Thank You, Bill Kristol

It has almost become a sure bet to find some partisan claim in William Kristol’s much awaited, once-a-week column in the New York Times.

Today, however, Mr. Kristol pleasantly surprised me.

In his “Big Tim” column in this morning’s New York Times, Kristol writes a heartfelt, personal and touching tribute to his friend–America’s friend–Tim Russert.

In his column, Kristol tells us, in a non-partisan way, how Tim Russert evolved from a (Democratic) “pol” into one of the most respected journalists in our generation, and relates some little-known anecdotes that reflect on the funny, entertaining side of Tim Russert’s unique personality.

For example, Kristol tells us about a relatively recent occasion when Tim Russert did his apparently famous imitation of his mentor Senator Pat Moynihan

I last heard Russert do his Moynihan imitation about a year ago. We were having lunch, and for some reason got to discussing Pat’s almost-Russert-career-ending phone call. Tim launched into a boisterous imitation of his beloved mentor. I cracked up, heads turned, and a few people at neighboring tables even joined in the laughter.

Kristol concludes his column, and the tribute to his friend as follows: “On Friday, Tim’s heart gave way. He died too young. But he lived more than a full life — a life overflowing with achievements, and friendships, and love, and joy.”

Nothing partisan here. Just some nice, sincere words from a friend of “Big Tim.”

Thank you Mr. Kristol.