Alex Wong / Getty
What is there to say? Television journalism, the world of politics and the country has lost a giant in the profession. And outside of that America has lost a man of passion for life, family and his job. Tim Russert. Many after hours Sunday mornings I would stroll through the door at three or four a.m. from whatever party or club I found myself in, go to bed and be up by eight to see Meet The Press. It was must see Television; specifically during the historic Democratic primary season. Yes, I would watch Russert's show and if I was back east I might follow it with a trip to church. Out west, I would throw on my Bills jersey and join the other Bills backers of Southern California to say what Tim would sign his show off with on fall Sundays. "Go Bills!"
I grew up in Washington, D.C. I was born and partially raised in Buffalo, NY. I understand the politics that makes up Washington's federal maze and the sub politics that make up it residential neighborhoods. I also understand the blue collar, hard working, straight talking mentality of the Buffalonian; the tie to community. The need to feel appreciated and worthwhile in spite of economic downturns, four Super Bowl losses and winter time snow totals. Like me, Tim understood why a city by a Lake with hard winters and magnificent summer and fall seasons is hard to let go of. To see Tim Russert was to see someone who understood these things before I did. Although I never had the pleasure to meet him, he was a friend. And politics won't be as much fun without him because he was just too unique.
I often say doing something with greatness is the only thing that will inspire people to reach for greatness themselves in whatever they do. The way Tim Russert performed his job, with zeal, preparation and command no doubt fits the threshold of greatness and it inspired everyone from colleagues to fans as we have had the pleasure to hear over the past weekend. But Tim Russert also taught me another lesson about inspiring people. Not only does greatness inspire, but Joy also inspires. Tim Russert went about his life, his love of family, people and profession with a joy that was worn on his sleeve. And that is greatly inspirational.
