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Tim Russert is Dead

By TChris, Section Media
Posted on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:04:50 PM EST
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RIP, Tim Russert.

Tim Russert, NBC News’ Washington bureau chief and the moderator of “Meet the Press,” died Friday after a sudden heart attack at the bureau, NBC News said Friday. He was 58.

Russert was recording voiceovers for Sunday’s “Meet the Press” program when he collapsed, the network said.

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    Tim Russert is Dead | 160 comments (160 topical)

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    Oh, my. Sympathy to the Russert family. (5.00 / 10) (#1)
    by Shainzona on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:06:33 PM EST


    Requiescat in pace (5.00 / 9) (#2)
    by rilkefan on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:07:01 PM EST
    Incidentally I'm sure this blog would want everyone to refrain from negative comments about him for now.

    Absolutely (5.00 / 3) (#6)
    by interestedcanuck on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:10:18 PM EST
    No time to air grievances. My thoughts to his family

    Parent
    This is a real shock. I feel for his family. n/t (5.00 / 3) (#3)
    by kempis on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:08:36 PM EST


    Wow - (5.00 / 6) (#5)
    by talesoftwokitties on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:09:44 PM EST
    This is a shock.  58 way too young.  Didn't like him, but very sorry for his family's loss.  WOW.

    My father died suddenly at 58, but that was in the (5.00 / 2) (#67)
    by jawbone on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:01:29 PM EST
    late 1950's--he awoke with pain, I heard scurrying around, heard the ambulance was called,  wanted to go into my parent's bedroom to say goodbye before he went to the hospital, but I wasn't permitted to do so.

    I've always wished I could have seen him one more time--he died late that night. Massive heart attack was we were told.

    My mother always felt she was still married to him. Went gray within months of his death. Stayed up night making quilts and braided rugs.

    It was a terrible shock.

    It will be terrible for those who loved him--I can only wish them peace and equilibrium.

    Parent

    Same with mine, at 62 (none / 0) (#206)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 07:18:16 PM EST
    Like Russert, my dad knew he had some heart/artery issues, but had gotten a very good report from his cardiologist just a few weeks before he died.


    Parent
    I'll be 58 (5.00 / 3) (#98)
    by mikeyleigh on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:31:39 PM EST
    in two months.  That's way too young.  My sympathies go out to the Russert family.  Also his NBC family.  Tom Brokaw, when making the announcement on MSNBC, almost didn't make it through to the end.

    Parent
    blimey. (none / 0) (#187)
    by Salo on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:33:09 PM EST
    Teddy, Russert, Bo Didley

    Parent
    Wow... (5.00 / 5) (#8)
    by Jackson Hunter on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:10:44 PM EST
    While I had quibbles with the guy, that is just awful, and I agree with Nikefan above, let us use the "better angels of our nature" and not use this as a time to blast the guy.

    RIP Mr. Russert

    Jackson

    My heart goes out to his family. (5.00 / 3) (#9)
    by DJ on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:11:07 PM EST
    I did not often agree with him and was angry with him more than once.  I thought he was a decent person though and it was always obvious how much he adored his family.   Big Russ, right before father's day...just awful.

    we'll miss you tim (5.00 / 3) (#10)
    by Edgar08 on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:12:31 PM EST
    and in honor of your great contribution to American journalism I would like to ask you to comment now on something you said in April of 2002......

    let's roll that tape. (none / 0) (#188)
    by Salo on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:33:33 PM EST


    Parent
    my heartful sorrow and best wishes (5.00 / 3) (#12)
    by hellothere on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:13:23 PM EST
    go to his family especially his father.

    I thought Big Russ (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:16:18 PM EST
    had passed on.  no?
    if not yeah, that would be bad.

    Parent
    it didnt mention (4.00 / 1) (#24)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:18:02 PM EST
    his father in the "he is survived by" list on the MSNBC site

    Parent
    msnbc (none / 0) (#28)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:19:50 PM EST
    Survivors include Russert's wife, Maureen Orth, a writer for Vanity Fair magazine, whom he met at the 1976 Democratic National Convention; and their son, Luke.

    Parent
    Big Russ still alive (none / 0) (#33)
    by caseyOR on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:21:20 PM EST
    According to WaPO, Tim recently moved his dad to a new care facility. His dad is 88.

    Parent
    not arguing (none / 0) (#37)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:24:13 PM EST
    it just seems odd they wouldnt list him.
    perhaps he recently died or something.

    Parent
    I would have thought when (none / 0) (#54)
    by JoeA on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:44:24 PM EST
    you say someon is "survived by" they would refer to spouses and children, not parents.

    As far as I know he is definitely alive.

    Parent

    That's it. (none / 0) (#58)
    by Artoo on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:50:22 PM EST
    you say someon is "survived by" they would refer to spouses and children, not parents.

    That sounds right.

    Parent
    I have actually seen it done (5.00 / 1) (#61)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:53:38 PM EST
    the other way but I am no expert.


