This is unrelated to original prop collecting, but American journalist Tim Russert is a personal hero of mine and, as has been reported in the news throughout the day, his sudden death was an unexpected shock. I thought it would be appropriate to write a short note in recognition of his life’s work and passing.
Mr. Russert, NBC’s Washington bureau chief and the host of “Meet the Press,” died of a heart attack today at age 58. He leaves a father, wife, and son.
Best-selling author, political operative, Washington insider, avid sports fan, commentator, Emmy Award-winning journalist, Mr. Russert is best known as host of “Meet the Press”, the longest running television program in history. As you can read in mainstream news reports today, he was a very accomplished man, both personally and professionally, and had a transformative impact on journalism and politics.
Russert took over as host of “Meet the Press” in 1991, the year I graduated high school. I soon became drawn into his style of journalism and his show as he made it his own. It is rare that I missed an episode since, as he transformed the program into something entirely different and pioneered his own interviewing methodology that is frequently mimicked by colleagues today.
He is widely recognized (and often feared) as the best interviewer in the business, with a friendly demeanor but remarkable knowledge of his subjects and issues, amazing research, and the fortitude to ask tough, tough questions, not distracted by “spin”. But apart from all of that, he was pure journalist, and fair and unbiased in his approach.
In my opinion, he was peerless in his position in the media and he will most certainly leave a void that will never be filled in quite the same way. On a personal note, I will very much miss what was one of the long running highlights of my week, watching “Meet the Press” each Sunday.
Russert leaves us with many accomplishments, but surely has had a significant and lasting impact on America in his pursuit of the truth.
Jason De Bord