An appreciation of Tim Russert

Rook gets sentimental about unusual things.

A follower of politics since we first were free of the nest, we watched Meet the Press quite a bit during the tenure of Mr Russert, and more religiously in these days of DVRs and Video Podcasts. There are political reporters, and then there are Political Reporters. Mr Russert was, obviously afforded the stature of the latter.

Qualifying what made him a giant among men is difficult. Was it his ability to pierce through the noise and accurately predict where the wind was blowing? Was it his ability to moderate a discussion between two sides that would rather scream and throw furniture at each other?

These things were part of what made him great, but Rook’s favorite quality of Mr Russert was a quick, saavy mind that allowed him to interview politicians and make them squirm when they were asked questions they never saw coming exposing their lies and half truths, and his ability to expose them for who they truly were for all the world to see.

The world needs more Political Reporters like Mr Russert, and sadly, Rook doesn’t see many even approaching his stature out there on the landscape today.

Mr Russert, you will be missed.