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

[MPCarr]

Luke Russert is really a smart, articulate, and compassionate son. I think this speaks well of his parents love for him and his Jesuit education.

For me Tim Russert left the book Wisdom of our Fathers, consisting of letters he had compiled from his readers about their own fathers, along with his comments. I pick it up often and read one or two letters, and it brings you right around to what is important in life.

[ceciboloca]

Very moving and admirable and intelligent composure, one any parent would be truly proud of. Well done. That said, I find the coverage, in its fourth day, somewhat excessive, much of it lasting all day since Friday, particularly on MSNBC.

[PKSSK]

Wow, what a great father Tim Russert was, as reflected by Luke's manner, compassionate and articulate words. Prayers, thoughts and strength to all the Russert's.

[visualizechimpeachment]

He looks like a NewsBeatle.

[momof3inGA]

Excellent interview.

When I woke up this morning, I'd regretted not setting my DVR. Thank you for posting this.

I can't stop crying.

[mckinley]

Luke Russert's poise and maturity were poignant and stunning!!

Not just for a 17-year-old; but greater than many, if not most, adults in his situation, and suddenly thrust on a national stage.

He has a huge life ahead of him, if he chooses. Which it looks like he will.

[DebraCraig]

He has to be older than 17, more like 22. He just graduated from college.

[kellygrrrl]

those are some big shoes to fill

condolences to you, Jake.

what a lucky guy you were to have such a generous and devoted father

[hepwa]

What a well-spoken kid, very mature.

[Dannydel]

The apple surely doesn't fall far from the tree. The warmth, charm and sense of humor are all there. If we are lucky, he'll follow in his fathers footsteps and we'll get to enjoy more of the unique Russert humanity and intellect.

[findingthetruth]

Tim Russert was the epitome of a family man (son, husband, father) ---- and then EVERYTHING else fell in line. What a man!

[repearwo]

richcpl - agree!!

I do not want to be too negative here, but death is all to familiar to 4, 000 plus families in this country many of whom had great talented sons or marvelous children. While Tiim Russert may have been a hard working newsperson he, like mopst of his felllow newspeople failed this country by not standing up to Chenny and Bush on a illegal useless military action in Iraq.

Tim was three years younger than I am, and he had every reason to know that Iraq was not what we were being told. I live in podunk Texas and am just an everyday working man and I knew that we were being lied to. Every person is due their mourning period, all life is worth being honored, not just the life WE know and honor.

This country, the people who runthis country, the people we allow to run this country are the largest forcesand agents of death and destruction in the world today.

I am sure in the micro Tim, his father ,and his son, are all wonderful people, but the caution here is that when you place your self in a place of responsibility that is what it is. You have to answer for it.

[2sunny]

Here ye ~ Your words resonate my family & my thoughts..........

[TyroneTanic]

You just HAD to use this as an excuse to make political points? Be ashamed.

[tristan90us]

YOU be ashamed for not wanting to allow another person to express his own, personal, opinion. When will we be able to look at Russert clear-eyed? Who are you to decide for the rest of us?

[repearwo]

No shame here. The shame is upon those who are ignorant of the fact that a democracy is first and foremost about politics. Tim Russert was a political journalist. While he may have been a great guy that forgives only so many sins.

There are many voices singing praise here, there needs to be the a tiny voice in the ear of the United States all glory is fleeting. As all who are human, we all shall pass. The question is what do we leave behind. If you want to hoist Russert upon a pedestal, that places him in the position of failing the tell the herd that slaughter was ahead as they rushed to follow the leader blindly.

IF you do ot understand that the US is upon the edge of destruction, a blowback of the destruction we have sown upon the rest of the world. In 2002 and 2003 there were more than enough in public view to tell Russert, Clinton, and the rest of the establishment that Bush was lying and doing so deliberately. But Bush was 'powerful" at that time and the meek cowered.

No shame here, only regret that my generation left behind a generation that is not capable of seeing what is right in front of them. We are worried about $4.00 gas not 4000+ lives.

[hellenhat]

Tim Russert's death is a terrible tragedy for family and colleagues who loved him and respected him. We applaud his work ethic and family values.

However, "repearwo" has a valid point. "IF" journalists such as Russert, had spoken and/or searched out the absolute truth about Geroge W. Bush in the beginning and continued this due diligence through the run up to the Iraq war, the world might be different.

There was much history about Bush prior to his election. Also, much about the intelligence used as justification for war All it took was a journalistic effort along the lines of Woodward/Bernstein. Only one reporter put his credibility on the line, Dan Rather. And, we know what happened to him. No one actually denied the allegations made in the Rather report.....they successfully shut down the story touting "unreliable documents". Lest we forget, many documents having to do with Bush's military service have disappeared. Where were all journalists in seeking out this history, when the drumbeat for war started, when Colin Powell took his "drawings" to the United Nations and when Bush stood in front of the American people and lied about the inspectors, the weapons of mass destruction, etc.

We are not trying to impugn Russert, just to speak to the truth so lacking in this administration and no one calls them on it.

[lynnn]

So sad, my heart goes out to Tim's family.

[GinnyinCO]

This is a solid example of how loving families manage this kind of tragedy well. They have the million memories of love and happy, positive interactions. The regrets, if any, are lost. The pain is there, it has much more of a cushion around it.

[dubop]

There are very few people that are mourned by so many people. When that happens you have to know that there was great substance to that person. I know his son and wife know this and I wish them peace and comfort in their time of grief. My Sun. mornings won't ever be quite the same cause I don't think anyone could do what he did, as good as he did.

[MMB]

My heart goes out to this obviously well spoken young man. He will have so much to go through to reach some peace with this sudden tragedy for his family. When the shock fades, and the accolades and spot lights dim, one is left with the resounding silence and reality of what occured and it can be a long difficult road. My prayers are with him and his mother and grandfather.