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
Share on Facebook | regular view
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 4 Next »
Sad for the man’s family and friends.
But some of the same people we’ll see praising him in the coming days will be those who’ve pointed out the obvious to longtime viewers. In recent years, like so many of his colleages, Russert became a parody of himself and a captive of his news celebrity. A lot of what’s desperately wrong with journalism and media can be laid at his and his too-many imitators doorsteps. That there’s next to no place left on network or cable television for a serious, substantative, non-confrontational, non-trivialized discussion of issues is because of the cynicism of people like him and the producers who actively promote their style of news-as-entertainment. I’m no fan of Hillary’s in the slightest, but Russert’s performance in that debate was nothing short of disgusting and to me summed up exactly what his professional life had become.
Like I said, sad for his family and friends. But spare me the “premier political journalist” nonsense because it just illustrates how low the profession has sunk.
sanguine4 on June 13, 2008 at 5:03 PM
Russert is the best example of the press acting as democracy’s ghost in the machine. Without it, there’s no freedom.
bayam on June 13, 2008 at 5:06 PM
So sorry to hear this. Apparently they were celebrating a daughter’s graduation.
Sekhmet on June 13, 2008 at 5:07 PM
no way!
AbaddonsReign on June 13, 2008 at 5:07 PM
My Sundays will be somewhat empty because he was always a must see. Very sad.
SaintOlaf on June 13, 2008 at 4:40 PM
Next time you have a thought, hold onto it.
Sammy316 on June 13, 2008 at 5:11 PM
Watching Olby talk about Russert makes me sick. Olby….don’t expect to receive praise like this when it’s your turn.
pecan pie on June 13, 2008 at 5:11 PM
Son, Luke
RushBaby on June 13, 2008 at 5:12 PM
It’s not an exaggeration to say this is a great loss to the nation. He was a thoughtful and intellectually honest man.
Rest in peace, and may God bless the Russert famil.y
joewm315 on June 13, 2008 at 5:13 PM
RIP. :(
Chuckie on June 13, 2008 at 5:14 PM
That stinks. He was my favorite television interviewer.
Not every thought need be expressed.
Slublog on June 13, 2008 at 5:16 PM
He was too young!! He was the only decent person at NBC. What a shame! God bless and keep him!
Special K on June 13, 2008 at 5:16 PM
Hold your tongue on Chris Wallace.
Let us morn Tim before his job is taken by another.
upinak on June 13, 2008 at 5:19 PM
My prayers are with his family. Fifty-eight is way too young.
I rarely agreed with his politics, but I respected his opinion. He was one of a very few members of the MSM that I would call a journalist. He at least made an attempt to be fair and balanced.
Godspeed Tim.
DeathB4Tyranny on June 13, 2008 at 5:20 PM
olbermann is currently doing the coverage of it. is it just me, or does that seem incredibly inappropriate to have someone who is filled with such vitriol lead the coverage?
NoStoppingUs on June 13, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Truly, “Man knows not his time.”
My heart goes out to his family, they must be overwhelmed with grief. Mr. Russert was a professional who will be missed.
Renae on June 13, 2008 at 5:21 PM
Tim may you be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows your dead.
R.I.P. Tim Russert
JKotthoff on June 13, 2008 at 5:23 PM
I never said Tim Russert wasn’t a Christian.
In fact I thought he said he was.
Russert was one of the better newscasters that remained in MSM.
The MSM will suffer without him.
If Russert was in fact a Christian, then there is no reason to feel sorry for him. He is in a much better place.
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord”
The real tragedy is when one dies without accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
SaintOlaf on June 13, 2008 at 5:24 PM
That’s really terrible news.. I waited almost every week for the 1pm eastern time posting of the meet the press netcast to view it from Tel-Aviv. I did not agree with many of Tim Russerts political & subsequent journalistic views but he always earned my respect in a way the current clowns at MSNBC never could.
saus on June 13, 2008 at 5:25 PM
Yes.
