My mother and I cannot thank everybody enough for their support and thoughtful comments during this awfully difficult time for my family. Each and every one makes the grieving process just a little bit easier. My father would be touched that so many young people cared so deeply about his life's work. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Love and faith, Luke
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WASHINGTON - Tim Russert, NBC News’ Washington bureau chief and the moderator of “Meet the Press,” died Friday after being stricken at the bureau, NBC News said Friday. He was 58.
Russert was recording voiceovers for Sunday’s “Meet the Press” broadcast when he collapsed, the network said.
He had recently returned from Italy, where his family was celebrating the graduation of Russert’s son, Luke, from Boston College.
No further details were immediately available.
Russert was best known as host of “Meet the Press,” which he took over in December 1991. Now in its 60th year, “Meet the Press” is the longest-running program in the history of television.
But he was also a vice president of NBC News and head of its overall Washington operations, a nearly round-the-clock presence on NBC and MSNBC on election nights.
He was “one of the premier political journalists and analysts of his time,” Tom Brokaw, the former longtime anchor of “NBC Nightly News,” said in announcing Russert’s death. “This news division will not be the same without his strong, clear voice.”
In 2008, Time Magazine named Russert him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Timothy John Russert Jr. was born in Buffalo, N.Y., on May 7, 1950. He was a graduate of Canisius High School, John Carroll University and the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He was a member of the bar in New York and the District of Columbia.
Senate staffer before entering journalism After graduating from law school, Russert went into politics as a staff operative. In 1976, he worked on the Senate campaign of Daniel Patrick Moynihan, D-N.Y., and in 1982, he worked on Mario Cuomo’s campaign for governor of New York.
Russert joined NBC News in 1984. In April 1985, he supervised the live broadcasts of NBC’s TODAY show from Rome, negotiating and arranging an appearance by Pope John Paul II, a first for American television. In 1986 and 1987, Russert led NBC News’ weeklong broadcasts from South America, Australia and China.
Of his background as a Democratic political operative, Russert said, “My views are not important.”
“Lawrence Spivak, who founded ‘Meet the Press,’ told me before he died that the job of the host is to learn as much as you can about your guest’s positions and take the other side,” he said in a 2007 interview with Time magazine. “And to do that in a persistent and civil way. And that’s what I try to do every Sunday.”
Cuomo, Russert’s onetime boss, wrote of Russert: “Most candidates are not eager to present themselves for Tim’s incisive scrutiny, which is fed by his prodigious study and preparation. But they have little choice: appearing on ‘Meet the Press’ is today as vital to a serious candidate as being properly registered to vote.”
Russert wrote two books — “Big Russ and Me” in 2004 and “Wisdom of Our Fathers” in 2006 — both of which were New York Times best-sellers.
Emmy for Reagan funeral coverage In 2005, Russert was awarded an Emmy for his role in the coverage of the funeral of President Ronald Reagan. His “Meet the Press” interviews with George W. Bush and Al Gore in 2000 won the Radio and Television Correspondents’ highest honor, the Joan S. Barone Award, and the Annenberg Center’s Walter Cronkite Award.
Russert’s March 2000 interview of Sen. John McCain shared the 2001 Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence in Television Journalism. He was also the recipient of the John Peter Zenger Award, the American Legion Journalism Award, the Veterans of Foreign Wars News Media Award, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Journalism Award, the Allen H. Neuharth Award for Excellence in Journalism, the David Brinkley Award for Excellence in Communication and the Catholic Academy for Communication’s Gabriel Award. He was a member of the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame.
Russert was a trustee of the Freedom Forum’s Newseum and a member of the board of directors of the Greater Washington Boys and Girls Club, and America’s Promise — Alliance for Youth.
In 1995, the National Father’s Day Committee named him “Father of the Year,” Parents magazine honored him as “Dream Dad” in 1998, and in 2001 the National Fatherhood Initiative also recognized him as Father of the Year.
Irish America magazine named him one of the top 100 Irish Americans in the country, and he was selected as a Fellow of the Commission of European Communities.
Survivors include Russert’s wife, Maureen Orth, a writer for Vanity Fair magazine, whom he met at the 1976 Democratic National Convention; and their son, Luke.
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Meet the Press - Meet the Candidates
This campaign cycle, "Meet the Press" has interviewed the major candidates from both parties: Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-AR), Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), former Gov. Mitt Romney (R-MA), former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R), Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL), former Sen. Fred Thompson (R-TN), Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT), Gov. Bill Richardson (D-NM), Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE), and former Sen. John Edwards (D-NC). If you missed any of our twelve "Meet the Candidates" interviews, you can watch the encore presentations or read the transcripts archived on our website.
