Tim Russert, host of Meet the Press, collapsed at NBC studios today and died of a heart attack. Tom Brokaw made the announcement.
He was “one of the premier political journalists and analysts of his time,” Tom Brokaw, the former longtime anchor of “NBC Nightly News,” said in announcing Russert’s death. “This news division will not be the same without his strong, clear voice.”
Horrible news. Russert was only 58.
Update: Since MTP is pretty much a staple of Sunday talk shows, and because it’s presumably going to be around for awhile, who would you like to see as a replacement? Yeah, I know Russsert just died, but I think it’s a good question. And it’s certainly relevant because MTP is a very popular news show, so a replacement is worth talking about.
Update II: Brokaw’s announcement.
Zuzu's Petals
Very sad news.
I’m 58 myself. Getting in shape looks more important than ever.
Studly Pantload
My condolences to his friends and colleagues. Televised political reporting has undergone a seismic change.
DrDave
I will miss him. For whatever criticism Tim ever received, I generally found him objective and persistent even while being deferential and polite.
Very sad news indeed.
Conservatively Liberal
RIP Tim. This is very sad news indeed. He was only ten years older than I am. Staying fit is right, but no guarantee of protection. I always thought Tim was a bit big, but his Dad is no little guy either.
I hope his parents are doing ok, and I wish them the best.
Mary
Yes. Apart from my shock and sadness for his family, every story like this should be a reminder to us all to do what we can to maintain our own health. I know I have been letting too much stress rule my life. I’m taking this weekend off work and spending time in the garden, on my bike, and with friends.
(I have no idea if Russert had any underlying familial predispositions to heart diseases that he could do nothing about, nor do I wish to blame him for his early death. But if there’s anything any one of us can do to increase our chances for a long, happy and healthy life, we should make that effort.)
RIP, Tim. You did a hell of a lot in your life, and you have a lot of people who loved you and will miss you terribly.
Jim Pharo
A buffoon, a charlatan, a self-aggrandizer of the first order…and I couldn’t be more shocked or more saddened by this tragic news.
Condolences to family, friends and colleages…
Geeno
I’ve never been a fan of Russert’s style of “journalism”, but my heart goes out to his family and friends. More than his young age, it’s the suddenness that’s shocking.
My own father died at 52 of a heart attack, but his health had been faltering for years before that.
Studly Pantload
Oops, meant “family and colleagues.”
Billy K
This really saddens me. As much as I hated what he’s done for/to journalism over the last decade or so, I always liked the guy and rooted for him.
mitch
Shitty, plain and simple. And can we please have a moratorium on backhanded compliments for 24 hours or so? Jeez, people.
Tom in Texas
I wonder what he had planned for Father’s Day.
CaseyL
We live in an odd society: I never met the man, didn’t go out of my way to watch him on TV, and yet the news came as much a shock as if he *was* someone I knew.
My thoughts are with his family and colleagues. Not that any other death would have been better, but how awful for them for it to happen without warning, in mid-day.
sglover
Sorry, but I really don’t get it. The guy was essentially a toady for factions that, to my mind, are trashing and looting my society. And I’m supposed to get all weepy about him?
Mary
Oh crap, Tom. I had totally forgotten this Sunday was Father’s Day. His poor dad.
Mary
(And his poor kids and wife. I remember his dad more than his kids because of McAuliffe’s foot in mouth a few weeks back, I guess.)
stm177
I watched his show, so I guess I will miss the guy. He looked a little heavy, especially when you consider that his tailored suits were designed to hide that. It was probably a stressful business too, and he could have been a smoker.
Just Some Fuckhead
Why don’t you take the next 24 hours off from blog-reading and enforcing the behavior of others? Kthx, bye.
Keith
I would imagine if he wasn’t working on Sunday, it would have been spending the day with Big Russ, as his father played a huge role in his life (as was reflected in his autobio).
Shocking loss.
dbrown
Liar, coward, and looser; never good for anyone (well, maybe not bloody hands cheney) to die but at least some good may come from his parting – maybe a real reporter who will have the balls to act the part (of course, now, bush whack is on his way out) of a real reporter could land the job.
w vincentz
RIP Tim Russert.
Comfort for his family and friends.
A “political junkie”, as are so many of us.
Sad.
Michael D.
OMG, I never thoguht about this weekend…. Shitty.
Zuzu's Petals
Very true. And I hope my comment didn’t sound judgmental re TR.
Michael D.
Some of the visceral reactions here are quite sad themselves. You may not have liked the guy, but he wasn’t some monster. And obviously enough people thought he was doing a good enough job to keep MTP on the air all these years. Sheeesh.
Martin
Looks like keeping your head to a reasonable size may be prudent. Anecdotal, but you gotta start somewhere.
Oddly I have no strong professional opinions of Russert one way or another, but I don’t doubt for a second he’s as important and wonderful a person to those around him than any of us believe we are to those around us. Even for Cheney I would feel for his family. 58 is too soon for anyone.
passerby
I’ve been absolutely disgusted with the role Russert was playing on meet the press. I quit watching last December when he conducted an interview with Ron Paul.
He wouldn’t let Paul finish one sentence before interrupting with another question, usually on a different topic causing Ron Paul to jump from one thought to another and making him look batshit crazy. This was Russert’s signature “gotcha” style of media spin.
He played his part well and it’s what he was paid millions to do.
I hated Nixon until I saw him wiping away his tears at his wife’s funeral. At that moment I was able to forgive Nixon.