Skidd on June 13, 2008 at 5:25 PM
Tim Russert last apparence on Imus in the Morning this past Monday link below. I can’t believe he isn’t going to be on IITM anymore. This is so sad.
http://imustimes.wordpress.com/2008/06/13/i-fav-tim-russert-is-dead-at-58/
Dr Evil on June 13, 2008 at 5:26 PM
I am sick of heart. As a political junkie, Tim was a fascinating man to watch. Watching him on Imus glowing with pride about his dad when his book came out made him so likable to me. I knew he was liberal and was always watching for that little bit of unfairness to show but his MTP was a must see knowing someone’s words would be put on the screen to haunt them…I didn’t like when it was my guy, but I knew it would happen to the other guy too. I cannot CANNOT stand Olbermann, but I will try to catch some of his statements tonight because the man is a wordsmith in these kind of occasions…he was the person I turned to when Dick Ebersol (NBC Sports) died and he nailed it. God have mercy on Tim and his family.
deedledee on June 13, 2008 at 5:29 PM
Enough. Leave the preaching at the door, please. And you’re not a saint.
MadisonConservative on June 13, 2008 at 5:29 PM
I never understood why Mark Levin was so hard on Russert. For a former Democrat employee, Russert always came across as reasonably balanced to me. I’ll miss him.
ynot4tony2 on June 13, 2008 at 5:29 PM
That was tacky, Mister Furniture. Real tacky. Tim Russert’s relationship with his God was his business and his alone. It is nobody’s place to speculate.
Sekhmet on June 13, 2008 at 5:32 PM
Allahpundit: I think it is time to ban this idiot…
first time in two years that I have called for a ban, but this fool has earned the right to be banned.
right2bright on June 13, 2008 at 5:33 PM
Rest in Peace, Tim.
TritonTR on June 13, 2008 at 5:33 PM
The only national news player that I could watch with little doubt that he was playing it straight. Immensely talented and enjoyable.
Jaibones on June 13, 2008 at 5:33 PM
He was sharp with both sides. He was fair without lobbing softballs.
I will miss him.
blink on June 13, 2008 at 5:34 PM
Hmmm, was he on Hillary and Bill’s enemy list?
mgtanner on June 13, 2008 at 5:35 PM
He left his political views at the door. Like a true journalist. I just hope NBC doesn’t replace him with somebody who doesn’t do the same (i.e. Olbermann).
malan89 on June 13, 2008 at 5:37 PM
Oh, man. Noooo….
Skidd on June 13, 2008 at 5:39 PM
Condolences to the Russert family. Tim Russert was one of the few MSM journalists who tried to be fair. Many of these journos hate America, Russert loved America and it showed. His industry didn’t deserve him.
eaglephin on June 13, 2008 at 5:40 PM
Olbermannwatch.com has a posting that the Daily Kos crowd isn’t even waiting for Russert body to turn cold and are already making overtures to get Keith”the new Murrow”Olbermann as the new host of MTP…real class guys.
mlong on June 13, 2008 at 5:41 PM
You’re a morbid person.
Lehosh on June 13, 2008 at 5:41 PM
SaintOlaf on June 13, 2008 at 4:40 PM
Why don’t you worry about the beam in your own eye beore you worry about the mote in other peoples, douche. Examine your own soul, I’m sure Jesus isn’t very happy with you right now.
Don Carne on June 13, 2008 at 5:45 PM
I didn’t really care for his interviewing style but he certainly was among the better ones in his field.
I was very shocked today to see this piece of news and when I saw the headline I thought perhaps it meant his career was dead or something like that. I clicked on it and saw it was that he actually died :( . I do think he was a good American and did his best. I feel for his family, I can’t imagine what they are going through with something so unexpected. Seems he was so young in today’s standards of living.
What I hope comes out of things like this is that heart organizations use this horrible tragedy to open the door to educate people about heart attacks and how to lessen the chance of them. Sometimes it takes a shock like this to get people to listen. Truly sad to have this happen to a nice guy. What a loss.
diaphanous on June 13, 2008 at 5:48 PM
What a loss to us all.
He was a real “mensch.” The highest honor a man can reach.
That he died so close to Fathers day is VERY LOUSY joke.
May Hashem bless his soul and give comfort to his family.
Amen
iam7545 on June 13, 2008 at 5:49 PM
This is why I run, eat oatmeal for breakfast and check my blood pressure every other day. I’m only 40, but 58 is way too short a life.
RIP Tim. He was a bit more objective than some of the other TV journalists.
Hopefully this will inspire others to change their habits. Do it for your kids. They will need you for a long time.
JeffB. on June 13, 2008 at 5:51 PM
I once had a fellow who worked for me similarly die in our office. I can tell you that the people around him at the time this occurred are traumatized, and deserve our prayers. They are hurting, deeply, I assure you.
