I disagree with those who cheer Tim Russert's death. But I criticize his legacy.

[Faygo Kid]

I disagree with those here who are self-professed "happy" about his death. I find that unacceptable. But the worshipful hyperbole about him is overblown. He was no Cronkite or Murrow. I am bitter (yes, bitter) about two things regarding Tim in particular:

1. He loved Limbaugh. He did at least two interviews with Limbaugh, and never challenged Rush on his hate and ignorance even one time. He actually took that uneducated dolt seriously. Limbaugh has done more harm to this country than any other media figure in history. Tim had a chance to challenge him, and he blew it, both times. It was sickening and unforgivable treacle.

2. The war in Iraq. Tim allowed Meet the Press to be used as THE primary television vehicle for selling the fraudulent war. Again, unforgivable. The NY Times and Washington Post played the same role in print (the Post continues as number 1 cheerleader). When Cheney or Rice wanted to talk about "mushroom clouds" without challenge, they knew who to call: Tim Russert.

I think he was a personally decent person and friend. But Murrow challenging McCarthy, or Cronkite challenging the war in Vietnam, was something beyond Tim's reach.

[Fridays Child]

1. You are such a centrist tool!

Seriously, thank you for offering some thoughtful nuance to the subject. Liberals are supposed to be proficient at understanding the gray areas and subtleties in situations but you'd never guess it by reading DU--lately, anyway.

[Faygo Kid]

2. Thanks. I'm not a total either-or person. I leave that to the Limbaughs of the world.

I'm frankly a bit disappointed at my DU on this subject (yes, I am fiercely protective of it, and it is important to me). There has been way too much dancing on Tim Russert's grave. Some of it is perhaps understandable given the hero worship he has enjoyed after his death, but I DON'T think he had venal motives. He was an "insider," like a David Broder. Not intrinsically evil (c'mon), but unwilling, when it counted, to challenge the status quo, or to stand up to people like Cheney.

So very sad. And horrid for what we have lived through, when he could have made a difference. That said, he was somebody with a family and many friends who loved him. I have lost vastly imperfect family and friends who I nevertheless still loved. And I don't like the personal venom directed at a dead person similarly loved.

[Fridays Child]

3. Well, your thread's not getting much traction and that's unfortunate.

Is everyone still too raw from the primary season? I don't know, but people tend to retreat to their most extreme defensive positions when wounded. I hope everyone lightens up. I miss the rich tapestry of voices that used to define this place.

[CODemocrat]

4. OK.......

another senseless post!

I am all in!

[Fridays Child]

5. Why?