I know this is very late... I originally planned to do this on Independance Day (*seemed apropos)... but its never too late to acknowledge a great American. As were others who kept up with all the major mainstream media news outlets on a regular basis, I was crushed at the news of the untimely passing of Tim Russert.
Anyone who knows me and has had the pleasure of talking politics/social issues with me (in all liklihood) has had me recommend "Meet the Press" to them. In a culture of hidden agendas, idealogy and personal opinions that taint reporting, Meet the Press was an incredible breathe of fresh air. For those who watched it regularly, you got to know about Tim Russert, the person, not the ideology. He came across as "real"... and that helped form a bond and rapport with Americans that tuned in everyweek, keeping him the highest rated Sunday morning news show. With the exuberance of a child, it was always clear how much he loved politics. You also got to see how clearly he loved fatherhood and honored his own father. You knew about his Catholic upbringing and how he felt that helped shape his character as a man. You knew he was from humble beginnings with his father who worked as a sanitation worker. You knew that he was a Buffalo native who never missed an opportunity to cheer on his Buffalo Bills football team. With more possible excuses than most, in a town full of hubris... he was the rare person who always seemed grounded and relatable. I dont know how much he made at NBC, but he came across as an authentic regular guy... a $43K/yr middle class man from Buffalo. His position would not change him. Tim Russert was still one of us... he was still looking out for us.
One thing that made Tim distinct, was his style of interviewing. From the very beginning... and the first thing I mentioned when I told people about the show... his detailed and annotated way of public interviewing . Every politician or government employee who went on the show, would have to give account for previous statements they made that contradicted what they were currently telling people. He didn't badger his guests. He didn't argue with them. With an enviable calm delivery, he would simply cut through the "spin" with their own words on the screen... clear for all tuned in to see. The guest wasn't harassed and constantly interrupted, but it was clear that Tim perused a lot of other public statements prior to the show. Some politicans will dismiss or dance around the words of others (even in their party) but to argue or deny your own words...? Not quite as easy to call them "nuances." It wasn't to embarass, but to give the American people an honest look at what that person is saying, and what that person has said. Any guest was going to have to give account for previous statements to the contrary, through video of themselves that couldn't be dismissed... and the American people would be the better for it.
The most amazing thing about Tim Russert (for me) was perhaps the fact that I NEVER knew his political affiliation. I never knew his personal beliefs. He let us in on his loves, and we know he had a passion for politics, but he didn't allow his personal philosophy to taint his show. Regardless of the conclusion he came to, it was not his job to tell you what you should think about the issues. He wasn't a commentator (like a lot of late night cable news shows). He was a reporter. He was reporting... digging for the facts... as many as he could... and allow you, the viewer, the opportunity to parse them without biasing you. Whether Democrat, Republican (or 3rd party), whether Legislator or Executive Branch member, everyone was going to get a thorough interview. To me at least, it felt as if... HE FELT it was his honor and duty... to give each American the opportunity to formulate intelligent opinions about the politics of their country.
Meet the Press was my favorite news program and Tim Russert was my favorite news/political host. He will truly be missed...
Posts
