NBC News’s Chuck Todd was a guest on “The Michael Smerconish Program” on SiriusXM, when he addressed NBC’s decision to retain Brian Williams. Check out the highlights:
Todd on NBC’s decision:
“I’m proud of how this network dealt with this. Took it seriously. Took issues of credibility and integrity seriously. And made Brian pay a heavy price. And I also am glad to work for a company that provides an opportunity to earn back trust and earn back a second chance. And I think our leadership threaded that needle in a way that makes me comfortable working here, makes me comfortable – I’ve heard from Brian on this. Obviously more people have now that he’s spoken in the interview with Matt Lauer on the Today show. …I’m a do unto others as you want done unto you. If I’ve done something and I admit it, I’d like a second chance.”
Todd on Williams’ “ego” comments during the Today show interview:
“I can’t crawl inside Brian’s head. Okay. And none of us can. I think he’s been shockingly honest about the ego thing. I mean, I thought – when he talked about his ego getting the best of him – you know, that’s not easy for anybody to talk about publicly. So kudos to him. I think he’s dealing with issues he didn’t know he needed to deal with.”
Todd on the future direction of MSNBC and Brian Williams:
“His unique gift and talent on television is live events. That’s his strength. That’s what Andy Lack has said is his strength and I agree with him. It is absolutely Brian’s strength. So this is something that MSNBC needs — a strong person who can sort of deftly handle covering a live event as it’s unfolding. This is something MSNBC needs, this is something that Brian is very good at, let’s see if he can earn back the credibility and trust with the viewers to make this marriage work.”