Tony Snow ‘Left the Vivid Air’ Signed with Honor
Tony Snow died far too young and with too much left to accomplish.
There will be no great monuments built to honor Tony Snow, former White House press secretary and journalist who died this morning at age 53.
They don’t erect too many statues for those who toil in the trenches of political combat, battling for what they believe with a smile and uncommon good humor. Nor do they build vast memorials for regular Joes who inspire the rest of us to live a life true to ourselves and our loved ones.
No, they won’t build them — but perhaps they should. For if we only build such tributes to honor the well known or well born among us, we fail to take into account that it is usually the ordinaries who teach us the most about life and encourage us to live every day as if it were a gift rather than a travail.
Reading the dozens of encomiums written by friends, colleagues, rivals, political foes, and allies, it is clear that Tony Snow was universally thought of as a man of principle who thoroughly enjoyed the jousting of the political wars in Washington while earning respect for not allowing personal acrimony to cloud his relationships with the opposition.
He took perhaps the toughest political job in Washington — spokesman for the president — and tried to walk the line between cheerleading and information dissemination. He was not always successful. Nor can it be said that he was loved by the White House press corps (as cynical a group of reporters as there is anywhere). But even when things got contentious, Snow tried to charm his foes rather than get into a shouting match with them.
This did not endear him to reporters but that wasn’t his job. When he first stood before the press gaggle, he said one of the reasons he wanted the position was that he wanted to “work with the president, but, believe it or not, to work with all of you.” He knew the times would be “challenging” but he felt he could maintain his credibility.
Through the nadir of the Iraq War and the controversy over the leaking of Valerie Plame’s name to journalists, Snow strove to balance the interests of the White House with trying to keep the press genuinely informed. The tension — as it is for all press secretaries — proved too much because in the end, the press secretary does not answer to the public or to reporters but to the president alone. However, Snow was good-humored when spinning the White House line and he was given high marks for fairness and courtesy.
Fox News describes this relationship with the White House press corps:
At the White House, Snow brought partisan zeal and the skills of a seasoned performer to the task of explaining and defending the president’s policies. During daily briefings he challenged reporters, scolded them, and questioned their motives as if he were starring in a TV show broadcast live from the West Wing.
“The White House has lost a great friend and a great colleague,” said Perino in a statement released to the media. “We all loved watching him at the podium, but most of all we learned how to love our families and treat each other.”
Critics suggested Snow was turning the traditionally informational daily briefing into a personality-driven media event short on facts and long on confrontation. He was the first press secretary, by his own accounting, to travel the country raising money for Republican candidates.
Snow apparently relished this back and forth with the media. This from the Washington Post’s obit:
In his brief tenure as the president’s public advocate, Snow became perhaps the best-known face of the Bush administration after the president, vice president, and secretary of state. Parlaying skills honed during years at Fox News, Snow offered a daily televised defense of the embattled president that was robust and at times even combative while still repairing strained relations with a press corps frustrated by years of rote talking points.
He was lively and entertaining, he could be disarmingly candid when ducking a question, and he did not hesitate to retreat when it became clear he had gone too far. He could tell reporters to “zip it” one minute while defusing tension the next by admitting that he knew so little on a topic that he was “not going to fake it.” He enjoyed the give-and-take of a tough briefing, but his smile, upbeat energy, and glib repartee seemed to take the edge off sometimes rough rhetoric on behalf of an unpopular leader and unpopular policies.
When Bob Woodward of the Washington Post disclosed internal White House maneuvering to push out then-Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, Snow tried to dismiss the account with a memorable putdown. “The book is sort of like cotton candy: It kind of melts on contact,” he said. When a flamboyant radio reporter demanded to know whether Snow was going to evade a typically offbeat question, Snow chuckled. “No,” he said, “I’m going to laugh at it.”
It was Snow’s bout with serious illness beginning in 2005 when he was diagnosed with colon cancer that allowed him to set an example of grace and courage under the most trying of circumstances and where he reminded all of us of what is truly important in life: family, friends, and God.
