[claudiustg]

Russert is supposed to be the smartest and toughest interviewer around. If this is the best he can do against Bush the Dims have serious problems. Now that the interview is out of the way Bush doesn't have to give Russert squat in this election cycle.

[arasina]

Russert is supposed to be the smartest and toughest interviewer around.

Here's a letter by Russert in response to a complaint that he was taking an advocacy or biased position in an interview. The year is 2000. I'm not sure why it doesn't appear on the letter.

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		A Division of National Broadcasting Company, Inc.
4001 Nebraska Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20016 202 885-4548				Timothy J. Russert Moderator Meet the Press

November 1

Dear Professors Molnar and Achilles,

Thank you for your letter.

You are mistaken. I have never engaged in “dogged advocacy of educational vouchers”. My interviewing technique and style is to challenge the guest with the “other” view. For instance, when I interviewed Bill Bennett I raised just as vigorously the anti-voucher argument.

By the way, the Vice President’s technique is to say to a questioner, “I know you’re for vouchers,” thus suggesting to the viewer he is in an unfair position.

And so it goes.

I did find your research helpful. As always, I will continue to vigorously question both sides.

T. Russert