More in the cross-post on the MRC's NewsBusters blog.
Anchoring an NBC News special report on Wednesday about President Obama nominating federal judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court, Today co-host Matt Lauer asked justice correspondent Pete Williams: “Senate Republicans have vowed to block any nomination that comes from the President....what message is the President sending with this pick?”
Williams replied: “The message is that he's trying to make it harder for Senate Republicans to oppose someone who’s not only well liked, but has a good reputation in town and a wide breadth of experience.”