    Parent
    here you go (5.00 / 1) (#64)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:56:09 PM EST
     In addition to his mother, Spc. Emard is survived by his father, David Emard of Terrell, his sister, Jennifer Marler of Terrell and his grandmother, Jean Emard of Garland.

    Parent
    When my older brother died in a traffic (5.00 / 2) (#84)
    by Rhouse on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:18:22 PM EST
    accident, both of our parents were listed by name.  I, unfortunately, won't have that situation to deal with.  It broke their hearts.

    Parent
    Nope, all reporters used to start (5.00 / 1) (#86)
    by Molly Pitcher on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:19:35 PM EST
    in obits.  "Survived by" means any family member still alive.  Have even seen 'beloved friend' or a pet included.  I have also seem obits include 'predeceased by' people dead for 50 years or more.

    Parent
    yeah (none / 0) (#93)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:27:44 PM EST
    thats my experience. which is why I thought it so odd that MSNBC would omit his famous father.
    (famous, I mean, only because of Russerts book)

    Parent
    Normally parents are included (none / 0) (#163)
    by dianem on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:00:06 PM EST
    It is probably an oversight by the newspaper. It happens.

    Parent
    Yes, father is still alive (none / 0) (#176)
    by befuddledvoter on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:21:47 PM EST
    Tim Russert just moved him to an assisted living facility last week.  So very hard on surviving parents.  My brother died suddenly, only in his 50's.  It was too much for my poor mother.  No parent should live to bury a child.  Horrible for this elderly gentleman. My mother was definitely listed in the obit!  

    Parent
    there is something about the 50s decade (none / 0) (#222)
    by thereyougo on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 09:14:50 PM EST
    that is a threshold of some kind. If you make it past it, you've reached a mile  stone.

    Its stunning news. We just burried my cousin, 54 one week ago.

    Today is Friday 13, hmm..superstitions abound.

    Tim had coronary artery disease it was reported. I don't get it, he should have been under dr.'s care.

    CNN is reporting non stop, maybe there will be more. I'll stay tuned.

    Parent

    they just mentioned on msnbc that (none / 0) (#41)
    by hellothere on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:25:34 PM EST
    the family just moved him to another facility from his old home. late 80s!

    Parent
    His father is in his late 80's (none / 0) (#30)
    by zfran on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:20:48 PM EST


    Parent
    Big Russ (none / 0) (#32)
    by DJ on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:20:57 PM EST
    I'm pretty sure he's alive.  I remember Terry McA commenting about  Big Russ looking down from heaven and he got a bunch of flack for it.

    Parent
    No, he just moved his father (none / 0) (#34)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:22:01 PM EST
    to another facility in Buffalo.

    Parent
    sad (none / 0) (#42)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:25:55 PM EST
    he probably wont survive this for long

    Parent
    broken heart! (none / 0) (#44)
    by hellothere on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:27:52 PM EST


    Parent
    my father died. (5.00 / 5) (#48)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:29:26 PM EST
    at 56.  his mother died the next day.

    Parent
    Oh, Capt. Howdy.... (none / 0) (#77)
    by kempis on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:11:48 PM EST
    I'm so sorry to hear this. Even if that was a while ago, a double-whammy like that is something you never fully recover from. My heart goes out to you and your family.

    Parent
    oh thanks (5.00 / 3) (#82)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:17:22 PM EST
    it was a long long time ago.  I was a late in life surprise for my parents and the both died quite young and I really hardly knew my grandmother.
    but thanks.
    yeah, his mother dieing the next day actually has an even stranger angle.  she was already quite sick so they didnt tell her.  she still died within a few  hours mumbling about how she couldnt go on alone.
    I was only 11 but thats something you dont forget.

    Parent
    Several people have told me that they'd sensed (none / 0) (#234)
    by DeborahNC on Sat Jun 14, 2008 at 01:25:10 AM EST
    that a loved one was in a perilous situation, and it turned out that there were some serious problems in a few cases and just minor incidents in others.

    I feel a very strong connection with my son, and I've felt uneasy at certain times when he was at school or a friend's house, and on a few occasions I've called his friend's parent, etc., to check on him, and indeed he'd had a mishap.

    In one situation, I was out running errands and began to have this extremely intense feeling that I needed to get to my son. This was a long time ago, before cell phones were used (I think), so I just headed toward the school. When I got there, I was trying to subdue my fear, but one of the administrators walked in the direction where I was headed and called out, "You're Colin's mother, aren't you?" When I said yes, he said, "You must have gotten my message, but don't worry, I think he'll be fine."

    Well, of course, I didn't know what the problem was, and it almost scared the life out of me. As it turned out, he had a broken arm from falling off a ledge at school. It turned out okay, but the teacher told me that my son had said that he hoped his Mommy got there fast.

    I can't explain situations like that, but at least in my case, I have a strong bond with my son, and occasionally I've sensed a problem with him when there actually was one. So, I don't find the situation with your Grandmother as odd at all.

    I'm sorry for your early losses; I understand that feeling, because my mother died when I was a teenager. Sudden losses are hard on families.

