There is a vacuum in the world of journalism now. Actually, it is bigger than that. Tim Russert collapsed and died today while doing what he loved to do, preparing for another 'Meet the Press.' It was his work on that program that he is most famous for, but in reality, he was bigger and more important than just a single television show.
What Tim Russert represented was the best of what great journalism has to offer. He worked hard. He was unabashedly enthusiastic about all things politics. He was our guy. He was representing us every Sunday morning asking the tough questions and always getting answers. He was our guy. He was there on election nights with straight talk about what was happening and what it meant to us. And in this incredible election year of 2008, he had become a fixture in helping us make sense of the ins and outs, the ups and downs of this historic campaign.
I started out as a journalist and had always held up Edward R. Murrow as the gold standard. He still is. But in many respects, Tim Russert is the direct descendant of Murrow. Two journalists who had only one mission - the truth. Another great journalist, William Allen White would have loved Tim Russert. As a member of the Board of the William Allen White Foundation, I plan on suggesting that we in some way honor him. It would be a fitting tribute.
Thank you Tim Russert. We can only hope that some of those you have inspired and mentored will pick up the ball that prematurely dropped out of your hand today at the young age of 58.
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