Tim Russert dies, Buffalo Mayor lowers Flags to Half-Staff

MYSELF: I am saddened by Tim Russert's death today. When I heard that he had died, I wept openly. Although I didn't always agree with his "gotcha" style questions, the moderator of Meet The Press and NBC Bureau chief has been a great inspiration to me and the creation of my YouTube channel. Despite my concerns with the mainstream media (Tim Russert included) it was always a joy seeing how excited he got about politics. I got the feeling that he was more excited about the subjects he was discussing than most of the people watching his show. I also got a thrill watching him pop up every Saturday and Tuesday primary night chatting with Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews as the results from the different states came rolling in.

BUFFALO MAYOR BYRON W. BROWN
On behalf of the residents of Buffalo, New York, I express our shared sadness and shock at the news of Tim Russert's death. An accomplished journalist, who first gained his experience in the world of government and politics, Tim Russert rose to become the premier political journalist of his generation. But more than his professional accomplishments, Tim Russert cherished his family, friends and his hometown. He never forgot his roots in South Buffalo and he often reminded his television audience and guests of his strong affection for Buffalo, particularly his beloved Buffalo Bills. He was truly our city's greatest ambassador and he was loved by everyone in Buffalo and Western New York. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Tim Russert will always be remembered for his passion, hard work, honesty and dedication to his family. To honor Tim Russert's memory, I have ordered that all flags on city property be lowered immediately to half-staff.

DAN RATHER: Tim's passing is a loss not only to his family and many friends, it is a loss to good journalism and to our country. Tim, first and foremost, was devout in his faith and deeply devoted to his family. He loved his country with a passion and became a classic example of the ideal American journalist. Tim had become an important part of our political process. He will be especially missed in this historic presidential election year. Tim Russert was a beacon of quality journalism. At a time when quality journalism is in increasingly short supply, Tim Russert was a leader for what is best in American journalism. He was tough but fair, pulled no punches, played no favorites. As an interviewer, he had few, if any, peers."

BOB SCHIEFFER: "Tim was the best of our profession. He asked the best questions and then he listened for the answer. We became very close friends over the years. He delighted in scooping me and I felt the same way when I scooped him. When you slipped one past ol' Russert, you felt as though you had hit a home run off the best pitcher in the league. I just loved Tim and I will miss him more than I can say, and my heart goes out to his son, Luke, and his wife, Maureen."

BARACK OBAMA: "I've known Tim Russert since I first spoke at the convention in 2004. He's somebody who, over time, I came to consider not only a journalist but a friend. There wasn't a better interviewer in TV, not a more thoughtful analyst of our politics, and he was also one of the finest men I knew. Somebody who cared about America, cared about the issues, cared about family. I am grief-stricken with the loss and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. And I hope that, even though Tim is irreplaceable, that the standard that he set in his professional life and his family life are standards that we all carry with us in our own lives."

MIKE HUCKABEE: I join with other Americans in expressing both shock and grief with the news of Tim Russert's untimely death. He was a significant figure in American politics, deeply respected, but also deeply feared by those who sat across his table on "Meet the Press". He was fair, but always relentless in his pursuit of truth and honesty from those who dared to lead the nation. His has been a commanding voice in public affairs and in many ways the E.F. Hutton of political talk. Our prayers go out to his family and we will all mourn the loss of his voice.
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/06/13/1140494.aspx

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[Bflodaniel]

Part of Buffalo died that day. Very sad. A good person, a beautiful city; a great loss. GO BILLS!

[SandyK2947]

RIP Tim.

Condolences to all his family.

[thenewhorizons]

Tim was the pride of Buffalo. He will be greatly missed by his hometown.

GO BILLS! GO SABRES! Let's win the big one for Tim.

[belladonna411]

I hope the Bill will pay tribute to Tim by maybe putting something the the helmets or jerseys. I'm a Canadian, and I love the Bill and I thought Tim was the best. A wonderful person. R.I.P Tim. The Bills WILL do you proud!

[999HappyHaunts]

You know it with Edwards, Lynch, Evans, The special teams and the Bills Defense the Bills are going to make us all proud for years to come

RIP Tim

[Frozintoe]

I promise You Tim, we will indeed win the big game soon

[1911derald]

He was a man with a good heart. RIP.

[RachTrinity]

GO BILLS INDEED! WE miss you already Tim..but we promise one day our Bills will win it all!

My thoughts and prayers go to Tim's beautiful family..our city is a bit quiet tonight in the rain, remembering their son. The shock on folks faces all afternoon was stunning. He will be missed here in Buffalo for always reminding us how great this city can be, even when we lost sight of it.

[CeeJeffRun]

GO BILLS... you'll be missed tim

[beornborg]

I was crushed when I heard this. He will be missed.