Tim Russert, 1950-2008

When Katherine and I went to see Bruce Springsteen last year, we didn't know that we'd have a really nice encounter on the way out of the Verizon Center. Heading for the exit, the guy next to us said, "There's Tim Russert." And sure enough, it was.

I knew his face well, having become a politics junkie since moving to DC in 2002, but Kat had to be reminded, "Meet the Press."

"Oh yeah! Wow, he looks younger in person!"

We stepped up and said hello, then I said that this was Kat's first Bruce concert. He lit up with a huge grin and said, "My first was 30 years ago," or something to that effect. (I read later that he'd booked Bruce for a college concert for $2500 back in the day.) He asked if she enjoyed the show and Kat had a minute to talk with one of the most famous faces in TV news. She couldn't have been happier--being asked a question by Tim Russert? Out of this world.

We were at the Newseum yesterday evening and saw a page taped to one of the panels out in front. It was a picture of Mr. Russert with a note from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law alumni (his alma mater)... and it mentioned "the sad news." Naturally we assumed the worst and confirmed it by cellphone-delivered news a few minutes later.

It's a shock to lose someone who's so much a part of one's informational universe, especially so young. We met him for all of three minutes--and his gracious wife Maureen was there with him, together seeming so happy at seeing a terrific show--but he impressed us both deeply with his generosity, his friendliness, and his enthusiasm at sharing something (Bruce's music) which he clearly loved so much. We could not have had a better, finer moment with this icon of TV news and political coverage.

We've lost more than an exemplary television commentator and interviewer; we've lost a fine American.

Rest in peace, Mr. Russert, and our deepest condolences to your family, friends, associates and all those who looked to you as an authoritative, tough but fair-minded gentleman. You will be greatly missed.

Photo Alex Wong/Getty Images

BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCE!

Kat and I had an unbelievable time at the Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band concert at the Verizon Center in DC last night.
I've seen Bruce live about... maybe eight times? Last night was definitely in the top two concerts. The band sounds incredible, and if Bruce is talking a bit less than usual, there's no shortage of sheer musical power up on the stage.
Lots of Bruce-and-Steven nose to nose on microphones (he called out "C'mon, Steven!" about five times during the show), and did the same with Patti on one or two songs (their duet on "Tunnel of Love" was fantastic).
Here's the set list:

• Radio Nowhere
• No Retreat, No Surrender
• Lonesome Day
• Gypsy Rider
• Magic (introduced with a few words about Washington DC and spin)
• extended harmonica solo by Bruce, leading into...
• Reason to Believe
• Night
• She's the One
• Living in the Future
• Promised Land
• I Work for Your Love
• Tunnel of Love
• Workin' on the Highway
• Devil's Arcade
• The Rising
• Last to Die
• Long Walk Home
• Badlands (absolutely the most high-energy song of the concert to that point)
• Girls in Their Summer Clothes
• Growing Up
• Kitty's Back
• Born to Run
• Dancing in the Dark
• American Land

A little surprise on the way out: we were making our way out of our row and reached the steps when we saw Tim Russert and his wife. He's really youthful in person! Had on glasses and a huge grin. I asked him (probably shouted, 'cause my ears were ringing) how he liked the show and he said "Amazing!" I said this was Kat's first Bruce concert and he said, "My first was in '73!" I added she was first in line for this concert and they said it was a great show to have as a first. Could not have been a better way to say "Hi!" to someone we watch nearly every Sunday morning. Gonna have to send a fan letter...

(Note: the Wikipedia entry above has an interesting paragraph about Mr. Russert's Bruce connection.)

Anyway, Kat's off at work this morning and I'm home, enjoying Veterans Day off. I'll post on Veterans Day later, as my dad and two of my uncles were WW2 vets, but for now... Bruce absolutely rules.

Great article on Bruce's show here.