Remembering Russert

The Hotline staff shares their thoughts and memories of Tim Russert.

Jordan Balkin: “I admired Tim Russert for asking the tough questions that most interviewers would not ask, and even though politicians knew they would face these questions they still went on Meet The Press and always enjoyed their time with him.”

Carrie Dindino: “Having just finished college, watching, ‘Meet The Press,’ was basically a required text. At first I grumbled at the idea of doing any work on a Sunday, but after weeks of sifting threw the news, “Meet the Press,” because refreshing reprieve from all the…well junk. Tim Russert always managed to ask the questions that needed be answered and followed up with questions showed he listened to the answers.

Rachelle Douillard-Proulx: “When my friend first told me, I refused to believe it – it never seemed possible. What struck me the most about him is that he seemed to be the type of guy who, no matter how famous he became, would talk to anyone and everyone. I feel like I’ve lost a Sunday morning friend.”

Ian Faerstein: “I always knew that Russert was a towering figure in the world of political journalism, but having never met him, I didn’t know what a genuinely nice guy he was. While watching the tributes to Russert this weekend, I was struck by how many of his colleagues clearly liked the guy. I think it says a lot about Russert’s character that so many of the people with whom he came into contact not only admired him professionally but also liked him personally.”

Matt Gottlieb: “What I loved best and will miss most is the soundtrack to my Sunday mornings – NBC’s trademark theme under the ever-booming “Our issues this Sunday…” That iconic tune, The Pulse Of Events, is the same music with which NBC News announces breaking news. It was present Friday afternoon when Tom Brokaw interrupted programming and conspicuously absent Sunday morning when Brokaw and others paid tribute. I imagine it will be back this Sunday and for NBC’s next special report, but it will forever only remind me of one voice and one person.”

Jared Keller: “Ever since I first began to take an interest in politics, there was an ideal type of figure I kept in my mind’s eye: intelligent, honest, and most importantly accessible. While Tim Russert was not just any man, he was also the everyman, someone who I could trust, admire, and to some extent relate to in a time where politics seems to be about the conflicts than their resolution. There was no pretension about him, no lofty principles or ulterior motives. He simply loved politics, and he taught me to love it too.”

Katherine Lehr: “Tim Russert made himself an irreplaceable fixture in the world of political journalism. Tuesday nights and Sunday mornings will never be the same.”

John Mercurio: “In the crude parlance of the Sunday talk-show world, reaction to Russert’s death has achieved a trifecta, of sorts: First, he was a good man, a loving father and husband. Second, he excelled so demonstrably in a job he undeniably adored. Third, he was too young to go. All so true. It seems like we’re about to take the best course on campus and the school’s most popular professor won’t be around to teach it to us.”

Nora McAlvanah: “Growing up my parents gave me an ultimatum: you can watch ‘Meet the Press’ or you can go to church. So, at 10 years old-- in an effort to avoid one religion-- I found one I loved much more: politics. Watching Tim Russert every Sunday was formative, almost paramount, in shaping the love of politics I have today.”

Quinn McCord: “I was always amazed by how many Senate candidates Tim Russert was able to lure in for his ‘Meet the Press’ debates. For most of these races, there were always good arguments why at least one candidate (usually the front-runner) had no reason to risk appearing at such a high-profile, national forum. Yet many of these candidates trouped in each cycle nonetheless, due in no small measure to Russert's fairness and the sterling reputation of ‘Meet the Press’ and its host.”

Sean J. Miller: “My wife and I watch ‘Meet The Press’ almost every Sunday and what always struck me is that I never saw a guest host. Russert was always there. Sunday morning won’t be the same without him.”

Holly Noe: “In Tim Russert, we've lost an inspiring journalist and an irreplaceable political mind. He transcended the cynicism that permeates this business, doing his job with an exemplary balance of enthusiasm and integrity.”

Maura O’Brien: “What I always admired most about Tim Russert was his ability to intensely challenge his guests and leave no question un-asked – while never being anything but professional, fair, good-natured, and respectful. He provided the best example that any young journalist could hope for when it came to both mastering his craft and bringing genuine joy and enthusiasm into his work.”

Dan O’Sullivan: “Tim Russert hosted the only show where politicians would go on knowing they’d get grilled. Actually grilled. If there’s anyone else out there who will have Russert’s ability to make public figures feel they had to go on a show where they’d be confronted with the full force of facts, they haven’t shown themselves.”

Kelly Pilchard: “I probably know more about his son Luke than I do about Tim Russert, and so to me he will be remembered more as “Luke’s dad, Mr. Russert.” In fact, the last commencement I attended at Saint Alban’s before leaving for boarding school was Luke’s in ’04 where Mr. Russert was the speaker. This year, at my own graduation, I remember being jealous of his wisdom and sound advice that day as I listened to our own invited speaker say little of true importance, rambling on about how more girls receive new breasts as graduation gifts than new cars. I can’t think what political life in DC will do without Luke’s father.”

Tim Sahd: “As a young kid in Pennsylvania, watching the down-to-earth and knowledgeable Tim Russert on Sundays made a career in politics seem reachable. He was loved by millions, and will be missed greatly.”

Nick Tabor: “Russert’s spirit imbued NBC when he was still alive; half their political reporters grew up under him, and those who didn’t still aspired to his level of professionalism. The network and its coverage are healthy for now, in no small part because of his influence. The question is whether they’ll be healthy – or if healthy, as influential – five years after he’s gone.”

Amy Walter: “I have the honor and pleasure of covering politics for a living. For this I have Tim Russert to thank. He made all of us look better and pushed us to work harder, smarter and fairer. He is a once-in-a-generation figure.”