    I was so shocked when I heard about the death of Tim Russert. To his family: I know that nothing can take away the pain and sadness you're feeling right now, but I hope that tender  memories can soften your sorrow, and in time you will find peace.

    Deborah

    Parent

    :( RIP Mr. Russert (5.00 / 3) (#14)
    by sarissa on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:15:09 PM EST
    So very sad.

    Very sad news. (5.00 / 3) (#17)
    by Maria Garcia on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:16:38 PM EST


    I would like to say something positive, but (5.00 / 0) (#189)
    by hairspray on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:35:59 PM EST
    cannot, so I'll just say it is such a shock and very untimely.

    Parent
    Boy, you are right (none / 0) (#214)
    by Stellaaa on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 08:10:30 PM EST
    Actually, during the primary, I thought he looked unhealthy.  

    Parent
    So sorry to hear this (5.00 / 2) (#19)
    by befuddledvoter on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:17:10 PM EST
    My heartfelt condolences to the family. How tragic; he was so young and this is such a shock for the family.  

    Whatever I thought of his politics (5.00 / 6) (#20)
    by magisterludi on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:17:31 PM EST
    he was a devoted father and son by all accounts. That says something. This is really sad.

    Coronary embolism (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by caseyOR on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:17:49 PM EST
    imes now reporting a correction. Russert died of coronary embolism, not a heart attack.

    In fact, the embolism caused a (5.00 / 1) (#72)
    by Anne on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:06:12 PM EST
    "heart attack," by blocking delivery of blood and oxygen to the heart and causing death of the heart muscle.

    Parent
    Blood clot (something I know a lot about!) (none / 0) (#29)
    by Shainzona on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:19:55 PM EST
    He had just returned from a long trip to Italy...wonder if that contributed to it?

    Parent
    doubt it (none / 0) (#46)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:28:53 PM EST
    I bet he doesnt fly coach.

    Parent
    Sometimes the journeys can be deadly. (5.00 / 7) (#79)
    by Molly Pitcher on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:14:12 PM EST
    My husband had a major stroke (never recovered) two days after flying home from Spain.  He never sat except for take-off and landing; walked the aisle or stood with the staff all those hours.  He went into A-fib; clots developed and got into the brain, and the wonder med then caused a hemorrhage.
    Six years of paralysis and no speech--death would have been kinder.

    Parent
    so sorry (5.00 / 2) (#115)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:44:05 PM EST
    my father had a cerebral hemorrhage a couple of years before he died. he was paralized on one side and pretty had the mind of a child after that.
    so I understand what youve gone through very well.
    death would have indeed been kinder.
    it has led me to a point where I think Mr Russert is a lucky man.  even if he died young.  falling over is the way to go.  I live in mortal fear of ending up like my father.

    Parent
    Sorry, Molly! (5.00 / 4) (#147)
    by Shainzona on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 05:30:47 PM EST
    I had multiple bi-lateral pulmonary embolism and almost died.  It can happen very suddenly (although mine resulted from a bad doctor who decided my chest pains and shortness of breath were simply the result of being a pre-menopausal women).

    A very scary event in my life.

    Parent

    I will never forget (5.00 / 0) (#173)
    by BackFromOhio on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:13:46 PM EST
    My mother had had bladder cancer, 9.5 hours of surgery, several weeks in the hospital, all here in NYC.  About a week after she left the hospital & was recouperating at home, she suddenly could not breathe, called her internist, who jumped in a cab, went to her apt., took her to his hospital emergency room, and waited a while until I got there while she was being treated.  Several years later, we let the Dr. know we would appreciate his attendance at our mother's funeral, and we publicly thanked him.  I don't know what medical care is like for all of you where you live, but this is unheard of in NYC, & the Dr. probably saved my mother's life.

    Parent
    That is exactly what I was thinking (none / 0) (#182)
    by befuddledvoter on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:25:09 PM EST
    Long flights can cause this.  

    Parent
    If he was overweight and didn't move around (none / 0) (#192)
    by hairspray on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:40:25 PM EST
    much on the flight and dehydrated himself with a some alcohol he very well could have developed a thrombosis in his legs.  Add atherosclerosis to the mix and I can see how it could happen regardless of which seat he sat in.

    Parent
    Very true (5.00 / 1) (#232)
    by americanincanada on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 11:41:14 PM EST
    DVT is extremely dangerous and much more common than people think. My partner got it even though she exercised regularly by walking to work every day. She is a computer programmer and sat for long periods which they think contributed to it.

    It was a long recovery but she made it. I must say it was a scary time and not anything I would wish on anyone. she'll never be the same again. Taking blood thinners for the rest of her life and being very careful about flights, exercise and anything sharp.

    Parent

    "Heart attack" is just layman's term` (none / 0) (#203)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 07:09:34 PM EST
    for death of heart muscle. It can be caused by various different mechanical means.  Coronary embolism is just a blood clot in the heart or right at one of the major arteries feeding into the heart.

