Editor,
Back in 1991, I was halfway through graduate school when I started watching "Meet the Press." I was completing a master's degree in public administration with the intention of running for the Cleveland city council in 1993. Over the next 17 years, I have never missed a show and have always been awestruck by the method used by Tim Russert to question his guests. My feeling was that if I could ever ask those types of questions (and be able to answer them, as well) I would develop into an excellent public servant. Furthermore, the energy he exuded when hosting the show went far beyond any talk show host. Russert portrayed a level of intensity that never appeared intimidating yet kept everybody's attention focused on what was really important. He was businesslike but nice. He cared not just about the issues of the day but about those he interviewed as well. "Meet the Press" was never about attacking someone but rather getting to the heart of what they believed based upon what they would say. It was not "gotcha" politics, but rather an honest attempt at clarification which is so often lost in these days of sound bites.
Russert was not only a great father but a great son as well. There are not too many public figures who would write about their relationship with their father and be so candid and honest about it. He truly loved his family. He also loved his extended family: the citizens of the United States of America. To all of us, he will be remembered as a brother making us adopted sons and daughters of "Big Russ." Tim set an incredible example for all of us by living his Catholic faith. Here was a man of virtue who always maintained dignity and respect for his fellow citizen. He fought the good fight and has finished the race. We are overwhelmed with sadness at his sudden departure but will never forget what he did while he was among us. Our lives must strive to set similar examples. Today and tomorrow we shall mourn him, but the next day and the day after we shall miss him. Thank you Tim. We love you.
Joe Bialek
Daily Lobo reader
