Politicians Pay Tribute to Russert

President Bush: “As the longest-serving host of the longest-running program in the history of television, he was an institution in both news and politics for more than two decades. Tim was a tough and hardworking newsman. He was always well-informed and thorough in his interviews. And he was as gregarious off the set as he was prepared on it.”

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.): “Tim asked the tough questions the right way and was the best in the business at keeping his interview subjects honest.”

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.): “Tim Russert always remained tethered to his middle-class upbringing and the good and decent people who made him who he was. But he will be remembered by many more Americans who knew him as a proud son of Buffalo, New York.”

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.): “He was just a terrific guy. I was proud to call him a friend, and in the coming days, we will pay tribute to a life whose contributions to us all will long endure.”

Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.): “I’ve known Tim Russert since I first spoke at the convention in 2004. He’s somebody who overtime I came to consider not only a journalist but a friend. There wasnt a better interviewer in TV, not a more thoughtful analyst of our politics and he was also one of the finest men I knew.”

Former President Bill Clinton & Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.): “Tim had a love of public service and a dedication to journalism that rightfully earned him the respect and admiration of not only his colleagues but also those of us who had the privilege to go toe to toe with him. In seeking answers to tough questions, he helped inform the American people and make our democracy stronger.”

Former Vice President Al Gore: “The U.S. and the world have a lost a great journalist, interviewer and author. He was an original and will be greatly missed.”

Rep. David Obey (D-Wis.): “He was a great newsman and a great human being.”

Rep. Adam Putnam (R-Fla.): “With a unique and unmatched passion for his work, Tim transformed