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Tim Russert: 1950-2008

Posted: Saturday, June 14, 2008 1:40 PM by Jen Brown

Image: Tim Russert

On this morning's special tribute to NBC's Tim Russert, Matt Lauer shared his thoughts about his friend and colleague  (WATCH VIDEO):

Although we have spent the last two hours or so trying to do justice to the life and career of Tim Russert, my fear is that we have only scratched the surface. It's impossible, I think, for you people at home to know how big a hole we all have in our hearts this morning and how much we'll miss our friend and our colleague, or how we will forever be trying to fill his formidable shoes.  

You know, Tim would be the first person to say at one point it is necessary to move on. The new cycle, he would say, demands it. There's an election and so much more to cover. But moving on is much easier said than done when it comes to Tim Russert, because in many ways he defined us here, and I know he elevated us all.

But just think of the feast that awaits him. Right now, he's probably making a list of all the powerful people, the former presidents, the senators, the members of Congress, sitting up there in heaven's green room lining up for the chance to go toe to toe just one more time with Tim. He's probably already made the bookings calls. He's lined up one heck a panel for tomorrow morning. And as is always the case, he is doing his homework, he's getting prepared. When that red light goes on, he'll be at the top of his game. He'll shoot from the hip, he will take no prisoners, God, what a show he will have.

So, Tim, I leave you this morning with the words you've said to me on so many occasions before big interviews and before big moments in my life…

Pal, go get 'em.

We invite you to share your thoughts about Tim Russert by posting your comments below, or by sending an e-mail to Russert.condolences@nbcuni.com.

For more on TODAY's tribute to Tim Russert, click here.

 

 

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I will miss Mr. Russert...He made me think in ways that I never thought I could...Wow...What a loss..

Dayton Ohio

Beverly allison (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 6:30 PM)

Tim was the epitome of what is the best of the Journalism should be.He was natural, confident, researched, forceful and yet never-a-mean-way of asking questions. His naturally smiling face, "amen" and "this is big" will always stay with me as Tim Russert.
My wife & I always watched him and value Tim's reporting and judgment. He is the standard and the platform on which journalism should be adopted. We will miss him dearly. Our heartfelt sympathy to his wife, son, father and the rest of the family.


Hirak Biswas, Providence, Rhode Island (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 6:35 PM)

Tim's loss is a personal one for me.HE made me become  very  much intrested in politics.His professionalism defined him as the greatest in the business.He will be missed and i dont think he will be adequately replaced on 'MEET THE PRESS".MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

Alex Vandi,Lanham, Md (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 6:47 PM)

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Tim Russert.  I feel like I lost a dear friend.  He was as genuine as he was professional, as nice and sincere as he was honest.  He truly was the real deal.  He represented everything that America stood for, in the most positive way.  He was smart and funny, but he was great at getting the job done, and he never made himself out to be better than anyone he interviewed.  He praised and cherished the most important thing in life: family.  It takes a rare human being to do his job well, but also always remembering what took priority.  I miss him already.  My heart goes out to all his wonderful colleagues at NBC, who I admire greatly.  Your profound sadness over your great loss is nothing short of overwhelming.  May god be with you, Tim and your wonderful family.  May the people at NBC continue to do the fine bit of reporting. May time show us all the right path to take.  

Robin Feldman, Asheville, NC (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 6:47 PM)

Dear Tim,
Though we never met I feel a great loss in my heart like loosing a good, dear friend.
I go to church on Sundays but I would record your "Meet The Press" program & anxiously awaited the time I could view it--usually that afternoon!
I never was disappointed.
Tim, you are a special, unique, rare personality that touched so many lives.  I am so sad knowing you are not with us anymore--my heart hurts.
My condolences to your dear wife & son, & father & sisters, all your family----also to your other family--the ones who you worked with at MSNBC & NBC.  I know their "hearts" are hurting terribly.

