Goodbye to Tim Russert

Growing up, two things were at the beck and call of our television set; football and anything Tim Russert. Today Tim Russert, the voice of meet the press and one of Forbes top 100 most influential people, died of a heart attack.

Tim Russert was known for his unbiased approach to the news and politics. NBC and MSNBC were very often home to Tim's opinions, commentaries, and infinite bags of knowledge. Some of the biggest names in polictics knew that Russert hit hard, yet he never hit below the belt. Russert was loved and admired by the journalism community and by the American politician. Russert was the voice for the American people and was always respected as an honest journalist, the people's journalist. Tim Russert researched and prepared every fact he presented. When he was done with a show, the American people walked away with a clearer knowledge of what was going on in their country. They also had a clear cut, unbiased awareness of the truth that Russert so adamantly projected.

Tim Russert was not only known for his powerful journalism. Among those who knew him the best, Russert was also known for his insurmountable adoration for his family, for his hometown of Buffalo NY, and his passion for God. Journalist who worked with Russert has said he was a leader on so many levels. Despite who was in the room or what was going on, Tim dropped it all to speak to his son on the phone. Russert's love of his father was captured in a book he wrote called "Big Russ and Me ". The book induced many reunited relationships and appreciations for fathers among the millions of readers.

Russert's discipline to his profession, family, and spirituality was reflected in the man you saw every Sunday morning on Meet the Press. A kindhearted man sat behind eyes that seemed to sparkle with contentment. A smile that would engulf his entire face was often contagious to viewers and to those Russert was interviewing. Presidential nominees Obama and McCain have called Russert's passing shocking and have reiterated his passion for journalism, his fairness in the field, and his love of family. Reporters such as Keith Oberman of MSNBC, who worked side by side with Russert many times, found his passing shocking, and while he covered the news story, his admiration and mourning was all to evident. The journalism and political community will never be able to fill the shoes of Tim Russert, whose legacy included honesty, passion, commitment, and fairness. The NBC news Washington bureau chief, Russert was a American icon to not only those entering the field, but to those who have been in the field for decades.

The present unique and historical presidential election will not be the same without Tim Russert. Russert's show Meet the Press was a known stop on the way to the White House. Those who found their way to the Meet the Press table knew they were going to be hit with the tough questions, but more importantly, they knew that Tim Russert would give them many opportunities to get the full answer out and to clear up any misunderstanding or rumors.

Tim Russert, at this very moment, may be sitting between Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson asking them the tough questions. He may be laughing that hearty laugh and smiling that contagious smile as he begins the next part of his journey. The mourning of Tim Russert will be based on his life, his strong connection to God, and on the legacy, he has left behind.

Tim Russert died at the age of 58 from a heart attack during preparation at the NBC studio for his Sunday show Meet the Press. His passing will forever leave a void in journalism and in the fair reporting of politics.