Meet the Press Remembers Russert

With the moderator's chair empty, Tom Brokaw began this morning's edition of "Meet the Press" by urging the show's guests not to cry, Politico reports. Friends and admirers of longtime host Tim Russert gathered to recall the highlights of his career and what made the ultimate political junkie.

Russert “genuinely liked politicians—he respected politicians," said Mary Matalin, but as James Carville pointed out, "he really was offended by people who didn’t prepare." Guests described Russert as a man who truly wanted success for his friends and co-workers, and would always help them achieve it. A public memorial is planned for Wednesday, in Washington. (More Tim Russert stories.)