NBC political director and legend journalist Tim Russert suddenly died of a heart attack in NBC’s Washington Bureau on Friday. Russert collapsed at work as he had just returned to Washington from vacation celebrating his son’s recent graduation from Boston College. He was the longest serving host of Meet the Press, the longest running show on television. Russert was known for asking the tough questions to all of his guest, regardless of political party.

Noted for his enthusiasm and tireless work ethic, Russert was considered the chief commander for the younger political reporters and news correspondents on the NBC political news team. He was a beloved husband and father and showed the nation, first hand, the love he had for his own father, “Big Russ” as he let network cameras into his dad’s Buffalo, NY home last year.

In this election year, there has been more excitement in politics than an any time in recent memory. As young people and new voters come out to the polls in record numbers, we could count on turning our televisions to NBC on Sunday morning and expect to see Tim. He always closed out his show in the Fall by saying, “Go Bills,” an simple cheer for his hometown team. Between the MSNBC and FOX pundits, adding their spin and exposing their opinions, Russert was the clear and level headed reporter that America could count on to really be fair and balanced.

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