Maria Shriver (who knows something about personal loss and tragedy) recited this poem at Tim Russert's memorial on MSNBC this afternoon. As someone myself who knows something about personal losses, I found it very moving and comforting.
The Little Ship
I stood watching as the little ship sailed out to sea. The setting sun tinted his white sails with a golden light, and as he disappeared from sight a voice at my side whispered, "He is gone".
But the sea was a narrow one. On the farther shore a little band of friends had gathered to watch and wait in happy expectation. Suddenly they caught sight of the tiny sail and, at the very moment when my companion had whispered, "He is gone" a glad shout went up in joyous welcome, "Here he comes!"
I thought this was pretty cool - ESPN's Peter Gammons performs "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" in the style (and to honor) Bo Diddley... notice the "Bo Diddley Beat", the rhythm guitar (1..2..3...1.2) that Peter starts the song with. He influenced many bands such as the Rolling Stones ("Not Fade Away"), U2 ("Desire"), George Michael ("Faith") and the 80s bubblegum song "I Want Candy"
found this on Deadspin - this is a promotional video for Boston College that Mr. Russert did with his son, the basketball team, and a great cameo from NBA player (and ex BC'er) Jared Dudley.
I know he was a devout Catholic, but Tim Russert was a mensch.
A great man died yesterday, suddenly, sadly. I admit I am a political junkie, and have watched Meet The Press for probably 10 years, and can't imagine having this important election without him. Russert projected family values and the perspective of the common man, even though he was uncommon in the humanity, gravitas, fairness, and intelligence he brought to broadcast journalism. Someone will fill his shoes on Meet The Press, maybe David Gregory, maybe someone else, but no one will be able to get the politicians and important decision makers to answer the tough questions like he could, no one will be able to hold their feet to the fire and not make them feel like they were being barbecued like he could. His only agenda was getting the truth out and holding people accountable.
The coverage on the cable news channels, to me, has been unprecedented. His death is being covered like that of kings and presidents. It is hard to think of any other journalist that would make Fox News or CNN have wall to wall coverage for a competitor like this.
RIP, Mr. Russert
Tom Brokaw breaks the news to the country:
Chuck Todd, a young disciple of Russert reacts hard to the news:
CBS' Bob Schieffer, a competitor of Russerts, comes on MSNBC at 3am in the morning Paris time (where Bob is) to discuss the death:
John McCain reacts, McCain was on "Meet the Press" fifty-two times:
Barack Obama reacts:
Andrea Mitchell tears up:
Matt Lauer classily says goodbye:
Russert's iconic TV moment - "Florida, Florida, Florida". The dry erase board is now in the Smithsonian.
My self-indulgent blog on things that interest me: mostly South Florida sports,including the Miami Dolphins, Miami Heat, Florida Marlins, TV, movies, books, fine (and not-so-fine) dining, politics and Vegas, not necessarily in that order.
