I was shocked to see this news. So many politicians he interviewed... Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25145431/
Its always terrible to see someone so young go. He was a bit overweight though, and you have to wonder if that played into his health.
I actually think he was one of the better ones at staying non partisan, the slant most other cable news casters have towards right or left is a lot more apparent. I'll miss seeing him.
As far as other NBC journalists go, you are right. Chris Mathews and Olbermann are much worse... Russert will be missed no doubt.
Tim Russert .....how incredibly sad. Mia, he grew up in Democratic politics and worked for a Democratic Senator. he worked very hard to be even handed as a news commentator and worked hard to be tough on all pols.
Er, I cannot say I agree.. He might have come off that way to you, but to a great many, he was pretty one sided. Not as bad as some, but still, hard to the left.
I don't watch TV to avoid IQ reduction, but based on what I hear about him and the fact that he served TPTB by itself, not a bad news. And Ted Kennedy has brain cancer. We should party! [partyman smiley goes here]
And many Democrats said he saved his toughest questions for Democrats. They winced at his questioning. If both sides thought he was tough....that usually speaks to a strong effort at trying to get to the newsy side and not the political side that either side prefers. Based on his job background, working for both a Democratic Senator and Governor before he got into the news, there was never a question about where his leanings were. I don't think they came out in his questioning though as he was similarly tough on everyone. I enjoyed watching him.
He was a great journalist. I will miss watching his show on Sundays. My condolences to the loved ones he left behind.