Here’s the thing on local tough questions: the “journalists” we hire in local markets have neither the life experience, job experience or knowledge (much less common sense) to ask meaningful tough questions of local politicos without coming off as transparent morons. Moreover, the smaller the market, the more you’re questioning your neighbors, and it gets dicey. A call to the GM is more disquieting in a smaller market than certainly at Russert’s level. Contrariwise, it’s a lot harder to muzzle an independent blogger at the local level than it is a pro, and that’s the Fourth Estate’s hope.

When I think of Russert in that way, I see him in the “others have greatness thrust upon them” category.

There was one thing I could always count on from Russert – Tough questions. He might hammer your guy, but when your guy’s opponent was up, you knew he would get hammered too.

If a serious portion of local journalists were to do their jobs the same way with local officials, this country would be in better shape. One of the Fourth Estate’s main tasks is in maintaining the accountability of those in power.

In Russert, we had someone that knew that.