Tim Russert Dies: President Bush, John McCain, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Politicians React

MSNBC's David Gregory reads a statement from President and Laura Bush on the death of Tim Russert: "He was gregarious off the set as he was prepared on it." Watch the full statement below:

Barack Obama on the death of Tim Russert:

We all, I think, have heard the news about Tim Russert. I've known Tim Russert since I first spoke at the convention in 2004. He's somebody who over time I came to consider not only a journalist, but a friend. There wasn't a better interviewer in television, not a more thoughtful analyst of our politics, and he was also one of the finest men I knew - somebody who cared about America, cared about the issues, cared about family. I am grief-stricken with the loss, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. And I hope his family life, and I hope that even though Tim is irreplaceable, that the standard that he set in his professional life and with his family life are standards that we all carry with us in our own lives.

Former President Clinton and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton released the following statement:

"We were stunned and deeply saddened to hear of the passing today of Tim Russert. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Maureen, his son Luke, his father who we all have come to know as Big Russ, his extended family and all of his many friends and colleagues at NBC who have suffered a tremendous loss. Always true to his proud Buffalo roots, Tim had a love of public service and a dedication to journalism that rightfully earned him the respect and admiration of not only his colleagues but also those of us who had the privilege to go toe to toe with him. In seeking answers to tough questions, he helped inform the American people and make our democracy stronger. We join his friends, fans and loved ones in mourning his loss and celebrating his remarkable contribution to our nation."

U.S. Senator John McCain On Tim Russert:

"I am very saddened by Tim Russert's sudden death. Cindy and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the Russert family as they cope with this shocking loss and remember the life and legacy of a loving father, husband and the preeminent political journalist of his generation. He was truly a great American who loved his family, his friends, his Buffalo Bills, and everything about politics and America. He was just a terrific guy. I was proud to call him a friend, and in the coming days, we will pay tribute to a life whose contributions to us all will long endure."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Tim Russert:

"I was greatly saddened to learn of Tim Russert's untimely death. Tim was a warm and gracious family man with a great zest for life and an unsurpassed passion for his work. His rise from working-class roots to become a well-respected leader in political journalism is an inspiration to many. Tim asked the tough questions the right way and was the best in the business at keeping his interview subjects honest. My thoughts are with his family."

Howard Dean issued the following statement on the passing of NBC Meet the Press host Tim Russert:

"Today we lost one of the true giants of American journalism and a tremendous public servant. Tim Russert will be remembered for many things. A committed family man, devout Catholic, devout sports fan, author, mentor. A tough interviewer, Tim delivered the news with authority, in a plain-spoken way that made the great issues of our day accessible to everyone. His love of politics and our country came through in his relentless pursuit of the truth and in the quality of his work as a journalist. On this sad day, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones."

Comments

[BMW121]

I am heart broken.

[YMCA]

A real shame. Sunday night's I would listen to the meet the press podcast every week. His voice is so recognizable to me I feel like I know him. I can only imagine what his family is going through. God bless them. They can take solace in the fact that Tim is probably interviewing JFK or MLK right now and he's very happy.

[kay]

It's nothing personal, I'm sure he was a wonderful person, and his family (of course) will miss him, but I don't really get it.

I feel as if the line between the press and the powerful people they're supposed to hold accountable is gone, and I think this 24 hour national marathon of mourning proves it.

I think you probably have to stay out of the club of the wildly powerful to cover the club with any objectivity.

We need reporters, not insiders. They should be standing outside, looking in. That's where the proper perspective comes from, that distance.

[Alfannell]

I was very critical of him but over the last 2 years especially this election I began to really respect him on his journalistic approach when asking the tough questions. I liked him more than Bill O'Reilly who liked to argue and bully his point. R.I.P. Tim!

[auramac]

I am still shocked not only by his sudden passing but by the depth of my sadness. I can barely imagine how his close friends and family feel.

[MinneapolisBob]

He held his guests accountable with respect and professionalism. A true journalist, who was admired not just by he colleges, but also his fellow Americans. Political journalism has lost a great leader.

[QuirtEvans]

So often we heard him speak from his true heart. There was a purity in him. He was a gift. We will miss him.

[jukesgrrl]

To be honest, I am a person who often criticized Tim Russert. I even boycotted MTP for much of the Bush administration as I felt he was letting administration figures get away with too much, not holding their feet to the fire. That said, I deeply regret his passing. It's obvious how much he loved his job and how much he appreciated his life and especially his family. I am very sad for them and his colleagues at NBC, who obviously had so much affection and respect for him. I am also sad for us that we will not have his insight to consider as we watch the coming election.

[simcha]

Yes exactly. One could disagree with his approach on some things, but still appreciate the inherent humanity in this man.
Earlier this evening I listened to Mike Malloy on Nova M, and he said something to the effect that Russert just represented all the fascist politics of Washington D.C.
Even in someones' tragic death, Malloy is a mean spirited, jealous old man with no class.
I'm sure that there will be more venom from that quarter.
Rachel Maddow though, did a thoughtful piece.

[justice58]

So Sad!

May God comfort his family during their sorrow!

[Opus007]

I'm still shocked. My heart goes out to his wife and son.

[NoLove4HillaryAnymore]

I am still in shock and tears! I loved the man...some people go to church on Sunday, I have been with Tim every Sunday as long as I remember. Tim...you helped me understand politics, draw me into it and made a believer of honest journalism. I will miss you...my Friend!

May God bless your soul and my deepest sympathy to your Family.

Today really is a sad day!

[InOv8]

There will be a void in our living room. Tim was a always a welcome guest and his absence will be deeply felt. Condolences and prayers to his loved ones.

[g33134]

will miss his warm and friendly smile.....
he put politics into perspective......he always seemed above the pettiness of it,
and always with a smile. so long tim, we'll miss you.

[KarateKid]

Fox has had a rememberance on for Russert all afternoon and evening. This is the kind of respect he generated from even his competitors. Sean Hannity and Karl Rove were especially complimentary.

It just goes to show you, if you are a decent human being, it can cross political and cultural boundaries that divide us all too often.

R.I.P. Good bye, Tim, and thanks.

[ObamaSeeChange]

I have been extremely disappointed in the cable news handling of political affairs as analysis has given way to tabloid journalism and cheap "I gotcha" interviews. I don't think Tim was sacrosanct but I can't ever remember not giving him a pass for his hard work and thorough preparation in his political coverage and on Meet The Press. RIP pal and my condolences to your family.