Whoa: Tim Russert dies of heart attack; Update: Brokaw video added; Update: The closest to objectivity among the MSM, says Limbaugh
posted at 3:33 pm on June 13, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Just across at the New York Post, although MSNBC conspicuously hasn’t reported it yet. Standby.
Update: CBS apparently is reporting it too, although I don’t see anything on the homepage. Nothing still on MSNBC.
Update: The Times has a bulletin saying his family’s confirmed it. How awful, and only a few weeks after that reminder from Terry McAuliffe that his dad’s still alive, hale, and hardy.
Update: MSNBC’s airing footage now.
Update: From TV Newser: “Around 1pmET this afternoon, Russert was conducting a political Q&A on MSNBC.com. We’re told Russert collapsed while in the tracking booth at the Washington bureau.”
Update: Here’s NBC’s obit.
Update: You can gauge the sort of esteem he was held in by the fact that this is top story not only on Drudge but on most rival news networks. Even Brent Bozell, not one to be overly romantic about the media, is effusive in his praise.
Update: Here’s Brokaw breaking the news.
Update: Even rarer than media praise from Brent Bozell: Rush pays his respects.
Update (Ed): We were on the air when this news broke and talked about it for twenty minutes or so. I knew AP would have a great round-up, and I just want to add a few thoughts. Russert made the tough transition from politico to journalist about as well as anyone ever has; Chris Matthews, for instance, can only wish that he had Russert’s credibility. Russert got criticized from time to time about his performance, but even that criticism recognized Russert’s normal professionalism and excellence. MTP will not be the same with his passing, and it’s going to be tough to see how NBC can replace him. I think he will only be succeeded on Sunday mornings. He left us far too young at 58(!).
Joe Gandelman has a good roundup at TMV, as does Michelle.
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I always remember the times when he interviewed Rush Limbaugh. I think they may have been good friends, but if not, it sure came off that way. The man was always the picture of civility and good manners in an age of “shout-down-the-other-guy” TV news. Definitely a hole in the world now that he’s gone.
CurtZHP on June 13, 2008 at 3:58 PM
Condolences to the family, RIP Tim. He always seemed to add some meat to what passes for tv news these days.
rbj on June 13, 2008 at 3:58 PM
Very sad. A lesson to all of us who are not quite so young anymore. We may still feel like we are 16 and invincible but we need to be conscious of our health.
peacenprosperity on June 13, 2008 at 3:59 PM
Death transcends politics. God bless his family.
carbon_footprint on June 13, 2008 at 4:00 PM
This is so sad. My condolences to his family and friend. He is respected and admired. Tim was a man you could believe.
oakpack on June 13, 2008 at 4:00 PM
Holy crap; I’m shocked. God bless him and his family.
amerpundit on June 13, 2008 at 4:00 PM
Tim stood above the rest over at NBC. He became a legend when other Legends were 20 years his senior. RIP Tim, Your leaving big shoes to fill, I sure hope they were waterproof for some who will try and fill them.
Rbastid on June 13, 2008 at 4:01 PM
Goodbye, Mr. Russert.
You will be missed.
HotAirJosef on June 13, 2008 at 4:01 PM
My condolences to his family.
Sad sad news.
I’ve enjoyed the hell out of Meet the Press recently.
Mister Mets on June 13, 2008 at 4:01 PM
As many here I often didn’t agree with him, but he was a true professional and conducted himself as such. He will be missed. Condolences to his friends and family.
Hollowpoint on June 13, 2008 at 4:02 PM
Prayers are with his family.
Torch on June 13, 2008 at 4:03 PM
I wonder what the comments section at Kos or HuffPo would look like if it had been Bill O’Reilly?
Kafir on June 13, 2008 at 4:04 PM
This is one of those moments that I’m glad my work filter blocks that site. I’d have looked, and it would’ve put me in an even worse mood.
Hollowpoint on June 13, 2008 at 4:04 PM
What a horrible day this Friday the 13th is turning out to be:
Tim Russert, legendary host of Meet the Press, dies
Space shuttle damaged
Taliban free 1,000 prisoners at Kandahar
Iowa has severe flooding
Predictably, Reuters picked today to run a story claiming that Friday the 13th is not actually unlucky.
indythinker on June 13, 2008 at 4:04 PM
Mr Russert was an example of how a gentleman can not agree with your politics, but doesn’t let that get in the way of remaining a gentleman.
May God grace his family with comfort and understanding in this bitter time.
Hening on June 13, 2008 at 4:04 PM
R.I.P. Tim Russert
MikeZero on June 13, 2008 at 4:05 PM
Taken too soon.
He will be missed.