    His doc was just on MSNBC, I think must have been given permission by the family to talk about his medical history, and said a chunk of arterial plaque broke loose and blocked the artery, not an embolism, which is a blood clot.  I got in late so don't know if he was speculating or they've already done the autopsy.

    He said he'd just had a full cardiac check-up in April, had passed the stress test with flying colors and probably would have passed it last night if he'd taken one then.  But this can happen with atherosclerosis, even if, as with Russert, he said, you do absolutely everything right in lowering cholesterol, eating right, exercising, etc.

    Parent

    There was an autopsy already, (none / 0) (#225)
    by MarkL on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 09:44:29 PM EST
    according to news reports.
    That's awfully fast!
    What you said is scary, too.

    Parent
    It is scary (none / 0) (#231)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 11:28:00 PM EST
    You can also die very suddenly, literally drop dead on the spot, when an artery for no known reason just suddenly goes into a tight cramping spasm and completely shuts off the blood flow.  No warning and no suggestive history on that at all.

    Also a piano could fall on your head some day.

    Live every day as if it was your last.

    Parent

    Terrible! (5.00 / 3) (#23)
    by Steve M on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:17:56 PM EST
    58 is way too young.  And it's just not the natural order of things for a father to outlive his son.

    permanent replacement???? (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by hellothere on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:18:43 PM EST
    maybe they could look outside msnbc. i would even recommend someone from print media. they often came over and i can think of excellent examples.

    I'm sorry to hear that. I don't know (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by MarkL on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:19:10 PM EST
    what else to say. He did seem like a likeable guy.

    Watched Tom Brokaw on CNN.com (5.00 / 2) (#36)
    by BarnBabe on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:23:55 PM EST
    announcing the death. Brought tears to my eyes as a familiar person in your life, although not always agreeing with, has passed on. And way way too young. 58 and at work. Life is just too short.

    Remember during the debates when his face got so red and he sort of lost it? Maybe high BP which caused the heart attack. My Dad lived through his first one at 55, died at 62 with his second.  

    I met him a couple of times (5.00 / 2) (#38)
    by andgarden on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:24:33 PM EST
    At NBC News Channel's offices/studios on North Capitol street in Washington DC when I interned for an MSNBC show that you've heard of. He was well-regarded.

    A solid newsman... one of the last (5.00 / 3) (#39)
    by stefystef on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:24:46 PM EST
    I might not have agreed with Russert all the time and sometimes "Meet the Press" frustrated me, but I watched almost every week and had nothing but respect for Mr. Russert.

    As I said in another post, HUGE blow to NBC News.

    My condolences to the Russert family, especially his son who just graduated from Boston College.  

    Very sad.

    I can just imagine (5.00 / 10) (#43)
    by Steve M on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:25:59 PM EST
    ST. PETER: Do you want to get into Heaven?

    TIM RUSSERT: Well, sure, who doesn't?

    ST. PETER: Okay, you're saying that now.  But in 1983 you had this to say...

    heh (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by andgarden on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:29:06 PM EST
    He would have appreciated that, I think.

    Parent
    If there is a conventional after life... (none / 0) (#193)
    by Salo on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:42:15 PM EST
    ...he's either subjecting god or the devil to some sort of embarrassing grilling.   And either one of then =m ar e planning to of load him on the other.

    Parent
    Heh... (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by kredwyn on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:05:48 PM EST


    Parent
    Well done. (5.00 / 1) (#156)
    by OrangeFur on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 05:51:23 PM EST
    Humorous and still tasteful. Not easy to do.

    Parent
    What would he say to old Nick (none / 0) (#190)
    by Salo on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:36:05 PM EST
    The adversary of god you say?  Disassociating yourself from The old executioner you say?
    Well before the big bang you were his favourite angel.  Let's see what you had to say then...

    Parent
    Found this gem... heh... (5.00 / 5) (#52)
    by desertswine on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:32:51 PM EST
    As a Cleveland-Marshall College of Law student in 1974, Russert attended the infamous "10-cent-beer night" at Cleveland Municipal Stadium that ended in drunken rioting by Indians fans.

    "I went with $2 in my pocket," recalls the "Meet the Press" host. "You do the math."

    Priceless. (none / 0) (#56)
    by davnee on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:45:01 PM EST
    Even though I was currently aggravated with him, I'll still miss his hard work and wonderful enthusiasm for his job.  Such a shame to see someone called away far too soon.  Godspeed Tim Russert.

    Parent
    I had my problems with him too (5.00 / 1) (#106)
    by litigatormom on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:39:26 PM EST
    (more about his role in the Plame matter) but he was better than most.

    It's a tragedy for his family, of course, and for his friends and co-workers. A young man, with a son who'd just graduated from college.

    Russert's death will also affect coverage of the campaign, although I'm not sure I know exactly  how at this moment. There is no one else at NBC, really, with his stature on political coverage.  Certainly not Tweety. Not Olbermann.  Not David Gregory.  It leaves a real hole for NBC.  

