Friday, June 13, 2008
Remembering A Legend: Tim Russert
The great political journalist Tim Russert died today following a heart attack he suffered while at work inside NBC’s Washington Bureau. It’s a true loss for NBC News, for political junkies, and for the world. Russert’s direct and pointed questions often illicited answers as newsworthy as they were insightful. His team’s thorough research and Russert’s steady and unwavering delivery were key to pinpointing the weaknesses in political arguments and putting politicians on the spot to answer to the public. Russert was equally tough on Democrats and Republicans, and candidates and elected leaders from both sides of the aisle came onto the set well aware of the grilling in store. Watching “Meet The Press” or one of the Russert-moderated presidential debates you knew it was time well spent. When the show ended, you were more informed about the world not only in getting answers to questions you wanted asked, but in the discovery of facts and quotes from years past that Russert and company dug up that became germaine to the debate once again. I met Russert in February in the hours leading up to the Cleveland debate between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Russert was being shuffled through the various Ohio TV affiliates positioned in the ‘Spin Room’ at Cleveland State University accompanied by his handlers from the network. Despite the incredible pressures of hosting such a high profile debate and the time demands of the numerous affiliates wanting to get the inside scoop heading into the debate straight from Russert, he was as gracious as could be in giving of his time. It will be difficult to watch “Meet The Press” in the future and not think of Russert’s greatness.