Rhinoboy on June 13, 2008 at 4:05 PM
That’s too morbid to ponder and not worth are time. We need to conduct ourselves with integrity without a care about how they conduct themselves.
Esthier on June 13, 2008 at 4:06 PM
When Tim Russert hosted Meet the Press, his love of country came through loud and clear. He loved this land. He worked hard at his job and was good at it. Sadly, he died too young.
indythinker on June 13, 2008 at 4:06 PM
Russert was a real gentleman and a real journalist. He really knew how to get to the bottom of an issue and keep the interviews on track. I’ll miss him.
Maxx on June 13, 2008 at 4:07 PM
Its been amazing to read what has been written here. Tim held to a political view that most if not all on here would disagree with, yet, he has been shown nothing but respect by those who would disagree with him politically.
I can only imagine what it would look like at Kos if/when a news person at FOX were to die suddenly.
You folks here at Hot Air truly are classy and are a living example of tolerance that the left can only preach about but never put into practice.
RobertInAustin on June 13, 2008 at 4:07 PM
Extremely talented interviewer. Master enabler of the Left. RIP.
Western_Civ on June 13, 2008 at 4:07 PM
Tim was a good man. And a good son. God bless Tim.
crosspatch on June 13, 2008 at 4:08 PM
Thank you, Brent, and thank you to all HotAirHeads who are posting decent, compassionate comments. Stay classy, no sarc intended.
Brat on June 13, 2008 at 4:09 PM
He will be missed.
Krydor on June 13, 2008 at 4:09 PM
It’s a double whammy, because the last inkling of credibility that NBC had died with him.
My collie says:
I extend condolences to and offer my prayers up for the Russert family.
CyberCipher on June 13, 2008 at 4:11 PM
That is the strangest thing I have read all week. Where’d this come from? Crazy.
Seixon on June 13, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Truly sad.
awake on June 13, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Tim isn’t even cold yet and the kids at KOS are already making plans.
RobertInAustin on June 13, 2008 at 4:12 PM
I will admit that I have felt and said some harsh things regarding Mr. Russert in the past. But the sadness and real loss that I feel is blowing my mind.
One of those moments that I will always remember when I learned of the news.
God take care of those he has left so suddenly.
carbon_footprint on June 13, 2008 at 4:13 PM
I had the thought that Keith would be replacing Mr. Russert. However, I felt it to be inappropriate in this thread. But since it is out there, I will just use this as an example about the class that HA readers have opposed to the classlessness of the left at Kos.
carbon_footprint on June 13, 2008 at 4:15 PM
Oh my I didn’t even think about it being the 13th.
Brat on June 13, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Rest in Peace Tim.
May G-d cradle his soul and comfort his family.
He will indeed be sorely missed.
Rodent on June 13, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Of all the left-leaning journalists out there, he was the only one I was excited to watch, because he actually made an attempt to be fair.
Rest in peace, Mr. Russert.
Very sad news.
capitalist piglet on June 13, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Even when I disagreed whith him, which was often, he always had my respect. God bless him and his family.
bopbottle on June 13, 2008 at 4:17 PM
Very much exactly.
MayBee on June 13, 2008 at 4:18 PM
NBC isn’t that stupid. If Keith took over their ratings would tank.
RobertInAustin on June 13, 2008 at 4:18 PM
Foxnews said that NBC’s delay may have had something to do with family members flying and didn’t want to report anything until they were on deck.
BallisticBob on June 13, 2008 at 4:19 PM
The last light on NBC News has just gone out. Godspeed Mr. Russert.
srhoades on June 13, 2008 at 4:19 PM
Same thing happened to my dad last year. Gone at 58 from a sudden heart attack in his sleep. I know what his family is going through, God bless them.
ThePrez on June 13, 2008 at 4:20 PM
You know, I agree with you. I just thought he would be the “buzz” for the replacement on the blogosphere.
carbon_footprint on June 13, 2008 at 4:20 PM
ThePrez on June 13, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Sorry for your loss. Way too young to die.
carbon_footprint on June 13, 2008 at 4:21 PM
I haven’t been near tv or radio,just left Drudges site,
I’m stunned,Russert was only 59.
I remember watching Russert on early sunday morning
talk shows,always cheerful,pleasant and always smiling.
But,this is way,way too early,he will be deeply missed,
I will miss him,lets all keep Tim Russerts family in our
prayers.
canopfor on June 13, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Video of Tim Russert and Imus here.
God Bless Tim Russert and his family. It doesn’t seem real a real shock.
http://imustruth.typepad.com/index/2008/06/tim-russert-dea.html#comments
Dr Evil on June 13, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Seemed to be a good guy, and a part of my Sunday mornings. It’s a shame. Sunday will be a little different now.
