Tim Russert: America Reacts

President Bush: “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 hardworking newsman. He was always well-informed and thorough in his interviews. And he was as gregarious off the set as he was prepared on it.”

Senator Joe Lieberman: “He was tough on 'Meet The Press,' but I never felt he was out to knock down government or politicians. He was trying to make us all better. And I think he really did that.”

Senator John McCain: "He was truly a great American who loved his family, his friends, his Buffalo Bills, and everything about politics and America. He was just a terrific guy."

Senator Barack Obama: “There wasn't a better interviewer in television. Not a more thoughtful analyst of our politics. And he was also one of the finest men I knew.”

Senator Charles Schumer: “Western New York, in particular, will miss Tim Russert because he was in every way Mr. Buffalo. Even when he was interviewing presidents and heads of state, Western New Yorkers knew that his blue collar, Buffalo sensibility guided him throughout.”

Senator Arlen Specter: “Tim will be sorely missed because his years as a Senate staffer and probing TV journalist gave him special insights on political and governmental issues. Had he chosen law as a career, his cross-examination would have made him a star in that field as well.”

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi: “Today, broadcast journalism lost one of its giants, who will be remembered along with names like Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite and David Brinkley. The city of Buffalo has also lost its favorite son, who loved his city and its hometown team, the Bills.”

NBC News Anchor Tom Brokaw: “I think I can invoke personal privilege to say that this news division will not be the same without his strong, clear voice. He'll be missed as he was loved greatly.”

CBS News Anchor Katie Couric: “Tim was a big teddy bear of a guy, but he was also a pit bull of an interviewer. He always held people's feet to the fire, often using their past words with great effect to reveal flip-flops or hypocrisy.”

Face the Nation Moderator Bob Schieffer: “He delighted in scooping me and I felt the same way when I scooped him. When you slipped one past ol' Russert, you felt as though you had hit a home run off the best pitcher in the league.”