Luke Russert Officially Joins NBC News' Campaign Coverage
Confirming rumors that have been swirling around for weeks, NBC News executives today announced that Luke Russert (son of the late Tim Russert) will be joining the network's deep roster of political correspondents. His first assignment, according to today's press release, will be as a correspondent at large focusing on youth issues at the upcoming DNC and RNC conventions.
More from the release:
Luke Russert recently graduated from Boston College with a double major in History and Communications. Since March of 2006, he has co-hosted the critically acclaimed sports radio talk show "60/20 Sports" with political pundit James Carville on XM Satellite Radio. On "60/20 Sports" he has interviewed the likes of former President Clinton, former President George Bush, Bill Russell, Cal Ripken Jr. and Lance Armstrong. Luke is the son of the late Tim Russert and of Vanity Fair writer Maureen Orth.
I can see Tim Russerts smiling face over this news.
Luke will do a great job. He has a fantastic coach!
Great Job NBC!!! Great job.
Hahahahaha. Why not hire the kid? A BC degree, no experience, didn't sob like a baby at his old man's funeral. HIRE HIM. Sure! Given the quality of big-business tele-"journalism" these days ("where's your flag pin, Senator?"), he'll fit right in.
Luke Russart will be as unqualified for that job as Obama would be for the office the is trying for.
NBC is a joke and always has been.
In 1968 as a college student I ran a cameraat WAPI TV in birmingham. They to the old Tutwiler Hotel to work on the crew for NBC's first coverage of any thing Republican in Alabama.Richard Valeriani.
I was shocked after asking Richard when he was going to interview some people to write his network feed.
He told me that he had written his story on the plane coming to Birmingham."Why the fu*ck would I need to interview anyone
The candidates were Democrat Lurlene Wallacerunning against Republican, Jim Martin, and Independent Dr. Carl Robinson.
When I asked him aboutDr. Robinson,with out a doubt the most liberal person to ever to have run in a state wide race.
Valerini said "Who the f*ck is Dr. Carl Robinson.
The entire evening he had mocking our crew's Sou thern accents.None of our drawls was as pronounced as his thick and course south -Jersey snarlings.
NBC has become an arm of the Democrat Party and no longer even tryto hide that fact.
Graves Porter
Birmingham
Mr Porter:
Birmingham, isn't that where "friends" of yours blew up those little girls in a church a couple of years before your NBC experience?
You were lucky they were just making fun of your accent.
Lewis Lapham isn’t happy with political journalism today. “There was a time in America when the press and the government were on opposite sides of the field,” he said at a premiere party for Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson on June 25. “The press was supposed to speak on behalf of the people. The new tradition is that the press speaks on behalf of the government.” An example? “Tim Russert was a spokesman for power, wealth, and privilege,” Lapham said. “That’s why 1,000 people came to his memorial service. Because essentially he was a shill for the government. It didn’t matter whether it was Democratic or Republican. It was for the status quo.” What about Russert’s rep for catching pols in lies? “That was b******t,” he said. “Thompson and Russert were two opposite poles.”
Lewis Lapham isn’t happy with political journalism today. “There was a time in America when the press and the government were on opposite sides of the field,” he said at a premiere party for Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson on June 25. “The press was supposed to speak on behalf of the people. The new tradition is that the press speaks on behalf of the government.” An example? “Tim Russert was a spokesman for power, wealth, and privilege,” Lapham said. “That’s why 1,000 people came to his memorial service. Because essentially he was a shill for the government. It didn’t matter whether it was Democratic or Republican. It was for the status quo.” What about Russert’s rep for catching pols in lies? “That was bullshit,” he said. “Thompson and Russert were two opposite poles.”
gosh, why not? what was the young man supposed to do, join a marine rifle platoon in falujah? i'd just like to see the network send brokaw somewhere he can connect with gerald ford and some mythological generation and ramble on to someone who gives a f...!
Are you kidding? He's a punk kid with a privileged attitude with a lot of growing up to do. Put him in diapers for awhile. Who wants to listen to a shadow kid who values his own opinion above others. Anyone out there care to hear him?
So now Tim Russert's son has been sucked into the cesspool!
NBC'S Andrea Mitchell is the ultimate insult to every journalist in the world today. She gets away with defamation scott free because her target, John McCain is a public figure.
Her comment about John McCain cheating on the Saddleback Church dialogues this week reflect a serious decline in mental faculties -- may be signaling early Alzheimer's. (One early warning sign is just such anti-social, detached from reality remarks.)
Those on the scene say McCain was not even on the premisis -- that he did NOT listen or see the exchange with Obama. If Mitcell is of sound mind-- and I question that -- her comment simply reflects the quality of integrity and work ethic she puts into her career as a "journalist."
