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

[ugmold]

Chip off the old block, well composed. Just like his Dad.

[jackieblu23]

What is wrong with some of you people? First you trash Tim's memory, then you trash his son, 3 days after his father death! MSNBC is honoring Tim Russert because he was a genuine, honest , person that touched many lives. He was excellent at what he did, calling these political flip flop phonies on their B.S... MTP is the longest running news show in history. All of you cynical, self - righteous, critical people, sound like you were watching, and talking about MTP, that was the whole point of the show, and Tim new that (the jokes on you). Seems as though some of you can't stand the fact that Luke is a very well spoken, intelligent, good looking young man. He is already a co-host on a radio sports show. I can see why Tim was so proud of him...
I enjoyed watching MSNBC'S tribute to Tim, learning more about his life, and watching some of the MTP classis's. Bummer, Locked - Down wasn't on! Don't like whats on TV that's why God invented remotes, you don't even have to get off your ass to turn the channel. Didn't care for Tim fine that's your opinion, you should still show some respect - and have some sence of humanity..­. Want to be nasty - Fox must have a site for you guys to spew your vile, inappropriate, and in most cases inaccurate remarks, bettysdad, fox, & friends!
Prayers to the Russert family!!!
RIP TIM !!!

[Marrigan]

The keyboard cowards here demand much of people like Tim Russert, but when it comes to their own character, the bar is lower than low. Do they think that when a journalist reads their words here, they slap themselves on the forehead and cry out "Wow! I want to be the kind of person that he (or she) can respect"? Or do they blow off these crass, insensitive and stupid comments, thinking to themselves, "That person is one of the reasons this country is going to hell in a handcart..­."

Can't some of you find some other outlet for your aggression other than to smear a decent man; not a perfect man, not a perfect journalist; not a perfect Sunday morning moderator; just a decent man who was doing what some of us are trying to do...the best we can in a troubled, tumultuous world full of jerks, manipulators, greedy SOBs and narcissist­s...not always succeeding, but at least trying. Tim's personal life, full of love and giving to, not just his family, but to the less fortunate, the faithful and so many young people starting out in their careers, is inspirational. If those of you who have nothing better to do than spew nasty critical judgements that Tim Russert didn't live up to YOUR expectations of him, then you better be prepared for that kind of karma to come flying back at you. What you see in others exists in you.

[LuckyBlessed]

Amen.

[hrguy2]

I was impressed with Luke Russert. Given the obvious amount of grief he must be feeling he was able to move forward and share his thoughts with the world. Its sad that some of the blogger here used this forum to take an inappropriate shot at him. Luke you done good. I am sure your dad is looking down from heaven proud of you. Stay strong. Keep moving forward.

HRGUY2

[avicenna]

Clearly - raising a kid on love, support and respect works wonders. I had a relationship with my mother very similar to Tim had with Luke - and I too lost her this year - and too soon. I know exactly what he is going through - the reality sinks in slowly over weeks and months - which is merciful because facing the overwhelming loss all at once would shatter the psyche.

[MufsMom]

What a wonderful young man. It is a tribute to both of his parents that he is such a composed, articulate, caring human being. He speaks volumes regarding his father's character just by his own live. Incredible.

[Tages72]

Wow. What a well-spoken, intelligent young man. No wonder Tim was so proud of Luke. This interview shows there is a lot of Tim in his son, more so than mere physical resemblance. I truly hope Luke follows in his father's footsteps. We need more men like him in this county to ensure a brighter future for the younger generations.

All my best wishes to Luke and his family. Tim must be beaming right now, and rightly so.

[wordvarc]

.

Great Kid,

He reflects the best of his folks. Give us more of him.
.

[uclafan]

I agree. I'd watch him

[Bettysdad]

It's not like Russert broadcast from London during the blitz. Or turned public opinion against the Vietnam war. Or brought down Nixon. Or any of the other major achievements by actual journalist.

You'd think he was the reincarnation of I.F. Stone, or Drew Pearson.

Russert said he walked around NBC studios on with Jack Welch Election Night 2000 with crossed fingers hoping Bush would win. Interesting he would choose to hang out with the CEO rather than the news people.

He said "things seem to run better when Republicans are in office."

He never discussed either the 2000 or 2004 election thefts.

He never discussed 9-11 in any way except the official story.

He was a huge cheerleader for the war, and the Bush administration in general.

He spent years trying to make Democrats look foolish, and Republicans look normal.

Why would we care what his recent college graduate son has to say?

Let's interview Obama's daughters to see what thy have to say about their father.

This is simply another ploy by the corporate media to make their shills seem honest and important.

[richcpl]

Damn right. The guy did a few good interviews. That don't make him a journalistic saint.

