Ten minutes to cover the world

I've just returned to the newsroom from interviewing President Obama. I'm not quite certain how many times I've interviewed him, going back to his days as a Senator...but it’s a lot.  Today might have been the tightest time limit ever. During his visit to New York today, the White House offered interviews to the three network evening news anchors, and we were under a strict 10-minute time restriction. Suffice to say, there's a lot going on. Americans in uniform are now engaged on a third front. We covered as much ground as we could, asked as many questions as time would allow. We will have it for you tonight, along with the reporting of our correspondents around the world and across the country. We hope you can join us.

Discuss this post

    Reply#1 - Tue Mar 29, 2011 5:25 PM EDT

    Not a lot can be accomplished in 10 minutes Brian-but as a veteran in the news business, I'm sure you took care of as much as you could in such a short time!

    See you on tonight's broadcast!

    Robert Fleming

      Reply#2 - Tue Mar 29, 2011 6:09 PM EDT

      You're a Pro. With the experience, insight and awareness you have, I'm sure tonight's broadcast will be very interesting. Thanks for what you do and taking the time to blog too.

        Reply#3 - Tue Mar 29, 2011 6:55 PM EDT

        Brian, Fantastic news show tonight. You never let me down. I bet my wife today that you would not mention one word about the the "Boo Boo" Sen. Chuck Shumer pulled today at the start of the conference call with reporter concerning the budget battle. Seems he was instructing his commrades on specific words to use concerning the democrates budget strategy. Always use the word "EXTREME".

        This proves to me that the democrates are not serious about cutting spending. If left to them, all our income would go to Washington for them to distribute as they see fit. We little people are not smart enough to spend our own money. At this time, I am not sure anyone inside the Washington beltway is looking out for the folks.

        The founding fathers tried to help out the little people by putting a piece in the constitution about "Freedom of the Press" but you guys even turned on us. You are only concerned about advancing your progressive agenda.

        Cannot say what I won in the bet.

          Reply#4 - Tue Mar 29, 2011 7:20 PM EDT

          Ah yes, the "boo boo". Scandalous! I mean, are you telling me that groups of politicians consult each other and agree to refer to specific things and use certain terms when addressing situations?! Get out of here! I guess that would explain the infinite number of times I've heard the terms "Obamacare", "drill baby drill", or the "man up" exhortations Republicans were making during the political races last year. But let me guess...you probably don't worry about those too much.

          Also, in what world is NBC...49% owned by GE I believe....a pusher of a "progressive agenda"? Maybe in a nation of John Birch Society members....surely not in a serious one though.

            #4.1 - Wed Mar 30, 2011 2:49 AM EDT

            So Kevin C-3120457, you were raised with the principles that bad behavior is justified with more bad behavior. I was not.

              #4.2 - Wed Mar 30, 2011 6:10 PM EDT
              Reply

              With so much on his plate you were lucky he had 10 minutes. Few realize how busy this President is. He did an excellent job in his address and cleared up those false rumors about how Congress knew nothing and now we know Speaker Boehner didn't do his job. I heard Senator Rand Paul and felt bad he's so stupid. He reminds me of George W. Bush, who always wanted to prove to his Dad he was a man. Ron Paul must be so embarrassed when his son even opens his mouth. Nice to see Obama is giving Gadhafi's stolen money to the Libyan people. Bush had Iraq looted, destroyed land, killed innocent people and stole the billions Saddam had. With the help of so many nations Libya will be free. It's already effected other countries like Syria.

              see you same time same place

                Reply#5 - Tue Mar 29, 2011 7:42 PM EDT

                Brian: I watched your interview with the pesident. I wish it could have been longer,but so goes the news business. Many questions are still left unanswered, but your questions were were well stated. What will be the final outcome of the Libyan rebellion is anybody's guess, but only time will tell. Syria's cabinet resigned for fear of the growing dissent on Syria, but they will still function until some governmental changes are instituted. The events keep on growing and changing in the Middle East and there is no end in sight in the short term. I'll catch you on tomorrow night's broadcast.

                  Reply#6 - Tue Mar 29, 2011 8:17 PM EDT

                  Good Evening Mr.Williams, a fine broadcast this evening as always. Nice to see you interview President Obama tonight and you truly covered many issues around the world in a short amount of time given for the interview. President Obama's speech was excellent last evening about the mission on Libya and hopefully the outcome for the Libyan people will be peace.