Pat Faye Richards, Buffalo, Oklahoma (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 6:52 PM)

Matt and the crew at the Today Show,
I live in Brisbane, Australia and have been watching the program and Meet the Press with Tim Russert for what seems a lifetime now...as strange as it seems maybe to you all, but you become a part of our everyday. I start my mornings off with you all at a very early time here in Australia. I am not very politically orientated and am I guess not the smartest sandwich in a lunchbox, but Tim Russert made it all so easy to understand, enjoyable and at times on the edge of your seat viewing.
Wow!
I have to say I shed a tear when I awoke this beautiful Sunday morning here to hear of his passing.
Matt, I watched your video tribute and my heart sank, the emotion was indescribable.
I mourn for you and the loss of your work colleague and friend.
Our thoughts are with you all and Tim's family.
God Bless!
Forrister Jenot
West End, Brisbane, Australia
forristerjenot@gmail.com

Forrister Jenot, Brisbane, Australia (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 7:01 PM)

"Meet The Press" is exceptional television journalism, though hard to watch, usually because it is often about politics and that's what politics are sometimes like watching sausage being made, you'd rather have the final product. Tim Russert made it easier to stay involved with issues, though I'm not sure being sometimes displaced by various sporting events made the producers very happy. As a student in Buffalo, NY, I appreciate his citizenship, which reflects also where he came from the "Queen City of the Lakes" and terminus for "Clinton's Ditch" the Erie Canal, after one of its governors. They can add another name to the exemplary citizens of that city. I still recall him asking Secretary of State Condileeza Rice, PhD, three times, "Are you running for President?" She said no, three times.

George Myers, the Bronx, NY (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 7:08 PM)

As another poster stated, my tears began when Matt Lauer choked up saying 'Pal, go get em'.  I am still stunned...and I am so sad for his family and friends.

We have lost someone who truly gave Politics a favorable view because of his ability to talk and define to the american public in a way no one else would.  

I am missing him and will miss him.  But for me, my thoughts and prayers are with his son, his wife, and his dad.

Thank you Tim for making 'family' matter!

PS, Denver, CO (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 7:08 PM)

I don't know how we will get through the next election without Tim Russert there to guide the way.  Losing him so suddenly is both shocking and devastating.

Mr. Russert always seemed to take such joy in his work.  Unfortunately, I fear that he may have to find new ways to occupy his time in heaven -- there may not be any politicians up there to interview!

Michael, Fayetteville, Arkansas (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 7:10 PM)

My heartfelt sympathy goes to his beloved wife and son. Also to all who knew him personally, especially at NBC. We have lost a mentor for all of us. He helped us understand politics in a way that we could and he will never be replaced. He was loved..I think more than he or his family knew.

Sandi Strouse Radcliff, Ky. (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 7:12 PM)

Like so many, I was shocked to hear the tragic news. Thank you MSNBC for showing the other side of Tim that not many of us knew.  The personal side.  The loving son, father and husband.  He is was a truly admired by so many including Candians like me.

We will miss him.  Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.   He is gone but not forgotten.

RIP Tim.

Sarah, Toronto, Canada (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 7:12 PM)

We'd flip around on debate/primary nights in our house, but whenever his face appeared onscreen you'd hear "leave it on this channel!"

Rose, Cottonwood Heights, Utah (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 7:23 PM)

My Sunday mornings that I arranged around Meet the Press will never be the same.  It was the only news show I looked forward to--Tim's ability to ask the difficult questions well, to get responses, to make every discussion interesting--to engage the always well-versed, intelligent discussion of the panels--the twinkle in his eye that made you see a professional who loved his work, his colleagues, and his family--A model of making every moment count---Condolences to the Russert family, friends and NBC

Dori Anderson, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 7:35 PM)

I would tell my husband, "Tim Russert said...," both of us knowing he always gave us a fair and true interpretation of what was going on in the world.  When you heard his words you understood there was no agenda--only a thorough review of all the details from a man that knew how Washington worked.  We trusted his words, we trusted him.  His passing is a loss to us all.

L. Conroy, Parkland, FL (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 7:45 PM)

THE RUSSERT FAMILY, NBC, MSNBC, THE WHOLE WORLD WHO LOVED  AND CARED FOR SUCH A A TRULEY WONDERFUL MAN.

YOU HAVE A REAL ANGEL IN YOUR OUTFIELD FOREVER!!!!!!

THIS MAN IS HAVE WATCHED AND READ AND I LOST MY RELIGION WHEN MY PARENTS DIED.  BUT HIS WORKS AND BOOKS SLOWLY LET ME OPEN MY HEART TO MY CATHOLIC FAITH AGAIN. I CANT THANK HIM ENOUGH , HE WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS ALWAYS!!!

