rjl2621's Thoughts

I know, Tim Russert worked for NBC and this is a FOX-affiliated station ... but the fact of the matter is Tim Russert was a class act both in his work and in his life beyond work.

Whether you agreed with his opinions all the time is irrelevant. Tim showed that the key to successful journalism with respect to one of the most sensitive topics (Politics) was a firm but respectful challenge. He has had some of the nation's biggest and most powerful politicians squirming in their seats and backpedaling on their words -- all because he did one thing in his interviews: held the interviewees accountable.

I didn't watch Meet the Press religiously on Sunday mornings, but I did tune in from time to time to see who Tim had on and what they were talking about. For many people the show is probably boring simply because so many do not understand politics. For me though, I found it fascinating watching as Tim methodically worked through series after series of tough questions that probably everyone wanted to ask but never did. Sure, there were times I disagreed with the points Tim tried to make but more often than not I admired his ambition to get the answers to questions you would never hear from normal press conferences or interviews.

Much more than his work on Meet the Press or other efforts as a journalist, I admired his devotion to family. I have not yet read it, but his book Big Russ and Me: Father and Son: Lessons of Life is a perfect example of the importance family was to Tim. He loved his family unconditionally, the way we all should but often times fail to do. Even on air he made it known how important his family was as he talked about his father or about his wife Maureen or son, Luke. My heart goes out to them and I pray for strength for all of them to get past this tragedy in their lives.

To Maureen, Luke, "Big Russ" and the entire Russert family -- Your loss is America's loss. We as a nation have been touched over the years by having Tim as a guest in our living rooms. I hope there is some comfort in the legacy that Tim leaves behind and the lessons he has taught us. I pray that those lessons are realized and that in death Tim can continue to have a profound effect on our great country. He would want it that way, I'm sure.

Rest in peace, Mr. Russert. I think Matt Lauer said it best this morning by closing with a quote you always told him: Pal, Go get'em.
Watch the end of this morning's Today Show (Matt Lauer)