Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Opinion

Michael Barone

Tim Russert, 1950-2008: Gone Much Too Soon

June 13, 2008 06:03 PM ET | Michael Barone | Permanent Link | Print

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At a loss....

It's been over a week since we lost Tim Russert, and the wound is still fresh. I can't bring myself to watch Meet the Press yet. I don't want to see another in his chair. I didn't know that he was a Democrat until I looked up Pat Moynihan just now. But he was such a fair interviewer, gilling both party members alike, that I couldn't resist taping his show every single Sunday. I guess I'm lucky in a way....I fell behind for a bit last year, and I have several tapes left to watch. I hope it will ease the pain a bit.

I've watched other shows, and some I tape as religiously, but most just devolve into shouting matches. Tim had class, and his guests had enough respect for him to behave themselves for the most part. No one did it like Russert did. And he will be sorely missed. I'm so sorry he missed the final lap of the 2008 Presidential Race. Not only did he enjoy it, but I think there are many people in this country who followed along simply because his joyous excitement was infectious!

It's such a sudden, and sad loss. My father is just 2 years older than Tim was. I will miss him. And I will miss James Carville and Mary Matilin making guest appearances on his show. It looked like they all had a great time together!

Rest in peace. And thank you from a greatful nation!

Tim Russert in the elevator

I talked with Tim Russert one time in an elevator. He grilled me like he would any presidential candidate. I was working for Fox at the time and I told him how we joked with Colin Powell about bringing a Fox News Sunday mug on set with him on Meet The Press. Tim walked out of the elevator and said, "that would be the only way anyone would ever watch Fox News Sunday!"

I could only stand there, smile and let the door close.

tim russert

There is no one today in journalism news who combined the unique qualities of Tim Russert. He was an astute journalist, an investigative reporter /observer with criticalt hinking skills, a compassionate empathizer of the human condition and it's foibles, and an example for those of us who want to integrate the intellectual, spiritual and emotional aspectsof our place in this world. He seemed to have figured it all out and found "his bliss". He had that "Irish glint "in his eye that told you he was sure of who and what he was and had to pinch himself to believe it was all real. You always knew he had passiontely researched and analyzed his subject matter and yet was still open to further fairminded non partisan opinions on whatever the issue might be. He did not tolerate fools.

I have no idea what political party he belonged to, nor should any of us.

He managed to do all this and still project his humanity and share his sheer joy and love of life with all he came in contact with whether in person or over the TV screen.

I will surely miss him. God keep his family and all who loved him.

He was a true Cherub;

To Luke I applaude you, for the way you are handling your father death it is awesome, you are filled with wisdom love peace and joy just like your father may be the gift he receive on entrance @ birth has allready imparted to you, my belief your farther came on earth as a Cherub in human flesh and blood,to do all the things he did and his time was up, but he was awesome and I only veiwed him two years but the impact he left on me I will speak about him for the rest of my life.

Tim Russert

We are all the poorer because of his death. I mourn the loss of a great journalist, author, father and all around decent man. Tim Russert was compelling to watch not only for the content of his brilliant interviews, but how he conducted them with humor, grace and that twinkle in his eye.

I wonder if the public outpuring of affection for Mr. Russert - in part because of his fair minded, non partisan approach to journalism - will go unheeded by many in the news business today who approach their work with a total lack of grace and fairness.

We have lost a truly good man. My condolences to the Russert family.

People's person

Tim Russert had to have been the most honest, well read, funniest, and greatest interviewer I had ever seen. His knowledge about his subject and the great intellect he possed were second to none. It seems like I have lost my brother. I will miss him.

while i'm from ireland tim seemed to reflect what one knows and hopes america can and will be again: honest. god rest his soul.

Tim Russert

You made me proud to be Irish.

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Michael Barone is a senior writer for U.S.News & World Report and principal coauthor of The Almanac of American Politics. He has written for many publications—including the Economist and the New York Times.

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