -- as beautifully chronicled by historian/national treasure David McCullough -- Independence Day (which Adams always believed would be celebrated on July 2) should be celebrated across the land with "pomp and parade ... games, sports, guns, bells, bonfire and illuminations."  I plan to do all of that tomorrow.  And while Adams famously never mentioned "visiting your Dad in Jersey," I plan to do that, too.

We hope you will join us for our Tuesday broadcast.  I hope you will forgive me a few days with my family.  Perhaps I will see some of you on a major highway over the next few days.  Have a happy and safe Fourth of July holiday.

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COMMENTS

Here's George Bush's legacy for you. 8 months after he takes office, 9/11 happens. His administration then USES this to start the "War on Terror". This, & the unilateral & unnecessary invasion of Iraq; gives 'cause' to the world, to either fear or hate us ! They also USE 9/11 to eviscerate the U.S. Constitution's "Bill of Rights"; giivng 'cause' to American citizens, to either fear or hate their own government !! It's not surprising to me, that Bush's poll numbers are so low, & getting worse ! He was 'expected' to "sacrifice his legacy", for the good of 'THE cause' > > The one his Father ( 41' ) is promoting, w/ the help of his new "BFF", Bill Clinton. Bush - 43's "duty" now, is to ensure the ascension of Hillary Clinton to the White House; allowing this country to become a Socialist, 'Police State' !

I nearly fell out of my chair when I heard Brian W.
announce on the July 3rd broadcast that G.W.Bush had
the lowest poll rating in history.

I say, what? I have heard repeatedly that Harry Truman
was in the low twenties at some point (probably during
the Korean War)and also Jimmy Carter may also been a
contender for the prize?!

Have your fact checker research this.

Comments such as the one regarding Bush leads me to
wonder why the mainstream media is considered biased
by large a percentage of the population!

Have a safe holiday break with the family, Brian. Also wish the same for fellow commentators here on the Daily Nightly!

Curiosity question: Bush hasn't ruled out a full pardon for Libby. If he does give Libby a full pardon does that mean the government has to pay Libby back any fines Libby has already paid? What happens to the $250,000 fine?

Bush's legacy? Part of the reason I'm not so into July 4th this year. I love my country. I miss it. It's getting so I don't recognize it anymore. I am unspeakably angry at George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and Karl Rove for stealing it from me.
On a different note, I too admire Richard Engel and Jane Arraf greatly for their reporting. They risk their lives to keep us informed. I hope that they, and our troops, will find peace and quiet soon.

Brian, I am a marketing exec, NY native, nightly viewer. Here is friendly advice (my perspective having lived in many parts of the U.S.). You come across as WAY TOO MUCH as representing New York metro... and not enough as representing the U.S.
I find it annoying... and I was born in Flushing and raised on Long Island! If you want, e-mail me a transcript of a show, and I will show you what I mean. Best wishes, Carl Hyland carlhyland@aol.com

Good Evening Mr.Williams, The continued report by Richard was again frightening and shows an absolute real threat by this terror group. They are rampant it seems as in Jordan and Syria with little resistence because the people are so very poor and neglected as Richard stated. Seeing Richard walk through Damascus and sit at the cafe one would think it appears normal. But it is the underlying evil of this group that is scary. They will continue to threaten no matter who is in the White House. It would be a much better world if these terror groups didn't exist. The next President has their work cut out for them. On another note the world lost a treasure of the opera. Beverly Sills will be missed greatly for her singing and her great work in support of the arts. She is in heaven now singing amidst the angels and maybe if one tries really hard one can hear her voice. Especially the high notes. I hope you have a happy and safe Fourth of July Mr.Williams! ( Always stay safe Richard!! You are truly courageous! I think you deserve a vacation soon! Take care of yourself!) Peace to you and to all!

Brian, I hope you and your family have a safe and relaxing holiday week!! Eat too much, play a lot and enjoy!

And yes, to both Jane and Richard : thank you for your courage and your commitment to bringing us enlightenment. But .. please... don't do that again :) Remember Terry Anderson.

Happy 4th to all of you!

Brian-

You guys have two of the most experienced Mid-east/Iraq reporters under your roof in Jane Arraf and Richard Engel. No one else can compare except for John Burns and Michael Ware and they report for different news organizations--but you've got TWO of the best. Can't you get them to sit down together somewhere under the NBC TV News umbrella (cable or network) and just TALK with you (because you've been there) and one of your retired military men? It would make for fascinating television. And if you can't do it on TV, rent an auditorium and sell tickets. You'd sell out in no time! We are all so hungry for straight talk on Iraq from knowledgeable people we know and trust!

I was beginning to think some insane profit driven executive completely lost all reality and with it the constitutional responsibility inherit as a journalistic organization. Yes, for a while there I thought some fool let some other organization, that hadn't lost touch of duty and honor, swipe Richard away. Guess there is still some honor left,Or, perhaps its just simple math. Engle is gold. Haven't been able to see many of Engles posts for a couple months. Or any others, from (we) the public, for that matter that are critical of in house politics. Speaking of which, I wonder if a shorter piece on the rehash of Britain and a complete cut of the obese (important heath news no one cares to know about but the media thinks we need to know every blip on the X-ray that comes out daily) could have been left on the cutting board and expanded on Engles heroic work. This post probably wont make it either, replaced by in house pseudonyms pitching soft balls and sliders. Shame really, no its an embarrassment from an American stand, not just from a perspective of losing ratings thus revenue and talent but additionally the great talent available that is not getting exposure or being sent to far off corners on off topic reports, replaced with non controversial fluff clock spinners. Has profit replaced pride? Where are the American patriots? Have we all become consuming profiteers without conscious and honor?

Dear Mr. Brian Williams,

1. I am glad that you mentioned Ms. Jane Arraf, b/c I have been wondering about her for awhile now.
2. I saw Mr. Richard Engel's segment yesterday, and it was really extraordinary. He is truly a courageous individual who deserves the utmost respect. I have to admit, I do envy him for his bravery.
3. I am glad that you said that both of these journalists are modest. I know someone who could learn a lesson from both of these great people. The person thanked himself at some point. (No, I am not joking). Please convey to them, and all of your colleagues that they are all in my thoughts and prayers everyday.
4. I hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July.

Good Evening Mr.Williams, I cannot express enough that I really and truly pray for Richard's safety everyday. I think he is an extraordinary journalist and person. I always think highly of him and I always want him to be the safest possible. I have posted comments on Richard's World Blog postings an I think he does a wonderful job. And I course I have read and posted comments on Jane Arraf's World Blog postings and she too does a wonderful job. I just think the world of Richard and I always,always want him to be SAFE!! He is a really special person. He does extraordinary work and is truly courageous and that report last evening proved it even more. Always keep him safe!! I pray for him every night. He may be modest about his work, but I hope he knows how very special he is to bring such fine work to NBC. I hope you remind him of how highly people think of him Mr.Williams. Looking forward to the broadcast Mr.Williams. (Love you Richard!! Keep Safe always!!)

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