Tom Brokaw: Now Hear This: Recent Episodes
710 WOR (WOR-AM)
A weekly feature in which veteran journalist Tom Brokaw from NBC News shares his thoughts on some of the country's top news stories.
Tom reflects on a key difference between all of the discussion around the Mueller Report and Watergate: there was no social media during Watergate.
Despite today’s release of the Mueller Report, the political football game associated with it is FAR from over in Tom’s opinion.
Tom reflects on his career covering national politics and how he has perhaps never seen a time as crazy as things are now…from the number of Democratic candidates running to unseat the current occupant of the White House to the way President Trump handles the business of President.
Tom’s spending some time in Florida and reflects on the big issues facing our country right now.
Tom discusses the recent Mueller Report conclusions but there is more.
Republicans and Democrats must come together for the good of the country.
Concerned about the direction our country is headed? Tom suggests you go visit a service academy for some positive inspiration.
Tom discusses the college admissions scandal that was uncovered this week and reflects on his days struggling to get into college and how he got his admission the old-fashioned way: he earned it.
There’s more than SIX HUNDRED days until Election Day 2020, but candidates (particularly on the Democratic side) are circling like everyone is heading to the polls tomorrow. Tom discusses why this makes it all the more important to fully-vet the candidates before making the choice of who we vote for.
This week’s Congressional testimony by Michael Cohen has Tom exploring further similarities between the Nixon and Trump White Houses.
FRIDAY, 2/22/19:
With the Mueller Investigation seemingly drawing to its close, Tom discusses more of the similarities between what’s going on in the Trump White House to the final days of the Nixon White House. He also calls again for us to find a way to come together politically and begin working to end the deep divisions in our country.
The 2020 Presidential race is already well underway, and Tom discusses how with seemingly more candidates than ever, it’s incumbent upon us all to evaluate each of them carefully before making our choice, and then hold our ultimate choice to the standards most important to us.
Tom explores more of the similarities between the scandal that plagued the Nixon Presidency and what’s going on in Washington in 2019…and also discusses some very key differences between Richard Nixon and Donald Trump.
As the government shutdown impasse continues on, Tom addresses both the President and Congress about why it’s time to end what he calls a “playground tug of war.”
Tom addresses the continued government shutdown, and discusses how the continued impasse and inability to try to find compromise will result in further deterioration of our opinion of our elected officials on both sides.
No matter which side of the political aisle you’re on, Tom feels there’s one thing we can all agree on: the current government shutdown stalemate will never be resolved with both sides acting like young children.
Tom discusses the rocky year he feels 2019 will be in the world of politics: from the new Democratic majority in the House to continued turmoil among President Trump’s cabinet to Jerry Brown ending his run as Governor of California
Tom talks about the Christmas and New Year’s holidays and how the end of the year is a good time to reflect, which he does on the mounting turmoil in the Trump White House, and the eerie comparisons to the latter days of the Richard Nixon Presidency.
Tom reflects on the rocky times in Washington, from the conviction of former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, to the Oval Office dust-up over the President’s border wall, and argues that it’s time for all of us…politicians and citizens alike…to get back to working across party lines for the good of our country.
Tom discusses two huge problems in our country that he feels we all need to come together on, no matter our political leanings: opioid abuse and gun control.
Tom discusses the aftermath of the midterm elections. He feels that both parties face their own individual challenges and also discusses perhaps the biggest unknown still ahead: the results of the Mueller investigation.
Tom discusses the next two years after the midterms and how it will effect the Democrats, the President and the Media, the need for better infrastructure and a change in immigration policy.
Tom discusses how neither side has much of a realistic platform in the 2018 midterm elections, but feels that regardless of what happens we need to find a way to end the division in our country.
Tom discusses the political division in America, the latest ramification of which is the pipe bombs that have been sent this week to prominent critics of President Trump. He then lightens the mood with some World Series memories.
Tom discusses the United States’ response thus far to the apparent Saudi killing of a Washington Post journalist and imagines the outrage that would probably be coming from the GOP if a Democratic President were handling the situation as President Trump is.
Tom argues that it’s time for the two political parties to end the division and come together for the common good. He feels that’s the only way to mend the divisions in America.
Tom discusses what he feels we all need to learn from the Kavanaugh/Ford testimony and resultant fallout.
