NBC’s chief political correspondent Tim Russert was in town Monday night to deliver the annual Red Smith Lecture at Notre Dame.

“I did receive an honorary degree from Notre Dame in 2002, and next month my son graduates from Boston College,” said Russert, with a mischievous grin on his face. “I wasn’t gonna talk about the hockey game!”

Russert just touched on the recent meeting of Notre Dame and BC, but focused on what happens when politicians meet the press.

Russert says media coverage of the struggle between Senators Clinton and Obama is working to John McCain's advantage.

“He’s been trying to present himself as a president. All the while, the contrast is Obama and Clinton attacking one another. So I think McCain has been given a really unique opportunity to solidify his base and plan his presidential campaign,” he explained.

Russert also told NewsCenter 16 that, for Clinton and Obama, a lot is riding on Indiana's May 6th primary.