Meet the Press
Since November 6, 1947, "Meet the Press" has featured headline-making interviews with world leaders and U.S. newsmakers every week on NBC. Now, as the longest-running show in the history of television celebrates its 60th anniversary, we take a look back at those six decades of milestones with a special anniversary section of our website where you can find a slideshow of historic Meet the Press milestones, a 60th anniversary video retrospective, special interviews with longtime guests Ted Kennedy, David Broder and Robert Novak, and pictures from our 60th Anniversary Gala reception.
The Tim Russert Show on MSNBC
"Tim Russert" features interviews with the country's most intriguing policymakers, authors, journalists and others, and provides in-depth discussions on politics, entertainment and the media.
Saturdays 12 noon and 6 pm ET, Sundays 2am, 6 pm ET.
First Read
First Read is the analysis of the day's political news from the NBC News political unit.
I guess under the circumstances it was hard to truly enjoy your 4th of July. Your family continues to be in our prayers.
"Meet the Press" is not the same without your dad. They just don't get it.
Every time I watch "Morning Joe" and Mike Barnicle is on, I long to see your dad come out and give him a hug from behind, or Mike doing that to your dad. There was such a wonderful love and friendship that came right through the screen when they interacted together. Your dad was a genuine person, in the midst of people who hide behind facades; not Mike of course.
You must have SO MUCH that you miss. I encourage you to embrace those memories you have. Think on them, journal them, so they never become too distant and fade from your easy grasp. Hold fast to them, enjoy them, relish in them and be thankful for those wonderful 22 years that you had with him.
All our love, The Goldman family Kim, Paul, Jeff, Jordan & Jessica
Sunday's will never be the same for me without Tim showing the way to the truth. Thank you Maureen and Luke for sharing him with us all of those years.
i just wanted to say again that it is so difficult to imagine a day without Tim Russert. I watch Morning Joe and it seems as if a major part of the show is missing. I look at the list of people to appear hoping I will see Mr Russert's name knowing that is not going to happen. The news, the election and NBC just doesn't mean the same without Mr. Russert. Luke you are a tribute to your Dad and Mom. We all hope we have set the bar high when it comes to our children. Well we all feel you have more then reached that bar but you have far surpassed it. If it's Sunday, It's Meet the Press will never be the same again. It is a great tribute to your Dad that Tom Brokaw is there to maintain the high level your Dad set for Sunday Morning. To the Russert family thank you for allowing America to have shared in your life with Tim Russert!
I have been devistated since Tim Russert has died. We are both Irish Catholic, we both have one child ( I have a daughter whom I am devoted too), and my daughter is getting ready to graduate from college. I have watched him since he started on Meet the Press, and honestly last week when I watched was hoping he was still on and this was only a bad dream. I just feel sorry for his wife and son and his dad. I lost my own father last year to a massive heart attack at 64 years of age, its a horrible thing. You know, Luke is very articulate and sensible, would he or NBC consider him to replace his dad on Meet the Press? Although I know Tim Russert is irreplaceable.
To the Family of Tim Russert. May it be his Father, Wife, Son, Sibling(s), any Family member please know this. Tim will be greatly missed per myself and so many others. I did not know Tim personally. I've never met Tim. I only know Tim per Meet The Press/NBC. I realize my shock and sadness does not compare to Tims Family and co-workers, however this does not denote I was truly shocked and saddened beyond belief. I am so so sorry for Tims loss of this Earth. Please know Tim is in Heaven free of the Earths pain and suffering that Heaven does not offer. We as Humans have lost a great Man and Heaven has gained a great Man. May all of you be Blessed during this time and for all time until you all reunite. God Bless each and everyone of you from myself in WV.
MEET THE PRESS will never be the same. Chris, I just wanted to let you know that Your son Luke is doing such a great job. He is a natural. You should be proud. I know he's proud of you it shows when he speaks of you. God bless you sir!!!!!!!!!!
It still doesn't feel like Sunday anymore. I know I will eventually heal, but Tim Russert was the most important journalist of my generation. For that, I am honored. His son, Luke, does him proud.
It's the SPIRIT of the man. That's what we will all miss the most. That warm, beautiful, bright, engaging, and utterly unaffected, true spirit. Love and prayers, Kaleo
Thanks for the add. I'm so pleased to be able to honor Tim here. We still grieve and Tim's family, and NBC family remain in my prayers. Born in DC, I would otherwise have thought that what the sky presented after the memorial was a strange anomaly for this area. But on that day, it was nothing less than a message of love and encouragement from Tim to you all--to all of us. So when things get tough and fast-paced and crazy, remember the rainbow!
