Terrible news indeed.
One of the few journalists still worthy of the title.
One of the few journalists still worthy of the title.
Tim Russert reported to be dead!
- Thread starter gh4chiefs
- Start date
No, it's in the Newseum. I saw it there the day before he died.
This is really shocking. I only met him once when I worked in his building, but he was just as nice in person as you'd imagine him to be. His wonderful 'on-air' personality wasn't just an act.
R.I.P. 
That's sad. I rarely agreed with some things he said but he seemed like a cool guy.
He was.
I was thinking along the same lines, though I was also including Andrea Mitchell in there somewhere (I'm not sure where exactly).
I was about to object to David Gregory taking over MtP, but a quick Google search refreshed my memory, that it was actually David Shuster whom NBC suspended for comments that Sen. Clinton's campaign was "pimping out" Chelsea by having her campaign on her mother's behalf.
So as long as Gregory can maintain the kind of close-to-the-vest questioning style Russert used, I wouldn't have any problems with him taking over. Lord knows he's aggressive enough, as all of Bush's press secretaries can attest to.
I was about to object to David Gregory taking over MtP, but a quick Google search refreshed my memory, that it was actually David Shuster whom NBC suspended for comments that Sen. Clinton's campaign was "pimping out" Chelsea by having her campaign on her mother's behalf.
So as long as Gregory can maintain the kind of close-to-the-vest questioning style Russert used, I wouldn't have any problems with him taking over. Lord knows he's aggressive enough, as all of Bush's press secretaries can attest to.
Don't confuse Gregory with Schuster...BUT!
At the same time!
Please don't dismiss David Schuster. He is (and deserves to be) an up-and-comer at the NBC news team. He fucked up, he served his time. Hell, I'm banned from TNZ for being an asshole and I might prove myself eventually. Just as I know HE will prove to be a long-term player. And the fact he spent time at FOXNews for a while? Trial by fire, IMO.
A lot of people think Schuster has the chops. Not today, not this year...but eventually.
At the same time!
Please don't dismiss David Schuster. He is (and deserves to be) an up-and-comer at the NBC news team. He fucked up, he served his time. Hell, I'm banned from TNZ for being an asshole and I might prove myself eventually. Just as I know HE will prove to be a long-term player. And the fact he spent time at FOXNews for a while? Trial by fire, IMO.
A lot of people think Schuster has the chops. Not today, not this year...but eventually.
Agree 100%. Talk about a polar opposite of Tim Russert.
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I really would like to see MtP go to a great reporter and interviewer, a la Russert, even if they don't have name credibility. I think people will tune in and watch whomever sits in the moderator chair and give them a real opportunity to take the helm of the show.
Chris Matthews, from my perspective, has the highest name recognition of the remaining NBC anchors left, but he is not well suited for this job...
Personally, I love listening to Ronald Reagan's son on the radio and think he would be perfect for this job... Shame he doesn't work for NBC
Chris Matthews, from my perspective, has the highest name recognition of the remaining NBC anchors left, but he is not well suited for this job...
Personally, I love listening to Ronald Reagan's son on the radio and think he would be perfect for this job... Shame he doesn't work for NBC
If you're talking about Michael, there is no way in hell that NBC would hire him. Ron Jr on the other hand, who knows.
According to the Associated Press, Brian Williams will host this coming Sunday, though there still hasn't been any sort of long-term decision yet. The article mentions David Gregory, Andrea Mitchell, and Chris Matthews as the three most likely contenders for permanent replacement, and also brings up the possibility of Brokaw as a transitional host (like Bob Scheiffer on CBS between Rather and Couric).
Yes, and his time will come, but it's still too soon for him to be "rewarded" with one of, if not the prime gig in TV news.
Out of those, Gregory seems like the best choice. I honestly feel I would stop watching MtP if they gave it to Matthews.
That would be smart. Brokaw is a great news man and could fill the billet wonderfully.
Ron Jr worked for the net'scable news before and I'm pretty sure they fired him. And yes, I was discussing Michael. I too doubt that they could or would hire him... but stranger things have happened. I personally enjoy his radio show on itunes. He runs it in a traditional way without a lot of rhetoric.
