Earlier today, we learned of the passing of longtime ABC News Political Director Hal Bruno. Hal was old school. That means he believed in hard work, professional reporting and coverage of the meaty issues – characteristics sorely lacking in much of today’s political coverage. Hal was widely known and widely respected as one of smartest, most knowledgeable people in the business. He was a political encyclopedia. Hal was also a tremendously nice man. As a producer, I booked him as a guest many times following his retirement. I also interviewed him a number of times for my own show. I didn’t know him well, but what I knew of him I admired. Hal was always good-natured and perfectly willing to contribute whenever his schedule allowed. And if he had time to share some of his stories, you were in for a treat. Hal Bruno was a true credit to American political journalism.