For two decades, many Americans got their political news from NBC’s Tim Russert. Russert, who died of a probable heart attack June 13, was best-known for hosting the Sunday morning news show, Meet the Press. (See “Television Talk Shows Offer Grist for U.S. Political Mill.”)

He was also known for his election night coverage, especially the 2000 presidential race when, in the midst of the tight race between George W. Bush and Al Gore, Russert scribbled on a wipe board the words “Florida, Florida, Florida,” signifying that the election winner would be determined by that state. That board now belongs to the Newseum.

Political leaders both feared and loved being on Meet the Press, at 60 years the longest-running U.S. television show. Russert was known for his tough interviewing style, but an appearance on Meet the Press conferred a certain status – politicians saw an invitation to a Russert interview as sign that they were being taken seriously in national politics.

Countless political leaders, including the presidential candidates, commented on Russert’s legacy.

“He’s somebody who, over time, I came to consider not only a journalist but a friend,” presumed Democratic nominee Barack Obama said. “There wasn’t a better interviewer on television, not a more thoughtful analyst of our politics.”

“Tim Russert leaves a legacy of integrity of the highest level of journalism and we will miss him deeply,” presumed Republican nominee John McCain told his supporters in an e-mail. McCain has made more than 50 appearances on Meet the Press.