[John H K]

Really? Rush is a friend of Brian Williams?

I noted on another thread weeks ago that Williams was clearly the most intelligent of all the network talking heads, in that he was the first to quickly figure out that the SC decision in the FL recount was a victory for Bush, on a FIRST reading, while all the other networks were fumbling around.

I wonder if he has some college or high school debate background? Able to read fast and understand what he read.

[Timesink]

Really? Rush is a friend of Brian Williams?

Well, I don't know if they hang out with each other or anything, but they're at least pals, and Williams regularly has Limbaugh on his program, where he's treated with respect and given a good 10 minutes or so to discuss the issues with Brian. The newsroom in Secaucus doesn't become filled with hisses the moment Rush walks through the door.

I've long admired Williams. He anchored the 5 and 11 pm news (I think) on WCBS-TV in New York before getting hired by NBC. He's always had that undefinable "anchor presence," and has always been fast on his feet. There was never any real question from the moment he was hired that he was going to replace Brokaw someday.