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The Daily Nightly began on May 31, 2005. As Brian wrote in his first post it aims to provide a narrative of the broadcast day and a window into the editorial process at NBC Nightly News. Brian weighs in every weekday and NBC News correspondents and producers post regularly.

Brian Williams became the seventh anchor and managing editor in the history of NBC Nightly News on December 2, 2004. Read his full biography.



Remembering Tim Russert

Posted: Friday, June 13, 2008 5:29 PM by Barbara Raab
Filed Under:

By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor

We are dealing with the worst news imaginable here on the other side of the world in Afghanistan.

Tim Russert is gone.

He was a giant in our company, in our lives, and in the combined fields of journalism and politics.

He was my friend for many years, and my on-air partner during the most exciting political year in generations.

The members of Tim's NBC News family are thinking only of the members of Tim's own family in the wake of this staggering, overpowering and sudden loss.

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A giant man within the industry... lost at a giant time ~ He never showed how tired he was... all that you witnessed was his passion, his knowldge, his desire to do what he did so well. All the very best to his family and you as well, Brian.

Wil Geffe (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 5:45 PM)

THANK YOU TIM RUSSERT,

you was the greatest journalist of the American modern news media. Russert's last show featured his close NBC News family (Ron Allen, Lee Cowan, Andrea Mitchell, Chuck Todd, David Gregory, Kelly O'Donell). His remark at the beginning of the show was "The great NBC News political dream team, together at LAST" was a forthcoming vision. After that comment a segment with Hillary Clinton began, where she said "Life is to short,...". How correct as the news of Russert's death spread.

He would comment on the Presidential Election so electrifying this year with his wisdom, experience, and gravitas, as only Russert could have delivered on screen. I can only imagine how Russert would enthusiastically call the election on Election Day on the NBC News network.

Russert was a giant with no political ideology to spread on HIS show "Meet the Press" as the temporary custodian of the legacy of Martha Rountree and Lawrence Spivak.

My condolences go to Russert's family, NBC News and the greatest show on television, Meet the Press.

If it's Sunday, it's Meet the Press. Go Bills. Good Night and Good Luck.

THANK YOU TIM RUSSERT for providing me with an enourmous insight into American politics.

RUSSERT was the greatest in its guild of news journalists as the most important powerhouse journalist in NBC News history.

Marc Schulz, Delitzsch, Germany (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 5:46 PM)

I never met the man, but I felt as if I knew him through his monumental presence on NBC. His views on what journalism should be are a textbook example for all who follow. What a tragedy; what a loss.

God bless Tim Russert, God bless NBC News.

David G, Hattiesburg, MS (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 5:46 PM)

Brian and NBC friends:

My family and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of Tim.   We feel like we lost a friend.  We loved Tim and his interviews.   He was amazing.  

I have been watching Wolf Blitzer on CNN and he has dedicated the last hour to Tim's legacy.   It is amazing all of the folks calling in to say a few words about Tim and how nice he was.  Like Wolf said on air today, it is hard to talk about Tim in the past.

Bests to the Russert and NBC family!

@ The Regulars:

As regulars we often get comments about being too much of groupies and offering to much good cheer to our cyber-friends.   Today is another example of the fact that life is way too short.   We must remember to always live life passionately.    

Anna (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 5:47 PM)

i will always listen to him forever by podcast. his words are carefully chosen and there will be no duplicate of him. my future children will know a great person who has the right words to say and when to say them. he will greatly be missed. every person he interviewed always would be on the offense because he would ask the real tough question that any American would like to ask them. God bless him and his family.

emmanuel, mayaguez, Puerto Rico (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 5:56 PM)

Mr. Williams,

Having already sent an email to the Broadcast, the one thing I did not express is that I hope, with time, the network is able to continue the great work that Mr. Russert brought to the watchers and intent listeners to the message that Mr. Russert brought to us. As I said in my email, Mr. Russert gave me education that no traditional school could have ever done. For that I am greatful.

Mr condolences to you and everyone in Mr. Russert's extended family at NBC.

Stephanie Wilson,
San Diego, California

Stephanie Wilson, San Diego, Ca. (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 5:58 PM)

I Just want to say my prayers are with his family. I watch nightly news every night and feel like everyone on there is a part of my famuly it is heartbreaking.