                  Now on to the broadcast. First of all Richard's report from Benghazi on the rebels advances toward Tripoli. As Richard stated the rebels launched a counteroffensive in the East with a rally of cars heading out in the desert, but met with fierce resistence when Gadhafi forces pushed them back with tanks and artillery fire. It is a hard battle in the town of Sirte which is Gadhafi's hometown and the rebels truly need all the Nato or US air support possible in order to advance. It was awful to learn Gadhafi's forces are planting landmines in the area to combat the rebels. The worst happening in Misrata where many people are getting killed and women are being taken from their homes. The Libyan people against Gadhafi's regime appear to be offering much gratitude to the United States for all the help in air strikes. As Richard stated the rebels cannot hold or take a city without the air support from Nato or the United States. They need discipline,training and weapons in order to conquer Gadhafi forces. A fierce battle for the rebels.

                  The report by Andrea Mitchell told of how the Secretary of State Clinton's meeting with opposition leaders does not yet tell who would take over after Gadhafi. As Secretary Clinton stated it is still building and trying to be understood. A difficult situation with no solution as of yet.

                  The report from Mr.Cowan from Japan told of a dire situation with the leaking of radiation from the reactors. Workers at the plant saying the cure is a bad as the problem since the key to helping is water, but the water is leaking out contaminated with radiation. It is good the toxic water has not spread any further than near the reactors, but the situation gives little optimism. It was moving to see children returning to school for first time since the terrible earthquake and tsunami, but heartbreaking to learn how many of their friends are lost. So vret tragic.

                  The "Making A Difference" segment by Mr.Sanders from Grand Bayou,LA about the Mesonites coming to help the residents rebuild homes after Hurricane Katrina was so heartwarming and inspirational. Incredible to learn how many of these people have come to the area to help and do not wish any recognition for their efforts. Truly prideful people who are doing wonderful work to help their fellow neighbors A nice piece!

                  Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to You and to All!

                  Be Well Everyone!

                  Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard! Incredible Reporting from Libya! All the time! You did a great job on the show on MSNBC at 11pm last evening and looking forward to seeing you again reporting on the show tonight! Always Excellent!

                  Take Extra Good Care Richard and Crew!

                  Lisa

                    Reply#7 - Tue Mar 29, 2011 8:19 PM EDT

                    BW is my favorite newscaster/journalist/interviewer. He always seems like he's trying to get at the truth, not pushing his interviewee toward some admission or confession like Couric and the Right Wing nuts always do.

                    NBC nightly is not only the only news I can stomach, but very enjoyable and informative.

                    Thanks Brian and crew.

                      Reply#8 - Tue Mar 29, 2011 8:54 PM EDT

                      Execellent interview with President Obama and Brian Roberts is lucky he has you as an Evening News Anchor. The President gets so much more information when he's interviewed by a professional. He is playing a part in the Change of the Middle East. We don't know what the results will be but we do know the thousands who fought for their Democracy hail thanks to the United States for our help. With so many calling for the US to set back and watch the attacks, makes you wonder about people.

                      have a great evening all

                        Reply#9 - Wed Mar 30, 2011 2:40 AM EDT

                        Brian, I missed your broadcast last night because my husband and I went out to celebrate his birthday and

                        I hope you repeat your interview with President Obama, I am appalled by the disrespectful and hateful

                        comments ONline concerning the president.. It is deplorable and turns my stomach. Such filth. Surely,

                        the Founding Fathers did not have this in mind with Free Speech. If we go out again this evening, your

                        broadcast will be taped Have a nice day. Phyllis

                          Reply#10 - Wed Mar 30, 2011 2:52 AM EDT

                          Brian, the title of your Blog Ten Minutes, etc. reminds me of another book entitled TEN MINUTES TO

                          NORMAL by former President Bush's aide Karen Hughs; a great title and a great read for anyone having

                          an identity crisis. Phyllis Have a nice day!!! JustBFair, a must read for you.:o)

                            #10.1 - Wed Mar 30, 2011 1:06 PM EDT

                            happy belated birthday to your husband, phyllis:-)

                              #10.2 - Wed Mar 30, 2011 11:24 PM EDT

                              Thanks, Anna, I will relay your message to my husband which he will appreciate. Mercury is rerograde

                              in Aries so that's good. have a nice day Phyllis

                                #10.3 - Thu Mar 31, 2011 1:35 PM EDT
                                Reply

                                I miss hearing anything re Afghanistan. I think the war there needs a brief comment. Has anyone died? or accomplished anything? Or been set back? Iraq is mentioned occasionally which is helpful.

                                  Reply#11 - Wed Mar 30, 2011 5:59 PM EDT
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