When the cancer reoccurred in 2007, he seemed all too human when standing in front of the press and expressing bewilderment that the illness had returned.” You never anticipate this stuff,” he said. “It just happens.” But rather than dwell on the negative, Snow immediately reminded us of the preciousness of life:
“Not everybody will survive cancer,” Snow told the reporters, “but on the other hand, you have got to realize you’ve got the gift of life, so make the most of it. That is my view, and I’m going to make the most of my time with you.”
He raised a lot of money for cancer research, appearing at dozens of events even when the chemo and the radiation took its toll on his constitution. And his inspirational message was magnified by the obvious zest for life that he could demonstrate even under vicious assault by the disease that eventually claimed his life.
Snow was the original host of the Fox News Sunday show and became a well-known analyst and partisan through his work in radio where his own top-rated show was a must-listen for conservatives. He had been a journalist for most of his adult life with stints at the Washington Times and Detroit News, where he eventually parlayed his writing into a nationally syndicated column. This brought him to the attention of President George Bush #41 and he joined the president’s staff as a media specialist.
Tony Snow will be remembered as a gentleman by his friends and colleagues. And perhaps that’s the highest tribute that can be paid to a man who considered himself lucky to wake up every day and be able to hug his wife and three children and thank the Lord that he was alive.
A perspective to which all of us should aspire to be sure.
Rick Moran is PJM Chicago editor; his own blog is Right Wing Nut House.
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27 Comments
1. ZEITGEIST:[...] RICK MORAN remembers Tony Snow. [...]
Jul 12, 2008 - 4:48 pm 2. RIP Tony Snow | Infidels Are Cool:[...] Pajamas Media - He ‘Left the Vivid Air’ Signed with Honor [...]
Jul 12, 2008 - 4:54 pm 3. SDN:“Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the Joy of thy Lord.”
Jul 12, 2008 - 5:37 pm 4. Elroy Jetson:I’m trying to read as many tributes to Tony Snow as I can. They are inspiring. Especially when he talked about how much he loved his wife and kids. I remember listening to him subbing for O’Reilly on the radio recently. He spoke about the simple pleasures in life and I remembered that he sounded almost giddy when talking about his family.
Jul 12, 2008 - 5:42 pm 5. Denny, Alaska:My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and everyone that was lucky enough to know him. RIP, Tony.
He will be missed. Particularly that “good cheer” that some say is rapidly disappearing from the airwaves.
Jul 12, 2008 - 5:48 pm 6. Don in AZ:SDN got it exactly right — Tony Snow was a very, very good example of a true disciple of Jesus Christ. The adjectives you read about Tony Snow — “decent,” “gentle,” “humane” — those are all mere reflections of the person he was, and *that* was a product of his discipleship to Jesus Christ.
Tony was a changed man *because* of Christ. Tony Snow reflected the glory of Christ in every moment of his existence. That, I would suggest, is what “Christianity” is all about — projecting the very goodness of Christ himself into the mire that is humanity, and doing it with a graciousness that was in fact INhuman; by that I mean not merely of Tony’s making, but Christ’s, through Tony.
I can think of no better tribute to Tony Snow than to say this: When I look at him, I see Christ.
Jul 12, 2008 - 6:21 pm 7. Words to live by « Tizona’s Weblog:[...] by Rebecca H on July 12, 2008 This is more about Tony Snow, from Rick Moran of PajamasMedia: if we only build such tributes to honor the well known or well born among us, we fail to take into [...]
Jul 12, 2008 - 6:32 pm 8. Tony Snow, RIP « Obi’s Sister:[...] and Sadness, Memories…, Passings) Tony Snow is gone, too young and too soon. The Anchoress and Rick Moran both remember him as a bright and unbiased gentlemen, even when he was in front of the jaded White [...]
Jul 12, 2008 - 6:52 pm 9. Tony Snow, RIP | The Anchoress:[...] Rick Moran remembers Gentleman Tony Snow [...]
Jul 12, 2008 - 6:55 pm 10. fred:I have already noted that in a few MSM publications they are sniping at his reputation and competence. Those of us on the Right NEVER did that to Tim Russert, who we accorded every deserved respect and plaudit. In fact, even though I am slightly right of center I LIKED Tim Russert. But Snow will not get a lot of accolade from the MSM, because he worked for FOX News and because he worked for this POTUS.
