Russert

Today, I am saddened to hear of the loss of a great political analyst/news anchor. Tim Russert of NBC collapsed and died of a heart attack while working in Washington, D.C. He was 58.

The first memories I have of Russert are from when I was pretty young, going to my aunt and uncles home and seeing him on "Meet the Press." He always seemed to confront EVERY politician with the questions that everyone wanted to ask but didn't have the guts to, for both republicans and democrats. He, of course, never disclosed his political "preference", but always brought out good points about both sides and would also point out both negatives in a completely unbiased way. Deep down, I think he was a republican, just from the high morals and ethical way of thinking and speaking that he portrayed throughout his career, and besides that, he just looks republican!

Today, I was listening to Sean Hannity when the news broke. I could tell, Hannity was stunned, as was Tom Brokaw who was fighting back emotions with his cracking and shaking voice as he broke the story of Russert's sudden death. Hannity spoke of the book, "Big Russ and Me" that Russert wrote about his father and his life experiences. If you haven't read it, get it and read it, I know I'm going to try my best to.

It amazed me just how taken back I was at the news and what memories in my life that flooded my mind, where I remember Tim Russert. I remember several Presidential Election Nights that Russert would be sitting there, scratching down different scenarios for both candidates, red and blue states, electoral votes, etc., on his dry erase board. He always had a way of making you think and would many times have a smart little comment about his figures.

True, I never knew Russert, but I can say that I will miss him on msnbc.com, there'll never be another political analyst like him.

-approved by Farley Wells, CMDI.