Though I didn’t hate Timmeh, hearing this sad news makes me wonder why I ever harbored any contempt for him.
After all, we’re all actors on this stage.
(or Thompson: We’re all bozos on this bus.)
RIP Tim.
T
[guess I should start examining my disdain for Malkin]
John S.
That depends entirely on the role you think MTP played in fucking up our political landscape and enabling the Bush administration to take us into war.
That aside, I prefer to be as gracious to him in death as I was ungracious to him in life.
RIP, Timmeh.
BombIranForChrist
Ugh, what a terrible shock. Fifty-eight is such a young age.
RIP Tim
Just Some Fuckhead
I agree with Michael D. Regardless of how complicit Russert was in turning television journalism into infotainment that allowed the undemocratic excesses of this presidential administration, he definitely cleaned up in money, power and access. And those are the categories we score for in America. Congrats Timmeh!
John Cole
It is sad.
gypsy howell
Who will Darth Cheney select as his new mouthpiece?
I’m sorry for his family (58 is awfully young. It must be a complete and total shock for them) but sheesh, it’s hard for me to forget that the guy was as responsible for the shitty state of journalism today as anyone. And he did his part to enable a whole lotta killin’ and Constitution-trashing on the part of our government. But I know all that will fade with the rosy glow of sainthood by this time next week.
The Moar You Know
First, I’ll be classy: Parents aren’t supposed to outlive their kids. My condolences to both his parents and his wife and children.
Now, the unfortunate, very non-classy thought I had on first reading this:
Sad that it wasn’t Matthews or Limbaugh.
Just Some Fuckhead
I’d like to be the first to float Chuck Todd as a replacement.
Genine
My heart goes out to his friends, family and others that will miss him. Fifty-eight isn’t old at all.
Salty Party Snax
NBC will be announcing their choice of a replacement in a few days. Inside money is on Alessandra Mussolini.
Cain
Because he’s a human being, and that his death affected others especially his family. Our reactions is what separates us from those moron right wingers. I rather not be just the flip side of a coin of left-wing/right-wing but we should have empathy for everyone even Bill O’Reilly.
[end soap box]
cain
Michael D.
On that note, who WOULD be a good replacement? Coulter?
gypsy howell
Rachel Maddow – how awesome would that be? She would kick everyone’s ass all around the studio and back.
Just dreamin’ on a Friday afternoon…..
PanAmerican
Diabetes.
Just Some Fuckhead
I just said Chuck Todd. Don’t be all like that girlfriend.
gypsy howell
Hmmmmmm…… Ann Coulter might be the perfect replacement.
Darth Cheney is pleased.
Just Some Fuckhead
Hopefully they make the show something I can sleep through on a Sunday morning instead of being wide awake screaming at it. There may be a happy middle there somewhere but I need my Sunday morning rest.
Dreggas
There are some graves I will piss on, case in point above. However, whatever one thinks of Tim Russert he was a puppet just like the rest of the media (partly their own damn fault) however the puppet masters are still dangling the strings, they deserve our scorn.
Ed in NJ
I think the old saying “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything” is appropriate when discussing an unexpected death of someone who never struck me as a bad guy.
Despite my frustration with him at times, I am very sad to hear this news, and my prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues.
Kevin K.
Michael, jeebus, go check out Digby’s place if you think it’s bad here. I couldn’t help pulling a Church Lady on them. Jeebus. They’re showing more restraint at No Quarter and LGF.
My wife just said the same thing to me on the phone. It’s not going to happen, but it’s sure fun to think about. I’m guessing they’ll offer it to Andrea Mitchell, which would be yucky. David Gregory would probably be the best likely pick. I like Todd okay, but he’s not aggressive enough.
cbear
Perhaps someone can explain to me what Tim Russert did in his life that would cause me to mourn his passing?
Was there a humanitarian cause or issue he championed, that I might be unaware of?
Did he use his power, or wealth, or influence, to help those less fortunate than himself?
Is there some group of people, other than the rich and powerful, whose lives were made better by his existence?
Our soldiers? The poor? The Katrina victims? The tortured? The spied upon? The disenfranchised?
Who?
Sorry, the milk of human kindness ran out at my house sometime around 2001, and I just don’t have any left for poor Timmeh.
Palmer Eldritch
I guess it makes me a wretched cynic, but I feel that’s the only way we’ll ever be rid of any of these entrenched relics from the politics of the Generation of Swine, watching them die of natural causes at their own pace. We can at least take the liberty of feeling relief that another one of the GOP’s public-opinion levees has been blown away. Who knows, maybe it will be a great blessing for us; maybe someone who is even ten percent more ingenuous will take over for America’s most trusted lying sack of shit. If you’re still trying to squeeze a tear reflexively over the loss of this “monumental” human life, you’re still playing their game.
John Cole
As much as I like Rachel Maddow, she does not have the chops yet forsomething like this. Just cross your fingers and hope to God it is not Chris Matthews.
Not that I really care. My choice for Sunday Morning remains Bob Schieffer over at CBS.
reid
Shocking news.
I think Chuck Todd is a decent guy, from what I’ve seen of him, and while that doesn’t immediately disqualify him from taking the reins, I don’t think it’s his bag. My money’s on David Gregory, someone I have mixed feelings about.
John Cole
Olbermann looks like he has been bawling.
John S.
In theory, sure.
