IMO it's hard to say "out of the blue" not knowing his medical history. I'm watching MSNBC's coverage and it's amazing to see them go on professionally knowing hours ago a friend and collegue died.
I saw it after I made the thread. Sorry about that, but I think there's room for both. Tim Russert was the premier political journalist in Washington. I'm really still trying to take this in. It's hard to believe we've lost him.
From wikipedia: "He had just returned from family vacation in Italy, which celebrated his son's graduation." It's good to know he got to see his son graduate. What a tragedy. You really never know when the end will come.
He got a little choked up when he was saying that Barrack Obama winning the nomination made him want to go and teach History at an inner city schools just so he could try and quantify to those kids what a historic moment this was. I thought that was very cool. We are the lesser for his passing.
Out of all the journalists to lose in times like these... I got teary eyed which is difficult when you don't actually know someone.
I really enjoyed watching him because he asked tough questions, was very thoughtful, very intelligent, and most of all had a very visible joy and love and fascination for the stories he covered. During this election season I have watched a buttload of MSNBC. While part of me did enjoy Olbermann's blasting of Hilary during her many missteps and terrible decisions, I would always smile at Tim Russert's reactions and opinions. The guy was truly fascinated and joyful all the time. He didn't react with rage...he was opinionated but open to discussing everything. He was always quality, but that true joy and fascination with everything...that is what made me really like watching him. It's not fake emotion and acting and hate that so many tv personalities turn to in order to get ratings. He was about doing the job right and loving the job. R.I.P.
I felt the same way. I was just watching CNN's coverage and feel more sad now than I did when I read the news. I am a "Meet The Press" junkie, and have been glued every week for the last several months. NBC announced they will air a special on his life tonight at 9:00.
They're talking about him on MSNBC now. One thing they mentioned is how many young people watched him which I think is reflected in this thread. Also, to further the Buffalo love, there is an NFL Films special on Buffalo with him being interviewed and that same enthusiasm jumps out at you. Very genuine guy.
It's a shame, with such an exciting and pivotal presidential race coming up, that we won't have Russert reporting on it. And I'm sure Russert was looking forward to the next few months more than most of us.
Really sad. He was a great journalist who was tough but fair with his questions. I'm going to miss him highlighting contradictory statements by politicians. Another thing that I liked about him is while he was one of the most respected journalist he wouldn't always take himself too seriously. One of my favorite memories of him on Meet the Press was where at the end of the show they were showing historical clips from the show and in one of them from the 60's the female host was wearing long white gloves. When they cut back to Tim Russert he was also wearing a set of long white lady's gloves. Sunday mornings will never be the same. Any word on who his replacement might be?
I'm sure they won't be saying anything right away. I'd bet they use different people until they find one. I was thinking Olbermann, but he's probably pissed off too many people on the right. No way they're going to find someone who garners as much respect from all sides as Tim Russert.
To summarize what I said in the other thread. Great journalists and enjoyed how he often wouldn't take himself so seriously.
