Tim Russert

I admit that during the normal course of a year I might watch Meet the Press about two times on a Sunday morning. I was certainly counting on watching regularly as the election season dragged on.

I planned on watching Meet the Press because of Tim Russert. I agree with the accolades bestowed upon Mr. Russert over the past week. He was well informed, impartial, tough, and fair. When I was done watching, I felt like I learned something. I didn't feel like facts were being left out or exaggerated to influence me one way or another.

Thomas Sowell, the conservative pundit wrote about Mr. Russert, "His agenda was bringing out the facts. He didn't let the politicians he interviewed get away with slippery statements and inconsistent positions. But it was not "gotcha" journalism. It was not trying to filter or slant information to promote some political or ideological agenda."

I believe that is the highest praise one can give to a journalist. It is ridiculous that you have to watch CNN and Fox both just to hear both sides of an issue. There was Russert to fill that role and now there isn't.