NBC News' Tim Russert Dies

NBC News Washington Bureau Chief and host of Meet the Press has died suddenly today while at work at the NBC Washintgon Bureau.

MSNBC reports that Russert, 58, was at work recording voice-overs for Meet the Press when he suddenly collapsed and died of an apparent heart attack. Tim is survived by his wife, Maureen Orth, his son Luke and his dad "Big Russ".

We at Political Machine offer our heartfelt sympathy to Tim's family, friends and co-workers. Our parent Web site, AOL News has full coverage here. MSNBC has continuing coverage and is offering this video for tribute:

My favorite Russert was the one of election night 2000 and what was to become his infamous whiteboard. He will be sorely missed.

From the MSNBC lead story:

A "Meet the Press" grilling was often considered an essential proving ground in the career of any national politician. Russert took the helm of the 60-year-old public affairs program in 1991.

"If you could pass the Tim Russert test, you could do something in this field," said Howard Fineman, senior Washington correspondent for Newsweek magazine and msnbc.com columnist.

Russert's tenacity as a reporter and his consuming passion for politics was evident during his nearly round-the-clock appearances on NBC and MSNBC on election nights.

Statement from NBC
Statement from Jeff Zucker, president and CEO of NBC Universal:

"We are heartbroken at the sudden passing of Tim Russert. We have lost a beloved member of our NBC Universal family and the news world has lost one of its finest. The enormity of this loss cannot be overstated. More than a journalist, Tim was a remarkable family man. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Maureen, their son, Luke, and Tim's entire extended family."


Aside from his on-air responsibilities, Russert was a senior vice president and head of NBC's overall Washington operations.

He was "one of the premier political journalists and analysts of his time," Tom Brokaw, the former longtime anchor of "NBC Nightly News," said in announcing Russert's death. "This news division will not be the same without his strong, clear voice."