Tributes for Russert
The tributes are pouring in for Tim Russert, the NBC News Washington bureau chief and "Meet the Press" moderator who collapsed and died of an apparent heart attack this afternoon.
And those from the political world include the presidential candidates, whose every up and down he had been chronicling for viewers.
From presumptive Republican nominee John McCain: "I am very saddened by Tim Russert's sudden death. Cindy and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the Russert family as they cope with this shocking loss and remember the life and legacy of a loving father, husband and the preeminent political journalist of his generation. He was truly a great American who loved his family, his friends, his Buffalo Bills, and everything about politics and America. He was just a terrific guy. I was proud to call him a friend, and in the coming days, we will pay tribute to a life whose contributions to us all will long endure."
Democrat Barack Obama told reporters: "I’ve known Tim Russert since I first spoke at the convention in 2004. He’s somebody who, over time, I came to consider not only a journalist but a friend. There wasn’t a better interviewer in TV, not a more thoughtful analyst of our politics, and he was also one of the finest men I knew. Somebody who cared about America, cared about the issues, cared about family. I am grief-stricken with the loss and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. And I hope that, even though Tim is irreplaceable, that the standard that he set in his professional life and his family life are standards that we all carry with us in our own lives.”
From Hillary Clinton and former president Bill Clinton: "We were stunned and deeply saddened to hear of the passing today of Tim Russert. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Maureen, his son Luke, his father who we all have come to know as Big Russ, his extended family and all of his many friends and colleagues at NBC who have suffered a tremendous loss. Always true to his proud Buffalo roots, Tim had a love of public service and a dedication to journalism that rightfully earned him the respect and admiration of not only his colleagues but also those of us who had the privilege to go toe to toe with him. In seeking answers to tough questions, he helped inform the American people and make our democracy stronger. We join his friends, fans and loved ones in mourning his loss and celebrating his remarkable contribution to our nation."
The Associated Press reported President George W. Bush's statement on Russert:
"Laura and I are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Tim Russert. Those of us who knew and worked with Tim, his many friends, and the millions of Americans who loyally followed his career on the air will all miss him.
"As the longest-serving host of the longest-running program in the history of television, 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.
"Most important, Tim was a proud son and father, and Laura and I offer our deepest sympathies to his wife Maureen, his son Luke, and the entire Russert family. We will keep them in our prayers."
Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts added his condolences:
"Tim Russert was a gentleman and giant, not just in politics and journalism, but in life. And through that life, he gave us all a model worth emulating. With a reasoned voice, a sharp mind and a fair hand, Tim took the measure of every Washington official and all those that sought to be one. He was a great journalist and an even better friend. His passing is a tragic loss for us all, but especially for the family he loved so much. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim's wife Maureen and his son Luke.”
We have all lost a very decent honest and carring reporter, host and comentatory. He will be so greatly missed. I feel like I lost a brother today. We send our deepest sympathy to his family. Sunday mornings will not be the same. God's Blessings to his family.
In his own words the AHA moment that defined his life and--- given the timing of his death--- an ironic reminder of the true essence of Father's Day
AHA! MOMENT
Tim Russert
How the newscaster found his real vocation.
"For my entire life, I've been a driven person, always striving. I was the first in my family to attend college, and then I went to law school. I worked for the government, then joined NBC and lived in Manhattan, going to concerts, restaurants and cocktail parties. It was an exciting and wonderful life, but my career was central to it, and I was often in a hurry.
That all changed on August 22, 1985, at 7:11 p.m.
My wife, Maureen, had been in labor all day with our first and only child. When the nurse put Luke in my arms, I finally understood unconditional love. I realized exactly why my father had worked two full-time jobs for 30 years; why my mother had spent her days sitting next to me when I was sick as a boy, putting her hand on my forehead to check my fever again and again. My love for Luke was as deep as theirs for me—so natural, complete, instinctive.
At that moment, all my priorities shifted. My career became secondary to the blessing of being a parent. I wanted to stay at home and feed our baby; I wanted to watch him learn to crawl and say his first words. I wanted to coach his baseball and soccer games. I know it seems impossible, but I feel I can remember every day of his life.
When I brought Luke to begin his freshman year in college in September, I knew that a major chapter in his life and mine was over. From that day forward, he'd never again be totally dependent on me. I gave him simple advice: "Study hard, laugh often and keep your honor." I pray that I've taught him to make good decisions and given him strong moral grounding to do the right thing. Because, ever since August 22, 1985, at 7:11 p.m., I've known that when my life is over, there's nothing more I'll be judged on than what kind of father I was."
