Russert

I have been sad and angry with myself to let business get in the way of writing a few words on the magnificent Sydney Pollack. Now yet another venerable giant has passed just over two weeks later. And while they worked in completely different forms of media, Pollack and Tim Russert were both instrumental in advancing their passion through the work they did.

Russert's doggedness as a journalist and interviewer will never be matched. Mere months ago, I was sitting in front of the TV, annoyed by the harshness of Russert's questions towards Hillary Clinton. But that was the brilliance of the man--tackling his questions was one of the toughest tasks politicians faced. Modern journalism has softened and sensationalized itself to such a degree that most of it can barely even be classified as "journalism." Russert was a breath of fresh air, a reminder of what journalism really meant.

There is not much more to say. The silence will speak much louder than any words could right now. Tim Russert will certainly be missed...and the upcoming election cycle will not quite be the same.