R.I.P. Tim Russert 1950-2008

"The best heart exercise is to reach down and help someone."
Tim Russert




What a loss to America, with the death of Tim Russert. He was a brilliant,compassionate man.
He is truly one of the ' Last of the Dying Breed', of journalists with Integrity,Compassion,Values, and Standards.Tim was the epitome of 'Truth In Journalism'.
Our hearts go out to his wife,Maureen, and son, Luke.

(comments courtesy of aol, via Associated Press)



"I think I can invoke personal privilege to say that this news division will not be the same without his strong, clear voice. He'll be missed as he was loved -- greatly."
- Tom Brokaw, NBC News anchor emeritus


"We have lost a beloved member of our NBC Universal family and the news world has lost one of its finest. The enormity of this loss cannot be overstated."
- NBC Universal Chief Executive Jeff Zucker


"Tim epitomized excellence in journalism and unflinching commitment to the craft. Our profession has lost a stellar journalist."
- Sylvia Smith, president of the National Press Club

"As the longest-serving host of the longest-running program in the history of television, he was an institution in both news and politics for more than two decades. Tim was a tough and hardworking newsman. He was always well-informed and thorough in his interviews. And he was as gregarious off the set as he was prepared on it."
- President Bush

"There wasn't a better interviewer in television. Not a more thoughtful analyst of our politics. And he was also one of the finest men I knew."
- Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill

"He was truly a great American who loved his family, his friends, his Buffalo Bills, and everything about politics and America. He was just a terrific guy."
- Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz

"He delighted in scooping me and I felt the same way when I scooped him. When you slipped one past ol' Russert, you felt as though you had hit a home run off the best pitcher in the league."
- Bob Schieffer, host of CBS News' "Face the Nation"

"Today, broadcast journalism lost one of its giants, who will be remembered along with names like Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite and David Brinkley. The city of Buffalo has also lost its favorite son, who loved his city and its hometown team, the Bills."
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

"Tim never forgot his roots in Western New York, and his hometown has always celebrated his great accomplishments. A graduate of Canisius High School, he is still known as legendary Buffalo Bills fan."
- Gov. David Paterson, D-N.Y.

"He was tough on 'Meet The Press,' but I never felt he was out to knock down government or politicians. He was trying to make us all better. And I think he really did that."
- Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn.

"Tim Russert's death is not just a body blow for NBC News, it is a body blow for the nation and for anyone who cherishes newsmen and women who have remained devoted to reporting hard news in an era increasingly consumed by trivia."
- Rep. Dave Obey, D-Wis.

"Tim asked the tough questions the right way and was the best in the business at keeping his interview subjects honest."
- Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev.

"Tim was one of the outstanding journalists of this generation. He had a well earned reputation for integrity and fairness. I can personally attest to that. For those of us who had the privilege of appearing on 'Meet the Press,' Sunday mornings will never be the same."
- Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich.

"Western New York, in particular, will miss Tim Russert because he was in every way Mr. Buffalo. Even when he was interviewing presidents and heads of state, Western New Yorkers knew that his blue collar, Buffalo sensibility guided him throughout."
- Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

His passing is a loss for our country and for all who hold dear the principle of a press that is free, vibrant and responsible."
- CIA Director Michael Hayden.

"Having sat in the studio with him, I can only say that he was a gentleman when the 'on air' light was lit as well as when it was not."
- Former New York City Mayor Giuliani

"Buffalo has lost a favorite son, and our nation has a lost a giant of political journalism. Tim was my favorite sparring partner - he was always tough, always fair, and always cared about the issues."
- Rep. Tom Reynolds, R-N.Y.

Source: AP