But like many theories, this works better on paper than it does in reality. I would never root for anyone’s demise, but when Bill-O goes, I will not be one mourning his passing.
Sleeper
I think maybe NBC will recall Tom Brokaw to active duty for a little while until they settle on a permanent new host. I don’t know if Chuck Todd is up to carrying a show on his own but maybe they’ll give him a shot.
This week’s episode is probably just going to be a Very Special Clip Show anyway.
Not to be be callous, anyone’s death is tragic. But I didn’t care for some of the changes he helped bring to broadcast journalism and his behavior during the Plame affair was particularly low. Still. Condolences to the family.
Nikki
My condolences to his family and friends. However, I can’t forgive him and journalists like him for helping our country get into this mess.
patroclus
RIP Tim Russert.
My vote for a replacement goes to Frank Sesno.
TheFountainHead
Wow. My father is almost 58. I’ve never been Russert’s biggest fan, but the man did have a way with politicians. Sunday’s won’t feel the same.
Xenos
Mika is too junior, I guess. if they let Joe Scarborough do even one week of that show I will have a stroke.
Condolences to the Russerts. I don’t know when 58 started sounding young, but it does now.
Just Some Fuckhead
Just a reminder that none of us are getting out alive. Especially you fatties. My buddy Bill used to say that good health is the slowest rate at which one dies. Time to get in shape. If you ignore health problems, they won’t go away, you will.
debrazza
David Gregory is just gawd awful and is a total lightweight.
I agree that Chuck Todd would be better just because he has the pure factual knowledge of politics that no one else on that network has or perhaps in all of politics. But is he a good interviewer?
I think they are going to go external for this hire.
dnA
I was equally shocked by the R. Kelly verdict.
.
.
.
.
.
.
On a serious not though, it’s terrible for a parent to outlive their child, and I can’t imagine how painful this must be for their family.
Redhand
Ain’t it the truth. I’m 58 too.
What a shock reading Michael’s post heading, which was how I found out. I always liked Russert, even if I could appreciate others’ criticisms of his occasionally over-the-top, go-for-the-kill questions.
All I could think was, “I just saw him on the tube last Sunday.” My sympathies for his family and friends.
Ken
Who the fuck asked you to mourn? A simple show of respect for the dead is too much to ask of you? I didn’t like the guy, but now is not the time to attack him.
Go on over to Hullabaloo — you’ll feel right home in their ongoing Russert hatefest. On days like today, so-called progressives can hate with the worst of the wingnuts. You’re more like them than you want to admit.
PK
I was shocked when I heard Tom Brokaw say that he had been working himself to exhaustion the last few weeks. We take it for granted that these guys are always around during major political coverage. It never occurred to me that such a work schedule would take a heavy physical toll.
It is such a tragedy for his family.
Darkrose
I’m sorry, as I would be when just about anyone–especially someone relatively young–dies, and my heart goes out to his friends and family.
That said, I’ve never been a fan of the “don’t speak ill of the dead” school of thought, especially after watching the hagiography of St. Ronnie. Unfortunately, my lasting memory of Tim Russert is going to be his atrocious performance during the last Democratic debate.
smiley
That’s my guess too.
You know, people who do all that you demand they do to deserve our sympathy rarely advertise it — if they’re good people, that is. As an alternative, why don’t you provide us with examples of when he didn’t do any of those things.
etoipi
The “game” is over – and no matter how hard fought the game – no matter what you personally thought, in the heat of battle, of his professional ethics or his tactics, you just don’t curse your opponent when it’s all over… there is no point. RIP.
Just Some Fuckhead
He bores me to fucking death so I could sleep right thru him. I give Gregory two eyelids down!
Michael D.
Cases in point: Evolution, Gravity, Relativity.
ThatLeftTurnInABQ
When someone dies, especially if they leave friends and family behind, you either say something nice about them or you keep your trap shut. That is just basic decency. The historians can make evaluations good or bad later on, but this is not the time for that.
For myself, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Mr. Russell from the remembering the MSNBC primary night coverage of the final OR/SD primaries this year, when he said (of Obama wrapping it up): “We now have a nominee” in tones of great finality and weight, with a sense of what a historic moment it was. I can still hear his voice clearly when I think about that night.
RIP and my condolences to all of his friends, family and colleagues.
gypsy howell
Oh I know it will never actually be Rachel Maddow. I was just engaging in some Friday fantasizing.
It’ll probably be some DC douchebag fluffer like Gregory.
I like Chuck Todd, but he doesn’t strike me as aggressive enough to do these kinds of interviews.
Oh what the hell am I saying? We’re talking about MTP. He wouldn’t have to be aggressive. Just a bit more dickish (to the right people.)
DrDave
Just as long as it isn’t Chris Matthews (who has coveted the MTP job for years).
Gregory is probably the best obvious choice but someone like Dan Abrams could grow into that position as well.
I love Rachel Maddow but I can’t see her bringing a conservative to the table for an objective interview.
Kevin
Some of those people need help.
The Grand Panjandrum
Rachel Maddow would be my first choice as well. She kind of turned me off a bit with her Chicken Little impression right be Clinton suspended her campaign, but I forgive her. I love Maddow because she will ask tough questions and say shit that is not politically correct.
David Shuster second choice. I know Clinton and supporters are not fond of him because of ONE stupid remark, but he is one ruthless MF. He might be the most fair-minded AND tough questioner I’ve seen on TV in a long time.
Either would be great.
