More Reaction To The Death Of Tim Russert

by: robert.harding

Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 18:39:19 PM EDT

Statement from President and Mrs. Bush:

Laura and I are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Tim Russert. Those of us who knew and worked with Tim, his many friends, and the millions of Americans who loyally followed his career on the air will all miss him.

As the longest-serving host of the longest-running program in the history of television, he was an institution in both news and politics for more than two decades. Tim was a tough and hardworking newsman. He was always well-informed and thorough in his interviews. And he was as gregarious off the set as he was prepared on it.

Most important, Tim was a proud son and father, and Laura and I offer our deepest sympathies to his wife Maureen, his son Luke, and the entire Russert family. We will keep them in our prayers.

Statement from Sen. Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton:

"We were stunned and deeply saddened to hear of the passing today of Tim Russert.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Maureen, his son Luke, his father who we all have come to know as Big Russ, his extended family and all of his many friends and colleagues at NBC who have suffered a tremendous loss.  Always true to his proud Buffalo roots, Tim had a love of public service and a dedication to journalism that rightfully earned him the respect and admiration of not only his colleagues but also those of us who had the privilege to go toe to toe with him.  In seeking answers to tough questions, he helped inform the American people and make our democracy stronger.  We join his friends, fans and loved ones in mourning his loss and celebrating his remarkable contribution to our nation."

Sen. Ted Kennedy:

"Tim Russert was a gentleman and giant, not just in politics and journalism, but in life. And through that life, he gave us all a model worth emulating.   With a reasoned voice, a sharp mind and a fair hand, Tim took the measure of every Washington official and all those that sought to be one.   He was a great journalist and an even better friend.  His passing is a tragic loss for us all, but especially for the family he loved so much.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim's wife Maureen and his son Luke."

More over the fold.

"Today, broadcast journalism lost one of its giants, who will be remembered along with names like Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite, and David Brinkley.  The City of Buffalo has also lost its favorite son, who loved his city and its hometown team, the Bills.  The smile that came across Tim's face whenever he spoke of the place of his birth and his favorite football team was one of true joy and I will never forget it.

"Tim Russert embodied the very best in broadcast journalism and has been a fixture in millions of living rooms every Sunday morning on 'Meet the Press,' an institution that he shaped into one of the most influential news and opinion programs of our time.  A stellar journalist, Tim also touched our hearts with his loving portrait of his father in the best-selling book, 'Big Russ and Me.'"

"To everyone at NBC News, who today lost not only a colleague, but a true friend, I offer my deepest condolences.  Most of all, my thoughts are with Tim's wife, Maureen, and his son, Luke.  I hope it is some comfort that so many throughout the world have the Russert family in their thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid:

"I was greatly saddened to learn of Tim Russert's untimely death.  Tim was a warm and gracious family man with a great zest for life and an unsurpassed passion for his work.  His rise from working-class roots to become a well-respected leader in political journalism is an inspiration to many.  Tim asked the tough questions the right way and was the best in the business at keeping his interview subjects honest.  My thoughts are with his family."

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell:

"Elaine and I are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Tim Russert. He was regarded as perhaps the toughest, most fair-minded, and intellectually rigorous interviewer of our day. And I'm sure I speak for all elected officials when I say he always asked the question we hoped he wouldn't. Yet for all his achievements, Tim Russert always remained tethered to his middle-class upbringing and the good and decent people who made him who he was. But he will be remembered by many more Americans who knew him as a proud son of Buffalo, New York.

"We send our condolences to his wife Maureen, their son Luke, and the entire Russert family on this sad and sudden loss."

Sen. John McCain:

"I am very saddened by Tim Russert's sudden death. Cindy and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the Russert family as they cope with this shocking loss and remember the life and legacy of a loving father, husband and the preeminent political journalist of his generation. He was truly a great American who loved his family, his friends, his Buffalo Bills, and everything about politics and America. He was just a terrific guy. I was proud to call him a friend, and in the coming days, we will pay tribute to a life whose contributions to us all will long endure."

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver:

I was greatly saddened to learn of the sudden death of Tim Russert.

He was an outstanding journalist and a great New Yorker. He started his career in state government in Albany where he was widely respected for his wisdom and insight. He contributed much to the public's understanding of government.

He will be sorely missed.