| Tim Russert, the moderator of NBC's "Meet the Press," passed away today of an apparent heart attack. The network's Washington bureau chief was 58 years old.
Russert was one of the few journalist who was able to parley a career in politics and news. Russert graduated from law school and worked on New York Democrat Daniel Patrick Moynihan's Senatorial campaign in 1976. He later worked on New York Democrat Mario Cuomo's gubernatorial campaign in 1982. Russert was hired by NBC at their Washington Bureau in 1984.
His pointed questions and laser focus are a large reason why Meet the Press is the most watched Sunday morning news program in the nation. His influence in American politics earned him the title of one of Time's 100 most influential people in the world.
Russert came from a working class family in Buffalo New York, but effected the lives of every American by breaking countless news stories and asking national political figures the tough questions.
He was a personal inspiration and a large reason why as a political person, I began writing. His loss will be apparent during 2008, and Burnt Orange Report send our thoughts and prayers to the entire Russert family. |
