Tim Russert - The Epitome of a Political Journalist.
Many a morning, I learn of the day's political news from the Today Show on NBC - usually playing as background noise as I go about my morning rituals. But I always pause in my routines when Tim Russert came onscreen to put politics into perspective. They always called him the Democratic policical analyst, yet somehow I always felt he was fairly unbiased and fair in his analysis.
I usually made it a point to tune into the debates that he hosted. Mr. Russert always kept control of his debates, asked good questions and made everyone think about the real issues. I was looking forward to the presidential debates that I was sure he would host in the up-coming months. In my young mind, a presidential election isn't complete without Tim Russert's analysis. In 2000 and 2004, he was the only journalist that knew what was really going on with the election, the strategy and the effects of what went down. At least, he was the only one that was able to explain it in a way I understood.
When I heard of his passing yesterday afternoon, I was surprised by the wave of sadness and shock I experienced. But I understand it now. I am saddened at the loss of a hard-working man whose passion for his work emanated through the camera lens. I know I'm not the only who feels this way.
My favorite quote of his isn't political in the least - it's about his role as a father.
"I pray that I've taught him [Luke, his son] to make good decisions and given him strong moral grounding to do the right thing. Because, ever since August 22, 1985, at 7:11 p.m., I've known that when my life is over, there's nothing more I'll be judged on than what kind of father I was." -Tim Russert
Mr. Russert, you will be dearly missed.
I usually made it a point to tune into the debates that he hosted. Mr. Russert always kept control of his debates, asked good questions and made everyone think about the real issues. I was looking forward to the presidential debates that I was sure he would host in the up-coming months. In my young mind, a presidential election isn't complete without Tim Russert's analysis. In 2000 and 2004, he was the only journalist that knew what was really going on with the election, the strategy and the effects of what went down. At least, he was the only one that was able to explain it in a way I understood.
When I heard of his passing yesterday afternoon, I was surprised by the wave of sadness and shock I experienced. But I understand it now. I am saddened at the loss of a hard-working man whose passion for his work emanated through the camera lens. I know I'm not the only who feels this way.
My favorite quote of his isn't political in the least - it's about his role as a father.
"I pray that I've taught him [Luke, his son] to make good decisions and given him strong moral grounding to do the right thing. Because, ever since August 22, 1985, at 7:11 p.m., I've known that when my life is over, there's nothing more I'll be judged on than what kind of father I was." -Tim Russert
Mr. Russert, you will be dearly missed.