Dorotha Harmon Frankfort IL. (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 5:59 PM)

I wish you the best of luck this evening, Brian. You and your colleagues are in our thoughts, as well as his family.

Will Slack, Decatur, GA (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:00 PM)

My deepest sympathies to you, the staff and Mr. Russert's family. Like many others, I was truly shocked. I can only imagine how much he meant to all of you.

Sean Caldwell, Dix Hills, NY (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:01 PM)

My family is mourning with the NBC family.  It's like we lost a beloved member of our own family.  He will be missed.

Laura, Richmond, VA (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:04 PM)

My son had the opportunity to meet Tim when he spoke at the Gonzaga College High School Father-Son Breakfast in Washington D.C. It was a thrill for both my son and my husband. I was wishing Tim had been at the Mother-Son Breakfast! I have worked as a journalist and an attorney and am the mother of two sons and one daughter. Tim Russert was such a shining example of what a good man can do in all walks of life. My heart goes out to all of you who actually knew him, especially his family.

Patti Barrett, Clifton,Va (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:09 PM)

I just didn't believe it when I heard the news. I thought how could that be! I just saw him on nightly news talking about the primary races with Brian the other night. I think it is only fitting that you tell his life using his white board, I think he would have liked that very much,I think he would haved laughed, and that is how I choose to remember Tim.  My condolances go out to you and his family.

Don Small Zeeland,Mich (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:12 PM)

As avid viewers of Meet The Press, we are utterly shocked and very saddened at the news that Tim Russert has died.  We felt that Tim asked the tough questions of politicians on his show for us, to help inform us, to help get us and the American People the truth.  Unlike many journalists who come to a story with an agenda, it was clear that Tim Russerts agenda was TRUTH. We respected him for it and we looked to his reporting almost exclusively for information on our country's leadership and our nation's issues.  Our Sunday Morning will never be the same again...and our lives will be poorer for having lost him.

Cathleen & Joseph Kunkle
Egg Harbor Twp., NJ

Cathleen & Joseph Kunkle (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:14 PM)

Heaven gained a magnificent angel today, and we lost one of the very finest journalists that we have seen in a long time. Tim Russert was the voice I waited to hear when I needed great analysis of some major issue or the campaigns. He seemed to me to be one of the very best people on the planet as well.

My condolences to all of you, and to his family. This is heartbreaking news, and I'm so very sorry that all of you are having to work through this so publically. God bless all of you, and his family.

Lynn G., Minneapolis, MN (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:16 PM)

I love politics like many love sports. Tim is the president of the president. He is really the one who lead us because he was the truth. He was honest and fair. Sometimes you loved what he said, then he'll make you feel like a brother who disciplined you in from of guest. He made you feel angry when you are feeling like your party is winning. But, he would always end up being correct.IN OTHER WORDS, BECAUSE OF TIM, I'M AN INDEPENDENT. AND AFRAID TO CHOOSE A SIDE. HE MAKES YOU DUMP YOUR PARTY AND JUST SIMPLY CHOOSE THE ANSWER, WHICH IS ALWAYS IN THE MIDDLE. HE WAS MY FAVORITE. IT SEEMS LIKE IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO LOVE SOMEONE YOU HAVE NEVER MET, BUT TIM'S DEATH JUST PROVED IT'S POSSIBLE. I LOVED HIM.

HOPE, HIGH POINT, NC (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:18 PM)

We have lost a giant! a true hero and America has lost a great friend. my thoughts to his family at NBC MSNBC and to his wife and children, and of corse to "big Russ"

chris nichols Middle river Maryland (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:19 PM)

My heart goes out to Tim's family and also his NBC family. I know he will be greatly missed. He was the only reason that I watched any presidential coverage. What a great fun loving guy. My heart aches for his dad this will be very difficult. I am stunned beyond words. What a terrible shock.
All my prayers to all his family, friends and colleagues.