If they pick David Gregory, then he’d have to do his Brokaw imitation (it is excellent) just for a few chuckles. If he isn’t willing to give us the Brokaw imitation every once in a while then he’s just another ass kissing pansy. But we already knew that.
JGabriel
Redundant, Michael. Relativity includes gravity.
.
Just Some Fuckhead
A second rule of thumb is try to get the name of the deceased right so you don’t look like a goober.
Zuzu's Petals
Ironically, I was just talking to my trainer this morning, re the risk of diabetes, heart disease, etc. with weight, age, and fitness factors. My ambition being to be in great shape to greet my first grandchild next fall…and then my great-grandchildren.
Talk about a wake-up call.
Dreggas
No, dear god no. I watched his “Race to the white house” and when not distracted by his Hair(piece?) I wanted to just reach through my screen and choke him. The guy got a show for supposedly being tough in one frakking question to Shrub but wouldn’t even ask anything but softballs to the repub people on that show? Feh.
John Cole
Yes. They do.
You can say what you want about Russert, but I never detected any malice in the man. He was happy, he made those around him happy, his family and co-workers, the people who knew him the best, loved him, and in the real big scheme of things that is not a bad accomplishment in and of itself.
rob!
58, too young for anyone (except maybe Malkin, Coulter, Hewitt, etc.) R.I.P. Tim.
I bet Matthews will get MTP. apparently he wants MTP the way Letterman wanted the Tonight Show. plus, MSNBC has wanted to maybe move him out the door because he’s expensive, so this way they could promote him while freeing up 5pm for someone else…let’s hope THAT is Maddow!
i’d love to see a Maddow-hosted show, with regular panelists Shuster, Todd, and E.Robinson. Pat Buchanan could be kept in a water tank, and after each commercial break Maddow would throw a baseball and try to dunk him. who wouldn’t watvh that?
Crusty Dem
I’m sorry, maybe he’s a better human being in real life than in my imagination, but I can’t imagine chris Matthews anything but priapistic at the sad news. I suspect he’ll be NBC’s choice for the replacement as only he can fill big Timmy’s hat, so to speak.
ugh.
smiley
MTP is too important a brand for NBC to go to anyone as “junior” as Maddow, Gregory or Todd. It will be someone who’s been around in the NBC system for a while. Think Mathews, Mitchell, even Pete what’s-his-name (Williams?)who covers the courts.
Kevin
HA! I’d probably pay to see that!
Howard Appel
Dan Rather. I think he has had his eyes opened as to the evils of corporate ownership and concentration of power.
Stoic
Walter Cronkite
ThatLeftTurnInABQ
Goober it is. (thanks for the correction JSF)
That’s what I get for trying to type comments while also being on the phone at the same time. Apologies to all.
Joshua Norton
How’s about going back to the old format of having the press participate? It’s called “Meet the Press”, not “Meet the Pundit”, or “Meet the Talking Hair Do”.
Just Some Fuckhead
If we’re going with such a cheap standard for national hagiography we need to include “wasn’t a known serial killer” to the list of requirements.
Aaron
My sincere condolences to his family and friends on their loss.
-With that said: I hope you rot in hell tim. You’ve been a complicit enabler of Republican misdeeds for far too long. ‘When I speak with my sources in the government its presumed to be off the record’… my ass.
-you suck tim russert. and I wont miss you for a second.
Hope they put a picture of you interviewing dick ‘warcriminal’ cheney and not ‘knocking him off his talking points’ on your tombstone timmy.
ThatLeftTurnInABQ
… “as far as I know”.
(don’t forget that part)
cbear
Who the fuck made you the hall monitor, jerky?
A simple show of respect for the 4000+ American and 100’s of thousands of Iraqis when they were still LIVING was all I expected from Tim Russert, and it was apparently too much to ask of him.
I didn’t respect him when he was alive and that hasn’t changed with his death.
Zuzu's Petals
I just read that Russert had Type 2 diabetes. Doubles the risk of heart disease, I believe.
Interestingly, Chris Matthews has it too.
Oracle
It’s going to be Matthews. Deal with it.
eastriver
I worked with Russert a couple of years ago for an afternoon. He was a nice guy. I guess.
Anyone dieing young is shitty. Especially shitty for his son just before Father’s Day.
Peter Johnson
I’m sorry he’s dead.
But he was a terrible influence on the media. And I feel more sorry for the thousands of Iraqis he helped murder with his relentless war cheerleading than I do for him.
That said, I’m sorry that he’s dead and sorry for his family.
Karmakin
It’ll be Matthews.
And it’ll be a fucking trainwreck.
Myself? I think it should be strictly a panel show. Get rid of the host. Have a rotating pool of journalists, liberal, moderate and conservative, to ask the questions.
Palmer Eldritch
cbear and Fuckhead,
I’m glad it’s not just me. It’s perfectly all right to act entirely unlike a hand-wringing Christian in these circumstances, as it is in any other circumstances. As for those who have been moralizing that a lack of empathy with Tim Russert and his friends and family is the same as being a right-winger, remember that the right-wingers are directing their scorn at those who are trying to do good, and that’s what makes them horrid. Uncompromisingly despising ugly Americans who willfully deceive and exploit their fellow man out of self-interest can, and should, be a progressive value like any other. Though, of course, hatred will still disqualify you from the Kingdom of Heaven.
Joshua Norton
That’s the way it used to be. And the presidential debates were actually debates back then, too.
Now it’s all like TMZ for ugly people.
