First and foremost, my apologies for the little lull here on the FR blog. It’s a busy season for most, but for me I have been swamped helping to prepare for the Orange County Republican Party’s big Flag Day fundraising Gala, with special guest Florida Governor Charlie Crist. The event will have nearly a thousand attendees and will raise a huge amount of the funds that this county needs to maintain its operations and fund some of our GOTV efforts.
That said, I was sad to read about the sudden passing of NBC’s Tim Russert, who had a heart attack.
As I was contemplating what I would say about it, I got this statement from John McCain in my inbox:
I guess that I would add that Russert really was one of the (too) few objective and fair "talking heads" on network television. Unlike the Dan Rathers and Tom Brokaws who would drive me to distraction with their obvious biases, Russert was fair and even handed as an interviewer — which is all we want, and expect, from a journalist. Rest In Peace
June 13th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Newt Gingrich praised Tim Russert on Sean Hannity’s radio show today.
The Speaker pointed out that Russert had real-life experience as a press
secretary, working for Daniel P. Moynihan, who Gingrich described as
the most intellectual senator of the era.
Speaker Gingrich said this gave Russert the discipline and work ethic to
read the material and do his own research in preparing for interviews.
Sean Hannity added his own tribute, describing Russert as a personal friend,
who once donated $10,000 to Hannity’s fund aiding children of fallen soliders…
but only on condition that Hannity not talk about it on the air.
Russert also showed respect for the genius who created “Meet the Press”
in the 1940s, and hosted it for many years: Lawrence A. Spivak.
Rest in Peace to a man who made Journalism an honorable calling.
June 13th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Condolences to the Russert Family.
Tim Russert was a dedicated journalist by making sure that the news was balanced, especially in the crazy world of politics.
Sunday mornings will never be the same without Tim Russert.