weaken our democracy. in fact, coincidentally, today, at the white house president joe biden kicked off the first ever summit for democracy. it s a two-day virtual gathering, brings together leaders for more than 100 democratic governments around the world. with the lofty goals of defending against authoritarianism. addressing and fighting corruption. and promoting respect for human rights. of course, the summit takes place in the context of democracies in decline worldwide. the stock home based intense and electorals we found that more of a quarter of the world is now in democratic backsliding countries. this year, for the first time, united states was added to that list. this morning, president biden spoke about renewing the struggle to protect democracy here and abroad. here in the united states we know as well as anyone that renewing our democracy and strengthening our democratic institution requires constant effort. american democracy is an ongoing struggle to live
is a really, really big deal. having the opportunity to share a desk with him for major news events has been not just an honor for me, which it has been an honor, but beyond that, to tell you the truth, it s how i have learned half the things i know about how to handle the responsibilities of the big desk. brian williams in all candor is a great guy. he is a great colleague. he is incredibly generous. he is as hilarious a person as i have ever met in any context. and on the 11th hour, he and that excellent staff of his, they do one of the best shows that have ever been done on cable news on any network, and tonight he is finishing. he is dropping the mic. thank you for indulging me for a second. it s a big night at msnbc and the whole nbc family. brian williams is a big deal. his decision to step away is a really big deal for all of us, and i will just tell you, please do watch the 11th hour tonight for brian s final broadcast. you will be glad you have done so. thank you
Bryant s final broadcast here at nbc. brian williams, has been with nbc and msnbc for nearly 30 years. there is no one like him and he has been here from the beginning. he wasnning. has been here for the beginning. he was here in the anchor chair when msnbc first opened its doors day one in 1996. that was it. and tonight will be his last night. w whether you have followed brian his whole career or if you ve just become a fan of the 11th hour, his absolutely brilliant, witty, insightful emotionally compelling snarky as i ll get out incredible show that he does here right now, whether you ve only become a fan during the 11th hour or been a fan from the beginning, you should just , know that for all of us in the building as we say, it s in the proverbial building now, but for all of us, his colleagues, brian leaving, brian stopping his show