Tim Russert

In the third ever post on this blog I wrote an article called Thank You Meet the Press. This is the show I always viewed as the gospel for politics. The main reason for this, has been its moderator, Tim Russert.

Today news broke that Russert, 58, has passed away of a heart attack.

17people would like to pass along condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Russert.

As I wrote here when E Street Band member Dan Federici passed away:

Think when any of us become a fan of a TV show, sports team, band,whatever, you feel a bond and connection with the people involved. Most of the time you never get a chance to meet or know them as people but you care about them.

Russert was to political coverage the way Springsteen is to Music for me, my favorite and simply the best at what he does. My immediate reaction to this news is just shock and sadness.

He was the toughest interview in a business where the media has gotten soft. He almost never let on his partisan leanings which made him an honest broker for both sides. He drilled members of both parties as well as leaders of foreign countries, and journalists with questions that truly made them think and work.

While others have said it, the only true "No Spin Zone", only existed on Meet the Press and it was because of Tim Russert.

Russert has always been tough, but unlike many in the 'loudmouth talking head generation' has done so with class, grace, and dignity. He was able to bring a PBS quality to the mainstream and despite all this, dominated in ratings, influence, and importance.

In the same week the country lost its greatest TV sports reporter in Jim McKay, it today tragically lost it's best TV Political reporter in Tim Russert.

For those who think our candidates and elected officials need to be vetted, pushed, and held to a higher standard Tim Russert was our voice. I am just one of many who will miss his enormous contribution to our country.