Tim Russert (1950 - 2008)

In an era of increasing media fragmentation, with dozens of personalities jockeying for attention, there are few living journalists with the professionalism and integrity to rise above the fray. Today, our country has lost one of these rare individuals. I never knew Tim Russert. But I do know that he was one of the best political minds on television, with an unmatched gift for holding powerful men and women -- regardless of their political affiliation -- accountable for their words and actions. Tim Russert was not the first host of Meet the Press, and in short order, his vacant seat will be filled by someone else. But he will always be an irreplaceable figure in the realm of American politics.