    Parent

    Will his style be imitated? (none / 0) (#191)
    by Salo on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:39:24 PM EST


    Parent
    each has his own style. (none / 0) (#207)
    by hellothere on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 07:19:34 PM EST
    i'll refrain from stating my issues with gregory as this diary belongs to the story of russert's untimely passting.

    Parent
    He will be missed (5.00 / 0) (#55)
    by indy in sc on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:44:55 PM EST
    by many. My condolences go out to his family. I'll always remember his white eraser board during the 2000 campaign. Such a classic moment.

    Arggh (5.00 / 0) (#125)
    by stxabuela on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:51:37 PM EST
    I remember the white board on election night.  "Florida, Florida, Florida," written on it.  What a painful memory.  

    My deepest sympathies to the Russert family, especially Big Russ.  I can't imagine the pain of losing a child; that's not the natural order of things.  

    Parent

    totally agree (none / 0) (#101)
    by Lil on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:35:13 PM EST
    I keep thinking of that too. The more he explained it, the sillier it seemed. Of everything, he'll probably be remembered most for that, I think.

    Parent
    Shocking (5.00 / 0) (#57)
    by Artoo on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:49:02 PM EST
    Politics will be a little less fun this year without Russert.

    Sad news for his family (5.00 / 3) (#65)
    by Anne on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:57:11 PM EST
    as well as for the people he works with.

    We had someone in our office recently who collapsed at work and died of a massive heart attack (at 45), despite efforts by our CPR team and then EMT and ER to revive her - it was traumatic for everyone, so I can only imagine the shock that is being felt at NBC.

    Sympathy to all who knew and loved him.

    Watching msnbc...Andrea Mitchell and (none / 0) (#120)
    by PssttCmere08 on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:48:04 PM EST
    KO look like hell...it is a shock.

    Parent
    How sad-he truly seemed to love what (5.00 / 2) (#66)
    by Berkshireblue on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:00:54 PM EST
    he did and that is certainly a gift. He had a wonderful family that he appeared to love very much. He was too young and vigorous to go this way. I will miss hearing his voice on those Sunday mornngs I choose to stay home and immerse myself in politics.

    I just heard that he died at work after coming home early from his trip to Italy. They said he left before his wife and son to prepare for MTP. I feel very bad for the two of them hearing this news so far from home.

    RIP

    Best thing to do... (none / 0) (#70)
    by kredwyn on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:05:22 PM EST
    is to do what you love.

    I had an econ professor who passed away while he was tying his shoes...to go teach class. He was a brilliant thinker and love teaching.

    Parent

    That reminds me. My mother has (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by MarkL on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:08:16 PM EST
    some peculiar ideas about death and dying. She's the last survivor of 8 siblings, and 86 now. Before she turned 86 she told my sister that this would be her last year, because no one in her family had lived longer than 86 yrs.
    It just reminds me, because she's a big believer in going quickly---after my father's long illness and death that's no surprise.

    Parent
    IMB, what binds us transcends physical laws ... (5.00 / 3) (#132)
    by Ellie on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 05:04:57 PM EST
    ... as we know them. I still "feel" my mom's presence ~3 yrs after her death, not so much in a ghostly way as in her unique influence and guidance.

    It seemed like she took a bit of each family member with her when she died, but exchanged that with something of herself. My family was talking about this last Mother's Day.

    Parent

    Exchanges (5.00 / 1) (#210)
    by Athena on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 07:30:48 PM EST
    Wonderfully put.

    Parent
    Prematurely grey, for extra (5.00 / 2) (#97)
    by MarkL on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:30:56 PM EST
    authoritativeness.

    Very sad. (5.00 / 0) (#104)
    by Esme on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:37:33 PM EST
    It seems like he was a great father, and family man. My heart really goes out to his family.

    Tim may have left early (5.00 / 1) (#124)
    by standingup on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:50:28 PM EST
    but I think he certainly left his mark.  While I often found myself yelling at him on the television screen over the last few years, it will not be the same without his coverage of political events.  I feel for his family during this time of loss, especially his father as outliving a child is very difficult for many parents.  

    I too have not been happy with him (5.00 / 0) (#127)
    by kenosharick on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:53:43 PM EST
    and his network lately- but Russert did really good work in the past; remember him tearing apart Papa Bush? He should not be remembered ONLY for the last year or so. Those making the disgusting remarks above are truly pathetic.

    My condolences to (5.00 / 0) (#133)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 05:05:57 PM EST
    his family. I'm sure the suddeness of his death has to be hitting them hard.

    Tim Russert, R.I.P. (5.00 / 0) (#134)
    by dutchfox on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 05:06:26 PM EST
    My thoughts and prayers for his family and friends. Courage and strength in the days and months ahead.

    Tom Brokaw (5.00 / 0) (#140)
    by CST on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 05:18:22 PM EST
    Will host meet the press tonight.  I can't think of a better short-term substitute.  Condolonces to the Brokaw family, I feel especially bad for the father to lose a child must be the worst thing in the world.

