The phrase above is truly overused (one newscast used it when Anna Nicole Smith died...actually true!), but in an age with folks like O'Reilly, Olbermann and Matthews dominating news commentary, Tim Russert was extraordinary. He interviewed well, was fair always and tough when he needed to be, and was always human. All through the early responses to his death, this was the most stunning observation. Folks recognized him on the street, and just asked him about his family, or Buffalo, New York, or even where the best place was to eat in a particular city. In short, an un-celebrity. Russert wouldn't have it any other way.

His friend Tom Brokaw will inherit the center seat for a while. It's a good choice, as Brokaw has the chops for it, but for once he'll only be second-place. I'll miss Tim Russert for his personality and love of life outside the news, but I'll miss him more for his gregarious nature and ability to cut through the garbage.

Go BC, Tim!