To his family, my thoughts and prayers go to you as well.
The man was far, far too young to die. God Bless him.
shaken on June 13, 2008 at 5:52 PM
Of course, Brokaw’s obit has to be completely self-serving to NBC and MSNBC, and Brian Williams, who is the voice of NBC, and will be covering the story on NBC, as well as MSNBC..
They can’t give it a break even when a guy dies.
RIP.
benrand on June 13, 2008 at 5:54 PM
It’s very unfortunate. He was one of the few mainstreamers that were fair.
JellyToast on June 13, 2008 at 5:57 PM
Who let Westboro Baptist Church on the board.
Your a sick puppy . A real case.
Texyank on June 13, 2008 at 5:57 PM
James McDougal
revolution on June 13, 2008 at 5:58 PM
Tim was one of the greats
Mark
http://mark24609.blogspot.com/
There is no subtler, no surer means of overturning the existing basis of society than to debauch the currency. John Maynard Keynes
mark24609 on June 13, 2008 at 6:10 PM
I wouldn’t go that far. He accepted, and peddled, the same liberal premises that all journalists accept and peddle.
misterpeasea on June 13, 2008 at 6:13 PM
Tim was one of the good guys. What would his profession be like if all journalists were as fair-minded, honest, and had that kind of integrity?
RIP, Mr. Russert. Your passing leaves a void that won’t soon be filled, and the country is all the poorer for it.
Condolences to his family and co-workers at NBC.
Purple Fury on June 13, 2008 at 6:13 PM
As with nearly all here, my thoughts go to his family and friends.
For me, Russert represented a increasingly rare type of journalist: the working class liberal. Liberal politically (broadly speaking) but with a deep respect (and more important, understanding) for the working class, a segment of the population who may not always be so “progressive” in their thinking.
No looking down at these people for Russert.
My thoughts, in particular, go to his father who must be devastated. It must be tough to outlive one’s son.
Does anyone know if he had brothers or sisters? I can’t find that anywhere.
SteveMG on June 13, 2008 at 6:15 PM
If you’re a conservative in a media world dominated by liberals, the only thing you can really ask about a TV political interviewer is that from time to time his questions anger both sides of the political spectrum. Russert was — He may not have made everyone at “Hot Air” or other conservative sites happy every Sunday morning, but he also ticked off liberals by asking their leaders tough questions.
Tim will be missed, and what NBC does and who they pick as his replacement could be a moment of truth for their news organization.
jon1979 on June 13, 2008 at 6:20 PM
God speed.
p0s3r on June 13, 2008 at 6:25 PM
Thanks Tim… Rest in Peace….
Thoughts and prayers to his loved ones and those that hold him in their heart…
Doogiesd on June 13, 2008 at 6:25 PM
What shocking news. Poor Maureen and Luke … and Big Russ. They’re all in my prayers today.
Tim Russert was my very favorite TV journalist, a face I always looked forward to seeing. His warmth, pride in and affection for his family, and his straight shooting really endeared him to me.
A favorite memory: Tim and his simple little whiteboard, making sense of the chaos of the 2000 election … amidst all the high-tech communications setups, there was Tim, scribbling and erasing, tallying where we were with the count and explaining how many electoral votes were still needed to win.
God bless you, Mr. Russert. I hope to meet you in the hereafter.
Rosmerta on June 13, 2008 at 6:29 PM
Yes, this is the hardest. Prayers for his family.
Nichevo on June 13, 2008 at 6:30 PM
He seemed fair.
Good wishes to his family.
madmonkphotog on June 13, 2008 at 6:33 PM
Whoa! I’ve been gone all day and away from media transmitters.
Russert dead? Man! God rest his soul.
baldilocks on June 13, 2008 at 6:33 PM
Today, after the untimely death of Tim Russert was announced, the conservative media heaped great praise on him.
In contrast, if anyone in the conservative media passed away, the liberal media would be dancing on his or her grave.
pocomoco on June 13, 2008 at 6:36 PM
I wish there was a second Russert thread for me to add (I’m heading out of town) that I would bet my bottom dollar that Olbermann would SERIOUSLY submit his name as Russert’s M.T.P. replacement. I have no doubt his ego believes he is the obvious successor.
