Dead. I’m stunned. Usually the New York Times alerts in my email inbox aren’t anything I dwell on. This…this is tough news. I have read nothing other than the subject line of my news alert. Dead at 58, sudden heart attack. It was just a few weeks ago that a manic Terry McAuliffe erroneously joked on Meet The Press that Russert’s father “Big Russ” was looking down on them from heaven. Big Russ is still very much alive, but I’m sure most didn’t imagine he’d outlive his son. Obviously, what a loss for his family, but it’s a huge loss for those who follow politics. Tim Russert was one of the keenest political minds out there in the media, perhaps in the entire television age.

58.

An original.

UPDATE“Explainer-In-Chief”. An apt description from Senator Joe Lieberman on the legacy of Tim Russert. I’ve been watching MSNBC’s live coverage over the internet. There is such tremendous sincere respect in these spontaneous reactions from colleagues and competitors. Most of those commenting don’t have scripts; they’re speaking from the heart, and it’s clear they are stunned and crushed.

For me, whenever I’ve gotten down on politics in my adult life, it’s usually been a jolt of Meet The Press that’s been able to revive my interest. There was no b.s. with Tim Russert and MTP.

Election Night 2000 was agonizing, but I fondly recall being up until 4AM watching Russert and Brokaw and Russert’s whiteboard…

“If there has to be a weekend to mourn Tim Russert, it would be Father’s Day,” NBC’s political director just said. It sounds like Tim Russert, in addition to being an extraordinary journalist, was a tremendous friend, mentor, philanthropist, father, son, colleague, comforter, and teacher.

I’m not so good at the impromptu remembrances…this news has really shaken me. There aren’t many public figures whose sudden passing would sadden me so much.

If the “mainstream media” leaves you feeling cynical, read what people are saying about Tim Russert. You might feel a little less cynical.

UPDATE #2
Tom Brokaw announcing Russert’s passing earlier today. Tom Brokaw wouldn’t put the anchor hat back on for just anyone. Tough to watch…