Tom argues why it’s important for the FBI to fully investigate the accusations against Brett Kavanaugh before a vote is taken on whether or not he becomes the next Supreme Court Justice.
Tom discusses the current chaos in Washington, but takes solace in the fact that we’ve lived through far worse. Watergate.
Tom discusses this week’s release of a New York Times op-ed piece written anonymously by a senior member of President Trump’s staff, but reminds us that the ultimate judgment of President Trump will come not from this type of release but from the results of the Mueller Investigation.
Tom discusses why he feels that the death of Senator John McCain this past Saturday was sadly yet another demonstration of the sharp differences in our country, when it should have been an opportunity for people to come together to salute an American hero.
While Tom believes this week’s events have put the future of the Trump Presidency into doubt, he believes one thing is certain…that more rocky waters are ahead of us.
Tom drills down on freedom of speech and it's restraints and rules.
He specifically singles out Jack Jones on Twitter who has tweeted
hateful and vile comments.
Tom reflects back on the resignation of President Richard Nixon, which happened 44 years ago this week.
Tom looks back at his days as NBC News' new White House Correspondent covering the downfall of the Presidency of Richard Nixon. And while Tom feels the parallels to President Trump are remarkably similar, he also feels that we have to let things play out before judging him.
The chaos of the Trump White House has Tom reflecting back on the times in our country’s past when the White House was in chaos, including during the Clinton and Nixon administrations.
Tom discusses why the actions President Trump took this week have severe long-term consequences for our country.
Stories of some special people Tom has encountered in his summer travels remind him that despite all the chaos in Washington, there is a LOT of good going on in our country right now.
Tom’s in Montana catching up with friends, some of whom disagree with him on some political issues. This gets Tom thinking about how the Republicans and the Democrats need to work together for our country, starting with vetting candidates for the Supreme Court.
From Trump’s attitudes toward foreign allies to the immigration battle, Tom discusses how we need to come together to combat the craziness that is Washington…for the sake of the continued success of the United States.
As we mark the tenth anniversary of his death, Tom remembers veteran journalist Tim Russert, a man whose influence Tom says is needed more than ever today.
Tom reflects on the anniversary of D-Day with a remembrance of a very special commemoration of the 40th anniversary. He also discusses what we today can learn from the attitudes of those soldiers.
Tom remembers a veteran political reporter whose name you probably don’t recognize…but you’ll certainly enjoy the stories Tom shares of some of his antics!
Tom discusses why he feels that the NFL’s new player rule regarding the National Anthem is short-sited.
Tom celebrates the life and influence of his friend, author Tom Wolfe, who died earlier this week.
Tom offers praise for President Trump for his handling of the North Korea situation but wonders how that will stand up against any findings from the Mueller Investigation. He also discusses how the last time he offered praise for President Trump, it demonstrated to him first-hand just how divided our country is politically.
Tom discusses why he feels that people’s vicious attacks on his family as a result of recent allegations against him show that these days there may be too much of an opportunity for people to express their opinions in the public square without consequence.
While President Trump’s cabinet looks like it could be named after a famous middle America truck stop called “Come and Go,” Tom reflects on the works of some great Americans who have come and thankfully stayed.
Despite all the political craziness in our country, Tom shares his thoughts on some good news for us to think about, including advancements with North Korea, a heroine pilot, and advancements in fighting terrorism.
The memory of an encounter with a homeless man has Tom thinking about how we can all come together to help the less fortunate living on the streets of cities across America.
Tom discusses the continued impact of both Martin Luther King, Jr., of whom we marked the 50th anniversary of his death this week, and the Apollo 8 astronauts.
Tom discusses how to properly consume the news on the internet through the
prism of his over 55 years of media experience.
Tom discusses how the digital age can be both a great aid, such as in identifying the Texas bomber, and a big issue, such as the Facebook data theft that may have played a role in the 2016 election. Regardless, Tom argues, we need better policing of the digital world.
Sure, Tom COULD talk about another week of craziness in the Trump White House…but why do that when March Madness is getting under way? And the annual tournament has Tom reflecting on some great basketball memories from his youth!
Tom weighs in on a lot of chaos this week surrounding the Trump White House: from Story Daniels to a possible trade war…from White House staff upheavals to the latest on the Mueller investigation. Will Democrats be able to take advantage of all of this? Tom wraps with some thoughts on the California illegal immigrant battle as well as a special celebration this past week at NBC News.
