Luke Russert, Tim Russert's Son, Remembers His Dad On "Today" Show

Tim Russert's son Luke, acknowledged by all who knew him as the pride of Tim's life, appeared on the "Today" show Monday morning to remember his dad. Luke and his mom, Maureen Orth, were in Italy on Friday when Tim collapsed at NBC's Washington bureau and died — and while they have relayed messages through close family friends (like Mike Barnicle), this is the first public appearance either has made.

Watch:

Comments

[AnotherToerag]

I am amazed at Luke Russert. The poise and grace he has shown over the past few days is excellent. If I were to lose either of my parents I would be in shambles and unreasonable - and that's without doing interviews for the press and being in the public spotlight.

[swanie]

I, like millions of others, can only say "What am I going to do on Sunday morning?"

A real, real loss to his wife and son, but also in some sense to many millions of his fans.

I can't think of anything else to say . . . . .

[rolitt]

In Tim's own words "I am PROUD to be his dad."

Wonderful interview, both Luke and Matt, and Luke's parents did a marvelous job raising him.

[booksnmore4you]

An extremely well-done interview by both parties.

To state the stated...yes, look for Luke to replace his father in this role, perhaps 5 or so years from now.

[booksnmore4you]

I meant UNstated.

[sarimn00]

I lost my mom at 22 from cancer, so I know in some ways what Luke Russert is going through. I could have never done a television interview a few days after her death.
When I watched the interview that he gave, I was impressed. All I could think about when he was talking was how he reminded me of his father and that Tim Russert would be so proud of his son. Luke Russert is clearly a class act.

[eden4barack08]

Thank you Tim Russert, for leaving the world a son so much like you!

[SweetAngie]

Here, here!

[Trill]

Indeed!

[Promisin1]

Let's also give kudos to Matt Lauer. What a wonderful interview. Matt was very thoughtful, sensitive, uplighting and inspiring. He focused on helping Luke through these tough times by reminding him of his father's love and how he was so very proud of him.

Way to go, Matt! Bravo!!

[SweetAngie]

I agree! Matt Lauer has really come into his own more now than ever. This past week . . . he has just been at the top of his game. Russert would be proud.

As for Russert's son . . . thank you, Tim, for leaving us such a great part of you in him. I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in this arena.

[NyPrincess]

A very moving tribute to his father. Go get em Luke!

[BlueZoo]

Luke Russert did both his parents proud! Kudos and condolences at the same time...

The vitriol within these posted comments is totally incomprehensible. I do not expect, nor do I wish to see, Brian Williams break down when covering Iraq or any other tragedy; however, it is a tribute to the humanity within all of the newscasters who broadcast the news of Tim Russert's death that they were personally affected and showed it. I didn't expect the emotions I witnessed but I am grateful for them nonetheless. It's good to know these people really are human and capable of showing it at the appropriate moments.

God bless and keep you, Tim, and thank you.

[pilgrim7]

After listening to Luke over and over and over again on TV, I was so impressed with him. He is such an engaging conversationalist. He is, like his dad, the ultimate reporter. Then I thought, he IS his father! Why not let Luke take over MTP????? I'm sure, given the wisdom he shared with Tim and his mom, Luke would do extremely well. He's a natural. A winner. I have no doubt he could eventually do as well or better than Tim...

[Veeve]

What a smart and thoughtful young man the Russerts have raised.

I certainly had my own criticisms of MTP, but you could always count on Tim Russert to be fair and civil as long as you were prepared to defend your positions. The love he engendered from his friends and colleagues was plain for everyone to see. He will be missed.

[Denni]

His courage and strength amazed me. His father must be smiling on him, right now, beaming with pride.

[Buddhabman]

His Father and Mother should be proud.

[johnie2xs]

Now is the time for all these other journalists to pick up Tim's baton and give the American people what they deserve, a strong watchdog press. Since our Congress has been co-opted by lobbyist money, the MSM is truly our only hope for getting things fixed. I know that's scary, but it's the truth. Despite the corporate influence on the media, journalists owe it to the American people to take it on the chin, put their well paid jobs on the line, and disseminate the truth to the electorate so as to give us the information we need to bring us out of the morass the Bush administration has put us in. That would be the way to truly honor Mr. Russerts memory. The fourth estate has failed us at least as much, if not more, than our sitting Government. Repent and report, truthfully.