I had a good sob session at work this afternoon when I discovered that Tim Russert had died. It felt like I had lost a beloved uncle. I really connected with Russert, even though he and I had never met. Whenever you saw him on television or heard him speak, he seemed authentic and kind.
His memoir, Big Russ and Me, shows the power of books to connect people. Through it, I got to know Russ, his values, his love of father, son, his deeply-held Catholic faith, and his love for our nation. Russert began his career working for Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan (NY) and then Governor Mario Cuomo (NY), so I know we likely disagreed on many things politically, but I had a strong sense that Russert acted out of moral conviction and his Judeo-Christian values. His book was a love letter to his dad--and to his son. It was fitting that he received so many letters in response to it that a book containing many of these contributions was published.
Russert was most identified with his long-running duties on NBC's "Meet the Press" and as a moderator on many election debates and newsroom panels--including election nights. If he weren't so young, his demise might almost have perfect closure--a great career, a beloved book now in the annals, he had just been back to Buffalo to see his dad, and this last week he had one last family vacation (to Italy) to celebrate his son's college graduation. He died at the office this afternoon. Makes me wish the Bills could have won a Super Bowl for him first.
I found out about Russert's death a little before 4:00 through a CNN Breaking News e-mail, and then watched Tom Brokaw's tender tribute. I don't know why Russert's passing cut me so quickly and deeply, but I cried a great deal at the news and during his tribute. Maybe it's because Russert is the same age as my parents... maybe because of his Upstate New York roots (I lived in Syracuse)... maybe because he was so open, personable, and kind... maybe because he wore the love of his family on his shirtsleeves.
I was shocked to get the CNN Breaking News report, too. There was something special about him.
Posted by: Susan | June 14, 2008 at 10:40 AM
I couldn't believe it, either--so sudden. We never know when our time is coming ...
He will be greatly missed.
Posted by: karen | June 14, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Tim Russert was one of my journalistic heroes. May the values, work ethic, and integrity live on in young journalists seeking to make a difference as he did.
Posted by: Darnell Lamb | June 14, 2008 at 09:18 PM
Tim Russert was one of my journalistic heroes. May the values, work ethic, and integrity live on in young journalists seeking to make a difference as he did.
Posted by: Darnell Lamb | June 14, 2008 at 09:19 PM