    Do you mean Sunday? (none / 0) (#149)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 05:36:57 PM EST
    Tom Brokaw appears to be having a difficult time today. It's heartbreaking to see the pain his friends are going through.  He really was a giant in their world.

    Parent
    Dominus vobiscum (5.00 / 2) (#143)
    by oldpro on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 05:26:19 PM EST
    seems appropriate, even from a recovered Catholic/now atheist...it came immediately to mind.  Habit.  Very strong.

    Et cum spirito tuo (5.00 / 1) (#184)
    by befuddledvoter on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:30:40 PM EST


    Parent
    Must the U.S. President and the Presidential (5.00 / 1) (#145)
    by oculus on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 05:29:19 PM EST
    candidates have a comment on everything?  Guess so, as Huff Post has their comments on Russert's death.

    NYT (none / 0) (#157)
    by themomcat on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 05:52:30 PM EST
    has all the quotes on line.

    Parent
    My (5.00 / 5) (#161)
    by tek on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 05:57:40 PM EST
    own father passed away this morning from heart failure.  It seems too cruel that Sunday is Fathers' Day.

    tek, i am so very sorry for your loss. (5.00 / 1) (#165)
    by hellothere on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:02:28 PM EST


    Parent
    Oh jeez. (5.00 / 1) (#167)
    by shoephone on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:04:52 PM EST
    That is terribly sad tek. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Yes, Father's Day will be a tough one.

    Parent
    tek - I am so sorry for your loss. (5.00 / 2) (#186)
    by Anne on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:32:30 PM EST
    I hope your father's passing was peaceful and that you have wonderful and happy memories to see you through this sad time.

    I'm not sure we ever really appreciate the anchors our fathers are for us until they aren't here; my own dad has been gone for almost 20 years and the sorrow I feel for all I wish he had been here for, and for his wisdom and perspective I have not been able to have, still tugs at my heart - I know I must think of him at least once a day.

    Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

    Parent

    Prayers and condolences (none / 0) (#166)
    by sher on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:04:40 PM EST
    to you and your family

    Parent
    My deepest condolences (none / 0) (#171)
    by themomcat on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:09:41 PM EST
    for your loss, tek. May the Goddess guide your father on his journey to the Summerlands. May you, your family and your father's friends find Peace. Blessed Be.

    Parent
    tek (none / 0) (#178)
    by DJ on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:22:16 PM EST
    I am so sorry.  

    Parent
    It is very sad (none / 0) (#183)
    by Lil on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:25:14 PM EST
    I'm sorry.

    Parent
    Oh, I am so sorry (none / 0) (#185)
    by befuddledvoter on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:32:20 PM EST
    My father died very young and just before Father's Day also. I am so very sorry for your loss.

    Parent
    tek (none / 0) (#199)
    by standingup on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:57:38 PM EST
    Very sorry to hear of your loss on this day too.  

    Parent
    My condolences. I am sorry to hear that. (none / 0) (#201)
    by MarkL on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 07:02:19 PM EST


    Parent
    Tek, My condolences as well (none / 0) (#204)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 07:14:48 PM EST
    May the memories of your good times together get you past this difficult time.  

    Parent
    my sincere sympathies, tek. (none / 0) (#220)
    by kempis on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 08:49:52 PM EST


    Parent
    Tek, sorry for your loss. (none / 0) (#221)
    by MichaelGale on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 09:00:42 PM EST


    Parent
    I am so sorry Tek (none / 0) (#227)
    by ap in avl on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 10:02:26 PM EST
    I cannot imagine the pain of your loss.  I do hope you find peace and comfort.  My thoughts are with you.

    Parent
    Tek, I am so very sorry (none / 0) (#235)
    by otherlisa on Sat Jun 14, 2008 at 02:26:02 AM EST
    Words are never enough.

    Parent
    yep... (5.00 / 2) (#179)
    by Stellaaa on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:23:15 PM EST
    Sorry, but listening to Welch etc. talk about him, you really see who influences our news, it is the Nantucket crowd.  Actually, it's disturbing.  

    Please keep your comments to Tim Russert (5.00 / 0) (#194)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:43:07 PM EST
    He's been dead less than a day. Please show him and those who cared about him some  respect.

    While discussion of the media coverage of his passing is fine, comments about who you prefer to  succeed him is not appropriate here.

    i'd say. (none / 0) (#196)
    by Salo on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:44:04 PM EST


    Parent
    what a shock. (5.00 / 0) (#209)
    by dws3665 on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 07:22:00 PM EST
    My initial thought upon seeing the headline was that it was a snarky comment about something he had said. When I read the paragraph, it took a minute for it to register. How sad for the Russert family to lose their husband, father, and son so unexpectedly. My deepest sympathies.

    Ah, how sad. (5.00 / 0) (#218)
    by hitchhiker on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 08:31:23 PM EST
    My brother Pat died of a massive head injury a few months ago, and I left the hospital one night thinking that from now on this is what it's like.  People you know and love and think will always be around are going to disappear, one by one.  From now on.

    Pat was 59.

    Sympathy to his family, strength to his friends.

