We lost a true leader and friend last Friday. Tim Russert, political journalist, father and son, died way too soon at age 58.
He was such a part of the political landscape in this country that I once stopped dating a guy who did not know who he was. (How could I be with someone so out of touch?)
In addition to impacting how citizens viewed politicians, he engaged viewers to participate in the political process. His infamous, “Florida, Florida, Florida” white board from the 2000 election is in the Smithsonian.
He exemplified true leadership. The following words were used by his colleagues to describe him:
- team player (he always shared information and did not care who got the credit)
- mentor
- passionate
- personable
- generous
- enthusiastic
- hard working
- accountable
- respectful
- prepared
- fair
- proud
- sold values (he never forgot his roots)
In story after story you sense how much he genuinely cared about people. He asked the tough questions that everyone wanted answered. He also wanted people to shine and created opportunities.
As Andrea Mitchell said, “He made others look better or smarter than they would have been without him.”
We will miss you Tim. We are all better and smarter because of your leadership.