DougJ
That PJ comment wasn’t snark — I meant to post it as me. It sickens me to think that we’re going to have to pretend that he, and Matthews, and Broder, and all these people who have helped destroy the country were great Americans when they die. I’m not going along with that.
Jon H
For a replacement: the BBC chick who’s on there sometimes, Katy Kay?
ie, someone from an environment with a different attitude towards interview subjects than what you see in the US media.
joel hanes
Replacment suggestions:
Bob Somerby
Stephen Colbert
DougJ
I suppose there’s not chance it’s going to be Lara Logan. I would watch it if she was the host.
John Cole
Gwen Ifill would be an interesting choice.
nightjar
I just don’t get the venom directed toward Russert on the day of his untimely death. He was not a mean spirited person and was one of the many Inside the beltway bobble heads. It’s the system that’s screwed up with the profit above integrity disease afflicting the press these days. It’s like blaming the addict for the scourge of hard drugs. And this will be the last time I agree with Cole for at least a week.
reid
That’s about right. And I don’t see it changing any, unfortunately, which is why I picked Gregory. He’s been working his way up the ranks, paying the dues, and I think most people see him as respectable. I also think they’ll pick a youngish person that will grow into it for the long haul. (Hard to tell, but I think he qualifies as youngish.) Too bad I liked him better as a WH reporter than as a host/pundit, in which roles he’s been disappointing. But he’ll put me, that Fuckhead, and millions of others to sleep on Sunday, so I approve!
evie
Condolences to his family and those at NBC. Really devastating news. This election will be very strange without him.
In terms of a replacement, my money is on putting Tom Brokaw in the chair temporarily until they can think straight and consider someone new. They won’t name someone full time until after Nov. If it’s not Brokaw as the fill-in, it will be Gregory.
For those saying Maddow, you should wake up and smell reality. We’ll be lucky to get her her own show on MSNBC.
RickDFL
Bob Somerby. Then they could call in Meet the People.
reid
I really don’t like her. I think when I first saw her on some punditcrap show a few years ago, I was under the impression she would be liberal and tough (i.e. Maddowy). Instead, she was just another pundit clone. Plus, she sounded arrogant. Bleah.
(I reserve the right to have my first impression proven horribly wrong and unfair.)
grandpajohn
I am also a type 2 and have already had an balloon angioplasty
with the insertion of 2 stints. I am 71 and trying for the 80’s .That means watch the diet especially the cholesterol. Exercise is very important. I am at the wellness center 5 times a week plus walking. So all of you younger couch potato blogging junkies best get off your lard asses and get with the program.
as for Russert, Most elegies tend to over rate the deceased persons positive qualities while overlooking the negatives and those that I am seeing for Russert are certainly not failing in this overblown hyperbole. The fact is by this time next week business will be as usual and only his family will even be thinking about him.
cbear
Well said.
It is also perfectly possible to feel empathy for his family, while at the same time feeling not an ounce of sadness for his death.
Darkrose
Ugh, yeah–that’s bad news. Given that I’ve got a family history of diabetes, I’m starting to think that perhaps I should try exercising once in a while.
DougJ
Kind of uppity too. She is well-spoken, though. I’ll give her that much.
gypsy howell
Maddow and Colbert! Maddow from the left point of view, and Colbert from the right! I’d pay to see that.
— gh +1
LanceThruster
I’m not as quick to absolve Mr. Russert.
See Here: “Media Matters” – Meet Tim Russert by Jamison Foser
Sasha
Just Some Fuckhead Says:
I’d like to be the first to float Chuck Todd as a replacement.
It’s too soon for Todd. He needs some time knocking around the politicians first. He should be the next replacement. (And Rachel Maddow? Seriously?)
David Gregory appears to be a lightweight on that horrid show he is on now, but he spent some serious time being the only one other than Helen Thomas who would actually ask a question at the White House briefing. So he has the cohones. And his questions were consistently sharp and on point. He also listens. I don’t hate David Gregory for the job.
gypsy howell
And so clean .
JHunt
For me, I guess I’m most touched because when I do go to television for my political news, its to MSNBC – because in general I think its the most balanced coverage – the most informative coverage. So I immediately thought of all these journalists from Keith O to Chris M. to Brian Williams, to Kelly O Donnell to David Shuster to Andrea Mitchell and so many others – love them or hate them (I enjoy their work although I don’t always agree with all of it), its these moments that bring home that they are human beings, colleagues and friends, and they’ve lost someone who was obviously a hardworking, supportive, positive force in their lives. A very sad day.
And as to who could replace him – I think he’s probably too young for the gig, but David Shuster is an excellent suggestion – he’s a bulldog…in a good way…
chris c
Condolences to the Russerts.
As for the question, hep it up, make it younger and (dare I say it? yes I dare) gayer. But in a dogwhistle kinda way.
Which means luring Anderson Cooper away from CNN, or giving it to Rachel Maddow. Or maybe both.
Just Some Fuckhead
Now yer just trolling yer own comments.
Standard BS
What do you expect? It’s Friday the 13th. I chuckled to myself about this day early this morning, telling myself, what a stupid superstition. A short time later I found out a good friend had just died suddenly. I’m heading to the basement until it’s midnight. I got a case of the weebee geebees.
John Cole
I am just trying to think of people who have experience in the longer form shows, rather than the cable news crap.
sglover
Uh-huh.
