Russert's guest, columnist Mike Barnicle, heaped praise and sympathy on Ted Kennedy for having borne so many family tragedies.
Mike Barnicle was speaking at the white house. 
mnli hypothesis: Mike Barnicle was speaking at the white house.  premise: Russert's guest, columnist Mike Barnicle, heaped praise and sympathy on Ted Kennedy for having borne so many family tragedies.