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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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Thank you Tim for 17 years of how you helped me be informed of the important things taken place in the USA.  I listen to those who knew Mr. Russert for a long time and called him friend. I knew Mr. Russert as a guest in my home every Sunday Morning on Meet the Press. Yes I've watched the show for many many years but Tim made me angry, happy and sometimes lost for words. I could agree and disagree with Tim but I love my politics like he does. I really enjoyed the fact that Tim allowed the viewers to meet his Dad. Mrs. Russert will always have a part of Tim with her. His son looks so much like him and has that same smile. All of us family/friend/viewer have pictures to remember anytime Tim's name is said.  My prayers are for his family and co-workers as God has a great Journalist.

I'm still in shock but I know come Sunday morning I will realize it's real and I'll will have to wait to see Tim Russert again but I know I will.
Brian, please forgive me for clogging your blog, but I just had to tell you how deeply I feel the loss of Tim Russert. NBC News has been my go-to for 30 years and counting, and I feel as if I've lost a member of my family.  Your respect and affection for Tim always came through the intermediary camera- now I'm glad that you finished each on-air session with "thanks, as always, to our colleague..."  Such a great loss, not just to NBC News, but to the nation. I'm so sorry Tim won't be on hand for the fall election- he would have loved every minute.
My family and I are going to miss Tim Russert deeply. he comes from the home town my mom grew up in. Every Sunday my family and I would get up at 9 am and watch to see who he was going to be up against on the program. I will especially miss his closing "If its Sunday its Meet the Press". Well God if you are listening, If its Sunday its Tim Russert.

Ps Our thoughts and prayers are with him. God Speed.
i never knew mr. russert, but the way it sounds he was a fine,fine man.my comment goes to you mr. williams.an acceptional broadcast considering the great emotional strain on you.not knowing you either but seeing you and a snippet of your character each night i know you as a person will greatly miss him as a part he played in your life.bravo to you and the job you did tonight,
We all lost a giant of a man. He was one of the reasons i stayed awake on Sunday mornings... I work nights. I thought his opinions were worth staying up for.Brian, I know you lost a great friend. We also lost a wonderful person,whose opinion was valued greatly... Tim, we will SO miss you.


Tim Russert, a rare man indeed.  Admired by colleagues and competitors; trusted by politicans and public.
I was walking by the television at my office in downtown Buffalo and what was on the screen shocked me and then brought tears to my eyes.  Tim Russert was an incredible journalist, a pillar in his field.   The political news he reported was balanced and fair (a rarity in journalism today).  His interviewing skills were impeccable and he held every interviewee accountable.  His passion for politics was evident every time he was on the air.  Tim Russert provided a wealth of knowledge and education to his viewers.  Tim Russert was a well known family man, and a devout Catholic. He was a good person who people could look up to. Here in Buffalo we will mourn his loss.  He always remembered his home town with great warmth and respect for his "good neighbors".  My heart his with his family and friends.  Tim Russert was not only a great journalist, but a great man, a person that others should strive to be like.
The City of Buffalo cries with sadness for the loss of our beloved Tim Russert.  I never knew I could be so devastated over the loss of someone I didn't know but felt I did. As a recent college graduate getting started in politics, it is every kids dream to amount to the success and prestige of Tim Russert, and because of him we all know that it’s possible.  Our country is a better place because of him, and heaven is a better place because he's there.  My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go to everyone at NBC News and everyone who him.  As someone who didn't know him I can only imagine the feeling of loss felt by those who did.  May God bless him and his family and may He welcome him home.    
I am deeply saddened by the news of Tim Russert's passing.  Tim ignited a passion for politics in me that didn't exist before I began watching Meet the Press.  I feel as if I've just lost my teacher, my friend, and we never met.  November, 4th 2008 won't seem right without him.  
I always knew when Tim Russert was present on Meet the Press, the Today Show, or the Nightly News - that I should listen because he would ask the right questions or provide thorough explanations that would help me to better understand any given situation. He was the ultimate professional. Our loss is heaven's gain.
Who will tell the truth now? It's up to you Brian.. Keith...Andrea...Chuck....keep the legacy alive.
Condolences to all who were touched by him.
Thank you, Tim Russert, for getting out your white board and explaining so plainly and clearly how our electoral system works. What a sigh of relief I'd breathe when Tom Brokaw or Brian Williams would turn the microphone to you so you could break down a political development into layperson's terms. I'll miss hearing you say "This is BIG," and always being right. Your explanations were like the 'yellow line' marking the first down in football broadcasts; they allowed a whole new group of people to not just watch, but to understand.
Sunday mornings, Tim Russert and Church, what a great way to begin the week; we were blessed and we knew it! To say that we are thinking and praying for his family and friends is an understatement, but definitely needs to be heard and repeated out loud.  I especially appreciated the fact that even thought he was an important and rich man, he never forgot where he came from, and gave that spark of respect and benefit of the doubt to the average working American. For those of you at NBC who were able to work with him and count him as your friend, remember to count your blessings as you prepare to honor your friend and colleague, we certainly will. God's blessings to you all.

