First Read : David Gregory

Washington Ideas Forum

firstread — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:58:00 GMT

In an interview with NBC's Brian Williams yesterday at The Atlantic's "First Draft of History" event, General David Petraeus addressed issues ranging from the future of Afghanistan, what's ahead for Iraq, and offered his take on the happenings in the Middle East--including talks with Iran yesterday. He stressed the importance of reevaluating U.S. goals and objectives in Afghanistan and said, "We're not yet at the point of talking about resources or numbers," and added that he has "not yet endorsed...(read more)

McCain talks policy, Palin

Domenico Montanaro — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:06:00 GMT

From NBC's Ali Weinberg
In an interview with NBC's David Gregory, Arizona Sen. John McCain (R) declined to "nitpick" President Obama's first eight months in office, although he did offer some specifics on how he would have governed differently had he been elected. He also offered his views on Sarah Palin's new memoir, "Going Rogue."

On Obama's health-care plans, McCain said that the administration has "overlearned the Clinton experience," where President Bill Clinton and then-First Lady Hillary Clinton put forth a detailed package, which "in their view was picked apart by the opposition."

"This administration has yet to come up with a specific proposal from the president,” McCain said. “We read in the media, and hear there is a plan being developed in the White House, but we have not seen it yet.”

He explained how he would have built a health-care plan. "I would probably start with what we could agree on and then add on rather than have an encompassing proposal that obviously has led to the kind of gridlock we're in," McCain said.

...(read more)

Clinton on importance of Iran talks

Domenico Montanaro — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:48:00 GMT

In an interview to be broadcast Sunday on “Meet the Press,” NBC's David Gregory sits down with former President Bill Clinton, who says, “it’s a good idea, if possible, to look somebody in the eye and have a chance to have a conversation before there’s a total breach.”

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Here's the transcript:

...(read more)

Bush to endorse McCain

Domenico Montanaro — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 02:00:00 GMT

From NBC's David GregoryRepublican sources say the president will endorse McCain tomorrow at the White House. President Bush is not expected to speak to McCain tonight. Bush is said to consider McCain an attractive candidate on national security and taxes A source close to Bush says McCain has to be careful with a Bush embrace. "Better to do it now rather than later," this source says, "Get it out of the way." Bush can pass the baton to McCain to help with party unity and declare McCain the future...(read more)

Assuaging Jewish fears

Mark Murray — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:21:00 GMT

From NBC's David GregoryI have heard from many Jews who are worried about Senator Obama. Is he an anti-Semite? Is he close to Farrakan? His own pastor is close to Farrakhan. Tonight a strong attempt to assuage their fears. To say that Israel's security is sacrosanct is a strong pro-Israel statement. Beyond that, to say he wants to rebuild the relationship between Blacks and Jews is new ground. But give Senator Clinton for pushing him harder to reject Farrakhan. Here, again, he absorbed the blow,...(read more)

Hillary the fighter

Mark Murray — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:59:00 GMT

From NBC's David GregorySenator Clinton the fighter. This answer on having to be a fighter on health care is her strong suit. Her point in lampooning Obama's high-flying oratory is to say, I, too, had only the highest ideals about public service in Washington. But I know through experience, you need different tactics. This is her experience argument....(read more)

What's wrong with the 1st question?

Mark Murray — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:27:00 GMT

From NBC's David Gregory"I find it kind of curious..." Senator Clinton wasted little time charging press bias. But what's wrong with getting the first question? I don't think she made a clear argument there. Getting the first question allows her to set the tone for the answer, why is she against that?...(read more)

Democratic caucus site packed

Mark Murray — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:43:00 GMT

From NBC's David Gregory and David Gelles
Inside the Westridge elementary school in West Des Moines, this Democratic caucus site is packed. Huge turnout here.

Only 86 showed up in 2004. Tonight, the line is out the door.

It looks like almost 200 here.

Registration is still open.

*** UPDATE *** Per NBC's David Gelles, the official number of participants at this particular Democratic caucus site is 267

Only 86 showed up in 2004.

*** UPDATE II *** Per NBC's David Gregory, this is actually a GOP-leaning area in West Des Moines...