Tim Russert

Tim Russert was an American journalist and host of NBC's Meet the Press. He was the Washington Bureau chief for NBC news, and frequently appeared on NBC and MSNBC to offer analysis of political events. Russert moderated several of the presidential debates preceding the 2008 Election. His aggressive style of questioning was both praised and criticized by rival political commentators. Russert died suddenly of a heart attack in Washington, D.C. on June 13, 2008, one day after returning to work from vacation.

Russert attended law school at Cleveland State University before serving as a special counselor in the U.S. Senate from 1977-1982 and a counselor to the New York Governor's office in 1983 and 1984. Russert joined NBC News in 1984 and took over NBC's Meet the Press in 1991.

Russert was honored for numerous awards for his political coverage, including an Emmy and the Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellent in Television Journalism. He was also credited with coining the terms "Red State" and "Blue State" in describing the partisan rift in American politics.

Russert resided in Washington, D.C. with his wife, Maureen Orth, who is a writer for Vanity Fair. The couple lived with their son, Luke.

Russert was a proud Irish American, and referenced his ethnicity occasionally on his show. He was also an avid Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees fan.

In July of 2008, President George W. Bush signed a bill to rename a section of Highway 20A in Orchard Park]], New York, Timothy J. Russert Highway. Area residents have also created a petition to rename the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport after Russert.The Buffalo News: It's official: Road near stadium becomes Tim Russert Highway (July 23, 2008)