Tom discusses why even Trump supporters should be starting to get alarmed by all of the chaos coming out of his White House, and should be expressing concern for our country if it continues in this direction.
Tom discusses how the recent school shooting in Florida has reignited the gun debate in our country. He discusses why he feels some of the conspiracy theories that it’s spawned are nothing short of contemptuous, and why we need to work together to find actual meaningful and actionable solutions.
Tom recalls his anti-Obama friends complaining about how much money he added to our country’s deficit while President…and wonders what those same friends will have to say about what the GOP’s tax cut bill will do to our deficit in the future.
Tom’s always been a cold weather guy…but now he’s been enjoying time this winter in the warmth of Florida.
The 2018 Winter Olympics spark another Olympic memory for Tom…when he covered Bode Miller, an American former World Cup alpine ski racer.
Tom explains why he feels that American athletes at the Olympics, who came to this country from other countries, are one of the biggest reasons to be taking a fair look at our immigration policy.
The start of the Winter Olympics reminds Tom of a favorite Olympic memory from the past.
Tom spent this week working with some Veterans groups on programs to really help our Vets…and urges President Trump to use the money for his planned military parade to instead do the same.
Tom is turning 78 this week…an age that in his younger years seemed unimaginable…and that has him feeling reflective.
The accusations against the FBI brought out by the Nunes memo are troubling…and therefore Tom believes a bipartisan investigation is in order.
Super Bowl LII was a memorable one…and has Tom thinking about some past memorable games too.
The University of Iowa displaying memorabilia from Tom’s long and distinguished journalism career causes him to reflect on some of the biggest stories that he’s helped cover over the course of that career.
The release of a classified memo about potential wrong-doing by the FBI seems to Tom to be a long reach by the GOP members of the House Intelligence Committee to undermine the Mueller investigation of President Trump.
A special honor from his alma mater has Tom reflecting on just how far a good education can take you…and just how lucky many of us in this country are to have the opportunity to get one.
Remember when the hottest new technology was a big, clunky home computer that you had to put disks in? So does Tom…and it makes him long for the days when we participated in more face-to-face interactions rather than hiding behind our smartphones and tablets.
If President Trump stays on-message during his first State of the Union address this week, it should resemble his well-received message overseas last week. However, looming over it all is the continuing Russia investigation. Tom argues that regardless, this will be an interesting year for politics.
The immigration debate is likely to heat up in light of President Trump’s State of the Union speech this week…and at least as of right now, Tom feels Trump holds the cards on this issue.
He may be a veteran journalist about to celebrate birthday number 79, but Tom feels that in some ways he’s no different than a twelve-year-old. How? Take a listen!
Tom discusses why he feels the current posturing over immigration will solve nothing. And raises the equally-important topic of needing to do something about all the school shootings in America – 11 so far in January of this year alone.
While Tom feels that there’s no question that the DACA debate has racial overtones that will eventually backfire on the GOP, he also has a suggestion as to what Mexican immigrants can do to lessen the concerns some have about their moves to the United States.
Even if you’re a Philadelphia fan, in Tom’s mind there’s no denying that Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is a phenomenal athlete.
Tom looks back at President Trump’s first year and argues that he and the GOP need to find a better way to try to work across the aisle in order for him to be successful and raise his approval ratings.
It’s been one year since the inauguration of Donald Trump as President, and while he’s had some successes, Tom argues that his governing style cannot continue, both for the sake of our country and the political system.
America offers great diversity: of climate. This winter…there’s something for everyone…including Tom who is splitting his time between the two very different temperature extremes in New York and Florida.
Tom has a great suggestion for those that like to pick fights with the President. One that may force compromise and actually get things done.
From the current mudslides to earthquakes, if you live in California, Tom feels you have to be prepared to deal with nature on its own terms.
While we may never arrive at the point in this country of knowing what’s right and wrong…one thing is for sure: There are NO secrets. So it should have been no surprise to President Trump that his comments about Haiti and other impoverished countries would be made public.
Tom discusses the potential impacts of President Trump’s alleged statement (featuring crude language) about impoverished countries…and regardless we need to ask ourselves what standards we expect from our leader.
Tom reflects back on his own upbringing and how different society is today. He concludes that things are now so good, America doesn’t need to be made great again…but rather even greater.
