It's a word that gets overused a lot these days I think. But 'hero' was the best word I could think of when it comes to describing how I felt about Tim Russert. I looked the word up in Merriam-Webster's and the two entries that struck me most were "C: a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities D: one that shows great courage." Who would argue that Tim Russert was not the epitome of these attributes?
For nearly two decades he set the political table for the week hosting Meet the Press. His interview style struck fear in the hearts of the worlds most powerful figures. Yet none could accuse this mild mannered gentleman of being anything but fair and honest. Tim had a civility about him that was disarming and humbling to his guests. He never called anyone names or caved into the pressure to go for the sensational sound bite. His questioning was straight forward and tough. And he did it in a way that demanded direct and honest answers without ever being insulting or belligerent.
Born Timothy John Russert Jr. on May 7, 1950 to Elizebeth and Tim Russert Sr. Or "Big Russ" as his son liked to call him. Tim grew up in Buffalo New York in a blue collar family. After graduating from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, he was accepted to the New York bar and worked for Mario Cuomo and Daniel Patrick Moynihan before being hired by NBC in 1984. A mere 4 years later he was promoted to Washington Bureau Chief and was later promoted to the position of senior vice president of NBC News. He took over 'Meet the Press' in 1991 and in 1992 the name was changed to 'Meet the Press with Tim Russert' and was expanded to a full hour.
The longest serving host of the already prestigious program, Russert elevated it to the status of America institution. 'Meet the Press' has given us some of the most riveting and illuminating moments in the history of U.S. and world politics. 
Who will ever forget that morning Tim pinned VP Dick Cheney down on the Iraq war. I thought Cheney's head was going to explode. But he had to keep it together because Russert's questions were honest and backed up with indisputable facts. 
Or how well Tim kept his cool during a satellite interview with Colin Powel when one of the Secretary's aids tried to end the interview by moving the camera off General Powel. All Russert said was "I think that's inappropriate general." Powel ordered the camera be put back on him and finished the interview.
Tim Russert was an open book. Completely open about his Catholic faith and his love and devotion to his family. Tim reveled in these things and was a shining example to the rest of us. It's hard to imagine Tim ever hated anyone or anything for that matter. I just don't think a guy like Tim had time for things like hate or intolerance. He was too busy loving life for that. And he loved politics which is something I can relate to. After all, it's where the real action truly is.
Tim Russert was as human as they come. And at the same time achieved a measure of greatness unprecedented in our time. He was a true hero in every sense of the word and he will be terribly missed.
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Devin Barber, Politics CorrespondentDevin's column, "Left Of The Right" published weekly or more to Gather Essentials: Politics is a Blue Collar Democrats take on current political news.
Devin was raised by proud Roosevelt Democrats. Being the son of parents counted among the throng of Americans displaced by the Great Depression has given Devin a deep rooted passion for causes dealing with the poor and the working class.
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Comments: 35
RayandJudyLanfear
He will, indeed, be missed.
My entire Sunday morning revolved around "Meet The Press", and the material I knew would be presented in such a sophisticated and intelligent manner. He I will think of him always. For his candor, his love of family, country, politics, his very hard work, and the American people. Ellen B
He was the best.
Myke
Lovely tribute to a true hero. You pegged it.
Russert was, undoubtedly, a great guy, a fine journalist, a dogged interviewer, a big-hearted family man. But "hero"? I think not.
I don't care what the dictionary says. Heroes are people who put their asses on the line for someone other than themselves, or for a principle they care about more than their own personal welfare. Heroes are the guys who jump on hand grenades to save the lives of their buddies, or people like Rosa Parks or Mother Teresa.
Tim Russert will be missed, and his premature demise is tragic and sad. He was an admirable guy and, undoubtedly, a fine role model, but heroes are the most special and rare among us, people who deserve to be revered, and Tim Russeret just doesn't, I'm afraid, make the cut.
He will be missed.
Thanks for writing this, Devin.
Thank you for sharing it.
Tim Russert's passing is sad support for the phrase that the good die young. In many ways that count, Russert certainly was a Hero. He put himself on the line for something greater than himself, the principle that truth was critical to the personal welfare of the American People. He unflinchingly held public figures' feet to the fire of honest and intelligent public discourse and disclosure.
We've lost an important American. Here's hoping his shoes on our stages will be soon and well filled.
Peace --
Paul, I completely disagree with you that you have to "jump on hand grenades" to be a hero. Simply changing someone's life for the better can make you a hero. For instance, my school teachers may not have served in the war or been in the public spotlight, but they're heroes in every right. Tim Russert educated a lot of people out there who didn't understand political issues and he got the truth from otherwise lying politicians.
Tim, rest in peace!
Russert came off like a real person. Not a pretty boy, not arrogant, a real guy. Most of today's reporters and newspeople have a real Washington/New York elitist attitude, and whether they think so or not, it shows. So many are good looking teleprompter readers. Not Russert.
Russert was a liberal, as most media types. He knew it, where most media types think all of their opinions are middle of the road and not biased. But, because he realized this, he did a great job of it not getting in the way of his proffession. He did a great job of asking both Democrats and Republicans the tough questions, not many do that today. That is why he gained the respect out of so many Republicans and right leaning media types. They knew he did a good job. You didn't see that kind of respect for Peter Jennings when he died.
Looking at the list of who will be replacing Russert on "Meet the Press" I predict that show will gradually die a slow death.