Like Rush, I thought Russert could be fair. Remember his FIRST question to Al Gore, that caught this poor deer in the headlights? “Mr. Gore, does life begin at conception?”
Marcus on June 13, 2008 at 6:39 PM
The result of the difference between enemy and adversary.
As for Olaf his statements are strikenly similar to his recently banned bud on this same subject. Doppleganger is my guess.
Limerick on June 13, 2008 at 6:40 PM
Stick a cork in it. I do mean that. Leave that stuff between the two entities that it is meant to be between. And your first sentence in the post I quoted above is just out there in la la land. It’s not appropriate nor civilized.
diaphanous on June 13, 2008 at 6:42 PM
SaintOlaf’s words speak for themselves; no need to retort.
As repugnant as they seem, they do not warrant a banning.
Everyone here wants us all to say the right things in sensitive situations, and while Olaf’s words were deemed inappropriate by some, I do not feel that Olaf meant Russert any disrespect nor do I think Olaf’s words of salvation were damning.
That said, I’m sure that sprinkled in the grieving of his family will be nuggets of joy of all the great times they shared.
I certainly will be one of many who pray for Tim and the Russert family.
geckomon on June 13, 2008 at 6:51 PM
Your pathetic caricature speaks to the following:
a) You have never met a true Christian in your life.
b) You have no clue what Christians believe when it comes to soteriology.
c) You’re just a miserable jackass who can’t wait to pick on Christians, and grossly exaggerate their beliefs, even on a sad day like this.
d) All of the above.
I go for d.
Richard Romano on June 13, 2008 at 6:52 PM
Rest in peace Mr. Russert, you will be missed. My deepest condolences to his family.
Richard Romano on June 13, 2008 at 6:57 PM
I heard about this at work. Rest in peace sir and my prayers for your family.
aikidoka on June 13, 2008 at 7:05 PM
If it’s Sunday it might still be Meet the Press, but it will never be the same again. The Press lost a great, and is now worth even much less than they were in the first place. He provided a certain counterbalance, a gravitas, even though he was also liberal.
His wife and son are still in Europe, to fly back tonight. All three were there to celebrate his son’s graduation. He returned last night.
Entelechy on June 13, 2008 at 7:10 PM
What a shame. 58 is way, way too young. My deepest sympathy to his wife, son and father.
winewife on June 13, 2008 at 7:12 PM
I’d rather spend eternity in hell than with you in heaven.
Entelechy on June 13, 2008 at 7:15 PM
What a massive loss to the few remaining credible journalists worth listening to. Tim’s MTP has been Must See TV for me for years now. Huge condolences from Canuckistan.
I’ve been watching the coverage on CNN all afternoon, hosted by Blitzer. Every now and then amongst the effusive commentary there will be some especially incisive accolade for Tim and his work that so tellingly underscores everything that CNN and especially Blitzer are not. It’s almost sacrilege to have to endure Blitzer go on and on. At least the bastard had the decency to hold back on the scores of times he would usually intone about CNN being the best political team in television. (whatta idiot)
You were taken from us at a most unfortunate time. And I know I am going to miss you Tim. Very, very much.
notta_dhimmi on June 13, 2008 at 7:17 PM
My sympathy to his family and friends.
Yakko77 on June 13, 2008 at 7:17 PM
I think the word you are looking for here is “professional.” Russert was that even though his own left-of-center ideology did creep in at times. NBC has huge shoes to fill and I don’t see who is in the bullpen to do it.
highhopes on June 13, 2008 at 7:25 PM
I’m actually surprised how taken aback I am from this. I got a lot of joy out of watching Meet the Press every Sunday and I think he was the best in the business.
Harmonic Mean on June 13, 2008 at 7:26 PM
Godspeed, Mr. Russert.
SouthernDem on June 13, 2008 at 7:30 PM
I have no animosity for the guy and feel bad for his family and friends, but the truth is that he was a softball pitcher.
Yes, Tim was fairer than most news anchors but when you have idiots like Olbermann and Matthews in that group, it’s not saying much. Still, he leaves the profession hopelessly in far left field.
Rest in peace Tim, you deserve it.
Christine on June 13, 2008 at 7:47 PM
OT and I hope not inappropriate.
This guy won’t be replacing Mr. Russert: Link
My guess is that Mr. Russert would have laughed.
