Redstate

Tim Russert presided over my political coming of age. Before I knew anything about dogma or agenda, I knew I could learn from Tim Russert.

The free exchange of ideas inevitably yields both heat and light.

I've left a comment in response to Dan over at RedHot, but I'll share what's on my mind right now.

Last Sunday, he had what I considered to be another stupid journalists' roundtable, but what struck me was the twinkle in his eyes as he introduced the show. He was a master interviewer, but I suspect what he enjoyed most about his show was getting a group of journalists or strategists at his table and just talking shop for the cameras.

He had Lindsey Graham and Joe Biden scheduled for this Sunday, but I don't know what will come of that. Russert would probably want the show to go on, bring in David Gregory to interview the guests, but NBC News should not be that understated. The viewers need Tim for the full hour.

Can't say that I thought fondly of his politics, but I will GREATLY miss his humanity.

He always presented himself, in my mind anyway, as a genuine good guy.

It is always sad to see who leaves us too early.

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Dependence is Slavery.

From NBC's obituary:

He was 'one of the premier political journalists and analysts of his time,' Tom Brokaw, the former longtime anchor of NBC Nightly News, said in announcing Russert’s death. 'This news division will not be the same without his strong, clear voice.'"

Indeed. Russert, regardless of political leanings, was always intriguing, and seemed to be a fine man. While I disagreed with many of his positions, I always thought him to be a fair moderator, and extremely knowledgeable. The world is a little bit grayer with his passing. My thoughts and prayers to his wife and son.

And may he rest in peace.

As a reporter Tim was a Legend in a time all other legends were 20 years older then him. Love or hate NBC he was often fair, sometimes balanced, and almost always a good watch.

Tim left some big shoes to fill, and as I've said before, I hope his shoes are waterproof so Bathtub boy can wear them while hiding.

RIP Tim

Voting for the Sexy(Pres) - Sexy(VP) Dream Ticket
Jindal/Palin 2012

Dude, I'll see you when I get there.

I'll give you this for sure - you were about the only person in the majority media that would ever ask a hard question of a Democrat. My hat is off to you, and I'll miss you.

My best wishes and prayers to your family.

Unfair. Unbalanced. Unmedicated. -- IMAO

I usually have the news on all day in the background and don't miss stuff like this...but the Kids are watching Cartoons now and I'm shocked.

He nearly drove me nuts early in the Bush years because he railed against the Bush Tax cuts incessantly.

Russert was an old Democrat operative but he was a rare breed in the MSM of today in that he really did try to be fair to both sides. And nobody was a tougher interview...except maybe O'riely.

I DVR MTP every sunday and it's going to take some getting used to seeing him gone!

Bye Tim and may God rest your soul

Here:

Whenever I’ve been asked to give examples of a fair, balanced and honest journalist, Tim Russert’s name was the first name that came to mind. This was a view shared by everyone and the ultimate testimony to his professionalism. As a moderator he was in a league of his own, always knowing when to speak and when to let his guests do the talking. As an individual he was an absolute class act, and always a gentleman. The world of journalism is vastly diminished today.

"No compromise with the main purpose, no peace till victory, no pact with unrepentant wrong." - Winston Churchill

If I'm honest, that signature line from Russert during football season sometimes annoyed me a bit, but I have no problem with a full and sincere echo of that sentiment today.

Or as some might put it, today, I think we are ALL Buffalo Bills fans.

Deepest sympathies to his family and best wishes to Tim for a safe journey to Heaven.

(Selfishly, it's hard not to utterly dread who NBC might tap as the replacement for MTP. But I'll try to keep away from those pettier thoughts today and simply wish comfort to all who knew him.)

Like others have said, he's one of the very best. I just can't believe this.
I've never cared that he was a Democrat at all, because he's always been so fair, so likeable, so insightful, that it would have been a crime to ignore what he had to say.

NBC is doomed without him, and all of journalism will feel this loss.

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~ Beth ~

...as a lone voice who was actually willing to ask tough questions of the MSM's pet party parrots.

Hannity had some genuinely nice things to say about Tim today. Very heartfelt about what a personal loss this was for him and for all of us.

Rest in peace, Tim Russert. My prayers and blessings for your family.

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"We want great men who, when fortune frowns, will not be discouraged." - Colonel Henry Knox

"No compromise with the main purpose, no peace till victory, no pact with unrepentant wrong." - Winston Churchill

to watch. I just wanted to pay my respects to him by reminding all who read this to go give your own Dads a great big bear hug and tell them you love em. I lost my Dad at age 57, and I didn't tell him nearly enough how much I loved him for being such a great Dad or thank him for raising me right. Don't deny yourselves the opportunity to do it. Time is too precious and finitely short. God bless you Tim Russert.
Tim Schieferecke

Ditto on most of what has been said. I can't do the man justice in speaking how big he was in the news. He was one of the few liberal journalist that I could handle listening to for long periods of time.

What really gets me, is that I just watched him in what seemed liked just days ago during the last primary! He was alive and so no signs of being sick! Now he is dead! It's really surreal.

My thoughts are with his family.

Join The Revolution!
BigGator5.net

is the kind of reporting that it lacking and now there is no one with even a hint of fairness left....that Olbermann would be allowed on the same network with this lion is how pathetic they all have become...I will miss the man!

Freedom of Religion NOT Freedom from Religion

Sundays will not be the same. A big loss to the political scene in what is shaping into a historic election year. He was always tough and thorough in his interviews.

The only New York football team to play in New York.

RIP Tim Russert

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I grew up watching Russert on our one channel on Sunday mornings. He was one of the most even handed, professional moderators we've seen on TV and in the MSM. He went out on top of his game, it's truly a loss to all of us.

This is just an awful shame. Mr. Russert was an exceptionally gifted interviewer and came across as a genuinely nice man. He was professional and courteous in his dealing with people. I got the impression that he tried his best to grill both sides in politics and not to let his personal leanings affect his job. This presidential campaign would have benefited from having him active and engaged.

It's a terrible shame for his family. 58 is just way too young.

he was the best interviewer in the history of television. My favorite Russert moment was the Florida Gubentorial debate where he finished Bill McBride's candidacy by nailing him about the cost of his education plan. He had a knack for showing how dumb an empty seat could be without berating the person.

McCain '08

Politics was his life. I will miss him. Face it he was the best.

If it's Sunday it's Meet the Press. My kids said it with him every Sunday. RIP

Gregory who takes his place, How much you wanna bet?

"Nothing works like freedom, Nothing succeeds like liberty"
Kyle

of his professionalism.

He had a zeal for getting at the truth and the set opinions which shaped our political process.

We'd all be wise to use his approach when questioning our politicos. Don't make it easy for fellow Republicans to disgrace us. Don't assume the answers of a Democrat. LISTEN and listen some more. Ask questions, lots of questions.

God Bless Tim and his family

...from both sides of the "aisle". {{grouphug}}

RIP Tim and warm loving thoughts to your family at this time.

Now they have Gregory, Matthews, Olbermann, and Scraborough. Too bad none of them learned a damn thing from Russert's profesional and personal qualities. Not only did NBC lose their Sunday Host for Meet the Press; he was their Washington Bureau Chief and Senior VP - big shoes to fill.