Tim Russert, 'The G-man' Loved You Dearly

NBC Icon Symbolized What REAL Journalism is

On June 13, 2008, I logged on to the Internet to read my email on Yahoo. I followed my normal routine, which consisted of ignoring a few pop-up ads and perusing the top news stories of the day. I was in a public library when I suddenly gasped and placed my hand over my mouth. People
 looked at me curiously, but I offered no explanation for my outburst. I was far too busy trying to maintain my composure as my eyes remained fixed on a cover story photo of a journalism icon. I stared at my laptop screen for nearly four minutes, looking somberly into the blue eyes of one of the greatest men to ever grace a television screen, and quietly said, "No, Tim. No." There, in big, bold, black font were the painful words "NBC's Tim Russert Dead at 58".

Shortly after the stunning announcement, network and cable news directors and producers across the country paid tribute to Russert and his amazing legacy as a broadcast journalist. Renowned figures from politics, sports, news and entertainment expressed great sorrow as they reflected on Russert's passing. Sadly, a number of vicious comments were posted on the Internet after Tom Brokaw broke the devastating news to America on MSNBC. In a nutshell, the sorry, insensitive and crude sons-of-bitches claimed Russert "wasn't all that" and that too much coverage was being devoted to the death of the 17-year host of "Meet the Press". Well, I sincerely hope the networks will honor this man by continuing to share his accomplishments, both personally and professionally, for days to come. Given Russert's phenomenal contribution to American politics and culture, it would be the least they could do.

Related information
  • The G-man details why Russert was THE BEST!
  • Walter Cronkite, the late Peter Jennings and Charlie Rose are also paid homage to.
  • The G-man's final salute to Tim Russert
 
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I still think about Tim often and I wish he was covering this election.

Posted on 10/22/2008 at 1:10:27 PM

Hi G-man, Thanks for the great personal tribute to a man that I respected and loved also. I am sorry I haven't been around lately...forgive me for my absence. Hugs! Your friend, Immy:)

Posted on 07/16/2008 at 5:07:22 PM

Beautiful and moving words honoring a man you obviously esteemed. Thanks for sharing!

Posted on 06/21/2008 at 11:06:57 AM

What a fantastic tribute G-Man! It is a sad reality that the people we often assume will be around for a long time are sometimes taken from us suddenly and unexpectedly. But Tim Russert has left a wonderful legacy, as you've pointed out in this article. At least the 58 years that he lived here on this earth were well spent. He died still fairly young in my opinion, but he accomplished so much in his lifetime!

Posted on 06/20/2008 at 9:06:22 AM

Thank you all for the wonderful comments.

Posted on 06/16/2008 at 1:06:20 PM

Beautifully and compassionately written. I can tell from your words that you had a deep admiration and respect for Tim Russert. Thanks for writing such a heat felt piece.

Posted on 06/15/2008 at 3:06:28 PM

I will miss that guy during the election results for sure.

Posted on 06/15/2008 at 2:06:02 PM

Sorry I don't watch very much news on TV, but i know who you are taking about, If you say he was great and up right person I beleave you Gar-bear-G-man-Tom's -friend...... Real Jounalism is hard to come by these days... Mary... keep me informed.... Your the Best art-meeeeeeeeeeeeee

Posted on 06/15/2008 at 12:06:37 PM

the whiteboard IS in the Smithsonian.

Posted on 06/15/2008 at 11:06:01 AM

This is a beautiful tribute. I am devastated too....he was an amazing polical analyst.

Posted on 06/14/2008 at 9:06:47 PM

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