RobertScorpio
Pariah
I suffered a heart attack three years and nearly died. I had to have quadruple bypass, and I collapsed while jogging aboard an Air Craft Carrier...scary times, believe me...
Tim Russert was my favorite interviewer. While Fox is in bed with the republicans, and MSNBC and CNN fawn all over the Democrats, Russert was one, if not only, straight shooters who didn't care about bias...he will be missed.
I recently wrote a story series about a real Star Trek ship coming into our real universe...and Tim Russert actually made a cameo..I am re-printing his cameo here, just because I wrote not more than two weeks before he passed away..and I am still stunned..
AUSTIN GRAYSON
NCC-1701
(no bloody A-B-C-D or E)
#01
The Final Words
Featuring
Mark Grayson
Jennifer Grayson
Austin Grayson
Hank Morton
T’var
And special guest cameo by
Tim Russert from
NBC TV; MEET THE PRESS
Special guest star
Frank Grayson
USS ENTERPRISE
T’var was a trained Romulan soldier. Being so it meant, that along with his physical training, he had been required to memorize the layout of all Federation, Klingon, Gorn, Tholian, and most other alien military class vessels.
The moment the shield generator fluctuated (the moment the beam was shot at Frank Grayson) is when T’var made his move. He was relieved the young boy, Austin, had skipped their daily games of Chess and Dungeons/Dragons. If the boy had remained T’var would have found it difficult to kill him, but would have done it with out hesitation.
It was the responsibility of every captured Centurion to escape captivity. T’var had managed that part of the equation; getting off the ship, in orbiting a suitable planet, was his next goal. The Red Alert claxon had sounded, and the ship was warned of his escape. He entered the closest Transporter Room and found it totally unguarded. The lack of any real military protocol on the ship was another clue that these humans, the ones on Enterprise, we untrained.
He hurried over to the Transporter Machine and scanned the display for the most tactical point to beam down to Earth with. Suddenly the door opened behind him. T’var had no weapon, but he had his fighting ability, T’var thought to himself.
T’var turned around, ready to attack, only to see young Austin Grayson standing there with a phaser pistol in his hand, aimed at T’var.
“How?” T’var asked.
Austin smiled. “You told me, remember? You said you would kill me, if you had to, and then find the closest Transporter and escape. It was right before Omar introduced the older man as Charilus, and then you rolled your dice and…”
T’var shook his head in disappointment. “I have failed my honor by revealing too much to you, young Grayson. You would excel as an interrogator.”
Austin’s usual demeanor was replaced by a stone cold look. “I’m not an interrogator, T’var. I was trying to be a friend. And now, I just found out, not more than two minutes ago, that my father his been killed. I’m sick of it.”
“How did this happen?” T’var asked, as his eyes continued to search for an avenue of escape.
Austin shook his head. “I don’t know, T’var.” Austin said. “But I do know that he would still be alive if all this fucking shit with this stupid-ass Enterprise had never happened!” Austin’s anger was starting to show. “You,” Austin added, “and your fucking need to escape are part of it! I hate this ship, and now, I hate you!”
Austin fired the phaser. A blue streak of energy struck T’var, stunning him. The Romulan fell to the ground, out cold. Austin went over to the Transporter consol and signaled security.
He wanted so much to just bury his head, close his eyes, and wake up. Why couldn’t this all be just a dream? With his dad now dead, Austin just wanted to go back to his old life. His life was once comprised of going to school, getting high with his friends, and trying to score with girls. Heck, he even had a threesome lined up with two hot bi-chics he met at the skate park before all this had happened. But all that was lost to him because of his dad finding the Enterprise; but not any more.
It was time to live again as a normal person. It was time to leave the Uss Enterprise.
--
TWO DAYS LATER
Mark Grayson sat in the briefing room, the same Briefing Room where Frank had been killed just two days earlier. The passengers and crew were coming together for a brief service in the shuttle-bay with in the hour. But before that was to happen, Mark decided to give the United States of America a very public warning.
Mark had just ended an exclusive interview with Tim Russert on the Sunday news show; Meet The Press. Mark had told the interviewer how Frank had been killed by some shadowy United States Government organization. He also relayed how not only the United States was actively trying to gain access to the ship, but the Chinese as well. He watched the display panel as it displayed the closing of his interview, on tape delay, as it was broadcasted for the viewing public.