Regards, Shari Capraro

Shari Capraro Sunrise, FL (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:19 PM)

I loved Tim Russert.  For me, he was a steady force every Sunday in my life.  After each primary, I would turn the television on at 7 a.m. to get his take on what happened.  I watched his msnbc show and listened to his interviews of writers.  He was as much a part of my life as some of my friends.  I took the news hard today.  It is so unbelievable that he is gone.  Sundays won't be the same.  The elections won't be the same.  Nothing will be the same.  To the NBC family, my condolences.  To Tim's family - Maureen, Luke and Big Russ, my prayers are with you.  Know that we all claim Tim as part of our family.  God bless you.

Brenda Reddout, Winter Haven, FL (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:22 PM)

I can't imagine a NBC nightly news politics without Tim, his calculations and I always admire his quick black board /Chalk calculations in this high tech world. No one can replace you TIM. All NBC fans will miss you very much.

Poongothai, Nashua, NH (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:22 PM)

To NBC News:  Along with you, so many Americans are also dealing with the loss of Tim Russert.  The thought of each Sunday not seeing Tim comment and interview on Meet the Press will be a forever loss. I looked forward and trusted his commentary during the political seasons.  

My sympathy and prayers are with his family and Big Russ.  Always personalizing himself as a family man.  

I hope there will be a memorial activity for all of us to attend in the Washington, D. C. area so we can all participate and morn his passing.

Claudia Robert, Stafford, Virginia (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:29 PM)

Happy Father's Day to all fathers, and a special prayer for the Russert family, NBC family, and the family who has always felt apart of the family by watching on television. He is a man who will be missed greatly and forever in our hearts. God Bless.

Joy Floyd, Valdosta Ga (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:31 PM)

If I can make the presumption, the brashness, to assert my own eulogy since Mr. Russert was a fellow brother in Christ, beloved of the Lord, and most certainly exemplified all the highest things a human soul can aspire to: love of family, not a scoffer, fair-minded, even-tempered, not boastful, coveting nothing, save virtue…we can only hope to learn from this spirit.  Paul, the Apostle, wanted us to comfort one another, as fellow believers, with this exhortation he made to saints in Thessalonica close to 2000 years ago, but the time has not diminished them.  I think Mr. Russert must have lived by them, but to those he leaves behind, and his peers, they assure all of how to honor his memory:

“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Quench not the Spirit.
Despise not prophesyings.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1Thes 5:11-23

May the Lord bless him and keep him, may the Lord lift up his countenance upon him and give him peace, reposing in faith, to await the resurrection, of our Lord Jesus Christ.

JT Russell, VA, VA (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:34 PM)

Maeve Brennan, late of the New Yorker magazine, wrote:

"Death can come at any time.
For each of us it is only one accident or illnes away.
If you defer your own dreams to the distant future, you may die before you even begin to live.
If death can come at any time, then each day must count."

Tim Russert lived life to the fullest.  While we mourn his death, let us not forget to celebrate his life.

Marcy, Santa Fe, NM (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:48 PM)

In today's world where the likes O'Reilly, Hannity & Limbaugh roam, Tim Russet was a breath of fresh air.  He was the type of journalist that are unfortunately becoming harder and harder to come by. I will miss him and his astute political analysis. I wished he had lived to see the outcome of this election. Rest in peace Tim I will remember you till my day comes.

Alireza Rad (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:49 PM)

I am so sad!  I loved to watch him!  When I heard, it was in denial.  May God bless his family.  He will truly be missed.

Vanessa Samuel (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:49 PM)

We will never forget you... we will never replace you... You taught us all to be better sons and daughters of America... and we will all try to make you proud Big Tim! To Big Russ and Big Tim together again....

Alex Pearce, Austin TX (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:50 PM)

I am so sad!  I loved to watch him!  When I heard, it was in denial.  May God bless his family.  He will truly be missed.

Vanessa Samuel (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:51 PM)

Today not only NBC but the entire world has lost a man of integrity -- warmth -- truthfulness -- fairness -- and above all LOVE not only for his family but for all those he ever touched.  May he rest in peace and he will be loved and missed forever.

Fara Schacca Patchogue New York (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:51 PM)

Your news organization has been my mainstay for many years and Tim Russert, Andrea Mitchell, and Chuck Todd have made this Presidential candidate campaign understandable. We will indeed miss Tim Russert and know your hearts are broken. As a daughter of a proud radio talk show host in the 80s who loved politics, I must say Tim's compassion and expertise was exhilirating. May God be with his family and friends and may He show you all His love and understanding during this difficult time.