Since their just being against Trump won’t be enough, Tom offers Democrats a platform to run on in 2018: deregulation.
Tom discusses why he feels it’s important that before we continue the political debate on American healthcare, we need to talk to the people who actually WORK in healthcare.
Tom discusses why it is an insult to the FBI to be questioning their judgment regarding the Russia investigation while it’s on-going…but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be held accountable if it’s discovered after the investigation is completed that it was done by questionable means.
Tom discusses why it’s so important for us to think twice about everything we do…because in this digital age, there’s no such thing as a secret anymore.
Tom has an important New Year’s resolution to add to the more-typical list of weight loss and reading the great American novel.
While the circumstances leading to it were certainly uncomfortable, Tom discusses why Hoda Kotb’s being named as Matt Lauer’s replacement as “Today” show anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie is just further proof that the twenty-first century will be remembered as the century of women.
Tom discusses why he feels we need to use the Christmas and New Year’s holidays both as a breather from all that’s been going on in our country, and as a time to reflect on an important topic that impacts us all.
Tom discusses how the only thing that seems to be a constant in politics is the unknown.
With the downfall of men for predatory behavior toward women seemingly become a daily occurrence, Tom looks ahead to predict how historians will someday look back at this period in American history.
When Tom accidentally left his iPad at LaGuardia airport recently, the process of finding it again gave him some ideas for helping to prevent losing other commonly-misplaced items.
Today’s lone-wolf terror attack in New York City is a reminder of the persistent threat we unfortunately live with. But Tom discusses why we cannot let these maniacs bring us down.
In this new era of men seemingly falling from grace due to sexual indiscretions on a regular basis, Tom has some advice to share with all guys.
Tom believes that former NBC colleague Matt Lauer seems guilty of plenty of wrong-doing. Costing Hillary Clinton the Presidential election isn’t on the list, however.
Much as he loves his iPhone, Tom discusses why it’s time to develop more iPhone etiquette…and actually take some time to take in the world around us.
Tom reflects on the firing of his former NBC News colleague, Matt Lauer, for claims of inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.
Tom discusses how the admission of guilt from Michael Flynn regarding lying about talking to the Russians…not to mention his cooperation with the Mueller investigation…is a turning point, and while we don’t know where it will lead or not, it will definitely have an impact on our country.
Highland Park in Dallas, Texas…one school with two dynamic football players…gets Tom reflecting on some great sports graduates from his school days.
A funny holiday memory from Tom’s early days as a talk show host…and how one of the biggest stars in the world at that time helped save a show in which all of Tom’s guests cancelled at the last minute.
Tom discusses Joe Biden’s new book…the story of his son’s battle against cancer, and the resulting impacts it had on the former Vice-President.
With all the bad news…from church shootings to Washington chaos, Tom takes a moment to discuss some of the good work that’s being done around the world by America as well.
From the national anthem controversy to lower ratings to increased injuries, this has not been the NFL’s year. Tom discusses how this has then proceeded to cause a malaise among fans of the sport…and what the league can do about it.
The political chaos these days has one big difference than in the past: the role of social media. Tom discusses the impacts.
Tom remembers a beloved horse on his ranch…one that sadly passed away recently due to a freak accident…and the meaningfulness of an interesting Montana horse burial tradition they follow.
There’s been a lot of news in recent weeks…but when’s the last time you heard about the horrific Las Vegas shooting? Tom wonders what this says about what has happened to us as a country.
Tom takes a look back at the political career of Paul Manafort…who now finds himself in hot water as he is about to go before a Federal grand jury in the Russian collusion case.
Halloween is a cause for Tom to look back at a favorite past holiday story involving a very special member of the Greatest Generation.
Sometimes we get hooked on a tasty treat from a young age and carry that craving with us throughout our lives. What’s Tom’s favorite sweet treat? Find out in today’s podcast!
The Trump political ship MUST be stabilized…the repercussions of this not happening for our country are too great.
It’s World Series time…and Tom takes a nostalgic look back at some memorable past Fall Classics.
The politicizing of the death of Sgt. Johnson in a Niger ambush shows just how divided our country has become. Tom says it’s time for that to change…and fast.
Tom’s in South Dakota for pheasant hunting season, and tried to open a dialogue with gun shop owners about automatic and semi-automatic weapons. The silence he got in return was deafening.
