My family -- my wife, myself, even my two grade-school children -- were regular viewers of Meet the Press and Tim Russert's many other appearances on NBC News programs. We dubbed his Sunday morning program, "Meet the Russert," because we so closely identified him with the program. He set a tremendous example for his fellow newsmen, holding elected officials accountable for their past words and deeds. His love for his family, for his hometown, and for his Washington news bureau was evident. You know, John McCain and Barack Obama have been toying with the idea of doing a series of joint town hall meetings as the political season progresses. Following through on this idea (and perhaps even affixing Tim Russert's name to the series) would be a fitting tribute and memorial. I'm sure Mr. Russert would like nothing more than to be associated with this kind of freewheeling and substantive discussion. Good bye, Mr. Russert. Your legacy will live on.

Wow! I have to say that some people have very little gradation in their evaluation. There's a far cry from saying that I disliked him as a journalist, that his poor journalism ruined what had been a family tradition and a link to my father while expressing sympathy for his family and friends who see him differently than me and your description of my post as celebrating his death. If you cannot see that difference, you have no business commenting on anyone's behavior.

Decorum should not be an excuse for dishonesty. It should not obscure his role in the Plame scandal or his pandering to the Administration. His sexism toward Senator Clinton's candidacy. Those are all part of his history and if he were not a journalist, Salon would assign someone to do a realistic and honest assessment, purposely avoiding the trite "never speak ill of the dead" lies that cover up the sins of Nixon and Reagan.

There has been a long tradition of anti-obituary honesty at Salon, but it seems it ends when it comes to journalists.

I know it's popular to claim that Russert was in the tank for the Republicans or for Hillary or for liberals or for whomever you're against, but I always had trouble figuring out his bias.

Although I may agree with some others that driving politicians into corners verbally isn't always useful for their constituents (Sometimes it forces said politicians to stick to impulsive threats or promises when they otherwise wouldn't have formulated policy quite that way), I think his impartiality was the best thing about him. I honestly wonder if he was one of those journalists who decline to vote, just to guarantee they don't demonstrate bias. He was weirdly impervious to that good-old-boys kind of strategy that many interviewees employ. I think that's what made him a good journalist.

I really will. I feel after the softballing of part of the Bush era, I feel he evolved to the point where he'd retired those softballs permanently and not hold back on anyone anymore. I'm sad he'll not be around to see this historic election play out.

My favorite moment was watching him with his little 2000 election slateboard. He had a look of pure childlike excitement!

Condolences to the Russert family, particularly to his wife, son and dad. Tim will be remembered for his journalistic accomplishments, but his true legacy is as a loving husband, father and son. Heartbreaking.

My sympathies are with Mr. Russert's family.

Seeing as the man just passed away, there should be a level of decorum here. You may have hated the man, but to carry that hate over into his death seems to be so much wasted energy, especially for someone that you likely didn't know personally. At a time like this, if you have nothing nice to say about the man, then there is no real reason to say anything.

RuthAlice: "I find it very strange to find my post deleted as I merely said that I disliked Russert as a journalist, that he ruined Meet the Press for me. I used no obscenities or profanities."

Just wait a few weeks. Don't speak ill of the dead right now. I would be willing to bet that Joan Walsh was friends with him. Of all the things that have bugged me about Salon, I have to give them a lot of credit for how rarely they delete posts. I think in this case we can cut them some slack for doing so.

"All I can think to do . . .

Is draw a sad face on my dry erase board (which my mother gave me as a gift after the coverage of election 2000). It's a stupid gesture maybe, but I really don't know what else to do.

-- speeder"

I think that was a truly beautiful gesture (and also an inspired gift from your mother).

I suggest everyone read "Big Russ & Me" (and it would sure make a wonderful Father's Day gift). I admire this man for many reasons, both personally and professionally. Please, posters @ Salon--put partisan politics aside for the passing of a good man.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

I used to have this belief that the US was a free country, and an individual might be tolerated even if he made the choice not to respect the standards of decorum that another individual wished to enforce. Deleting any post which isn't deferential to other posters with different attitudes about death?

Death is one of the few things that we ALL have in common.

As for the point on Russert, I never liked him, but a lotta folks did, so he should be remembered as a successful entertainer.

RIP, Tim. Go easy, bro.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nCwv57H_2g

It is not uncommon to develop a PE on long plane rides because of sitting still for a long time and poor circulation. Since he just returned from Italy last night, I'm sure that was a contributing factor -- it would also explain why defibrilators etc wouldn't have been effective.

I think it is appropriate to delete the negative posts. This is not the place or time. Would it really be so terrible to just be respectful and not say nasty things at this point?

I just wish I could console the NBC crew somehow. It is so hard to see the pain on their faces.