    Insults to Mr. Russert (4.69 / 13) (#130)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 05:00:10 PM EST
    have been deleted. We don't speak ill of the dead here. Two posters have been banned for it. There is just no excuse for those kind of comments, and they will not be tolerated here.

    thank you (4.00 / 4) (#131)
    by sher on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 05:04:30 PM EST
    we can all regret a life cut short no matter our politics

    Parent
    Very sobering (4.00 / 1) (#21)
    by riddlerandy on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:17:32 PM EST


    I liked the program, too (4.00 / 1) (#40)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:25:26 PM EST
    Generally depended on who was appearing, though. I didn't always agree with Tim, but he did give every guest the room to disagree with him or to dispute anything he said. Face to face, he showed his guests respect.

    /signed (none / 0) (#117)
    by phatpay on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:46:13 PM EST
    Zeal for journalism and showed respect.

    MSM suffered a tragic loss today.
    I know that seems oxymoronic, but he was one of the better aspects of MSM.

    Parent

    I agree (none / 0) (#136)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 05:13:00 PM EST
    He will be missed.

    Parent
    He will truly be missed by the (1.00 / 1) (#236)
    by carrienae on Sat Jun 14, 2008 at 03:21:03 AM EST
    MSNBC Boyz Club and the Obama.

    Very sad. I'm sure he'll be greatly missed (none / 0) (#35)
    by Grace on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 03:23:51 PM EST
    at NBC.  

    Yep...he was like king of the hill at nbc... (5.00 / 2) (#102)
    by PssttCmere08 on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:35:17 PM EST
    they must really be scrambling over there.  Was weird when I logged onto TL and it said Tim Russert dead...at first thought it was some kind of joke.

    My condolences to his family...

    Parent

    Everyone on NBC seems totally shocked (5.00 / 0) (#223)
    by Grace on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 09:28:50 PM EST
    which isn't surprising since this happened suddenly -- but I have to wonder if they would have devoted this much time (and coverage) if anyone else (journalism-wise) had died...?  Usually newscaster deaths get far less airtime.

    I liked Russert so I didn't mean to sound so cold in my first post.  I guess I'm just shocked too.    

    Parent

    I expect they will go all out on msnbc & nbc (none / 0) (#228)
    by PssttCmere08 on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 10:17:34 PM EST


    Parent
    Everybody is going all out! (none / 0) (#233)
    by Grace on Sat Jun 14, 2008 at 01:00:18 AM EST
    FOX, CNN -- they are all going all out.  That surprises me.  I know Tim Russert had a very popular political TV show and I know he was very respected -- but this is completely dominating the news today.  

    Parent
    ::sigh:: (none / 0) (#69)
    by kredwyn on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:03:52 PM EST
    This is too bad. Thoughts to his family.

    Blunt title to the post. (none / 0) (#90)
    by Lil on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:25:07 PM EST
    I first read it here and had to jump to MSM to confirm it, usually we don't believe bad news when first told. Anyway, usually I read MSM and then go to blogs to check out the story. weird doing it in reverse.  Wonder how Arianna is dealing with this today at Huff. Ya just never know. shocking.

    Noticed that too, and I approve (5.00 / 1) (#174)
    by echinopsia on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:18:25 PM EST
    They taught us in JR school to use the words "dead" and "died" rather than "passed away" or "passed on."

    Parent
    I can't be objective (none / 0) (#111)
    by roadburdened on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 04:40:52 PM EST
    As someone who grew up watching him, it's hard for me to be objective. It would be like making fun of Mr. Rogers. I'd bet there was a significant handful of politically interested kids who enjoyed him in the same way. I don't think death gets someone off the hook for their flaws, so I hope he gets grilled in the obits. I just don't have the heart for it. Slate has an interesting collection: http://www.slate.com/id/2193616/

    Mors ultima linea rerum est (none / 0) (#141)
    by Mark Woods on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 05:19:03 PM EST
    still it's always shocking when it happens suddenly.

    My fortune-telling neighbor used to always warn me that when someone famous dies, 2 more will soon die, as well, because 'death always comes in threes'. Seemed a morbid reaction to death to me, even as child . . .

    But so many times, it is true....kinda (none / 0) (#155)
    by PssttCmere08 on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 05:51:19 PM EST
    eerie....

    Parent
    Mum's the word... (none / 0) (#153)
    by FoxholeAtheist on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 05:50:06 PM EST
    Who was it who said: "if you don't have anything good to say about anybody, come over here and sit by me".

    Was it Dorothy Parker?

    Thanks Palomino, re. Alice Roosevelt Longworth (none / 0) (#200)
    by FoxholeAtheist on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 07:02:01 PM EST
    Quite the libertine and quite the wit. She said this about her father, President Teddy Roosvelt, and his love of attention:

    "He wants to be the bride at every wedding, the corpse at every funeral, and the baby at every christening."

     

    Parent

    I said the exact same thing. (none / 0) (#215)
    by lobary on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 08:11:52 PM EST
    My comment was deleted nonetheless.

