Whats Hot On TV

It’s been two days since we learned of Tim Russert’s passing, and it’s still just as shocking and unbelievable. Even as I watched the special Meet the Press aired this morning and hosted by his NBC colleague Tom Brokaw, that unbelievable factor just doesn’t change.

For the past two days every single person that has mentioned Russert’s death has said the same things. It’s unbelievable, gosh, just 58, he was an honorable man, he was tough, and he was fair. Could this man have left behind a larger and more longer lasting legacy?

Young and old, Republican and Democrat, everyone says the same. He was remembered on Meet the Press today by Brokaw, and many of his other colleagues, including James Carville and Maria Shriver, and even The Boss, Bruce Springsteen by statement while he’s on tour, and they somehow feel the same as each of us does. Their remembrances are on a much deeper level, but they still talked of the same thing.

I can only think that this is what the man has aspired to. To be honorable, tough, and fair. I always say that my goals as an entertainment writer are to make people feel, think, and laugh. Even if someone comments on an article or post of mine that they vehemently disagree, I feel just as good as if they are singing my praises, as I know I touched them in some way to cause them to feel the need to respond. I know then that I have reached and met my goal.

This has to be how Russert is feeling now. No matter your belief system, you have to think he is somewhere spiritually looking back on those he left behind, but not just a select group of family in friends, a whole country of people he touched. He has to be recognizing he did it. He left this world with the impression he was honorable, tough, and fair.

Tim Russert was known as well as a loving son and father, and it only makes his tribute that much more to be held on Father’s Day. Brokaw ended the telecast saying that Springsteen dedicated Thunder Road to Russert in his concert last night.

Except roll down the window
And let the wind blow
Back your hair
Well the night’s busting open
These two lanes will take us anywhere
We got one last chance to make it real
To trade in these wings on some wheels
Climb in back
Heaven’s waiting on down the tracks
Oh-oh come take my hand
We’re riding out tonight to case the promised land
Oh-oh Thunder Road oh Thunder Road
Lying out there like a killer in the sun
Hey I know it’s late we can make it if we run
Oh Thunder Road sit tight take hold
Thunder Road

Trackback URI | Comments RSS