Russert was a tenacious interviewer and a fine man. One must do nothing other than compare the quality of Meet the Press today and one year ago to discern his skill. Over the course of his distinguished career, he interviewed a cast of thousands with an unwavering fairness, impressive attention to detail and paradoxically gentle forcefulness. This was a loss for journalism and it was unfortunate to lose him. It would have been interesting to hear his thoughts on the 2008 election and the first months of the Obama administration. I miss him.

He was great at his job and I certainly had nothing against him. But, Lord Love a Duck...was the passing of a journalist ever more overly lauded than Tim Russert? It seemed to be all the media could talk about for days on end. Every time you turned on or flipped past the news someone had to bring it up in some fashion. I suppose it did come as quite a shock to some of the news folk - who not only seem to believe themselves all knowing seers with unquestionable opinions but apparently - up until Mr. Russert died - must have also thought themsevles to be immortal.

I miss Tim already. We could sure use his interviewing skills and political insights in this Presidential campaign. It was a shock that he died so suddenly and at such a young age. RIP Tim.

Tim Russert will be missed. He was very knowledgeable and was somebody that gained a lot of people's trust and respect.

I understand that this guy was on television. I don't own one so his impact passed me by. Did the country think that this was a big deal?

  MSNBC will certainly miss him, he was the gravitas of the entire network who, along with fellow left-leaning Brian Williams and right-leaning Joe Scarborough, were the only thing standing between the network and pure liberal propaganda.  Quick-witted and thoroughly prepared, his own views were often hard to detect, which is the highest compliment I can pay to a liberal journalist/commentator. 

he will be missed during this political year. his death was so sudden. he seemed like a decent man.very intelligent. could get those questions out there without being a creep.  other news reporters were genuinely upset over his death. Meet the Press will not be the same without him.

I didn't realize how how big of an impact Tim had on the political scene until he was gone.

The media outpouring for this guy has gone a little over the top (Tim would agree) but his presence will be missed.  He had a few detractors who have been drowned out my the crash of sympathy and emotion- but he was a good interviewer and he had the ability to ask a question a second time (when the politician ducked it a first time) without really being annoying and pissing off the interview subject.  And yes, he was one of the few Washington insiders who loved to tell you he was actually from somewhere else- rare quality indeed.

he was a good man. I pray the lord keeps and protects him

I was shocked and saddened to hear of his death. He was an intelligent commentator, and he will be sorely missed. However, I do think the media went on a bit too much about his death. He was an admirable man, but it's not like he was the President or a major world leader.

Russert's death certainly came as a shock. He wasn't a guy who was thought of often, but is somebody who once he is gone is definitely missed. He was a well respected and professional journalist in a media world that is becoming much less so.

A great voice and a great moderator. A news icon; He loved his family greatly and was involved in the boys club along with many other family oriented activities. He will be greatly missed! RIP Tim.