MISSING TIM RUSSERT / THE EMPTY CHAIR
October 27, 2008 / Dave Cunningham
From the beginning of the presidential campaign two years ago, Tim Russert loved the process. He even said so on several occasions. When Tim was going to be in the discussion, I sat forward in my seat, anxiously awaiting his insight because I knew it would be thought provoking. I loved to see him laugh. That was one of the best parts of Tim. His energy and excitement were contagious.
Tom Brokaw had a tough job ahead, as he stepped into the job of temporary anchor of Meet The Press after Tim’s untimely death. Don’t get me wrong. He has done an excellent job at filling the gap created by the loss and there was probably no one else who could have done it as well. But it is still hard to tune in to MTP on Sunday morning without wishing for one more chance to hear that too familiar voice speak the words, “Remember. If it’s Sunday, it’s Meet The Press.” What a loss we have sustained.
I recently had dinner with my old friend Roger Urbanski, from college days. Although he moved away from Buffalo, N Y years ago, his heart is still there with the Buffalo Bills. He talked about what a joy it was for him to have Tim Russert as such an unabashed Bills fan. It was true. Tim Russert may have been even handed in politics. He was a tough and fair interviewer. No one came to national political prominence without passing through Tim’s tough interrogation. But when it came to the Bills, Tim was admittedly and purposefully biased.
It has been a great political season to watch. The results will be historic as they always are. I just wish that Russert had been here to see it, to comment on it, to give his opinion and mostly to laugh. When he laughed, I believe he inspired us all to join him in the fun.
So I may miss a lot of the political hoopla. But I won’t miss missing Tim Russert. Thanks, Tim.
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