Tim Russert - RIP

I knew Tim Russert only though the screen of my television, having spent many a Sunday watching him in his element on Meet the Press, but I was stunned and saddened when I heard the news this afternoon that he had died suddenly of an apparent heart attack.

I don't remember when I first starting watching Russert on Meet the Press, but I do recall cringing, in 1992, as he deftly tore into Ross Perot - the first presidential campaign I ever worked on. Even though my candidate had performed badly, from that moment on, if there was a TV around and political news in the making, I would search out the local NBC station to see what Russert had to say. He was extrordinarily good at what he did, and obviously loved politics.

Just over a week ago I was watching MSNBC's coverage as Obama clinched the Democratic nomination with his primary win in Montana. The anchors, commentators and pundits were going on about the significance of the evening's political news, and when they turned to Russert, he said, with that big grin and a twinkle in his eye, "I wish I were teaching a high school history class tomorrow."

My thoughts and prayers go out to Russert's family and friends. Tim Russert, you will be fondly remembered and sorely missed, especially this election year.

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