His collar, not his blood, was blue

It was like losing a member of the family - one that you looked up to and actually liked.

Tim Russert has died at 58. His intellectual honesty in a town known for its sopping insincerity was rare and will be sorely missed.

Today is Sunday and it was, as usual Meet the Press time at 9 this morning. Today, as usual, is my talking heads day and Russert's voice was noticeably absent. There was a tangible element in his discourse that let you knowhis was not bullshitting with you. This was true for either side of the aisle too. I respected the man very much for that.

A lot has been said about his passing. A lot more shall be forthcoming, I'm sure.

For me, a guy in his audience, looked to him because he asked the right questions. His friends looked to him for the things that all friends want from each other - for them to still be there.

This comes from Andrea Mitchell, one of his friends. It actually made me well up.