Tim Russert, host of "Meet the Press", dies

[Brent Burns]

By DAVID ESPO and LAURIE KELLMAN, Associated Press Writers 14 minutes ago

WASHINGTON - Tim Russert, who pointedly but politely questioned hundreds of the powerful and influential as moderator of NBC's "Meet the Press," died Friday of an apparent heart attack. The network's Washington bureau chief was 58.

In addition to his weekly program, Russert appeared on the network's other news shows, was moderator for numerous political debates and wrote two best-selling books.

President Bush, informed of Russert's death while at dinner in Paris, swiftly issued a statement of condolence that praised the NBC newsman as "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."

FULL ARTICLE HERE:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/obit_russert

[laxfan25]

I was stunned and saddened to hear this news this afternoon. In this age of overdone graphics and slicing and dicing of election results, Tim's use of the handheld marker board was a refreshing and illuminating throwback.
He'll be missed, and I'm sure he's ticked off about missing this historic election cycle.

[KnoxVegas]

Last year, I did a show at the Bills facility. The PR director's office was full of memorabilia from a career that has spanned almost three decades. There were photos from the Super Bowl. Signed balls and helmets. The two things that the PR man pointed out to me was the desk that Vince Lombardi used while coach of the Packers and a picture of Russert in a Bills jersey on the set of Meet the Press. That says a lot I think.

TV is a small business and I had to pleasure to meet Mr. Russert on a couple of occasions. It is a huge loss and MSNBC has been doing a great job all day. Olbermann has been able to keep it together but his eyes show that in breaks he is grieving.

[Vols2]

Good story E.

[PigPen]

damn shame-good guy, a really genuine good guy. I guess when it's your time to go it's your time. RIP Tim-elections won't be the same.

[Brent Burns]

We will miss Tim's excellent and efficient use of dry erase board to explain the elections.

[Ryan Hanavan]

So sad to see Tim pass on father's day weekend. I recommend "Wisdom of Our Fathers". Sad to see a great Buffalonian pass.

[StrykerFSU]

I didn't always agree with him but I thought his fairness and intelligence made Meet The Press required viewing on Sundays. I don't think anyone will be able to fill that seat. I don't often get affected when someone I've never met passes, but this one bums me out.

[Zeuslax]

I didn't always agree with him but I thought his fairness and intelligence made Meet The Press required viewing on Sundays. I don't think anyone will be able to fill that seat. I don't often get affected when someone I've never met passes, but this one bums me out.

Agreed. I think it has something to do with someone being relatively young and thinking something like this could happen to someone close to you. In a time when journalism isn't exactly a highly regarded proffesion. Russert transcended the negative connotations. With all of the pretend TV journalists he just didn't fit that category. His political persuasions and thoughts were unknown (at least since he stopped working in that arena). His relationship with his father and hometown were very appealing to many. When others can't get enough books out about themselves, he writes a book about the love for his father. I think that says a lot. On Meet the Press I always thought he asked tough questions, but didn't go head hunting. That was always one of his biggest compliments. Ultimately, he hosted the most respected political destignation show where he took ratings to the next level, without losing integrity. At least that's my synopsis of the situation...........He always looked like the type of popular face that you could walk up to on the street and say hey Tim how are you?