NBC's Tim Russert is not the object of affection these days for some in the Sen. Hillary Clinton camp. The Hill newspaper reports that during a campaign conference call Wednesday, staffers complained that "Clinton was unfairly targeted by Tim Russert" during Tuesday night's Democratic debate. One caller "said Russert 'should be shot.'"

Clinton's debate performance has been a hot topic this week, with much discussion focused on a moment late in the evening, when she declined to say whether she supported New York Gov. Elliot Spitzer's decision to allow illegal immigrants to get driver's licenses. Russert had asked Clinton to state unequivocally her position.

An NBC insider tells TVNewser, "The criticism (of Russert) is laughable and misdirected. Questions about Iraq, Iran, Social Security, illegal immigration, and experience are appropriate questions for a presidential candidate."