To me, Tim was the reason that "Meet The Press" was still on the air. The old song "Sundays Will Never Be The Same" keeps reverberating in my mind. He will be sadly missed.
So sad. My wife and I invited Tim into our living room every Sunday morning over coffee and the paper to listen to Mr. Russert ask the questions we wanted answer. He wasn't just a journalist. He gave voice into the political process for us all. God bless Mr. Russert and the family he leaves on this earth.
I am really going to miss this sweet guy. He had a way of asking penetrating questions in a kindly way. So his family can be so proud of him. I am sad because he was a little bit young and I am sure his family is in shock right now. He made Meet the Press so valuable to our understanding of events and people. I can hardly believe it and I don't even know him. I wish it didn't have to be this way.
Sunday will never, ever be the same again for my husband & I. We feel the loss of a dear, dear respected friend so profoundly as we are loyal viewers for years & years. Our prayers are with Big Russ & Tim's wife & son...He could only be dearly loved...A GOOD MAN!!! God is greeting him with "Well done good and loyal servant"...Today I hurt like I hurt when each of the Kennedy's have died and I will miss Tim as I still miss each and everyone of those awesome people...
He was a scholar of Historical Politics which made him insightful to how History does repeat itself, therefore he knew exactly what needed to be asked. Good Bye Tim & please don't start given the Lord the third degree ease into it...:)
I'm sorry he died but Tim Russert carried the water for this White House.
I feel lost. What are we gonna do?
Only Gwen Ifill can take his place, IMO.
(What's with all the question marks?)
My husband cried and my heart is broken. I wake up for Tim Russet on Sundays just for his program, I don't even do that on a Sunday for my husband.
Jovita
Mr. Russert was one of the few in Washington who "got it." He understood the importance of keeping the public informed and active in politics. He also understood that television and journalism has the responsibility for helping those things happen. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family, and to our nation.
Tim, May God bless you and your family. I wish for your family the strength to make it through these difficult days and days to come. I feel very sad, and that the earth has lost a really good person, which is extremely sad! I hope you are able to straighten this world out a little with the "Guy" up there with you! God bless you!
We have always thought of Tim as a member of our close family. We listened, we watched, but more, we identified with Tim as one of us. We are saddened, we are distraught.
May God have mercy on Tim and welcome him into eternal life to shine upon those of us who still wander the earth. I can just imagine Tim now, having passed into eternal life with a microphone held for him by an archangel interviewing God. I shall cherish the memories Tim gave me. I trust that God Almighty shall suffer Tim.
Tom
I met Tim in NH on primary day several years ago. He noticed my son and told me of his son Luke who was the same age. We had a nice conversation about being parents. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing and will always remember him. NBC will not be the same without him - he was a wonderful man. My deepest condolences to his entire family.
My prayers go out to the Russert family.
He helped me understand politcs. How will we understand the General Election? I will miss him dearly and his white board.
The world has lost a wonderful man. Tim has gone home and we will miss him
As a political news junkie Russert was my hero. A true pro and an incredible person. His humanity shined at all times in his work. So sad. Taken way too early. What a loss! Noone can take his place.
I saw Tim Russert in Indiana at a Barrack Obama Rally in May a few days before the Indiana primary. I was standing in line and Tim Russert walked up carrying an Ice Tea from a local deli. He asked me why I was not going and I told him it was an invitation only event I of course did not have an invitation. One of the staffers told him to go to the other door and as a press person he could get entry. He made a bit of a joke about preferring to stand in line before he walked away.
I did not know then that we shared Diabetes and today when I found out I am so sad. People need to know how terrible this disease is and what a wonderful example he will be ot us who suffer this disease. Mr. Russert did his job without
complaint. We never knew he had the disease and yet he was so professional.
He is a blessing.
Here is a sip of tea and a packet of sweet and low to a man that shared my living room almost every Sunday.
It is rare to get a genuine, caring newscaster, family man, writer and humanitarian all rolled into one. Tim lived a grand life and we are fortunate that he wrote 2 books commemorating important facets of his life from which we can all learn. May his family find peace reminiscing about the memories and love they shared with this extraordinary man.
I am so sad. He connected to the people. He was respected for his integrity. He was honest, loyal, intelligent, warm and happy. . Someone everyone can admire. He lived true to his God, his family, his country and his fellow human beings. I never met him except through TV yet my heart is so sad and goes out to his family. He is the perfect role model and hero. Thank you Mr. Russert. God will reward you. My deepest sympathy to the Russert family.