L J , Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:52 PM)

Dear Brian,
You might remember me from the NAB days.  We are all shocked and saddened by Tim's sudden passing.  He was not only one of our favorite journalists, but it feels like we've lost a member of the family.  My heart goes out to you, Tim's family, and the entire NBC family.  I know it must be so tough to lose a treasured friend and colleague, and to be so far away at such a time.

I've meant to send you a note so many times over the years to tell you how proud I am of you and what you've accomplished in your career.  I'm just sorry it took such a sad event to spur me to get in touch.

All my best wishes,
Cathy Arnold

Cathy Arnold, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:54 PM)

This is such a loss to everyone.  Tim's personality jumped out of the TV screen.  He always made Sunday mornings a treat.  They will NEVER be the same.  Our prayers to his family, friends and colleagues.

Darryl Wolford (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:55 PM)

I didn't personally know Tim only his on air persona.
But I knew who I liked and respected and Tim's love for his father and family was evident. His knowledge of the politics and the way he presented it, made me want to know more.  He will be missed.

Jack & Carol Jurcak

Jack & Carol Jurcak, Corpus Christi, TX (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:55 PM)

Rest in Peace Tim.  May the Sisters of Mercy lead you through the gates of heaven.  You will be greatly missed.  Our sympathies to his wife, son, dad and the NBC family.    

dmfriel (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:57 PM)

Simply stated, Tim Russert was one of the greatest journalists of this, or any other time.

Beyond that he was gracious, self-effacing and fantasticly generous to us all by sharing so much of his wonderfully human self with us so freely.

A giant in his industry, he was a man who made us all feel he never had anything but out best interests at heart by wringing the truth out of those who would seek to lead us.

My deepest sympathies to his family and colleagues.  He will be sorely missed.  Today we all lost a great American.

Bryan Watson, Orange County, California (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:59 PM)

Prior to his fatal heart attack, did Mr. Russert receive any recent contacts from the White House or affiliates, Karl Rove or affiliates, I. Libby or affiliates, Dick Cheney or affiliates, or  any other individuals associated with the outing of  CIA operative, Valerie Plame?  

Did Mr. Russert receive any contacts regarding the upcoming Congressional Testimony of Mr. Rove, Mr. McClellan or  Mr. Fitzgerald?

Scott Friedberg, Valley Stream, NY (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 6:59 PM)

OPEN QUESTION TO THE PRESS:

Prior to his fatal heart attack, did Mr. Russert receive any recent contacts from the White House or affiliates, Karl Rove or affiliates, I. Libby or affiliates, Dick Cheney or affiliates, or  any other individuals associated with the outing of  CIA operative, Valerie Plame?  

Did Mr. Russert receive any contacts regarding the upcoming Congressional Testimony of Mr. Rove, Mr. McClellan or  Mr. Fitzgerald?

Scott Friedberg, Valley Stream, NY (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 7:03 PM)

I am a graduate student studying journalism at the University of Maryland.

Whe we learned about the art of interviewing during my first semester, Tim Russert was the journalist we studied. I watched many episodes of Meet the Press, trying to absorb and understand his amazing ability to get answers from even the most hostile guests.

He held his guests accountable for what they said. He was fair. He gave journalism a good name.

As a young journalist, it is his example that I hope to follow. My Sundays will never be the same...I'll miss you Tim

Janelle, College Park, MD (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 7:03 PM)

How amazing that Tim was just with the Pope, Brian...  

Chris, Topeka (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 7:05 PM)

My heart filled with sadness knowing that the remainder of this momentous election season just wasn't going to be the same.  We will all miss Tim very, very much and my thoughts and prayers are with the Russert family tonight.  

That said, how do you justify spending the entire 30 minutes you get for the nightly news on one man?  While I am very sympathetic to all of Tim's family and friends, I am pretty sure that his death was not the only significant thing that happened today.

