Saturday, June 14, 2008
Life Without Tim
I join millions of Americans this weekend in grieving the untimely death of Tim Russert, longtime host of MEET THE PRESS on NBC. With the exception of the retired Tom Brokaw, I know of no one employed at NBC or MSNBC who can possibly match Tim's interviewing skills or his grasp of American politics. That said, I feel for the person who is asked to be the new MTP host. He or she will have to work unduly hard just to be appealing, much less convincing.
As a father and a son, Tim was as or even more compelling as a national figure. His book about his dad--BIG RUSS--is one of the most popular ever on the subject of father-son relationships. With Tim's tragic death this Father's Day weekend, his book is in more demand than ever.
Today the owner at my favorite used book shop said she's been flooded with requests for Tim's book this weekend. More telling yet, that same owner said she had cried when she learned of the newsmaker's sudden end. "How will we get through to November without him?" she said. I knew what she meant.
Condolences to his wife, son and father, as well as to the whole American family. We are all less and less informed without Tim.
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1 comment:
Such a great loss to see a great guy like Tim die so young and right at the top of his game. He had such a contagious passion for politics that excited his viewers. I loved watching his election night coverage broadcasts, and he will be sorely missed this November in particular. I admired how he respected his father and gave him credit for so many positive influences by writing that loving book. Its foreword to Tim's son Luke was quite touching to me.
Too many good people die too young, and old jerks live forever it seems. And so it goes. Jon
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