Dear Mr. Williams,

I want to console you and the NBC family. May God Bless all of you as you go forward. My deepest sympathy for Tim Russert's beloved family & staff.
I am also a native Buffalo woman raised in the Catholic faith.  This prayer may sustain you:

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon:
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardonong that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.  Amen.

In light of this amazing political time we are in, I would have great joy in seeing Andrea Mitchell,
a woman, carry on for the "historic" Meet The Press.  Andrea best embodies the keen intelligence and compassion that America and the World will be needing since Tim's passing was so sudden and untimely.    
As a political science major, this will be the first election in years that I'm no longer looking forward to. We'll miss you, Tim.
Tim Russert has been a part of our extended family for as long as I can remember. I am saddened by his sudden passing and am honored to have learned so much from his perspectives and his persistence. My condolences to his family and his NBC family.

As an avid tim Russert fan and fan of all he did I was in shock today when I heard of his untimely death today at age 58.I am in shock and very upset by this when brian williams told us on his Newscast tonight. I feel like I lost a close friend and it hurts alot. I send my condolences to Tims family and his television family too I know how painful this is for all of you.  I will keep you in my prayers and thoyughts on this day. we will miss you Tim.
NBC News showed extraordinary class and composure in dealing with this tragedy. Truly, Tim Russert cannot be replaced.
It's a sad day! I don't think anybody will be able to fill Tims shoes especially at meet the press. It's rare to find an objective journalist in this partisan era, Tim was that. Wish the family well during this difficult time.
My condolences are with Mr Russerts Family as well as his coworkers. All my friends and coworkers are saddened by the news with more than one of us exclaming that Tim Russert taught us about politics. He will be sorely missed.
Tim Russert-two words,CLASS ACT. And I will miss him on Sunday mornings with my coffee and breakfast. I will also say that the statement that Brain Williams would read on air from President Bush was not written by the President, it was far to articulated.
I feel like I am having a bad dream. I never knew Tim personally, but he was a very inspirational person to see him on TV every time.He knew his stuffs and was careful and passion for his comments in the political world. What would be Father's Day without Tim, a guy who wrote "Big Russert and me". My heart goes out to his family and all of you to NBC family.

Tim Russert was like a Rock Star to me. Not just on Sunday morning’s, Meet the Press but anything that he covered, was big to me, as he would always say “that’s’ big”.  I was always amazed and inspired by how well informed he was and the regular guy style he displayed. I could always count on Tim Russert to clarify anything when it came to the political world. His glowing and warm smile will be messed.  You will always be a Giant among Giants to me. Thank you for always making it clearer to me, the world of politics. Thank you, for always being a fair and respectful person, even in the roughest of times, thank you for the inspiration to be like you and that is, the Best that I can be.

Tim, you will surely be missed my prays to the Russert family and friends….

Oscar J.Walker Jr
Just a regular guy from Yonkers, NY
I learned the sad news of Tim Russert's death when I tuned in to "Nightly News" this evening, and I am still stunned.  His was one of the very few media voices I trusted completely because of his sharp mind, transparent passion, and obvious personal integrity.  We have lost a truly great professional and human being, and I feel as if I have lost a valued friend.  My thoughts and prayers are with all those who knew Tim Russert personally and loved him.  The loss is incalculable to each one, I'm sure--to none more than his wife, son, and father.
My heart breaks for his wife and son, my thoughts and prayers go out to all of his colleagues and friends.  He is and will continue to be greatly missed.

May God comfort all of us at the loss of our friend.    
I was so saddened by the news of Tim's passing.   My condolences to his wife, son, friends and colleagues...I know all too well how difficult this is for everyone.

After I heard the news I realized a level of fear was overcoming me...it became very clear to me that figuring out the issues when I vote this years will now be a huge undertaking.  Tim was so absolutely gifted with his ability to clearly present both sides of an issue so the voter could then decide.

My vote this year will be far more than the vote it is...it will be a vote in memory of Tim Russert.

