by Christi Parsons
The best eulogies are inspiration for the living, and this morning's Meet the Press is a great example.
Some of host Tim Russert's colleagues are doing his show for him this morning as a tribute to their late friend -- and praising a style of journalism that's worth the consideration of anyone who, by avocation or profession, passes along information.
Russert's questions were always "tough, but always fair," said newsman Tom Brokaw.
Future generations will see the figures of our age "come alive" on recordings of his show, said historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, whether they ruffled under knowledgeable questions, whether they could admit a mistake.
That's because Russert was curious about people, said newswoman Gwen Ifill. He rarely missed the unexpected answers the way journalists do when they're concentrating more on what they themselves are about to say.
Russert listened to feedback, said MTP executive producer Betsy Fischer, always calling his father after a show to hear how he'd done.
And at the most basic level, Russert wanted to meet people and understand them, said Maria Shriver, a former correspondent who worked with the late bureau chief. He insisted on helping her do an interview she had scheduled with Fidel Castro, she said, telling her she needed his help.
"He actually just wanted to meet Castro," she said.
Tough, fair, curious about people, open to fair criticism -- not a bad example for any of us, in any life pursuit.
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Comments
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this morning's Meet the Press. I don't think we could ever have "enough" of Tim Russert, but this morning's show helped quell the shock of his sudden passing for me and I'm sure I'm not alone.
Posted by: Posie Beam | June 15, 2008 12:14 PM
Yeah...a great tribute to a great father and a great man!
Posted by: Jason | June 15, 2008 12:22 PM
Russert seemed affable and likable, and i'll miss him for that... but only that.
After his funeral, after the current media celebration subsides, he will fade. Russert is not a name that will be remembered for generations to come along side of the likes of Edward R. Murrow.
Pardon the dose of reality, but that's the truth of it.
Posted by: MJ | June 15, 2008 12:47 PM
MJ that's your opinion of Tim and you probably would not know reality if it kissed you.
Posted by: Joan Hinckley | June 15, 2008 1:27 PM
I'll remember Tim Russert for helping educate me in the world of politics. I'll remember Tim Russert who did make the tough questions. I'll remember Tim Russert for being able to express his humor in the national eye. I'll remember Tim Russert who always seemed to have a smile on his face, even when being serious. I'll remember Tim Russert for seeming to have that boyish charm that always made you feel like he was a good guy, in a town and industry where there are so few. And now that his colleagues and friends are sharing stories, I'll remember Tim Russert for being a devoted Catholic...a loving husband...and a proud son and father. And when I get to heaven myself, I'll remember to seek Mr. Russert out so I can spend time with him and get to know him. He is absolutely on my short list of people to meet when I get there!!! See You Soon!!
Posted by: Gordon Hockett | June 15, 2008 1:51 PM
Well put, " Posie Beam " !! It was a great show, with some exceptional comments about a good man and a very good journalist. That was a show, I never thought I would see, that I never wished to see, but I was, like you, grateful that I had seen. NBC showed some real class in their expression of sympathy, with the panel extraordinaire, they assembled. I really appreciated the show.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | June 15, 2008 2:52 PM
I want a copy of the poem she read at the end of her eulogy; about the tiny ship that sailed away.
What a wonderful tribute the afternoon has been to a great man.
Posted by: debbie britt | June 18, 2008 5:53 PM
I would so love to have a copy of the poem that Maria Shriver read at the end of her eulogy to Tim Russert.
Posted by: Gina Berdichevsky | June 18, 2008 6:38 PM
For Gina, Debbie and Others -
Here's the text of the poem Maria read at the end of her eulogy for Tim.
The Little Ship
I stood watching as the little ship sailed out to sea. The setting sun tinted his white sails with a golden light, and as he disappeared from sight a voice at my side whispered, "He is gone".
But the sea was a narrow one. On the farther shore a little band of friends had gathered to watch and wait in happy expectation. Suddenly they caught sight of the tiny sail and, at the very moment when my companion had whispered, "He is gone" a glad shout went up in joyous welcome, "Here he comes!"
Rest In Peace, and GODSPEED, Tim.
Thanks for the RAINBOW.
I believe.
AJH
Posted by: AJH | June 19, 2008 9:42 AM
For those who want it, here's a copy of the poem Maria Shriver read at Tim's memorial service.
The Little Ship
I stood watching as the little ship sailed out to sea. The setting sun tinted his white sails with a golden light, and as he disappeared from sight a voice at my side whispered, "He is gone".
But the sea was a narrow one. On the farther shore a little band of friends had gathered to watch and wait in happy expectation. Suddenly they caught sight of the tiny sail and, at the very moment when my companion had whispered, "He is gone" a glad shout went up in joyous welcome, "Here he comes!"
Posted by: Jennifer Cawley | June 19, 2008 10:37 AM
does anyone know the author of The Little Ship?
Posted by: randi | June 19, 2008 3:26 PM
Tim will really be missed. He was the type of person that we all took for granted, assuming he would always be there for us. I don't believe I will be able to watch the election results this year. God bless his family and friends, what a loss they must endure.
Posted by: sierra | June 19, 2008 3:46 PM
I want a copy of the prayer of St
Theresa from Maria shriver's tribute
Posted by: lucille | June 19, 2008 5:52 PM
Saint Theresa's Prayer
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be confident knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
Posted by: Alexis Kozak | June 20, 2008 12:21 AM
Saint Theresa's Prayer
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be confident knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
Posted by: Alexis Kozak | June 20, 2008 12:21 AM
I would like a copy of the prayer that Maria Shriver read from St. Therese.
Posted by: Mary Fleming | June 20, 2008 8:14 AM
It is so awesome to see so many thinking the same way.....so comforting to see so many joining me in wanting to keep a little piece of our hearts alive and to allow us to mourn.....it's 4am and I just watched the Memorial Service again....and I got up to research Maria Shriver's prayer and Little Ships poem and ahhhh, alas, so many thinking the same! THANK YOU!!!!
Godspeed, Tim, we will miss you!
Posted by: maria lewis | June 22, 2008 4:03 AM
I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of the Timmothy J,Russert. He was a true forse of nature . Kind, caring to the very end. To Luke, the the Maureen, Biig Russ and the entire MSNBC Familiy my heart goes out to all of you. Please know that TIim has a special place in heaven
Posted by: Kathy Watts | June 23, 2008 2:34 PM
I want a copy of the poem Maria Shriver read at the end of her eulogy; about the tiny ship that sailed away.
What a wonderful tribute the afternoon has been to a great man.
Posted by: Lorelle M. | June 27, 2008 10:30 AM
http://www.TimRussertMSNBC.com
Remembering Tim Russert
Posted by: David | July 3, 2008 11:40 AM