On the Passing of Tim Russert

Tim Russert was an authentic news journalist. His goal was always to seek the truth and then tell the story. When it comes to covering politics, Tim Russert was the oracle. I was honored to interview him and be interviewed by him, but I'll never forget the fun we had doing "Celebrity Jeopardy." He will be sorely missed.

Comments

[marcelisa]

I still can't believe it. He was the one journalist whose integrity I trusted. As the election season unfolds, I will sorely miss his analysis, insights and truth-telling.

Here's an amazing interview of Tim by Charlie Rose from before November 2006. I don't know about him being an oracle but one cannot deny he had a pulse on the American electorate.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=D0GmdYI06ms

What do you see from up there, Tim?

[fedupcitizen]

Tavis, well said.

Let us respect the life of the man Tim Russert.

I pray for peace for his family, friends and fans.

[thewrldneedsobama]

I just can't believe Tim Russert is gone , he make me a political junkie , he is the one who introduce me to politics 12 years ago when I came to this country, I was taking English classes and I decided that I was going to watch only English television, and for some reason I start watching his show on Sundays, at first my husband ( who is USC) and has never been involved in politics, make fun of me for watch MTP,after some time we make Tim and the show our little Sunday morning treat , we will get up early, brew our coffee, grab the news papers and wait for the show and every Sunday there he was with that big and friendly smile of his, we not always agree with him, but ,that I think, was the challenge, to agree to disagree, to debate, to give your opinion, to listen. I cried yesterday for Tim, he was our buddy, Sundays are never going to be the same. We already miss you ,Tim.

[oscartucker]

My condolences to the Russert Family. I always enjoyed "Meet the Press" and his comments on MSNBC.

[Netizen]

Mr. Smiley, please consult your dictionary as to the meaning of the word oracle.

If that is indeed the appropriate word for the meaning you meant to convey, then may I say - entirely separate and apart from the tragic passing of Mr. Russert - that I dream of the day when journalists again merely report what has actually happened rather than attempt to predict the future.

[happytimes08]

From the outpouring of grief, I can tell Tim Russert was an honest , kind and loving man, respected by his fellow journalists and greatly endeared by his family and friends. Tavis, you said he as a seeker of "truth" with regards to the story. Unfortunately, he, like Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw, Peter Jennings and other "seekers of truth" were and are a part of the Washington establishment of journalists that asks the "hard" questions but not too hard because they still want politicians to come on their programs. This group did not seek the "truth" prior to the build-up to the war in Iraq and this country has paid a terrible price for their lack of their "authentic" journalism. Now, I believe that Mr. Russert pushed the envelope as best as he could in an environment that slaps down those who try to do so and I know that this is a horrible time to say this because he was obviously loved by so many people. But it's also the right time to say it because the hard questions to seek out the "truth" are not being asked of the politicians by journalists in a country that is floundering with debt, foreclosures, high gas prices and a war with no end. I really do bless Mr. Russert's family and friends during this challenging time and wish them well.

[dana94591]

I was shocked and saddened by the news of Tim's passing! It is so sad when such a good man and a good journalist leaves us. He was one of a few commentators that I could actually listen to during this last year and know that he was not BSing me. I am so sorry for his family (I love his wife's work) and his friends who have shown how deeply this loss has been felt! I truly wish him to RIP! We got your back, Tim! But this election cycle won't be the same without you!

[jfor]

Tavis, when exactly did Tim Russert divine the future. He was a good man, isn't that enough? Do we have to turn him into Nostradamus?

[sufi66]

Right. No TV news person in my lifetime ever said anything I couldn't have figured out on my own.

[jozielee]

Heartfelt condolences to the Russert family.

Tim Russert was one of the best and while he wasn't a bulldog sometimes his interviews set me on the edge of my seat. He did not play. Sitting across the table from him must have been intimidating for those who had something to hide, and a joy for those who appreciated his attention to detail.

We're avid watchers of the Sunday morning political talk shows and seldom missed him on Meet the Press.

Tim Russert will be missed, especially during the coming presidential conventions and election.