Why Tim Russert Was Such A Journalistic Giant
The death of Tim Russert is shocking and sad, but the standard he set as one of TV’s greatest interviewers will last for generations.
Russert brought his intense knowledge of politics and mixed in a dogged pursuit of the truth. Unlike like many superficial broadcasters who had little knowledge of the system, he was a fantastic researcher, who was able to web together all the pertinent aspects of a story. His questions were the most direct in Television, and he made sure that he was an equal opportunity inquisitor, lobbing verbal fastballs at public officials. It was tough for candidates for office to be evasive with Russert, because he wouldn’t allow them to. His strength was information, but his power was in style.
Russert was one of the few people I have ever witnessed who could ask edgy questions without looking hostile and angry. He always smiled, which in retrospect, made him so enjoyable to the viewer, but made politicians crazy. That warm personality was delivering the strongest of questions, holding nothing back, but giving issue-oriented viewers a real treat.
People who worked with him were astounded at his moderate temperament and composure as he led NBC news in its Washington coverage. He was one of the few hosts of a weekly show who became a giant on the national press scene. I’ve always felt that in our business, knowledge is power, and when it came to knowledge of the people and the times, few were in his class.
Young journalists would be wise to study his style, which proved above and beyond, that aggressive journalists can conduct their work with unbridled joy, and without looking like they are the Hollywood stereotype of the evil, and uncaring reporters that you see in the movies.
I didn’t know Tim Russert like his colleagues did, but as a viewer and fellow journalist, I watched him with deep respect and considerable awe.
As some of you know, in a recent column, I suggested him as one of my “alternative” choices for Vice President. I put him on my list for one reason: “just because I liked him.
He was easy to like, and had a lot to admire.
larry,Yesterday I saidthat russert was a creep,that was anger talking,today I feel terrible for my outburst.We all should learn to live each day as if it were our last because we never know.
I will pray for the russert family and for tim’s immortal soul.
Pat, respect to you for that apology. I recently wrote on this blog that I’d really be sad if Larry suddenly died, because so often I say nasty cutting things in anger or for my own amusement, but if Larry actually died I’d feel terrible. We all so often forget to live each day as if it were the last.
In wathing the coverage of Russert, the one thing that really strikes me is that he will be remembered as a thoughtful reflective son and excellent dad, way more than anything politcal he ever accomplished. The profound irony that he has died on Father’s day weekend is so sad and also a wake-up call to all of us fathers and sons about his message and example in this regard. He’s much more than a news man. Tim Russert is an outstanding example of what hard working Irish Catholic morality and values can teach all Americans.