I don’t normally do this, but I am sad.A man passed on yesterday, and he is one that elicits no sarcastic jokes from me upon his passing.
The Washington Bureau Chief of NBC News and moderator of Meet The Press, Tim Russert died yesterday, at the age of 58.
I was crushed. I don’t enjoy seeing good people being taken from this earth so soon.
Russert lived, ate, and breathed politics…something I do as well. I found his passion for it, invigorating.
He was not full of deluded bombast like O’Reilly; he wasn’t full of fluff like Walters; he wasn’t full of himself like Hannity and Olberman.
He was a regular guy from Buffalo, New York who grew up admiring his dad, worked hard, and eventually married and helped to create and raise a great kid named Luke.
And all along the way, he checked his facts and interviewed evasive politicians with the mastery of a skillful attorney, of which, he was one.
In my opinion, he was the best at what he did. Every reporter has personal biases and agendas, but I feel that he, better than any other, kept his in check.
Typically I don’t eat breakfast, but on Sunday mornings I do…
I’ll still enjoy my bacon and eggs on Sunday morning, but they won’t taste quite as good without my side of Tim Russert hosting Meet the Press.
Here’s to him, his family, and all that knew the man…
And now…The Bagwine Ruminations Comment of the Week.
This week’s COW comes from the daughter of a previous COW recipient.
On Monday, I posted about my funk and one of the reasons that helped me to get out of it.
I was at work, and a co-worker, whom I have only known for a couple of months called me and offered to cook, and bring me a hamburger.
Winter’s kid, Motley, of Socially Dead…Who is barley legal and has great cleavage, left the following comment:
“I wish people would bring me homemade burgers at work! Of course, I don't think many people would like to swing by a mortuary to drop off a burger…”
Congrats to Motley on ropin’ this week’s COW. If you’d like to congratulate her, you can click HERE.
I’m off to see Ryno for awhile. Have a great Saturday, and I hope to see you for my Father’s Day Church Service tomorrow.
Cheers!!
47 comments:
That really sucks about Russert. I wasn't nearly as big of a fan of him, but certainly never wanted anything this terrible to happen.
I have sent in my resume to NBC for their new opening as host of MTP. You don't think I acted too quickly do you?
Jay: Ha. I know you weren't. You made a comment about him once before on here.
But just like I said yesterday about you...Your warmth just oozes...Good luck with the resume. And if you get the job, bring me on the show. Cheers Jay!!
This is the trouble with politics...it'll kill you. Based on that alone, I should be able to live forever!
VE: What the...? What are you doing here at this time of night? I'm not Belize-in this. Get it?
You're going to Belize. Wasn't that funny? Okay, maybe not. Cheers!!
I'm not one to watch or listen to talking heads, but Russert seemed like a good egg. He was much too young to go.
Songbird: Of all the people who's passing bums me out of late, it's his.
If we all had the passion in our work as he did, be it a custodian or the leader of a nation, the world would be a better place. Cheers!!
I don't know who Tim Russert is... I feel so young.
But YAY I get the COW award! =D And you mentioned my cleavage, too! I'm so flattered. *blush*
Many thanks and such! I'll have to post a special HNT next week for ya. ;]
Motley: A special HNT for me? I shouldn't look. Y'know you being so young (oh c'mon folks she IS of age). But of course, I will.
And a word of advice, enjoy those knockers now, because in a couple of dozen years they'll be down to your knees.
Congrats and Cheers, Motley!!
Well... maybe just the belly button. If she's carefull about supporting the girls. I bet you'd lend them some support.
Marilyn: I would never offer to support them...at least in a financial way. Okay, physically, maybe. Cheers!!
She says they're so big they're almost half way there now... which of course is an exaggeration because in her high heeled sneakers she's 6'2".
I'm so happy she won. It was a good comment. I certainly didn't think of it and I've been at the cemetery 8 years longer than her!
Right on Matt. Good post. I don't listen to non fiction talk tv. I'm giving most of the stuff the benefit of the doubt that it is non fiction. When and if Matt-Man gets elected I will turn on and tune in.
P.S. congratulations Motley,osd. I've been trying to get my hands on this guys beef for awhile now.
Very few shows or commentators can get me interested in politics but Russert did it for me. I didn't feel like an idiot when I watched his show and I actually learned stuff there. I'll miss him too.
I too was saddened by his passing. Hub was a big fan of his, so by osmosis I became one too. Only the good die young. ;-(
Peace
It is a sad time here in Buffalo. Our community has lost one of its finest. Tim Russert was a very loved and admired man here. Yesterday news were packed with the history of his growing up here in Buffalo, interviews with his teacher's from the Catholic Scools he attended, his deep love for his Father, how sad that it will be that he will not be here to share Father's Day with him.
Tim was often seen here at many events such as Buffalo Bills games, Sabre Games and Summer Events. He was always willing to give interviews to the media, and was hand down one heck of a nice guy. He will be terribly missed.
May he rest in the house of God now with all his loved ones that have gone before him, and may many prayers be said for his wife and family.
