Russert Remembered on Anniversary of His Death
Saturday is the first anniversary of the shocking death of Tim Russert, the Buffalo native who went on to national prominence as a political journalist and the moderator of "Meet the Press."
As predicted by many, the 2008 presidential campaign wasn't the same without Russert putting issues in focus and Sundays haven't been the same without him on NBC.
I know "Meet the Press" is no longer must-see TV each Sunday around my house. This isn't a slight at the very capable David Gregory, who was named moderator of the program after Tom Brokaw held the position during the 2008 election campaign.
It is just that Russert gave the program more of an everyman appeal and often seemed to be capable of having more fun with his guests even after the contentious debates were over.
In any event, have your Sunday TV habits changed? And do you want to share your feelings about a historic political year that sadly missed Russert's probing and analysis.
-- Alan Pergament
What's tiring is the endless yelling, fingerpointing and name calling. Tim could have shows where there was spirited debate and a difference of opinion and it remained civil. He also did a great deal of homework and the topic and acted like he knew what was going on and possibly going to happen. All that is missed
Posted by: Mark | June 12, 2009 at 07:58 PM
I no longer set my alarm for wake up to watch "Meet the Press" - D Gregory is NO Tim Russert! No interest in watching him. TR was the absolute best at getting to the facts and no BS and I'll always miss him.
Posted by: elise | June 13, 2009 at 03:56 AM
Sundays are just not the same. I have only watched Meet the Press about 3 times since Tim passed. Still such a huge loss. We will miss him always.
Posted by: Donna | June 13, 2009 at 07:20 AM
I was an avid Meet the Press viewer because of Tim's honesty and ability to reports facts. I no longer have any interest in the program. His infectious smile and candor will always be remembered! Go Bills!
Posted by: Marci | June 13, 2009 at 08:04 AM
We love Tim Russert, but personally I've been a CBS Sunday Morning fan for many years. Thanks for reminding me of this anniversary.
Posted by: Mimi W | June 13, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Our world is no longer the same without Tim Russert, and I never watch Meet the Press anymore! I will always miss you!
Posted by: dar | June 13, 2009 at 01:08 PM
Alan:
Nice job on the anniversary story. Washington and journalism is not the same with Tim gone
Mike Barnicle, a Boston journalist who appears on MSNBC claims he was Tim's best friend. One of Tim's strengths was to make a lot of people feel they were his best friend, However, I think his best business friends were Democratic strategist James Carville, who sat with Russert at Wizards games, and Bloomberg's Al Hunt.
Posted by: Douglas L. Turner | June 13, 2009 at 05:11 PM
i,m from buffalo, but i live in florida now ,and i never knew tim, but i still love him ,there was something about him , that you couldn,t help but love him in fact in my buffet cabinet i have a bottle of his favorite beer
Posted by: joan cancilla | June 13, 2009 at 08:03 PM
I read Doug Turners post and smiled. Always the Washington journalist, looking for the angle. Don't make any unsubstantiated "claims", Barnicle. Turner is on the job. lol
Russert added greatly to the American tapestry.
I'm hoping that David Gregory will take Meet The Press in another direction, away from gotcha journalism and loaded question that are designed to put the guest on the defensive. Russert did well with that format but I think its time will past with him.
A more reflective interview with less rapid fire question elicits more reflective answers, IMO.
The Fareed Zacharia and Bill Moyers model with less fireworks is better.
Tim Russert was our best cheerleader. Buffalo needs a suitable historic monument to honor this favorite son. We need more than a street sign.
Posted by: BobbyCat | June 14, 2009 at 10:10 AM
I was a fan of Tim's, being from the Buffalo area. But even Tim would be proud of David Gregory's challege on the show. Give him a chance, he will do fine. Tim was a nice gentleman,and would be the first to congratulate DG on his accomplishments too.
Posted by: Kay Milne | June 14, 2009 at 01:28 PM
Tim Russert was a great jouralist that the nation felt such a personal connection to him. Just reading or hearing his name brings a smile to my face. I too have given up watching Meet the Press. David Gregory is doing a good job, but the infectious smile and laugh that Mr. Russert displayed is so missed. I hope his family is farring well since his passing. God Bless Mr. Russert - always loved and missed greatly.
Posted by: Joan | June 15, 2009 at 07:36 AM
Now even posts mentioning that previous posts were deleted are being deleted.
It's been a year, guys...when can we start criticizing Russert? Right after he died, it was too soon....is it still?
Posted by: Not a Russert Fan | June 16, 2009 at 09:18 PM