Whoa. This news actually took me aback.
Tim Russert, long time host of “Meet the Press” and a fixture in the NBC news room has apparently died of a heart attack. He was working at the NBC studios in Washington at the time.
Russert’s “Meet the Press” was the only Sunday morning show I have watched with any regularity because Russert was such a good interviewer. I loved his sense of humor and the warmth with which he treated his guests. He almost always asked hard questions but never, ever came across as rancorous. He was, I think, the lone voice of sanity and journalistic integrity left in the NBC news room. He certainly ruffled a few feathers when he dared to actually ask some tough questions at a Democratic debate back in November.
And he was a big-time fan of professional football (his hometown Buffalo Bills, specifically) and of the Washington Nationals. He also helped Rock the Red during the Capitals playoff run, which made me smile when I saw it. He wore his fandom on his sleeve. I like that about him very much.
UPDATE: Robert McCain hit it right on the head: “I can think of nobody in TV news today who will be able to fill Russert’s shoes.” There is no heir-apparent to Tim Russert on any network.
Tags: Tim Russert
Very shocking. He was only 58. RIP Tim, you were a good man.
Hey Dollin Jimmie, how are you, friend? I share your sadness about Tim Russert. He was a gentleman, decent, did his homework, and only wanted to get to the truth. The only time Russert was flustered and reduced to sputtering was when he interviewed former Klan Grand Wizard David Duke. But, really, who could blame Tim?
I send my aloha. Come by and say howdy sometime.
Grace!! Your presence in my life has been keenly missed. I have followed you from afar and am glad that you have persevered.
I’ll make a point of letting you know I’ve dropped by more often.
swoooooon!
xo