Bush attends wake for Russert

In the refectory at St. Albans -- a private Episcopal institution where generations of Washington notables like former Vice President Al Gore went to high school -- President Bush and first lady Laura Bush attended a wake today for NBC journalist Tim Russert, paying their respects to the family.

In a statement after Russert's death Friday, Bush called Russert "a tough and hardworking newsman" who was "as gregarious off the set as he was prepared on it."

The president should know.

Bush appeared on "Meet the Press" several times. In November 1999, in an interview from the governor's mansion in Austin, presidential candidate Bush told Russert that he thought one man could make a difference. "If I didn't think an administration could change the zero-sum politics of Washington, an atmosphere that is so hostile sometimes, an atmosphere that just chewed a good man up like Clarence Thomas, I wouldn't be running," he said.

And then there was the interview in February 2004, from the Oval Office, in which Russert asked, "In light of not finding the weapons of mass destruction, do you believe the war in Iraq is a war of choice or a war of necessity?"

Bush seemed to have no ready answer. "That's an interesting question. Please elaborate on that a little bit. A war of choice or a war of necessity? I mean, it's a war of necessity. In my judgment, we had no choice."

In his memoirs, former White House press secretary Scott McClellan said that afterward the president "seemed puzzled and asked me what Russert was getting at with the question."

No doubt others interviewed by Russert over the years are still mulling over his questions too.

-- Johanna Neuman

Photo Credit: Ho/Reuters

Comments

[Rudy Andl]

Crawford is not comming soon enough. No matter how much a try to find some redeeming quality in this president I always come up short. With his approval rating at twenty some per cent I don't think I am the only one who is getting happier and more optomistic as the day draws closer.

When one conciders he is at the end of a chain of characters that resulted in 95% of our wealth being concentrated in the top 5% of our citizens, he ought to leave now.

[rudy]

Russert was breath of fresh air. Russert was the only TV presonality that held these peoples feet to the fire. I appreciat that and will miss that.

His conversation with Bush gave Bush another opportunity to seal his mark on history as a President who was definitely not the shapest knife in the drawer.
Thanks to Mr Russsert we could all see that the lights were on in George's house but George was eslwhere.

[Brian]

It is too bad that Bush haters such as the LA times, can still find a way to bash Bush even in a story about another mans death. This country is headed the wrong direction because of people like you. Our President has done the best he or anyone could have during these times. Go ahead and vote for Hussien Obama, and after the next 9-11, he will give the attackers a stern talkin. The left is SO far out of touch with this country's values and standards. By the way, I am a registered democrat. But the views of the party are so outfield I don't like to admit it.

[Doug]

What do you Bush bashers do for a living? Have you made it to the White House yet? Been President for 8 years of the most powerful nation on the planet? I'd like to see how your ratings would be after 8 years of round the clock bashing by anyone and everyone who never gave you a chance in hell and never liked you from the start....yeah...the media has many ways of creating an image that is just shy of brainwashing.

The greatest President? Hell no. The worst? Absolutely not. The man has an MBA from Harvard. They don't hand those out at 7-11 ya know.

[Pavel Brodny]

Russet was journalist – prosecutor. There is NO replacement for him.. To his question above Iraq war: Sure this was the war of necessity,… No one of USA presidents could ignore such intelligence indications of existence of weapons of mass destruction,.. (which proved to be false..) Any of democratic presidents sitting in white house, can’t ignore such (at that time) overwhelming evidence… Other question is the tremendous incompetency and naivety which followed: Dissolving Iraq army and handling Iraq to the Iran influence… (They will welcome us as liberators !!)
I believe that Gore could not be so naïve,.. and handled the situation after invasion much better.. !!!

[Bill]

In response to Rudy Andl

What's with all this 95% of the wealth concentrated in 5% of the people? Have we become nothing more than a country of cry babies? What are YOU going to do about it Rudy? You blame Bush for your economic plight or the plight of others. What are you waiting for? Are you so hobbled that you can't break into the upper echelon you feel you so justly deserve? Are you saying that the excuse of 95% of the populace is the president's actions or inactions? Do you elect Senators and Congressman? Do you fill out job applications? Did Bush cause that storm called Katrina to develop out in the Atlantic and make its way to New Orleans? Why don't YOU do something about your life? If you are so concerned about the 95%, why don't you stop taking all the tax deductions and pay more in taxes? Does your altruism only go so far?

