Well-known journalist Tim Russert died a week ago today. Since then, the airwaves have been filled with acknowledgements and remembrances and eulogies; and I’ve watched my fair share.
I’ve tried to absorb that a TV personality who is younger than I has succumbed to a heart attack. I’ve tried to consider what his departure from the scene means for journalistic reporting in this year of an amazing election. And I’ve tried to imagine who might fill Russert’s shoes. I can’t imagine who could.
I came lately to the Russert bandwagon. I’d promised myself I wouldn’t get involved in this year’s politics until January 2. And I kept that promise. Yet, since then so much has happened that I feel I have had a full political life. I thank Tim Russert for part of that.
Of another thing I’m sure: Tim Russert was the most professional talking head –or if you prefer: journalist — on any network. He did his homework; he skewered both Democrats and Republicans alike when the need arose. He didn’t bombast or wasn’t arrogant like other TV hosts of similar ilk. He was just Tim.
And now he’s gone. Tomorrow “Meet the Press” will go on without him; and I’ll try to watch. But I don’t envy the person in Tim’s chair. Because no one can fill that seat . . . or those shoes.
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