SteveMG on June 13, 2008 at 8:07 PM
Despite his channel I loved this guy. Truly what a supporters supposed to be. An incredible guy. I’ll really miss watching him. Reall depressing news.
eski502 on June 13, 2008 at 8:10 PM
Tim Russert was one of those guys who you just knew loved his work and his lot in life.
Our loss.
hillbillyjim on June 13, 2008 at 8:19 PM
With a view to avoiding such early deaths:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080609162100.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080611135038.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080604074908.htm
Kralizec on June 13, 2008 at 8:25 PM
Never saw him trash anyone. Good man. RIP.
Hog Wild on June 13, 2008 at 8:36 PM
Elementary, my dear Entelechy.
Holmes on June 13, 2008 at 8:37 PM
Eternity is forever…..
SaintOlaf on June 13,2008 at 4:40PM.
SaintOlaf:That is just over the top mean,and ya know,
your starting to give Republican Christians
a hell of a bad name!
Have some compassion man!!! :)
canopfor on June 13, 2008 at 8:45 PM
Elementry, My dear Entelechy.
Holmes on June 13,2008 at 8:37PM.
Holmes: Great scott,hello Holmes,and good evening
Entelechy!! :) :) :).
canopfor on June 13, 2008 at 8:48 PM
I really liked the guy. Thought he was pretty fair for the most part.
joeyb1955 on June 13, 2008 at 9:14 PM
Sadly, the Supreme Court’s betrayal of All America and ALL Americans is a MUCH more important story than this – and will now get drowned into silence by the Narcissistic Media.
grtflmark on June 13, 2008 at 9:23 PM
CNN’s coverage of this has been good.
(Sorry, but if I’m going to watch I’m not going to watch the Information Minister on MSNBC. )
indythinker on June 13, 2008 at 9:47 PM
A true loss for his family, friends, and journalism. Here’s to only fond memories for all.
csdeven on June 13, 2008 at 9:47 PM
OMG, so sad, heartfelt condolenses to his family.
May God cradle them and keep them in his arms during this sad and awful time. I will be saying an extra prayer tonight. I only wish he would have had that heart CT scanned. I felt the same about John Ritter when he went so young.
RIP Mr. Russert, you were a good and honest man. What will ever happen to NBC now, it’s all downhill from here.
AprilOrit on June 13, 2008 at 9:47 PM
SHUT UP, HOW DARE YOU!!!!!
YOU ARE CRUEL AND INCONSIDERATE. NOT TO MENTION ACTING LIKE A TROLL!!!!
AprilOrit on June 13, 2008 at 9:49 PM
Russert gets McCain’s goat on Meet the Press.
Maxx on June 13, 2008 at 9:49 PM
labrat on June 13, 2008 at 9:57 PM
Rush is right. Russert tried to be fair, which is more than can be said for any single other person in the national MSM. He believed — as I do — that the American family is the backbone of this nation, and that hard work and personal honor are to be valued. He had that one quality so utterly lacking in public life today: basic human decency.
Rational Thought on June 13, 2008 at 9:57 PM
Sympathies to the Russert family.
Tim tried, not always successfully,to be fair to the right but to his credit, went after the left often on MTP.
Sadly, his legacy is going to be sullied by whichever troll crawls out from NBC’s sewer of a news division and takes over his roles.
jjshaka on June 13, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Russert gets McCains goat on Meet the Press.
Maxx on June 13,2008 at 9:49PM.
Maxx: Thank-you for that, classic Tim Russert,and ya
McCain looked uncomfortable,and Somalia was a
disaster”Meals on Wheels” episode!
And,ssshhhhhhhhh,don’t mention goat and McCain
in the same sentence,Indy Conservative might
freak!haha. :)( Indy,ya know I’m kidding.:) )
canopfor on June 13, 2008 at 10:02 PM
He was a Christian, and I’m confident in his professing of faith. I can’t say the same about you. Please, unplug your modem and go and sin no more (emphasis on go).
Prayers for his family. He will be missed.
emailnuevo on June 13, 2008 at 10:04 PM
I am no fan of journalist anywhere,But Russet was one of the
guy’s you could count on to give an objective view,he will be
missed.
Baxter Greene on June 13, 2008 at 10:09 PM
I am in shock, Tim Russert leaves us much too early. His family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. RIP, Tim Russert.
d1carter on June 13, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 4 Next »