Russert, what gives?

Last night, I stayed up watching Comedy Central's Daily Show (welcome back, Stephen Colbert), mostly to hear Tim Russert's take on everything that's been happening. Needless to say, I was a little disappointed.

As you know, Russert is one of the most well-respected reporters in the land. His show "Meet the Press" continually hosts the biggest names in politics and he is regarded as a fair-minded, neutral reporter by both sides.

For the most part, Russert was hocking his new book, which is understandable the guy's entitled to make a living and should strike while the iron's hot. But, (1) the book is surprisingly apolitical for a guy with such a background; (2) the book's really schmaltzy, really (not like there's anything wrong with that); and (3) Russert isn't that funny.

Granted Russert had to walk a delicate line considering he was appearing on such a politically slanted show and I'm sure the conservative pundits were licking their chops, ready to label him just another liberally biased reporter. But, I guess, given his stature in the political world, I was hoping for a little more insight from him, a little more candid commentary, a little more gore, but in the end, all I got was puppy dogs, cotton candy, and pictures of his tots. I felt like I was watching the Oxygen channel on cable for a minute there.

Next time, I'd rather have them just put the rat cage on my face and end it.