Tim Russert was a great guy, father and journalist.  A large public figure, yes.  But is his death deservant of all of this coverage?  Or is it a case of the media being self congratulatory about their place in society?

  Since his death on June 13th (a Friday by the way, though the media hasn't made anything of that yet) MSNBC has been non-stop in the Russert coverage.  CNN has gone crazy too, with specials about Russert, Larry King twice in the last few days, and more, as has Fox News, though to a lesser extent. 
  He hosted a program that was watched by about 7 million people every week.  I'd guess it was virtually the same 7 million people every week.  (I was one, I'll admit)  Not many people say "I'm tuning in to 'Meet the Press' this week to see what it's about."  It's not for the average person who believes that Britney Spears navel is news.  It's a political/news junkie type of show.  Limited appeal. 
  No offense intended to Tim, but the media is completely overboard on this one.  I am just sick and tired of hearing about this guy.  Is his death really all that traumatic to the American public?  Is business still going on?  Did Walmart close down on hearing the news?  Has 9/11 happened again?  Have people flocked to church in the face of the coming apocalypse?  Surely this coverage is the harbinger of that event. 

  The coverage isn't over yet.  His (allegedly) private wake will be covered by MSNBC, the funeral service as well.  Then what will come?  Yet more rememberances for days on end?  Or will we be treated to "Best of Meet the Press"? 
  I'm not sure that the death of Ronald Reagan four years ago was covered so thoroughly.  You remember him.  He was president for eight years in the '80's and actually affected the course of world history, instead of just reporting on those who do.  So maybe the media are having a masturbatory good time here?