[Judi Devin]

My heart is heavy with the death of Tim Russert. He certainly is an American Institution. I can't imagine this campaign season without him and I feel that we certainly will not be as well informed. I was hoping we would be privileged to read more of his writings also. " Big Russ and Me " was truly a joy to read. Being a product of parochial schools and having a spouse and a daughter who graduated from Boston College I felt a genuine connection with him. I truly will miss his presence. Thank you for sharing him with NBC and the American public
Please accept my deepest sympathy.

[JOHN POLIMENO]

BUSH IS WHAT HE IS, AS CHENEY A COMPLETE NOTHING. I WOULD LIKED TO HAVE BEEN A FLY ON THE WALL, AFTER HIS LAST INTERVIEW WITH RUSSERT. I KNOW THAT RUSSERT HAS A PLACE IN HEAVEN AND BUSH AND CHENEY A PLACE IN HELL.

[Charles Victor]

Too bad Bush hasn't attended any wakes for the 4,000+ dead soldiers, how sad and disrespectful.

[edward]

RE the Bush presidency...I saw a British news item about a driving instructor who was arrested for having his patrons kick him in the groin; one of the comments made was that if this man enjoyed that kind of thing so much he should just move to the USA, because that is what the Bush administration has been doing to all of us for the past 8 years...so true, so funny.

Watching Tim ask that famous "war of necessity or choice" question and Bush stammering through the answer was one of the toughest moments in American politics I've ever seen. It exemplifies how truly insipid President Bush is and will always be remembered for how transparently this was shown by Mr. Russert.

[Charles Victor]

Bush attends a wake for a news celebrity, yet can't seem to find it in his heart to attend any of the services for the 4,000+ dead soldiers. How very shameful and disrespectful. Bush/Cheney treat our soldiers and veterans without any compassion or honor.

[Tim]

I watched Tim Russert on Sunday mornings for several years since I arrived in this country. I was delighted by several characteristics of his and chiefly by the fact that I never felt he was on one particular side or the other, but rather in search of the truth beyond the hype.
I believe he was unique in that regard.
I miss him dearly already.
The grief which his family must be experiencing has to be indescribable, and my heart is with them.
A great man and far, far greater than most of those he interviewed.
Tim

When one conciders -- hey can I have some of that 'cider too?

Bush is a decent, though sometimes arrogant rich boy-ish, man. Being raised around money and big time deals isn't enough to prepare one for the #1 hot seat in DC. But of course, neither is being groomed by racist anachronistic charlatans and post Woodstock hippy terrorist wannabes.

[Dianne]

My heart goes out to the family. Losing a loved one in such a public way can be difficult for some or maybe part of the healing process for others. I am sorry we have to use this very difficult time to malign & bash others in the public arena with our personal political agendas.

[anOPINIONATEDsob]

"An MBA from Harvard", and a degree in government administration from the Skull and Bones school of graft and corruption. I would not be so cavalier as to put this Bush on any level with Mr. Russert. The best that can be said about GHWBush is that his watch successfully ended the rule of the right for decades as long as Americans think past the end of their collective attention spans. The rest of the world is laughing at you and you damn well deserve it.
As for the loss of Tim Russert, the reactions of the people of the world are statement enough to be proud of. In my life I have walked behind the caisson of Jack Kennedy and stood in the rain while a train passed with Bobby and then waited for a miracle with John Jr, I can tell you that this passing equals that feeling of loss as with Martin Luther King as well.
In my mind if no other, Tim Russert earned my respect and that legacy was not given anywhere near as lightly as a certian MBA from Harvard.

[Joe]

To the socialist, whiny, cry-baby, Rudy who cannot spell: I'd be curious to see your supporting documents pertaining to 95% of the wealth concentrated in the top 5% of our citizens. But, to folks like you, facts are unimportant. Tell a lie long enough and it becomes the truth. Anyway, why don't you drag your lazy, whiny rear end over to one of those utopian Eurpoean countries where socialism is rampant; and as a bonus, you can even enjoy the benefit of the government making healthcare decisions for you. We won't miss you. You are obviously one of the 95% of the poor, unproductive citizens.

