Tim Russert.....

Tim Russert has died today at the age of 58.

This is a complete tragedy....a huge loss to the world of Journalism.
I can not imagine the upcoming election without him.
Rest In Peace Tim....you will be profoundly missed.













President George 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."

NBC News' Tom Brokaw
"Tim was a man of many passions – his family most of all, his faith, his country, political journalism, baseball and the Buffalo Bills.
As a working class Irish-American with a Jesuit education his range was wide and deep – from the sensibilities of blue-collar voters to the politics of the Vatican, from the power plays on Capitol Hill to the power plays on network television.
Almost all of our conversations – and they went on every day – ended with some version of, 'Can you believe how lucky we are to be doing this?'"

NBC News anchor Brian Williams
"Tim Russert is gone. He was a giant in our company, in our lives, and in the combined fields of journalism and politics. He was my friend for many years, and my on-air partner during the most exciting political year in generations. The members of Tim's NBC News family are thinking only of the members of Tim's own family in the wake of this staggering, overpowering and sudden loss."
Sens. Bob and Elizabeth Dole
"It is a shock. He was a great and longtime friend. No one was more fair and more objective than Tim Russert. Certainly our hearts go out to his family; his son, Luke; his wife, Maureen; and beloved father, Big Russ. He was today's giant in the world of television news. A great loss to his loyal viewers, to NBC, but above all to journalism across the board."

Mario Cuomo, former governor of New York
"The Cuomos were privileged to have known Tim Russert for more than 25 years. We are shocked and saddened by his sudden death while at work at the peak of his career.
Our hearts go out to Maureen, Luke, and the entire Russert Family.
America has lost a vital source of information, analysis and wisdom when we need it most.
Tim's extraordinary success was more than enough to earn him respect, but he added to that a genuineness as a human being that made him as easy to like as he was to admire. The son of a hardworking sanitation worker in Buffalo, New York, a middle class, polyglot, multi-ethnic community where people worked hard, went to church or synagogue, loved a good meal and a good ball game even more. He was reverential regarding his Father.
He was devoted to his wife of almost 25 years, Maureen Orth, the Vanity Fair journalist and author, as he was to his 22-year-old son, Luke, who graduated from Boston College this year, providing him with the same kind of profound love given Tim by his own Dad.
Tim never forgot where he came from. He never let us forget either, and we loved it!
His name will forever be recorded in the annals of great professional reporters and journalists ... as it will be in our minds and hearts."

Carl Bernstein, journalist
"Tim Russert was a transformative journalist. He changed American television news, by bringing to it his own values: integrity, fairness, good humor, humility, and a unique sense of how reporting, history, and politics are bound together. He was masterful at exposing hypocrisy.
I knew him as a source, a colleague, a competitor, and - on the air - as the subject of his tough questions. His approach to every role was always the same: he loved what he did, and sought a way to the truth, often unconventionally."

Statement from the Buffalo Bills
"The Buffalo Bills organization is devastated in hearing the news of the passing of Tim Russert. Tim, as everyone knows, was a tremendous Bills fan. He was always so proud to let people know just how much he loved our team and was such a great ambassador for Buffalo. So many times he ended his ‘Meet The Press’ show with his patented ‘Go Bills!’ that it became part of our Game Day morning rituals. He was a true friend and we will miss him immensely. Our sincere sympathies go out to his family and our team carries a heavy heart tonight as we mourn the loss of this great man, Buffalo's native son and a Bills fan forever."

White House Press Secretary Dana Perino
"The President and Mrs. Bush are deeply saddened to learn the shocking news of the death of Tim Russert. They knew him for many years and were very fond of him and appreciated what he had achieved in their career. They expressed their sympathy ot the entire NBC News family and Tim's friends and family. They asked about his family and especially about his father."

Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass.
"Tim Russert was a gentleman and giant, not just in politics and journalism, but in life. And through that life, he gave us all a model worth emulating. With a reasoned voice, a sharp mind and a fair hand, Tim took the measure of every Washington official and all those that sought to be one. He was a great journalist and an even better friend. His passing is a tragic loss for us all, but especially for the family he loved so much. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim's wife Maureen and his son Luke."

Former Gov. Mike Huckabee, R-Ark.
"I join with other Americans in expressing both shock and grief with the news of Tim Russert's untimely death. He was a significant figure in American politics, deeply respected, but also deeply feared by those who sat across his table on "Meet the Press". He was fair, but always relentless in his pursuit of truth and honesty from those who dared to lead the nation. His has been a commanding voice in public affairs and in many ways the E.F. Hutton of political talk. Our prayers go out to his family and we will all mourn the loss of his voice."

