NBC's Tim Russert Dies At 58 Of Heart Attack

Tim Russert, a political lifer who made a TV career of his passion with unrelenting questioning of the powerful and influential, died of a heart attack Friday in the midst of a presidential campaign he'd covered with trademark intensity. Praise poured in from the biggest names in politics, some recalling their own meltdown moments on his hot seat.

Mr. Russert, 58, was a political operative - an aide to the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-N.Y.) - before he was a journalist. He joined NBC a quarter century ago and ended up as the longest-tenured host of the Sunday talk show "Meet the Press." He was an election-night fixture, with his whiteboard and scribbled figures, and was moderator for numerous political debates. He wrote two best-selling books, including the much-loved "Big Russ and Me" about his relationship with his father. He was NBC's Washington bureau chief.

NBC interrupted its regular programming with news of Mr. Russert's death and continued for several hours of coverage without commercial break. The network announced that Tom Brokaw would anchor a special edition of "Meet the Press" on Sunday, dedicated to Mr. Russert.

Competitors and friends jumped in with superlative praise and sad recognition of the loss of a key voice during a historic presidential election year. Known as a family man as well, he had been named Father of the Year by parenting organizations. Familiar NBC faces such as Brokaw, Andrea Mitchell and Brian Williams took turns mourning his loss.

Mr. Russert had been recording voiceovers for this Sunday's "Meet The Press" when he was stricken, NBC said. Mr. Russert's internist, Michael A. Newman, said cholesterol plaque had ruptured in an artery, causing sudden coronary thrombosis. Resuscitation was begun immediately and continued at Sibley Memorial Hospital, to no avail. Dr. Newman said an autopsy showed that Mr. Russert had an enlarged heart, NBC reported. Mr. Russert had been diagnosed with asymptomatic coronary artery disease, which he was controlling with medication and exercise, the doctor said.

My response: This one came as a surprise yesterday. RIP, Mr. Russert. I enjoyed "Meet The Press." I thought Mr. Russert was one of the fairest interviewers on television.