[Scott]

Most of you people are sick, bitter, mean-spirited partisans! This article is about the death of one of the more fair and balanced members of the mainstream media and how one of the most powerful elected officials in the world paid respect to him. And yet, many of you, including the author of the article, turn it into another excuse to spew your bitter vitriol, which does nothing for the direction of this country. Have a little more respect for Russert and his family and for the Office of the President of the United States, regardless of whether it's inhabited by a Democrat or a Republican or by one with whom you agree or disagree.

Thanks, Tim Russert, for your lifetime of work. You will be missed.

[ike]

Russert was a shill for GE which meant he was a shill for the republican party. Does anyone remember Scooter Libby's trial and the lame answers Russert gave not to mention that Mary Maitlin testified they liked Russert because they could keep him on track.

[Robert Laughing]

More appropo, had it been the 'other way' around.

[WILLIAM G]

What the haters and left wing immorals should do, is just observe and remember Tim Russert who was as fair and professional as he could be, he was a gentlemen not a hater, he searched for the answers. That interview with Pres. Bush, also demonstrated a very much in control Commander in Chief. I wonder if Cliton or Gore could have scared off and attacked our enemies. Come on , face the truth. The President will be treated well by History and you haters will be remembered for your simplistic, one side thinking. Why don't you go study the challenges of International relations in a hate filled muslim world., whom by the way in case you do not remember attacked the USA several times in NY City under President Clinton. He did nothing, President Bush responded, maybe you should leave the US and go live in Europe with those wonderful Hollywood liberals and left immmoral light weights whom do not under the the threats this country faces. Shame on your appeasing compromising weak minded fallacies. Its a perfect time for Obama too further weaken our standing in the world in a time of Crisis. Your own immorality will destory you...

[JAY]

Am I the only one that remembers Russert not backing the dems in 2k4 not supporting kerry v bush. He should have held the president to a higher level. I know no one else does but I considered him above a press member that was superior to the average press dude. Russert was really no different than any of these other guys giving our admin a pass.
May god rest his soul.

[Michael]

I am an immigrant to the USA, and Tim Russert thought me a lot, helped me to appreciate this country's values and virtues and the importance of political accountability.

Tim Russert was amongst the very best and will never be forgotten as a decent hardworking guy who tried to make things better in a noble and thoughtful manner.

We will miss him.

[sean chiqu]

Mr.Tim Russert,thank U for having good intentions and a great spirit for your time here on earth.May God bless your family and good luck on your journey.

Sean Chiquola/a friend

[Mike]

Robert Laughing, you really sound like a hater yourself! Quite paranoid too I'd say. I'm sorry to be a part of the degeneration of this thread...

[TJ]

Tim Russert was by far the toughest questioner in America, but compared to British journalist, his interviews were still a walk in the park for any skilled politician - which just goes to show that as a group American journalist in general are incredibly soft.

I could be wrong, but I don't recall Russert ever asking George Bush how it feels to be th so-called "must powerful man in the world," yet be a puppet of the most powerful lobby in America - AIPAC - which advocates for a country of just 7 million people, while his own constituents (the American peope) number more than 300 million. I also don't recall Russert asking Bush how he feels knowing that he and he alone set in motion a war that has now resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people including thousands of American soldiers (along with the seriously wounded that number at least ten fold the death toll). Nor did Russert ask Bush about the trillions of dollars of debt the U.S. has now amassed since 2003 on a war he started, which was admittedly based on false precept that he and his staff pushed with the use of propaganda.

I'm sure Tim Russert was very good man down deep. He seemed to be well liked by all who knew him, but unfortunately as a journalist he was just the toughest of an extremely weak lot.

[Surfmom]

First off, May Tim Russert rest in peace.
For everyone of you right-wingers, you should be ashamed of yourselves for defending Bush. He is a disgrace to the human race. For any of you that are still in his corner, you all must HATE America. Get your head out of your ass. The left side is, has been, and ALWAYS will be morally superior to the right wing morons. You are all an embarrassment to the USA.

[Kwesi Wilson]

Within every tragedy is an opportunity. I believe the opportunity in the passing of Tim Russert is to his contemporaries to emulate his integrity, tenacity and ethics. Ask the tough questions and be watchdogs for the public and not lapdogs for public officials. And there should be an award in his honor given to ONLY those who emulate him.

[SG]

1. Russert had more integrity in his little toe than all the GOP politicians that had ever appeared on Meet the Press, combined, and most of the Democrats as well. He did his job better and worked harder than all of them. He'll be difficult to replace to say the least.

