As I said, He WILL be sorely missed.
President Bush,
“Laura and I are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Tim Russert. Those of us who knew and worked with Tim, his many friends, and the millions of Americans who loyally followed his career on the air will all miss him.
As the longest-serving host of the longest-running program in the history of television, he was an institution in both news and politics for more than two decades. Tim was a tough and hardworking newsman. He was always well-informed and thorough in his interviews. And he was as gregarious off the set as he was prepared on it.
Most important, Tim was a proud son and father, and Laura and I offer our deepest sympathies to his wife Maureen, his son Luke, and the entire Russert family. We will keep them in our prayers.”
National Press Club President Sylvia Smith
“The community of journalists is stunned and saddened at the news of Tim Russert's death.
Tim was a colleague and friend to all in journalism. He was a role model for all of us, whether in print or broadcast. Tim epitomized excellence in journalism and unflinching commitment to the craft.
Our profession has lost a stellar journalist.
On behalf of the 3,700 members of the National Press Club, I offer deep condolences to the Russert family.”
RNC Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan
“On behalf of the members and staff of the Republican Party, I extend our thoughts and prayers to the family and colleagues of Tim Russert. His sudden death is a loss that will be felt throughout the journalism and political worlds. His reputation for fairness, accuracy and hard work earned him bipartisan respect. He will be missed.”
Senator Patrick Leahy
“He was a national treasure, and the news of his passing came with shocking suddenness and deep sadness.
He never lost his enthusiasm, and he lived every realm of his life with gusto. Tim threw all of himself into his family, his faith, his newsroom, the world of politics, and even his teams. His zest was infectious, and no one could help but like and admire him.
Marcelle and I offer our heartfelt condolences to Maureen and Luke and all of Tim's family and friends and associates.”
Ralph Nader
Tim Russert, through his verve, directness and human touch became the symbol of the Sunday interview show. A strong interrogator of the many slippery guests who appeared on his show, Tim combined searching questions with a smile. He let the guests make their points instead of cutting them off but kept Meet the Press moving at the same time. In my recent conversation with him, he said he believed "in intellectual tension."
Newt Gingrich
“Tim was genuinely charming but as anyone who came to the set of Meet the Press unprepared can tell you, he was direct, tough and gave no quarter. His experience working with Gov. Mario Cuomo and Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan gave him an insight few in the journalism world can match.
It is particularly poignant to lose such a dedicated father and a son who so honored his father in his book "Big Russ and Me" just before Father's Day.
Tim's life serves as a model and a reminder for everyone to cherish the ones you love.
I considered him my friend and I will miss him. Callista and I are praying for him and those who loved him.”
Howard Dean
"Today we lost one of the true giants of American journalism and a tremendous public servant. Tim Russert will be remembered for many things. A committed family man, devout Catholic, devout sports fan, author, mentor. A tough interviewer, Tim delivered the news with authority, in a plain-spoken way that made the great issues of our day accessible to everyone. His love of politics and our country came through in his relentless pursuit of the truth and in the quality of his work as a journalist. On this sad day, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones."
UNITY: Journalists of Color, Inc.
"I am stunned and incredibly saddened over the loss of Tim Russert, a great journalist who showed us how to pursue the truth with a tough yet inquisitive style all his own," said UNITY President Karen Lincoln Michel. "We've lost a powerful force in our industry, and he will be greatly missed."
"Tim Russert represented the best of broadcast news and practiced journalism with a capital "J.", said UNITY Board Member Lloyd LaCuesta. "We mourn his loss and offer our sympathies and condolences to the Russert family and NBC News. Tim Russert's legacy is that he leaves a model of excellence and integrity that all of us in the industry must strive to maintain."
This is just the start.
To the Russert family, please be comforted by the fact that your Son, Husband, and Father, touch more peoples' lives than anyone will fully understand. Even at the young age of 58, he lived many lifetimes, and did what he loved to do.
God bless you all, comfort you, and keep you safe in your time of need. Peace be with you.
Peter
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