Steven P. BarrettTim Russert, RIP: A Nice Guy Who Was Also Important.
June 17th 2008 04:26
For any of you who’ve ever wanted to become a political reporter, columnist or television “talking head,” blogger -- whatever suits your fancy -- I’m sure the sudden death of NBC’s Meet the Press,' Moderator, Tim Russert, (1950-2008) must have hit hard. It sure hit this blogger and political writer pretty hard.
I never met the man nor had any contact with him on any occasion. Yet, there was something about him that made him feel like he’d been part of my life for many years. Perhaps it’s our Catholic roots and upbringing, dedication to God and family first, and seeing the necessity of putting our careers somewhere else along the line.
What he loved more was getting to know people on a personal basis and when he did, nothing was as important to him as their personal welfare and especially that of their kids. This example holds anywhere: get to know people, make friends with them and make sure you deeply care for their kids and other family members.
Russert didn’t need the accolades. Sure, he appreciated the compliments, but mostly because they reflected well upon his hard working staff that helped him stay prepared for what many came to know as the “Russert Test” for any politician running for high office. As Jim Carville said yesterday during a special "Meet The Press," nothing bothered Tim more than for his guests to come on the show unprepared.
He was direct and spoke to his guests and viewers in plain English, as his father “Big Russ” advised him when he got started. No fancy words, no favoritism, no bull. He wanted Meet the Press to reassure voters that public service is a noble calling, but he did so in a way that was neither patronizing or overbearing. If you were running for higher office, and you already had a high office, a senate or congressional seat, a governor’s office, etc., there was one question you couldn’t dodge: “Are you running for president?”
Thanks Tim. You gave politics the dignity it long lacked. I long recall some wise advice shared by the late Speaker Tip O’Neill in his book Man of the House. O’Neill recalled when he was a younger politician and he called on the legendary James Michael Curley for advice. Curley looked and simply said, “Son, it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”
Tim Russert was both. Thanks Tim, even though I never met you personally.
I never met the man nor had any contact with him on any occasion. Yet, there was something about him that made him feel like he’d been part of my life for many years. Perhaps it’s our Catholic roots and upbringing, dedication to God and family first, and seeing the necessity of putting our careers somewhere else along the line.
What he loved more was getting to know people on a personal basis and when he did, nothing was as important to him as their personal welfare and especially that of their kids. This example holds anywhere: get to know people, make friends with them and make sure you deeply care for their kids and other family members.
Russert didn’t need the accolades. Sure, he appreciated the compliments, but mostly because they reflected well upon his hard working staff that helped him stay prepared for what many came to know as the “Russert Test” for any politician running for high office. As Jim Carville said yesterday during a special "Meet The Press," nothing bothered Tim more than for his guests to come on the show unprepared.
He was direct and spoke to his guests and viewers in plain English, as his father “Big Russ” advised him when he got started. No fancy words, no favoritism, no bull. He wanted Meet the Press to reassure voters that public service is a noble calling, but he did so in a way that was neither patronizing or overbearing. If you were running for higher office, and you already had a high office, a senate or congressional seat, a governor’s office, etc., there was one question you couldn’t dodge: “Are you running for president?”
Thanks Tim. You gave politics the dignity it long lacked. I long recall some wise advice shared by the late Speaker Tip O’Neill in his book Man of the House. O’Neill recalled when he was a younger politician and he called on the legendary James Michael Curley for advice. Curley looked and simply said, “Son, it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”
Tim Russert was both. Thanks Tim, even though I never met you personally.
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