Without doubt NBC is a shill for the Democratic party, and has been for years.How do they qualify to the FCC as a public broadcasting company serving any public interest? They should have their broadcasting license revoked.
Mitchell's performance is a public disgrace beyond politics --it's criminal. Surely there is a way to sue NBC and Mitchell for their corruption of public media!
Luke,
Just finished reading Big Russ & Me and read that you were born on August 22....Happy Birthday!! What a country! What a wonderful father you had! As a fan of Meet the Prss, I have always had great respect for your father. Tim's fans (and his friends) all know that he is looking down from heaven with tremendous pride for you and his whole family. You will do a great job! Best of luck. Remember all that he taught you. You will continue to be in my prayers as you learn to live with the loss of your dad. May you feel his presence each day, especially on your birthday. God Bless!
Mary Manning,
Glen Allen,VA
Why not give Luke Russert a chance to do what he would like to do in the news world. Why must so many people be unkind and ugly....is it just their nature. I spent my whole life growing up with no role model until I reached 18. I sat out to do my very best in life and succeded. My domineerng father said he wasn't sending me to college "just to meet a man." How ridiculous that statement was. If a young man spent four years in college it was because he wanted to make a success of his life. Obviously Luke Russert felt that way. I started out as secretary to a woman's personel management for an oil company. From there I became a faculty secretary to 10 law professors at the UALR School of Law. After that I moved to the Court House with one of my female professors who had been made a Federal Judge at the Court House. She "tripled my salary!!! I stayed there for five years and now receive the perks of the Federal Government. My theory has always been to know before you interview for a job that you are completely qualified. It always worked!!! Then...just sell yourself
luke,
be proud, be you and never let those who obviously are negative effect you as they are just plain jealous. your father was beyond what many would only dream of having for a dad or friend, and your mom, well, she is of a league of her own. i wish you all of the blessings that are to be in your future. during this election (and every sunday mornning) i cannot help but think, what would tim say, what will his point be, what should i know ...... i sure miss him. i look forward to seeing you and carrying on the russert tradition.
best to you always.
Nepotism is alive and well. There are kids out there who have worked a lot harder than this wise-ass kid and deserve a break more. Who the hell is this little twerp anyway? Just because his father made it, he sails in on his coattails? Because he spoke so well about his Dad after he died? Don't we all speak of our Dads that way? And Greta (above), puhleeez - does having a devoted successful father entitle one to the freakin' red carpet and easy street? Has this kid ever really worked for anything in his life? What about that 'life lesson' - I guess his father wouldn't have wanted him to have that, eh? I want to tell him to wipe that smart-alecky slimy grin off his face. One word for Luke.....yuk.
Another example of how elite our entertainment culture has become. Nepotism at its finest...like Lou Holtz hiring Skip Holtz. You may never achieve as much as your dad, but these kids end up making a nice living and getting a big assist in very competitive industries. Look at the socioeconomic indicators of parents and children in today's America. It is harder and harder for low and lower middle class kids to breakthrough. So what does a 22 year old with a BC degree and a great last name make right out of college ? Call me curious AND envious.
Hey, I have a BA in PoliSci and Communications from a top school too - does this mean I get to be named an MSNBC correspondent as well? Oh wait, guess not - my late Dad wasn't a big wig at NBC - he was just a union organizer.
Seriously, while I have nothing but great respect and admiration for the late Tim Russert's career, can anyone look me in the eyes and tell me but for this connection that Luke would be getting this unbelievable job a couple of months after college?
It is clear Tim Russert adored his son, but what's also clear from his fellow students is that he traded on his name, his father's connections, all of it in his classes, papers, exams. No doubt his father did everything he could to help him, but the sense of entitlement and smarminess that oozes from Luke is something I for one can't stomach. I find myself turning the channel from NBC or MSNBC wherever he's on.
Other than the no doubt vast life experience Luke has -what is he, 22-23?-(sarcasm for those w/o that gene) can anyone tell me what exactly qualifies him for this job? More so, was this job open to all, posted and recruited legally or as many other posters here have stated, is this just the lastest example of nepotism being alive and well. Again, it doesn't boil down to what you know, but who you know and the longer we allow this to occur, the more we all suffer for it.
Shame on you NBC and MSNBC.
Hey!
I think it is fantastic that Luke was hired by NBC and he gives a great insight to the DNC this past week and He is just like his dad way to go Luke! Keep up the great work!
Yes, give him a shot. Why not...