Look, the “Scooter” Libby trial brought it all out in the open: Russert was an obliging conduit for administration disinfo. In particular, he was a happy enabler of the “marketing” effort that landed us in Iraq — where many thousands of the working class Americans whom Russert supposedly loved so much had their lives trashed. (Not too mention many more Iraqis.) But I guess that because he showed up on TeeVee every week, and showboated his father, we’re supposed to overlook his ACTUAL BEHAVIOR AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.
Gotta say, I’m looking at the comments section of the WaPo, and it’s all pretty bizarrely maudlin (Many people praising him as “the best journalist of our time”?!?!?) It feels both ersatz and delusional to me. The guy was a carefully crafted media shadow. That’s it.
The Other Steve
I think David Gregory will end up hosting Meet the Press.
Bot LaBeer
RIP Mr. Russert.
Now correct me if I’m wrong here, but in terms of rank/seniority at NBC/MSNBC isn’t Olbermann higher on the totem pole than Tweety? If so, I’d imagine that Olbermann would be probably get some level of first refusal to take over MTP. Aside from MTP, I wonder who takes over as Washington bureau chief.
The Other Steve
My favorite moderator ever was Ray Suarez on Talk of the Nation. He’s now on the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.
He would be my choice, if I knew it wasn’t going to be Gregory. :-)
The Other Steve
I hear Alberto Gonzales is looking for work.
John Cole
Have any of you ever seen David Gregory when he is standing next to someone?
The guy is ginormous. I would bet he is at least 6’6″. He is also really young- like my age.
Bot LaBeer
Whatever man…
dr. bloor
Matthews may want it, but Timmeh’s gonna get all biblical on NBC if they give it to him. Apparently, he didn’t think too much of Chris.
sglover
Ah. So was he the guy who helped you make that oh-so-informed vote for Bush the Lesser BOTH TIMES?
And you DO realize, don’t you, that there’s oodles of hilarity to be had stuffing random names into your “he was happy, they were happy, etc.” criteria?
Joshua Norton
Sorry, but that one just jumps the shark. Nobody out there is the best journalist of our time (or any other time). They all just take dictation and read press releases.
Just Some Fuckhead
6’5″
cbear
I’m betting on Bill Bennett. Colorful, insightful, and he could give us the early line on the NFL games.
Just Some Fuckhead
He is 6’5″.
I’m 6’2″ and I could take him. I’d love to wipe his muppet looking face in the dirt. Class resentment, prolly.
Michael Gass
I, like many, are in shock that Russert would simply collapse. Mine and my families condolences to his family.
It’s never easy when a loved dies, as thousands of military families can attest firsthand, as thousands of families in Iraq can attest.
No, you didn’t have to agree with his politics or his actions to be sympathetic to his family for their loss.
My question isn’t, “who will replace him”, but, “who else is now going to be one of the prime witnesses if/when Congress re-opened the outing of Valerie Plame?”
John Cole
That is a load of horseshit. There are a lot of really good journalists out there- Amy Goodman, Richard Engel, Michael Ware, and many, many more.
pinola
Chuck Todd is not an interviewer. He’s a reporter.
It’s gonna be Gregory.
Joshua Norton
I’m talking about the clown college ‘scream-a-thon’ so called journalism. None of them are the best anything.
The Grand Panjandrum
He looks like one of those pencil arm heavy metal rockers with a Howdy Doody head attached. (I wonder if he has wooden balls?)
I do like the Gwen Ifill idea. She could have Don Imus on her show. That would be TV worth watching.
Since we’re thinking outside the box a bit I’d love to see Bill Maher take the show. Spice up the title and call it “Press the Meat”. Voila! And Maher wouldn’t have to spend 20% of his time reading newspaper quotes to the guests. Hey, its working for me already.
Bot LaBeer
I kinda doubt they give MTP and the bureau chief job to one person – I could see Andrea Mitchell taking over as bureau chief and MTP going to some who can interview better than Mitchell. If they keep it in-house (promoting from within) maybe they give MTP to Matt Lauer or someone like that.
John O
Gregory used to have my respect, then he got his own show. You can tell he’s a shill. Shuster would be a better pick from the Corporate Hierarchy.
Maddow no chance; I work in Corporate America, trust me.
Olbermann would be an interesting selection, just to see if he could grow into a fair broker, but The Right would howl too loud for NBC to bother.
Jon Stewart seems to me to be the best choice, honest to FSM, but I don’t think he would take the job. However, conservatives come on his show all the time, because even if they get nailed, they get nailed respectfully, and I would expect liberals could count on the same treatment.
Mrs. Greenspan will probably get the job, and that would end my watching.
Lawrence O’Donnell would thrill me. Therefore, it will never happen.
My bottom line is that NBC will be Corporately cautious, and pick someone I hate. I have no idea who that might be.
I have had my issues with Russert since the Plame affair, when he consistently forgot to tell us he was neck-deep in it all. But I didn’t want him to die, and I feel sincerely and horribly sad for all those who loved him. Death is personal.
And Russert was better than most. Make that of it what you will.
L. Ron Obama
I remember thinking Gwen Ifill moderated the Edwards-Cheney VP debate pretty poorly–so not sure she would be a great choice. However, “poorly” from my perspective might be exactly what the executives are looking for.
Just Some Fuckhead
Like that fucking matters. Russert was a congressional counsel who didn’t even have a journalist background. Stephanopholous anyone? It’ll be Chuck Todd. He’s been Russert’s mini-me now for a few years.
Michael D.
