Luke Russert’s Grace: Wise Words As He Brings Obama And McCain Together

The next time you hear someone in their 40s or older dissing young people just remind them of this:

In death, Tim Russert did on Wednesday what no living journalist has accomplished this campaign season: he got Barack Obama and John McCain to sit together and talk, quietly.

Specifically, it was Mr. Russert’s son, Luke, 22, who got the presumptive Democratic and Republican nominees together. He requested that they sit next to each other at his father’s funeral at Holy Trinity Church in Georgetown. Then, in remarks from the pulpit, he exhorted them and other politicians to “engage in spirited debate but disavow the low tactics that distract Americans from the most important issues facing our country.” At the end of the service, the two candidates embraced.

“Five months from now,” Luke Russert said a few hours later, “I wanted them to remember that this occasion brought them together.”

Forget all of the (fitting) cliches about wise words coming from the mouth of a young person. More than ever, Luke Russert’s comments underscore several facts.

First, it underscores the “real” Russert behind the man with the probing questions and bemused look whenever he discussed anything about politics. He was close to his son and admired his son, who admired him.

My late father Richard Gandelman used to say: “A parent achieves immortality through his children.” You can see now that an admirable quality of Tim Russert lives on through his son.

Secondly, it underscores what I’ve noticed in my extensive travels when I walk away from my computer and go out into the world in my other incarnation: a lot of young people are unimpressed by, puzzled by, and scornful of the angry, partisan demonization aspects of American politics. Rush, Sean and Randi aren’t of their generation.

Luke Russert did the final act in honoring his Dad: he brought Obama and McCain together in a non-debate forum, even if for a little while.

And with broadcast and print reporters out in force, he did something else: he eloquently articulated a view of what politics should be and could be. A final act that honored his Dad — but, perhaps more importantly, he articulated an attitude held by a lot of young people who crave spirited debate but are sick of the hateful atmosphere that permeates much of what today passes for political talk in the United States.

I’ve said it before: when the Baby Boomers pass from the leadership scene, the country may be healthier…and I’m a Baby Boomer.

And young Luke Russert’s comments suggest a better day — with a more mature discussion of issues — may indeed lie ahead.