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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



Obama and McCain at Russert's funeral

Posted: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 10:03 AM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Cheryl Gould
Obama and McCain just seated themselves next to each other at the private funeral for Tim Russert this morning.

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Obama needs to tell McCain..........You know Im about to be the next POYUS right.........
This is sooo sad.  Tim Russert was my Walter Cronkite.  When he said something you just knew you could take it to the bank.  I'm surprised at how much I miss him and I didn't even know him.  My prayers are with Mr. Russert's family today.
This is such a sad day for everyone in the MSNBC family (which includes us viewers and bloggers).  We have lost one of the most creditable journalists of our time. God bless you Tim, you are sorely missed.

MSNBC, it is crucial for your network to continue to report with the honesty and integrity that Tim would expect.
This is the only way that Grandpa Flip-Flop has of getting positive press coverage.  Maybe he brought along a bag of Cindy McCain's "old-family-recipe" cookies!
Obama probably handed McSame a copy of today's Quinnipiac poll results to read during the ceremony.  McCain's tears will be real!
In the words of Chris Matthews, "We lost the quarterback". It's so humbling to see the outpouring of respect on all the major news outlets.

I'd love to hear Mr. Russert's observations about that seating arrangement.

He is proof one man's passion can still make a difference.
No comment needed. God Bless You, Tim and family.
As it should be, honoring a great American should be bipartisan.

Rest in Peace, Tim.
This sounds like 'Gossip Girl'
This is very sad!! Very sad!  I was so shocked by his death!
I'm certain McCain just asked Obama, "So, who is getting married?"
I still have not gotten over TIM'S Death. I will miss him like he was an old friend. It is life affirming when you see a media figure inspire so much love and admiration. He was one of the good ones.

Regards to the Family.
Why?
I'm glad Obama is attending. He said the other day that he thought of Russert as a friend. Let me take this time to say condolences to the entire staff at First Raed. This is going to be a tough day for all of you that worked with and admired Tim Russert. My heart goes out to each and every one of you today.
That's so Obama could keep him awake.

God bless you Tim! I haven't posted anything about Tim yet. I'm still in shock and grief. Our country lost a national treasure in Tim. I completely trusted him to find and tell me the truth. To say I'll miss him greatly is a huge understatement. It breaks my heart to think he won't be guiding us through this.
Dear FirstRead and MSNBC:  Thanks for continuing to do your jobs when I'm sure your hearts are not really in it today.  Tim would be proud!!!
If Senators McCain and Obama really want to honor the late Tim Russert, they should use this meeting at his funeral to solemnly agree that this presidential campaign will stay focused on the issues facing the American people, not the lies and smears one side (usually Republican) can use against the other.

Considering how "Bush Hugger" McCain and the repugnant ones keep decrying the liberal press it's really hypocritical for the panderer to show his face at Tim's funeral.  Guess he's just sucking up to the liberal press hoping they won't expose his many lies.

Really sad that Tim passed away so soon and young.  I really appreciate all the work that NBC/MSNBC to bring the truth to light that Fox Noise tries to hide or propagandize.  I'm proud of First Read and this excellent democratic site where good articles and reader comments get posted.

Thanks Tim!
Go Obama 08/12!
That is nice that they and all the others could attend the service.  Tim was a good guy.  RIP young man
Dear FirstRead and MSNBC: we are forever grateful for Tim and the DC office's coverage of politics, always giving us something fun to read every morning. I am so sorry for you and the Russert family today. There is nothing we can say that will make it better--but what you can do that will is cover this election as honestly and critically as Tim Russert would have, and someone has to have his white board during your coverage of election night, to remind us of that great man,who we will miss so much.
Tim Russert will be sorely missed.
Because of Tim.....I, a 35 year old Democrat have never been so interested in politics as I am now.  May he rest in peace and my deepest thoughts to his family and friends.