Michael Ware is a one trick pony. A GOOD one trick pony – his expertise is Iraq, and he is VERY good at it. In fact, I trust him completely, but he would be a horrible replacement.
I just don’t think he is well rounded enough to host a political show.
Unless it was 100% about Iraq. Then, he’d be perfect. He is, honestly. the only one I trust to give me the goods on what’s happening there.
Helena Montana
I was appalled by Russert, but 58 is way too young to die. My heart goes out to his family.
cbear
Christiane Amanpour, Lara Logan, Dana Priest, Helen Thomas, Joe Galloway, Greg Palast, Robert Scheer, etc. etc.
Unfortunately we don’t get to hear very much from most of them on the teevee.
Michael D.
Nahhh, she’s too independent to get involved in a political show. She is her own person. She’s the contactor at your job – her job is to tell you what you don’t want to hear.
Christiane Amanpour is an amazing journalist, but she has found a niche for herself that she is wonderful at.
She is out of the running.
Brachiator
I don’t have anyone particular in mind, but I would like to see someone young, somebody who would look at the Obama fist tap and not go, “I have no idea what that was or why they were doing it.”
I’d also like to see someone who does not have deep Washington Beltway or New York connections, who is not interested in joining the insiders club, and who is willing to confront guests who waste the publics’ time by not answering the questions asked.
The interesting is that, especially given the layoffs in the newspaper industry, there are probably a number of smart people out there who would fit the bill.
I’ve seen Rachel Maddow’s name tossed around, but I don’t think she is all that knowledgeable about news or history, and she sometimes seems more interested in her own thoughts and theories than in the information that others have to convey.
But NBC will likely blow it and go with someone with name recognition or somebody who is already established within the network news division.
joel hanes
Nix on Gwen Ifill.
She’s too polite, too committed to bipartisan comity, to directly challenge her guests when they lie or spin; we don’t need more Broderism.
I nominated Colbert because of his performance at the White House Press dinner a couple years ago, when he dared to speak the truth: “We didn’t want to know. And so you didn’t tell us.”
That’s exactly what the nation needs from Meet The Press: someone who will upbraid them for their failings and cowardice.
carsick
After reading the recent interview/profile of Chris Matthews, I’m tempted to say:
Chris Matthews with a stun gun in the recording booth.
Seriously, RIP Tim Russert.
As a replacement? Geez, the state of the profession is in such disarray, I don’t know. Someone who has ‘big life’, joy, and yet a strong historical memory and love of politics….
LanceThruster
Sorry if someone else already (btw f*ck “all ready”!) posted it but Bill Moyers would be an excellent choice.
John O
Christiane Amanpour.
She’d be great. That’s precisely why she won’t be in the running.
I love that woman, and have unlimited respect for her. Also why she’s out of the running.
nightjar
Cause they’d ask tough relevant questions with an eye toward getting at truths that matter. It would make watchers uncomfy and that won’t sell. Can’t have that on teevee. Won’t sell at all.
passerby
I rather like Chuck Todd but, I agree with reid here: I don’t think it’s his bag.
But David Gregory?! I’m still trying to figure out who he blew to get where he is today. He’s something of a weenie, and has a kind of superficialness about him.
Bob Schiffer seems fair and thoughtful without all the drama and dirty tricks. I like him too.
T
John O
Moyers? Yeah, he’s be fantastic!
Also, he has no chance.
They’re not going to pick a non-hack. Deal with it.
John Cole
I was not suggesting him as a replacement, I was rejecting the notion that there are no good journalists out there.
Just Some Fuckhead
I gotta go make dinner*. You got it from here, JC?
*Just so you fuckers don’t think I’m heartless, I’m making a Timmeh memorial dinner: something with Russet potatoes and then pumpkin for desert.
carsick
By the way, I love Rachell Maddow and her enthusiasm and smarts but she is a partisan (though she does very fair interviews), they will never (and shouldn’t) pick an identifiable partisan.
Bring back Tom Brokaw as temporary replacement if he’d take it.
John O
Schieffer would be great, too. And he actually would have a chance, out here in RealityLand.
Too “boring” for infotainment. Unless Media Man is more frightened than I think.
Helena Montana
To replace Russert, my choice is Bill Moyers.
What we’ll end up with? I hear NBC is talking to Bill O’Reily.
passerby
Again I’ll second reid’s opinion here. Years back, I used to appreciate Ifel’s viewpoint, now she’s seems rather smug to me.
T
nogo war
Yep Bill Moyers would bring some legit seriousness..
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/index-flash.html
nightjar
Thanks Helen. First you get my hopes to soar them you blow ’em out of the sky.
nogo war
although what about Tom B?
bring him out of retirement…
LanceThruster
Also, a “no-name” like Brad Freidman of BradBlog would kick @ss (and as such would have no chance in hell of getting the job).
rasta
Clintons cock laughs last. Cheney says meh.G.E. plugs in another hack. NEXT!
Krista
You said everything I wanted to say. The man was passionate about politics, and was obviously devoted to his family. My sympathies go out to his loved ones. It’s awful when you don’t get a chance to say goodbye.
Everybody else should take this as a reminder to tell your loved ones how much you love them. You don’t know what tomorrow may bring.
John S.
And succumb to the altruistic urge to have sympathy for O’Reilly when he dies?
You ask for too much.
passerby
Yes, that was weighty, almost endorsementesque from the NBC Political Bureau Chief.