(“We are only just beginning to realize the potential of this ship.” Mark said to Russert. “We are not invaders from another world, Tim, we are normal human beings. My brother didn’t deserve to die like that. So let me put this as clearly as I can to the government of the United States, or any other government that has desires for Enterprise; If any more attempts are made to seize this vessel, we will respond in kind.”
“What does that mean?” Tim Russert asked gravely.
“I think the statement speaks for its self.” Mark said.
Tim Russert nodded to Mark. “Very well mister Grayson. Thank you for appearing on our show today.” Russert turned to the camera and spoke to the audience at home as the image of Mark Grayson faded from the monitor next to Russert.
Russert spoke again,“You have just heard an exclusive interview with Mark Grayson, the new Captain of the USS Enterprise. Frank Grayson (an image of Frank was displayed on a split screen for the viewing audience) was savagely murdered two days ago by what appears to be a clandestine American organization. As reported here earlier, the United States Senate oversight committee has ordered an investigation into such an organization. My next two guests serve on that panel…”
Mark flipped a switch that turned off the display. He didn’t have time to involve himself with the political side of the situation. At that moment the door to the Briefing Room swooshed open. Jennifer, Austin and Hank Morton came into the Briefing Room.
Mark stood up and hugged Jennifer, and patted Austin on his shoulder as the same time. “You didn’t have to come here to get me for the service,” Mark said, knowing how hard it must have been for them to even be in the Briefing Room.
Jennifer stepped back. “I still can’t believe he’s gone.” She dabbed at her eyes with a while floral handkerchief. She was wearing a black dress for the service as Austin was in a suit and tie, standing at her side.
“Where’s Amber?” Mark asked, wondering where his niece was.
Hank spoke. “She’s at the service with Leonard and his family.” Hank replied. “Mark, we’re actually here in an official capacity.” Hank said.
“What do you mean?” Mark asked.
Hank held a cartridge in his hand. “Jennifer brought this disc to me earlier this morning. Apparently Frank made this recording, secretly, about a week ago, incase something had ever happened to him.”
“I found it,” Jennifer added softly, “in an envelope in the back his desk in our quarters.” She sniffled back some tears as Austin held her close.
“What’s on it?” Mark asked.
Hank took the disc and slid it into the computer that was off to the side of the Briefing Room table. Seconds later the image of Frank Grayson was displayed on the three sided panel in the center of the table.
Mark and the others all sat down around the table to view Frank’s official words.
“If you are watching this message; I am dead.” Frank said with a sarcastic grin on this face. “Sorry for smiling at that, but this is a strange way to convey my last official words. They actually did this on an episode of Star Trek, so I guess I’m just following protocol.” Frank was holding a cup of coffee. He sipped on it before continuing.
“I had planned to update this message every six months or so,” Frank continued. “So if you’re seeing this one, the first one, then I didn’t last that long as ship’s Captain. I now know how Wil Decker must have felt.” Frank chuckled a little.
“Anyway,” Frank said, “this ship was not only made to help defend Earth, or other interests, from attack. Its chief purpose is the exploration of space. I know when we watch Star Trek it is hard to separate the two, but that is what, according to Gene Roddenberry, this ship’s intention was. Most of the upper-command crew I assembled were either military, like you Hank. I also made my brother first officer. He has never served in the military, but I really made Mark XO so he could really keep an eye on you Hank.”
The others looked to Hank Morton. Hank looked guilty.
“But I want you to know right now Hank. That the more I got to know who you were, I found that you were not just some cigar chomping jar head out to score with every woman you met. So I apologize for labeling you as I did.
Mark; I hope you how much I love you. We have had our scrapes through the years, but you have been the greatest older brother a little fuck-up like me could ever have. And I also know that if my death was not a natural one, but a violent one, you would not stop until you found some kind of vengeance. It is for that reason I want you to remain First Officer. Just until things calm down.
Austin, my son; I know that your life, and your sister’s as well, has been turned upside down by all of this. Many of the other parents we knew while you were growing up, heck even my own mom and dad, thought I was too easy on you. But ever since you were a little kid I knew you were special, so I gave you the room you needed to find yourself. Perhaps making pot-laced cookies, and then letting them be consumed by local policemen, was not one of your better accomplishments,” Frank said with a laugh, “but I’m so proud of you son. And even though you are only seventeen years old? I think you have it with-in yourself to be the kind of level-headed person I hope I inspired you to be. And so, I am naming you as acting Captain of the Uss Enterprise.”
