If it's Sunday...

I'm going to break from my usual blog post to offer a look into the man that was Tim Russert and the profound impact the man had on me. Tim Russert was most famous as the host of "Meet the Press" on NBC. Almost every Sunday, I, with about 4 million other Americans, watched in awe as one of the most intelligent, and thought provoking journalists of our time informed a nation on the affairs of the country. If you interviewed with Mr. Russert, you had better been prepared to own up to what you had said before. Whether a speech to thousands or a personal interview, he'd dig up a statement that would blow you off message, and leave you scrabbling for words. It was that gift, that I admired about him most. He never let a politician spin his view on the facts, he'd somehow more than anyone else, demand the facts. I would often laugh when watching "Meet the Press", because I'd love to see his guests squirm. But none of this was for ratings, or political gain. It was a search for the truth. Tim Russert had a way of making politics idea-centered, instead of the "what I meant was" game. I first began watching him in high school, his interviews with Al Gore and George Bush made me realize that I had a thirst for politics. He lit a fuse in me, because with him politics took on a new life. Suddenly, to me, a seemingly dull subject was exciting. It was a discussion of ideas, the very ideas that I too discussed with friends and neighbors. Mr. Russert had a way of making all of these complicated issues, simple and understandable. He was a teacher, and he taught me well. Beyond television, Tim Russert lived an extraordinary life. He honored his father, and cherished the bond of family. He never cared about the money he made or the fame he received. He cared about his job, for which he worked very hard, and his beloved family. In his short 58 years on this planet he lived more than most ever can. And although I am deeply, deeply saddened by his passing, I know that his dreams in life came true. He lived a full life and one that I am truly envious of. He will be missed. Sundays and life will not be the same without him.