Who takes over?
Hopefully not that nitwit David Gregory.
RWLA on June 13, 2008 at 4:23 PM
Yeah, but at MSNBC they can keep the tin-foil hat crowd happy, but NBC will never every let his psychotic ranting out on OTA broadcasts.
At MSNBC they can keep him safely tucked away were all 6 viewers can watch him.
RobertInAustin on June 13, 2008 at 4:23 PM
TMZ says NBC couldn’t reach Russert’s family in Italy for a while.
amerpundit on June 13, 2008 at 4:23 PM
Russert was wonderful guy and great talent, who’s enjoyment of politics came across in almost every conversation. I think he kept his political views further away from his job as a Sunday morning interviewer than most anyone. Difficult to think of a commentator or analyst who is as knowledgeable and who plays it down the middle as much as Russert did. He was tough and fair. He was also warm and funny. Very sad news.
dedalus on June 13, 2008 at 4:23 PM
but NBC will never ever
RobertInAustin on June 13, 2008 at 4:24 PM
I would imagine much like the comments section here at Hot Air, though Tim Russert and Bill O’Reilly were hardly peers.
Len on June 13, 2008 at 4:24 PM
Very different job descriptions.
dedalus on June 13, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Same with my father in 2002 except it was a sudden stroke. He was battling cancer (and winning) and a stroke got him at 59. All this brings back tough memories.
Big Orange on June 13, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Well, if past performance is any indicator of future performance I am sure there would be plenty of comments, all filled with wishes that he is suffering in hell, or that he died a slow death from cancer etc.
RobertInAustin on June 13, 2008 at 4:27 PM
Prayers and best wishes to his family and friends. He will be missed! I didn’t agree with him but he was a great broadcaster!
sabbott on June 13, 2008 at 4:28 PM
Some people cannot be replaced. America suffered two great losses today, Tim Russert and MTP.
swami on June 13, 2008 at 4:28 PM
Big Orange on June 13, 2008 at 4:26 PM
That is horrible. Sorry.
carbon_footprint on June 13, 2008 at 4:30 PM
Very sad. One of the last fine newsmen left has passed.
I will miss his wit and his fine behavior and how he never let either our guys or their guys get away with much.
Squid Shark on June 13, 2008 at 4:30 PM
Sad.
phronesis on June 13, 2008 at 4:30 PM
I confess that when Hannity started to talk about this today I thought it was going to be Tony Snow.
I probably shouldn’t have said that.
BigD on June 13, 2008 at 4:30 PM
Wow, I run an errand and just found out.
Tim was a decent guy. He wasn’t perfect… but he was interesting to watch on occation.
He will be missed.
upinak on June 13, 2008 at 4:30 PM
The veil is currently lowered for a brief time. Andrea Mitchell is recounting how super close Russert was with the Kennedy family and several other political families (Cuomo’s, etc - all Democrats). She’s basically admitting he was an unpaid propaganda arm of the DNC.
I guess that’s journalism 101, NBC style.
Western_Civ on June 13, 2008 at 4:32 PM
They seem to happen in threes. Look for it.
carbon_footprint on June 13, 2008 at 4:33 PM
Although not always agreed with him… but he was a breed of calm heads and civility that is now seldom seen. It’s the way I felt when Buckley died. You don’t need to shout or talk over someone to get a discussion going. Unlike Matthews, Obly-Wan-Cannolli…
Sergei on June 13, 2008 at 4:35 PM
I have to think that this means the end of MTP.
malan89 on June 13, 2008 at 4:35 PM
I blame Olbermann.
All that stress of having to work with such an amateurish chimp.
fudgypup on June 13, 2008 at 4:36 PM
May God grant him rest.
Tim Burton on June 13, 2008 at 4:36 PM
Holy Crap!!!
P.S. Keith Olbermann sucks.
EJDolbow on June 13, 2008 at 4:37 PM
Probably the best journalist on TV. One who understood his job well.
freevillage on June 13, 2008 at 4:38 PM
His final interview
Russert on Politics
NBC News
updated 12:50 p.m. ET, Fri., June. 13, 2008
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25137286/
Brat on June 13, 2008 at 4:41 PM
What an awful loss! He was a real class act on a network with too many lightweights.
CrusaderMom on June 13, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Doubtful. Meet the Press is one of the longest-running shows on NBC (or anywhere). But Tim Russert was such a forceful, engaging, gentlemanly presence that to say he will be hard to replace would be an understatement.
