All of the blather can't hide the fact that both of these gentlemen were mere froth on the news front. Novak is a hack and Russert was a calmer version of Chris Matthews. (Meaning a former political operative posing as a newsman.) For evidence of Russert's lack of value, he had the idiocy to have Drudge on once upon a time. Hardly a shining moment. And of course Russert's testimony at the Scooter Libby trial was banal. Sunday mornings may never be much more than a tease for political junkies, but not having Russert around is hardly a tragedy. Having Novak around is a joke.