2. Bush is not "America". Being anti-Bush is not being anti-American.

3. Bush was told by U.S. intelligence that Sadam was not an imminent threat to the USA, but Bush chose to ignore this. An inconvenient fact, eh?

4. Why anyone would now listen to and give credence to a RightWing Extremist such as those who have posted here today, who still think Bush is a great president, is beyond all comprehension. Thankfully, RightWing Extremists are dwindling in number, and are now relegated to the outskirts of the American political scene. Let's hope they stay close together in thier exile, and far away from the good people of America.

[Mark Pepper]

Johanna Neuman I am so confused... I thought this was about Tim Russert? This obscure observation regarding an obvious political sidestep in no way celebrates the life of Tim Russertt.. I, on the other hand, am thinking about a brilliant and timely and sentient being that had both a charm and cut, that got you to stand up and take notice. I so much want to celebrate the life of such a man, such a passion. What a smilin' guy, what a great guy to spend a few minutes with! This is what matters.

I have cats smarter than Dubya. If he hadn't been born rich he would have been a high school dropout. To use Dubya and Tim Russert in the same sentence is obscene.

[Jersey Pete]

Joe, I don't get you. I might not agree with Rudy but you sound like you think you have all the answers and know all the facts. Are you auditioning to be the next O'Reilly? Oh wait, you probably think he actually knows what he's talking about. Talk about someone that plays fast and loose with the facts. You sound like a bully, Joe, someone who only knows how to spew venom. Every bully that I ever met was actually full of fear and self doubt. So I hope you get some real peace and confidence in your life so you can overcome the negative thoughts about yourself that are tormenting you.

Although I would agree with you that America is a wonderful country (you're of the "love it or leave it" school of bullies, right?) and I'm thankful be an American, there are possibly a few things to learn from other countries and things they have learned. Does that thought threaten you? Most of the people of the rest of the world would probably be too polite to say so, but they would find you a bore and an "ugly American" blow hard. You're not very impressed by politeness, though, are you Joe. Politeness is weakness, isn't it?

In your posting you represent all that is reprehensible in America - or any place else for that matter. Are you so threatened by other people's ideas or the idea that Americans aren't the only people in the world to possibly have good ideas that you have to sneer at others and put them down? Why?

But this was supposed to be about Tim Russert and I must tell you that I cannot remember another passing that has hit me so hard in recent memory. He was truly a great American and a real professional. He did great service to his country by helping us discover the truth.

[frank gladysz]

It's too bad we are Americans,or most of you Bush bashers would be holding your heads in your hands.Thats severed to you stupid.I don't agree with every thing he says and does,but I don't cut him up in public either.I think anyone that acts like an a--hole toward his president is a treasonous piece of s--t.

[LKM]

Russert was completely enlightening is a world enveloped in mistrust & confusion.

[Phil]

He'll attend Russert's wake but won't attend any military funerals for fallen soldiers?

[Sindy S]

Russet was a great interview and I feel badly for his family and those who loved him...but it is not the end of the world as we have known it and Russet did have his allegiances to "the man"...basically we are all shocked at the idea of a quick and sudden death at the age of 58 and that is what is really affecting everyone.

As for you Bush lovers ...give mne a break....your stupidity is only surpassed by your ignorance. You are like the
proverbial lambs willingly being led to their slaughter. How many times will you vote against your own best interests? HOw many of YOU are raking in millions a year from oil profits? How many of you are living privileged lives, driving 100K plus autos and owing property all over the country? How many of you busy bloggers are actually risking your lives in Iraq?
Give me a break. What a bunch of uninformed losers.

[keith]

Eh, LAT trying to imitate Top of The Ticket success with a blog that throws the door open and says "Come bash Bush for a few more months!". Well, it'll draw the tinfoil hat crowd like flies, the only problem is that this has all been so oft repeated it's just boring now. Jeez, some of these people will still be squeeking this stuff out five years from now.

Why not look to the future instead?

[Brian Peterson]

Clearly, Brian, Doug, Bill, Joe and William G are all one Rethuglican operative still trying to lie, hate and insult his way to "respect" for Bush. And what's with the "history will be kind to Bush" phony argument? According to history, we're no less right about WWI and II than when they happened, and we're no less wrong about Vietnam. That's not going to change, and neither will the assessment of Iraq, except I guarantee we'll find out it was actually stupider than originally thought.