Thanks Matt for such a nice post on a man who really did make a difference for the good of this country.
Hugs,
Kimmie
My hats off to you my friend.
Hugs,
Kimmie
I am a HUGE Tim Russert fan, and cannot imagine Meet the Press without him.
Oh, and Matt, the eagle has landed on the black cat's back!
I always enjoyed his appearances on Letterman. His talk of his family, his Dad especially, was touching and genuine.
A very nice tribute to someone you admired matt-man.
congrats motley. so young and yet already so twisted - I'm impressed.
Winter: And just think, indirectly, you kinda won again as well. Cheers!!
Lu: You can handle my beef anytime you'd like. Cheers Lu!!
Metal: Many people say that exact same thing. Cheers Metal!!
Odat: Damn straight buddy, damn straight. Cheers!!
Kimmie: He was a very good guy. Cheers!!
Dana: Meowwwww. You don't know how long I have waited to get THAT message from you. Have a safe trip home. Cheers Dana!!
Dianne: Genuine, is a very good word with which to describe him, and Motley is headed for doom. Cheers Di!!
If it's Sunday, I'm watching Meet The Press.
I'm so sad that Tim passed. I really loved the show, but really it was the man [kid] who asked the tough questions that had my heart.
Bummed!
Micky: I hear ya brutha. It sucks. I'm thinking David Gregory will be the next host. Cheers to ya Mick!!
Tim Russert often appeared on The Today Show, that's where I'd catch his commentary. And aside from you Matty, he is the only other political spewer I cared to listen to.
A sad happening indeed.
I thought David too! It might take him awhile to get comfortable, but he could do it.
Leighann: Why thanks and yes, it's a real pisser. Cheers!!
Micky: No one can replace Russert but Gregory would do as well as anyone hosting that show. Cheers!!
Tim Russert was so passionate about his work and his family. It is a shame when good people are taken too soon.
I’m in 100% agreement with you. Tim Russert will be missed by many of us; he died much to young.
congrats Motley. It would appear that the milk doesn't fall very far from the teat.
On Russert- It isn't often that political commentary can be expressed in such a way as to appeal to both sides of the podeum as he did it.
For years I have enjoyed Russert even when disagreeing with some point and referring to the Sunday addiction as Meet The Depressed. Still he was far too young, and leaves behind a loving and deeply saddened group of family, friends, and colleagues. We should all do as well with a lifetime.
Karen: I agree completely. He had his priorites in order and lived a good life. Cheers!!
Nick: Yes he did, Nick...But I think his passion and kindness will live on in others. Cheers!!
Jeff: Ha. You're a mess. And you are correct on Russ. Cheers!!
Jamie: I agree. Cheers to Russert, Jamie. And Cheers to you!!
"Your warmth just oozes"
I'm glad you recognize what a thoughtful, big-hearted guy I really am. Most people miss that part of my personality.
But, I do have to say, there is nothing "oozing" from me right now. Antibiotics took care of all that. ;-)
Jay: You're drinking Sierra Mist Undercover Orange and Tequila again, aint ya? Cheers, ya sweet oozer, you!!
It's sad he's gone. He was one of the guys that seemed fair and wasn't playing for either side.
Hammer: Aside from the family thing it is sad. 'Cuz I agree, out of all the talking heads on TV, he was pretty damn fair. Cheers!!
I pray for Mr. Russert's family. This has to be an awful time for them.
Conrats to Motley on the COW.
AND, Happy Father's Day to you Matt-Man. I hope it's great!
Jen
Matty we are as one again. I admit I actually got teary at work reading that. I liked Tim. He was hands down the finest devils advocate out there.
What I really appreciated about him was that despite his past democratic party connections he hit the Dems just as hard as he hit the Republicans. Which I like because I don't like signing up for a political party and blindly following them. They get my support? Grill them in a public forum.
And I bring a burger to a mortuary...then again I have done the deed in one before. Beef, stiffs....it's all good ;)
Jen: Thanks, but it was less than great. Cheers!!
Starr: You went from being solemn to thoughts of necrophilia all in one comment. God, I love you. Cheers!!
I aims to please ;)
Time Russerts passing ruined my Friday, tomorrow will be much much more depressing
I was taken aback by the news, as well. I had just started watching meet the press, in an effort to understand our political atmosphere. Mr. Russert had a knack for putting the political into language my overworked brain could digest.
[Catching up on the world of bagwine]
I got home yesterday to a brother in law in mourning. He too is a poli-junky and loved "Meet the Depressed"...
I even enjoyed him... Such a loss~~
Just watched the show!
It's really amazing how much my wife and I are affected by the passing of that man.
I was shocked when I heard. I just talked with Dad Vince and he echoed your comment about Sunday's not being the same...He also loved the man.
I give my highest journalistic compliment to Mr Russert...he was fair and impartial.
Meet The Press was a program that my entire family had in common, despite our disparate political views. And the reason for that is because Tim Russert was fair and impartial.
Well shit. That's like telling someone how great and skinny they look and finding out that they are terminally ill.
I've done that too.
Jen
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