Thoughts On Russert, Father's Day
This column was written by CBS News Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.
We're all still in shock. Tim Russert died Friday and the reality just isn't sitting well with anyone.
There was much to admire about Russert. His work ethic, his diligence and preparation… He was a star above many others in the Washington galaxy.
But, one of things I liked best about him was his relationship with his father, Big Russ. Big Russ drove a garbage truck in Buffalo, New York and Russert was proud of that, proud of him.
My own father drove a truck most of his life too and a squad car for the local police department a couple of nights a week. He was a blue collar guy who never made it past junior high school.
It took me a few years to understand that I really was proud of him too. My father read two papers every evening when he got home from work, and we couldn't eat dinner until he was finished watching Walter Cronkite.
People often ask me how I ended up at CBS…. I can safely and proudly say it's my fathers fault.
Harry Smith