Rest in Peace, Tim Russert
Friday, June 13, 2008 at 08:23PM Politics and journalism lost one of its giants with the untimely passing of Tim Russert.
It's hard to think of another journalist, politico, or Washington insider who was as universally respected, admired and loved as Tim Russert.
Of the many remembrances that I've watched on TV all afternoon, the one thing that stands out is that in a town known for back-biting, double-talk, unhealthy ambition, and outright disloyalty, Tim Russert had nary an enemy. That's pretty remarkable given his profession -- journalism -- and his passion -- politics -- which practically breeds unsavory characters and outright hypocrites.
As a political junkie, the best hour on TV every week was Meet the Press. I looked forward to watching Russert cross-examine his weekly guests the way normal people look forward to their favorite sitcom. And when he popped up on the Today Show, or MSNBC, or The Nightly News, I always stopped what I was doing to listen closely. You just knew you were going to learn something every time he spoke.
It's easy to forget that when Russert took over the Meet the Press franchise, it was in a state of advanced decay. The program had lost much of its luster, and was little more than background noise in the greater scheme of things. Russert changed all that, so much so that Meet the Press became a necessary -- and sometimes hazardous -- stop for officeholders in search of influence. For presidential aspirants, it represented a primary onto its own -- the Meet the Press primary. If you couldn't survive an hour with Russert, chances are you wouldn't make it to the White House.
Russert's loss is particularly devestating because he was so clearly in his prime, and in his element, during one of the most interesting and unpredictable election cycles in history. To steal a horse-racing term, he was on the muscle, and it was obvious that he relished every second of this campaign.
NBC News has a massive void to fill -- my guess is that David Gregory will take the reigns of Meet the Press -- as does Washington in general. Our politics will be a little less rigorous, and a little less interesting, without Tim Russert keeping the process honest.
It's ironic that his passing comes on the eve of Father's day weekend. Tim Russert was nothing if not a proud father and a reverential son. It's impossible to read his book, Big Russ and Me, without misting up and reflecting on your own father. Hopefully his family will take comfort in the outpouring of love and rememberences from around the country. Rest in peace.
Footnote: If one video clip captures Tim Russert, it's this one.
Footnote II: I stand corrected -- this video of son Luke on the Today show talking about his father is Russert's real legacy.
Reader Comments (12)
I couldn't agree more Nick. My Sunday's didn't start until MTP started. I am a late arrival to becoming interested in politics, and it started with my watching MTP. I learned a lot in that 1 hour each week.
In a wierd way, he has the ability to make me feel like i knew him personally...that is a gift essentially unmatched by other newsers.
What a loss. Not sure how I will ever look at Sunday mornings the same way.
I'd love to see you take his place, Nick!
Nick,
A really great tribute to Tim Russert.
I liked Tim though I have to admit that I only occasionally watched "Meet the Press" and that was when I saw it repeated later in the day on MSNBC.
My exposure to Tim was more on primary and election nights. He always made a lot of sense and he did not seem to have an agenda or an "ax to grind."
Thanks for expressing the thoughts of a lot of us. It's not a personal tragedy for any of us, but almost 24 hours later, I still feel depressed about it.
Barry Piatoff
great tribute : )
WHAT A WONDERFUL TRIBUTE.
Russert was, above all, fair. He hated spin and always held people accountable for their remarks and actions. He'll be missed. Nick as his replacement is a terrible idea.
What an incredibly smart and heartfelt post. Even having spent a great deal of the weekend watching tributes to him on TV, you really got it all here. Mr. Russert is already so deeply missed... and all I guess we can hope for now through his tragic, tragic loss is to learn from him-- how he did his job and how he led his life-- and appreciate more than ever the remarkable (and in his field, unmatched) impact he's had and imprint he's left on us.
Well done. What a huge loss to the worlds of both journalism and politics.
Agree - what a thoughtful post. Regardless of which "side" you're on, Russert was a smart, hard-working guy with a passion for politics and journalism. It's hard not to respect that. Nice tribute.
Excellent Tribute ...
Thank you for your sharing!
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