All of America was sent reeling today with the devastating news that NBC newsman Tim Russert died of a heart attack at work Friday morning. He was the face you woke up to on Sunday mornings, if you managed to be up by 9 AM in most places. He was a staple of the Washington, DC political scene, and was the calm and deliberate voice in a sea of shouting matches and arguments.
He was also a good family man, and showed that side of himself in his two bestselling books. I was fortunate enough to buy both "Big Russ & Me" and "Wisdom of Our Fathers: Lessons and Letters from Daughters and Sons" for my own father as Father's Day gifts. Both were excellent books that let you into his life and showed the deep bond of father and son. He understood the importance of family and it was seen by many people.
And lastly, he was a fan of our Capitals. Many of you might remember the video clip of him ending a morning show a few months back by holding up a red Caps jersey and calling on a playoff victory in Philly.
Tim Russert was a good newsman, family man, sports fan, political guru, lawyer, and correspondent, among other things. He was a staple of American news, and will be sorely missed.
He will be replaced on Meet the Press, but he will never be replaced in the hearts of millions of Americans.
