I don't generally do the death notice thing here on my blog, since I figure there are others who can say things far better than I would. But I'm making an exception for Tim Russert.
I have the television on a lot while I'm working, and I love working to news and politics. And watching the Sunday shows has been a tradition for me for more years than I can remember.
When you watch that much, some of the personalities become friends. They're not, really, I know. But you develop the same kind of feeling towards them. Tim Russert was a huge part of that.
I was never a Meet the Press fan, I was a Tim Russert fan.
As a host and commentator, he elevated the medium. I think he was one of the best interviewers there was. Sometimes, at night, when I'd flip through channels, I'd get stuck on his show because I just couldn't turn it off.
His book, Big Russ and Meis great, and I can't recommend it highly enough. And his history, as a political operative, bureau chief, writer, and all that he was is just inspiring.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be missed. And I think there's only one way to end this...
Go Bills!