I am so very shocked and sorry for your great loss. I just lost my Dad 5/29/08, may he rest in peace. Hopefully they will run into each other in Heaven and I would love to over hear that conversation. My Dad was very "hot" politically and Tim would no doubt keep him entertained, as he did in life.
I will miss my weekly visit with your Dad. What I have learned the most about politics, I have learned from watching your Dad and a few select others...but mostly Tim, my politcal science teacher so to speak. No one else seems to be able to successfully get staight to the point on issues, no dilly dallying around, while still being completely unbiased. Now, after watching every news bite & every special tribute to your Dad I have learned what attracted me to him and his unique style in the first place. He is just as genuinely true, sincere and devoted to his family and friends as I imagined that he would be.
Although it is rarely apparent what God's plan is, one day we might understand. Meanwhile, we just have to have faith that God knows best. God Bless you and your family and may Tim rest in peace.
Luke, I always new your Dad was a great man but never did I realize, until after his passing, the kind of man he was when he wasn't in front of the tv camera. The many compliments he was paid by so many different people, all saying the same thing, about his compassion, love, and dedication. Always there with the perfect thing to say in a time of need. An awesome father, and friend to so many. He is definitely on my short list of heroes. I had read the book about Big Russ and loved it and I just got it on audio CD. It meant so much to hear his voice reading it. All the best to you and your family. STAY STRONG .
Tim Russert: What a FRIEND. What a DAD. What a MAN !!!!
Yes...the double-rainbows...was your dad already adding graphics upstairs on the big show...all that was missing was an MSNBC logo...Your dad was an amazing HUMAN...something we should all strive to be .Peace
the (double) rainbow was obviously your dad's creation, thanking all of those for the outpouring of love, a way of stating anything is possible, achievable....and finally an amazing wave goodbye to you , your mom, big russ and all whom he loved!
Hi Luke, With all the attention focused on you now and the pressure that comes with that, remember you are your own person with your own journey. Whatever path you choose in life, I feel confident that with your father's influence, love and light shining through your eyes, you will leave your own mark on this world, and you will make him proud just by being you. Try to forget the world is watching, keep you chin up and your head down, and "Go Get 'Em"
I'm sure God has a good reason for deciding now was a good time to take Tim. I'm sure He has His own plans for Tim but why couldn't he wait a little longer? Just a little bit longer. Long enough to let him ride the wave of this coming election (what fun he would have had), long enough to drill the political movers and shakers of the next few years (I need that), long enough to maybe have the Bills win another Super Bowl (sorry my Dolphins, I still love you), perhaps long enough to meet the future Mrs. Luke Russert (lol), and why not long enough to grow a bit older with his wife and grandkids running around... I will miss your Dad. I watched him every Sunday morning since I was 18 and I'm 36. He's the only journalist on TV that I felt I could trust. Whose integrity and character shown through and never wavered. God Bless you and your mom and grandpa. I really do hope that these simple words left by regular simple people who looked up to your Dad and respected him and his beliefs and his love for his family and his spark and love for his trade helps to cushion some of the sadness. Take Care! Go Get 'Em!
i saw luke on cnn earlier this evening and i am so glad to see that tim's legacy lives on his son. it is so heartwarming to see such a mature and intelligent young man setting such a fine example. if only more people would follow tim's example by smiling and always seeing the glass as half full, the world would be a better place. for me, tim lives on not only in his son, wife and family, but every time that i just pass a smile to someone, even just in passing. thank you tim for not only making the world a better place, but for being one of those who made it better.
I'm watching Luke on Larry King as I write. It seems NBC has mentioned a job but CNN may have beaten them to the punch. I'm staying tuned in since my generation was the first to vote at 18. Sadly only 20 percent of 20 yr old vote as do 50 percent 50 yr olds and so on. This may well be the first time since that vote I made for George McGovern that more than 18 percent of 18 yr olds turn out. Voting is not a right but a duty as an American. If you not a part of the solution you are part of the problem.
Hey Luke. Just wanted to say that you are a lucky man to have had a dad like yours was. Me and my dad are not close, my dad never did things dads do, we never talked except when he yelled at or insulted me, we never went bowling or fishing or went to a baseball game. My whole life I have wished things were different. now it's too late we don't get along and will never get along. I am a devoted dad to my three kids. my dad doesnt understand what he missed when I was growing up. My life might have turned out different if I had had a father like yours. take care Bud god bless you and your family. your dad was a great man
Tim's death has affected me in a way that I never imagined it would have. I feel like a family member is gone. Luke is such a chip off the old block. He will do great things, and his father will be proud.
