Tim Russert
Journalist
author
About Tim Russert
Tim Russert: Buffalo’s Voice in American Journalism
Born on May 7, 1950, in Buffalo, New York, Tim Russert embodied the values of hard work, determination, and authenticity—traits he credited to his upbringing in the close-knit neighborhood of South Buffalo. Known best as the iconic moderator of NBC’s Meet the Press, Russert’s legacy extends far beyond the television screen. His roots in Buffalo shaped not only the man he became but also the unparalleled journalist he was.
South Buffalo Beginnings
Tim Russert grew up in a vibrant Irish Catholic neighborhood, where everyone seemed to know each other’s names—and each other’s families. He described South Buffalo in his memoir Big Russ and Me as “a warm and tightly knit neighborhood,” a place where character was shaped not by wealth but by the lessons passed down from parents, teachers, and community leaders.
His father, affectionately known as Big Russ, worked as a sanitation worker and World War II veteran, teaching Tim the value of hard work and sacrifice. Faith was also central to his upbringing. Tim made his First Communion and served as an altar boy at Holy Family Church. These early experiences gave him the moral compass and empathy that would guide his career in journalism.
Tim’s early sense of responsibility was evident when he worked at the switchboard of St. Michael’s Church rectory to help pay for his tuition at Canisius High School. There, the Jesuit education instilled in him a lifelong commitment to excellence, curiosity, and service to others.
Building a Career in Washington
After pursuing a Bachelor’s at John Carroll University and earning his law degree from Cleveland State University, Russert stepped into the world of politics, working as chief of staff to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan and later as a top aide to New York Governor Mario Cuomo. These experiences gave him invaluable insight into the political world, preparing him for a journalistic career where he would ask America’s leaders the tough questions.
Russert joined NBC in 1984 as a Washington bureau chief, and by 1991, he was named the moderator of Meet the Press, the nation’s longest-running television program. Under his leadership, the show transformed into an essential platform for political discourse. His interviewing style, which combined deep research with pointed but respectful questions, earned him accolades—and occasionally rattled even the most seasoned politicians.
Perhaps most famously, during the 2000 presidential election, Russert distilled the complex Electoral College drama into three simple words written on a whiteboard: “Florida, Florida, Florida.” This analysis became iconic, demonstrating his ability to make even the most intricate political moments accessible to his audience.
A Trailblazer in Journalism
Tim Russert didn’t just report the news—he shaped how Americans understood it. He was renowned for holding officials accountable by challenging inconsistencies in their past statements, a technique he mastered on Meet the Press. Under his stewardship, the program reached more than four million weekly viewers and was widely regarded as one of the most influential sources of political news in the country.
He invented terms like “red states” and “blue states” to describe Republican-leaning and Democratic-leaning states—terminology now embedded in America’s political lexicon. But beyond his professional achievements, it was Russert’s integrity, warmth, and humanity that made him beloved by colleagues and audiences alike.
A Devoted Son of Buffalo
Buffalo was never far from Tim Russert’s mind, even as he gained national recognition. His deep love for his hometown was evident in everything he did. Sundays during football season often ended with his joyful “Go Bills!” sign-off. He remained devoted to his Buffalo Bills, even when their Super Bowl dreams were elusive.
The city has honored him in numerous ways. Woodside Avenue, where he lived until age 11, was renamed Tim Russert Way. Parks, libraries, and public spaces throughout Buffalo bear his name. His contributions to the community extended to revitalization projects and youth initiatives, such as funding the Tim Russert Children’s Garden near a library where he once borrowed sports biographies as a child.
Remembering a Legacy
Tim Russert’s untimely death on June 13, 2008, at the age of 58, was a tremendous loss for both the world of journalism and his hometown of Buffalo. But his legacy continues through the lives he touched and the institution he built at Meet the Press. His candor, humility, and relentless pursuit of the truth remain the gold standard in political journalism.
Buffalo will forever be proud to call Tim Russert one of its own. A true son of the Queen City, he exemplified its best qualities—tenacity, generosity, and heart. For journalists, politicians, and citizens alike, Russert’s legacy reminds us of the enduring importance of asking the hard questions, seeking accountability, and celebrating where we come from.