Sure, partially because of who he is, but so far the job has been more than satisfactory. Good luck Luke
Dear Luke, It was so great to see you commenting on MSNBC. You were great as a new guy on the block. Please continue in your Dad's footsteps. I used to watch him every Sunday morning. All the love and admiration we had for him now passes to you with all the best wishes we can give. Keep his integrity and values as you travel through your future endeavors in broadcasting. He is surely proud. Luv ya!
Luke Russert came up with an idea to cover the young college crowd and their influence on the convention and nominating process. I never saw this kind of coverage before. In the past the college crowd were interviewed by a seasoned commentator. He was strong in his delivery, determined in his statements, concise with a youthful dynamic flair. He IS a commanding person on camera. Maybe that's why he got the job. And MSNBC wants to please their steady viewers - WE WANT LUKE!
For the followers of Tim Russert, MSNBC made the perfect choice.
This is to Dioganes. You are so blind if you really think McCain didn't listen to the questions. This thing about it is Pastor Rick Warren stated before the world that" McCain was in a "cone of Silence" while Obama was being interviewed. This was soooo.... untrue. Wake up, get real,don't be fooled, McCain heard every question!!!
I am sad that Tim Russert is gone and missing out of this huge and important Presidential Campaign. Last night I was excited to see Luke Russert on MSNBC interviewing a young man and women. That is just awesome that Luke is stepping up to be involved in this presidential campaign. And Kudos to MSNBC for hiring him for the job. If he is anything like his dad he will be very passionate about our Democratic process. I will be watching for Luke Russert on MSNBC.
GO LUKE!!!!!!
TWERP?WISE-*SS KID?Watch what you say about Luke Russert?I suppose YOU are the PERFECT ROLE MODEL!!!I doubt that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He's a nice, warm kid. But he lacks his father's charisma. It's a hard act to follow. I'm sure he'll get better with time, but charisma is not something you learn - you're either born with it or not.
There are so many sons of famous people who do well, but don't quite achieve what their Dads did. I'm thinking Micahel Douglas and Jakob Dylan(but there are a lot of examples). Talented, but not SUPER talented like their Dads....
Dear Luke Russert. i have an assignment for you. i have been carefully watching and researching the campaign for president. in the past i did not devote much time and energy because i had become apathetic and disappointed by the dogma and our leaders in DC (all parties). however, i can't be passive this time. we are at a pivotal point; the next administration can either lead us back to integrity, strength and respect here and globally or continue on our current path to world war III and a weak, divided country.
I have carefully listened to all speakers at both conventions this year. I study the commentary and try to ignore the meanspirited biased pundits (and politicians). I would really like to see somebody (you)conduct an assessment of whether, or when, there has been follow thru of promises made on the convention stage or campaign trail. What Presidents have been true to their campain promises and turned our country around for the better? Is politics really only about rhetoric to gain power or has principled leadership more often prevailed? I'd really like to see some sort of historic synthesis on this matter . As a young man with your fathers dispostion, humility and intelligence I believe you could pull this off in a way that folks like me could trust and consider. I hope you would find reassuring examples of leaders walking their talk. With such information I may feel assured that my vote may matter in the long run. Be well. We miss your dad
McCain wants Americans to serve, as in community service - he seems unaware that schools across the country from elementary to college have made "service learning' part of the curriculum. Individual students must do X number of hours of documented community service. There are foundation grants for schools and other groups to work on and complete projects. That volunteers have become such an integral part of American hospitals, they could no longer run without those volunteers. I think he did a disservice to those thousands who have served and are serving their country.
McCain wants Americans to serve, as in community service - he seems unaware that schools across the country from elementary to college have made "service learning' part of the curriculum. Individual students must do X number of hours of documented community service. There are foundation grants for schools and other groups to work on and complete projects. That volunteers have become such an integral part of American hospitals, they could no longer run without those volunteers. I think he did a disservice to those thousands who have served and are serving their country.
I recently re-ready Big Russ & Me. It reminded me that Tim had a way of finding an opportunity in every situation. Luke - I am proud that you were able to find this opportunity. You know how proud your father was of the Russert name and I know you will do your best not to tarnish it. Go get 'em.
Luke, WoW I didn't realize how much I miss your Dad until now! I know and am deeply appreciative of how you must feel about the good man he was...However, looking at how NBC has gone....you must really review your options...NBC was all I knew growing up, until now....I am a conservative and this station has nothing to offer me...Until now I didn't realize how much I 'trusted' your Dad...I 'tuned in to see what 'Tim Russert' had to say...He was a man to be respected. It is sad to see what they have done to Tom Brokaw...Don't go down this road...review your options! Start here and finish BIG or make NBC what it once was...