Tim Russert

This afternoon a very great reporter died. He was perhaps the most well respected man in all political journalism. Tim Russert collapsed of a heart attack while at work. Paramedics were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead.

Tim Russert is probably the one man I enjoyed listening to most. His insight into the politics of our time was so great that politicians loved meeting him each week as he hosted the long running program "Meet The Press." No other man in Washington was as astute about the workings of Washington DC.

I'm not one to quote George Bush for any reason, but today he said some great words about Tim. President Bush on Friday expressed sorrow over Russert's death and admiration for his professionalism.

"He was an institution in both news and politics for more than two decades. Tim was a tough and hardworking newsman. He was always well-informed and thorough in his interviews. And he was as gregarious off the set as he was prepared on it," Bush said in a statement Friday.

"Most important, Tim was a proud son and father, and Laura and I offer our deepest sympathies to his wife, Maureen, his son, Luke, and the entire Russert family," he said.

Tim brought me to politics. No other person made it more real to me than he did. He could see all angles of any situation and explain them so even a 2 year old could understand them. His love for the "sport" was contagious and his enthusiasm immutable. I will miss his jolly smile and the way he put everyone at ease that he interviewed.

Tim Russert died today. He was 58.