“Ummm, what?” Austin said from his place at the Briefing Table.
Frank continued. “I know that this comes as a shock to you Austin, and to you Mark, and perhaps even you Mr. Morton. But until things calm down the ship needs to be commanded by the one person among you who I believe can think with a level head; a seventeen year old young man. Would you be right thinking that I am crazy for believing that? Yes, probably so. But this is my final order. After six months time, should Austin wish to relinquish his command; or heck even now as you all sit there in stunned shock, Austin will pick his successor.
Jen; You wanted to leave this ship at the very start. You were right. If I am already dead then it is clear I was unprepared for the great responsibility that was thrust upon me, and now, thrust on to Austin. If you wish you can override my final orders. Tell Austin to name another commander, and then the two of you, and Amber, can go back to Earth. But I don’t think it will be safe for you down there on Earth; not for a while at least. So, think everything through before you decide honey.”
Frank took one last sip of his coffee. “I know these are difficult times for all of you. I know it must be a temptation; just giving the ship a way and going back to Earth. But I still believe this ship can be an instrument of change. Put your minds together and find the way to do just that. Farewell.”
And with that the display went dark.
Mark looked to Austin. “Are you ready for this Austin?” Mark asked his young nephew. “Do you have any idea what your father is asking of you?”
Hank cut in. “Son, your father had great faith in you.” Hank said, “He would not have put you in this tough position if he didn’t think you could do it.”
Austin looked to his mom, Jennifer.
The door to the Briefing Room opened and Doctor Inglehopper, in a very nice suit and tie, came in.
“I was sent to get you,” Inglehopper said. “The service is ready to start.” He could tell something serious was going on. “What’s happening?”
Before anyone else could answer, Jennifer did. “There is nothing that can’t wait until after the service.” She said to the others. She stepped from the table, and motioned Austin to do so as well.
As soon Austin stood up Jennifer took him by the arm and led him out of the room. Doctor Inglehopper followed the mother and son couple.
Mark Grayson and Hank stood up and prepared to leave. Mark spoke.
“We can’t let a seventeen year old stoner run this ship.” Frank said softly, but directly.
And with that said, Mark headed out of the room as well.
Hank Morton was alone in the Briefing Room. He thought about all that had happened from the moment he first found out about the ship being up there. He then walked over to the computer and prepared to eject the disc. But an instant before he pressed the button, the computer’s electronic voice said;
:There is an unspecified file that is encrypted on disc for Hank Morton’s eyes only. Please enter social security number and provide retina scan to open file.
Hank Morton wondered what it was. Why had Frank left him a secret last message? Hank sat behind the computer and entered his social security number. He then looked into the small viewer so the computer could scan his retina.
Seconds later Frank’s image came back onto the display panel. It was obvious that this part of the message was recorded seconds after the previous one.
“Sorry to do this to you Hank,” Frank said with a smile, “but someone must know what I am about to tell you. You will know when and what to do with this information should the time come. All of your lives will depend on it.”
Hank sat back and listened. As Frank revealed the information Hank could only sit in stunned silence. When the message was finally over Hank took the disc out of the computer. Before giving it back to Jennifer later that day, he would replace it with a second copy, which Frank revealed was hidden in an isolated area of the ship. The duplicate copy did not have the secret message for Hank.
He shook his head in disbelief. “Oh my,” was all he could say.
Hank Morton exited the Briefing Room and headed for the ceremony in the shuttle-bay. Hank was determined now more than ever to see to it that Frank’s legacy to the world was the instrument of change Frank wanted it to be.
CONTINUED
NEXT TIME
The Server; revealed!
And NBC has announced that Tom Brokaw will moderate Meet The Press through the election.
^I didn't get a chance to flip on the TV at all yesterday, but I did notice that on MSNBC's ticker this morning. Brokaw is great, and the show will be in capable hands. Hopefully this'll give NBC News the chance they need to make a smart decision on Russert's permanent replacement.
