Wow. I am totally shocked that veteran journalist and Meet the Press host Tim Russert has died of a heart attack today. Of all days, why Friday the 13th? I had just stopped believing in the power of that day until Tim Russert dies and my entire city floods on the same day.
Tim Russert's show was one of the highlights of my entire week. I realized long ago that I have this addiction to Sunday morning talk shows. A couple of years ago, I actually threatened to rent a separate hotel room when my boyfriend was not showing Tim the love when I was trying to watch it!
Tim's show was a necessary plank to be walked. It was a gauntlet. It was a must-do, and a "must-do good." He had this way of asking very one-sided and accusatory questions that didn't come out that way at all. It was almost as if he was given a pass for asking because he was Tim. People respected him that much. I also think the technique of throwing the person's own quotes up on the screen to have them respond is brilliant. What are you going to say? "I didn't say that? You can be sure Tim would have a tape of you saying it. 20 years ago!
My sincere condolenses to his wife and son. I hope his son can somehow carry the family legacy on.
Prayers and thoughts from northern Colorado coming your way, Claire. The Russert story is big news, but I'm more worried about how you and your town are holding up.
Posted by: Easton Ellsworth | June 14, 2008 8:21 AM | Permalink to Comment