The news that Tim Russert had died hit much of America hard this afternoon. A man only 58 years of age that showed passion and deep understanding of the political process, and the issues that confront the nation, is not easy to lose. There was a real sense of disbelief among those hearing the news of his death, as it was from those that reported the story. We all just wanted it not to be true.
As CNN reports Tim Russert set the standard for Sunday morning news programming.
During his 17-year run as the host of “Meet the Press”, the longest of any host in the show’s 60-year history, Russert earned the respect and admiration of many journalists and politicians.
“He was an institution in both news and politics for more than two decades. Tim was a tough and hardworking newsman. He was always well-informed and thorough in his interviews. And he was as gregarious off the set as he was prepared on it,” President Bush said Friday.
His professionalism earned him many accolades. The Washingtonian Magazine once dubbed Russert the best and most influential journalist in Washington, describing “Meet the Press “the most interesting and important hour on television.”
Tim Russert set a standard for news reporting and interviewing that led all of Washington to know that his program “Meet The Press” was a real chance for the public to gain insight into the guest on Sunday morning. Russert would be polite and allow for full and wide ranging answers, but he also understood the role that he held, and the responsibility that he owed to his audience. As such, there was never much wiggle room for a politician that failed to understand that questions deserved answers. And in the end even those who were feeling piqued by the questions knew that Russert was playing fair as a journalist.
That is why so many in both Washington, and around the country mourn his passing. He knew that the democratic process was so important that his role as a journalist had to be fair and even-handed. It was his role to help shine light on the newsmakers and issues that otherwise would perhaps never face real scrutiny during that week. His program often made for news stories in the New York Times and questions for the White House Secretary to answer on Mondays. That was one reason his show was essential to watch.
Every Sunday morning I was a devoted fan of “Meet The Press”, and it had become a bit of a joke here when James would say “If its Sunday morning……” Russert’s insight and analysis during this election cycle has added depth and perspective to the MSNBC coverage. I know that he wanted to see this election process unfold, and could tell by the glint in his eye that this was indeed an exciting election season. I am really sad that he will not get to see the end result of a story he loved to report about.
My love for journalists and the role they play in our nation is well known to my readers. So it is a sad day here when one who loved the nation as much as Russert did dies far too young. He slipped away from us doing what he loved to do. Working on his show and helping us to better understand the world in which we live.
Thanks Tim.
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