God help this country starting in January. I hope Tony Snow is pleading with the Lord to lend some assistance in limiting the damage.
Jul 12, 2008 - 7:36 pm 11. AST:I have nothing to add to what’s been said. SDN has put it perfectly. I hurt for his family and loved ones, but I am confident that their sorrows will be calmed and reassurance given o
Jul 12, 2008 - 9:40 pm 12. Sig Jansen:I’ll not speak ill of the dead. Tony Snow was only doing a job. The fact that he worked for a one sided network before moving on to absorb some of the universal loathing directed at the current and worst President, should not be a direct reflection on him. I’m sure there must be a few Republicans in heaven and I hope Tony made the cut. I sincerely hope that when taking the entrance exam, he doesn’t try and’spin’ the damage done to our country by his former employers. God bless you Tony Snow, as long as you weren’t behind the lectern, you seemed as though you were a sincere and thoughtful individual.
Jul 12, 2008 - 9:51 pm 13. Irish K:What a sad day it is when a truly gracious, thought provking and family oriented individual like Tony Snow passes. The political world of Washington is imploding due to a lack of individuals like Tony Snow. It is also sad that certain bitter small minded indivduals would feel the need to insert their hatred of the President into a comment meant to recognize the loss of a great American.
Jul 13, 2008 - 1:04 am 14. jvon:So are we all obsessed with religion or are we all going to hell? (Oh, almost all of us, sorry.)
That line of reasoning makes as much sense as the one where GWB is simultaneously an evil genius bent on world domination AND the biggest moron ever to serve as President.
I didn’t know Tony Snow or much about him, but it sounds like he was an honest hardworking guy who loved his family and believed in God. There was a time when that would have been unremarkable.
Jul 13, 2008 - 2:20 am 15. Rose:What a sad day it is when people like Sig above cannot comment on the death of a human being with taking partisian shots at his life. No expressions of concern for Snow’s family or even the ability to recognize a person who lived through an extremely difficult illness with personal honor.
It is one thing to disagree with a person – and, by all accounts, Tony Snow relished the verbal exchange with people who disagreed with his views – and quite another to use the occasion of HIS death to whine about disagreements that you have with a third individual.
It is worse yet to claim that you recognize that it is not the proper time to behave in that manner and then go on and do precisely that – REPEATEDLY.
Pathetic.
Jul 13, 2008 - 3:50 am 16. Ted Can't Read:Sigmund says….
I’m sure there must be a few Republicans in heaven and I hope Tony made the cut.
Sigmund… What a kind and compassionate thing to say. You really are an ethical, caring prince among men. I hope you are there to plead my case with St. Peter when my time comes. I am tearing up… the humanity!
Jul 13, 2008 - 3:58 am 17. ReCon USMC:I have first hand information Tony Snow was a “terrific guy “. I met a Lady on Match .Com that was from his home town of Cinn. Ohio .
Jul 13, 2008 - 4:37 am 18. Mike:She had actually graduated from High School with him sharing many classes with him as well .
She said even in High school he was a great guy to be around and quite a Musician playing 6 Instruments . He even as a kid was all smiles, kept a positive attitude , loved life and fun to be around .
Plus all the girls though he was a cut-eeee in High School. He also was a A student .
She had a long marriage that had failed and that marriage produced 3 kids .
So with a crazy wild idea decided to call Tony Snow in Washington DC . Her kids had never seen DC and while attending their 20 year High School class reunion party back in Cinn. Ohio Tony told her If she was ever in DC He would show her and the kids our Capitol
He was quite proud to Live in .
So She called him and left a message with his Wife . Sure enough 4 hours later he called her at Her home in Cinn.
They picked a Time . He gave her and the Kids a half a day tour of DC and bought them all Lunch .
This tells us who Tony Snow really was … A down to earth very good, kind and humble man indeed .
Then the Liberals that did battle with no none sense man drew their respect .
Sig, if you think you’re being ’subtle’ with your back-handed denigration of Tony, then you’re as lousy a writer as you are a person. Why don’t you just come right out with the hate? You’ll enjoy yourself more, and you won’t look like such a half-witted fraud. Or maybe go to HuffPo/Kos and writhe around in the sewage a while.
