TIM RUSSERT: A World Class Journalist-Interrogator with Style
By Vince Sinning

Friday, 13 June 2008: It was a hot and humid afternoon in the nation's capital when the news came out that Tim Russert died of a heart attack. Tim was recording a "Meet the Press" introduction when he collapsed and was pronounced dead soon after he was transported to Sibley Memorial Hospital.

I was a block away from NBC building in northwest Washington, DC where Tim was when I heard the news. I was stunned. Tim has just returned from Italy where he spent time with his wife and son who graduated recently from Boston College. Hearing the news, I felt like someone from my own family has died. Tim has been one of the many people that influenced my life as a political analyst and senior advisor to governments.

Since 1991, when Tim became the host of "Meet the Press", my Sunday morning is spent watching him. I usually don't watch TV shows, but every Sunday, I switched through channels, listening to Meet the Press, Face the Nation, and This Week. These shows were my valuable sources of information as I continuously study politics, and listen to various views of leaders and political analysts. My own political education is largely derived from Tim's "Meet the Press" outside of my readings.

Tim is one of my personal influences in my pursuits to understand politics. I had the privilege of meeting him in person on several occassions, in various functions and events in Washington, DC and in New York. I considered him as a superb practitioner of political analysis, and I highly respect his skills in interrogating world leaders, influential people, and policy experts with professionalism and style. His ability to take opposing views from his guests is remarkable and inspiring. Each time he interviews his guests, you can clearly sense on how well he did his homework. Now that he is gone, my Sunday morning will never be the same without hearing the man I admired most.

Tim Russert attended John Carroll University and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. At the age of 29, he became New York Senator Patrick Moynihan's Chief of Staff. In 1984, Tim worked for then Governor Mario Cuomo. In 1985, he became an assistant to the NBC News President. In 1988, he took over the Washington Bureau and became a "Today" commentator.

In 1991, Tim became the host of "Meet the Press" and successfully expanded the program to one hour and grabbed the top ratings. He won an Emmy in 2005 for his role in the coverage of President Reagan's funeral. He authored two books, "Big Russ and Me" and "Wisdom of our Fathers." In 2008, Time magazine named him as one of the world's most influential people.