JackRabbit Cafe: R.I.P.

Tim Russert was a world-class newsman, and I'll bet he was also a world-class man.

I was on my way back from a long walk today when I called my buddy Ted Solomon. Ted just returned from D.C., and described his visits to Barack Obama's and Ted Kennedy's offices. He said that he was impressed by the access American citizens have when visiting the Capitol, and we laughed that cynics like us still cared about such things.

Then he told me that Tim Russert had died.

Tim Russert.

Tim Russert was a real journalist. He radiated preparation, skill, and touch---never forget that touch.

He was the Gold Standard of his trade, and at the top of his game.

Few can claim that position.

The top.

Tim Russert was an original, humble Buffalo Soldier.

I just liked his style.

I spoke with him once, in 1983 or '84, as a radio announcer in Tupper Lake, NY. Weekly, we captured an "actuality"---a taping of a message over a phone line---of then-New York Governor Mario Cuomo's weekly radio address. There was a number to call for the feed, and Tim Russert's name was listed as the prime contact on the media sheet.

We had a problem with the feed one night, and I called the Albany media phone number.

It was Tim Russert on the phone, and he said something like, "Call the number for the feed again. Should work this time."

Tim Russert's name was on every piece of paper we saw from the New York State's governor's media office when I worked at WTPL-FM.

He was a counselor to Cuomo; to us, he was an Albany board op.

Whatever he said to do that night got us the feed.

You never forget some people's names.

"Tim Russert".

*******

"Meet The Press" is oxygen for me, and there will be less air in the room come Sunday.

Tim Russert was a captivating interviewer. His style was conversational in tone, but a television journalist's style has a penchant for acceleration when challenged by a guest.

Tim Russert stood toe-to-toe, but not in a combative way; his was an inquisitive give-and-take dance, and he'd stop asking if he thought he'd finally been told something like the truth.

He could look across the table, square in his guest's eyes, and ask what you might like to ask.

And when he didn't believe the answer, he'd say so.

Of course, sooner or later in public life, "Meet The Press" is mandatory.

Tim Russert's "Meet The Press" was like a Buffalo kitchen table with famous neighbors stopping by for coffee.

*******

His father's son, his son's father, a Buffalo boy, through and through.

Father's Day is this Sunday; further proof that Lou Reed's words are too true:

"Life's good, but not fair at all."

Tim Russert.

Tough, fair, prepared, and with that touch.

Never forget that touch.

*******