TIM RUSSERT

By Cindy Adams New York Post

I once asked Tim Russert how he handles tough questions with what looks to be a friend or, at least, appears to be special access from DC's hotshots. He answered: "They're not friends. They're VIPs I'm interviewing. I do research and prepare my questions. Sometimes they don't answer. Sometimes they won't even come on, like the week I wanted Rumsfeld. He wouldn't do it. But the public knows when they're avoiding issues. And it's my job to confront that. I don't socialize with these people. I work hard. I get up early to do the 'Today' show. I write a book. I raise my kid. I don't party."