Remembering Russert

By: Katie Couric
Topics: Late And Great

(AP Photo/NBC, Virginia Sherwood)

Tim Russert was so many different things.

He was a big teddy bear of a guy. But he was also a pit bull of an interviewer. He always held people's feet to the fire, often using their past words with great effect to reveal a flip-flop or hypocrisy. While he was incredibly tenacious, he always did it with great humanity and respect.

He was passionate about the political process and was, in many ways, the navigator-in-chief for so many people. It was because he was so knowledgeable that he made politics accessible to millions.

Tim gave me my first network break. I was a local reporter at WRC in Washington, which shares a building with the NBC Washington bureau. Tim asked me to come to his office one day and told me he admired my work, particularly my coverage of Marion Barry, who was then the mayor of Washington. He liked my "scrappiness," and asked if I was interested in becoming the deputy Pentagon correspondent. Tim was one of the nicest, most generous colleagues I ever had the pleasure of working with.

I remember when he arranged a visit with the Pope when "The Today Show" was in Rome — and Tim was the one behind-the-scenes making it happen. And I remember he was so full of pride.

He never forgot where he came from. In his heart, he was a kid from Buffalo who made it to the big time — but never got too big for his britches, as my mom would say.

I think he used his dad, Big Russ, to take the temperature of the country. And I remember he used to call him for questions and comments. But Tim really didn't have to do that because he was the consummate everyman who loved his family, who was so proud of his wife, Maureen, his son, Luke, the Buffalo Bills, and this country.

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by Linda_C June 15, 2008 5:40 PM EDT: Katie, you have my deepest sympathies because I know you must feel this loss very deeply. I lost my 93 year old mother exactly a week ago, at about the same time Tim was called. Even though she had advanced dementia, she lived for Sunday mornings and "Meet The Press". She loved politics the way Tim did, and you, Tim and my Mom had a joy for life that spilled over into everything she did. I was so stunned when I heard the news about Tim, because Mom loved Tim so. I can just imagine how Tim is now running around heaven, meeting with those he admired, and my Mom is right at his feet in those interviews. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Katie, as well as with his family.; Reply to this comment


by t-paq June 14, 2008 5:43 PM EDT: The entire country has suffered a great loss. Tim Russert was a staple of our Sunday mornings, not to mention the lifeblood of the political and election arenas. It goes without saying how deeply he will be missed.

Our hearts go out to his entire family, especially Big Russ. The best Russertesque things we can do is to take time to honor his memory, his life, and his rich legacy.

We are all better people and citizens for having Tim Russert in our lives.

Using his own words, "Go get''em Big Tim!!"; Reply to this comment


by maxgrader June 14, 2008 2:10 PM EDT: Look, my mortal friends... death is no big deal. Some of you seem to think it''s something that''s not suppose to happen. Don''t worry, be happy. Death is a time of refreshment for the species of man. I like it when people die. I''m looking forward to it myself.

Tim Russert''s time is done. We all wish him well in his new home in Heaven. I''m sure God thought his work would be better suited there than on Earth anyway. If so, then I can certainly see His point of view.

Remember, according to the Bible we are to mourn birth and celebrate death. So let''s all get out the party hats and noise makers for Timmy and thank him for his moment of departure.

Finally, I wish him luck on his judgement from God.

--Max; Reply to this comment


by car1diem June 14, 2008 9:29 AM EDT: What a loss!! Professional, caring, inquisitive, the common man who made the "business" of politics accessible while keeping it simple. I was very saddened by his sudden passing and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends today.
May God keep him in his glory and may His ever loving hand comfort the pain they are feeling today.; Reply to this comment


by picshawgm June 14, 2008 4:08 AM EDT: I am so deeply saddened by the passing of this great man. I cannot imagine Sunday mornings without him. I prayer for his family and friends to find peace.; Reply to this comment


by petersemkiw June 14, 2008 2:05 AM EDT: It was with great sadness that we heard of the sudden death of Tim Russert this afternoon. He was one of the most gifted newsmen and newsmaker interviewers of our times. And he had a great heart and spirit of generosity, compassion, and empathy to match. His passion and enthusiasm for his craft, and his great friendliness and sense of humor will always be remembered as well.

To you,Katie,and to his many news colleagues and friends everywhere, and especially to his family, we extend our deepest sympathy and condolences, and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. May God Bless Tim Russert.
He will be sorely missed.; Reply to this comment