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., ,and former President Bill Clinton
"We were stunned and deeply saddened to hear of the passing today of Tim Russert. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Maureen, his son Luke, his father who we all have come to know as Big Russ, his extended family and all of his many friends and colleagues at NBC who have suffered a tremendous loss. Always true to his proud Buffalo roots, Tim had a love of public service and a dedication to journalism that rightfully earned him the respect and admiration of not only his colleagues but also those of us who had the privilege to go toe to toe with him. In seeking answers to tough questions, he helped inform the American people and make our democracy stronger. We join his friends, fans and loved ones in mourning his loss and celebrating his remarkable contribution to our nation. "

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
"I am very saddened by Tim Russert's sudden death. Cindy and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the Russert family as they cope with this shocking loss and remember the life and legacy of a loving father, husband and the preeminent political journalist of his generation. He was truly a great American who loved his family, his friends, his Buffalo Bills, and everything about politics and America. He was just a terrific guy. I was proud to call him a friend, and in the coming days, we will pay tribute to a life whose contributions to us all will long endure."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
"I was greatly saddened to learn of Tim Russert's untimely death. Tim was a warm and gracious family man with a great zest for life and an unsurpassed passion for his work. His rise from working-class roots to become a well-respected leader in political journalism is an inspiration to many. Tim asked the tough questions the right way and was the best in the business at keeping his interview subjects honest. My thoughts are with his family."

Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M.
"I am deeply saddened by Tim's untimely passing and Barbara and I send our thoughts and prayers to his family.
"Tim set the standard for tough but fair political coverage and his contribution to the journalism profession cannot be overstated. Because of him Meet the Press is the dominant Sunday talk show and a must-do for politicians. He leaves big shoes to fill.
"On-camera he could be tough, but off-camera you saw his great sense of humor and how much he cared about people, especially his family. It's a great loss."

Former Vice President Al Gore
"The U.S. and the world have a lost a great journalist, interviewer and author. He was an original and will be greatly missed."
Jane Forbes Clark, Baseball Hall of Fame chairman
"We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Tim's sudden passing. He was an integral member of our Board of Directors and its executive committee, and he cared about the Hall of Fame and its mission so much. We'll miss Tim's critical thinking and his unsurpassed passion for the game tremendously."

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
"Today, broadcast journalism lost one of its giants, who will be remembered along with names like Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite, and David Brinkley. The City of Buffalo has also lost its favorite son, who loved his city and its hometown team, the Bills. The smile that came across Tim's face whenever he spoke of the place of his birth and his favorite football team was one of true joy and I will never forget it.
"Tim Russert embodied the very best in broadcast journalism and has been a fixture in millions of living rooms every Sunday morning on 'Meet the Press,' an institution that he shaped into one of the most influential news and opinion programs of our time. A stellar journalist, Tim also touched our hearts with his loving portrait of his father in the best-selling book, 'Big Russ and Me.'
"To everyone at NBC News, who today lost not only a colleague, but a true friend, I offer my deepest condolences. Most of all, my thoughts are with Tim's wife, Maureen, and his son, Luke. I hope it is some comfort that so many throughout the world have the Russert family in their thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg
"I was shocked and saddened to learn about the death of Tim Russert. I knew him as most Americans did - as a political commentator, an accomplished author, and without a doubt, one of the most influential journalists of our time. I also knew him on a more personal level as a man of incredible character, substance, and wit.
"I can only imagine the pain that his family must be feeling right now - and I extend my deepest condolences to his wife Maureen, and his son, Luke, who interned here at City Hall last year. Tim didn't just report on American politics - he played an active role in protecting the freedoms we hold so dear: free press, fair elections, and vigorous debate. He was a champion for honesty and truth, and he'll be dearly missed."

Dan Rather, newsman
"Tim's passing is a loss not only to his family and many friends, it is a loss to good journalism and to our country.
Tim, first and foremost, was devout in his faith and deeply devoted to his family. He loved his country with a passion and became a classic example of the ideal American journalist.

Tim had become an important part of our political process. He will be especially missed in this historic presidential election year.

Tim Russert was a beacon of quality journalism

At a time when quality journalism is in increasingly short supply, Tim Russert was a leader for what is best in American journalism. He was tough but fair, pulled no punches, played no favorites.

As an interviewer, he had few, if any, peers."

Byron W. Brown, mayor of Buffalo
“On behalf of the residents of Buffalo, New York, I express our shared sadness and shock at the news of Tim Russert's death.
An accomplished journalist, who first gained his experience in the world of government and politics, Tim Russert rose to become the premier political journalist of his generation.

But more than his professional accomplishments, Tim Russert cherished his family, friends and his hometown. He never forgot his roots in South Buffalo and he often reminded his television audience and guests of his strong affection for Buffalo, particularly his beloved Buffalo Bills. He was truly our city's greatest ambassador and he was loved by everyone in Buffalo and Western New York.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Tim Russert will always be remembered for his passion, hard work, honesty and dedication to his family.

To honor Tim Russert's memory, I have ordered that all flags on city property be lowered immediately to half-staff.”

