It was one year ago this past weekend that Tim Russert, host of NBC’s Meet the Press, died suddenly of a heart attack. His loss dealt a staggering blow to an industry that has struggled to replace, in vain, his journalistic integrity.
Russert was a throwback, a diamond in the rough and a maverick among his peers. Respected by politicians on both sides of the aisle, and equally feared, Russert became an iconic figure in American culture, as well as the very face of politics itself in Washington. His no-nonsense, non-partisan style of interviewing was refreshing to watch, especially in lieu of what usually passed for the plethora of weekly programs that his competition felt obliged to produce.
Throughout the 2008 presidential primary campaigns, Russert was, if nothing else, relentless in asking the tough, probing questions that few, if any, of his contemporaries had the stomach to ask. He was a devout Catholic, but he never let his faith interfere with his interviewing technique. He had no patience for tabloid journalism, which sadly has risen to almost epic proportions throughout the 24-hour news channels. He equally had little love or use for pandering to prominent politicians who appeared on Meet the Press. He had a job to do, and that was getting at the truth, no matter how excruciating it might be for the guest. He felt he owed it to the viewers, as well as to his guests, to be both tough and fair-minded, and the results spoke for themselves.
Over the last twelve months many have speculated what the political landscape would’ve looked like had Russert not been cut down so tragically; sadly we will never know. What we do know is that his like will never be seen again, at least not for quite some time. His successor on Meet the Press, David Gregory, has done a credible and competent job, but has not come close to replacing Russert.
For my part, what I miss most is how superbly Russert cut to the chase and forced so many of his guests to admit to mistakes or misjudgments that lesser journalists would’ve winced at. He was the ultimate gotcha journalist in an industry that loves the likes of a Larry King and who sought a kinder, don’t rock the boat approach from its “professionals.”
That he is still revered by so many one year after his passing is a tribute to the man’s authenticity and accomplishments; that no one has come close to replacing him speaks volumes for the industry he loved so much and worked so hard at dignifying.
2 comments:
Hmm. Can't agree here, Pete. Sorry. Not that Russert wasn't a great guy, a prince among men. Everyone loved him, and that's the problem. A good reporter should have a lot of enemies. When a good reporter dies, one who truly sees his duty as exposing the truth and defending democracy, leaders should be dancing on his grave. Cheney's aide admitted the VP liked to go on MTP because he knew he "could control the message" with Russert. So much for freedom of the press. Russert was one of the best of the breed of celebrity journalists who have become so enamored of power, they forget their job. But what can you expect from corporate-controlled media? Here's an interesting interview on Moyers following Russert's death. http://dangerousintersection.org/2009/04/05/glenn-greenwald-pops-the-bubble-of-tim-russert-the-legend/
While I agree about the corporate controlled media point, I wouldn't put too much stock in what Dick Cheney's aide said about anybody. I still think you can be revered and respected and still do your job as a good journalist.
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