My Friend Tim Russert

Tim Russert, the moderator of NBC's Meet The Press, died of heart failure on Friday. I feel like I've lost a close friend. Through the magic of television I was a devoted fan of Meet The Press. I loved to watch his unparalleled skill at interviewing his guests and digging for information and truth. But as the years passed I realized I was more interested in his stories of Luke, Maureen and Big Russ. That's how I came to know Tim. I learned about his Irish-Catholic roots and his pride in his hometown of Buffalo, and his team, the Buffalo Bills. He shared wonderful stories of the life lessons he learned as a kid growing up on the cusp of poverty, saved only by the work ethic of Big Russ and a devoted mother. Tim was the consummate professional. As a journalist, he rose to the pinnacle of his profession and was respected by those who sat opposite him. He walked among giants, but from my perspective, I truly believe we all looked up to him. Not because of his position and power, but because of the essential goodness of the man. He loved his family and he loved his country and he loved us. I will miss his smile. I never met him, but I will miss my friend, Tim.