I think when Obama last appeared on MTP, there was a moment when he referenced Russert’s father, drawing similarities about the American dream or something. At that moment, I believe, he won Tim Russert over.
Go back and watch that part of the interview, and you can see Obama’s sincerity make a slight but, noticeable impression on Timmeh, which became kinda evident in Russert’s tone during the rest of the interview.
T
John O
Somerby! Best choice of all.
What’re they gonna do? Accuse him of being soft on liberals?
Sadly, since I have no idea what he looks like, he could be too ugly to be on TV.
Quackers
Bill Moyers.
passerby
Someone who I always thought did killer interviews was Brian Lamb, from C-SPAN.
Guess he wouldn’t provide enough drama for MTP and he’s certainly no shill but, as long as we’re dreaming…
T
passerby
On second thought, interviewing is only half of the skills required for MTP. I think moderating is equally, if not more important.
Matthews nor Gregory have demonstrated much competency at moderating.
Matthews: loves to hear himself talk
Gregory: always seems tenuous like he’s afraid of making a mistake.
T
DougJ
How about Charlie Rose? He always asks incisive questions and never looks like he’s been drinking.
passerby
LOL!!
T
Jill
It’s gonna be Gregory. And Shuster will get the 6 PM MSNBC gig. And Rachel Maddow will get screwed over yet again.
Palmer Eldritch
I wonder if some kind online grocery would make it possible for me to send a can of Crisco and a bunch of Kool-Aid Mix packets in memoriam aeternam?
steve
Anyone else waiting for Brokaw to start up with “Tragedy today, as ‘Meet the Press’ host Tim Russert was eaten by wolves. He was delicious.”???
Martin
So what blog did you really think you were posting that at? This is where I come to say the things that I’m too polite to say anywhere else.
tarrah begone
I like Brian Lamb but 1/he’s older than dirt and 2/ he’s not exactly aggressive. The person I would like to put forward if he’s even available is Ray Suarez from Lehrer. He knows his stuff, he’s fair and he’s a decent interviewer. He ain’t no fluffhead like most of the current NBC folks(except Chuck Todd who’s too green.)
Martin
Replacement Suggestion:
Mélissa Theuriau
I don’t think she speaks english, but I don’t care. I know enough french and, shit, even if I couldn’t understand a word she’s saying, I wouldn’t miss a minute.
passerby
Yeah, they’ll probably go with a younger someone who can attract and hold a crowd to match. Nowadays it’s all about market share and they’ll stick some youngish, though not so great suit in there. I’m preparing myself for a weenie like david gregory.
In my dreams they’d go back to the old format with a panel of various journalist. In my dreams (since there aren’t too many of those around–journalists that is).
T
ascap_scab
I really don’t see anyone in the NBC stable worthy of the MTP spot. They are all compromised in one way or another. Going outside, I’d say Charlie Rose is about the best fit for the format, though, just to throw it out there, Phil Donahue.
Helena Montana
But what about when he showed up with a black eye a few weeks ago? What was THAT all about?
Besides, I’m not sayin’ he’s in the bag for the forces of ee-vil or anything, but I don’t think he’s been nearly skeptical enough of the various Bush stooges that have turned up on his show.
passerby
I’m with you but, Charlie’s too old. They go for the younger crowd. Frickin Gregory, weenie.
T
Ron
I’d go with Shuster, that flap over Chelsea Clinton is mostly forgotten. Shuster is like a fucking wrecking ball. They’ll have to rein him in because they’ll need people on, but I bet there’d be some humdingers coming across the plate at some very important people. Does Brokaw have a show? I can’t remember. Please god, don’t let it be Chuck Todd. I could handle Gregory, but Matthews is out because he won’t leave his baby Hardball. Maddow is a dark horse, a good analyst but I don’t think she’s been tested yet. It’s easy to beat up on Pat Buchanan, who is such a blowhard and is just another wingnut that is always 100% wrong about everything. I really enjoy watching a smart lesbian kick the crap out of a washed up Nixonite.
bad dad
Brachiator Says:
I’ve seen Rachel Maddow’s name tossed around, but I don’t think she is all that knowledgeable about news or history, and she sometimes seems more interested in her own thoughts and theories than in the information that others have to convey.
From her wiki page:
A graduate of Castro Valley High School in Castro Valley, California, Maddow later obtained a degree in public policy from Stanford University in 1994. She then received a Rhodes Scholarship in 1995 and used it to obtain a D.Phil. in political science from Lincoln College, Oxford University.
I think they covered news and history when she got that DOCTORATE in political science from Oxford.
That being said, no way on MTP. All that happens is that she move a notch up on the totem pole and MAYBE gets an MSNBC show if she’s lucky or MSNBC is smart.
ThatLeftTurnInABQ
This thread appears to still be active, so I’ll throw my suggestion into the ring for who should eventually host MTP:
Howard Fineman
I think he has the requisite combination of seriousness, historical knowledge of politics, and an ability to be fair and reasonably non-partisan without being a creampuff. He doesn’t come across on screen as having the personal warmth of Tim Russert, but I don’t think you’ll find anybody who does and can still match the other requirements I just listed.
Another thing: I don’t want to join the “TR was a saint” chorus, but I do think despite what his critics (of which I am one) have to say (and this is a good time for them to keep it classy), that it is a tribute to the man and the job that he did that we are having such difficulty coming up with a plausible name for his successor.
If he shoes-to-be-filled are that big, he must have been doing something right.