Russert's Grand Goodbye

Luke Russert has his father's sense of mischief. Speaking to the well-heeled mourners at Tim Russert's funeral yesterday, he read his father's favorite biblical passage: To whom much is given, much is expected.

"And after seeing the make of some of the suits and dresses in this room," Luke teased, "a lot is expected from this crowd."

Uncomfortable laughter rose from the pews at Georgetown's Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Young Russert was spot on. In the extraordinary outpouring of grief since his sudden passing last week, this humble product of South Buffalo has been given the closest thing to a state funeral this town has seen since the deaths of Presidents Reagan and Ford. In life, the unassuming host of "Meet the Press" eschewed pricey suits and pretentious Washington in favor of Buffalo wings and the Buffalo Bills; in death, this commoner was turned into royalty by official Washington.

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-- Dana Milbank