PAT CROKEN, VALRICO, FLORIDA (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 7:47 PM)

Thank You TIM, YOU made all of us in Buffalo Proud,you will be missed, this football season is for you !!! GO BILLS

Karl,Buffalo,NY (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 7:48 PM)

I have never recorded any memorial service or special save for the Coach Paul Bryant memorial in 1983. I am a loyal Roll Tide fan as Tim was a Buffalo Bill. I have watched the most revered and respected memorial services to include Presidents Reagan, Nixon and Ford. I will be recording Meet The Press tomorrow, although I don't know if I can ever watch again. Tim Russert did not especially share all my views, but I can think of no one in the media or in politics that I respected and enjoyed more. He was simply THE BEST at his profession. I am deeply saddened and send my regards to his family especially BIG RUSS and Luke. Barry G.

Barry Gatlin, Ohatchee, AL. (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 7:48 PM)

I feel so sad and I'm experiencing such a personal sense of loss over the death of Tim Russert.  When we welcome media personalities or celebrities into our home we establish a bond.  Sometimes we are disappointed by the character of those we've permitted in but when a man of Tim Russert's faith, integrity, intelligence and concern for his fellow man arrives, we give him our trust.  

Tim earned that respect and many of us will suffer the loss greatly.

Karen M, St. Augustine, FL (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 8:17 PM)

I cannot add to anything being said about Tim Russett. Our loss on this earth is immense.

Rene Medrano, El Paso, Texas (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 8:29 PM)

Very sad. I truly enjoyed him. He made it easy for everyone to understand what was going on in politics. And I believed in his opinions. God bless and keep the family and friends.

Daphne, Macon, Georgia (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 8:57 PM)

What a huge loss for all Americans.  Tim was truly a pleasure to watch.  Always on his game and well prepared to deliver politics in a way that everyone could understand.  I have been glued to all the coverage so well deserved for such a great man. Election coverage with have a huge hole that will not be filled.  We all send our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

Karen Ritchie, Worthington, Ohio (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 8:59 PM)

Tim Russert's energy, his voice, his slight physical response when you knew he had just heard something so incredulous come out of a politician's mouth that he had to rein himself in, his warmth, and his mental ability.  He always had the most intelligent and enthusiastic glint in his eye.  I have had a "like-a-bear" crush on him for years.  Sending positive healing energy to his family and his friends . . .he will be missed.  

Rhonda, Roanoke, VA (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 9:58 PM)

Tim Russert made politics easy for me to understand and truly enjoy.  I'm of the opinion the election in November should be cancelled, it won't be an election without Tim at the helm.  I am so sorry for your loss, my condolences.

Marvel Tomlinson, Lewisville, TX (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 10:23 PM)

I so admired Tim Russert's work ethic, passion, honesty and integrity. I feel he set the gold standard in his field and hope he inspired great young journalists to follow in his footsteps.  I also salute Matt Lauer, who held it together for the entire show this morning and helped millions of us take the necessary journey to mourn the sudden loss of Tim Russert.

John Z, Hollywood, CA (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 10:27 PM)

We are all better informed and better human beings for having Tim Russert in our lives via television.
I always knew when he spoke, I was getting the best analysis of any situation and he made it look
effortless ! Blessings to his father, wife and son and all who loved him as I did. Tim made work and life seem effortless. Blessings to Tim on his new journey.

Diana Owen, Unity, NH (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 10:30 PM)

Not since Walter Cronkite has the whole country had the same belief and faith in a journalist.  I have watched the coverage with great sadness, especially since we lost our son at 24 to military service and I can't imagine the tables being turned for Mr. Russert's son, Luke.

Kay Krohne (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 10:35 PM)

To Maureen, Luke, Mr. Russert, and his NBC colleagues. He was a great man who will truly be missed. The News will never be the same without his daily comments. May  God Bless all of you in the next very hard days as you say goodbye to your great friend, family member.

Dwight and Karen Smith , Lester, WV (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 10:46 PM)

To Maureen, Luke, Mr. Russert, and his NBC colleagues. He was a great man who will truly be missed. The News will never be the same without his daily comments. May  God Bless all of you in the next very hard days as you say goodbye to your great friend, family member. ..^i^..

Dwight and Karen Smith , Lester, WV (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 10:47 PM)

I couldn't believe what I was hearing on TV on Friday, June 13. I hadn't been that upset by the death of a celebrity figure since Dale Earnhardt, Sr. died at Daytona.
What resonated so vividly with people is that Tim was the "working" man and woman's journalist.  He wasn't all about the chest-pounding, pontifications.....he delivered the facts in easy-to-understand language, and people responded to that and invariably to him.
God Bless his wonderful family and friends and colleagues who cherish the blessing of knowing and loving him.
America has lost a great American, and the rest of us, often so busy we can only absorb sound bytes, have lost one of our most humble, thought-provoking, truth-seekers.

