Tribute to Tim Russert
Also, on today’s Newsgang Live we pay tribute in our own, unique, politically junkie-like ways.
RIP, Tim Russert
NBC News’ Washington Bureau chief Tim Russert has died of an apparent heart attack at age 58. It’s hard to imagine this election year without him on Meet the Press and especially on election night.
My condolences go out to his family and his MSNBC family. It’s a real loss for political reporting.
Twitter pays tribute (via Summize):
Bill Moyers Keynote: A Must-Watch
Bill Moyers is one of my heroes. This video is a must-watch whether you are a blogger or a political junkie or simply a citizen of what you believe to be a democracy. It’s 39 minutes that feels like 3.9. He nails corporate media, neocons, and the danger of apathy all in one short speech.
Sphere: Related Content“We are always Americans first”
Tonight my daughter asked me why I wasn’t on the moon. I tried to explain my frustration at the grandstanding that had gone on in advance of his speech, not to mention the fates colliding to make sure I couldn’t give it my full attention, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was until I saw this video.
As the daughter, granddaughter and great granddaughter of a South Dakota pioneer family, seeing the image of Obama standing at Mount Rushmore at night was a profoundly moving sight. Even more moving? The expressions of absolute joy and yes, hope on the people in Minneapolis tonight. I felt as though I was robbed of the actual moment in some ways, but the images in this video reminded me of what makes me believe in this man, and in the faith of the people who came out and endorsed him today, and the state of Montana, who was the last to vote and gave him a wider victory.
I realized that I didn’t want to think about who would be his vice president, or how he would deal with McCain’s snark, or whether his supporters or her supporters would continue to be divisive.
What I wanted for this night, was to enjoy the moment, the snippet of history, the memory of the scent of possibility. To experience the impact of history being made, not just by Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, but by this entire country, where millions and millions of people went to the polls, made phone calls, donated what they could, wrote friends, wrote blogs, built communities around the web, on Twitter and Friendfeed and even “Plurk”, the latest place, and started to believe in the idea that things can change. Wars can end, and yes, politics of hope can prevail over politics as usual. I wanted, for this night, to shed division and remember that in the end, we are always Americans first. It took me awhile to let that wash over me, but it finally has.
Sphere: Related ContentOpen Thread for History
Tonight, history is made. Stop by and drop your thoughts onto this thread about how you feel about Senator Obama winning the nomination, or anything else that’s on your mind.
Twitter will probably be down as results come in or during his speech, but you’re welcome here, or on the NewsGang Ustream room. I’d love to have your impressions posted in the comments to save for history’s sake.
Thanks to all of you who read this blog and take the time to comment. I love reading your feedback.
Sphere: Related ContentProof that we’re obsessed with bullshit
Just after the RBC adjourns, look what’s at the top of Memeorandum.
Forget the so-called party elite. Bloggers suck. Big time.