I am just a television fan and i often switched to NBC first and last thing before going to bed. I am very sad, hearing of the sudden death of Tim Russet.. I know that no man is indispensable, but Tim was just the right man to man that service. It is all done now, i have heard that he died of a sudden heart attack and i am very much sadden that such a good man should die so quickly. I am sending my heartfelt sympathy to his dear wife, son and father. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
always, always, always it is the good people who die young and suddenly like this. aside from his remarkable talent and persistence, he was the only man in public life who so unabashedly loved and openly honored his father and son. a man honoring other men. his loss as an advocate for positive coverage of men is a tragedy for men and boys everywhere.
Tim Russert was the cornerstone of American journalism.
Tim, I miss you already . My husband told me as I walk though the door. The only man I belived in about the news . To your family and friends take care of one another .
May God keep you the Family of Tim Russert in the Palms of His Hands. May he give you strength , understanding, a peace that will comfort you for He is with you always. God must have a better plan for your Loved One. Be Still and Know that He is God. Lean on Him in this very difficult and trying time. Tim was a wonderful anchor , my family will miss his reporting.
Not only did I look forward to Meet the Press every Sunday morning, but I always found myself putting the clicker down whenever I came across Tim on TV. He had a knack for asking the questions that you wished most other interviewers would; but, he always presented those questions with tact and professionalism. With the presidential campaign in full swing, Tim has been a frequent guest on the Today Show in the morning. When I first heard of his death, the first though that came to my mind was the many times over the past year or so that I've stopped my morning routine, sat down at the end of my bed, and watched him discuss the prior days political events with Matt or Meredith. That's what I'll miss most about Tim. His family can be proud that he's left his mark on so many of us.
Mr. Russert you will be sadly missed. You were one of the true people in Washington who "Just got it" and knew how and what to do with it. You were a wealth of knowledge and at the same time a shear joy to listen to, as well. I will miss you dearly, but will never forget you and your love for life. God Speed.
Bravo, Mr. Russert. . . . Bravo!
A great journalist, and a great interviewer. What integrity. What a loss.
To the Russert family:
When I heard Ethel Kennedy's remarks this evening, I started crying. I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Tim Jr.
I am a moderate Texas Jewish Democrat who has found, through the last twenty years, or so, a light on Sunday mornings.
No matter where I might have been in the world, I found a way to hear what subject Tim was questioning his current guest about, and no matter if it was a president, a statesman or a king, he treated all with the utmost respect and with the profundity of a regular guy who was the son of a sanitation worker from Buffalo ,NY.
When I have been at home, in Houston, everyone in my family and yes, everyone I know has always respected my time with Tim every Sunday. Believe me, when the Houston Oilers suffered their most famous embarassment at the hands of the Bills, I still found it necessary and unavoidable to watch Tim the following Sunday!
This, being the most interesting political year in my lifetime, was terrific fodder for Sunday mornings and I was looking forward to seeing both the Pundits and the candidates put to task by Tim. No one could even hope to do it better!!
My condolences to you, Maureen, and to Luke and most of all to "Big Russ" who, in his own way, exemplifies both what could be achieved and what we should all should hope to achieve in our country, "What a country!!!!"
With sincere condolences and an empty heart,
Neil Strauss
Houston, Texas
To the Russert family:
When I heard Ethel Kennedy's remarks this evening, I started crying. I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Tim Jr.
I am a moderate Texas Jewish Democrat who has found, through the last twenty years, or so, a light on Sunday mornings.
No matter where I might have been in the world, I found a way to hear what subject Tim was questioning his current guest about, and no matter if it was a president, a statesman or a king, he treated all with the utmost respect and with the profundity of a regular guy who was the son of a sanitation worker from Buffalo ,NY.
When I have been at home, in Houston, everyone in my family and yes, everyone I know has always respected my time with Tim every Sunday. Believe me, when the Houston Oilers suffered their most famous embarassment at the hands of the Bills, I still found it necessary and unavoidable to watch Tim the following Sunday!
This, being the most interesting political year in my lifetime, was terrific fodder for Sunday mornings and I was looking forward to seeing both the Pundits and the candidates put to task by Tim. No one could even hope to do it better!!
My condolences to you, Maureen, and to Luke and most of all to "Big Russ" who, in his own way, exemplifies both what could be achieved and what we should all should hope to achieve in our country, "What a country!!!!"
