Remembering Journalism Icon Tim Russert

SelectPlusRemembering Journalism Icon Tim RussertRemembering Journalism Icon Tim RussertThe Associated PressPraise is pouring in from the biggest names in politics for the long-time moderator of 'Meet the Press,' including President Bush, who saluted Russert as 'a tough and hardworking newsman.' (June 13)He was the man that brought practical politics into living rooms across America. It was his passion -----and it was easy to see. [Notes:((nats hit, from "Meet the Press"))]NBC News journalist Tim Russert died Friday afternoon ----friend and colleague Tom Brokaw made the announcement on TV. [Notes:((nats hit--Brokaw on spec. Report))]A journalism icon ---- Tim Russert landed interviews with hundreds of the most powerful people in the world as host of NBC's Meet the Press. He was also the network's Washington bureau chief.In the broadcast community----his political aptitude helped to squelch frequent rivalry --common between news organizations. SOT GEORGE STEPH. [Notes:He realized the politics matters and the communicated that and brought that home to people and that's what made him good.] In the Nation's capital as word of Russert's death spread around town ---- words like committed, hardworking and loving were used to describe the TV giant. Time Magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.Russert----took the helm of his Sunday news show---Meet the Press---- in December 1991 and turned it into the nation's most widely watched program of its type.Russert's political savvy came largely from his own experience on the campaign trail.. Graduating from law school---a young Russert worked on New York Democrat Daniel Patrick Moynihan's Senatorial campaign in 1976---and New York Democrat Mario Cuomo's gubernatorial campaign in 1982. But despite his larger than life legacy---at heart, Russert was a family man.From Buffalo, New York--- he had blue collar roots ---and dearly loved his family---as evident in his books, "Big Russ and Me," --and "Wisdom of Our Fathers" Tim Russert leaves behind his wife ---Maureen Orth and one son --Luke who just recently graduated from Boston college. SOT BROKAW: [Notes:He was unbelievably close to his son Luke and I remember the day his son was born --Tim never left his side---and he dearly loved his wife...and there was no closer family....]An Emmy winning journalist ----family man---and gracious friend to many ---Tim Russert was 58 years old. ___ ___, The Associated Press.(****END****) ANCHOR VOICE: Carlotta Bradley-------------------------VIDEO PRODUCER: Michael Waldon ------------------------------VIDEO SOURCE: Courtesy NBC News, ABC News, AP Images, White House Photo, and APTN file --------------------------VIDEO APPROVAL: Donna Starddard ------------------------------VIDEO RESTRICTIONS:----------------------------------SCRIPT/WIRE SOURCE: