    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 23 (Monday, June 16, 2008)]
    [Pages 837-838]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on the Death of
    Tim Russert

    June 13, 2008

        Laura and I are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Tim
    Russert. Those of us who knew and worked with Tim, his many friends, and
    the millions of Americans who loyally followed his career on the air
    will all miss him.
        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 hard-working newsman. He
    was always well-informed and thorough in his

    [[Page 838]]

    interviews, and he was as gregarious off the set as he was prepared on
    it.
        Most important, Tim was a proud son and father, and Laura and I
    offer our deepest sympathies to his wife, Maureen, his son, Luke, and
    the entire Russert family. We will keep them in our prayers.