He inherited a grand tradition with Meet the Press. He made much with it. I’ve certainly had my objections over the years to his style, and even to his substance at times.
But, there’s no way around the fact that in Bill O’ Reilly’s America, Tim Russert was a journalistic hero. In fact, that’s not really fair, because in Bill O’ Reilly’s America, the four year old next door is a journalistic hero. So let me say it differently.
Tim Russert had integrity, class . . . and most of all, he had the method. He REALLY liked to ask QUESTIONS! I know, it’s shocking. We’ve forgotten about questions in the past few years. He taught us again. He kept the faith. I cried over that today.
My favorite interview. Comment with your own.
June 14, 2008 at 8:59 pm
I do not know about any specific interview but, I think that with every interview he gave you learned something and thats a hard thing to get in news these days. Even if you disagreed with what he was saying or the way he set up the interview you found a perspective that you would not have gained if you did not watch. With Bill O’Rielly and Hanity on Fox and Keith Obermann now the new faces of news. (the see who can shock and scream the loudest and yet gain nothing but mindless hate and no information on issues) The calm and professional matter that Tim brought to his craft will sorely be missed in my house and everyone who cares about this country.
June 19, 2008 at 2:27 am
My favorite was an interview he had with Condolezza Rice back in March of 2005.
They had a serious discussion about middle eastern politics, but it ended with Russert grilling Rice about running for president in ‘08. It was playful, and light. She tried desperately to squirm out of an answer. But Russert plugged away, quick-fire style until he got his quote. It came at the tail end of a serious interview, but for whatever it’s worth, it was my favorite exchange:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7173024/