    It should go without saying that the overwhelming majority of us across the liberal web sympathize with the family and friends of Mr. Russert for their loss, but if we're all expected to speak with One Voice about someone who many of us think was the face of Big Media, and therefore worthy of criticism, why not just have a guestbook instead to sign our names? Why enable comments at all?

     

    Parent

    it is like a guest book (none / 0) (#216)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 08:23:50 PM EST
    to leave condolences. There will be other posts in days to come about other aspects of his passing.

    Parent
    Fair enough. (none / 0) (#219)
    by lobary on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 08:31:25 PM EST
    My thoughts go out to his family. The loss of a loved one is never easy, but the unexpected death is especially hard to handle.

    Parent
    Blessed Be (none / 0) (#154)
    by themomcat on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 05:51:16 PM EST
    May the Goddess guide him on his journey to the Summerland. May his family, his friends and all of us who have known him through his work, find Peace. Blessed Be

    Whatever one may have thought of him... (none / 0) (#169)
    by Pol C on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:07:23 PM EST
    ...and I certainly have my issues with his conduct, he was the most prominent political jounalist in America. If you wanted to be a politician on the national stage, you had to prove your readiness in an interview with him. That's nothing to be sniffed at, and it demands everyone's respect.
    How very sad. (none / 0) (#170)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:07:53 PM EST
    My heart goes out to his family and friends.

    RIP

    Wow. (none / 0) (#172)
    by pie on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:10:59 PM EST
    My daughter called me from DC to tell me about this earlier today.  A friend works at CNN and called her when she heard the news.

    What a shocker.  

    Condolences to his family.

    Was he a bit of a bon vivant? (none / 0) (#195)
    by Salo on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:43:32 PM EST
    Or did he live modestly?

    Dunno about modestly (none / 0) (#205)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 07:16:27 PM EST
    but he was apparently a totally devoted family man, kept shooing younger colleagues out of the bureau when they were working too much and telling them to go home and spend time with their families.

    He went to lots and lots of parties and events to schmooze and be seen, but certainly wasn't a party hearty kind of guy, from what I understand.

    Parent

    Wow he really was a fixture (none / 0) (#198)
    by Salo on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 06:47:19 PM EST
    if you liked what he did or not.  geez.  Well best wishes to his wife and son and Dad.

    condolances to his family and friends (none / 0) (#202)
    by DandyTIger on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 07:02:50 PM EST
    The folks at NBC are having quite a tough time. Clearly he was loved and will be missed. Which all by itself speaks volumes.

    that sucks (none / 0) (#211)
    by blogtopus on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 07:49:22 PM EST
    My father died of a heart attack at 60, and I thought THAT was too young.

    This is totally out of the blue. Were there any hints in his health?

    Completely. Shocked.

    the autopsy (none / 0) (#217)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 08:24:42 PM EST
    showed he had an enlarged heart and coronary artery disease.

    Parent
    Rest In Peace (none / 0) (#212)
    by Coldblue on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 07:57:28 PM EST
    Mr. Russert.

    My Sincere Sympathies to Tim's Family (none / 0) (#213)
    by bmc on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 08:09:13 PM EST
    I'm sure his father, his son and his wife are utterly devastated. I know he loved his family very much and they are close. My heartfelt sympathies go out to them, keeping them in my prayers.

    An Avefor Tim and his family (none / 0) (#224)
    by anon on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 09:28:59 PM EST
    I will say an Ave tonight. God Bless

    This is so sad (none / 0) (#226)
    by ap in avl on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 09:57:48 PM EST
    I wish comfort and peace for his family and friends during this most painful of times.  He was loved and he loved.  That is ultimately all that matters to who knew him and held him close.  

    My heart breaks for those whose hearts are broken.....

    Listening to various radio stations (none / 0) (#229)
    by mkevinf on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 10:36:32 PM EST
    while driving home tonight, it is obvious to me that  Russert was a Roerschach test: right wing pundits, while respectful, described him as "uber liberal" and easier on Dems than Repubs.  I always thought the opposite, as if, given his association with Democrats before MTP, he was being harder on Dems in an attempt to show his objectivity.
    There's no denying his impact on broadcast journalism and increasingly on the political outcomes in our country.
    But as has been said, Russert's greatest legacy will be the obvious love for his father, his son and the Buffalo Bills.
    R.I.P.

    Comments from his colleagues have been very (none / 0) (#230)
    by jpete on Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 11:01:39 PM EST
    positive.  I've been impressed and saddened by them.

    My heart hurts for his wife and son. (none / 0) (#237)
    by halstoon on Sat Jun 14, 2008 at 10:04:50 AM EST
    To lose a husband and father so suddenly is very tragic, and I will hold them up in prayer, asking that they be given the strength to get through this trying time.

    Tim Russert was one of those people I hoped to meet one day, someone's whose brain I wished to pick. He was a very talented man, who truly loved what he did. His presence will be missed, both on screen and off.

    Tim Russert is Dead | 160 comments (160 topical)

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