I'm still getting over the shocking news yesterday that NBC newsman Tim Russert has passed away. 

I have been a devoted viewer of "Meet the Press" on NBC for many, many years.  Most of it is because I enjoyed Tim Russert.  The guy had a way of being combative without being abrasive, something many political reporters on TV need to learn (Chris Matthews this means you.)

I enjoyed the humanity which Russert brought to his show and you never once felt uncomfortable watching it.  You never thought Russert was showing off or grandstanding for ratings or national praise, you always thought he was the guy asking the questions you would ask and proporting himself in the manner in which you would.

At the end of an hour long show, he would, if it was an interview, always throw in a zinger.  "Senator, before we let you go, your team, the Chicago Bears will be playing in the Super Bowl today. . ." He was always passionate about his sports leanings, often punctuating his closing remarks with "Go Bills!" during football season.

The thing I'll always remember about Tim Russert was that he was always the smartest guy in the room, but wouldn't let anyone know it.  He was an everyman, a seemingly regular guy in a world filled with people like George Stephanopous, Chris Matthews, Bill O'Reilly and Keith Olbermann.

I feel like I've lost a friend, even though I don't know him or never met him.  If it's Sunday, it's Meet the Press.  Thanks Tim.  My thoughts go out to your family, colleagues and your millions of viewers just like me that respected, enjoyed and cherished your work.