Murphy, Russert At The Top Of Their Games BALTIMORE, MD (wypr) -
If you wanted to get elected in Baltimore or Maryland, you wanted to see Art Murphy. He knew what it took to win. He knew how much it would cost. He knew if you had a realistic shot. He could tell you if you were wasting your time. He was good at the numbers - at polling and turnout and name recognition and, if absolutely necessary, issues. If you listened, you'd learn a little history. You'd come away from the conversation smarter. You'd probably have a laugh or two; And if you were to win, you'd probably be better at the job.

Unfortunately, Arthur Murphy died after a lengthy struggle with multiple sclerosis. He died within hours of the fatal heart attack that took the life of Tim Russert, host of Meet the Press, mentor to many young reporters and respected adversary of political candidates and office holders at many levels.

If you wanted to play at the highest level, it was said after Russert's passing, you had to face the man at Meet the Press. Often you'd be facing yourself - in the form of sometimes politically incriminating remarks recorded and collected by Russert and his team. What did you mean? Have you changed your mind? Was there some political imperative t hat drove you to recant some earlier position? How you handled these queries, offered with grace and unforgiving insistence on a real response, might determined if you had a future in national political life.
Russert and Murphy played in different league. They played different parts in the drama of politics. But they were allies in this sense: They performed invaluable service. Without them and others like them the system could not work - certainly not as well. They knew the imperfections better than most - but they never stopped trying to make it better.
You've been listening to an essay by WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith. Your comments are welcome at fsmith@WYPR.org © Copyright 2009, wypr