Luke Russert, son of Tim, remembers

As tragic as the sudden passing of Tim Russert is, does it warrant all of this coverage? I saw a piece from the TV critic from the Orlando Sentinel, I believe, and it was pointed out that over the weekend, MSNBC did not devote one minute to the flooding in the Midwest, and particularly in Iowa where towns have been submerged. It was wall-to-wall Tim Russert.
Again, as tragic as his death is, does it even compare to what is taking place in the Midwest in Iowa? To the homes lost? The businesses lost? The suffering and loss experienced by tens of thousands of poeple? The increase in food prices because of the food lost? Now, the flooding is a true tragedy impacting millions upon millions of people. Yet, the passing of Tim Russert warrants more coverage than the historic flooding? Come on!!

I am so shocked and heartbroken to hear about Tim's passing.
I am a 30 year old male and he was such an important hero to our generation as well.
My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Both Sundays and Elections will never be the same without him.
You will be loved and missed every day.

Darren, from Ohio

What a wonderful son Tim has. No wonder he was so proud of him. The strength and intelligence we showed was truly inspiring. My prayers are with the family.

NBC (and MSNBC) were the only ones that could respectfully honor the passing of Tim Russert the way they did. I think it's OK they devoted so much time to the passing of their friend and colleague. The other news channels were covering the flooding, criminally high gas and food prices prices and the impending war in Iran. NBC did the right thing. Tim Russert was a giant in his field and one of the most knowledgeable and balanced person's of his kind. We lost a national treasure.

Hey Green Trees, did you know that there are other news channels that covered the flood? Because it doesn't sound as though you are aware of that.

I'm truly surprised at the posts that put aside the tragedy of this loss. Tim Russert brought politics and current events to an entire generation---and he reached out with an aire of respect and trust.
Not many in this industry can claim the accolades that Tim Russert owned. The standards set by his contemporaries fall far below where Tim sat.
My thoughts and prayers to his wife, son and father. You lost someone more dear to you than we could ever imagine. May you find comfort now in your immediate surroundings.
Tim has met the Press in a whole new light since he left us.

I have been saddened by this since hearing the shocking news on Friday. What a terrible memory for Father's Days to come. I think Tim was a genuine person who had commitment to the world and to his family. He obviously learned that from his father. The respect he gave to everyone, those who influenced him and those he influenced, is rare in today's world. And he did it all with a pure sense of joy.
I am glad that Luke mentioned his mother in all of this. I think everyone was leaving her out because it was a father-son focus but I know she grieved just as much for her partner in life.
Tim touching his father's chair broke me up all over again...how we sometimes wish we could bring someone back by touching something that was important to them.
Thanks to NBC for honoring him as much as it did and the way they did. Instead of it being a quick sound bite, it was a genuine tribute to a great person who affected all around him in a positive way.
Prayers go to the whole family and wishes that somewhere in this world there are other people like him.

this man touched our lives-many just by our televisions-
In this day of hate,crime,murder,and diasters,we need to stop and think about those that were good men and women -who loved their job,were caring and kind and truly loved his family and our country
may his family know how much his presence was appreciated on this earth

[[As tragic as the sudden passing of Tim Russert is, does it warrant all of this coverage? I saw a piece from the TV critic from the Orlando Sentinel, I believe, and it was pointed out that over the weekend, MSNBC did not devote one minute to the flooding in the Midwest, and particularly in Iowa where towns have been submerged. It was wall-to-wall Tim Russert. Again, as tragic as his death is, does it even compare to what is taking place in the Midwest in Iowa? To the homes lost? The businesses lost?]]

....and yet somehow you got all the information you needed about the floods. too much tim? stop reading...and commenting...about him. i skipped the show on sunday because i kknew it would bum me out. went to the museum instead.

I think the coverage was appropriate considering who was lost so tragically over the weekend. I was extremely impressed with his son this morning. His dad had good reason to be proud. Yes, there were tons of other newsworthy items, but his loss to NBC and the country was worth the weekend coverage. We should take time to honor and recognize this man.

"As tragic as the sudden passing of Tim Russert is, does it warrant all of this coverage?"
Yes...yes, it does. Only NBC/MSNBC provided extensive coverage. He was not only their friend and co-worker but a huge part of the organization. If they had responded with anything less, I would have been stunned.

Tim Russert's passing deserves all the news coverage it is getting. He was a truly amazing man who taught so many through his example and great humility. I loved watching him on NBC and trusted and respected his views. His are big shoes to fill yet his life's work and generosity will enable someone someday and fit into them and I believe Mr. Russert would not want it to be any other way.

Green Trees,
I'm with you about misplaced priorities. I tried to find out how many soldiers died from Fox News several weeks agaon and all I saw was the latest JonBenet Ramsey, Natalie Holloway, Anna Nicole Smith and Drew Peterson news.

