Tim Russert

One of the most annoying things I can think of is the complete lack of objectivity and total devotion to liberalism displayed by the mainstream media today. As if on cue, you can count on softball questions being asked of liberals, and an inquisition of conservatives by pretty much every political pundit you can think of. The sole exception to this media "rule" was Tim Russert. If anyone ever came close to being a true "fair and balanced" interviewer, it was Tim.

As respectable as he was regarding ethics in media, I respected him for his devotion to fatherhood. His books and subsequent book tours gave me an inside look at a man who spoke of fatherhood as something to be admired. This is rare today.
As a father and a conservative, I am no stranger to how we are portrayed in movies and sitcoms. We are the out of touch simpletons who are totally clueless about what their naturally genius children are pulling on them. In commercials, we are the ones who would be lost if it were not for our brilliant wives stepping in before we make a bad decision. OK, that one might be accurate, but you get the point.

Russert was able to use his relationships with his father and son to remind people that fathers serve an important purpose in the shaping of our personalities. He spoke of the work and rewards of being a father. I have never heard anyone explain the complexities of fatherhood in such a realistic, accurate way. After listening to Russert talk about his life experiences and being a Dad, I realized that he was the one guy in the media who "gets it". He understood the distance and stoicism associated with many fathers. He understood the lack of ambiguity and "grey areas" that make up the mind-set of many fathers. He understood unspoken bonds between fathers and sons. He understood how sometimes the simplest little things can be life changing lessons for children passed on from their fathers.
Best of all, Russert was able to convey these concepts in a simple, concise way that just oozed with sincerity. Another rare thing these days.

Tim Russert was an all around good guy and he will be missed.