Tim Russert passes away at age 58

NBC’s Washington Bureau Chief and the long-time host of Sunday’s Meet the Press, Tim Russert died today at 58 of a heart attack. I received this terrible news today via a text message from one of my best friends. I finished the rest of my day with tears in my eyes as I remembered the impact this great man, whom I never even met had on my life. You show me a politically active Twenty something and I will show you someone who woke up on Sunday mornings in eager anticipation of watching Tim Russert. I can’t recall a weekend from the last decade that didn’t include at least one viewing of these amazing broadcasts. He found a story in absolutely everything and more importantly he dug for the truth at all costs. Whether it was President George W. Bush or Linda Tripp or Rev. Jesse Jackson sitting across the table from him, he asked the toughest questions and was a personification of the awesome power that Americans hold through the freedom of the press. While other reporters asked generic questions, Russert treated every interview with great integrity, compassion, and zeal.

The main loves of my life, politics, law, and argument were all nourished by this man who made himself a part of each of our lives. To say that he was a part of nearly every American family would be a major understatement. His interviews bridged all generational gaps. I cannot count the number of times that I watched “Meet the Press” with my mother and grandmother. This not only allowed me to get a great understanding of politics at a very young age, but provided endless conversation with someone who had lived through so many decades. I am certain that I am not alone in this.

Russert’s use of historical analogies and humor were a staple of his commentaries, and without doubt encouraged many Americans to not only read the paper everyday but to open up a book and study the campaign of Rutherford B. Hayes. His books taught us the great virtues of family and hard work. Russert is a model of the American dream. He showed us that even now hard work and dedication can propel you to any level that you desire. Whether you make 72 cents an hour painting lines in a parking lot, or you an executive making seven figures a year, everyone should take pride in their work. He approached each interview and assignment with amazing dedication and it came through every week.

In a time when the media has become so commercialized and in an age when it is often hard to separate entertainment from news, Tim Russert showed us how a reporter should really utilize his freedom as an American. You prepare, you ask the hardest questions, and you forget about the consequences. To do anything less would be to surrender your rights and cause the truth to be lost in the process.

This Sunday, as people all over the country honor and remember their fathers, we will all remember this great man and great father who has taught us so much about what it is to be an American and just how important politics really are.

I can't remember the last Presidential election where I didn't listen to the analysis of Tim Russert. As November approaches it is important that we all remember the spirit and dedication that this great man demonstrated with each interview and with each broadcast. Politics do matter and they affect each and every one of us. They were his life, and they are mine and this is truly a great loss for America.

He brought it hard and he truly cared. To do anything else would be a shame. We all are left with a great model of how to be a son, how to be a father, and how to get involved.