Tim Russert Dies

[sunnyhibiscus]

I too thought that it was a joke, but sadly, it wasn't. This is all too sudden. 58 is too young to die.

We'll miss you, Tim.

[ADqtPiMel]

He was a classy dude and a top-notch journalist. One of my coworkers was in the studio when it happened apparently - he sent out a group email telling us what happened and there was a collective gasp across the newsroom.

[AGDee]

NBC news is a complete and total tribute to Tim. Beautiful and poignant tributes from George Bush, Ethel Kennedy, Brian Williams, Andrea Mitchell.. on and on and on... I don't know how they are all holding it together, because I am barely keeping it together watching this. 10 pm EDT, a special hour long tribute...

[mystikchick]

I never watched MtP, but he always struck me as a genuine and honest reporter in a time where too many are content to sell out and be hacks. Keith Olbermann looks like he's barely holding back tears, and I don't blame him. American journalism is probably the worse off now for having lost someone of his integrity and high standards. Rest in peace, and my heart goes out to his family.

[shinerbock]

I loved MTP, and I don't see anyone in that organization that can fill the giant void of professionalism that exists from his absence.

Awful loss for his family, his son just graduated and on Father's Day weekend...just a harsh reminder for us all.

[pbear19]

I am so very sad about this. I cannot think of a single newsperson who I had a greater respect for, or of whom I more enjoyed the opinion and professional capacity. He was a giant among his fellows, and truly there is no such thing as a replacement for him.

I don't generally get emotionally invested in 'celebrity' deaths, but I felt like Tim was something beyond a usual TV personality. I am truly going to miss him in the upcoming months particularly, and find it hugely tragic that he will miss out on the rest of the election cycle that he would have enjoyed so very much. He was the first person I turned to for accurate political news. So sad.

[AKA_Monet]

Wow, just wow!!! He had a journalistic integrity unlike any other from his "generation". When I last saw him in a brief MSNBC spot ~month ago, I knew something was not right with him, that he looked rather ill.

Russert's internist, Michael A. Newman, said cholesterol plaque had ruptured in an artery, causing sudden coronary thrombosis.

Newman said an autopsy showed that Russert had an enlarged heart, NBC reported. Russert had been diagnosed with asymptomatic coronary artery disease, which he was controlling with medication and exercise, the doctor said.

Well, this is sad... Not much you can do when there's heart failure and plaque rupture... I wonder why they did not just stent him, given his age and enlargement? Meds & exercise don't do this alone when this is the case... He probably didn't want to take the time off. IDK--just guessing.