It seems so wrong to use the past tense about Tim Russert who has been so present in this town for so long. The tributes by those who knew him will acknowledge his work ethic, love of politics, and good humor. I am so very sad at this terrible news having known Tim as unfailingly decent and down-to-earth. He was modest, generous, and kind. He was an institution in Washington, but behaved as though he were unaware of his exalted position. We were more likely to sit around after Meet the Press talking about our families than the latest from the campaign trail. His personal experience was in Democratic politics but he had a lively curiosity and was grounded in Buffalo. He was genuinely interested in everyone’s opinions. My prayers are with his father, his wife Maureen, and his beloved son Luke.