Are we there yet?

BP's reluctance to declare the capping operation a success is understandable, especially when you look at the string of failed fixes and low-ball oil flow estimates from the early weeks of this disaster. Anybody remember "top kill?” After 3 months of this environmental horror show we're all anxious to hear the words, "we have killed the well." But we're not there yet. The experts keep telling us much can still go wrong. Even if the capping turns out to be an unqualified success, they've got to complete the relief wells in order to close it off for good – and that too is not a sure thing.

On tonight's broadcast we will look at the factors behind the "cautious optimism" being expressed by the folks in charge of the operation and the unknowns that are still keeping them awake at night.

In the meantime the rest of us -- especially those who live and make their livings along the Gulf -- can only look at the underwater video and take comfort in the fact that at least for now there is no oil escaping into the sea. Tonight we'll also hear from some of those residents, and look at the cleanup challenge ahead.

I hope you're having a good Sunday. We'll look for you later on NBC Nightly News.

Discuss this post

I was one of probably many who said the President should forgo golf until the Gulf is made whole.
My concern?
His actions seem insensitive.
Others and pals strongly disagreed.
Today, I find myself bothered by critics judging the Obamas for their choice of where they vacation.
"Why Maine?! Why not Alabama?," said a FOX News pundit.
Are the Obamas ever on vacation? Are they ever allowed to escape with free minds and free spirits?
Not likely when harsh, biased, brutal reports seep from every nook, splashed on front pages of local newspapers and is the news at eleven.
Today, I decided to flee the "mob" when a Right-Wing pundit uttered great disapproval and disgust of the Obamas "NYC date night."
No. No. No. Never mess with date nights. Essential.

    Reply#1 - Sun Jul 18, 2010 5:44 PM EDT

    Oh well I've yet to see anyone do to Obama what the violent hateful left did to Bush.

    And, that's just the trouble makers and America hating divisive lying scum on TV out of LA, DC & NY.

    The real AXIS OF EVIL bahahhahahaha

      #1.1 - Mon Jul 19, 2010 12:55 PM EDT
      Reply

      Lester,

      Katrina, as all know, was caused by Mother Nature, and the massive oil spill by man (BP);

      yet some seem to enjoy demeaning the President, regardless of Party, and I bet the Royals

      across the Pond are loving it as it is, in effect, an invasion. And there is breaking news on AOL

      there are concerns about more leaks. Queen Eliizabeth talked of peace at the UN. Yeah, right

      on their terms. I did not buy it.

      Phyllis

        Reply#2 - Sun Jul 18, 2010 7:16 PM EDT

        Good Evening Mr.Holt, A fine Sunday broadcast this evening. One truly hopes the cap on the leaking well keeps holding and no more oil seeps into the Gulf. Time will tell.

        Now on to the broadcast. First of all the report by Michelle Kosinski concerning the containment cap on the well which seems to be holding, yet officials keep a close watch on the pressure within the well. This is somewhat encouraging to the people on the Gulf coast, but so much revenue was lost in the businesses they are looking now towards next Summer. It will take a long time for the residents to recover from this disaster.

        The report by Mr.Potter showed how the beaches continue to have waves of oil coming ashore which is simply devastating. So many millions of gallons of oil remain in the Gulf and that worries residents and keeps tourists away.

        One hopes things will improve slowly each day.

        The report by Andrea Mitchell from Pakistan showed how the insurgents are resilient and constantly attack within the region. Hearing about other attacks in Baghdad and Afghanistan revealed how violence never seems to cease in any of these regions. The interview with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told of the major challenges is getting cooperation with the leaders of the regions and fighting the insurgents is a constant battle.

        The piece by Mr.Taibbi about a chaplain coming to the workplace to listen to employees concerning anything can be very helpful. Having a sympathetic ear to hear is helpful in the workplace and can make a better environment in the company.

        Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Holt. Hope the temperatures cool alittle in the next few days. Peace to You and to All!

        Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori,Cary and Matt!

        Be Well Always!

        Stay Extra,Extra,Safe and Well Richard!

        Take Extra Good Care Richard and Crew!

