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Tim Russert Dies At 58

Posted by Soulskill on from the never-stop-asking dept.

SputnikPanic writes "Tim Russert, NBC News' Washington bureau chief and moderator of the popular Sunday talk program Meet the Press, has died of an apparent heart attack. He was 58. Russert was known as an even-handed journalist who did not shy away from asking direct and often difficult questions of politicians regardless of their political persuasion. Earlier this year, Russert had been named by Time Magazine as one of the '100 most influential people in the world.'"

10 of 196 comments (clear)

  1. This year's race won't be the same by Martin+Blank · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I always looked forward to how Russert handled interviews and debates. Left or right, loony or sane, one always got a fair hand from him. He'd get on anyone who was hiding something, but I don't know of many who left his presence angry.

    He was a rarity in the world of political journalism.

    --
    You can never go home again... but I guess you can shop there.
    1. Re:This year's race won't be the same by Veramocor · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I fully agree. Tim Russert was the embodiment of what 'fair and balanced' should mean. He asked probing questions, slammed politicians with fact based evidence when they flip flopped or lied, liberal and conservative. If all journalists were like him our countries politics would be much better on both sides.

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      Veramocor
  2. RIP, Tim by justanyone · · Score: 5, Interesting

    The irony is, on his show recently someone referred to his dad, "Big Russ", as being deceased. Tim had to correct him.

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    Unitarian Church: Freethinkers Congregate!
    1. Re:RIP, Tim by NaCh0 · · Score: 5, Informative

      That was Terry McAuliffe of the Democrat party who made the gaffe.

  3. Re:Most influential by mactard · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Well he'll be missed by those who don't make dumbass analogies.

  4. He asked questions most people would want asked by MillenneumMan · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Virtually no one in news asks candidates and newsmakers the tough questions anymore. You could always count on Tim to throw hardballs every time. He also was very good at ignoring spin when he didn't get a straight answer. Great interviewer and moderator. Condolences to his family and friends, he certainly was taken before his time.

    1. Re:He asked questions most people would want asked by Martin+Blank · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Most reporters are terrified of not being able to get an interview at the next request. Tim was a great example of someone who could rake a guest over the coals and yet have them leaving with the words, "Until next time." And next time could be only a few weeks later.

      --
      You can never go home again... but I guess you can shop there.
  5. RIP by billy8988 · · Score: 5, Informative

    Sad news indeed.
    Here is his interview on Readers Digest a while back.
    http://www.rd.com/poll-archive-parent/games-and-humor/celebrities-and-pop-culture/politicians/tim-russert/article26850.html

    My fav. part is

    After he was named moderator of Meet the Press in 1991, Russert called Larry Spivak, one of the show's original panelists, for advice. "Learn as much as you can about your guest, and his or her position on the issues," Spivak said. "Then take the other side. If you do that, you will have a fair and balanced program."

    I think he followed that mantra throughout.
    My wife and I had only one TV program in common...alas..our sundays won't be same.

    RIP Mr. Russert.

  6. I'll miss his predictions by FatJuggles · · Score: 5, Interesting

    He called Bill Clinton the Democratic nominee early for the '92 election...called Florida the "must win" state in 2000, and you could always count on him saying something that sounded like it was from left feild but would come true in a few months.

    A few days ago, after Obama secured the nomination, I saw him smile a little while talking about him on Nightly News. Smiling not for the candidate, but I think he was really, really, really excited that he would might see a black man get elected president of his great country in HIS lifetime. He looked like a little kid...sad he did not live to see what will be.

    Didn't know him personally, but great journalist. A lot will miss him.

  7. Apparently not by LibertineR · · Score: 5, Informative
    From CNBC: Russert's physician, Michael Newman, said cholesterol plaque ruptured in an artery, causing sudden coronary thrombosis.

    Russert had earlier been diagnosed with asymptomatic coronary artery disease, but it was well-controlled with medication and exercise, and he had performed well on a stress test in late April, Newman said. An autopsy revealed that he also had an enlarged heart, Newman said.

    This is what all that Omega3 fish oil is supposed to prevent? Time to go kill a salmon!