Tim Russert, Dead at 58
- Posted by Beth on June 13th, 2008 filed in Journalism, Politics, WTF Tim Russert
WASHINGTON - Tim Russert, NBC News’ Washington bureau chief and the moderator of “Meet the Press,” died Friday after a sudden heart attack at the bureau, NBC News said Friday. He was 58.
Russert was recording voiceovers for Sunday’s “Meet the Press” program when he collapsed, the network said. He and his family had recently returned from Italy, where they celebrated the graduation of Russert’s son, Luke, from Boston College.
No further details were immediately available.
Russert was best known as host of “Meet the Press,” which he took over in December 1991. Now in its 60th year, “Meet the Press” is the longest-running program in the history of television.
But he was also a vice president of NBC News and head of its overall Washington operations, a nearly round-the-clock presence on NBC and MSNBC on election nights.
So, you’ll hear about all of this on the news for the rest of the day, at least; no need for me to recap his career. I’m just shocked and saddened by this; I’ve been watching Russert since he started on Meet the Press, although I admit I haven’t watched it as much in recent years. I’ve always thought him to be incredibly insightful and fair; his own political preferences were known, but he never seemed to let that affect his professional conduct. Not only that, but I have a hard time thinking of another journalist with a more obviously likeable personality. I’m just sick about this.
What a huge loss. Tim Russert will be missed terribly by so many, for so many reasons - he is truly irreplaceable. May he rest in peace.
UPDATE: Media watchdog Brent Bozell:
Whenever I’ve been asked to give examples of a fair, balanced and honest journalist, Tim Russert’s name was the first name that came to mind. This was a view shared by everyone and the ultimate testimony to his professionalism. As a moderator he was in a league of his own, always knowing when to speak and when to let his guests do the talking. As an individual he was an absolute class act, and always a gentleman. The world of journalism is vastly diminished today.
Precisely.
Pic ripped from Red State.
TC says:
Well said, Beth. I always liked Russert.
He didn’t play “gotcha” games. Russert was tough but fair. He was a well informed journalist and interviewer that asked tough questions and expected honest answers, much like Brit Hume.
It was also obvious that Tim Russert was a good and decent human being. God bless his soul.
sierrahome says:
He was a class act and I liked him, I bet Big Russ is glad to see his boy; a happy Father’s Day on that side while a sadder one on this side.
Lord Bitememan says:
This is a real loss. Tim Russert was one of the better ones out there.
Chris says:
He was one of the better ones that’s for sure. This is a huge loss for fair journalism.