Tim Russert has Died, at age 58

One of the most influential political pundits in the United States has died today, according to reports from his family.

As the NY Times's The Caucus reports:

Tim Russert, the host of “Meet the Press,” and NBC’s Washington bureau chief, has died. He was 58.

Mr. Russert was a towering figure in American journalism and moderated several debates during the recent presidential primary season.

Tom Brokaw, the former anchor of NBC Nightly News, came on the air at 3:39 p.m. that Mr. Russert had collapsed and died early this afternoon while at work. He had just returned from Italy with his family.

Mr. Russert hailed from Buffalo and worked for two prominent New York Democrats, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Gov. Mario Cuomo, before being hired in 1984 by NBC in its Washington bureau. He became bureau chief four years later.

MSNBC (part of the NBC network Russert's "Meet The Press" aired every Sunday on) reports:

Tim Russert, NBC News’ Washington bureau chief and the moderator of “Meet the Press,” died Friday after a sudden heart attack at the bureau, NBC News said Friday. He was 58.

Russert was recording voiceovers for Sunday’s “Meet the Press” program when he collapsed, the network said. No details were immediately available.

Russert, the recipient of 48 honorary doctorates, took over the helm of “Meet the Press” in December 1991. Now in its 60th year, “Meet the Press” is the longest-running program in the history of television.

And FOX News:

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I am not even kidding about what is above. FOX News brings you to that when you click on their Russert story.

Tim Russert, the reporter who was known for his tough questioning and off-the-cuff honesty, was the host of Meet The Press for 17 years. Meet The Press was a necessary platform for any politician who wanted to be taken seriously. The Russert grilling was a requisite for any politician to have national appeal. He was a man you needed to chat with if you were to make anything of your career. He was THAT influential.

My condolences to his family.

lhp