Thank you Tim for making me a better man!
It's a rough day when my sensibilities get offended, but jeez folks... we're talking about a funeral, the funeral of a friend and colleague of the poster. As an Obama supporter, can I ask that we show some class and can the anti-McCain jokes for a few hours? It's not buying us any friends.
I am happy all the Obama people are showing there class in takeing shots at McCain on this one.
real nice
Tim will never be replaced,we can only hope for someone to continue what he started at NBC, We pray for you all. Thank you all for sharing all you have with us about Tim.
I too, will miss Tim very much.  I'm still in shock as if he were a part of my family.  I always looked forward to hearing what he had to say about politics.  When Tim said it, you knew it was the unbiased truth.  You will always remain in our hearts Tim.  Way to go Obama and McCain for the support you're showing.  Make Tim proud!
Tim was a part of my Sunday morning that will be truly missed. I turned people on to politics by watching Meet the Press who never were involved, upon the news of his passing numerous calls came to my phone saying man your main man passed, it is a testament to all of the people he touched with his fair and honest way of getting the truth to the American people.  God Bless Tim and his family
Very good gesture for Obama to pay a leat respect to Tim. We will all miss him so much. My prayers go Tim family as well as all NBC family.
I've cried and cried over this loss.  We'll miss Tim.  This campaign season won't be the same without him.  He was part of our daily life and he was our voice on Sunday morning.  Thank you MSNBC for helping us say "goodbye" -- the coverage has been appropriate and very helpful in mourning our loss and in celebrating his life.  You've given us permission to grieve along with you and you've led us toward moving on without Tim.
and Tim would have been asking him so what do you know?

I still having trouble wrapping my mind around what has actually happened.  If anyone should have been here for this election - it should have been Tim.  Can you imagine how excited he would have been?  Do you remember how excited he was when Obama got the nomination - history being made - he said.  

I really, really miss him, one in a million.
Obama and McCain do not agree but that hardly makes them enemies or even "not friends".....there's a lesson in their behavior to be learned by many who post here.
 we need him we mist tim but god needs him more
so he sent his angels to get him from from thsi terrabl place
It is nice to see both candidates take a break from campaigning to recognize a real American hero. Tim Russert was one of the few sources for REAL NEWS in this election, and I have missed him more each day since he has been gone.

America is a better place because of Tim Russert. I pray his spirit lives on at NBC News - we need a strong objective source to turn to - make Tim proud!
As the title of the 60's song by Spanky and Our Gang states "Sunday's Will Never be the Same". Tim, you will be missed.
MSNBC Family, I really do think of you all as my political friend-tors, and the greatest one of all is gone.  My heart and prayers go out to all of you, but especially to Tim's wife and son.  Keep his spirit and memory alive by doing what you all do so well.  Go get em'!!
Thoughts and prayers today to FR and all the family of NBC and MSNBC.  A tough day for you guys - our hearts go out to you.

Bless especially Tim's wife, son, father and all his extended family.  

He is smiling down on all of you today - and sending you his love and strength.

Very dignified of both candidates to sit next to each other, so that they would not be a distraction (i.e. are they going to acknowledge each other etc.)
Tim RIP. We will miss you. Nothing compared to Tim. The great is gone. May the Lord Bless you and bless your family as they go through this difficult times.
G-D bless Mr. Russert, and his family.

I will miss Tim greatly. He was so excited about this election. I will keep the excitement going for you Tim. RIP. I have been absolutely blown away by the outpouring of love for Tim. That's what the dash means between birth-death. Well respected and loved by many, that's why it's important to be nice to people.
My heart breaks for all of you at MSNBC and the Russert family....as well as all of us....he will be missed so much....more than we all knew.
He truly was the voice that could be trusted.  Hopefully all of you have learned from him and his legacy will continue.
God Bless
This is a great day for Tim's family to see the breadth and strength of support of the Russert contribution to this country; but also what a sad day for our country when we need more citizens like Tim, just trying to make a positive difference. I will miss him like a brother.


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