Tom discusses why it’s time once and for all to bring our country back together again…it may not be easy, but it’ll be worth it.
Tom’s in South Dakota getting an early jump on the pheasant hunting season…which is prompting any number of debates with his friends over the Second Amendment.
Tom has a solution to once and for all bring together the opposing sides of the NFL kneeling debate.
In light of last week’s Vegas shooting, Tom feels that changes need to be made to gun control. Hear why he feels that everyone should agree…no matter where they stand on gun control.
Our immigration policy definitely needs an overhaul…but Tom says President Trump’s wall isn’t the answer.
It was a rough weekend for Tom watching his favorite football teams…both in the NFL and in college football!
It’s fall, which means class reunion season. Tom discusses how reunions are a time to take stock and reflect on what is important to pass down to future generations.
It used to be that you really had to think long and hard to remember the last mass shooting. Now, it’s become far too commonplace…and Tom feels it’s changed much of American life as we know it.
Even as a gun owner himself, Tom thinks that the gun control argument is completely out of control in this country and that the modern interpretation of the Second Amendment is misguided.
Tom explains why he feels that the Las Vegas mass murder shows yet again that it’s time to take a good look at what this country needs to do about having a reasoned argument about the place of guns in society.
Tom discusses President Trump’s new tax plan. And even though he doesn’t support much of it, he believes that the final plan…if there is one at all…will look little like this proposal.
Tom discusses what he’d like to see NFL players do to help combat violence in our country.
Tom discusses the reasons why he feels Hillary Clinton lost…and how Democrats can avoid similar from happening in the future.
After the devastation from recent hurricanes, the Caribbean isn’t going to be the same in many ways for a LONG time. That includes tourism, and will have a direct impact on those who earn their livelihood from tourism. Tom explains why he believes it’s incumbent upon us to welcome them here until they can get back up and running at home.
Tom explains why even though he is a reverent supporter of the national anthem, he’s also a proponent of people’s right to sit it out…and why President Trump’s handling of this controversy is dividing, rather than uniting, our country.
A second granddaughter starting college prompts Tom to look back on the rocky start he got in college.
Why Tom feels that Ken Burns’ new mini-series on the Vietnam War has some good lessons for us all in terms of the continued battle in Afghanistan.
Fall is a wonderful time, but this year it’s anything but for cattle ranchers battling brush fires in the Rocky Mountain West.
From sexual assault to binge drinking, there are some disturbing trends on college campuses and Tom explains why he feels it’s incumbent upon the institutions to call people together to say that something must be done to combat them.
Amidst much criticism of President Trump, Tom discusses why it’s important to keep perspective, with the focus remaining on the fact that the White House’s stance on many important subjects to Americans remains unclear…and why that’s not a good thing for our country.
Why Tom feels that 2017 has been a year of great chaos for America, with a President that has done more to divide America than to unite it, and why some big unresolved issues need to be addressed.
America will repair and rebuild areas damaged by Hurricane Irma. But what about the Caribbean? Why Tom feels that will require an investment from American tourism.
The attacks on September 11, 2001 began an unending war that is still going on sixteen years later. Tom discusses why the terrorism that began that day is still in large part defining who America is.
On a recent morning, Tom awoke, looked out the window…and realized that something was completely “Whack.” Just what happened?
Tom discusses how Hurricane Harvey brought people together again…despite the divisive times we are now living in.
Tom’s visiting granddaughter, who is about to embark on her college journey, sparks a memory of his early days in college...and how his college education, not to mention his marriage, almost never was.
After President Trump’s speech this week on Afghanistan, Tom reflects on why that country is such a challenge for us.
THURSDAY 8/24 – Why Tom feels that an eclipse a week may be just what this country needs!
Steve Bannon is out at the White House…what’s next for the Trump Administration? Tom feels that only Robert Mueller knows…and tells us why he feels it’s not fair to President Trump to speculate.
Why Tom feels that today’s solar eclipse…however short…might be just the diversion from all the Washington craziness that we need!
It's a tough time for Montana's cattle ranchers...and it's going to hit you in the wallet!
Tom shares his thoughts on the Charlottesville riots this past weekend and why he feels President Trump's statements afterwards haven't helped matters.
Tom discusses some eye-opening visitors this summer in Montana...unless of course you're a Montana-ite used to seeing them!