Cindy, Richmond, VA (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 10:49 PM)

Tim Russert was one of the only two journalist I
trusted 100%. A man of integrity, compassion and love.
He was a straight-shooter who practiced civility. His
love of his wife,son,father,family,collegues,job and
country was immeasurable and he wasn't afraid to show
it!! What a truly fine and talented gentleman we have
lost!! They broke the mold, when Tim was born. My sense of loss is very deep--I shall miss him greatly.
My deep condolences to his wife, son, father and his
expansive journalistic family. Be assured, he's
watching over all of you and still loves you.

Alyce, Madera, Ca. (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 10:50 PM)

In memory of Tim Russert, PLEASE pursue the truth.  The world depends on you.

Jo Adams, Dallas, TX (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 10:58 PM)

I just want to say that Tim Russert was a kind, caring, and full of joy man. Sometimes I watch Meet The Press and see Tim on there ready, and eager. My Mom loves Tim and she watches Meet The Press. Today was a hard day for America and everybody will miss Tim terribly. But he will be in our hearts for ever and ever until we meet him in heaven. We love you Tim. Tim Russert's Family and Tim himself is in our prayers. Lord, protect him by your holy spirit. Rest In Peace Tim.

Joey Kern, Freeburg IL (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 11:00 PM)

What a completely exceptional interviewer and journalist, he will be missed. Mr. Russert always got to the bottom of  politics in this country with his in-depth questions and his genuine approach to seeking true answers from politicians--even if they weren't so readily to give them.
NBC News will not be the same. Myself, as well as millions of other Americans will miss seeing him and listening to his commentary. I am sure there is not a journalist who will be able to take his place.
My heart felt sympathy goes out to his wife, son, extended family members, friends and colleagues. I feel like I lost a friend. May he be at peace.

Yvette Kerr, Edmond, OK (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 11:00 PM)

The many tributes by friends and colleagues only serve to confirm what we as viewers knew about Tim.  He was a genuine, plain and simple nice guy.  His desire to make every American as interested as he was in the political process will always be his legacy.  When all the votes are in there is no doubt that Tim's dry erase board will read Heaven, Heaven, Heaven.  
God bless his family at this difficult time,

B. Adams (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 11:14 PM)

So journalists and journalism students and those who teach them, do you see here what it is that America needs and wants from you?  Can you look at Tim Russert's life and career and decipher why his work and life mattered at this level?  Your goal is not to replace Tim but to replicate the values that he lived and made him essential.  If you are not ready to aim that high, care that much, be that authentic, then please choose another career and don't waste our time.
Tim never did.  God rest his soul and comfort all who mourn. R. Sue

R SUE DODEA, ST CLAIR SHORES, MI (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 11:17 PM)

Tim is not 'lost'; we know exactly where he is.

This GENTLE GIANT left us much too soon; I've never been a policical person until I started watching and enjoying Tim's Sunday mornings.

God's blessings and strength to Tim's family, friends/co-workers

Judy Reinard Corsica Pa (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 11:33 PM)

My husband and I fill like we lost a member of our family. We loved watching him on Sunday morning before we went to church. We will keep his family in our heart and prayers.

Lorita and Harvey Henry (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 11:33 PM)

2000 - FLORIDA, FLORIDA, FLORIDA
2004 - OHIO, OHIO, OHIO

2008 - Who is going to tell McCain and Obama which is the make or break state this year?  Tim Russert ALWAYS got it right.

Kumar, California (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 11:37 PM)

Maybe there is an election going on in heaven and God needed Tim's expertise.

Anytown, USA (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 11:40 PM)

Tim will live in all of us as long as we remember his wit and smile. I am sad that we will not be hearing his voice on Meet the Press any more or his insight into the race that he will miss this Nov.To his family and friends I send my condolences. May God guide them in these next coming days.

Bernadette R., San Marcos, Tx. (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 11:41 PM)

Matt, as soon as I head about Tim, my thoughts went to his family and then I thought of the Today show family. I knew it would be devastating for you and I am so, so sorry. I have cried and I have laughed at some of the stories and I'm still stunned.  You and your fellow newsmen and women have labored over your coverage and done him proud. God bless, and I hope you know that you are also loved.