God Bless Tim Russert, the famous and popular anchorman who made my Sundays after God! His son, Tim seems like a wonderful person! He gave a very brave and intelligent speech on TV this morning. I know he will make his father very proud. The nation lost a beloved figure who was generous and pleasant. The love he displayed for his work came right through the TV screen. He made me a better person! I don't know what I'm going to do about my Sundays... I looked forward to watching Mr. Russert with cup of coffee or tea in hand with my newspaper or talking on the phone to get someone in another town to tune in. Yes, I recruited several of my childhood friends and siblings to watch his show years ago! I knew he was unique! Mr. Russert is irreplaceable... an original. But, whoever gets the job will make Mr. Russert proud.

May he rest in peace.

Responsive to Green Teas, as tragic as the sudden passing of Tim Russert is, his untimely death absolutely warrants all of this coverage, and more. MSNBC and NBC are not the only news stations pained by the loss of a giant journalist filled with integrity, intelligence, morals, compassion, love of family and God. Our whole nation – including the Midwest and Iowa and all the tens of thousands of people affected by the same – will feel the true tragedy and pain in the months to come because so much more was lost than simply “material” possessions which can be replaced. Historically speaking, our country lost Tim Russert, the journalist who often put to the test with great zeal, those politicians who often misappropriate our hard earned tax dollars and who are responsible to ensure swift economic disaster recoveries, checks and balances on alternate fuel solutions, banking and mortgage crisis issues etc. God’s blessings always on the Russert family who helped support the shaping of a true American hero.

Sorry, folks, but the untimely death of one man does not even come close to the disaster taking place in Iowa and parts of the Midwest.
I have no problem with MSNBC or any other network covering Russert's death. I have no problem with NBC providing more coverage since it was their colleague that passed away.
But the loss of Tim Russert in no way comes even close to the newsworthiness of the floods in Iowa, the loss of life, the loss of land, the loss of homes, the loss of businesses and the effect all of that will have on the rest of the nation thorugh higher food prices.
Tim Russert's death in the end is a blip in history, a moment that will pass for the nation in a few days. The tragedy taking place in Iowa will have ramifications for months and effect millions more people than the loss of one person's life.
Get a grip, folks.

On thursday I decided I wanted to go a local dollar store shopping. As my son hates going in the store with me he waited in the car. All of a sudden he runs into this store and yells Tim Russert died. I looked at my son as always with the yeah right look. He shows me his cell phone where he gets up dates on News. He flashes this report at me. I just froze. I could not believe it. I called my daughter immediately after as I always do, they make fun of me alot for this. But not on this day, She picks up the phone my words, Tim Russert died. She screamed what. I will call you back later.I changed my plans around and went back home. Put the news right on and did not turn it off until 4 in the morning. jSobbed the entire night. My husband recently left us. One year and 2 months ago to be exact.Every single Sunday morning my Son and Husband would have coffee together and watch Tim Russert.
I went to baby sit for my daughter the next day and my 7 year old grandson and I got into a conversation about tim Russert. My Totti I call him is only 7 but has an IQ higher then President bush.Makes straight A's and on the honor roll in First grade knew all about Tim Russert. But when I told him that Tim Russert was younger then me, he had a different look in his eyes. That was the jirst time we had ever talked about my age. Our conversation continued about Tim Russert. I was amazed of how much he knew. So you see Tim Russert has truly touched every generation. My prayers and thoughts go to his entire family. God Bless you All.

Dear Green Trees,

My heart goes out to those folks in Iowa and other states who have lost loved ones, homes and businesses. I have relatives in Indiana that may have been affected by the recent tornadoes. You have every right to express your opinion. However, there will always be stories of war, floods, famine and other tragic circumstances. There were such events in the past and there will be others in the future. But to pause for a brief "moment" to remember the life of one who affected the lives of so many, both corporately and individually, is very appropriate. As one who has experienced tragic personal loss, remembrance provides catharsis for those left behind. I would respectfully ask for your patience at this time. The other tragic stories will again be with us soon enough.

I really was impressed by Luke's presence and just his compassion and competence when talking about his father, whom he loved. I don't think I know anyone his age who could do better. And I think it says a lot about why Luke has gotten great jobs at NBC-affiliated shows and stations. He is a true pro and will go so far.

Green Trees:
Have some respect for his family members and friends that may read this site who are sadden by their loss. If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all. This page is for remembering Tim.

Green Trees, maybe you should find a site about Iowa to express your opinion on. A human life should never be devalued, no matter who it is.

Dear Green Trees:

If you feel that much grief for the people in Iowa then why don't you get off your computer and go volunteer for clean up !!