With sincere condolences and an empty heart,
Neil Strauss
Houston, Texas
My husband, age 54, has never been impressed with public figures or celebrities. He has found it peculiar that people grieve for someone they didn't know. Early this evening he called me en route to a weekend bike race. With shock and sadness in his voice he said, "Did you hear. . ." at which point I didn't let him finish and I started to cry as I was sitting in front of the t.v. watching the news coverage. I am not sure what moved him but I know we spent the entire primary season sitting next to each other on the sofa watching the primary results and the evening MSNBC coverage. We both agreed that we were eager for the general election season since he was such a class act. Tim wore life loosely around him and attained a certain kind of grace here on earth. He understood the role of ethics and civic engagement. We were blessed by his presence.
I am so deeply moved and saddened. Tim is the person who drew me in to politics...because of his honest, direct and dogged approach to making sure the people he interviewed answered the questions and looked in the "mirror".
To steal from Brokaw, he had "The Greatest Generation" class and work ethic.
I feel like my bridge is gone.
My thoughts and prayers are with Maureen, Luke and the rest of their family..but I hope that they will take great solace in reading the thousands of tributes that have been and continue to be written about him. Talk about having great purpose and impact. A model for us all.
I watch the TODAY show, I watch the evening news ... but I invited Tim Russert into my living room every time I knew he was going to be on the television. He was one of the very few I felt I could really trust; no B.S., no entertainment angle, no agenda, just straight facts and fact based insight. My wife and I trusted Time Russert to tell us the truth about political issues. Our condolences to his family. Let them be comforted knowing the world was a better place because he was here.
I agree with you, Dale. Mr. Russert got it! He asked all the questions I would like to ask those he interviewed. He brought integrity to a political comentary when many others try to put their own spin on facts. He will be sorely missed.
My heart is very sad with this loss. He made us all think deeper. Prayers to his family
I am very sad!
Philippe NAudet
Montana
My husband and I are heartbroken for his family and for our country. Sunday mornings will never be the same. We'll miss his honesty, kindness, and professionalism as he asked the tough questions and made issues understandable. May God give his father, wife, and son strength. RIP.
Sooner or later Tim Russert was going to pass from this world. It is so tragic and sad for his family that it had to be this soon. But hopefully young journalists everywhere will be influenced by the exemplary standards of professionalism, dignity and integrity that Tim so vigourously applied and, in this way, he can live on.
We have lost a Great American. Tim made me love politics. He was honest and fair. I had a date with him every Sunday with Meet the Press. He taught me to open my mind and to consider the opions of others. I will miss him dearly. My prayers go out to his family.
My heart is heavy but I know Tim has gone home to God. He often reminded me to live my Catholic faith and be a person of integrity and a voice for those who had no voice. As a Catholic educator, he often reminded us that we do make a difference. Our role is to teach and encourage our students to become the person God needs them to be to make a difference in the world. The great lessons he learned from his family, the Sisters and Jesuits were used to make our lives better. That is all we are ever called to give to the world. God bless you.
tim was like your own father you neednt have always had a smile on his face and alwayssad hi to you never stuckup but down to earth person
As a fellow journalist/writer, I listened carefully while Tim set the record straight in his insiteful interviews. Me and my family loved and respected him. His moments on IMUS will be missed as well. God speed, Tim. Nikki Finnan
Only the good die young...or so it is said. So many athentic, kind human beings have passed thru this lifetime leaving the world a little better. Tim Russert was one of those souls. He left so many of us a lot wiser. I thank him for that.
He completed his mission in a shorter time then we, along with his family and dear friends, would have liked, but we don't have any control over that.
I never had the previledge of meeting him, but I will miss having breakfast with him every Sunday morning for the last seventeen years.
I only wish that God will provide comfort to his family and friends in this time of sadness and unbearable loss.
I also hope all the media will take the lessons he taught about objectivity and professionalism and continue his legacy. Only then, will his time spent among us be what was it was intended to be.....you can be a journalist and a good, fair,loving person at the same time. Life is to short for anything else.
We are in shock and mourning as if he were a member of the family...because in many ways he was...Meet the Press has been as enduring a constant in our home as any family tradition. He was the consummate professional and stood for everything we value most. Especially the sense of humor always evident on one of the greatest countenances ever broadcast to the world. His death leaves an unfillable void in an arena where his presence was as unique as it was valuable.
That post about his comments about being a father brought tears to my eyes. Too young and I feel bad for his wife but especially his son, to lose you father during a wonderful time of your life. Just graduating from college and now he is not there for Luke to turn to.
I was not into his politics but I always respected him. He was fair and intelligent and it saddens me that he was taken from this life. This is the time of year he lives for and now he is not here to enjoy it. Again, I do not vote democratic but I fully understand everyones loss at such a wonderful man. This is just terrible.
