Politics | Tim Russert Meet the Press Remembers Russert Tom Brokaw leads celebration of newsman's career By Katherine Thompson Posted Jun 15, 2008 11:42 AM CDT Copied An unidentified woman pauses after placing a bouquet of flowers at the entrance to NBC Studios in Washington, Friday, June 13, 2008, after it was announced that Tim Russert collapsed and died. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari) With the moderator's chair empty, Tom Brokaw began this morning's edition of "Meet the Press" by urging the show's guests not to cry, Politico reports. Friends and admirers of longtime host Tim Russert gathered to recall the highlights of his career and what made the ultimate political junkie. Russert “genuinely liked politicians—he respected politicians," said Mary Matalin, but as James Carville pointed out, "he really was offended by people who didn’t prepare." Guests described Russert as a man who truly wanted success for his friends and co-workers, and would always help them achieve it. A public memorial is planned for Wednesday, in Washington. Read These Next Something weird is happening in the Gulf of Panama. Amazon Prime members, you may not be happy with this news. Jet lag apparently played a role in this CEO's downfall. A woman reveals the shocking text she got while her mom was away. Report an error