‘I’m sure there must be a few Republicans in heaven…’
Really? You really think there’s any room for Republicans when the place must already be stuffed full of virtuous, saintly Democrats?
RIP Tony. I have no doubt that you’re in heaven. Maybe you could put a word in for Sig when his time comes – decent man that you were I don’t think you’ll bear him any ill will, and Lord knows he’ll need a good sponsor.
For Snow fans, and anyone concerned with issues of free speech and media responsibility (you’re excused Sig), here are a couple of great speeches. In the first Snow slams the MSM for bias and elitism, and welcomes the rise of the new media epitomised by Pajamas:
http://www.mediainstitute.org/banquet2007/speeches/snow_20071016.pdf
and from a few years back:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/588019/posts
Jul 13, 2008 - 8:12 am 19. Paul Patterson:What a tasteful note on the passing of Tony Snow. Tony will be missed. I’m sorry to hear of his passing.
P.S. Patterson
Jul 13, 2008 - 4:14 pm 20. Fred X:Houston, Texas
He was the only substitute host for Rush Limbaugh that I ever listened to. When any other showed up I automatically switched off the radio. But Tony Snow? He was a horse of a different color. There is only one Rush and By virtue of this little unwitting experiment happily run on the public only one Tony Snow.
He definite had it. What ever it is.
Jul 13, 2008 - 4:41 pm 21. Joshua:Sig – “I’ll not speak ill of the dead.” Wow, it boggles my mind how people like you Sig (i.e. liberal socialsits) can speak out of both sides of your mouth and Tony Snow would have given you grace and laughed off your insult if you had made it to his face.
Tony Snow inspires me to be a better person and family man and extend more grace myself to those that would throw it back in my face. He taught us a valuable lesson about lovingkindness in one of the toughest jobs on the planet that is virtually absent of both.
My prayers are with your family Tony and I look forward to seeing you in Glory!
Jul 13, 2008 - 9:22 pm 22. CMTL:Sig: you are disgrace to humanity! we don’t need people like you in this world! Shut up as you have nothing important to say.
you are an ignorant,low-life person
Jul 14, 2008 - 2:02 pm 23. patsy:As a tribute to Tony we should work even harder
Jul 14, 2008 - 2:59 pm 24. GB:to get good conservative candidates in office
for his children, grandchilden and ours.
He was a great example of courage and proud to be an American.
Sig is a perfect example of the hypocisy of liberal socialism. Was it PJ O’Rourke that said “liberals love humanity — they just hate people.” ?
Jul 16, 2008 - 9:44 am 25. OkinaJuan:He stood at the podium and talked down to the reporters, and to a greater extent, to the American public. He was elitist and condescending in his tone. His lies were not only degrading but damaging.
Either he truly believed the fabrications and excuses he spewed, which would make as reprehensible and corrupt as the rest of this administration. The other possibility is that he did not believe what he said, but was attempting to merely advance his own career, which would simply make him a whore.
Either way, he will not be missed.
Jul 17, 2008 - 10:01 am 26. Rose:Ummmmm, OkinaJuan…..
You give reporters AND the American public far too little credit.
Reporters are adults. Many choose to regularly talk down to the administration and its representatives. If they asked a loaded question and get a talked down to in response .. well … those are the breaks. You whining on their behalf is silly.
And, talking down to reporters (and I don’t believe that’s an accurate description) is NOT the same thing as the American public. The American public, by and large, manages to live their lives without need of assistance from more than their family and friends and are perfectly capable of figuring out who is lying to them and who isn’t.
What is true is that you chose to use the event of his death to score points.
Not classy ….
Jul 21, 2008 - 5:13 am 27. Sig Jansen:The idiot president has just appointed his daughter ex boyfriend (whose previous job was to carry Bush’s jacket), as a senior advisor. I’m sure Mr. Snow would have defended this moronic show of nepotism, as he was good at it. The trouble is, both the reporters and anyone with the merest hint of what was going on, knew it was rubbish.
Jul 22, 2008 - 5:41 am