Comments on: Tim Russert’s E. M. Forster Connection

By: spirasol

spirasol — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:00:06 +0000

Thank you Timr for your comments. I hear more of that on progressive blogs who ask why the elevation, the cannonization of Mr. Russert? From what I have read and witnessed he had a reputation for being tough, but that's all….he was really soft, and knew as well as anyone what side his bread was buttered on.

I have held back for fear of being the recipient of a fresh tomato in the face. I didn't want to be the first to break the solemnity, the respect. He may well have been a good guy to his family, and he may have been like by his co-workers, but as a journalist, I believe it to be a stretch to elevate him anymore than a powerful man who used his power to best serve himself.

By: runasim

runasim — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 18:53:06 +0000

I never liked Russert's 'gotcha' style of intervews, but his passionate interest in politics as an expression of love of country was infectious. Wearing his love of family on his sleeve was also endearing. The rise from working class to prominence is admirable.
There were lots of things to appreciate about Russert, and I can understand how losing one of their own affected his colleagues.

After the grief, though, should come self-examination and facing up to the question: is this the best we can do?

Maybe it's too soon, but I don't discern any awareness that 'connecting ' a la Forster comes with a measure of responsibility for the consequences., and the higher the level of prominence and influence, the higher the level of responsibility.
That's the missing piece in all the musings about Russert and his role.
.

By: timr

timr — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 17:10:20 +0000

timmah was a multimillionaire who summered on Nantucket with all the other rich and powerful people. He was a hack, he hated HRC with a passion, and showed it in the questions that he asked her. He had a very bad case of man love for st. john McCain, and his research for MTP sucked. He was an ambush questioner who did not ask follow up questions, and finally, as provided by one of cheneys staffers-under oath mind you(the libby trial, remember that?) who said that he was the only one of the MSM that would follow the party line, and ask softball questions of cheney, so when they needed to get their side of a story out(truth or lies, it did not matter) timmah was the only one they would call. He was a hack, and a self promoter in the meme that he was “just a regular blue collar guy” CRAP. and the rest of the corporate msm is exactly the same, all suck ups and liars.