NPR: Gwen Ifill on Russert: "Goodbye to a Standup Brother"

Gwen Ifill on Russert: "Goodbye to a Standup Brother"

Gwen Ifill sits with Tim Russert on the set of 'Meet The Press' in February.

Meet the Press, NBC News

As journalists, politicos, and Meet the Press fans pay tribute to Tim Russert, who died suddenly on Friday, Gwen Ifill offers this must-read for The Root:

He never had to say it, but I also know Tim considered it a bonus that, by hiring me, he was going to be able to add an African American voice to his Washington bureau -- someone who could keep up with him on politics, but also tell him stuff he didn't know. He was keenly aware that, as proud as he was of his Irish Catholic, blue collar roots, other people had different roots that they were equally proud of and that understanding those varied views of the world was important.

... I made my last appearance with him on Meet the Press a few weeks ago. We were talking about race in the context of this year's presidential contest and another panelist, Jon Meacham of Newsweek, remarked that race was a subject that made white folks queasy. I countered that black folks only get queasy talking about race when they are in conversation with white folks who get queasy talking about it. Tim's eyes twinkled when he looked at me. He absolutely loved that I was telling him something he had not thought of before.

On today's show, Farai will speak with Ifill and Michele Norris, host of NPR's All Things Considered. Both often appeared on Meet the Press and knew Russert well.

Geoffrey Bennett

Tags: Gwen Ifill | Meet the Press | Tim Russert

12:37 PM ET | 06-16-2008 | permalink

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I'll take even money that Gwen's on a short list--the hottest short list in Washington barring none (including the VP chases)--for respected journalists to succeed Tim Russert. It makes sense from so many angles. And in this of all the crazy political years, what makes sense could actually come to pass!

Sent by Leon Wynter | 1:07 PM ET | 06-16-2008

I have always Gwen Ifil solid,balanced
intelligent, brutally honest and fair, as a captivating reporter. IF we have truly moved forward on race, I find no one else more competent to sit at the head of that table but Ms. Ifil, she has earned it without affirmative action, but through hard , earnest work.

Sent by Venita R.Flucker | 3:04 PM ET | 06-17-2008

If Tim respected her I am sure the rest of the world would embrace her..and still the line..Jon Meacham of Newsweek, remarked that race was a subject that made white folks queasy. I countered that black folks only get queasy talking about race when they are in conversation with white folks who get queasy talking about it. Tim's eyes twinkled when he looked at me. He absolutely loved that I was telling him something he had not thought of before.
IT FUNNY AND BRUTALLY HONEST...BUT FUNNY AND TIME APPRECIATED GOOD IRONIC LAUGH... I believe we all could use a fresh breath of brutal, honest injection!

Sent by Stephen Boyd Sr. | 7:27 PM ET | 06-18-2008

I too remember Gwen's brilliant comment on the race topic making white folks queasy. She is always so on the mark. If there is any wisdom at all at NBC, she will be the permanent replacement for Tim Russert. Added bonus: she has a face made for television! Go Gwen!

Sent by Roger in Seattle | 1:35 AM ET | 06-27-2008

I hope that Gwen is named to be Tim Russert's permanent replacement. She's absolutely perfect for the job.

Sent by Ted | 2:23 PM ET | 07-16-2008

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