Tim was not just a numbers spinner, he was a journalist first and foremost, doing what his passion was, holding leaders accountable. He will be greatly missed on Sunday morning. Pack it up people your needed back home. To Tim's family, please know that there are millions out here that mourn your loss right beside you. Good bye Tim. Job well done, Sir.
One of the few commentators I listened to without trepidation that I might have to "change the channel" to get away from badgering.  Time Russert asked the hard questions, but he was always respectful.  Sadly, a nearly lost art in journalism today.
I grew up watching Tim Russert when I was in High School and he was not just a phenomenal journalist, but an outstanding individual. Tim's passing is a great loss to the nation. His character and devotion will be greatly missed. He set the standard in both professionalism and way of life. My condolences to his family and friends.
It has been exactly 30 years since I was a Page at NBC in Burbank, and even with dozens of television news sources available and having left the NBC "family" three decades ago, I still consider NBC "home."  I was saddened today to hear of Mr. Russert's passing.  Sunday morning will never be the same.  
I'll miss Tim Russert at anytime in my life, but especially on Sunday mornings. I would sit and watch "Meet the Press" while having breakfast and coffee and they will never be the same again. Tim Russert-Class Act God Bless you and all who loved and all who will miss you.
I am so sorry to hear of Tim Russert's passing.  I am not into politics but I loved to watch him on Meet the Press or the Today show.  He had such a passion for politics and a sincere interest in the good of the country.  He was so excited about this year in politics.  His excitement radiated threw the screen. His hope for a brighter future did as well.  He will truly be missed.

Please pass on my condolences to his family and friends
I am shocked and saddened by Tim Russert's untimely death. He was an outstanding political commentator who demanded answers to tough questions, while always being fair. I will miss his presence on Meet the Press and the Today Show. Tim will be greatly missed; political news broadcasting will never be the same. My sincere condolences to Maureen, Luke, and Big Russ.
Tim Russert was a true champion of the Truth - A Hero. Someone whom I trusted to give an unvarnished version of his well researched, in depth analysis of all the facts, without bias.

We will miss Tim's enthusiasm, his honesty, and the integrity he exemplified, while in a profession that too often glosses over the uncomfortable realities we must face in our world.

Goodnight Tim. God Bless you.

My deepest sympathies to his family for their loss.
I'll bet if he knew then what he knows now he would still have done it the same way. Always thought that was a silly question as pertaining to the Iraq war. Seems to fit pretty good now for the way he handled himself in his job. Not a bad legacy for anyone. God speed Mr. Russert. Prayers for his family and friends.
Barbara Walters got it right this afternoon when she said that America will take this loss very, very hard. My heart is broken. Tim was IT for me, the final word, the Voice of Reason. How many times have I been late to work because I had to wait to hear Time's commentary on the Today Show? Who will I look to, to cut through the rhetoric, to tell me the truth? My deepest sympathies to Tim's wife and son and all of his family and friends. Please know that all of America and much of the world share your grief.
My deepest sympathies to Tim Russerts' family and to NBC.  It was a ritual at our house to watch "Meet the Press" every Sunday morning and he became a part of our family as well.  We live in Toronto and my Dad would go to work in Buffalo and everytime Tim mentioned on the news show that he was from Buffalo or that he was rooting for his favourite Bills, my Dad would almost always repeat the same phrase "I'm from Buffalo" as well.  I am deeply saddened at this sudden loss.  Rest in Peace and God Bless
Dear Brian, I am in shock over the news today.  I saw it on the web at work and I just can't believe that he is gone and he is not going to be with us for the big Pres. election which he had such a passion for.  I guess he will be watching it from heaven.  I am so sad, this is the worst Friday the 13th ever, and you are truly amazing to be able to stand up there and deliver the news about your friend, and we didn't even know him,but felt like we did.   I am so sorry for your loss and his family especially.  
NBC is my news channel and you have all become like family to me.  The last time I felt this sudden sense of loss was when another member of your network family, David Bloom, died suddenly some years ago.  I've come to feel a connection with Tim Russert that is hard to explain, never having met the man in person. He was such a genuine and personable man. I especially enjoyed your program last year when some of the news personnel were profiled with elder parents for which they are caregivers.  It was warm, encouraging and insightful for me since I too am a caregiver of an elder parent.  My heart is heavy tonight as I mourn along with many, many others of the world on the news of Tim Russert's death.  May he rest in peace and forever be in God's grace.  His family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim, Thanks for making politics interesting and honest. We benefited from your studious preparation and your ever present sense of the common good. We question why God has called you home when we still need you. Heaven must need your “white erase board.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, especially your wife and son, as well as “Big Russ”. Just as the nation is stunned, we know your friends and colleagues at NBC are in shock and grieving. As others who have left us way too soon, we must rely on memories and follow the guidance and standards that you have left us. Rest in peace and thanks … but “If it is Sunday, it’s Meet the Press” just won’t be the same with your now vacant chair.
Tim Russert was one of the strongest, brightest and most credible voices in american political journalism today.  He had a way of pushing aside the fluff and getting to the heart of an issue, to the salient points on all sides of a debate.  He helped us understand in a way that many others can't.  