I was in the car listening to Jay Severin on WTTK in Boston; they jumped in on Tom Brokaw’s announcement; afterwards, Jay, who knew Tim Russert somewhat, broke up on air.
Mr. Russert was trained as a lawyer, worked on Capital Hill, and behind the scenes at NBC before going on the air. His skilled interviews clearly reflected his experience and thorough, lawyer-like preparation. But he was always gentle, always ready with a smile and a joke to ease the tension.
Exactly right.
MrLynn on June 13, 2008 at 4:48 PM
Holy “Death Note”, Batman…
Spanglemaker on June 13, 2008 at 4:49 PM
He was a practicing Catholic and regular church attendee. No one can know the state of his soul, but he certainly made a point of letting people know how important his faith was in his life.
dedalus on June 13, 2008 at 4:52 PM
His faith was one of the most important elements of his life, he took is very seriously.
oh yeah, your an a**hole. shut up
Squid Shark on June 13, 2008 at 4:52 PM
98% of the decency and class of the NBC news organization just vanished.
EJDolbow on June 13, 2008 at 4:52 PM
“SaintOlaf on June 13, 2008 at 4:40 PM”
Is it possible for you to not be an absolute a-hole with your every post?
BallisticBob on June 13, 2008 at 4:52 PM
Oh Man –
Chris Wallace reporting that his wife and son are still in Italy and getting on a plane now. I can’t imagine a worse spot to be in.
LordMaximus on June 13, 2008 at 4:53 PM
John Gibson on FNC just said all the news organizations knew about Russert’s death before it hit the wires so the family could be contacted before it hit.
ordi on June 13, 2008 at 4:53 PM
Don’t you just hate those who think they and only they have the inside track on matters of faith?
Thanks for saying what I was thinking.
EJDolbow on June 13, 2008 at 4:53 PM
Re Brokaw vid: You could hear the suppressed emotion in every word. It was so moving. I wish he would do a report like that on our Medal of Honor winners.
RushBaby on June 13, 2008 at 4:54 PM
He is an American Icon, with a capital ‘A’ and a capital ‘I’. Funny how the passing of such an icon can make one pause, put chin in hand, stare into space, and ponder.
SlimyBill on June 13, 2008 at 4:54 PM
At least he was able to see his son graduate.
Esthier on June 13, 2008 at 4:56 PM
Mr. Russert, brought class and character to a profession not known for either. What a genuinely good man.
He will be deeply missed.
ChePibe on June 13, 2008 at 4:56 PM
I was just thinking that this is especially a bad loss since Russert was one of the only real forces that was helping to push Bathtub Boy over the edge and maybe get him kicked off.
Now MSNBC is absolutely worthless.
MadisonConservative on June 13, 2008 at 4:57 PM
So they can keep a secret without leaks when they really put their minds to it. Sorry for the sarc I couldn’t help it.
Brat on June 13, 2008 at 4:57 PM
He also worked with the last Demohawk, Moynihan
Squid Shark on June 13, 2008 at 4:58 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He will be missed.
Conservative_SAHM on June 13, 2008 at 4:58 PM
They don’t make as many of his type as they used to, certainly not in media.
SlimyBill on June 13, 2008 at 4:58 PM
It’s always a shame when children die before their parents.
malan89 on June 13, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Stunned. I recently finished reading his book “Big Russ and Me.” There goes one of the good guys. God Bless you Tim.
cannonball on June 13, 2008 at 5:01 PM
One of the best ever. We’ll not see his like again.
On reading the NBC obit, I had an image of a beautiful little pub off a tree-lined city street in the hereafter. Russert walks in, heads over to a quiet booth to find Senator Moynihan buried in a book. Moynihan looks up, gets a twinkle in his eye and calls out “Tim my boy! Have a seat.”
DrSteve on June 13, 2008 at 5:03 PM
I remember back when Russert had Farrakhan on and asked him if he believed that white people were devils invented by a mad scientist. Farrakhan had to admit that he did believe that.
I’m sure Obama, with his Nation of Islam associations, wasn’t looking forward to encountering Russert.
Buddahpundit on June 13, 2008 at 5:03 PM
I’m truly bummed; this was one guy that I would watch on a regular basis. Often disagreed with him, but always respected him.
UndertheBridge on June 13, 2008 at 5:03 PM
Saintolaf at 4:40pm,
I hope u were being sarcastic.. Both of ur comments were out of bounds and purely idiotic. You’re an embarrassment to conservatives and christians everywhere. Think twice before u write something.
Back to the discussion at hand, I was really shocked to hear about Russert. Only Chris Wallace is left who can truly fill his shoes.
justinok on June 13, 2008 at 5:03 PM
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