On CNN, former Clinton White House aide James Carville, a friend of the journalist, recounted how Mr. Russert had been back to Buffalo this week to help move his father, a retired city worker known as Big Russ, to an extended-care facility. (Big Russ and Me was Mr. Russert's best-seller about his relationship with his father in lunch-bucket Buffalo.) "He said it was the hardest day he ever had," Mr. Carville said. NBC and MSNBC colleagues spoke of Mr. Russert's core Catholic beliefs and ability to inspire.
Some analysts wondered what effect Mr. Russert's death would have on the political coverage at NBC and MSNBC during one of the most contested presidential elections in recent history.
As at rivals CNN and Fox News, MSNBC's ratings have been much higher during the presidential primary season.
While the tight race between Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama is given much of the credit for engaging the electorate and leading to higher ratings for all the cable channels, Mr. Russert's informed presence played a major role in the success of MSNBC.
Mr. Russert is survived by his wife, journalist Maureen Orth, and their son.
david.zurawik@baltsun.com
Sun reporters Paul West and David Nitkin contributed to this article.
TIM RUSSERT TIMELINE
1950: Born in Buffalo, N.Y.
1972: Graduates from John Carroll University with a political science degree.
1976: Earns a law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University.
1977: Joins the staff of Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York.
1982: Becomes special counselor to New York Gov. Mario Cuomo.
1984: Joins NBC News as vice president.
1988: Is named Washington bureau chief for NBC News.
1991: Takes over as host of NBC's Meet the Press.
2004: Publishes Big Russ and Me, his memoir of growing up with his hard-working and beloved father in Buffalo.
2004: Wins an Emmy for his role in the coverage of President Ronald Reagan's funeral.
Online
Find a photo gallery and a link to WBAL Radio's last interview with Tim Russert at baltimoresun.com/russert.
