As I stood in the store today, the television blared in the corner something that hit me hard.
NBC’s Tim Russert passed away today.
Russert died of an apparent heart attack at the far-too-young age of 58.
As the host of “Meet the Press” which airs on Sunday morning on NBC, Russert calmly and collectively shed light on politics with his smooth demeanor and stern devotion.
He was someone to look up to as an aspiring journalist. And as someone who lacks the basic comprehension of many things within the political field, his easy-going style made it simple to even the dullest of minds, including myself.
Countless times Russert would share the studio with the big-wigs of the political world and never seemed to be frightened or shy away from the questions that needed to be asked.
The world has lost a seemingly great person whose commitment should be envied by those who are hopeful to one day make their mark in the realm of media.
Russert was well known in political circles, but beyond that, was a sports fan.
Growing up in Buffalo, NY, Russert attached himself to the Buffalo Bills. He would frequently talk about the Bills on his show, as well as throw in a plug for the hometown Sabres a time or two.
As a resident of the Washington D.C. area, he was also a season ticket holder of the NBA’s Wizards and MLB’s Nationals.
When the Capitals made the Stanley Cup playoffs, Russert held up a Caps jersey on-air to help the city rally behind its hockey team. The Capitals lost, but by showing his fandom, he made friends in another spectrum besides politics.
The soft yet solid voice of Tim Russert will undoubtedly be missed by the world of media, as his passing has come far too soon.
When we think politics, rarely does the genre mix with that of sport.
However, Tim Russert made that possible.
He will be missed, not only for the copious amount of political knowledge he brought to the TV screen, but also his passion for all things sports.
The world lost not only a great speaker, writer, and analyst, but someone that all of us on Bleacher Report can look up to.
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3 months ago
nice article, Russert was really an avid Bills fan and will always be a true Buffalonian at heart, its sad to see him pass away, he was such a great man.
3 months ago
great article patrick. you really captured this man. he was a great guy
3 months ago
Excellent article, with it being a election year. He'll be missed. Russert made you listen to him with his passion, always asked the right questions and was a sports fan.
3 months ago
Nicely done. He was one of my favorite journalists in the political arena.
3 months ago
Excellant article dude! He will be sorely missed...
3 months ago
He definitely will be missed.
3 months ago
I was in complete shock when I read on the internet that he had passed away. He was very smart when it came to politics and I really enjoyed watching him on NBC and Meet The Press. I'm really going to miss him!
3 months ago
Uh, you forgot to mention his love for the Yankees, and the conflict he must have felt with his son going to BC. He was a token Nats fan as a transplant, and also a Democrat. Other than the latter part, I respected the man. Being from Syracuse I enjoyed his simplicity, and drive. Who would have thought that a garbage mans son from Buffalo would ever make it to DC working for Moynahan (D), and then Cuomo (D), two of the ex-Democratic Party Leaders. He was a staple in our house on Sunday morning after mass, and he will be missed.
from 3 months ago
Sorry, I didnt know the man personally, as is obvious by the article. I only knew what i saw of him on TV and read about him over the years. This article was just supposed to a small memorial for him on behlaf of bleacher, apologize if i missed any important info.
from 3 months ago
Patrick,
I enjoyed the article, and you captured the essence of Tim Russert well. I was just adding some additional info. As writers we all enjoy, and aspire to Russerts successes. I am familiar with Russert personally as Ive met him a few times. I was a Press Secretary for the Tom Auffhammer Campaign, local politics, 1996. I had been writing since 1993 (merely a side job) and found myself eventually writing about politics too. I am passionate about politics too, and find it crucial that the American people know the differences between the parties. Most reporters muddy the waters about the difference, but Russert was in it to explain "some" of the differences. I am/was a fan of his, albeit from a differing philosophy. An example is this, one can not be Catholic, and Pro Choice, as it is an oxymoron. That is the side of the aisle that I represent. Sports hold a close second to politics for me, and I see an incredibile need to distinguish the two parties from one another. I am the GOPs answer to Russert, though not realized. To see his success gives us all hope as writers though. ;o)
Tim was a sweetheart of a man, with lions teeth. He eptimized the working class from upstate NY, its work ethic, language, and had to ability to wade through the political mire to get to the founding philosophical differences between parties, and making them plainly known to all who watched. Simplicity is the key, plain English is crucial. Ie...if you ever see someone use the word "utilize" then you know he is a phony just trying to impress, because the correct word is "use." Plain English, and in easy to understand terms is crucial. As Russert said, "dont talk (or write) in Washington terms," and youve captured it.
Like I said, he was a staple in my house on Sundays after Mass (Church). I'm Catholic as well, and was educated at SU, the best school for journalism was right in my back yard (of course that is me being biased). It wasnt Sunday until Meet the Press with Russert was on TV, while brunch was cooking away on the frying pan. He made my Sundays what they were for a long time.
Being from the other side of the spectrum ther fact that I even watched Russert said a lot about the man. He was as fair a political journalist as is out there. Most let their own philosophies govern the direction of debate. Russert represented both sides of the aisle well, though was sometimes easier on the Democrats as they shared the basic fundamental beliefs. He couldn't represent the GOP philosophy properly enough because he isnt a GOP'er.
Again, I enjoyed your, and you captured Russert well with your use of the English language. Good job
3 months ago
Patrick, this is truly a fine article. Thank you.
3 months ago
Lovely article, Patrick. Russert will truly be missed and this was a fitting tribute to him on BR.
from 3 months ago
Thanks for reading, appreciate the comments from all.
3 months ago
That's a nice article Patrick.
3 months ago
great article. Russert was truly one of the best journalists I have ever and will likely ever see. He did it the right way and he deserves all the respect he gets.
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