The Loss of Tim Russert

Washington lost one of its greatest on Friday, June 13th, and I must admit I've been somewhat taken aback by the outpouring surrounding Tim Russert's passing, both on a personal level and observing the rare pause taken by my adopted hometown. Of course, when the media loses one of its own who was at the top of his game, it gives television producers and the columnists a chance to celebrate their industry in a most deserved way as they wax nostalgic about their esteemed colleague and why he was special. As the coverage wore on that first weekend, with round the clock tributes not only on NBC/MSNBC but also special tributes on all of the other networks, Matt Lauer at the Today Show desk on Saturday (!), Andrea Mitchell and David Gregory hosting a special edition of the Today Show on Sunday, and then Tom Brokaw hosting a very special edition of Meet the Press with a cast of all-star greats, it became more and more evident that Tim's passing was bigger than anyone would have anticipated.

Tim Russert had become such a political fixture in Washington that losing him so suddenly is just not something any of us was prepared for. As an NBC family from way back (in the 70s during Walter Cronkite's heyday, we were watching John Chancellor), Tim had been a constant presence in my household for years but especially during this past primary season. The idea that this historic election will conclude without his insights leaves such a vacuum for me. During every primary we watched MSNBC in the evening (not CNN, thank you) and Tim on the Today Show the following morning to break it all down. On Fridays I would get my text alert announcing who would be the guests on Meet the Press, and if I couldn't watch the broadcast I was just as happy listening to the C-Span radio broadcast in the afternoon or watching the video podcast while making dinner.

Tim's sudden loss gave occasion for the powerful in this city--including the President, the Speaker of the House, and both presidential candidates--to lay aside their differences and come together. Such a coming together really only happens at rare occurrences like protocol-driven events like a state dinner, a presidential funeral, or the opening of a new national memorial. But the unexpected aspect of Tim's passing allowed everyone to put down their guard and reflect on the important contributions made by this outstanding journalist, who knew EVERYONE. His memorial service at the Kennedy Center was broadcast live by the local NBC affiliate and the local NPR outlet.

There are many reasons to admire Tim Russert, but his passing has been a reminder and an example of the fulfillment of the American dream. A guy from working class Buffalo made it to the top. And because he was so admired by everyone he met along the way, he has been deservedly lionized. His passion for everything he did and his hard work are shining examples of a life well lived. Everyone has acknowledged that Meet the Press was the best of its kind under Tim's stewardship. Like all greats, he made his work look effortless though we now know how much preparation went into each show. Tim had obvious passion for what he did and felt a deep sense of responsibility to his audience to ask questions and let folks just answer for themselves so that we could all make up our own minds. Nothing was dumbed down or explained for us, we could see it all for ourselves plainly.

But as much as he strived to be part of the rhythm that makes this town hum, Tim Russert was a man who cared about people as passionately as he cared about politics, and I believe that is at the heart of why so many of have been moved to respond to his death. On NPR's News and Notes, Gwen Ifill and Michelle Norris explained why Tim Russert mattered in one of the most moving accounts I've heard yet. Ifill explained further on TheRoot.com that Tim really was the type of guy who knew what he didn't know and wanted to surround himself with people who could teach him.

Even though Tim may be that rare person who might have wished he could have spent more time at the office, he apparently loved his family more than anything. Hearing his son Luke on the Today Show speaking so eloquently under such horrific circumstances was incredibly moving! As great as his work as a journalist was, it was plain for all to see that his greatest work was to have loved and raised such a wonderful son, born into privilege but rooted in the same working class Catholic values that Tim Russert held so dear (and who knew so deeply!).

Watching Luke made me think of my own father. Not only because I know that I could NEVER have spoken so publicly so soon after my dad's death, but also because my father always let me know how much he loved me and how much he loved his family. It's so important to let the people in our lives know how much we care! These words matter and to be comfortable saying, "I love you" can have such lasting impact and provide stability when times are tough, especially when losing a loved one.