Gwen Ifill can't even read the cue cards they print for her without stumbling or stammering. Imus was right when he called her qualified for nothing beyond scrub woman. Imagine her having to create a question on her own which isn't anti-white. LMAO
The guy who gets saddened with each Kennedy passing really made me wonder if he has an unbiased view of life. Russert is no Kennesy and that's a compliment to Tim. Russert wasn't perfect - he seemed afraid to challenge Sharpton, Jeremiah Wright, or Obama the way he zings Lindsday Graham or Dennis Kucinich.
Sunday just won't be the same today. My schedule every Sunday was 8:00 A.M.
Mass, taking Holy Communion to some home-bound individuals and then my teat for the day, "Meet The Press"! My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife, son and father. What integrity this man had. I can just hear the words that he heard on Friday when he was met at those gates, "well done my good and faithful servant because you have done well for so many welcome into the Kingdom I have prepared for you."
Sister James Ann Germuska, O.S.F.
Brownsville, PA
HE’S GONE TO MEET THE PRESS
Sadly, we have lost another one
Those folks who changed our lives
He was the one, who we all knew
From, Sunday morning, news archives.
He was one of those special men
Who, all Dads should strive to be
And a Son, who loved his Dad
The most important, his Family.
He never forgot his hometown
And the Bills, number one fan
He’d have a beer with the boys
Just, one of them, a common Man.
He gone up to that Press Corps
To join all those passed before
He left a mark here on this Earth
That, will surely last forevermore.
I heard, “He walked with the Kings
But kept, the common touch.”
And we all are going to miss that
Yes, he will be missed, very much.
Del “Abe” Jones
06.15.2006
abeabe@bellsouth.net
Ah, Tim...you've gone and left us! T'was way too soon to part!
We're feeling lost and lonely now....a hole's left in our hearts.
Our love and our condolences to your family, and your friends.
Like us, they probably never thought your days would ever end.
But, God, it seems, had need of you, far more than all of us...
Even more than your son, Luke; Maureen, or Dad, Big Russ!
Their hearts, like ours, are breaking....you've left us all a mess...
And who the heck can fill your shoes on Sunday's 'Meet The Press'?
The tributes, they keep pouring in....you would be quite amazed!
"For ME?" you'd say, astonished...then walk away unfazed.
We loved you, and we'll miss you, Tim. If you'll permit, we'll say....
God speed! We'll keep you in our prayers....and, Happy Father's Day!
As a Freelance Photojournalist from canada I will miss watching Tim on sunday mornings. Mr Russert was a journalists, journalist. I have never had the pleasure of meeting Tim, however would have been honored to be in his presence. My deepest condolences to his family. Tim you are the man, you will always be the man. God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. The journalistic world has lost a great teacher and mentor.
My hushand and I ate Sunday breakfast with Tim Russert, he will surely will be missed, this morning we both had such lumps in our throats we couldnt swallow so we just gave up eating and watched the program but all we could see was that empty chair. Barbara and Dave Boor from utah
I am heartsick at the depth of the loss ... for his family first, and all the rest of us who listened and learned so much from his brilliant professionalism. Tim Russert leaves behind the best example I know of a life well-lived. He was the real deal ... the very finest of men. If you have not read his book (Big Russ And Me) - do so now. It is deeply touching and filled with life lessons on what matters and why. I will miss him as long as I live.
I don't understand the comment about "carrying the water for this White House" It is a tribute to his journalistic devotion that Tim never let his politics interfere with his interviews. He was hard-hitting, but never baited or browbeat his subjects.
He gave his guests the opportunity to answer, and never sought to trip any of them up.
He was a giant of our generation, and the United States is now poorer for his sudden absence from us.
Would that we would grieve as much at the passing of the Limbaugh's and O'Reilly's of this world, but sadly, that will not be the case.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Dear Maureen and Luke,
I am so sorry to hear of Tim's passing. I feel like I knew him, he was a good man.
I lost my brother last year at the age of 60 suddenly. It helped me to know he didn't suffer and he is with God now. And he is praying beside God for us. And every time you think of him he is thinking with love of you too.
My prayers are with you and your family.
Joyce Murdock
Boston, MA.
I'm not going to lie about how I feel about Tim Russert while he was alive and doing his things on TV.As much as I feel sorry for his passing away there is relief in me that I don't have to watch anymore of his assassination of characters show.
Not meaning any disrespect, but why did Tim, a profoundly family oriented man and a practicing Catholic, and his wife have just one wonderful child? He had so much to give.
I'll miss Tim both as a thoughtful and trusted journalist and as a great person.
Bogdan
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