[cw9580]

HuffPost's Pick

The fact that Luke Russert is so extraordinarily composed in this interview is a tribute to his father's involvement and emotional openness in their relationship. You don't get that kind of timber and grace from anyone except your family. Ironically, I grew up a few blocks away from Tim in South Buffalo and I was adopted by a broadcast journalist - a man who changed my life because he would take me to work and let me watch what he did. And so it goes. Years later, when I was a General Manager of a TV station I had a small desk in my office for my son, who at 4 would look up from his coloring and say, "dad, I'm going to the newsroom". he would wander around the adults with the greatest of ease. Not surprisingly , he carries himself with and easy and engaging confidence that draws people to him - and I think that comes from that kind of fatherly involvement. (that does not detract from his mother's wonderful influence)

I didn't get in front of the camera, but from what I saw here, I expect Luke Russert, if he desires, to become as accomplished a journalist as his father.

The son of Dick Westerkamp - a great journalist and a great father

[SweetAngie]

That was an honor to read.

Thank you!

[mingjia]

Enough with the Russert glorifaction. I don't want to be insensitive, but the guy was the host of a half-hour political TV show. We're not talking Pope John Paul here, NBC--get a grip. TV suits lamenting the loss of a TV guy. Sad thing is, if you're a brilliant, kind political reporter for a newspaper, nobody spits when you pass. But a TV GUY: oh my, let's hope the globe doesn't stop spinning. Somebody else will host Meet the Press and do just fine.

[maddie0001]

Now when Anna Nicole died, that was news. Actually, I think this just shows:

1. How important TV guys think they are.
2. How small the circle is of people who tell us what we're supposed to think
3. And for the people saying 'give this guy (Luke) a job' just how nepotism works.

[Dramaticlookcat]

I agree with you, maddie0001, all the way ...

[NelsonC]

His show was not a half hour. He had two hour-long weekly shows.
The newspaper reporters, whom you claim no one cares about, were some of his most frequent guests.

You’re not insensitive though. Television memorials always run long. The length of television memorials tends to be directly proportional to the amount of available video footage and Russert had a lot of good materiel.

[chagedorn]

I'm sure Tim Russert was a fine person, but when every single one of our soldiers who has been killed in Iraq gets an entire weekend of coverage, interviews with his family and friends about their memories and his hopes, dreams and accomplishments, and when their names and those of their children and aging fathers come as honorably and respectfully and sadly to our commentators lips as those of Mr. Russert and his family, then we'll be living in the kind of country that Mr. Russert supposedly held to such a high standard. But of course, we don't have three or four newspeople dying a week in Irag...oth­erwise we might just get their names, titles and ages floating briefly by, white on black, on the competing program each Sunday. Certainly it would seem that if we are goint to speak truth to power, that truth might best start with the names of those who have given their lives so that other might comfortably retain their power, in government or on our televisions, particularly since these are names, and lives, that our government has sought to diminish.

[thankulord13]

NBC is milking this for all it's worth in ratings gold! I am sorry to hear that he past away. But I have to say at least he died of natural causes while the men and women in Iraq are dying from something that could have been avoided.

[Bettysdad]

More and more, I'm thinking that this is a concerted effort on the part of GE to make it appear that
their shills actually were journalists.

I haven't heard any actual journalists weeping over this.

[Msohio]

I love this kid. I saw his discussion with Matt on Today. MSNBC should hire him. He was a genuine presence. I had heard his name on various shows over the years and figured that he was a spoiled kid. However, I am really impressed. Thanks Luke.

[repugnicansfearme]

Tim Russert seemed like a genuinely ethical journalist. I have just been watching "Hardball" with Chris Matthews (who wants the Meet the Press job so bad he can hardly contain himself) and Pat (the Nazis were not so bad) Buchanon, and a guy named Barnacle (from Boston, go figure). On this show, they are going on and on and on about how great Irish Catholics are, and parochial school is, ad nauseum. I guess the next Meet the Press host better be Irish Catholic. What a crock or crap these guys are spewing. They are getting away from tributes and getting into crapola.

[Grulg]

Nothing wrong w/ them covering Tim Russert like this. It was a Death in the NBC Family. They're gonna do this grieving thingie in public just because it's the nature of the biz. If you don't like it-and you wanna go back to the 24/7 wankery about Obama/Clin­ton/McCain­/Iraq/etc/­economy-fu­ck, NO ONE is keeping you from doing so. Jest don't watch NBC for a few days. You'll live. It'll pass. They'll have something about Britney or Lindsey on so don't you worry.

[CrankyGal]

Luke, your appearance was a study in grace. Condolences to you, your mother and grandfather.

Your father can rest in peace, clearly your parents did an extraordinary job raising you.

[hmmmmmer]

I truly understand Tim's being so proud of his son, Luke. He is a very articulate young man. He seems like he would make a great journalist, himself.