Luke and all of your family and extended NBC family...we continue to keep each of you foremost in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad and difficult time. I so much appreciate being able to "be" at your Dad's memorial service via the MSNBC broadcast and replay of it later in the evening. I felt like I was saying goodbye to a dear friend, despite having never met your Dad in person. He was a friend to each and every one of us out here that watched him...and we are each feeling the pain and sadness of his loss as if he indeed was in our homes visiting with us each week! I hope and pray that you and your Mom, and your Grandad "Big Russ" and your aunts as well, are all coping as best as can be expected in this sad journey that you are now on. I hope the many wonderful memories of your Dad are comforting to each of you now. We are going to miss him tremendously...each and every Sunday, of course, but in this season of election, he will be missed more than words can say, each and every single day!! Take good care of yourself, and hug your Mom lots. Will continue to check in so you know you are being thought of. All the best Luke...
As a huge fan of NBC and MSNBC, I am totally shocked and saddened by the loss of Tim Russert. I woke up at 6 pm Friday to hear of the death, and I thought it was a nightmare. My thoughts are with the entire Russert family as well as with his colleagues who worked with him at NBC. Rest in Peace.
I'm a working musician, meaning most days I can I sleep in. I always got up on Sunday. If it's Sunday, it's Meet the Press. There are very few journalists who don't seem to have a political view one way or the other. Tim Russert is the definition of impartial. He was truly a great American in a time where the phrase gets used entirely too much. God bless the Russert family and Go Bills!
I just wanted to send puppy hugs to you,your mother and Big Russ! I sure will miss your Dad! I was his biggest fan and watched him every Sunday on Meet the Press! He will always live on in our hearts! Love, Maggie
we'll miss you Tim. You're a true American and a great roll model for kids every where. I hope I am half the dad to my kids and friend to my friends as you were to yours. God bless you and those close to you.
It's been almost 2 weeks & I'm still at a loss for words. To think of an election season like this without the guidance of Tim is hard.
But what really makes me sad is that I read today that 'Big Russ' wasn't able to attend the DC funeral. I feel for him greatly. It is never easy to lose a child, but he never really got to say goodbye =(
My thoughts are with all of Russert's family: Luke, Maureen, 'Big Russ', his sisters, and his nbc family. I couldn't begin to imagine how this loss has affected your lives. Just know, America is mourning right along side you. =(
Many thanks for giving this former Western New Yorker now in Bawlmer the opportunity to say how sad I am that Tim has left us. He not only was an inspiration to everyone who watched "Meet the Press", but to everyone who thought they could never achieve the level of success in this life coming from a middle class upbringing. Tim showed the way and it was obvious he loved his family, work and country! May we be as fortunate!
I have been so sad since Tim's death. He was a great man. I would watch him during the political season cause he knew what he was talking about. Meet the Press will never be the same. I wish more americans were like Tim Russert caring, devoted, having family values and believing in his faith and country. I will miss the only person I never wanted to debate he always made since. You would loose a debate anyway he did his homework on everything. To the family and NBC I am so sorry for you lose and you have my deepest sympathy and all my prayers. Love, Elyse
Since the moment I heard about the loss of Tim...I felt this sence of total disbielf...This sudden loss of an everyday Friend...An exceptional person...I still can't believe that Tim won't be with us anymore...At least not as we have known...I purchased Tim's book for My Husband for Father's Day '06. I was so excited to get it...I got the last copy the store had...I remember writing in it that I hoped my Floyd would read each and every word...He like Tim is a wonderful father...Tim was like so many of us...He Loved what he did...Everyone who has ever heard him speak knew how much he Loved being a Husband, A Father, A Son...and a Friend...May God Bless all who Love Tim Russert... Always a Friend in Saddlebrooke, MO.
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the Russert family for their tragic and sudden loss. Tim was a rare man -- an inspiration both personally, and as a journalist. I can not think of another who is so beloved to so many from all walks of life. Because of him, so many people have become interested in politics, and have a far better understanding of the subject than they could have ever gleaned from other newsmen. He made keeping up with politics not a "wonky" pursuit, but fun, and an interest for "Everyman." This is certainly no small feat.
Luke, you have have also been an inspiration to us all this past week -- so brave, articulate, and poised in the face of tragedy and adversity. I'm sure many others would not be holding up as well as you have in public.
I have also been touched by all of those at NBC -- it is truly obvious that "The NBC Family" is not just an advertising slogan -- it is clear that everyone there really is part of a very close-knit family.