Landon Mason, White Bluff, Tenn. (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 7:05 PM)

I cannot believe that NBC NEWS with Brian Williams broadcast at least 16 minutes on the death of Tim Russert.  Mr. Russert was a very good journalist but where is the news judgement?  This is part of the continuing problem of the decline in viewer ship for network news in that in a world of serious and sometime insurmountable problems how does Mr. Russert deserve this type of excessive coverage.  I cannot in all honesty continue to watch NBC NEWS when the news judgement is so flawed.

At the same time I extend my sympathies to Mr. Russert's family who I believe was a very good journalist.

--
Dennis McIntosh

Dennis McIntosh, Toronto, Canada (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 7:10 PM)

My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Mr.Russert's family. A tragic loss to all of the NBC family. He was a giant in journalism and certainly a huge journalist in politics. My mother and I attended a book signing several years ago in Atlanta speaking about his book "Big Russ and Me" and it was a truly enjoyable evening. I recall we both had our picture with him and he looked so happy. We both loved viewing "Meet the Press" and he really knew how to interview his guests. He was awesome at his job. Sunday mornings will never,ever be the same and he will be sorely missed. The tribute you had to him this evening was extremely touching and hearing from all his collegues was so moving. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He touched everyone and we will always remember him. May he be at peace.

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 7:10 PM)

Brian, all I can say is thank God you are still with us. Please stay safe. Tim was an inspiration for me not because his questions were so intelligent, not because his work was so tireless, but because, just like you, he always presented the facts to the camera as if he were talking to the people he loved and cared about the most, with a carefully weighed intensity that I will never forget.

God bless Tim Russert on his Journey. And God bless you and the Nightly News.

Joanna Margueritte, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 7:13 PM)

Thank you, NBC, for the wonderful tribute to Tim Russert.  My wife and I sat with tears in our eyes as we watched the news.  My wife commented to me that all the wonderful comments about Tim from those who knew and loved him confirmed for us that he was, indeed, exactly the warm, genuine person he always appeared to be.  We will miss him.  Our condolances to his family.

Rick Wolff and Donna Foreman, Apex, NC (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 7:14 PM)

I always enjoyed him and his coverage. He seemed fair, well prepared for any interview and a genuinely nice fellow.

Two things always stood out in my mind about him - his Book "Big Russ and Me" and following of the Buffalo Sabres. His book is still a favorite read I would suggest to anyone.

Best to you and the family NBC during this dark time.

Jeff M. - East Tennessee (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 7:14 PM)

Sunday morning.

Read paper
Drink coffee
Take dogs out
Watch Meet the Press.

I feel now that all my Sunday's will be incomplete.

Howard Davenport, Holly Hill, Fl (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 7:15 PM)

Brian -

All of us on the blog share your sorrow at the sudden death of Tim Russert and send our deepest sympathy to his immediate family and to his other family of co-workers and listeners around the world.

God Bless you all.

Joan Chapman, Cheshire, CT. (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 7:18 PM)

Mr Russert set an example of what means to be a great American. Honest, hard working, tough and fair. There are 2 people I don't envy. The person who will try to fill his shoes on Meet the Press and St. Peter who now has to answer Tim's questions.

Sam Annunziata, Chesapeake, Va (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 7:18 PM)

I cried as I watched your wonderful, touching "Nightly News" tribute tonight, Brian. I couldn't believe what had happened. What are we going to do this Sunday morning! I am so sorry for all of you as well as for Tim's family. We of his viewing family will also miss him so much. Keep safe.

Eileen OM, Wauconda, IL (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 7:18 PM)

Tim Russert's death is such a huge loss and politics on television will never be the same. He was always my reason for missing church on Sunday which is ironic because his faith was as important to him as his family and his profession. My thoughts and prayers are with the members of his NBC family and his own family. My white board will wear a sad face for quite some time. The only consolation I can find is to know that he'll be able to call the winner of the election long before it hits the airways.

Kathy Love Harvey, Wichita Falls, Texas (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 7:21 PM)

Mr. Williams,

My mother and I have been avid viewers of NBC's Nightly News for years. She and I loved when Mr. Tim Russert would bring out his whiteboard and state the latest delegate counts. We also enjoyed watching MEET THE PRESS before going off to church. Mr. Russert brought politics to a new level. He raised the bar for journalists everywhere. My family will have the Russert family in our thoughts and prayers.

Stephanie Thomas, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 7:23 PM)



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