Mr. Williams was interviewed at NBC Studios in Rockefeller Center two days before he was to take the anchor chair of NBC News following the retirement of Tom Brokaw. He talked about his childhood, his early interest in politics and history, and his collection of political memorabilia. Mr. Williams said he is writing a book about the death of President Garfield. Other topics included his internship in the Carter White House, his political leanings, his love of books, and the concept of thirty-minute television news shows.