        XOXO

        Lisa

          Reply#3 - Sun Jul 18, 2010 7:28 PM EDT

          Great show Lester

          It's always good to hear from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as she does so much and is becoming one of the best we're had. After so many reporters were so disrespectful to Hillary, Bill during the primary and the attacks on Chelsea it makes since no one would want to offer any information on the wedding. Chelsea is such a great young woman and her parents raised her well with the real Christian Family Values.

          Obama is right to wait before cheering about BP stopping the leak. BP got the information from overseas because no one knew what to do.

          Good to see our troops coming home from Iraq but it's never in the news.

          have a great day all

            Reply#4 - Sun Jul 18, 2010 9:26 PM EDT

            Lester you're right! After al these fixes, some Gulf residents remain sceptible. The cap is holding , but unforseen anomolies may occur. This all depends on various factors, such as psi. measurements, seismic readings, and temperature. It now appears that the government and BP are in accordance as to how to proceed with the operation. As you well know this procedure is risky business. This type of operation has never been performed so deep underwater. I check periodically on line to review the BP confernces. They are much more detailed than the brief summaries that are reported on the networks. You are doing a marvelous job on Nightly News, and I just wanted to share my comments. Let's hope the well is killed soon, so some form of normality can return to the Gulf Coast.

              Reply#5 - Mon Jul 19, 2010 12:27 PM EDT

              "violent hateful Left?"
              Back then, I was not tune in.

              M.

                Reply#6 - Mon Jul 19, 2010 2:06 PM EDT

                You would have had to been there and a blogger on AOL articles to know how then-President Bush was vilified

                and slandered by the Left and I was verbally abused for defending the President. The hateful Left can dish it out

                but cannot take it. Phyllis

                  Reply#7 - Mon Jul 19, 2010 2:23 PM EDT

                  sorry phyllis...if folks were mean.."slandered" you said..i believe that is a bit too harsh.
                  i, along with friends, were not into politics back then.
                  but i did grab one of the Bush / Kerry debate.
                  it was something.

                  M.

                    Reply#8 - Mon Jul 19, 2010 2:58 PM EDT

                    Could somebody explain what happened to the option of opening the valves on the new cap and capturing up to 60k barrels a day? Now it seems our options are to leave the cap sealed or let the oil gush into the gulf.

                    Why aren't any of the news orgs picking up on this?

                    Thanks.

                      Reply#9 - Mon Jul 19, 2010 3:45 PM EDT

                      New deal may signal the end of BP. Paraphasing Jane Austen, it is a truth universally acknowledged

                      that what goes around comes around. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is my favorite of her six novels.

                      M, harsh, I don't think so but I respect your opinion, and I hope you get to New York. I was there

                      once and loved it. Phyllis

                        Reply#10 - Fri Jul 23, 2010 7:44 PM EDT

                        Phyllis..maybe you did not read my mail to ya carefully. You said Democrats vilified Bush and his supporters..and the "slander" includes you. I said and still believe slandering is "harsh."
                        Learned yesterday of Hillary C. "Vast right-wing conspiracy"
                        There was a mob like attack who had deep hatred for President Clinton..they not only attacked his ideology, they crucified the man..the person.
                        Where does the personal hate comes from?
                        Phyllis.."Financial Reform" was buried all due to Fox News. And..explain as if I'm 4.. Rangel..is he insane?..why do men in power believe they are above the law? (Congressman, resign for the sake of the party..to go on...Charles..you know you do wrong..broke laws..save face and walk..)
                        Phyllis, excuse the rambling..
                        I so want to go to NY. A dearly loved one lives there. It is not NY that may disappoint...it is the probability that my goals / plans will not be fulfilled. I can't go to the uncertain..no set plans!
                        Glad to see you got your "spice" back. Love..

                          #10.1 - Sat Jul 24, 2010 7:30 AM EDT
                          Reply

                          Lester, I figured you for an unlikely spy, but I was wrong. You would give James Bond a run for his

                          money. Mission accomplished. Phyllis

                          PS Mimi Good luck with New York. Affectionately! And you are very observant about the "spice" being

                          back.

                            Reply#11 - Sat Jul 24, 2010 9:16 AM EDT
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