I saw first hand how Tim Russert could absolutely demolish an unprepared candidate. In the 1998 Florida Gubenatorial election Russert came down here to moderate a debate between Governor Jeb Bush and his deomcratic opponent Bill McBride.
McBride was then the head of the State's largest law firm and was thought to be an intelligent, middle of the road alternative. What we didn't know until after the campaign was that McBride was so lazy he demanded to sleep in his iown ben in Tampa EVERY NIGHT, and get 8 hours of sleep regardless of how late he got home.

He made the usual democratic promises to provide all kinds of benefits for everyone without raising taxes and got a free pass with the press. In the debate he gave Russert a landry list of things that were wrong with Florida (all of them true) like worst per capita spending per studenton education, 49th in the country on teacher pay, massive numbers of uninsured, etc. Russert then asked him what was he going to do about it, and McBride spouted off a list of things he would do, all of which required increased spending. Russert then moved in for the kill. Showing a knowledge of Florida that few Floridians have, Russert did a quick analysis of the revenue stream of the state, its fixed obligations, its need to fund the retirement of X number of state employees scheduled to retire in the next five years, the state of the highways, etc ., "How will you pay for all this without raising taxes."
McBride literally did a Ralph Kramden "hamanahamanahamumana" before he made some vague comment about how he would cut waste from the budget. Russert then asked McBride to name three areas of the budget he would cut, and McBride said he wouldn't know that until he got in office. Russert then leaned in and
said "have you read this fiscal year's state budget?" McBride dodged and said it would be "different" when he got in office. Russert then reached down and waved some papers at him and said "here's a copy of your state's budget for this year. I've read it. Can you show me where the waste is?
The campaign was effectively over that night. A year later McBride was booted from the law firm he headed.

This is from my university's website, where as I mentioned earlier, Tim Russert graduated from law school:

CSU Mourns Loss of Tim Russert, Distinguished Alumnus

Did anybody see Luke Russert on the Today Show this morning? That was very tough to watch.

I really don't think 58 is that bad of an age to die at. I'd find myself more than lucky and gracious just to make it to 58. Either that, or I'd be sick of it all already.

I just think people seem to be more concerned with living a long life than living a happy life, and I'm already happy. I could die tonight, and I'd be fine with it. None of it really matters in the long run, anyway.

I didn't see the show but I watched the video of Luke. And he seems to be holding up pretty well don't ya think?

I was lucky enough to see Luke Russert's extremely gracious interview with Matt Lauer this morning. I agree Mig, that even though this was prior to all the 'official' ceremonial stuff (wake/funeral)...he does at this point appear to be doing extremely well. It's obvious his parents raised him well.

I was especially impressed at two things Luke said, one being that his mother was going through a 'tough time' but that they would get through it ok. That made it clear he was going to stand by her through every moment of this and for a long time afterwards.

Also when he spoke about his father's 'Meet The Press' chair, how he had made the decision he was going to keep it forever and that '...that's MY chair now...' with such determination.

I think as always, Luke's dad would've been very proud of his appearance on 'Today'.

Apple

Seems like a great kid. Too bad with all that education he doesn't know when to say "me" instead of "I."

I only saw tidbits of the interview, but I give him credit. I wouldn't be able to go before any audience, let alone anyone, without breaking down (so soon after the death of a loved one). I'd be an emotional wreck. I just wouldn't be able to control it. From what I saw, he sure seemed together, considering what he must be going through. Seems like a nice kid.



TIS