Patricia San Antonio, Tx (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 11:44 PM)

My thoughts and prayers to the Russert family and friends. The world has watched and seen how much he loved you all. I have watched Mr. Russert on NBC since 1984. I have watched the Today Show, NBC News and Meet The Press my entire adult life. Tim seemed so happy in his work that he made watching politics palatable, if I dare say enjoyable. I will miss him during this historical presidential election.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.I am a thousand winds that blow;I am the diamond glints on the snow.I am the sunlight that ripened grain;I am the gentle autumn's rain.When you awaken in the morning’s hush,I am the swift uplifting rush,Of quiet birds in circled flight.I am the soft star that shines at night.Do not stand at my grave and cry.I am not there; I did not die.

T. Neave (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 11:56 PM)

I was so sad to hear the news of Mr. Russert's passing. He was truly a man no one will forget. I love seeing his smile on TV. Although I did not know him personally I feel he was a friend.  He was someone you could trust and trust he was telling you the truth which is what Washington is missing at time. He was truly the essence of what men should be. Family, Faith and Love was what Mr. Russert. My prayers are with his immediate family and also his family at NBC. May God comfort each of you and hold you close. Washington has loss a Hero.

S. Chase Upper Marlboro, MD (Sent Saturday, June 14, 2008 11:57 PM)

Many wonderful things have been said about Tim Russert, but I have to say that Matt Lauer's last words said so much and with so much emotion, that it really made us all understand just how much this man will be missed by his NBC family.

My sympathies to them, his friends and especially his wife and his son.

Bobby V (Sent Sunday, June 15, 2008 12:00 AM)

I so enjoyed his honesty, in interviewing whomever.  Counted on that.

His book about his Dad spoke volumes about interigty.  Sweet, hard working, honest folks.

He just happened to reach MILLIONS.  Folks he worked with, I send my thought's.  Losing a friend is forever.  His family, word's aren't enough.  That's to personal.  Would like to say to "Big Russ", thanks for sharing a FINE son.

B.Biggs

B.Biggs (Sent Sunday, June 15, 2008 12:03 AM)

After being in broadcasting for 30 years, I know what kind of challenges people in our profession face.  Tim Russert was a man to make a point of refrence.  His cool style, yet tough and strong with his guests, always shined and we knew that we were going to get the story straight.
I was at a Baltimore Orioles baseball game, and saw Tim in the crowd, I walked up to him, Introduced myself and told him what a great broadcaster he was.  Tim not only stopped to listen and talk to me, he was very sincere in thanking me for my opinion of him.  Never in that brief encounter, did he act like a superstar or someone that was above me.  Down to earth and very kind.  I'm sure that I was just a brief moment, that if asked he would not remember, but for me it was an indelible moment that I will always cherish and never forget.  I only hope that future journalist will look at an old Meet The Press program and see how it was done, the right way.  Tim was certainly a professor, and you knew that he loved what he did, it came out of your TV screen and jumped into your psyche.

I lost my dad in November '07 and I know the impact that it can have.  Not only on Luke, but his father Big Russ.  I feel honored that I may add to the long list of broken hearted broadcasters, that know how much this year's election meant and how I am sure, he is looking down, still excited and has a list of questions for our next President all ready written.

To step into my DJ shoes, I guess the song by Spanky & Our Gang, best sums it up, "Sunday Will Never Be The Same."

God bless you Tim Russert and your entire family, and the extended one at NBC.

Bill Benjamin, Plymouth, North Carolina (Sent Sunday, June 15, 2008 12:06 AM)

I too enjoyed Tim Russert.
I was always late for church because my husband and I would get caught up in watching him.
You know all these years I never knew he was as powerful as he was because he was so polite to everyone. I thought he worked for Katie!
I hope that yesterday Tim was greeted by the Lord with the words all Christians want to hear,"Well done good and faithful servant"

Just Teresa (Sent Sunday, June 15, 2008 12:07 AM)

Oh...in heaven we will know completely so Tim already knows the election results but he wont care because he will be busy talking to the real powerhouse.
Jesus

just Teresa (Sent Sunday, June 15, 2008 12:10 AM)

I felt as if I have lost a member of my own family.  I would either go to early mass, or to Saturday evening mass just so I could watch Tim.  My deepest sympathies to his wife and son, and may the Good Lord strenghten then during these dark days and beyond.  Vaya Con Dios!!  Go with God.  We will miss you.

Sharon, Gallup, NM (Sent Sunday, June 15, 2008 12:41 AM)

I am still shocked to think that Tim Russert passed. My condolenscences go out to his wife, son, and parents, and his family at NBC. My sunday mornings will never be the same.

Leslie, Ann Arbor, MI (Sent Sunday, June 15, 2008 1:05 AM)



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