We relied on him and we trusted him.  He gave so much to us. and he did it with so much passion.  It's impossible to believe that he's gone.  It's hard to conceive of someone replacing Tim Russert.  He has incredible shoes to fill.

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Russert family, and the NBC family.  It's a horrible shock, and a deep loss.  
Though I'm only 17 years old, the reason I have watched political broadcasts on television for a couple of years was in the hopes of hearing what Tim Russert had to say. After it was finished, I always thought to myself, "Man, I wish I could be half as articulate and sharp as he is. The angles he finds to argue a point don't exist to us normal humans." I almost fell off of my couch when I heard the news, and turned immediately to NBC to join in the mountains of respect this man and his family deserves. My heart is torn, but Tim, you brought integrity back into politics. Generations of people will be forever indebted to you for opening their minds and begging them to ask the right questions. If there is anything I learned from listening to Tim dig to the bottom of seemingly bottomless debates, it is that peace is not good enough unless it is true. Tim, I know that this Sunday, more than any other Sunday, belongs to you alone. Keep fighting the good, fair fight wherever you are, and I hope you rest in truthful peace.
Dear Brian;
I was greatly saddened to hear of Tim Russert passing. watching you and other NBC members remembering Tim not just as a Media figure, but very much a family man, friend to all who met and knew him and most of all Christian.It all made me wish I had the chance to meet and get to know Tim beyond watching Meet The Press.
If I may not only send my condolences to the Russert family and NBC crew. Lend these words. Whenever we hear of someone close to us has been called home. Fear not. For Tim Russert gets to do what we Christians pray for, attened Church every Sunday and sing praises for. To see and be with our Lord God and his son our Savior Jesus Christ. Until it comes time for those who knew Tim to be called home. Remember that your friend is already there, ready and waiting to greet you. Eyes lit up and anxious to show you all the glories of heaven. Amen.
Sincerely.
Clifton Batchelder
This is an incredible loss for all of us.  I can't imagine the 2008 election without Tim's and magic board.  Having him pass just before Father's Day is also sad, his books about his father are tributes that we all love and remember.  We just lost Jim McKay, who along with Walter Cronkite, were the voices of my childhood and Tim was one of the voices of my adult years. Sympathies to his family, and his NBC family.  
Tim taught an entire generation, myself included, how to love politics.  This is truly a sad day.  My family is just devastated by our nation's loss and our hearts and prayers go out to the Russert family and his colleagues.
I was very taken back to learn that Tim Russert had passed from this good Earth today. He loved games and intellectualized them.  That Irish package housed a deeply nice and religious Soul that brought us the politics of the day with the spin that goodness will forever prevail and our country will reign in the best spirit of man.  I will miss him and his momentum.  
Last Sunday's Meet the Press roundtable with Tim Russert moderating a discussion with his colleagues speaks volumes as to the respect accorded to him by the NBC staff, who must be mourning his loss deeply. I was looking forward (as I am sure many viewers were) to the upcoming election coverage in November with Russert's astute analysis and commentary. As a fellow devout Jesuit-taught Roman Catholic (with family roots in NY State), may God grant him eternal rest and happiness and for those he left behind, His comfort and strength.
I'm a 33 year old mom of 2 small children who has only occasional time to check into what's happening in our country. Yet, just a few minutes  of hearing Tim Russert's thoughts on the nation would give me assurance that I knew key points to stay connected. I counted him as trustworthy, and I could just tell he was a good man. He made all the difference. I am thinking of his family.
My wife told me and my daughter about Tim's untimely death. We are beyond shocked. If a member of our family passed, it could have no more impact and devastation. We loved him, his dedication and forthrightness were above the fray. We will pray for his family, his friends at NBC and all who cared for this great man.
It was with sadness that I read about Tim Russert's death.  Tim was a very fair and honest journalist who sought the truth, and did not let his guests off the hook when he asked questions.  I have spent every Sunday morning with Tim Russert for years, and I will miss him.  


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