Sen. Joseph R. Biden, D-Del.
"Tim Russert was a man of tremendous honor and integrity, with a great love of politics and a deep commitment to our country. Anyone who spent time around Tim could feel immediately the love he had for his family. Our nation lost a pillar of journalism today, but above all else, we lost a good and decent man."
Bob Schieffer, CBS News chief Washington correspondent and anchor of “Face the Nation”
"Tim was the best of our profession. He asked the best questions and then he listened for the answer. We became very close friends over the years. He delighted in scooping me and I felt the same way when I scooped him. When you slipped one past ol' Russert, you felt as though you had hit a home run off the best pitcher in the league. I just loved Tim and I will miss him more than I can say, and my heart goes out to his son, Luke, and his wife, Maureen."

Walter Cronkite, newsman
"Broadcast journalism lost one of its greats today. Tim Russert was a giant in our field - a standard-bearer of journalistic integrity and ethics. His masterful interviews and round-table discussions are legendary. This is a tragic loss for journalism and for all who were privileged to know him."
Charlie Gibson, anchor, ABC’s “World News”
“Tim projected vitality - always excited about the stories he covered and intrigued by the people he interviewed. That's what made him so good, and his passing so hard to absorb. His competitors - just like his co-workers - held Tim in the highest of regard.”

Diane Sawyer, anchor, “Good Morning America”
“No one could see Tim in a room and not smile. He brought so much joy and curiosity and sheer vitality to all our lives. As a journalist, he would set out like a great explorer. You couldn't wait to see what he discovered every day in the new world. He was a defining American newsman. Love of country, love of family poured through him--onto the screen, into the work, into stories at dinner, into the little chuckle that reminded us ---aren't we lucky to be here in this big life.”
George Stephanopoulos, ABC News chief Washington correspondent/host of “This Week”
“Tim loved everything about politics and journalism - because he believed in it. Every Sunday morning he brought that passion to his table and made all of us better. My thoughts and prayers are with his family - especially Maureen, Luke and his father Russ.”

Gov. David Paterson, D-N.Y.
“Today I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tim Russert, a beloved native son of Buffalo, New York. A distinguished and dedicated public servant, he worked for New York Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan and in the administration of Governor Mario Cuomo. He then transitioned from government to become a fair, tough and outstanding journalist, quickly ascending to one of the most respected in his field.
Tim never forgot his roots in Western New York, and his hometown has always celebrated his great accomplishments. A graduate of Canisius High School, he is still known as legendary Buffalo Bills fan. My heart and prayers go out to his family and colleagues, as New York mourns the death of this great American.”

Maria Shriver, California first lady
"Tim Russert was one of my closest friends and he was like a brother to me. He was not only a professional confidant but a personal one. He was always the first person to call me whenever anything happened with my family. And he always called me just to check in and see how I was doing and to encourage me. My heart goes out to his son Luke, his wife Maureen, his father, sister and entire family. They were his joy in life; family and faith were everything to him. He was one of a kind to me and I was lucky enough to have had him as a best friend."
Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York City
"I join the nation in mourning the loss of Tim Russert, an American icon in the world of politcal journalism. Having sat in the studio with him, I can only say that he was a gentleman when the "on air" light was lit as well as when it was not. I was fortunate enough to have seen him and shared a stage with him just recently and his ability to communicate the issues and connect with a live audience was not only informative, but inspirational. His respect and love of the political process was only exceeded by the respect and love he had for his family. Judith and I extend our prayers and deepest sympathies to them, to his friends and all those he touched."


Katie Couric, anchor and managing editor, 'CBS Evening News with Katie Couric'
Tim Russert was so many different things.
Tim was a big teddy bear of a guy, but he was also a pit bull of an interviewer. He always held people's feet to the fire, often using their past words with great effect to reveal flip-flops or hypocrisy.
While Tim was incredibly tenacious, he always did his job with great humanity and respect.
Tim was passionate about the political process and was, in many ways, the navigator-in-chief for so many people. Because he was so knowledgeable, he was able to make politics accessible to millions.

Tim gave me my first network break. I was a local reporter at WRC in Washington, which shares a building with the NBC Washington bureau. Tim asked me to come to his office one day and told me he admired my work, particularly my coverage of Marion Barry, who was then the mayor of D.C.
He liked my ‘scrappiness’ and asked if I was interested in becoming the deputy Pentagon correspondent.

He was one of the nicest, most generous colleagues I ever had the pleasure of working with.

I remember when Tim arranged a visit with the Pope when the TODAY Show was in Rome-and Tim was the one behind the scenes making it happen. And I remember he was so full of pride.

He never forgot where he came from. In his heart, he was a kid from Buffalo who made it to the big time-but never got ‘too big for his britches,’ as my mother would say.

I think he used his Dad, Big Russ, to take the temperature of the country. And I remember how he used to call him to ask questions and get feedback.

But Tim really didn't have to do that because he was the consummate everyman who loved his family -- who was so proud of his wife Maureen and his son Luke -- and loved the Buffalo Bills, and this country.

Source: NBC