A Revolutionary Man

A friend, father, husband, journalist, devout catholic, and overall hero. Tim Russert, 58, shocked the country yesterday when he suddenly passed away at his NBC office. His autopsy reports show that his passing was due to an enlarged heart and cholesterol plaque that had ruptured an artery.

Tim Russert was well known for his Sunday morning TV show "Meet the Press," which revolutionized political television. He was full of passion about talking politics with anyone and everyone, and infusing it into the American media. I do remember that every Sunday for the past several years, I would wake up to my Mother watching his Sunday morning show. I often found her sitting in front of the TV shouting "I would vote for Tim Russert if he ran for President!" After the news of his death broke out yesterday, she reminded me of his famous "White Board" that he introduced during the 2000 Presidential election, and we both laughed and shared other memories we had of him through television.

He truly did touch thousands of individuals by provoking healthy debate into the political arena and setting many standards in political journalism within Washington. Tim Russert was viewed with the highest respect and admiration, and will truly be missed by all. He was even named in TIME Magazine for 2008 as one of the top 100 most influential people.

He leaves a legacy of greatness in not only the political and media worlds, but through his devotion as a husband and father. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and anyone who was inspired and touched by the words and wisdom of Tim Russert.