The Passing of Tim Russert

I want to pass along my prayers and condolences to the family of Tim Russert, whose presence in the American political scene will be extremely missed. Russert died of a massive heart attack at the age of 58. He's survived by his father, wife, and son.

Russert was recording voiceovers for Sunday’s “Meet the Press” broadcast when he collapsed. He was rushed to Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, where resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

Russert’s physician, Michael Newman, said cholesterol plaque ruptured in an artery, causing sudden coronary thrombosis.

Russert had earlier been diagnosed with asymptomatic coronary artery disease, but it was well-controlled with medication and exercise, and he had performed well on a stress test in late April, Newman said. An autopsy revealed that he also had an enlarged heart, Newman said.

Russert’s death left his colleagues devastated.

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 Friday afternoon. Brian Williams, managing editor and anchor of “NBC Nightly News,” called his death a “staggering, overpowering and sudden loss.”

While I was not a fan of Russert's politics, his journalistic style was one of objectivity and rationalism. Few of his fellow reporters and journalists even approached his level of preparation or objectivity. The industry is a whole lot worse off for his passing.

He approached each and every interview with a plain-spoke style and substance. His work ethic was unmatched in the industry, and most everyone inside the Beltway looked to his program every Sunday morning to see what people would say on his show.

I think most Americans will recall him fondly, especially the two bestselling books he lovingly penned about his father. They will also remember his coverage of the last two presidential elections and the use of the dry erase board to spell out exactly what the candidates had to do to win.