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

NBC Icon Symbolized What REAL Journalism is

By Gary "The G-Man" Toms, published Jun 14, 2008
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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.

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

I absolutely have no problem saying, "I loved and deeply respected Tim Russert!" In an era where goofy, stupid, self-centered, half-assed, media whores and commentators posing as journalists flood network and cable airwaves, Russert symbolized what real journalism is supposed to be.

Credit: originally posted to Flickr as Tim Russert - PRSA International Conference - Philadelphia, PA

Copyright: hyku from Winter Haven, FL, USA

Takeaways
  • 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
Did You Know?
Black America owes Tim Russert an enormous debt. He was the only Sunday morning talk show host to devote a full hour segment to Bill Cosby and Dr. Alvin Poussaint to address the dire conditions facing black communities and families.
Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 11 of 11
 
 
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

 
Can not recall the last time I watched Meet The Press~years and years ago. If it were not for this primary election, I would never have heard of Russert. I always check google news headlines when I log on the 'net. My first thought seeing the Russert ones was: Hillary did it. Okay, she could not give him a heart attack, yet so many of those she did not like, died just as suddenly from unexpected ones, or plane/car crashes; suspicious suicides. Tho' I did not know him, it is sad that he will not get to see how this long circus of an election turns out.

Posted on 06/14/2008 at 8:06:36 PM

 
A great personal tribute you've written. And, I agree about the white board, albeit I'm sure it means a lot to Luke, who happened to joke with him that it would be a hit on eBay. May that never happen, though I don't think it will. It just seems so unright that he won't see the election results, but maybe he will get a chuckle about it from up above.

Posted on 06/14/2008 at 3:06:18 PM

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