I've been steeling myself for a Mike Wallace or John McLaughlin obit; but this is out of left field. There's too much other crappy politics, journalism and television out there for Meet the Press not to survive as an institution; but I just can't imagine how Russert will be replaced. David Gregory? Andrea Mitchell? Scott Pelley? Tucker Carlson? Lawrence O'Donnel? Norah O'Donnel? Maybe Stephanopoulos can leave ABC?
I agree regarding Peter Jennings, but he died from lung cancer which was already diagnosed a year or so in advance. Thus it wasn't a great shock like Russert was today. Russert, literally was on television just a few days ago.
This what I'd be rooting for. He seems to confront people with tough questions in a very Russert-like manner. With that same calm tone.
Tim Russert on Charlie Rose <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mKak12JWPXI&hl=en"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mKak12JWPXI&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
That was pretty tough to watch. Especially the end when they showed the clip of him signing off on last year's Father's Day.
